Heroica RPG - Quest #127: A Light in the Darkness

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen nods at the knight's bravery. And raises an eyebrow at the gnomish sage's declaration.

She says quietly

Much like Matthias.

[Palathadric]

"Don't be too hasty with your attacking! I can take the two of them out with the Dual Staff later on. What we don't need is to all end up poisoned."

[Zepher]

Round One Tentacle Tussle

Pretzel uses Demeter Bomb - 200 Damage All Foes

Nerwen sings Lucky Chant (-3 ether)

Grimwald v. Serrated Tentacle - Critical Hit ([15+6+19]*2*2-160, KO)

Kiray v. Strong Tentacle - Special Damage/Hit (22 Damage)

Avery v. Strong Tentacle - Damage/Damage (KO)

>Yu Shu v. Strong Tentacle - Critical Hit/Critical Hit (KO)

Pretzel throws a bomb that bursts into rapidly growing flowers and vines that cover the deck and slice through a number of the tentacles. The rest of the party sees an opening and Grimwald is able to electrocute one of the larger tentacles. It's charred remains slam pathetically on the deck before tumbling down into the sea. Kiray is able to hack at the remaining tentacle, and Avery flies towards it though it whacks her out of the air and she lands on the deck with a heavy thud. Eventually it is Yu Shu who bounds forward and with a clever twist of her whole body is able to bring her blades around twice, severing the tentacle. The party is safe and victorious!

The Party

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

*Party Leader*

264 year old female Elven Minstrel

Level 35 *2x XP**Counterstriking**immune to sealed*

Power bonus:

,+8

(quest #102)

Defence:

4

(Darksteel armor 3 +lesser etherial cloak 1)

Health:

53/53

(Base Cleric 9 +Level bonus 35 -Quest #102 5 +Minstrel Bonus 11 +3 Darksteel armour)

Ether:

45/48

(Base Cleric 5 +Level bonus 35 +Minstrel Bonus 4 +zoot cookie #102 1 +Lesser Etherial cloak 3)

Gold:

399

Equipment:

Nocturne Flute (WP:6, causes

asleep

-effect, instrument), Lesser etherial cloak (SP:1, Max. ether +3, immune to

sealed

; backwear), Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves, Darksteel Armour (SP:6, Max. Health +3; bodywear),

Inventory:

Mutt's Flute (WP:10, inflicts

Weakened

-effect, instrument), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is

hastened

, instrument), Battered wooden flute (WP:6,

Darkness

-elemental), Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14,

Light

-Elemental, Meditate becomes hits, longsword), Mourning Star (WP: 10;

Fire

-elemental; inflicts

Fragile

-effect; mace), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30; user is

Slowed

and Immune to

Hastened

; cannot be equipped at the same time as a shield; axe), longsword, Shield (SP: 5),

•

Helm of the Lord of Light (Headwear, Immunity to

Light

and

Jinxed

, Suitable for Knights), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to

Ice

and

Water

, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Leather armour (SP:1; Bodywear),

•

Opal

(2),

Topaz

(2),

Diamond

,

Amethyst

•

Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion,

Hundred Hero Hymn

(

Inspired

-effect to all allies for 10 ether, song),

•

Grand Tonics (3), Potions (7), Elixirs (2), Remedies (7), Nostrum, Tiger Balm, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom (4), Fire Bomb, Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bomb, Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bomb, Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Ether Core(2), Grand potion(2), Ambrosia (4), Health Core, Phoenix Essence (2), Red Death Blood (Once applied to a weapon the first successful hit deals doomed, consumable) (2), Neautralizers (2), Smelling Salts (4),

•

Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Telescope

Avery the Red Assassin

Level 38 Assassin

Health: 1/49

Equipment: Red Assassin’s Dagger (WP: 10, Deals Cursed), Cape of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination 1/3)

Inventory: Light Throwing Knife (WP: 8, Light-Elemental, 1/3 to Deal Doomed), Dark Throwing Knife (WP: 8, Darkness-Elemental, 1/3 Chance to Deal Doomed), Smelling Salts

