Heroica RPG - Quest #129: Flying the Coop

[Scubacarrot]

"We go in by air, land right on top of the bastard's house, kill everything between us and my crew, and escape with my ship."

"Airship? Don't tell me you presume to use Ji Pei tech against the Bonapartes. One mistake and you unleash fighting in the streets."

[JimBee]

They're looking at the opposite of the solution. Segregation will get them nowhere. We need integration, people working together to build this city up. Though I guess when the power is so divided, such teamwork gets swept under the rug.

Guts nods grimly. "I remember, and I remember the mercenaries we slayed that day. And now we should be thinking about renaming this place Wolf-Central."

Thalion nodded, "Of course I remember. My first quest after coming to Eubric." He frowned, "And my first contact with the Bonapartes..." He looked at Hybros, "I had no idea of what was going on, and I doubt they did as well."

Erik had gestured to the Titanic Axe. "Got this from one of the riot leaders. Besides that riot, it was definitely a worthy quest.

"Hm, well if it is the Wolfgang they want to rally around, I guess it is not our business to stop them. Not yet, anyway. I have never met the Wolfgang, but the people have a right to fight for what they think is best... And to them, that could be anything other than what they have now, which is a locked cage..."

"They're with me, idiot." The woman walked around the party and closed the door. "Excellent. It's good to see at least one risk pay off. I knew they'd have people waiting at the dock...though certainly not a necromancer...but I had to get you all over here." She looked around between each hero. "The job has changed."

"My name is Illdria, and I'm the captain of the ship you were intended to protect, the Magpie. In case it wasn't entirely clear, my ship was attacked. The Bonapartes have been hounding me and my crew for years now. We're an independent shipping vessel, and not everything we do measures up with the regulations and taxes they continuously try and push on us all. I think a few of you have seen the worst of it, but I hardly anticipated an attack on this scale. They didn't even pull the 'warrant for our arrest' nonsense before they started shooting. Long story short, they overwhelmed us. They have the entire rest of my crew, along with my ship."

"I don't think they were looking to take me alive and I was the last one left, so I had to escape. Later I found our ship's cat, who's been...surprisingly useful. I took up refuge here and for the past three days I've been devising a plan to get back what they stole from me. This squealer here has been highly cooperative." Illdria raised a gloved hands towards the Bonaparte cadet. "It seems the one who gave the order to take my ship was one Rear Admiral Herman Melville. I pulled some favors and located his base, and I've also obtained the blueprints to the place. Have you heard of Fort Hemlock? Not likely, seeing as how it's been the Bonies' big military secret for the past three years, but perhaps you may know it as Jolly Roger's Grotto." The captain picked up two of the documents and scanned over them briefly before looking back up at the party. "It was once the lair of a pirate lord Heroica put out of business. The Bonapartes claimed ownership of the isle...ironic considering the recent doubts about Jolly's identity....and it seems that Melville's been using it as his base of operations. That's where my crew is being held, and that's the place we're infiltrating. Tonight."

Illdria set the maps down. There was a silence for a short while.

"This place is ten times the size of Fort Bonaparte and I can just about guarantee it's going to get messy. Heroica is about the only group I can trust to make the right call. I'm not leaving my crew, or my ship, to rot in some prison. I'm getting them back, or dying trying. Are you in?"

Hybros looked to Illdria, then to the werebunny, to the tied up Bonaparte with a grin on his face. He looked back to Illdria. "Hm. Well I hope this is not another part of the wild goose chase we have been on, heheh. I am Hybros, and these are the heroes you hired. I have heard of Jolly Roger's Grotto, and I was one of the heroes who put an end to the auto... auto... ehehm, machines and pirates that dwelt there, including Jolly Roger himself. I know the fort well, but do you? I know that you cannot just rush in headfirst and expect to win, heheheh."

"What did you do to get on the Bonapartes' bad side? Ehem..." Hybros thought for a moment. Now wasn't the time for ethics, but he didn't know the captain. Maybe she and her crew had done something bad that the Bonapartes sought punishment for. He shook his head. "Well, we signed up to escort goods, and if saving those goods is the plan, then that is the job that we will do. But believe me when I say it is a fortress, and we will need a better plan. Where will you get an airship to begin with, hm? There is only one man on this island who can build those."

[CMP]

The alchemist fumed with rage at what he heard. "The Bonapartes go too far. Whatever else you are, Captain, you are a valuable ally to Heroica. Mark my words, the Bonapartes will answer for this, after we get your ship and crew back." Guts crossed his arms: "There is one thing I don't understand. Do you have any idea why Helvetian Zealots would have a problem with you or us?"

"Good. Obviously the Magpie can't afford to hang around Eubric when all is said and done here, but if you think you can get an answer out of them that isn't a warrant, by all means. As far as this necromancer Omen's told me about..." Illdria rubbed her chin, with a frown. "I'll get to that in a moment."

