Endgame

I motion for him to sit down, and heave a deep breath to soothe my nerves. Syntax pushes to take control, but I refuse to let him. I will become the master of my own guilt... even if it takes an eternity. "Do you recall my... episode, in the alley? With Violetta's appearance? Paranoia really can be a lovely thing at times, Arthur." I remove the rag soaked with Violetta's blood and fling it on the table between us two. I look away, pensive, simply saying: "It's a girl."

I unfurl the scarf and hand it to Arthur. I crease my brow and look away, seemingly at nothing, for a few seconds, before I respond to his inquiry about my hand: "Arthur. Can I trust you with something?"

Freudian breakdown of Endgame's baddies: Rhodus: Lost his mother and father in one day, implied to be mentally unstable. Twisted by The Regret. Aquos: Born blind and was threatened with execution, even as a baby. Ostracized by other larvae his age. Twisted by The Regret. Eidolon: Forced by his slavemasters to beat his two younger brothers, even as infants. Twisted by The Regret. The Regret: Life gave him the middle finger in every way possible. Apprentice: Lost most of his family to crime, ended up obsessive and sadistic becaused of it. The Stealer: ???

Lilith groans. "Miss Misfortune. I wouldn't win the lottery if I was handed the numbers by Ennoc himself. Ever been sitting down someplace when suddenly the ceiling begins to leak above you? Twice? In one day? In two different buildings?"

All of my villains are just brokenhearted pariahs... The Stealer is actually the most affable guy in my lineup, to be honest. He isn't that much of a bastard. The only reason he was so paranoid and ornery in 56 was because you murdered his last family member/son-figure. (Desite being 25 and The Apprentice 20.)

Lilith can only shrug. "What works, works. Efficiency is efficiency - that is how I operate, at any rate. Got to, if I ever want to get rid of that horrible nickname..."

Soooo... Would now be a good time to break out the tinfoil hats?

"Seems like an odd design choice if its made for thievery and dodging, if you ask me... Then again, I doubt that was the whole of Violetta's business."

I'll push this along when everyone confirms.. For now, chat it up!

First line.

I must say, 66 was probably your best quest to date, Sandy. From a visual perspective, the builds were superb and atmospheric. The character designs were fantastic, and we finally got a glimpse of Ulric! ...Though I swore he had the old Stuio's Werewolf head instead of the Monster Fighters one at one point. You managed to create a great atmosphere. The battles were well balanced - especially with Sorrow being minmaxed to hose nearly everything. You crammed a ton of plot beautifully into a small space, and for that, I applaud you. My only issue is the other heroes not being able to interact with the heads of houses too much. Even when we were all in the same room, most of them just left. Superb quest, Sandy.

...Well, Karie's backstory escalated quickly. What is that "one" link, though? I can't get it to work...

It refers to the inevitable 2 phase boss battle. You mean you've never heard of that part of the wedding vows, states Endgame incredulously? Hey, you're on Lilith's payroll, not mine. "Ah, bloody hell. Can't go three seconds without drama."

