Heroica RPG - Quest#120: Hand of Blue

[Sandy]

The architecture of Eubric Freeport is known for taking influences from cultures all over Olegaia, but there is one building in particular that stands out: the Palace of the Ji Pei family. Designed by the ambassador herself, it is built in the ornamental Xuese style, with statues and paintings of dragons to protect it from evil spirits. The three heroes ascending the front stairs feasted their eyes on the plethora of details as they approached the entrance guarded by two pikemen.

Party:

Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (Flipz)

22 year old male human Dragoon *Party Leader*

Level 33 3/4 *Immune to Blind, Confused, Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* *Ignores Free Hits from Beasts*

Power: 53 (33+20)

Defense: 31 (14+5+1+10+1)

Health: 56/56 (5+32+15+4)

Gold: 944 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham)

Equipment: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Arm Shield (SP:14, shield), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (SP:5, Protects against Fragile and all Poisons; bodywear, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Shadeaux Cape (SP:5, Immune to Blind and Confused, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Fur Leggings (SP:1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

Weapons: Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning-elemental; spear), Dauntlet Index (WP: 10, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Essence]), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff A (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging), Healing Staff B (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging)

Artifacts: Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear, suitable for anyone), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; Backwear, suitable for anyone), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy (example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold); handwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Zap-Tap Badge (Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Lens of Speed Reading (allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action; accessory, suitable for scroll users), Pointy Hat

Spell Items: Opal (Ice), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Blindness, 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 Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Weakening

Consumables: Potion, Grand Potion x10, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Remedy x10, Elixir x3, Hurricane, Jinxy Juice, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, Grating Stone x2, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), Smoke Bomb x5, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Bone x3, Silver Ore x2

Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass

Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie)

32 year old male human Regulator

Level 34.25 *Immune to all elements, poisoned, and doomed* *Negative effects last one round* *Battle Style: Chaotic*

Power: 54 (34+20)

Defense: 26 (4+6+4+12)

Health: 64/64 (7+33+12+6+6*)

Gold: 656

Equipment: Pheles Kris (WP: 20, wielder has a 1/2 chance to generate an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, and darkness-elemental dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Amulet of the Court (Negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory, suitable for anyone), Rat's Hide (SP: 4, backwear, suitable for anyone), Galactic Armor (SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire, earth, wind, ice, light, darkness, and doomed, bodywear, suitable for anyone), Helmet of Azzurat (SP: 4, immune to poison, headwear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

- Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, fire- and darkness-elemental, dual strike, daggers)

- Bracers of Insatiable Avarice (Power +2; user gains 25 Gold for every enemy he kills, handwear, suitable for hunters, berserkers, battle mages, beast warriors, dragoons, marauders, regulators, and skirmishers), Sylvania's Cowl (Grants Animal Talk, headwear, suitable for anyone)

- Scroll of Arc Frailty (50/50 chance to inflict the fragile-effect to all enemies for ether equal to the number of enemies), Scroll of Fire Armor (50/50 chance to conjure a layer of fiery armor over the target, giving them a 50/50 chance to deal the burned by 10-effect when hit by Damage or Special Damage at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Ice Armor (50/50 chance to conjure a layer of ice armor over the target, giving them a 50/50 chance to deal the stunned-effect when hit by Damage or Special Damage at the cost of 5 ether)

- 3 Grand Potions, Phoenix Essence, Health Core, Nostrum, Jinxy Juice (Deals the jinxed-effect to the target), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, 3 Bones, Grating Stone

- Flint and Steel (Handy for starting fires), Pickaxe, Shovel, Rope

Skrall (Waterbrick Down)

81 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 36 *Natural Respite* *Favors Demons and Humanoid enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, and Confused* *Gains Triple experience*

Power: 50 (36+12+2)

Defense: 8 (3+5)

Health: 50/50 (6+35+6+3)

Gold: 138

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), Oversized Greatsword (WP: 16 - Double damage on targets that are clearly smaller than the hero, greatsword), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"; accessory), Potion, 1 Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, 5 Phoenix Incenses, 8 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 4 Remedy, 2 Smelling Salts, 6 Venoms, 1 Deadly Venoms, 8 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Minimizing Dust, 4 Bone, Blind Fury, Wolfgang Insignia, Black Goo

As they reach the top of the stairs, the guards let them know they are expected, and open the doors. At the foyer, they are greeted by Lee Long, personal bodyguard to Ambassador Shanxian Ji Pei.

"Welcome to the Ji Pei Palace, gentlemen! Atramor, my friend, great to see you answered our call again. Come, let me take you to the ambassador. I'll explain everything as we walk." Lee motioned the men to follow him. "Shanxian has been summoned back to Xu by the Council of the Blue Hand for a hearing. I do not know exactly what they want, but I have a good guess. After Jun's involvement in the rebellious movement and her own accident, those blue-faced bastards must doubt if Shanxian is capable to act as their ambassador in Eubric anymore. I would love to go with her and tell them a few selected truths, but alas, I am an exile and I do not have a death wish. You three are strong and perceptive, I know that for a fact, so I personally chose you to escort Shanxian in my stead. I trust you will keep her safe. Ai Xurong, the floating capital of Xu, might look pretty but it is a viper's nest - especially to those who have fallen out of the favor of the Council."