Yu Shu Enzima

Level 36 1/4 Paladin

Health: 56/56

SP: 16

Ether: 35/35

Equipment: Double Fanged Stave (WP: 12, Duel-Strike, Hero Hastened if not holding shield), Pegesus Shield (SP: 14, Immune to Slowed and Light Damage), Golden Helm (SP: 2, Immune to Afraid), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired, Accessory, Suitable for Paladins)

Inventory: Phoenix Essence x2, Mead x2, Mulled Wine, Potion x2, Tonic, Military Grade Light Bomb x6, Military Grade Darkness Bomb x6

Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces

, the Super Sleuth (Played by Palathadric)

463-year-old male "hermit" Artisan

*reinforced*

Level:

32 2/4

Power:

39

32 + 7

Defense:

36

Health:

57/57

9 + 15 + 31 + 2*

Gold:

1380

Equipment:

Dual Staff (WP: 7,

Ice

,

Lightning

,

Fire

,

Wind

,

Light

; dual strike; staff), Heavy Armour (SP:5, Immune to Fragile), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent reinforced-effect; suitable to marauders; backwear), Armour of Dark Arts (Takes up: Bodywear, Handwear, Footwear slots; counts as one artifact; SP:10; Suitable to Knight classes, Dragoons, Skirmishers), Cloak of the Barbaric Runecaster (SP: 3; wearer creates and deploys a Skeleton Decoy at the start of every battle; suitable for Battle Mages, Necromancers, and Scholars; backwear)

Inventory:

Weapons and Shields:

Flying Cross (WP: 9,

Darkness

; broomstick), Splinter Broom (WP:8; broomstick; defies SP), Whip of Savage Overlords (WP: 9; ⅙ chance of inflicting the Slowed-effect; Whip), Steak (WP: 1, instantly kills vampires on successful hits; suitable for all), Staff of the Necromancer (WP: 12; damages Undead; +1 Level to raised Undead; Staff), Soul Link Chain (Allows the user to pair up with another party member, each of them gaining all the effects that the other has. The partner has to equip the chain as well (ie. one chain can be shared by two people); accessory),

Artifacts:

Duplovian Helmet (SP:2, immune to Magic and Healing; headwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, Vermin with level less than half of the wearers are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Rock Gauntlets (Suitable for anyone, grants the wearer Iron Fist at no ether cost, handwear), Counterstrike Gloves (handwear), Soothing Slippers (meditation restores 5 ether; footwear), Magic Viper Skin (heals 1 health to wearer each round of battle unless knocked out; accessory), Shackles of War (accessory)

Gems:

2 Amethysts

,

Emerald

,

Garnet,

2 Aquamarines

,

Ruby

Scrolls:

Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blinding, Scroll of Arc Sleep

Consumables:

2 Potions, 13 Grand Potions, Cherry (Restores 1 ether), 4 Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, Neutralizer, Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 2 Phoenix Incenses, 5 Phoenix Essences, 3 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrums, 5 Venoms, 5 Deadly Venoms, 2 Paralyzing Venoms, 2 Jinxy Juices, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Fire Bombs, Holy Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb, 2 Blind Bombs, 2 Seal Bombs, 2 Sleep Bombs, 13 Bones, Raw Meat (+5 max. health upon consumption), Crimson Haze (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects permanently), Level-Up Mushroom

Tools:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Shovel, Magic Compass, Magic Shovel (will always find something when used, limited to three uses per quest)

Oko Enzima

Level 32 1/4 Paladin *Immune to Darkness, Fire, Wind, Stunned, and Instant Death*

Health: 52/52

SP: 17

Ether: 32/32

Equipment: Single Fanged Stave (WP: 20), Two Fanged Orcish Shield (SP: 7, Immune to Darkness, Shield Bash replaces Meditate), Helm (SP: 2), Clan Enzima Armor (SP: 8, Immune to Fire, Wind, Stunned and Instant Death, Suitable to Enzimas)

