Endgame

The hunter and the Paragon shakes hands, Masson somehow avoiding having his hand crushed. by the gesture. "You seem like a capable person, Skrall. I appreciate you helping out the organization... Although I only learned of your aid about 10 minutes prior." "Augustus is just as capable in a battle as I am, he has no problem with people being armed to the teeth. Trust me, he'll be fine with you folks. It's us Syndicate members I',m worried about... So, shall we head out?"

The party, after a horrible series of nightmares, finally awakes, ready for duty - but even more disturbed then before. Riot Party: Sgt Jon. Mcency (Pyrovisionary) 54 years old male human witch Level 18 *Dual Strike* *Immune to blinded* *Hastened* Power: 37 (18+17+2) Health: 38/38 (7+17+8+3+3) Ether: 19/19 (+1) Gold: 277 (70 owed to Brickington) Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:17, dual strike, Light, Darkness, Hollow (Potion) daggers), Witch's talisman (All attacks Cause the badly poisoned effect), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened-effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear) Inventory: Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (-) halberd), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Pheonix essence x3 , Potion x4, Grand Potion x5, Remedy x5, Nostrum, Venom x3, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying glass, Business Card, Bone x2, 2x Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Counterstrike gloves Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old, Level 19.5 Druid Power: 29 Health: 33/33 Ether: 22/22 Gold: 299 Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:13), Satchel of Awesomeness (Causes lucky-effect; bodywear), Mage's Muffler (protects from sealed) Inventory: Longbow (WP:7), Quick bow (WP: 6, Suitable to rangers, provides hastened effect for one round each battle), Helmet (+1 max. health), 6 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 7 Mead, 10 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 3 Deadly Venoms, 1 Super Deadly Venom, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Fire Bomb, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, 2 Air Bombs, Grand Tonic, Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Saber teeth, Scroll of Weakening, Ruby, Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrify), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; suitable to Erdathcath only; accessory) Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. Unknown age male human ranger Level 14.5 Power: 23 SP: 2 Health: 16/21 Gold: 30 Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Anniversary Medal (Artefact/Accessory) (Power +2, SP +2, Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year)[/font], Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect) Inventory: Consumables: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone x2, Nostrum x2, Potion x5, Remedy x4, , Venom, Ice Bomb, Grand Potion, Mead x2, Quality Cutlass (WP:6, Dagger) Equipment:White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear), Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by (Asleep), Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe,Bow(WP:5), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), Iron Knuckle Armour (Body, foot, and hand wear. Counts as one artefact. Usable by knights and dragoons. SP: 10. Cannot be removed by enemies), Ambrosia, Crystal Sovereign Construction Site Party: Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554) Automaton male, Evoker Level 15.5 *Blessed* *Transcended* Power: 26 (Level 15 + WP: 11) Defense: 0 (-2) Health: 23/23 (6 + 3 + 14) Ether: 16/16 (15 + 1) Gold: 97 Equipment: Divine Cannonade (WP:11; gives blessed- and transcended-effects to user; Volatile Venom slotted; handcannon), Handy Suitcase (SP-2, use 2 Items; accessory), Enchanted Ring (Accesory, protects against Sealed) Inventory: Golden Handcannon (WP:9; lightning-elemental), Eminus (WP: 5; bow), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1; backwear), Topaz, Grand Tonic x2, Phoenix Essence, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb, Holy Bomb, Water Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x6, Turdwing (fly familiar; causes confused to one opponent whenever used), Grand Potion x3, Volatile Venom x4, Remedy x2 Summons: Thunder Mode Elgar Gligin (played by Jedi master Brick) Level 24 2/3 Druid *Immune to Fragile!* Power: 34 Defense: 6 Health: 38/38 Ether: 24/24 Gold:40 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11 Permanently Deadly envenomed), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental enemies and double from Electric elemental enemies) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Topaz,,Opal, Spade, Pickaxe, 3 Potions, Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion (x3), Fireworks, Remedy (x2), Hide of The Regret (halves damage from undead; suitable for anyone, backwear), Tonic, Grand tonic (x5), Root beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against undead enemies for 20 damage. The Root Beer does not affect non-undead enemies.) , Ambrosia, White Devil "Wakey-wakey, you nightmare plagued people. You can leave whenever you choose. Just a few notes: Riot Party, you're going to need to cut through the Homeless District before you reach the rioters. Construction Site party... The Blacksmith just installed a new combination lock. You're going to have to pay him a visit before you enter The Deeps." The Colony: A: Makeshift Entry B: Bazaar C: Echoes Core D: Stronghold Checkpoint E: Housing District F: Deep's Gate G: The Deeps H: Food Storage I: Homeless District J: True Entry K: Tavern: The Granite Keg L: Reservoir District M: The Royal Pond N: The Bunker X: The Stronghold