When they arrived to a pair of doors, Lee stopped them.

"Before we go in, I want to confide to you. Shanxian has not been her usual self after the incident where she lost both of her legs. And I'm not talking about her disability alone, but she has all these... thoughts and doubts she didn't use to have. As an Aoi, she was born and raised to supremacy, and although she has always been kind to those beneath her, she has always known her place in the pecking order as well. Lately, she has had a lot of time to mull things over, and she seems to have gotten the idea that the Aoi are not fit to rule Xu anymore. I fully agree with that sentiment, you can believe that, but I worry she might speak her mind in front of the Council. So I beg of you, keep her safe from the scheming sycophants in the court, but also from her own self. She already lost her legs, I don't want her to lose her head as well. Now, are you ready to go in, or is there something confidential you still want to ask from me?"

QM Note: Welcome to the quest! This quest will have three battles, one of which will be a bit different. Like I said in the Hall, I have a busy week ahead, so updates will be sporadic. My apologies in advance.

[Flipz]

As the three head inside the Palace, Arthur passes all of his staves to Atramor and his Overkill Gloves to Skrall. "Makes more sense for them to be in hands that can better use them while we're on this mission."

Arthur bows before Lee Long. "It is an honor to be serving the Ji Pei once more. Please give my regards to Mr. Chalvo Erith." He pauses to consider what information would be most useful, when Miirym chimes in.

<Why are there pictures of me all over? Am I famous?>

"No, Miirym, you're not--" Arthur stops short, realizing how crazy he must seem. "Erm...Miirym...my dragon companion that is...wants to know...and I quote...'Why are there pictures of her all over?'" Arthur blushes inside his helmet, glad once again his face is covered. "In terms of more useful information...well, actually, I suppose it would be good to know of Xu's attitude towards Dragons and their caretakers--I wouldn't want to inadvertently offend the locals with my foreign manner of care. As far as the lady herself...what can you tell me about the incident itself? What about it brought her to doubt her own people?"

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall was starting to loose his buzz, the ogre popped a Mead open at drained it in one gulp. "Good to meet you Mr. Long, you needn't worry, your mistress will be in good hands. Now what's this about some selected truths? If you won't be present to vouch for her, do you have a message either written or oral you would like us to deliver for you?"

[CMP]

Atramor nodded as Lee led the way inside the palace. McCafferey eyed not him, but Miirym beadily and suspiciously. The regulator ignored her.

"Good to see ya' again, mate. Can't say I'm lookin' forward to meetin' the rest of this Blue Hand, that damn Thumb was bad enough." He glanced at Arthur. "Well, we killed a giant golden magic dragon while I was there. I'd guess they might be native to Xu."

[Flipz]

Atramor nodded as Lee led the way inside the palace. McCafferey eyed not him, but Miirym beadily and suspiciously. The regulator ignored her.

"Good to see ya' again, mate. Can't say I'm lookin' forward to meetin' the rest of this Blue Hand, that damn Thumb was bad enough." He glanced at Arthur. "Well, we killed a giant golden magic dragon while I was there. I'd guess they might be native to Xu."

Miirym squeaks and dashes behind Arthur, hiding under the edge of his cloak and just barely sticking her head out from under its trailing edge. <Don't kill me! I was only just born!>

"Shh...shh...it's all right, Miirym. I'm sure it was a bad dragon, not like you." Arthur turns his attention to Atramor. "A 'Thumb'?" he inquires. "I...take it the Council takes the whole hand metaphor very seriously, then?" He looks back to Lee Long. "What else can you tell me about the members of the Council?"

[CMP]

"Shh...shh...it's all right, Miirym. I'm sure it was a bad dragon, not like you." Arthur turns his attention to Atramor. "A 'Thumb'?" he inquires. "I...take it the Council takes the whole hand metaphor very seriously, then?"

"Hell yeah, did I mention we tore its eye out as loot? Seems so. He was an angry blue son of a bitch and I doubt that's changed."

[Sandy]

Arthur bows before Lee Long. "It is an honor to be serving the Ji Pei once more. Please give my regards to Mr. Chalvo Erith." He pauses to consider what information would be most useful, when Miirym chimes in.

<Why are there pictures of me all over? Am I famous?>

"No, Miirym, you're not--" Arthur stops short, realizing how crazy he must seem. "Erm...Miirym...my dragon companion that is...wants to know...and I quote...'Why are there pictures of her all over?'" Arthur blushes inside his helmet, glad once again his face is covered. "In terms of more useful information...well, actually, I suppose it would be good to know of Xu's attitude towards Dragons and their caretakers--I wouldn't want to inadvertently offend the locals with my foreign manner of care. As far as the lady herself...what can you tell me about the incident itself? What about it brought her to doubt her own people?"