Inventory: Mulled Wine x2, Mead x2, Ambrosia, Nostrum x2

Marcellus

Level 25 1/3 Black Knight *Immune to Stunned and Blinded*

Health: 43/43

SP: 8

Equipment: Whip (WP: 16), Dark Knight Armor (SP:6, Immune to Stunned), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2, Immune to

Blind

)

Inventory: Mead, Grand Potion x3

Grimwald Gjinko

69 year old male gnome Sage

Level:

20

Power Bonus:

+1 permanent, +5 spells

SP:

0

Health:

33/33

Ether:

29/29

Gold:

435 (Owed 38 by Benji)

Glory Points:

8

Equipment:

Magical Staff (WP:15; Staff), Spellbound Gloves (Increases the power of spells by 5, doubled if the enemy is weak to the element), Robes of the Disciple of Ennoc (+5 max. health, +5 max. ether, meditation restores 2 ether, body-wear)

Inventory:

• Spellbound hood (SP: 2, Increases the power of spells by 3, doubled if the enemy is weak to the element, headwear, suitable for Mages, Clerics and Necromancers), Strategist's Shako (+5 power while in the front row, +5 SP while in the back; headwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4; back wear)

• Shovel, Pickaxe, Bedroll

• Opal, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz,

Garnet

,

Sapphire

,

Emerald

,

Aquamarine

,

Ruby

• Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep

• Potion x7, Tonic x7, Grand Tonic x4, Sushi (restores 5 HP and 5 Ether) x2, Remedy x2, Elixir x4, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, Mead x4, Nostrum x3, Smelling Salts x4, Mulled Wine x2, Ambrosia, Bone x5, Ice Bomb, Root Beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against Undead enemies for 20 damage (Does not affect non-Undead enemies)), Plague Venom, Health Core, Neptune Bomb

Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk),

A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something

*Absorbs

Water

*

*

Immune to

Fire

*

24 year old female human

Level 13 Knight

Power Bonus:

6

Defense:

29

Health:

21/21

Gold:

167

Equipment:

Smith’s Katana (WP:10,

Darkness

elemental), Fishy Scale Mail (SP: 6, wearer absorbs water-elemental damage as health, immune to

Fire;

suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers, and regulators, body wear), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding (SP:3, provides Special Guard against Undead enemies; back wear)

Inventory:

- x3 Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Remedy, 3x Nostrum, Ambrosia, 2x Mead, Smelling Salts, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged), 5 Bones

- Bedroll, Everlasting Venom (Adds the poisoned by 10-effect to one weapon permanently), Dragon Scale, x3 Fire Bomb, x4 Venom

-Flameproof Armor (SP:1, no longer flameproof; bodywear, suitable for anyone), Inert Blade (Greatsword, WP 5)

,

Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Orcish Barbed Shield (SP:11; shield), Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks), Shadeaux Mace (WP:9; deals fragile effect), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, causes fragile; mace), Anointed Gladius (WP: 8, damages Undead; great sword)

Loot

-80 Gold

-Sushi (Restores 5 health and ether) x3

-Strong Wasabi (-2 poisoned, permanent)

-Sharp Tip (-2 bleeding, permanent)

"This is a weapon that has been in my ancestry for many generations, Grimwald. I will hold it in battle, and should I die, it will be sent back to Terra Chima." She smiles fiercely. "No hard feelings." She walks towards Avery, who is struggling to stand back up.

"Impressive," chuckles Oko, kicking the one tentacle left onboard. It makes a squelching noise.

[LordoftheNoobs]

"Oh, of course, I understand completely" Grimwald says, bowing slightly. "My apologies."

The gnome then walks over to Oko. "Not half bad, eh?" he says with a wink.

[Chromeknight]

Well done Master Gnome.

Speaking to the Paladins she says,

Perhaps one of you might heal our red companion?

