Heroica RPG - Quest #53: Chaos in Eubric

[The Legonater]

Thothwick... I swear one more time...

I rise in pain

So I take it that went badly. I was hoping to get a couple more assassination, in truth. No one revived me? Ah, well, what can you do.

So where are we off to now? What's happened?

[Pandora]

"Atramor, don't waste your Ether on me, I have..."

Nyx trails off, knowing he wasn't in the mood to listen. She picks up Poletad, warming him slightly with her hands, the crispness of the ice magic still melting away.

She tries to wrap her head around what just happened, and fails to keep her emotions fully in check. Why had her heart leapt when she saw him? And Sphinx.. he'd melted the ice on Poletad. Sphinx had behaved oddly before, not like the typical bad guys that just needed a good incineration, so... XX and Sphinx together, being... helpful, and abducting Zee as a hostage to exchange.. with whom? Who the hell would want Zee? And who did they intend to get in return for Zee? From Sphinx's words, it really didn't sound like they were working with Wren, but was that just because she didn't want to believe that XX was her enemy once more?

She sighs, feeling slightly bruised although deliciously and toasty warm, and has this strange feeling in her chest, reaching up to her throat. She's not even sure whether it's unpleasant or not.

"We should regroup with the others, I guess. Is the gate closed? Do we need to do anything else here?"

[Professor Flitwick]

Thothwick... I swear one more time...

Thothwick raised one eyebrow, unimpressed with the angst portrayed by the youth, particularly at this moment in time.

"Go on. Finish your threat. I'd so adore hearing what punishment awaits me for stopping a plan you so skilfully devised, and so skilfully neglected to share with the rest of us."

"Atramor, don't waste your Ether on me, I have..."

"Yes, say it for later..." Thothwick used his Banana Sabre's healing effect upon himself.

Edited January 14, 2013 by Professor Flitwick

[CMP]

I don't think you can use the Banana Sabre to heal outside of combat, like the Healing Staff. And Nyx doesn't regain all her health anyway.

Atramor healed both Nyx and Thothwick despite their resistance. Perhaps he owed them for having ravaged their resources on a fruitless battle. Maybe if Nyx had been revived earlier? Maybe if he hadn't used his Dragon Scale until later...the fight was over, yet his mind continued to run through various scenarios of it. He looked up at Nyx's last words, and frowned slightly.

"...They can't be closed, Graybeard or whoever mentioned that, but..."

He looked around, at the small shrine.

"......Do ya' think she even managed to open this one? I dunno what an opened Chaos Spire's s'post to look like, but I'd expect a swirlin' vortex of bloody fire and demons crawlin' all over the place."

[The Legonater]

Thothwick raised one eyebrow, unimpressed with the angst portrayed by the youth, particularly at this moment in time.

"Go on. Finish your threat. I'd so adore hearing what punishment awaits me for stopping a plan you so skilfully devised, and so skilfully neglected to share with the rest of us."

I wouldn't have needed to share anything if you hadn't run ahead! Besides, do you honestly expect to go over a plan right in front of the enemy? We didn't have time for that sort of thing! If we did, I would certainly have made use of it, instead of watching you getting us killed! And that's not an overstatement - if it wasn't for whatever stroke of luck happened while I was unconscious, we would have all died. Frankly, I believe I have reason to be upset. Now, I'm sorry if I'm the new kid on the block, but where I come from, we have rules. Because in my country, we have two kind of fools; the cowards who run, and those who run ahead and get themselves killed. Both are beheaded one way or another. I'd prefer that our whole company get out of this particular war alive, but to get to that point, we need to stick together, and we don't keep crazy secrets if we can, like whatever was going on between you and that crazy Zee person. Now, I'm going to do my best to ignore this particular debacle, but please, please don't make a habit of it.

[Professor Flitwick]

After being healed, Thothwick nodded in restrained politeness.

"I can't fathom if it's working or not. Though, I'd wager, Chaos Beasts would be rampant around these parts if she had..."

"Cooperation and politeness to a Witch? Still, now was not the time for hostilit- oh for Orang Pendek's sake!"