"Hmm, Mister Erith is the overseer of our dockworkers, isn't he? I rarely have business down at the harbour, but I'll pass your regards the next time he visits the palace." Lee bows to the little dragon. "Unlike their aggressive brethren in Dastan, the dragons of Xu are revered as guardians of the welfare of our people. It is inconcievable for us Xuese to even dream of riding on the back of a dragon - they are too majestic creatures for such mundane tasks. Indeed, the one we encountered in Chaochao Falls was aggressive, but he, too, was only protecting something he perceived valuable. But Dastan is close to Xu, so dragoons are not entirely foreign to us. Indeed, only an army of dragoons could ever conquer the Citadel in the Clouds... So far, Dastan has had enough trouble of their own to even bother gazing eastward."

"As to your second quest, my mistress' accident was an attempt to assassinate her. She was checking the construction of the Baker's guildhouse she designed when someone bombed the whole building down. Many dwarven builders lost their lives, but luck was on Shanxian's side. At the time I was in Xu with Atramor and the other heroes in search of Jun, Shanxian's son. I blamed myself for failing my mistress for a long time, but now I realize there is nothing I could've done. I am strong, but even I cannot hold back collapsing buildings. The culprit has not been identified yet, but both me and Jun won't stop looking until we find him or her. Just the other day, we found a few new leads, actually."

"Good to meet you Mr. Long, you needn't worry, your mistress will be in good hands. Now what's this about some selected truths? If you won't be present to vouch for her, do you have a message either written or oral you would like us to deliver for you?"

"Haha, I thank you for the sentiment, Master Skrall, but I do not want you to throw your lives away, either. In Ai Xurong, you only speak to an Aoi when you are spoken to. Their authority is unquestionable, and even touching one without permission is a capitol crime. I nearly got executed for defending an innocent woman from the advances of an Aoi, but for some reason, Shanxian and Yeong talked to the Council and arranged so that I was only exiled. So please, when you are in front of the Council, hold your tongue."

"Shh...shh...it's all right, Miirym. I'm sure it was a bad dragon, not like you." Arthur turns his attention to Atramor. "A 'Thumb'?" he inquires. "I...take it the Council takes the whole hand metaphor very seriously, then?" He looks back to Lee Long. "What else can you tell me about the members of the Council?"

"Yes, the Council is also known as the Hand That Holds Power. The symbolism is quite ridiculous, I agree. I think Shanxian can tell you more about the counsellors herself. She was born and raised in Ai Xurong, after all. I think you are ready to meet her, am I right?"

Lee pushed the doors open and led the party inside a spacious chamber with large windows with more golden dragons painted on them. Ambassador Shanxian sat on a large chair with feels in front of the windows, with her son Jun by her side.

"So, you are the heroes Lee handpicked as his substitutes. It is a pleasure to see you among them, Mister Gibbin, even though I fear you have a long and tedious trip ahead of you. For some reason, Lee has the notion that I cannot fend for myself against the rats and snakes of the House of the Blue Hand."

"Lee is absolutely right, mother. In your current condition, you are an easy prey. These men are able to look after your back, I'm sure of that." Jun nodded at the heroes affirmatively.

"Oh, am I glad to get a vacation away from you two, fussing over me like Sisters of Danab all the time. If there is one thing I am good at, it is political scheming. I acquired that skill from my mother's breastmilk. Now, if you are really coming with me, is there something more you need to know, gentlemen? We will be taking the Destiny's Bounty to Ai Xurong. It is the fastest airship in existence, so the trip shouldn't take too long. Apparently Monsignore Legonardo has some business to attend to at the Tritech Laboratories of the Citadel, as well."

Party:

Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (Flipz)

22 year old male human Dragoon *Party Leader*

Level 33 3/4 *Immune to Blind, Confused, Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* *Ignores Free Hits from Beasts*

Power: 53 (33+20)

Defense: 31 (14+5+1+10+1)

Health: 56/56 (5+32+15+4)

Gold: 944 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham)

Equipment: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Arm Shield (SP:14, shield), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (SP:5, Protects against Fragile and all Poisons; bodywear, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Shadeaux Cape (SP:5, Immune to Blind and Confused, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Fur Leggings (SP:1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

Weapons: Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning-elemental; spear), Dauntlet Index (WP: 10, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Essence])

Artifacts: Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear, suitable for anyone), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; Backwear, suitable for anyone), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), handwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Zap-Tap Badge (Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Lens of Speed Reading (allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action; accessory, suitable for scroll users), Pointy Hat

Spell Items: Opal (Ice), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Blindness, 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 Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Weakening

Consumables: Potion, Grand Potion x10, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Remedy x10, Elixir x3, Hurricane, Jinxy Juice, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, Grating Stone x2, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), Smoke Bomb x5, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Bone x3, Silver Ore x2

Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass

Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie)

32 year old male human Regulator

Level 34.25 *Immune to all elements, poisoned, and doomed* *Negative effects last one round* *Battle Style: Chaotic*

Power: 54 (34+20)

Defense: 26 (4+6+4+12)

Health: 64/64 (7+33+12+6+6*)

Gold: 656

Equipment: Pheles Kris (WP: 20, wielder has a 1/2 chance to generate an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, and darkness-elemental dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Amulet of the Court (Negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory, suitable for anyone), Rat's Hide (SP: 4, backwear, suitable for anyone), Galactic Armor (SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire, earth, wind, ice, light, darkness, and doomed, bodywear, suitable for anyone), Helmet of Azzurat (SP: 4, immune to poison, headwear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

- Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, fire- and darkness-elemental, dual strike, daggers), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff A (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging), Healing Staff B (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging)

- Bracers of Insatiable Avarice (Power +2; user gains 25 Gold for every enemy he kills, handwear, suitable for hunters, berserkers, battle mages, beast warriors, dragoons, marauders, regulators, and skirmishers), Sylvania's Cowl (Grants Animal Talk, headwear, suitable for anyone)

- Scroll of Arc Frailty (50/50 chance to inflict the fragile-effect to all enemies for ether equal to the number of enemies), Scroll of Fire Armor (50/50 chance to conjure a layer of fiery armor over the target, giving them a 50/50 chance to deal the burned by 10-effect when hit by Damage or Special Damage at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Ice Armor (50/50 chance to conjure a layer of ice armor over the target, giving them a 50/50 chance to deal the stunned-effect when hit by Damage or Special Damage at the cost of 5 ether)

- 3 Grand Potions, Phoenix Essence, Health Core, Nostrum, Jinxy Juice (Deals the jinxed-effect to the target), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, 3 Bones, Grating Stone

- Flint and Steel (Handy for starting fires), Pickaxe, Shovel, Rope

Skrall (Waterbrick Down)

81 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 36 *Natural Respite* *Favors Demons and Humanoid enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, and Confused* *Gains Triple experience* *Encouraged*

Power: 50 (36+12+2)

Defense: 8 (3+5)

Health: 50/50 (6+35+6+3)

Gold: 138

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), Oversized Greatsword (WP: 16 - Double damage on targets that are clearly smaller than the hero, greatsword), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"; accessory), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy (example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold)), Potion, 1 Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, 5 Phoenix Incenses, 7 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 4 Remedy, 2 Smelling Salts, 6 Venoms, 1 Deadly Venoms, 8 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Minimizing Dust, 4 Bone, Blind Fury, Wolfgang Insignia, Black Goo

[Flipz]

Arthur again bows before Shanxian and Jun, Miirym cocking her head at Arthur before awkwardly trying to imitate the gesture. The Dragoon suppresses a chuckle, before turning to matters at hand. "I would like to know more about this Council of the Blue Hand we are going to see, as well as of the customs of Xu--what to say, what not to say, that sort of thing. My father enjoyed a positive business relationship with Xu, but sadly he never had the opportunity to pass his knowledge on to me."

[CMP]

Atramor looked around the room. Over a year ago he stood in the very same place, about to board the very same airship bound for the very same country. Hopefully the outcome would be just as successful, too.

"If the birds in Xu are as big as they were last time ya' might be glad ya' had us along. From what I saw, they're deadly, and not very fun to ride on." Atramor scratched his head. "Will be nice to see the Bounty again. But I thought Tritech was Legonardo's company and that it only had a presence in Eubric?"

Edited November 19, 2014 by CallMePie

[Waterbrick Down]

"I second, Arthur's concerns. I ain't the most cultured of individuals, wouldn't want to go putting bolts in someone's back if it ain't the customary way of dealin' with a problem." Skrall smiled a little.

[Sandy]

"I would like to know more about this Council of the Blue Hand we are going to see, as well as of the customs of Xu--what to say, what not to say, that sort of thing. My father enjoyed a positive business relationship with Xu, but sadly he never had the opportunity to pass his knowledge on to me."

"Oh, your father had connections to Xu? That is interesting to hear, especially since my people do not usually take well to foreign people with their foreign ideals. The Council of the Blue Hand makes sure nobody questions the supreme rule of the Aoi. The people of Xu have been led with fear, oppression and tyranny for millennia, and I am not afraid to admit it. The Council itself comprises of five counsellors, each bearing a title referring to a finger. The Thumb is the military leader, acting as the Grand General of the Xuese Army. Forefinger is in charge of functions related to magic and ethertech, such as the country's energy sources. She is currently the only female in the council. The Middlefinger is responsible for upholding justice, culture and other internal matters in the land. As the oldest counsellor, he is also their spokesperson. The Ringfinger's domain are the foreign policies, which often puts him in opposition with the Thumb. And last but certainly not least, the Littlefinger answers for the economy of Xu. It would be best if you simply acted as my very silent bodyguards when we are in Xu, to avoid any conflicts. In general, you should just follow my example and you likely won't offend anyone."

"Will be nice to see the Bounty again. But I thought Tritech was Legonardo's company and that it only had a presence in Eubric?"

"You are right, but Monsignore Legonardo studied under the finest engineers in Xu in his youth, and he still has close ties there. That is why he was able to spread a branch of the Tritech Corporation into Ai Xurong last year. Like I said, the Xuese are careful not to let foreigners into their territory, but Legonardo is one of the few exceptions, due to the great services he has done to the government. But time is running, and we should be going now."

"Mother, please take care out there. I will keep things in check here while you are gone, but if you don't return, I don't know what I will do..."