Octavyn sighs and looks away for a minute, before managing to condense the series of events into something easily digestable. "Okay. So, here's the condensed version; I'll skip the melodrama. So, almost a year ago. Went to a bar after closing up my own back at one of Eubric's inns. Got drunk - Real drunk. Picked a fight with a table or 7 or 8, being the intoxicated bastard I was. I don't remember what for, or why. All I remember is quite a few perfectly sober men take off their jackets, reveal the Wolfgang insignia underneath, and proceed to beat the daylights out of me. Long story short, they doused me in... something... flammable, and left a lit fire bomb with my body in whatever alley they clobbered me in for good measure. The explosion woke me up and I managed to douse myself with some gutter water, but I fell unconscious again. Mar. Purple here -" Octavn jerks a thumb towards Masson. "Otherwise known as The Stealer of Senses at the time, found me in the alley knocked out and practically well done. Slings me over his shoulder, brings me back to HQ, patches me up. I join his cause. Now, here is where the friction between me and Augustus began: His house is just barely outside the hovel, the poor guy having to work two jobs to stay out of that place. Only because of some Wolfgang help have he and his daughter managed to eek their way through life without having to live into the Hovels. I went to his house one night to explain to him what happened to his little brother; We used to see each other almost daily, and he hadn't seen me for almost a week at that point. Thus, here was the divide: The Wolfgang helped him live a better life, the Wolfgang left me barbequed in some alley, near death. Our first argument was not pretty, to say the very least. A few months later of no contact, I go to his house to celebrate the Holidays - right after doing something for Masson. I hastily threw off my uniform, switched into some nicer clothes, and stuffed my hood in my pocket. As fate would have it, it falls out during Dinner. It lead to him discovering what The Syndicate was - someone who opposed the Wolfgang. Both of us were fairly intoxicated at that point. A small fight broke out, weapons were involved. We managed to put down the Corseques before we injured each other. He threw me out of his house and left me with some words I won't repeat, just out of tastefulness. Our relationship has collapsed everyday since. Long story short: He isn't a Syndicate fan. That's why I don't want Masson around him..." Octavyn doesn't know what else to do but shrug and shake his head. The clash of that series of events and Octavyn's carefree, joking demeanor were stunning. How could a man that went through that be happy all the time? The shopkeepers inform baradock that it'll still be about another hour until they open the shop - too late for their assignment.

Sandy, is Salladin's "Lifestealer" move actually kill the hero, or just knock them out? ("Kill" as in removed permanently from battle, I suppose.)

Masson shrugs and continues to smile. "Karie... I work here, remember? We moved out a lot of equipment, but the Syndicate still uses the remodeled warehouse as their base. We had to get rid of a lot of things though, now that the Town Watch gives us assignments from time to time. I was unaware that Octavyn contracted you, ma cherie. In fact, I didn't know about any of this in general until i strolled up just a few minutes ago, though I know exactly which case Octavyn was referring to... It was the only one that contains Octavyn's brother, Augustus, after all. Speaking of which, Octavyn..." "Yes, Mr. Captain Boss Sir?" "Are you sure having Karie around your brother is a good idea while she is in her Syndicate garbs? I don't want anyone hurting her..." "Nah, I'll keep him from blowing up in our faces. We'll be alright - I doubt Augsuts would do anything worse then slam the door in our faces. Sure, its rude as can be, but nothing harmful." "Hmm. Fair enough."

What exactly is a Necropolis? City of the Dead?

"I would concur!" "It's not necessarily a bad thing. People who lose one of their abilities are usually better in others - I'd imagine Baradock is very perceptive." Masson shrugs. "Still waters run deep. That's how I got through academy in record time." "Ah, by being completely antisocial?" Masson shifts uneasily. "I was going to say "silent", but... I'm getting better, at least." "Small steps, friend! Small steps."

"Well... Meet Masson Cour, head of The Syndicate, My sole superior, Paragon, and one of the two people I've ever seen that can pull off purple." Octavyn stifles a chuckle, apparently an in-joke between the two. "If you say so, Octavyn. But... why Heroica for this, Octavyn? They're dependable people, that's for sure, but you could've pretty much requested any Syndicate member for back-up, myself included." Octavyn remains silent for a moment, before speaking. "Family matter, that's all. Should be able to sort out the report by daybreak - easy, clean job. I've told you what my brother is like, and I don't think he'd like an entire squadron knocking at his door - especially the leader, of all people." Masson seems to understand - what had Octavyn told him that he hadn't yet told the heroes? "...Oh. I understand, octavyn. Do what you will." Masson turns to the heroes. "Octavyn may be a little bit odd -" Octavyn laughs, his carefree and joking attitude coming back to him. "Little bit odd? Pfft, no need to understate it, old friend!" "...But he is a very capable person nonetheless. He's my second-in-command for a very good reason. Now, and you three are...? Pleasure to meet all of you." Masson turns to Karie, and she can almost make out a smile behind the thick purple hood. "Pretty sure I've met one of you before."