I wouldn't have needed to share anything if you hadn't run ahead! Besides, do you honestly expect to go over a plan right in front of the enemy? We didn't have time for that sort of thing! If we did, I would certainly have made use of it, instead of watching you getting us killed! And that's not an overstatement - if it wasn't for whatever stroke of luck happened while I was unconscious, we would have all died.

"I know it's old fashioned, but on the Quests I've been on, it's customary - and a common courtesy - to whisper our plans to one another. But of course, after I committed the heinous crime of being recognised by a reanimated, Zoot worshipping cadaver, t'was all for naught."

Now, I'm sorry if I'm the new kid on the block, but where I come from, we have rules. Because in my country, we have two kind of fools; the cowards who run, and those who run ahead and get themselves killed. Both are beheaded one way or another.

"Pardon? Widely-unregulated plans frequent your motherland so often that your people have conducted rules of conduct for when they occur?"

I'd prefer that our whole company get out of this particular war alive, but to get to that point, we need to stick together, and we don't keep crazy secrets if we can, like whatever was going on between you and that crazy Zee person. Now, I'm going to do my best to ignore this particular debacle, but please, please don't make a habit of it.

"It's good to know you plan to ignore this event which you've mentioned (coupled with numerous, half-finished threats) several times before and after your foray into unconsciousness."

[Zepher]

OoC: Fixed, CM! I read the conditional as a real action, and just assumed he was hastened.

Hovels Battle Round Ten

>Alexis v. Master B - Critical Hit Critical Hit (([13*2]+26)*2*2*2=416 KO)

>Alexis v. Apprentice B - Hit Shield

Felton v. Magician - Special Damage

Felton v. Magician - Hit (([10*2]+16)*2*2=144 KO)

McColt encourages Gnash - Success (1)

Gnash v. Apprentice B - Critical Hit (([6*2]+14)*2=52 KO)

Cronk v. Apprentice C - Shield

Cronk v. Apprentice C - Hit (39*2*2=156 KO)

Burned: Apprentice D (-3)

The heroes cut down the last few of their opponents. One of the Apprentices stands strong. As the Magician begins to fall, he rushes to her.

The Hovels Party

Cronk

Level 27 1/3 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* *Encouraged*

Power

: 39

Defense

: 16

Health

: 34/45

Ether

: 5/28

Gold

: 8

Equipment

: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level)

Inventory

: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 4 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Scroll of Frailty, Bennetton's Seal, Remedy

Alexis Fenral

Level 26 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile, and Blinded* *Encouraged*

Power

: 39

Defense

: 3

Health

: 42/42

Ether

: 15/30

Gold

: 75

Equipment

: Mockthril Longbow (WP:13, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.)

Inventory

: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Tonic, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Scroll of Weakening, 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 Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Ether Core, Fifty Shades of Bley, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened)

Spirits

: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy(Ruby), Sadie (Diamond)

Phil (Victor)

Level 20 2/3 Dragon Knight *Immune to Fire, Air and Earth Elemental Attacks* *Natural Respite* *KO*

Power

: 35

Health

: 0/38

Defense

: 2

Gold

: 50

Equipment

: Hammer of Dastan (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Helmet of Dastan (SP: 2)

Inventory

: Meads (x2), Dragon Scale

Felton

Level 16 Chaos Regulator *Chaotic* *Encouraged* *Hastened*

Power

: 26

Health

: 28/28

Gold

: 56

Equipment

: Rapier (WP: 10)

Inventory

:

Gnash

Level 14 City Watch Guard

Power

: 22

Health

: 18/28

Defense

: 1

Gold

: 17

Equipment

: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1)

McColt

(NPC - Takes Orders from PL)

Every turn has a 50/50 chance of giving target any of the following effects: Encouraged, Hastened. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of Inspiring target.

The Hovels Enemies

Apprentice to the Court of Demons D

Level 22 Dark Humanoid *Burned* *Asleep (1 Rounds)*

Health: 118/156

Ether: 2/3

Special: Ether Drainer – Drains 3 ether from target. Costs 1 ether.