"Say no more captain, I am in!"

"Excellent. I figured you'd help us out Thalion, I think you saw just how low the Bonies would stoop to push us around a few years ago."

Hybros looked to Illdria, then to the werebunny, to the tied up Bonaparte with a grin on his face. He looked back to Illdria. "Hm. Well I hope this is not another part of the wild goose chase we have been on, heheh. I am Hybros, and these are the heroes you hired. I have heard of Jolly Roger's Grotto, and I was one of the heroes who put an end to the auto... auto... ehehm, machines and pirates that dwelt there, including Jolly Roger himself. I know the fort well, but do you? I know that you cannot just rush in headfirst and expect to win, heheheh."

"What did you do to get on the Bonapartes' bad side? Ehem..." Hybros thought for a moment. Now wasn't the time for ethics, but he didn't know the captain. Maybe she and her crew had done something bad that the Bonapartes sought punishment for. He shook his head. "Well, we signed up to escort goods, and if saving those goods is the plan, then that is the job that we will do. But believe me when I say it is a fortress, and we will need a better plan. Where will you get an airship to begin with, hm? There is only one man on this island who can build those."

"I have the blueprints to the place. And this one's been pretty helpful in determining what goes where these days." She jerked her head towards the squirming Bonaparte. "They're going to have a lot of people there, but they believe that no force significant enough to take them in a direct attack is even aware the fort exists. I have no doubt it's well-protected from the sea, but we won't have to deal with any of that. It's also the dead of night. The last thing they expect is eight Heroicans dropping from the roof on them."

"Where will you get an airship to begin with, hm? There is only one man on this island who can build those."

"Airship? Don't tell me you presume to use Ji Pei tech against the Bonapartes. One mistake and you unleash fighting in the streets."

"I was thinking giant freaking dragon, actually."

Edited April 3, 2015 by CallMePie

[JimBee]

"Hm. Well I do not think you hired me for my good looks, heh. You will need my help navigating. But do not worry, the reward is acceptable. I will help you. Heheheh..."

"I was thinking giant freaking dragon, actually."

"Where are you going to find one of those? Torc is not big enough to carry us all..."

[Emjajoas]

"We go in by air, land right on top of the bastard's house, kill everything between us and my crew, and escape with my ship."

"Hmm. Do you know where any of your crew, or you ship, might be held from the blueprints? Not together, I'd think. Were you planning on splitting us up? We're a large group. Have you any firepower that could prove a good distraction?"

[Scubacarrot]

"Where are you going to find one of those? Torc is not big enough to carry us all..."

Guts, with his trademark raised eyebrow: "She can't possibly mean Smaragdea, either."

The alchemist clears his throat. "There's always the Wind Thief, my own ship, if a distraction or something is required."

[JimBee]

Guts, with his trademark raised eyebrow: "She can't possibly mean Smaragdea, either."

"Heh! She barely let us pass through the sewers, I do not picture her allowing us to ride her into battle, heheh."

[CMP]

"Where are you going to find one of those? Torc is not big enough to carry us all..."

"I've got one ready. That's where we're headed soon as we're done here. Still, it's good to know you have some experience with the place."

"Hmm. Do you know where any of your crew, or you ship, might be held from the blueprints? Not together, I'd think. Were you planning on splitting us up? We're a large group. Have you any firepower that could prove a good distraction?"

"Hah. I can't imagine they're dumb enough to keep them all in one room. My crew's too smart and they're all quite capable. There's two prison cells, but I suspect they've still been split up further."

The alchemist clears his throat. "There's always the Wind Thief, my own ship, if a distraction or something is required."

"Wouldn't last. Last time, the Bonapartes had to have a small fleet to spread their attention. The main defense against sea attack are three gunports on the second level. Unless it's an armored warship it'd be torn to shreds almost immediately. This is why I suggest we get the jump on them on foot."

Edited April 3, 2015 by CallMePie

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer pipes up, still not entirely convinced. "Are we not going to have to take out those cannons before we set sail? Who's to say we won't free everyone and set out only to be sunk? I've faith in you and your crew, Captain, but..."

[UsernameMDM]

"We go in by air, land right on top of the bastard's house, kill everything between us and my crew, and escape with my ship."

"I think I can handle that," Hoke says jabbing his thumb toward Torc.

[UsernameMDM]

"I've got one ready. That's where we're headed soon as we're done here.

Upon hearing that another dragon was about Torc leaned on Hoke, her tail wrapping around his ankle and leg.

"Don't worry, I won't even go near her or him."

[The Legonater]

Captain. We've met, though I don't know if you'd remember that.

I admit I haven't a whole lot experience with the Bonaparte, but this seems like an odd move, even for them. They've had some power struggles or something recently, haven't they? Are we sure there aren't ulterior motives here?

[Myrddyn]

Erik bows to the captain.