I pen my name under Quest 87. "It can't hurt..." I mumble, returning back to my seat.

Octavyn shrugs and sighs. "Well, if you two have finished exchanging pleasantries, then..." Just as Octavyn was beginning to lead the way to Luminous Passage, he glances over his shoulder, looking down the avenue. Amidst the stalls and the shoppers he picks out one similarly clad gentleman walking towards the group: wearing purple. His cape billows behind him, a formidable sword in hand. he has a rather sophisticated sheath attached to his waist, his cape concealing the odd mechanism. he was clad in head to toe in flexible garbs, his body armed and his face obscured by black mesh. He carries an authoritative air with him, clearly not one to trifle with. Despite this, he lacks that certain chilling air and edge he had when Heroica first met him - he was clearly a more relaxed a trusting person now, if not even more proficient in battle then he was before. He was clearly more professional when he had the mask, a far cry from the awkward lover he was just a few hours prior. He raises an eyebrow at the small gathering of heroes and his right hand man. "Octavyn, what is this?" "Just... Just going through our report backlogs, boss." Masson seems skeptical. "Hmm..."

Well, it is her father. Not that far off.

Out of curiosity, Kintobor, what was Karie's suspicion about the surprise witness?

"So much for "all being friends here"..." Octavyn mutters. "You don't say much, huh, Baradock?"

"Heh! Bravo! But seriously, careful where you point that thing. Always figured you wanted to see Masson in the newt, but not me..." Octavyn chuckles.

Octavyn lights up, his carefree attitude coming back to him. "Huh! Guess magic really is progressing, huh? You're a Witch, right? Think you'll ever be able to master stuff like that?"

"Ah, sure." Octavyn reaches into the pockets of his uniforms, pulling out a grenade and a syringe. "I used this one..." Dozing Syringe: Can be used on an enemy to make them fall Asleep. "...On Nevron back at the Albatross. Oh, and this one..." Red Phosphorous Grenade: A smoke grenade made to ensnare enemy forces rather then flee the scene. When thrown, all enemies have a 1/3 chance of becoming Confused for 3 rounds. "...Was used to psuedo-kidnap you. ...That sounds really odd in retrospect, huh?"

Octavyn harumphs. "We used to get along just fine. We keep our distance nowadays, despite living 15 minutes away... At least I get to spend time with my niece, so hey, something to be thankful for. Karie, I have no issue with him. However, he has issue with me, that's for damn sure." Octavyn switches to a more professional demeanor, seemingly unhappy about having to confront his brother within the next hour or two. "Now, the witness's house is located just outside the Hovels wall. The quickest way to there from here to here is going through the Luminous Passage of Triad Park. After that, its only a couple of minutes until we reach our destination. Of course... When we get what we need to locate the source of whatever's screaming its head off near the lighthouse, we can probably expect a battle or two. I'll be accompanying you the whole way through this journey. Can't actually call for back-up when you're not going yourself, right? It's been a while since I've been able to operate in broad daylight like this, heh." Syndicate Admin Octavyn has joined the party! "Onwards!" Octavyn Scelin, Level 30 Rogue HP: 39/39 SP: 5 Power Bonus: 4 Gold: 50 Equipment: Octavyn's Corseque (WP: 13), Syndicate Cape (SP: 4, Backwear), Sticky Gloves (Handwear), Golden Headwear (+4 power, immunity to Fragile and Blindness) Inventory: Nostrum, Neutralizer, Ambrosia, Grand Potion, Red Phosphorous Grenade x3, Dozing Syringes x3 Karie doesn't remember Octavyn being this storng on their last encounter... Perhaps he had been training up. "Now, any other questions?"

"Yes, perfectly fine! The witness, the one who has reported hearing these wailings in greatest detail... Well, he's my brother. It's just... We haven't had the most table sibling relationship lately." Octavyn looks down at his feet, for the first time mentioning the sensitive subject in a long while.