[Zepher]

The gnome then walks over to Oko. "Not half bad, eh?" he says with a wink.

"You have earned my respect, surely. That was a swift battle. Perhaps we should spar some time. That is a great tradition in Terra Chima. My father nearly lost an eye to the man who is now his best friend." Oko chuckles. "My parents nearly killed each other one time before they were married, and it is often said that is how they fell in love. Not that I want to fall in love with you." His snarling laugh erupts again.

"But that was one creature. We are facing an army. So still, I advise bracing yourself for the worst."

Perhaps one of you might heal our red companion?

"I will. She will have time to rest before we arrive."

"My apologies. That will not happen again," Avery says, looking each hero in the eye in turn.

[KotZ]

Kiray inhales deeply as she catches her breath from the quick battle. Never in her life could she remember something happen that fast.

"It's ok, Avery," she responds to the red assassin, "it happens to the best of us."

[Palathadric]

"My apologies. That will not happen again," Avery says, looking each hero in the eye in turn.

"Meh! As an assassin I'm sure you're much more used to fighting people than plants. You did not look too well at the start of the fight...or just generally though. Have you had many missions since you...you know...died?"

[Zepher]

"None. It has been..." and she trails off.

"Don't worry." Yu Shu supports Avery. "We'll get you into bed."

The two of them head under deck. Marcellus frowns and starts to polish his shield, though it was not even used in the battle.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen hands the 80g and the Strong Wasabi to Pretzel, the Sharp Tip to Kiray and 2 sushi to Grimwald.

[Zepher]

The Party

Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight)

*Party Leader*

264 year old female Elven Minstrel

Level 35 *2x XP**Counterstriking**immune to sealed*

Power bonus:

,+8

(quest #102)

Defence:

7

(Darksteel armor 6 +lesser etherial cloak 1)

Health:

53/53

(Base Cleric 9 +Level bonus 35 -Quest #102 5 +Minstrel Bonus 11 +3 Darksteel armour)

Ether:

45/48

(Base Cleric 5 +Level bonus 35 +Minstrel Bonus 4 +zoot cookie #102 1 +Lesser Etherial cloak 3)

Gold:

399

Equipment:

Nocturne Flute (WP:6, causes

asleep

-effect, instrument), Lesser etherial cloak (SP:1, Max. ether +3, immune to

sealed

; backwear), Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves, Darksteel Armour (SP:6, Max. Health +3; bodywear),

Inventory:

Mutt's Flute (WP:10, inflicts

Weakened

-effect, instrument), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is

hastened

, instrument), Battered wooden flute (WP:6,

Darkness

-elemental), Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14,

Light

-Elemental, Meditate becomes hits, longsword), Mourning Star (WP: 10;

Fire

-elemental; inflicts

Fragile

-effect; mace), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30; user is

Slowed

and Immune to

Hastened

; cannot be equipped at the same time as a shield; axe), longsword, Shield (SP: 5),

•

Helm of the Lord of Light (Headwear, Immunity to

Light

and

Jinxed

, Suitable for Knights), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to

Ice

and

Water

, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Leather armour (SP:1; Bodywear),

•

Opal

(2),

Topaz

(2),

Diamond

,

Amethyst

•

Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion,

Hundred Hero Hymn

(

Inspired

-effect to all allies for 10 ether, song),

•

Grand Tonics (3), Potions (7), Elixirs (2), Remedies (7), Nostrum, Tiger Balm, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom (4), Fire Bomb, Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bomb, Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bomb, Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Ether Core(2), Grand potion(2), Ambrosia (4), Health Core, Phoenix Essence (2), Red Death Blood (Once applied to a weapon the first successful hit deals doomed, consumable) (2), Neautralizers (2), Smelling Salts (4), Sushi (restores 5 health and ether)

•

Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Telescope

Avery the Red Assassin

Level 38 Assassin

Health: 1/49

Equipment: Red Assassin’s Dagger (WP: 10, Deals Cursed), Cape of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination 1/3)