On hearing her story, he looks horrified. "Even Zasies?"

He hesitates, but with Zasies in danger there's really no choice.

He has a bit of an awkward teenage crush on the Selkreeth berserker.

Oh, plus some of the Bonapartes are in league with Necromancers.

"I'm with you, but I don't want to watch if you have to torture any of them. And if we can leave the grunts in as few pieces as possible I'd appreciate it. Most of them probably are just following orders."

"Hm, well if it is the Wolfgang they want to rally around, I guess it is not our business to stop them. Not yet, anyway. I have never met the Wolfgang, but the people have a right to fight for what they think is best... And to them, that could be anything other than what they have now, which is a locked cage..."

"All I've seen of the Wolfgang are those cowards instigating the riots, and more cowards robbing a little gnome city, so I don't have high hopes. They might be better than the houses, I don't know."

[Tachyon]

"Loyalty to your employer is important. I'm in. Breaking into a fort seems fun but it might be tricky getting out. "

[CMP]

Mortimer pipes up, still not entirely convinced. "Are we not going to have to take out those cannons before we set sail? Who's to say we won't free everyone and set out only to be sunk? I've faith in you and your crew, Captain, but..."

"There won't be anyone left alive to man the guns. I suppose we could destroy them as well, just to be safe."

I admit I haven't a whole lot experience with the Bonaparte, but this seems like an odd move, even for them. They've had some power struggles or something recently, haven't they? Are we sure there aren't ulterior motives here?

"The admiral has been neglecting his authority, the way I hear it. The famed Blackgull Bonaparte is back in Eubric, probably to get things back on track. He and Attina are about the only Bonapartes I can deal with, mostly because they spend more time killing pirates than collecting taxes. As far as ulterior motives...I couldn't say. Fort Hemlock is under Rear Admiral Melville's jurisdiction. He's also the one who took my crew in the first place. The bastard's been hounding us for a long while but even I didn't think he'd go this far. Still, he's one of the highest-ranking Bonapartes out there, so they're still accountable for whatever crap he's trying to pull."

"I'm with you, but I don't want to watch if you have to torture any of them. And if we can leave the grunts in as few pieces as possible I'd appreciate it. Most of them probably are just following orders."

"Possibly. I have no intention of wasting time torturing random soldiers if that's what you're suggesting. We're probably going to defeat everyone in the fort, but my priority is getting my crew and getting out."

"Loyalty to your employer is important. I'm in. Breaking into a fort seems fun but it might be tricky getting out. "

"Indeed. Especially if they've been neglecting my ship." Illdria pauses and narrows her eyes. "Neron and Neredice save them if they've been screwing around with my ship.....in any case, as I said, I got the original layout of the fort from an architect here in Eubric. It turns out the pirates who once occupied didn't just slap stones together and call it a day. I've labelled the locations I was able to get out of this fellow here."

"There are two floors as you can see here. We will be dropping in from the top level. From there we ought to split up. There will definitely be soldiers in the barracks, so one team can take them out while the other sweeps the rest of the floor. The goal there is the guns, and we can use those to sink any ships that might block our escape. We will we then regroup and head downstairs. Our priority there should be the cells: I still suspect they've split up my crew, but I doubt they'd let those cells go to waste. From there....it's a matter of clearing out the fort and figuring out where the hell they're keeping the rest of my people. One of my contacts tells me he saw them escorting the Magpie into the fort itself. Once we've rounded up my crew we board and make our escape. Any questions, or shall we get going?"

Party

Hybros (JimButcher)

54-year-old male imp Alchemist *Permanently Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened, Poisoned, Bleeding* *Immune to all elements* *Intimidation* *Party Leader*

Level 35.5

Power Bonus: 3

Defense: 0

Health: 49/54

Gold: 1884

Equipment: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, permanently deals Cursed and Poisoned:7; scythe, suitable to Hybros), Golden Armor (user is permanently Hastened and Cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, ice-, lightning-, wood-, darkness-, light-elemental, immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened; bodywear), The Black Hat (grants Intimidation, immune to darkness and Cursed; headwear), Sterile Gloves (immune to Poisoned and Bleeding handwear), Kjorfalneire Tongue (The wearer’s restorative consumables are twice as potent, potions and tonics restoring twice as much health or ether, suitable for anyone, accessory (loaned to Hybros))

Inventory (238):

• Justice (WP:8, causes blinded-effect; light-elemental dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike; darkness-elemental daggers), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow [Phoenix Incense]; dagger), Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP:45.25, gains 1/4 WP every kill made with it; longsword (lent to Dyric)), Clock Cog (WP:14; throwing weapon), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all; throwing weapon (lent to Dyric)), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5 deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; throwing weapon), Skirmisher's Shield (SP:10; shield),

• Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear), Baron's Epaulets (Suitable for short heroes, grants Command over short NPCs), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear (lent to Dyric)), Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators and winged warriors), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from Weakened-effect; handwear), Alchemist's Cheatsheet (1/3 chance to make two of the same Mixture on rolls of Shield, accessory, suitable to Alchemists)

• Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire (loaned to Erik), Opal

• 41 Potions (100 loaned from Guts), 13 Grand Potions, 16 Health Cores, Diluted Arc Potion, 17 Remedies, 3 Neutralizers, 3 Elixirs, Diluted Arc Tonic, 2 Grand Tonics, Soma, 2 Feathers of White, Phoenix Essence, 3 Phoenix Incenses, Fenghuang Essence (After being consumed, automatically revives the target with full health once when knocked out; cannot revive targets that are already knocked out), 50 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, Wyvern's Breath, 5 Nostrums, Minimizing Dust, 4 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, Baldur Bomb (100 light-elemental damage), Demeter Bomb (100 wood-elemental damage), Rudra Bomb (100 lightning-elemental damage), Pumpkin Bomb (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used), 2 Gold Rings (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Skeleton Decoy, Bone, 2 Tiger Balms, Last Resort, Fog Bomb, Baffle Bomb, Cloud of Celerity, Purging Water, x2 Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.)

• Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 4 Mythril Shards, Grating Stone, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops)

- Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 4 Tonics, Nostrum, Venom, Ether Core, Remedy, 3 Potions, Health Core,

Gold Statuette (Worth 100 gold), 3 Torches (WP:2, breaks after one use, suitable to all), Chair (WP:4, club), Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold, except in magic shops where it is worth 100 gold.), all loaned from Erik

Guts Holla (Scubacarrot)

45 year old male human Alchemist *Dancing* *Dualstriking* *Immune to all Elements, Weakened, Fragile, Asleep, Confused, Blinded and first negative effect* *Party Second in Command* *Hastened* *Lucky* *Encouraged*

Level 38

Power Bonus: 2

Defense: 4

Health: 56/56

Gold: 8311

Equipment: Mythril Edge (WP: 64, Ice, Darkness, Light, attacks restore 3 health, dagger), Dancing Shoes (Wearer dances well, in the turn after a miss is rolled, the wearer can act twice. +Immunity to Asleep, Confused, Fragile, Weakened and Blinded, + Immunity to Darkness, Light, Fire, Air, Earth, Wood, Lightning, and Ice Elemental Damage, footwear), Crocodile Armour (+4 Defense +Immunity to Water Magic, bodywear), Magnar's Smaller Axe (Grants Dual Strike to classes wielding axes, can't wear shield. handwear), Grimmeau's Clothespin (Grants Immunity to first negative effect inflicted on the wearer each battle. Headwear)

Inventory (1260):

• Pronged Gauntlet (WP:6, dagger), M.U.C.A (WP: 12, bleeding 3, Axe) Giant Axe (WP:10, dual-strike, axe)

• Jester's Hat (Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy, suitable for anyone), Rubber Gloves, Blessed Amulet(Immunity to Cursed, accessory), Pugilist's Gloves (2+ Power, Immune to Weakened, handwear)

• Beholder's Eye, Shovel, Telescope, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Decamodifier

• 1046x Potion (100 loaned to Hybros), 17x Grand Potion, 4x Health Core, 3x Diluted Arc Potion, 2x Arc Potion, 3x Elixir, 13x Phoenix Essence, 29x Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, Crimson Serum (Grants Mutated Effect for one battle.), Arc Elixir, Hyper Arc Tonic (Restores All ether to allies, consumable), 2x Ambrosia, 20x Mead, 16x Smelling Salts, 12xNostrum, Bad Breath, 2x Wyvern's Breath, 2x Tonic, 4x Grand Tonic, 2x Purging Water, 3x Smile of the Gods, 3x Fortune Flush, 5x Venom, 3x Bone, Soma, Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), x2 Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Ether Core

• 6x Smoke Bomb, Neptune Bomb, Dirt Bomb, 2x Water Bomb, 2x Blind Bomb, 2x Confuse Bomb, 2x Poison Bomb, 2x Seal Bomb, 2x Sleep Bomb, 5x Mystic Bomb

• 6x Deadly Venom, Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned-by-7- and cursed-effects for the duration of one battle),

• Topaz, Amethyst, Sapphire, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops)

Mizuki Kimura (zakura)

Assassin *50% More Gold Stolen* *Death Mask* *Ignores Positive Effects*

Level 25.66

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 0

Health: 35/35

Gold: 0

Equipment: Dual Gladii (WP:12, Darkness and Light elemental, dual-strike), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up)), Death Mask (Increases assassination chances to 1/3 when the target’s health is lowered to 1/3, headwear, suitable for assassin), Fox Tail (user not affected by opponent's positive effects, backwear)

Inventory:

- Gladiator Trident (WP:11, causes bleeding effect; spear), Fleuret (WP:9, longsword), Sylph Shuriken (WP:12, wind elemental, retrievable), Top Hat (WP: 14, 50/50 chance of dealing the stunned-effect, retrievable), Orcish Shield (SP: 4, double if user is a greenskin), Voltedge (WP: 13, greatsword/longsword (loaned from Erik))

- Loaded Die (Gives holder the Lucky-effect, accessory, suitable for anyone (loaned to Erik)), Quickdraw Quiver (Gives wearer the Hastened-effect, backwear, suitable for rangers), Kjorfalneire Tongue (The wearer’s restorative consumables are twice as potent, potions and tonics restoring twice as much health or ether, suitable for anyone, accessory (loaned to Hybros))

- 20 Venoms, 5 Nostrums, , 1 Think Jeeax Scales, , Tonic, Potion, Weak Potion, 2 Deadly Venoms, Weak Regeneration Potion, Grand Potion, 2 Ambrosias, Smelling Salts, Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Demon Repellent (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle unless the user is the only hero left standing; consumable)

- Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Amethyst

Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn)

19 years old male human Battle Mage *Restoration* *Lucky* *Immune to fragile, fire, and water* *Commands dogs*

Level 23

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 11

Health: 40/40

Ether: 19/24

Gold: 10

Equipment: Darkstar Wand (WP:12; has 1/2 chance of inflicting hexed-effect; darkness-elemental wand), Brightly Polished Heavy Armour (SP: 6, immune to Fragile, fire, water, bodywear), Dog Fur Coat (SP:5, Grants Command over dogs, backwear), Loaded Die (Gives holder the Lucky-effect, accessory, suitable for anyone (loaned from Mizuki))

Inventory:

- Titanic Axe (WP:12, Earth, fire, Light-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Silver Cup of Victory (WP:10; has 1/6 chance of causing doomed; club), Plunger (WP:2; 1/2 chance to cause sudden death to an aquatic enemy with each hit; club), Twin Axe (WP: 5, dual strike-axe), Voltedge (WP: 13, greatsword/longsword (loaned to Mizuki)).

- Peacekeepers totem (Grants the "Diplomacy"-job trait; suitable to Erik only; accessory), Talisman of Enlightenment (Protects from hexed-effect; accessory), Sharkskin Armour (SP +1, bodywear), Shamanic Plate (Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2; Blood Ritual does double damage to the target; suitable for shamans; bodywear), Lighter Armor (SP: 4, immune to Fragile, bodywear), Helmet (Health +1), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Tricorne (SP: 3), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, suitable for mages, clerics, necromancers, scholars and weather mages; backwear.)

- Amethyst, Ruby, Topaz, Sapphire (loaned from Hybros), Diamond (loaned from Thalion), Aquamarine (loaned from Thalion), Opal (loaned from Thalion) Garnet (loaned from Thalion)

- Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.)

- Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 4 Tonics, Nostrum, Venom, Ether Core, Remedy, 3 Potions, Health Core,

Gold Statuette (Worth 100 gold), 3 Torches (WP:2, breaks after one use, suitable to all), Chair (WP:4, club), Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold, except in magic shops where it is worth 100 gold.), all loaned to Hybros

Dyric Rone (The Legonater)

Human male, Assassin *1/3 chance to Instant Kill* *Immune to All Elements and Blinded* *Lucky*

Level 29.66

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 6

Health: 41/41

Gold: 0

Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 27; Ice- and Darkness-elemental; Longbow), Lucky Die (User is permanently *Lucky*; suitable for anyone; Accessory), Night's Helmet (SP: 6; immune to Water, Wood, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind,Lightning, Light, Darkness, and Blinded; suitable for anyone; Headwear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear (loaned from Hybros))

Inventory:

• Requiem (WP: 20; Wood- and Light-elemental; Longbow), Tarok's Wrath (WP: 20, ½ chance to Instantly Kill orcs; Dagger), Double Chain Whip (WP: 10; Whip), Throwing Knife (WP: 4; Throwing Weapon), Pongcanis Dagger (WP: 8; Dagger), Crossbow of Incessant Warmongerers (WP: 20; on non-AoE rolls, also deals Damage to the enemies above and below the target upon a successful hit; Crossbow) , Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP:45.25, gains 1/4 WP every kill made with it; longsword (loaned from Hybros)), Clock Cog (WP:14; throwing weapon), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all; throwing weapon (loaned from Hybros))

• Winged Sandals (immune to Bound and Slowed; suitable for anyone; Footwear), Ambrose's Heart (Artifact, suitable to Evokers, Accessory, +5 power), , Sticky Gloves (increases amount of Gold stolen by 50%; suitable for Rogues and Beast Warriors; Handwear)