Octavyn gives a nod in Baradock's direction. "Hey, no need to linger in the back! We're all friends here." He turns his attention to the other tow members of the party. "Admin, Octavyn, whichever you prefer! I'm not formal, nor am I the one who fills out your payroll - as small as it may be. That job falls to the bossman. The Town Watch has their plate full with the Wolfgang in the hovels, and with their family broken, the Bonapartes are currently only dealing with the larger tasks - the complaints of a few people in the Hovels are of little importance to them. Thus, The Syndicate has to take care of this one." Octavyn has a passing look of sheepishness. "Or, well, at least, I have to. You see, the witness that we have to contact for this one is a special case."

~This Quest is for chosen heroes only. If you would like to learn how to join, please refer to the Rules & FAQ topics.~ Three heroes, chosen by their eccentric employer, follow the directions on the posted quest sheet. Shuffling through crowds of people as they go through Eubric, they watch the sun rise above the horizon. Even in the morning, the city was bustling; Eubric truly was The City that Never Sleeps. Before long, the three heroes reach Storefront avenue, searching for their slightly deranged employer. Those three heroes were... Skrall (Waterbrick Down) 80 year old Male Ogre Hunter Level 31.5 *Favors Ancient and Rock enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, and Confused* *Gains 3x experience* Power Bonus: +2 WP Defense: 8 Health: 45/45 Gold: 38 Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12/24 vs. Beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from fights, accessory) Inventory: Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP, light, lightning, water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Wooden Shield (SP:5), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), 9x Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Minimizing Dust, 4x Bone, 6x Venoms, 2x Deadly Venoms, Potion, 2 Grand Potions, Phoenix Essence, 6 Phoenix Incenses, Smelling Salts, 5x Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 1 Deluxe Skeleton Karie Alderflask Level 19 Witch Power: 30 Defense: 2 Health: 33/33 Ether: 25/25 Gold: 22 Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.) by 1. Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4),Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear) Inventory: Mead (1),Nostrum (1), Remedies (3), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1),Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Grand Tonic (4), Potion (1), Military Grade Light Bomb (1), Military Grade Darkness Bomb (1), Pumpkin Bomb (2) (causes stunned, poisoned, asleep, blinded, sealed, and confused to all opponents when used.) Quest Items: Entry 11, Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal Aretefacts/Weapons: Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Scroll of Frailty (Costs 1 ether, causes fragile effect to target for three rounds), Scroll of Blindness (cost 1 ether, target is blinded for three rounds) Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamouredeffect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) Sexy (WP: 8, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Paper Doll (Accesory, prevents Hexing), Rusty Dagger (WP:2 - Deals the Badly Poisoned Effect, Breaks After 3 Uses) Gemstones: (None at this time) (Cryos) ?? year old Male Human Barbarian Level 1 Power: 4 Health: 8/8 Gold: 5 Equipment: Starter Halberd WP:3 Inventory: Bottle of Mead, Potion x2 The trio's gaze darts around, looking for their employers distinctive garbs. They look around the street, looking up and down the rows of stores - before finally spotting him. He lingers in front of a gurgling fountain, a large corseque in hand... Although the party swears he wasn't there a minute prior. Octavyn locks eyes with the party, waving them over. The party walks towards him, the Syndicate Admin sitting down casually at the edge of the fountain, leaning back on the shield-bearing statue. He speaks in a freindly tone, as happy as ever. "Hello there, folks! Looks like you guys were a few minutes earlier here then I was, heh." QM Note: Hello there, and welcome to Quest 86! You all have 24 hours to confirm.

Octavyn exits the hall at long last. As he steps out of the hall, he turns bak to the three heroes and calls: "Well, I'll be seeing you folks tomorrow morning! hopefully we can reach the bottom of this case." The gold-clad man's attention turns to his employee. "Oh, and anonymous peon? If you hear about that special someone's night out with the bossman, be sure to tell me about it tomorrow." With a chuckle, he puts his hands in his pockets and walks into Eubric, the afternoon sun setting into the horizon. QM Note: Quest Thread will be up this afternoon!

Octavyn studies the boards carefully, raising an eyebrow at the almost literal line of heroes slashing their names off of the quest list. "Erm. Well, okay then. Let's see... That ogre seems like a plenty capable gentleman, and that Baradock struck me as a reliable person... if not a bit quiet. And Karie is a member of our organization, so..." Octavyn takes out a quill, scrawling a notice on the quest board: With that, the gold clad admin whirls on his heel and returns to his base at long last.

Happy Halloween, everybody! I'm on candy duty, so quest updates will have to wait a little bit. (I'm handing out Smarties, Nerds... and Dum-Dums, ironically. )

"Ah, what a coincedence! And I happen to know that the boss is practically swooning at the prospect of being able to take his special someone out on a date!" Octavyn chuckles, before he begins walking to the bar. "Okay, maybe not to that degree, but that special someone. So, peon I have never encountered and hope to get acquainted with while drinking some alcoholic beverages, what brings you to the hall?