Inventory: Light Throwing Knife (WP: 8, Light-Elemental, 1/3 to Deal Doomed), Dark Throwing Knife (WP: 8, Darkness-Elemental, 1/3 Chance to Deal Doomed), Smelling Salts

Yu Shu Enzima

Level 36 1/4 Paladin

Health: 56/56

SP: 16

Ether: 35/35

Equipment: Double Fanged Stave (WP: 12, Duel-Strike, Hero Hastened if not holding shield), Pegesus Shield (SP: 14, Immune to Slowed and Light Damage), Golden Helm (SP: 2, Immune to Afraid), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired, Accessory, Suitable for Paladins)

Inventory: Phoenix Essence x2, Mead x2, Mulled Wine, Potion x2, Tonic, Military Grade Light Bomb x6, Military Grade Darkness Bomb x6

Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces

, the Super Sleuth (Played by Palathadric)

463-year-old male "hermit" Artisan

*reinforced*

Level:

32 2/4

Power:

39

32 + 7

Defense:

36

Health:

57/57

9 + 15 + 31 + 2*

Gold:

1460

Equipment:

Dual Staff (WP: 7,

Ice

,

Lightning

,

Fire

,

Wind

,

Light

; dual strike; staff), Heavy Armour (SP:5, Immune to Fragile), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent reinforced-effect; suitable to marauders; backwear), Armour of Dark Arts (Takes up: Bodywear, Handwear, Footwear slots; counts as one artifact; SP:10; Suitable to Knight classes, Dragoons, Skirmishers), Cloak of the Barbaric Runecaster (SP: 3; wearer creates and deploys a Skeleton Decoy at the start of every battle; suitable for Battle Mages, Necromancers, and Scholars; backwear)

Inventory:

Weapons and Shields:

Flying Cross (WP: 9,

Darkness

; broomstick), Splinter Broom (WP:8; broomstick; defies SP), Whip of Savage Overlords (WP: 9; ⅙ chance of inflicting the Slowed-effect; Whip), Steak (WP: 1, instantly kills vampires on successful hits; suitable for all), Staff of the Necromancer (WP: 12; damages Undead; +1 Level to raised Undead; Staff), Soul Link Chain (Allows the user to pair up with another party member, each of them gaining all the effects that the other has. The partner has to equip the chain as well (ie. one chain can be shared by two people); accessory),

Artifacts:

Duplovian Helmet (SP:2, immune to Magic and Healing; headwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, Vermin with level less than half of the wearers are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Rock Gauntlets (Suitable for anyone, grants the wearer Iron Fist at no ether cost, handwear), Counterstrike Gloves (handwear), Soothing Slippers (meditation restores 5 ether; footwear), Magic Viper Skin (heals 1 health to wearer each round of battle unless knocked out; accessory), Shackles of War (accessory)

Gems:

2 Amethysts

,

Emerald

,

Garnet,

2 Aquamarines

,

Ruby

Scrolls:

Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blinding, Scroll of Arc Sleep

Consumables:

2 Potions, 13 Grand Potions, Cherry (Restores 1 ether), 4 Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, Neutralizer, Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 2 Phoenix Incenses, 5 Phoenix Essences, 3 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrums, 5 Venoms, 5 Deadly Venoms, 2 Paralyzing Venoms, 2 Jinxy Juices, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Fire Bombs, Holy Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb, 2 Blind Bombs, 2 Seal Bombs, 2 Sleep Bombs, 13 Bones, Raw Meat (+5 max. health upon consumption), Crimson Haze (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects permanently), Level-Up Mushroom, Strong Wasabi (-2 poisoned permanently)

Tools:

Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Shovel, Magic Compass, Magic Shovel (will always find something when used, limited to three uses per quest)

Oko Enzima

Level 32 1/4 Paladin *Immune to Darkness, Fire, Wind, Stunned, and Instant Death*