• Diamond

• Bedroll, Shovel, Magic Compass

• Potions (3), Grand Potions (5), Tonic, Remedies (2), Banana (restores full HP to target), Elixir, Cosmic Essence, Meads (2), Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Soma, Venom (2), Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the Poisoned by 7 and Cursed effects for the duration of one battle), Mythril Shards (4/4 Mythril), Military Grade Light Bomb, Military Grade Darkness Bomb, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Diamond Lamp of Summoning (1/3 uses left), Bones (3), Skeleton Decoy, Level-Up Mushroom, Demon Repellent (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle unless the user is the only hero left standing; consumable), Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops)

Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-)

213 years old male elf Artisan *Immune to All Elements, Sealed, Blind, Weakened, Confused, Sleep, Fragile* *Reinforced* *Blessed*

Level 31.5

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 14 28

Health: 60/60

Gold: 547

Equipment: Nightfall (WP:11, Darkness-elemental, absorbs 2 health on successful hits, Hollow [Grand Potion stored], dagger), Norgh Armor (SP:5, Immunity to Darkness, Light, Fire, Ice, Water, Wood, Wind, Lightning, Earth damage and Sealed, Blind, Fragile, Weaken, Sleep and Confused), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile, headwear), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent Reinforced-effect, doubling defense; suitable to marauders; backwear), Helm of Prestige (SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons, loaned to Thalion)

Inventory:

- Sleeper (WP:5, deals Asleep to enemies it hits, Hollow Upgrade [Nostrum stored], melee/throwing weapon), Alpha and Omega (WP:13, dual healing/spellcasting at the cost of 2 ether, Hollow [nothing stored], staves), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, deals Stunned on successful hits, Hollow [nothing stored]) Broomstick (WP:5, ranged), Ribcage Shield (SP:9; every time the wielder takes a hit, the shield loses one SP; gives immunity to Doomed and Sudden Death for as long the shield has SP left), Handy Shield (SP:4, Immune to Blinded)

- Cloak of Necrotic Shielding (SP:3, provides SPECIAL GUARD against Undead Enemies, backwear), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing, headwear), , Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Blessed Amulet (Protects from Cursed-effect; accessory), Heart Locket (Protects from Enamored-effect; accessory), Snake-Eye Charm (Protects from Petrified-effect; accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory), Paper Doll (Protects from Hexed-effect; accessory) Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, vermin with level less than half of the wearer's are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Dragoon's Helmet (SP:3, makes wearer absorb attacks of the element of their pet dragon, gaining health instead of damage; suitable for dragoons; headwear, loaned to Hoke), Sterile Gloves (Immunity to Poisoned and Bleeding, handwear)

- Zirconia (Gem containing all elements; cannot be merged into equipment), Amethyst (Darkness) x3, Diamond (Loaned to Erik), Aquamarine (loaned to Erik), Opal (loaned to Erik) Garnet (loaned to Erik)

- Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep,

- Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope

- Copy of The Eubric Herald (Gives the target the transcended and inspired effects for the duration of one battle), Kraken Fang (Grants hastened and reinforced effects when consumed), Grand Potion (9), Potion (4), Remedy (5), Mead (5), Smelling Salts (6), Nostrum (6), Mulled Wine (2), Elixir (2), Ether Core, Grand Tonic (2), Phoenix Essence, Bone (2), Smoke Bomb, Blind Bomb (2), Seal Bomb (2), Sleep Bomb (2), Deluxe Skeleton Decoy, Skeleton Decoy, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mythril), Demon Repellent (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle unless the user is the only hero left standing; consumable), Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.)

Mortimer "Em" Mahzan (emjajoas)

Unknown age human male Warden *Immune to Electricity, Fire, Water, and Ice* *Half damage from elemental attacks*

Level 22

Power Bonus: 5

Defense: 28

Health: 41/41

Gold: 208

Equipment: Tritech Handcannon (WP:16, permanent poisoned 17, cursed), Vigilant (SP 12, halved damage from elemental attacks, immune to Electricity, Fire, and Water; shield), Iron Knuckle Armour (Body, foot, and hand wear. Counts as one artefact. Usable by knights and dragoons. SP: 10. Cannot be removed by enemies), Anniversary Medal (Artefact/Accessory, Power +3, SP +3, Max. Health +3, Max. Ether +3. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year), Frost Helm (SP: 3, immune to ice, suitable for anyone, headwear)

Inventory:

- Blazing Bow (WP: 14, Fire-elemental), Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield)

- Health Core, Grand Potion x5, Potion, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Mead, Venom, Smoke Bomb (5), Floral Bomb (2), Ice Bomb (2), Lightning Bomb (2), Fire Bomb, Water Bomb (2), Holy Bomb (2), Dirt Bomb (2), Air Bomb (2), Chaotic Bomb (100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Phoenix Esssence (2), Ambrosia (2), Mulled Wine (2) Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.)