Passive Special: Lust - This Apprentice wants to prove himself. When doing damage to heroes that are of higher level then him, he will defy SP.

Drops: 4 Gold

OoC: I'm calling this battle for you guys.

The Magician leans on the Apprentice.

"Are you okay, Ma'm?"

"Very well. Cronk, Alexis, Gnash, McColt, Felton, dear Felton, downed and fiery Victor. You all fought valiantly. I'll see you when I see you. Cronk, remind Zane that he still owes me one more favor. He's paid Zee and Mephisto, but his chief debt is to me. Tell him too I knew he'd betray us."

"Ma'm, should we pick up Zander?"

"The Prince of Power is dying, shortly dead. Leave him to the heroes to do with as they see fit. It's always intriguing to see what they do. Wren knows that well as anyone. Now, I need your force."

The apprentice gasps for just a second before falling dead. The Magician straightens up, no longer bleeding. She stares at the heroes with a mix of admiration, mourning and fear, and then there is a puff of smoke and she is gone. The Hovels are littered with corpses, and Zander still breaths, though just barely.

Loot

x4 Lightning Bombs

x2 Topaz

x2 Health Cores

16 Gold

"Gray, we need to start getting to the bottom of this. Apparently you have a brother and somehow he is mixed up in all of this. Now there are other gates under attack probably at this time, so we need to get back out there, so if you've got something useful to say please do."

"Orc, I don't know what madness you are under currently but if you have info for the Gray Wizard as you said you did, get to the point."

"My information is the location of his brother. You'll need me to lead you there. I told you why you need me, and why you need me alive. You need to get to the temple. The people in the city right now who know the location of an open entrance are Mephisto and Zee. To get to them, you need to know where Mephisto is hiding, and to know that, you need to talk to the person- sorry, being, who smashed a few souls together and made Mephisto. And to get to that person, you need me. We're just waiting for your friends to show up."

"You know, Zane, you'll still hang. And how is it that you don't know the location of the Court you are a Jester to?"

"Mephisto has never trusted me. Besides, I'm just a court fool. The Court is all over, but the meeting ground- how much do you know of us?" Zane suddenly eyes them all wickedly. "You don't know anything about us, do you? You don't know where we've come from, who we were before. You never even asked. This shall be fun." Zane redirects his gaze onto Bennetton. "As for hanging, I guess we'll just have to see. The Magician has said some things about you and hanging, but maybe not the way you'd expect. You'd be afraid of what she said, but you don't even know where she came from."

Johnny finally clears his throat, after remaining silent for so long.

"I know ya. Or maybe once I did."

"Ah, Johnny Everyman. Perhaps once you did."

[Waterbrick Down]

"Magician, magician, I keep hearin' about some king and a queen, but what's her role in all of this?"

[Masked Builder]

Alexis smiles as the last of their enemies flee. "Ah, that's how we do it. Well Cronk, what do we do with this fellow?" She pokes Zander with her foot.

OOC: Do we not get the 200 gold the Magician had? And you forgot to level us.

[Zepher]

No, the Magician fled, didn't get to loot her. And yes, I know you didn't level up, because the battle wasn't technically won at that point. You will when you all gather back together.

[The Legonater]

"I know it's old fashioned, but on the Quests I've been on, it's customary - and a common courtesy - to whisper our plans to one another. But of course, after I committed the heinous crime of being recognised by a reanimated, Zoot worshipping cadaver, t'was all for naught."

Rone groans quietly in frustration - this Thothwick just couldn't leave anything alone, could he? Need I state this again? I would have if we had the time. And though I do not blame you for being recognized, I am most certainly curious as to how exactly you knew this person.

"Pardon? Widely-unregulated plans frequent your motherland so often that your people have conducted rules of conduct for when they occur?"

You misunderstand me. I was not referring to my planning, but to your own foolishness in jumping to battle. As I have said, negotiations can be made with anyone, even an enemy.

"It's good to know you plan to ignore this event which you've mentioned (coupled with numerous, half-finished threats) several times before and after your foray into unconsciousness."