Health: 52/52

SP: 17

Ether: 32/32

Equipment: Single Fanged Stave (WP: 20), Two Fanged Orcish Shield (SP: 7, Immune to Darkness, Shield Bash replaces Meditate), Helm (SP: 2), Clan Enzima Armor (SP: 8, Immune to Fire, Wind, Stunned and Instant Death, Suitable to Enzimas)

Inventory: Mulled Wine x2, Mead x2, Ambrosia, Nostrum x2

Marcellus

Level 25 1/3 Black Knight *Immune to Stunned and Blinded*

Health: 43/43

SP: 8

Equipment: Whip (WP: 16), Dark Knight Armor (SP:6, Immune to Stunned), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2, Immune to

Blind

)

Inventory: Mead, Grand Potion x3

Grimwald Gjinko

69 year old male gnome Sage

Level:

20

Power Bonus:

+1 permanent, +5 spells

SP:

0

Health:

33/33

Ether:

29/29

Gold:

435 (Owed 38 by Benji)

Glory Points:

8

Equipment:

Magical Staff (WP:15; Staff), Spellbound Gloves (Increases the power of spells by 5, doubled if the enemy is weak to the element), Robes of the Disciple of Ennoc (+5 max. health, +5 max. ether, meditation restores 2 ether, body-wear)

Inventory:

• Spellbound hood (SP: 2, Increases the power of spells by 3, doubled if the enemy is weak to the element, headwear, suitable for Mages, Clerics and Necromancers), Strategist's Shako (+5 power while in the front row, +5 SP while in the back; headwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4; back wear)

• Shovel, Pickaxe, Bedroll

• Opal, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz,

Garnet

,

Sapphire

,

Emerald

,

Aquamarine

,

Ruby

• Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep

• Potion x7, Tonic x7, Grand Tonic x4, Sushi (restores 5 HP and 5 Ether) x4, Remedy x2, Elixir x4, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, Mead x4, Nostrum x3, Smelling Salts x4, Mulled Wine x2, Ambrosia, Bone x5, Ice Bomb, Root Beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against Undead enemies for 20 damage (Does not affect non-Undead enemies)), Plague Venom, Health Core, Neptune Bomb,

Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk),

A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something

*Absorbs

Water

*

*

Immune to

Fire

*

24 year old female human

Level 13 Knight

Power Bonus:

6

Defense:

29

Health:

21/21

Gold:

167

Equipment:

Smith’s Katana (WP:10,

Darkness

elemental), Fishy Scale Mail (SP: 6, wearer absorbs water-elemental damage as health, immune to

Fire;

suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers, and regulators, body wear), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding (SP:3, provides Special Guard against Undead enemies; back wear)

Inventory:

- x3 Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Remedy, 3x Nostrum, Ambrosia, 2x Mead, Smelling Salts, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged), 5 Bones

- Bedroll, Everlasting Venom (Adds the poisoned by 10-effect to one weapon permanently), Dragon Scale, x3 Fire Bomb, x4 Venom, Sharp Tip (-2 bleeding)

-Flameproof Armor (SP:1, no longer flameproof; bodywear, suitable for anyone), Inert Blade (Greatsword, WP 5)

,

Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Orcish Barbed Shield (SP:11; shield), Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks), Shadeaux Mace (WP:9; deals fragile effect), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, causes fragile; mace), Anointed Gladius (WP: 8, damages Undead; great sword)

The party's travels are fairly safe sailing from there on in, though they do run into one miserable storm and have to buckle down the hatches. Oko grins through the whole thing, but Marcellus is forced to be tied to a pillar after he continuously loses his balance. Eventually they reach the coast of the High Kingdoms and sail along that, Marcellus watching the forest every day. One day his gaze narrows. He turns to Yu Shu.

"Here."

The ship finds a good place to lay anchor near by and Yu Shu pays the crew before the party rows ashore in a row boat. She tells them they can return home - she will contract a ship out of Newharbour for their return trip.