- Bedroll (2), Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope

- Reaper's Heart, Silver Ore(2), Mythril Shard (1), Amethyst

Hoke Ablesword (UsernameMDM)

Human male Dragoon *Immune fragile, weakened, confused, sealed, darkness, absorbs poison, Earns TRIPLE XP*

Level 50.4

Power Bonus: 4 (+4 WP)

Defense: 40 +3

Health: 88/88

Gold: 987

Equipment: Hollow Flagpole (WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Phoenix Essence), lance), Steel Buckler (SP:31, darnkess-elemental),Samurai Helmet (WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immune Fragile), Medal of Glory (Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles),Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Hydra Skin (SP: 2, wearer gains HP when poisoned instead of losing it, backwear), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1)

Inventory:

- Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear), Wasabi Blade (WP: 4, Fire-elemental long-sword), Blade of Tranquility (WP: 2, deals the Sealed effect, Long-sword), Glistening Halberd WP:10 (½ chance to caused stunned effect, lance), Blue Steel Shield (SP:5, Immune to Blind), Fang Dagger (WP:5, double damage to beasts, dagger)

- Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Sharkskin Gloves (Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2, accessory), Crocodile Belt (Max Health +2, accessory), Helm of Prestige (SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons, loaned to Thalion), Dragoon's Helmet (SP:3, makes wearer absorb attacks of the element of their pet dragon, gaining health instead of damage; suitable for dragoons; headwear, loaned from Thalion)

- Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet ( Earth), Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops)

- Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep

-Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel 3x Smoke Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Air Bomb, [/color]2x Dirt Bomb, Confuse Bomb, Blind Bomb, Seal Bomb, Stun Bomb, Skadi Bomb

- 2x Phoenix Essence, Potion, 7x Grand Potion, Health Core, 4x Remedy, Tonic, 2x Grand Tonic, 5x Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, Ambrosia, Soma, 3x Mead, 3x Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, 2x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy (Encouraged & Immune to Ice), 6x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, Zoot's Plaything (Special 3/4 Edition), Hydra Tongue (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 3 and -1 SP effects permanently), Bone, Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used), Mythril, Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.)

- Reaper (Dark 8), Stone Golem (Rock 8), Carcinos (Aquatic 8), Storm Elemental (Electric 8)

Torc (UsernameMDM)

Female dragon Adult

Level 50.4

Health: 50/50

Element: Fire

Captain Illdria (NPC, controlled by QM, takes suggestions)

Human female Marauder *Immune to weakened, fragile, enamored, confused, and doomed* *Reinforced* *Deals enamored* *Command*

Level 31

Power Bonus: 0

Defense: 10 20

Health: 52/52

Gold: 8

Equipment: Rapier (WP: 20, light-elemental longsword), Flayer (WP: 20, darkness-elemental whip), Corset of Kickass (SP: 3, wearer deals the enamored-effect, bodywear, suitable for Illdria), Cap'n’s Sash (Immune to weakened, fragile, enamored, and confused, grants Command, accessory, suitable for Illdria), Marauder's Mantle (Permanent reinforced-effect, backwear, suitable for marauders), Grip of Death (SP: 7, wearer immune to doomed, handwear, suitable for Illdria)

Inventory: 3 Phoenix Essences, 5 Grand Potions, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Mead, 3 Remedies

[Scubacarrot]

"Solid plan. Hopefully we can keep them confused for as long as possible and funnel them in the corridors. This fort is designed to withstand a seaside attack, not one from inside, and definitely not one from us. I believe you were about to tell us about the corpse by the docks."

[JimBee]

Hybros nods. "It is simple enough. How many do you have in your crew, and who should we be looking for? Guts, Hoke, Erik and Mizuki can take out the soldiers in the barracks while the rest of us can take care of the guns. There will probably be some other surprises in those other rooms, too."

"I am ready. Now this dragon..."

[Emjajoas]

"Aye. I'm ready as soon as night falls."

Mortimer thinks for a moment, then makes up his mind and decides to pose the question. "I don't suppose this dragon of yours is Alatreon, is it?"

[Myrddyn]

"Possibly. I have no intention of wasting time torturing random soldiers if that's what you're suggesting."

"'Course not. I just figured they'd probably know where your crew is, and if there are spare cannons stowed away somewhere."

"I'm ready to go."

[UsernameMDM]

"We are ready."

[The Legonater]

How accurate are these plans? I would imagine the soldiers have done some renovations.

In any case, I'm ready. Just a suggestion, should I join the barracks crew? Surely the soldiers will be a bit more susceptible to death than those wights, and there'll be a lot. I could clear them out pretty well with this blade.

[Tachyon]

"I think I'm ready."

[-obelix-]

"I am ready."

[CMP]

"Solid plan. Hopefully we can keep them confused for as long as possible and funnel them in the corridors. This fort is designed to withstand a seaside attack, not one from inside, and definitely not one from us. I believe you were about to tell us about the corpse by the docks."