"My sweet son, if I don't return, then it is a sign for you to run and hide, for something has then gone very wrong and you won't be safe in this house anymore. Promise me you won't come looking for me in Xu."

"What are you talking about, Mother? Of course I..."

"No, Jun! Promise me that you will resist the spirits of vengeance and do not come after me should something happen! Promise me! I want to hear it!"

Shanxian's passionate tone took everyone in the room by surprise. Jun stared at her mother with his mouth agape for a long while before he finally sighed.

"Alright, Mother, I promise."

"Good. Then we can go."

"Shanxian..."

The ambassador turned to face her bodyguard.

"Don't make me go through that same debate with you, Lee."

"I won't. I just want you to show the Council what you're made of, because it is steel and fire."

The ambassador smiled in relief, and rolled herself out of the room. If the party wanted to ask Jun or Lee something, now was their last chance.

[Flipz]

"Oh, your father had connections to Xu? That is interesting to hear, especially since my people do not usually take well to foreign people with their foreign ideals."

"A few--my homeland lies near the southern border of Xu, and my father was our representative to the outside world. To be fair, he was very good at telling people what they wanted to hear." Arthur pauses, considering the life-changing letter he'd read just days ago. Including me...

Arthur nods respectfully to his employers. "Your House brings the promise of progress to the people of Eubric. I would die before allowing any harm to befall Lady Ji Pei--and believe me, doing so would be no easy feat. My companions, too, are among the strongest Heroes that Heroica has to offer. If anyone can keep her safe, it is us three." He looks to Jun and Lee Long. "If there is anything else we can help you with while we're in Xu, or anything else you can think of that we should be prepared for, please let us know. Otherwise, I believe we are ready to depart." At his last statement he glances to his companions for confirmation.

[CMP]

Atramor glanced sideways at Jun and nodded.

"She'll make it back mate, don't doubt that. Let's head out."

[Waterbrick Down]

"Aye, let's get a move on then. I ain't one for boat travel, can't imagine air travel's goin' to be any better."

[Sandy]

Arthur nods respectfully to his employers. "Your House brings the promise of progress to the people of Eubric. I would die before allowing any harm to befall Lady Ji Pei--and believe me, doing so would be no easy feat. My companions, too, are among the strongest Heroes that Heroica has to offer. If anyone can keep her safe, it is us three." He looks to Jun and Lee Long. "If there is anything else we can help you with while we're in Xu, or anything else you can think of that we should be prepared for, please let us know. Otherwise, I believe we are ready to depart." At his last statement he glances to his companions for confirmation.

Jun nods to Arthur.

"It is good to know you respect us so, Mr. Regulus. It suffices that you never leave my mother's side."

"Your stay in Xu should be brief if all things go as anticipated, so there is nothing much you can do there. Be safe, and return Shanxian to us. Farewell, then!"

A wagon took the ambassador and the party from the Ji Pei Palace to the Tritech warehouse outside the city. There they boarded the airship Destiny's Bounty together with the inventor Vincent Legonardo and the head engineer Monalisa Gioconda, who both escorted Atramor on his previous two visits to Xu. They swiftly gained altitude and dove into the clouds above Uland.

"I have made some alterations to the ethertech engines, so we will reach Ai Xurong in less than a week. You better hold on to your hats, because we will fly as fast as dragons."

The heroes noticed that Dr. Gioconda was holding a strange contraption in her hands.

"Oh, this? It is the latest innovation of the Tritech Corporation. Have you heard of the card game Decamon yet? It has become immensely popular in Eubric all of a sudden, and I have formed a minor addiction to it myself as well. But the cards are hard to come by, so I built this machine that makes them for you. It is called the Decamodifier. There is a twist to how it work's, though..."

Decamodifier (Transforms an enemy with a quarter or less health left into a Decamon card when used, if there is a corresponding card. The monster will not drop anything if it is modified. Tool.)

"I was hoping I could catch some rare monsters to transform into cards on our journey, just in case we run into some", Dr. Gioconda explained, blushing a little. "Not that I want to put Lady Ji Pei or you gentlemen in any danger!"

"I often wonder if there is any limit to what you two can come up with", Shanxian said to the inventors, smiling.

The heroes now had time to chat with each other or the other passengers.

[Flipz]

Arthur shakes his head in wonderment. "I always find myself amazed at the marvels this House constructs. I've tinkered with making machines myself once or twice in the past, but nothing compared to this, or to that Sentinel Chalvo had some friends and I recover." He looks to Atramor. "What about you, Atramor? You mentioned traveling aboard this vessel before, what sort of wonders did you see on that mission?"

[Waterbrick Down]

Skrall tries to find a seat towards the center of the aircraft away from the sight of the ground far below. He turned to Gioconda "Sail this thing often?"

[Sandy]

Skrall tries to find a seat towards the center of the aircraft away from the sight of the ground far below. He turned to Gioconda "Sail this thing often?"

"Not very often, no. I am the head of engineering at the Tritech Corporation, so I'm usually busy doing research or watching over our staff. However, on important trips such as this, Monsignore Legonardo asks me to accompany him. I learned most of what I know from him, so it is an honor he thinks so highly of me. He even asked me to become the manager of our headquarters in Xu, but I didn't want to leave his side. And Xu.... Well, it is what it is. But things are about to change, you can mark my words."