Once on shore, Marcellus takes the lead.

"It shouldn't take more than a day or two," he assures them.

"Good." Yu Shu rolls her neck. "Now listen up. I've told you I don't know exactly who we'll be facing, or how many their numbers are, but I do have a good guess as to one or two of their leaders. The Order Imperial is spread wide, sure, but so are the Paladins. It seems likely that Bella Artesia is the Grand Master of this faction. She and her brother, Simon Artesia, are the children of a noble family in one of the smaller kingdoms. Around her eighteenth birthday she became the advisor and most likely concubine to the King, advised radical militarization of the kingdom and attempted deport all those who did not follow Ennoc. Paladins in the area went to investigate, and were attacked shortly after arriving within the Kingdom. They questioned her. She attempted to kill them all, and nearly did too, revealing herself to be a powerful mage. When the battle turned against her, she fled."

"The Paladins attempted to question her brother, a young lad they assumed could not be involved in his sister's misdeeds. He simply chuckled at them the whole time, and disappeared in the dead of the night. His parents let us know that he is a prophet."

"Its also likely that we'll run into Ser Bernard the Never Blessed. He is a faceless knight, a member of the Angelic Legion. He often raids small villages in the High Kingdoms, stealing their food and purging them of the heathen. He's never made any attempt to hide his identity or his deeds. We can hope he is out on a raid, but be prepared."

The group falls to silence then. Oko growls deeply.

[Chromeknight]

What's the angelic legion? And which of the high kingdoms did you say Bella was from? I've been to almost all of them in my travels.

Edited February 24, 2015 by Chromeknight

[Zepher]

"The Angelic Legion serve essentially the same role that the Warrior Priests serve for the Paladins. They are the best of the best, the elite of the elite."

"She is from a small kingdom called Bultaruss. It is located north of Duplovia. It's never been a major political player for the area."

[Palathadric]

"Hmmm... good to know, I suppose.

"Nerwen, do take some of this gold," I hand Nerwen 40 gold. "No need to shortchange yourself. The poison should do well enough as payment for the bomb. Knight, pardon me, I seem to have forgotten your name if you ever mentioned it, you may want to give one of those flails that I gave you to one of the paladins."

[KotZ]

The names of paladins are completely foreign to Kiray, but she keeps her mouth shut. "Would you, Oko or Yu, like to use one of the flails in my pack? Monk let me borrow them, and you may have better use than I do."

[Zepher]

"I will take one," says Oko, falling back to walk alongside the Monk and Kiray. He notices Kiray's look of confusion and chuckles gruffly. "Don't worry about the history of Bella and Simon and Bernard. Who they are hardly matters - as long as you can stick them with the pointy end of your sword, you'll do alright.

[Palathadric]

"I will take one," says Oko, falling back to walk alongside the Monk and Kiray. He notices Kiray's look of confusion and chuckles gruffly. "Don't worry about the history of Bella and Simon and Bernard. Who they are hardly matters - as long as you can stick them with the pointy end of your sword, you'll do alright.

"That's just it! I always wondered what made some enemies more frustrating to fight than others. Some just cut out all the nonsense and get down to bare bones of the fight, others insist on trying to tell you their story, their history, and whatever other nonsense comes to mind. Heck, they almost bore one to sleep...perhaps that's their strategy. I have no respect for those kinds of enemies. In the past I used to argue with them, but then I realized, what's the point? I'm just going to end up killing them or him me. Meh!"

"By the way, it may be a good idea to spread these consumables out a bit..."

So saying, I hand two Phoenix Essences to Oko to hold onto for the duration of the quest.

"It may be wise for your twin to hand some of her bombs to our...less harder hitting members..."

[Zepher]

"If you think it's a good idea, then I invite you to convince her." Oko scowls. "I love my sister, but she is hard-headed. She believes in herself, but only in herself. She has no trust in the community. I have spent most years of my life debating with her. You can give it your best."