Kintobor, do you want me to switch the avatar? I can't seem to find it anymore... Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) *Party Leader!* 45 Years old male human Paladin Level 23 2/3 *Immune to Fragile* *Counterstriking* Power: 37 (23+10+4*) Defense: 12 (7+5) Health: 45/45 (10+22+11+2*) Ether: 23/23 (1+22) Gold: 103 (Owe 50 to Docken, 79 to Arthur, 110 to Sorrow) Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 10, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Counterstrike Gloves (On Free Hits, Deals damage to enemy equal to wearer's level), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immunity to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (Generates 10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle, accessory) *Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (Not an Artifact, +4 Power) Inventory: Frozen Saber (Great Sword, WP: 9, Light Ice, stunned effect), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (+4 to Power, -6 to Ether), Hamantasch (consumable, lucky + blessed effects upon consumption for the length of one battle), Marksman's Monocle (rolls of 4 are rerolled, headwear), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile for rest of battle, 5 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Garnet, Sapphire, 4 Meads, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immunity to Ice), Everlasting Venom, Emerald Lamp of Summoning,Bedroll, Adamantite Shard Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) 21-year-old male human Sorcerer Level 23 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* Power: 28 (23+5) Defense: 3 Health: 35/35 (5+22+4+4) Ether: 33/33 (5+22+1+5) Gold: 1668 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur) Equipment: Staff of Ennon (WP: 5,Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Weapons: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon),Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [Mulled Wine]), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Artifacts: Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target theLucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Consumables: Potion, Grand Potion x5, Ether Core, Remedy x10, Elixir x3, Nostrum, Jinxy Juice x2, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Zoot's Plaything Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor) 22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 11 Power: 17 (lvl 11 + WP: 6) Health: 17/17 Gold: 89 Defence: 0 Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear. ), Lover's Locket (Protects from enamoured effect) Inventory: Potion (5), Mead (3), Remedy (2), Venom (1), Smoke bomb (1), Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Heirloom Dagger (WP:3), Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp) (1),, Topaz, Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), 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. ) Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 9 Power: 18 (9+8+1) Defense: 3 Health: 15/15 (7+8) Gold: 43 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, 3 Meads Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. Unknown age male human ranger Level 9 Power: 15 Health: 14/14 Gold: 28 Equipment: Bow(WP:5), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), White Marksman's Hat - (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear) Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x5, Remedy x3, Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by Asleep.), Venom, Ice Bomb "I'll wait til' everyone arrives for the full briefing, but the armory is situated in one of the scummiest alleys in Eubric. It lacks an official name, but we at the watch have nicknamed it the Sceleris Alleys. The armory was only discovered, and most likely established, recently... a good portion of the men we have sent to patrol that area have vanished. Snuffed by the Wolfgang, knowing our luck. We stopped sending them so often because of the crime rate, and thus the Wolfgang pretty much run rampant there. Recently, one of our patrolmen managed to get out of there with his life and carried with him one rumor: the establishment of an armory."

"Go inside, third door on the left."

Kintobor, will Karie be equipping the Cat Suit?

Lilith raises a surprised eyebrow. "You don't know? You have the suit of the late Violetta the Cat Burglar, who has killed last night at the theatre. Yes, the revenant was among them, along with Private Regulus and a yeti."

"'Party' isn't how I'd describe it. Fortunately, the Wolfgang were on the reiciving end of the pain, for the most part..." Lilith notes Karie's catsuit. "I was unaware you were there, judging by the get-up."

I instanty shove Syntax off from the wheel (even though I was quite aware at this point we were one of the same) and heave a deep sigh at the name. It's what my granddaughter said before she... I banished that train of thought midsentence. My body language seemed to relax, my shoulders lowing and my posture leaning down from its straight position. I take a quick glance at the catsuit, then my hand... was it coincedence? Obviously I couldn't drag the girl to the Oracle for a blood test. Against better judgement, I hand Karie the catsuit and accept the 200 gold, plus the IOU. "Sorry... I had a bad night. A real bad night. Here, its yours." I look over to the questboard, discerning her name. "Good luck dealing with the wolfgang." I say, hiding the emotion behind the statement.

"Your name wouldn't hurt, first."

Eh, the Stealer is a patient man. Also, new item on the bucket list: Have Syntax punch somebody in the face with left hand. Laugh as his face is covered with scars due to left hand being barbed with glass. Repeat.