Shanxian cleared her throat at that moment, and Dr. Gioconda got a bit flustered.

"Oh yes, did you hear already? The Tritech Laboratories in Xu got broken into! The burglars apparently stole some blueprints of our latest models of automata. Me and the monsignore are on our way to learn more about the matter. Who knows what will happen if those blueprints get into the wrong hands..."

[CMP]

Atramor leaned against the mast and watched the Bounty cut through the thick ocean clouds effortlessly. McCafferely clung tightly to his shoulder, but he enjoyed the ride. Despite having spent a good ten years pillaging them, he always felt most at ease sailing. Apparently that extended to sailing through the air as well.

"Seems even faster than before, Mister Legonardo."

He looks to Atramor. "What about you, Atramor? You mentioned traveling aboard this vessel before, what sort of wonders did you see on that mission?"

"We were hittin' a small army of rebels who were occupyin' the caves above this village. Got attacked by rocs on the way. One of them grabbed me and nearly threw me into the sea but I managed to ride it back to the ship," replied Atramor idly. "Then we passed through the village which was owned by a group of panthers and climbed up to the cliffs to kill like thirty guys with a giant lizard, a yeti, and our squad of automatons. Then we destroyed their leaders; a few aoi, a dude with a sword the size of Skrall, and someone who I'm sure was Nyx's long-lost twin sister judgin' by all the explosions. There was also this giant tiger demon and their pet magic dragon, and one of the aoi tried to kill me by throwin' meteors and black holes at me. Then we got outside and prevented another aoi from usin' his airship to strafe the village of panthers."

"If ya' wanna call those wonders."

"Oh yes, did you hear already? The Tritech Laboratories in Xu got broken into! The burglars apparently stole some blueprints of our latest models of automata. Me and the monsignore are on our way to learn more about the matter. Who knows what will happen if those blueprints get into the wrong hands..."

"Damn. I've seen what those machines can do. Ya'd almost have a better chance facin' one of these airships than a squad of those things." Atramor shrugged. "Well, if ya' find out who did it, I'm sure there's a Hall stuffed with heroes ready to go nail the thieves."

The regulator blinked at the strange device Giaconda was holding.

"Decamon, huh? Wonder if it plays like Heroica RPG..."

[Flipz]

"We were hittin' a small army of rebels who were occupyin' the caves above this village. Got attacked by rocs on the way. One of them grabbed me and nearly threw me into the sea but I managed to ride it back to the ship," replied Atramor idly. "Then we passed through the village which was owned by a group of panthers and climbed up to the cliffs to kill like thirty guys with a giant lizard, a yeti, and our squad of automatons. Then we destroyed their leaders; a few aoi, a dude with a sword the size of Skrall, and someone who I'm sure was Nyx's long-lost twin sister judgin' by all the explosions. There was also this giant tiger demon and their pet magic dragon, and one of the aoi tried to kill me by throwin' meteors and black holes at me. Then we got outside and prevented another aoi from usin' his airship to strafe the village of panthers."

"If ya' wanna call those wonders."

Arthur gives Atramor a strange look as he tells his story. "A squad of them? Yikes. Having even one on our side would be rather helpful, I can't imagine how powerful they would be in groups."

"Not very often, no. I am the head of engineering at the Tritech Corporation, so I'm usually busy doing research or watching over our staff. However, on important trips such as this, Monsignore Legonardo asks me to accompany him. I learned most of what I know from him, so it is an honor he thinks so highly of me. He even asked me to become the manager of our headquarters in Xu, but I didn't want to leave his side. And Xu.... Well, it is what it is. But things are about to change, you can mark my words."

Shanxian cleared her throat at that moment, and Dr. Gioconda got a bit flustered.

"Oh yes, did you hear already? The Tritech Laboratories in Xu got broken into! The burglars apparently stole some blueprints of our latest models of automata. Me and the monsignore are on our way to learn more about the matter. Who knows what will happen if those blueprints get into the wrong hands..."

"Damn. I've seen what those machines can do. Ya'd almost have a better chance facin' one of these airships than a squad of those things." Atramor shrugged. "Well, if ya' find out who did it, I'm sure there's a Hall stuffed with heroes ready to go nail the thieves."

"I have to concur, automatons are wonderful tools of progress, but incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands. Have you heard of the late (and thoroughly unlamented) Lord Blackenord, Doctor Gioconda? Besides, recovering a stolen automaton was my first introduction to this House, it would be a pleasure to pick up where I left off."

"If it would not be rude of me to ask, why do you say that the situation in Xu is about to change? Have there been new political developments in the region as of late?"

[Sandy]

"Decamon, huh? Wonder if it plays like Heroica RPG..."

"You haven't heard of it? Well, it is quite simple to play. You just..."

Dr. Gioconda got into a longwinded explanation about the mechanics of Decamon, what type of cards it has and what were her favorite strategies. Atramor couldn't make even half a sense out of her rambling.