[Zepher]

The heroes travel for one day and have a good sleep in a clearing with clear skies, taking turns on the watch. Around noon the next day mountains begin to loom in the distance. Marcellus leads them up one of the smallest ones, and at the peak the heroes see exactly what they're up against.

​Built into the side of the opposite mountain is a great wall. There is a single dark door, which is closed. The fortress must have been built into what was once an enormous cave. Yu Shu hangs her head.

"No." She exhales deeply. "This is no good." She turns to the heroes. "I should have expected... many years before the Orcish Wars the Paladins of Ennon built great fortresses into the sides of mountains throughout the High Kingdoms. The fortresses were impenetrable. Great wizards of Ennon enchanted the mountains and exterior walls with charms and wards - no mage can bend the earth there. Maybe explosives... but we don't have nearly enough. An attack would be suicide. If the Order Imperial is there, they'd kill us before we even made it to the door."

"We must find entry."

"I know. But I don't have any idea how."

There is a deep silence. Then a foreign voice speaks up from behind them.

"Should we ARE HERE?!"

The party spins around, hands flying to their weapons.

"I think you just did," smirks the woman.

"Who the hell are you?"

"WE could ask YOU the SAME THING! Look like ORDER IMPERIAL TO ME!" gurgles the creature.

"Don't be stupid, Blueblast. Why would they be wondering how to get inside if they were Order Imperial."

"And how do we know you aren't Order Imperial?" growls Oko, his stave pointed at the gurgling green thing. The green fellow keeps his sword aimed at Oko as well.

"If I had an army at my disposal I wouldn't approach you with only two troops, especially considering how much you outnumber us by." The woman narrows her one eye. "That would be idiotic. Do you take me for an idiot. Either we're Order Imperial who made a foolish mistake, or we're potential allies."

Both parties continue to stare each other down until a previously unnoticed short member of the strangers speaks up, giggling.

"He he he. This is fun, huh, Nerwen?"

[Palathadric]

"He he he. This is fun, huh, Nerwen?"

"Watsup?" my hands fly towards my Shackles of War. "How did you get out of the Town Watch jail? Nerwen, you know this criminal?"

[Chromeknight]

Speaking to Pretzel, but loud enough for all, especially Marcellus, to hear Watsup? No, this is Gocklo, a witch hunter I met last time I was in the kingdoms. I believe he is hunting for a way to kill Baba and, failing that, he talked of three witches he's also heard tale of and is aiming to kill them also.

Shifting to face Gocklo she continues,

I know you're not Order, and at a wild guess, I'd say they'd captured a witch that you're looking to sneak in and kill, the question is, are you the brains of the outfit and it's your mission or have you tagged along on someone else's ride? maybe you'll introduce us to your friends?

Speaking to Gocklo's companions she said,

I am Nerwen Calmcacil, Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, Minstrel of Heroica and former Paladin. These are fellow heroes, Monk Pretzel, Kiray Nastayo and Grimwald Gjinko. As always we are helping someone else, this time it is Yu-Shu, head of the Warrior Priests of Ennoc and our employer for our task. She has chosen other companions of her own. We intend to raid this place, end the Order Imperial here and rescue the witch.

What is your goal and, if I might note, how does it relate to one wearing a helm of the Children of Light?

Edited February 25, 2015 by Chromeknight

[Palathadric]

"Are you sure? He sure looks like Watsap, the Marketplace Thief. Just without a hat. How can we be sure he didn't escape prison and use another name to conceal his identity? When was it that you met him anyway?"

When Nerwen mentions that Gocklo is witch-hunting, I grin.

"Well that figures. I should like to see the two of them fight it out at the end of the quest, but we've got to enter this wretched place first."

[KotZ]

Kiray turned to the gnome. "Who is Watsap? Monk looks a little busy at the moment to ask."

[LordoftheNoobs]

"Don't know - never heard of him."

[KotZ]

"He sure is an ugly creature."