Hybros nods. "It is simple enough. How many do you have in your crew, and who should we be looking for? Guts, Hoke, Erik and Mizuki can take out the soldiers in the barracks while the rest of us can take care of the guns. There will probably be some other surprises in those other rooms, too."

"I imagine most of you have met one of them or another...besides myself, there are four."

"My first mate is a hobgoblin named Knife-Tongue. Can't keep his mouth shut or get two coherent words out of it, but he's the closest thing my ship has a conscience. Used to be unable to hurt anything bigger than a seagull but I've been training him as a Marauder, he was putting up a good fight but got overwhelmed."

"Zasies is our proper muscle, though. After the last guy tried selling us out to the Bonies I wanted someone nobody would screw with. She's a Selkreeth Berserker and I think she got both arms ripped off during the fight. I doubt they know what Selkreeth are because she'll just grow them back and be twice as pissed. She's unstable at her worst but she know what loyalty is and certainly isn't used to be captured. I can only assume they have to be keeping her separate from the others."

"Our cook is Melvin - well, he fills a variety of roles, really. Friendly guy, quite sociable, especially for a dwarf. Makes good stew and good contacts with people we need to do business with. He's probably very used to being imprisoned and probably the easiest to contain. He's a bit of a Minstrel but those skills aren't going to help him all much in breaking out of a prison cell."

"The last one is Jules.....and probably indirectly responsible for this necromancer that attacked you. He used to be one himself in a group called the Cold Circle but was smart enough to realize they were losing it and left. Very quiet...Omen is his cat. He was always a philosophical old asshoIe...hope he's alright. He's been ill recently so that probably puts a damper on any escape attempts of his."

Mortimer thinks for a moment, then makes up his mind and decides to pose the question. "I don't suppose this dragon of yours is Alatreon, is it?"

"Can't say I've heard of a dragon named Alatreon, sorry."

How accurate are these plans? I would imagine the soldiers have done some renovations.

"Possibly. The plan can be changed if needed. Hopefully it won't...but it likely will."

"I'm ready to go."

"We are ready."

"I think I'm ready."

"I am ready."

"Good. Let's be off. Omen, get your furry butt off Diamond and let's get out of here."

The cart leaped off of the wererabbit's lap and stretched.

'<Heheh, what can I say? I am an attention-seeker!>'

The captain lead the party downstairs, passing the enormous Madam Camorea again.

"So. You're off, then." She croaked, and then adjusted her wig. "Don't give me that look Illdy, no, I still don't have any faith in heroes, but yes, I do wish you the best of luck. I did let you stay here again, did I not?"

"Of course. I left the money with Diamond-"

"Nonsense. Just humor this old bat and come back alive. Few enough old friends left in Eubric as it is." She gave the heroes a judging look and then slithered away. Illdria watched her go, then sighed and lead them out the door.

By this point, night had fallen on Eubric. Luckily, none of the local gangs around the Hovels were dumb enough to pick on eight heroes, their dragon, and the captain that led them purposefully out of the city. Just on the plains off the road, in a clearing between some trees, the captain stopped, looking up. A few bird-shaped shadows passed over them as the trees around them were evacuated. The reason soon became clear - one of the shapes was only a distant blur. The shadow darkened and grew as it descended towards the ground as the sound of whooshing air fell down on the heroes' ears. Before they knew it, an enormous, blood red beast landed swiftly in front of them. Its movements were almost graceful, in a frightening sort of way, literal tons of muscle, bone, and scales all moving at once almost snakelike as it settled into the clearing. An enormous, spine-ridden head and neck slithered around half of the party, eyeing them with a fierce orange gaze. The mysterious rider on its back dismounted with ease, holding a tough round shield and an enormous pike. Once the dust settled from the dragon's landing, it occurred to the heroes this might be the most physically fit old woman they had ever seen.

"Illdria! Ciao, buona serata, it is very good we are finally doing this. These are your heroes?" she inquired, her voice loud, bright, and accented appropriately in a manner that I can't type out.

"Indeed. This is Giuliana Deathbell, a dragoon from the city-state of Venithe along the Fang Coast..."

"AND I," interjected the enormous elder dragon with little indication he had interrupted anything, his voice very low and intimidating, but also oddly rich. "AM HER COMPANION. YOU ARE HEROES." A slim black tongue slid between his teeth as if tasting the air. "YOU ARE OF A POWERFUL KIND, IF NOT THE MOST HONORABLE. THAT IS THE KIND THAT BEFITS THE EXPLOITS THAT YOUR HEROICA IS BOTH FAMED AND FEARED FOR. I AM VOLMUNIIX. THAT WHO PRECEDES DEATH'S BELL."

[Emjajoas]

Mortimer bows to the dragon, though he was visibly nervous as it was coming in. Objects in the distance gave him trouble these days-- his depth perception was off. "An honour to meet you, Volmuniix. And you, Deathbell."