"Oh, am I boring you? I have gotten a little too involved in the game, I have to admit... Maybe you should take this Decamodifier from me, so I can better focus on my work."

"I have to concur, automatons are wonderful tools of progress, but incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands. Have you heard of the late (and thoroughly unlamented) Lord Blackenord, Doctor Gioconda? Besides, recovering a stolen automaton was my first introduction to this House, it would be a pleasure to pick up where I left off."

"If it would not be rude of me to ask, why do you say that the situation in Xu is about to change? Have there been new political developments in the region as of late?"

The doctor grew uneasy.

"I did hear about the Dastanese lord and his experiments, yes. It is terrible how our inventions can be twisted and corrupted in such a way... But politics isn't really my forte, you shouldn't be asking me."

[CMP]

"Oh, am I boring you? I have gotten a little too involved in the game, I have to admit... Maybe you should take this Decamodifier from me, so I can better focus on my work."

"Sure thing. Sounds like an easy enough game."

[Waterbrick Down]

"Automatons? Wonderful... So once we touch down, the Leonardo and Gioconda are heading to Tritech and we're sticking with Lady Shanxain, right?"

[Sandy]

"Sure thing. Sounds like an easy enough game."

Dr. Gioconda handed the machine over to Atramor.

"It's yours. I have plenty of them back at the headquarters, but we've made a deal with Old Mack of the Fields of Glory that he will be the main distributor of the Decamodifiers to the heroes of Heroica." The engineer sighed deeply. "Now I can concentrate on what lies ahead."

"Automatons? Wonderful... So once we touch down, the Leonardo and Gioconda are heading to Tritech and we're sticking with Lady Shanxain, right?"

"Yes. Whatever happened at the Tritech labs has already happened, so we will not require your assistance in this case. You just keep Shanxian safe and sound."

Dr. Gioconda's wish about encountering rare enemies was fulfilled as the airship hit a storm front above the Pearl Sea, some distance away from the coast of Kalma. Only when it was too late to turn back, they noticed that a gigantic figure had appeared amidst the rolling clouds.

"By cogs, that is a Cloud Gigas! What a marvelous sight! Unfortunately it's kind preys on flying things, such as us. We have a fight ahead of us. Monalisa, ready the cannon! We'll show what Destiny's Bounty Mark XVII can do!"

"Right away, Monsignore! The cannon can only target one opponent at a time, and the gigas has company, so shout your orders to me so I know what to hit."

PREPARE FOR A BATTLE!

Enemies:

Sylph A

*Wind-elemental attacks*

Type: Electric/Flying

Level: 22

Health: 347/347

Special: Thunderdome – Forms a protective aura of thunder around the allied party for the duration of the next round, causing 22 lightning-elemental damage to any opponent that successfully hits anyone from the allied party.

Drops (varies by roll):

1-2: Topaz (Lightning)

3-4: Ether Core

5-6: nothing

Sylph B

*Wind-elemental attacks*

Type: Electric/Flying

Level: 22

Health: 347/347

Special: Thunderdome – Forms a protective aura of thunder around the allied party for the duration of the next round, causing 22 lightning-elemental damage to any opponent that successfully hits anyone from the allied party.

Drops (varies by roll):

1-2: Topaz (Lightning)

3-4: Ether Core

5-6: nothing

Sylph C

*Wind-elemental attacks*

Type: Electric/Flying

Level: 22

Health: 347/347

Special: Thunderdome – Forms a protective aura of thunder around the allied party for the duration of the next round, causing 22 lightning-elemental damage to any opponent that successfully hits anyone from the allied party.

Drops (varies by roll):

1-2: Topaz (Lightning)

3-4: Ether Core

5-6: nothing

Thunderbird A

*Fights from the back row* *Absorbs lightning*

Type: Flying/Electric

Level: 39

Health: 698/698

Special: Lightning Speed – The Thunderbird causes 39 lightning-elemental damage to the target, and gets an extra Free Hit at the end of the current round, regardless of other effects. If the special is rolled several times in one round, the Thunderbird gets that many Free Hits.

Drops (varies by roll):

1-3: Rudra Bomb (Deals 100 lightning-elemental damage to all opponents when used.)

4-6: Smelling Salts

Thunderbird B

*Fights from the back row* *Absorbs lightning*

Type: Flying/Electric

Level: 39

Health: 698/698

Special: Lightning Speed – The Thunderbird causes 39 lightning-elemental damage to the target, and gets an extra Free Hit at the end of the current round, regardless of other effects. If the special is rolled several times in one round, the Thunderbird gets that many Free Hits.

Drops (varies by roll):

1-3: Rudra Bomb (Deals 100 lightning-elemental damage to all opponents when used.)

4-6: Smelling Salts

Cloud Gigas

*Immune to poisoned, bleeding, blinded, sealed, weakened, petrified, doomed and sudden death*

Type: Flying

Level: 72

Health: 2492/2492

Special: Billowing Clouds – Causes 72 wind-elemental damage and the blinded-effect to all opponents.