So are you going to keep arguing about it, or let it be? My frustration had been made clear, yes, which is precisely which I would wish to move on - we are here to stop chaos, and this argument is only spurring it on. So again, can we move on?

[CMP]

Atramor grumbled discontently at Dyric and Thothwick's arguing.

"I agree with Rone, let's just head back to the barracks....there's nothin' left to be done here. The zealot and her worthless minions probably aren't comin' back."

He turned for McCafferey to return once more to his shoulder, but she remained resolute on top of the the tombstone she'd been perched on. He frowned as she began to 'speak' silently to him.

'You cannot say you are not the slightest bit impressed at what a single being was able to accomplish using necromancy.'

''Course I can. Dredgin' up bodies to fight your battles is, well-'

'Dishonorable? Disrespectful? Perhaps merely cunning, or astute to avoid harm itself? You're more suited to conjure the dead than either of us may realize.'

'...Ya' know, if you're gonna try to force me down a road I don't give a damn for, maybe ya' should try convincin' yourself I should go down it first.'

'If you believe that, you miss the point of fate.'

'I do,' he replied stubbornly, snatching the chicken off the tombstone and stuffing her back on his shoulder. What in the world was the point of being able to think if some omnipotent force was really guiding you? It was the line of thought he'd remained with throughout his entire life. If there were really gods and demons out there, manipulating and goading their followers, then what was the point of being mortal and having a mind at all?

"Gods belong in people's beliefs. Not in Olegaia, and sure as hell not in Eubric..." muttered Atramor to himself, turning and heading back towards the barracks.

Edited January 15, 2013 by CallMePie

[Flipz]

Arthur, who had been pacing behind Benneton's desk, suddenly turns and slams both of his palms upon its surface, a stern glare upon his face. "We haven't asked, huh?" He straightens, leans back, and puts his hands upon his hips while grinning widely. "Well, then, why don't you enlighten us? Zane. Jester to the Court of Demons..." Arthur points dramatically

. "Who exactly are you?!"

[CorneliusMurdock]

Alexis smiles as the last of their enemies flee. "Ah, that's how we do it. Well Cronk, what do we do with this fellow?" She pokes Zander with her foot.

If Zander still breathes, it might be a good idea to take foe back to barracks for interrogation.

No, the Magician fled, didn't get to loot her. And yes, I know you didn't level up, because the battle wasn't technically won at that point. You will when you all gather back together.

I cry foul! Foul, I say! We kicked butt, we got loot and experience. Thems the rules.

Here, Alexis. Take a topaz, Health Core, 2 lightning bombs and 8 gold. Cronk will do the same.

Phil? Cronk is very angry. How are friends supposed to defeat Wren if Phil does not follow plan? Cronk depended on Phil. Rest of party depended on Phil. And Phil let pride get in way. Phil is lucky that friends still make it out alive. Friends very easily might not have.

Cronk does not care if Phil is Emperor in Dastan. Eubric is not Dastan. If Phil cannot put pride aside for sake of party, then Phil might as well go back to empire because Phil is of no use here.

[Zepher]

The cemetery party makes its way back towards the barracks.

Meanwhile, Cronk chastises Victor. The Dastanian Emperor opens his mouth to bellow back but catches himself and bites his lip thoughtfully, staring harshly but thoughtfully into Cronk's eyes. He finally bobs his head.

"You are right of course, my old comrade. My people sometimes- often even- mistake foolishness for bravery. These people, Wren's people, have hurt many around Olegia, and they have spilled blood on my land, and led to the death of a number of my friends. U'Stus and Constance... perhaps you do not know them. But their deaths clogged my thoughts. No longer. Thank you for your advice."

Phil still grates his teeth, but he helps Cronk lift Zander and offers to carry him back himself.

At the Barracks, Zane grins widely at Arthur.