~This quest is for chosen heroes only. If you'd like to join Heroica RPG, please refer to the Heroica RPG Rules and Discussion thread.~ The lazy afternoon sun hanging over them five heroes begin their walk through Eubric. They set course for the Town Watch HQ, eager to recieve their assignment. These five heroes are: Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) *Party Leader!* 45 Years old male human Paladin Level 23 2/3 *Immune to Fragile* *Counterstriking* Power: 37 (23+10+4*) Defense: 12 (7+5) Health: 45/45 (10+22+11+2*) Ether: 23/23 (1+22) Gold: 103 (Owe 50 to Docken, 79 to Arthur, 110 to Sorrow) Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 10, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Counterstrike Gloves (On Free Hits, Deals damage to enemy equal to wearer's level), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immunity to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (Generates 10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle, accessory) *Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (Not an Artifact, +4 Power) Inventory: Frozen Saber (Great Sword, WP: 9, Light Ice, stunned effect), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (+4 to Power, -6 to Ether), Hamantasch (consumable, lucky + blessed effects upon consumption for the length of one battle), Marksman's Monocle (rolls of 4 are rerolled, headwear), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile for rest of battle, 5 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Garnet, Sapphire, 4 Meads, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immunity to Ice), Everlasting Venom, Emerald Lamp of Summoning,Bedroll, Adamantite Shard Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) 21-year-old male human Sorcerer Level 23 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* Power: 28 (23+5) Defense: 3 Health: 35/35 (5+22+4+4) Ether: 33/33 (5+22+1+5) Gold: 1668 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur) Equipment: Staff of Ennon (WP: 5,Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Weapons: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon),Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [Mulled Wine]), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Artifacts: Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target theLucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Consumables: Potion, Grand Potion x5, Ether Core, Remedy x10, Elixir x3, Nostrum, Jinxy Juice x2, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Zoot's Plaything Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor) 22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 11 Power: 17 (lvl 11 + WP: 6) Health: 17/17 Gold: 89 Defence: 1 Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues) Leather Armour (SP +1), Lover's Locket (Protects from enamoured effect) Inventory: Potion (5), Mead (3), Remedy (2), Venom (1), Smoke bomb (1), Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Heirloom Dagger (WP:3), Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp) (1),, Topaz, Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), 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. ) Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 9 Power: 18 (9+8+1) Defense: 3 Health: 15/15 (7+8) Gold: 43 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, 3 Meads Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. Unknown age male human ranger Level 9 Power: 15 Health: 14/14 Gold: 28 Equipment: Bow(WP:5), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), White Marksman's Hat - (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear) Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x5, Remedy x3, Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by Asleep.), Venom, Ice Bomb The small group makes their way to the HQ quickly, making their way through the bustling city with ease. Arthur guides them around the corner of the building to a side door - Lilith's office. Sure enough, Lilith Etenant herself is standing there, rapping her plam lightly with her rapier. The lietunant nods at the heroes curtly, examining them closely. Much to her relief, three out of the five heroes had been deemed "worth something" by her Captain... she wouldn't say it outright quite yet, but she was fairly confident in this crew. "Ah, you've arrived. I'm hoping that we may be able to give the Wolfgang another lasting wound, especially after we defeated all three of their generals. Just my luck that I was stuck patrolling the outer perimeter... I do wish I could've been more involved in all of that, but such is fate. Now, then - time to get down to business. Are all of you here?" Are your inventories correct? I will edit in any purchases you make. You have 24 hours to confirm... let's get this show on the road.

"What, you've never crushed a glass goblet in your hand before?" The bleeding had stopped for the most part, but now the glass glistened in the morning sun. "I've had worse..." I groan, glancing towards the folded up Catsuit. Will this downward spiral ever end? Maybe there was no place for me on Olegaia. I'm essentially outdated, this point... a decaying corpse just wondering when I was going to collapse entirely. Marvelous. Simply marvelous. ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- Lilith walks into the hall, looking a bit tired after the fiasco at the Foundation Day Ball. She mutters something about property damage and a warrant as Drake crashes into the Quest Board, the lietunant realigning it to see the sign-ups. She removes a quill pen and circles five names, her mood seeming to lighten as she does so. "Hmm... Not a bad bunch. Maybe we can deal some more damage to the Wolfgang..." With that, she turns on her heel and walks out the door, leaving only her notes on the quest sheet. The heroes stand up and crowd around the questboard, seeing whether or not Lilith had chosen them for this task... Chosen Heroes for Quest #70: Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) *Party Leader!* Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) Karie Alderflask (Kintobor) Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) Em (Emjojoas) You have 24 hours to confirm, but don't hesitate to roleplay in the hall before departure! I realize some 66ers are being thrown right back into the frying pan, so don't worry if you take a bit longer. Just wanted to get this show on the road.

Looks like Star Wars pretty much provided a Harlot fig. "I've been told there are plenty of "boss monsters" mongering in Luosh... whatever those are."