Drops: Windwane Rod (WP:15, doubles the power of wind-elemental spells; staff), 2 Sapphires (Wind)

Party:

Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (Flipz)

22 year old male human Dragoon *Party Leader*

Level 33 3/4 *Immune to Blind, Confused, Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* *Ignores Free Hits from Beasts*

Power: 53 (33+20)

Defense: 31 (14+5+1+10+1)

Health: 56/56 (5+32+15+4)

Gold: 944 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham)

Equipment: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Arm Shield (SP:14, shield), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (SP:5, Protects against Fragile and all Poisons; bodywear, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Shadeaux Cape (SP:5, Immune to Blind and Confused, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Fur Leggings (SP:1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

Weapons: Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning-elemental; spear), Dauntlet Index (WP: 10, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Essence])

Artifacts: Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear, suitable for anyone), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; Backwear, suitable for anyone), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), handwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Zap-Tap Badge (Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Lens of Speed Reading (allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action; accessory, suitable for scroll users), Pointy Hat

Spell Items: Opal (Ice), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Blindness, 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 Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Weakening

Consumables: Potion, Grand Potion x10, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Remedy x10, Elixir x3, Hurricane, Jinxy Juice, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, Grating Stone x2, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), Smoke Bomb x5, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Bone x3, Silver Ore x2

Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass

Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie)

32 year old male human Regulator

Level 34.25 *Immune to all elements, poisoned, and doomed* *Negative effects last one round* *Battle Style: Chaotic*

Power: 54 (34+20)

Defense: 26 (4+6+4+12)

Health: 64/64 (7+33+12+6+6*)

Gold: 656

Equipment: Pheles Kris (WP: 20, wielder has a 1/2 chance to generate an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, and darkness-elemental dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Amulet of the Court (Negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory, suitable for anyone), Rat's Hide (SP: 4, backwear, suitable for anyone), Galactic Armor (SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire, earth, wind, ice, light, darkness, and doomed, bodywear, suitable for anyone), Helmet of Azzurat (SP: 4, immune to poison, headwear, suitable for anyone)

Inventory:

- Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, fire- and darkness-elemental, dual strike, daggers), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff A (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging), Healing Staff B (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging)

- Bracers of Insatiable Avarice (Power +2; user gains 25 Gold for every enemy he kills, handwear, suitable for hunters, berserkers, battle mages, beast warriors, dragoons, marauders, regulators, and skirmishers), Sylvania's Cowl (Grants Animal Talk, headwear, suitable for anyone)

- Scroll of Arc Frailty (50/50 chance to inflict the fragile-effect to all enemies for ether equal to the number of enemies), Scroll of Fire Armor (50/50 chance to conjure a layer of fiery armor over the target, giving them a 50/50 chance to deal the burned by 10-effect when hit by Damage or Special Damage at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Ice Armor (50/50 chance to conjure a layer of ice armor over the target, giving them a 50/50 chance to deal the stunned-effect when hit by Damage or Special Damage at the cost of 5 ether)

- 3 Grand Potions, Phoenix Essence, Health Core, Nostrum, Jinxy Juice (Deals the jinxed-effect to the target), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, 3 Bones, Grating Stone

- Flint and Steel (Handy for starting fires), Pickaxe, Shovel, Rope, Decamodifier (Transforms an enemy with a quarter or less health left into a Decamon card when used, if there is a corresponding card. The monster will not drop anything if it is modified. Tool.)

Skrall (Waterbrick Down)

81 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 36 *Natural Respite* *Favors Demons and Humanoid enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, and Confused* *Gains Triple experience* *Encouraged*

Power: 50 (36+12+2)

Defense: 8 (3+5)

Health: 50/50 (6+35+6+3)

Gold: 138

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), Oversized Greatsword (WP: 16 - Double damage on targets that are clearly smaller than the hero, greatsword), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"; accessory), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy (example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold)), Potion, 1 Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, 5 Phoenix Incenses, 7 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 4 Remedy, 2 Smelling Salts, 6 Venoms, 1 Deadly Venoms, 8 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Minimizing Dust, 4 Bone, Blind Fury, Wolfgang Insignia, Black Goo

Tritech Cannon (Machine, controlled by Flipz)

Condition: 3/3

Power: 300

Element: None

Note: The Cannon is ranged and can be used to shoot at one enemy once per round. It is immune to all effects and cannot absorb Free Hits, but can be hit with one. If the Cannon gets hit by a Free Hit or an Area-of-Effect attack (including Sylph's Thunderdome), it will lose 1 condition, which cannot be restored. If it's condition drops to zero, the cannon becomes inoperable.

[Flipz]

Miirym shrieks and dives beneath Arthur's cloak at the sight of the foes, but she soon crawls up the back and jumps over to his shield. <What are we going to do?>

"We're going to do what we do best--protect."

"Atramor, could you use those tiger claws to dual-strike Sylphs A and B with your Free Hit? That way, the cannon should be able to take out A this Round and B the next. If we get rid of even one, neither Skrall nor the cannon will need to take a Free Hit, while both of us can easily tank a Free Hit from the sylphs."

Raising his Spider Leg skyward, he jabs it viciously at the Cloud Gigas from the Back Row.

Battle Order

Atramor Free Hit

Atramor

Arthur

Skrall

Cannon