"I am Zane! I am the Orc who could doom you all or save you all, depending on how it plays out. You make the mistake that many make when fighting foes. You assume we're unified. Look for the cracks. I was once a philosopher- hard to believe, I know, but I had a simple philosophy that brought me far. If you know what others want, and make them believe to achieve that, you must get what you want, then the world is your oyster. It is even better if its true, for them to get what they want they must play your game. I am a Jester because I laugh at the world and it's foolishness."

"As for the Magician, Skrall- she, like all of us, has a different goal. Zander wants to kill, Zee wants Zoot to rise- did before and even moreso now- Mephisto once wanted power but that Mephisto is gone now, consumed... and the Magician--"

The other parties walk in, carrying the near dead Zander. Zane's eyes widen a little when he sees the dying Prince.

"You kept him alive? That's unexpected."

"Who is this?"

"Zane?! Howdy there." Blood splutters out of Zander's mouth. "The fool lived. Shocking. Mephisto and Zee sent us to die, don't you think?"

"Inadvertently, perhaps. Now, Gray Wizard, heroes, would you like to meet the Master of Regret? I can lead you there." Zane seems a little rushed now. Night has fallen outside.

The Party

Skrall

80 year old Male Ogre Hunter

Level 23 *Secondary Party Leader* *Favors Humanoid and Demon Enemies* *Immunity to Fragile* *Natural Respite*

Power

: 36

Defense

: 8

Health

: 37/37

Gold

: 16

Equipment

: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:11, +4 vs. Beasts), 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 effect, body wear)

Inventory

: Smoke Bomb, Zoot's Plaything, 2x Mead, Grand Potion, Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), Potion, Minimizing Dust

Haldor Skovgaard

Level 23 1/3 Shaman. *Immune to Weakened, Fragile and Blinded* *Natural Respite*

Power

: 39

Defense

: 7

Health

: 40/40

Ether

: 29/29

Gold

: 45

Equipment

: Zoot er Isen (WP:14, Ice and Light Elemental) Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether, Blinded Immunity), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity), Heavy Armour (SP:+5, Fragile Immunity).

Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12, Water Elemental), Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Shovel, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Scroll of Sealing, Health Core, Potion (x3), Grand Potion, Remedy (x2), Mead , Nostrum (x2), Smelling Salts (x2), Soma (x2), Venom, Mulled Wine, Phoenix Essence

Hoke Ablesword

Level 20 Mystic Knight

Power

: 34

Defense

: 9

Health

: 38/38

Ether

: 3/20

Gold

: 19

Equipment

: Vintul (Great sword: WP 14), Steel Buckler (Shield: SP 7), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear)

Inventory

: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), 2x Tonic, Grating Stone

Arthur Justus Regulus VII

Level 20 Sorcerer, *Immune to Sealed*

Power

: 32

Health

: 7/30

Ether

: 20/30

Defense

: 3

Gold

: 276

Equipment

: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Jester's Hat (Gains one immunity from targeted enemy)

Inventory

: Equipment: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging)

Gems

: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth)

Tools

: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass

Consumables

: Ether Core, Remedy (x3), 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), Nostrum (x4)

Nyx

Level 23 2/3 Battle Mage *Secondary Party Leader* *Immune to Asleep, Fast Asleep and Sealed effects* *Natural Respite*

Power

: 36

Defense

: 3

Health

: 32/32

Ether

: 30/33

Gold

: 48

Equipment

: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects), High Heels (+1 Power)

Inventory

: Dawnstar II (WP: 9), The Fishstick (WP:7 Double damage while on ships), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones, Bomb XX, Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Remedy, Shiny Helmet (+1 max health)

Atramor Gibbin

Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned*

Power

: 33

Health

: 44/44

Ether

: 3/21

Gold

: 41

Equipment

: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin)

Inventory

: Explosive Staff – WP: 12 (Does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect)Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe, Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory), Grating Stone

Thothwick

Level 20 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned*

Power

: 32 (28 Ranged)

Defence

: 10

Health

: 35/35

Gold

: 215

Equipment

: Banana Sabre (WP: 12, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only)Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead)

Inventory

: Shuriken (WP 8) 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 1 Bone, Sabre (WP 10)

Dyric Rone

Level 17 1/2 Assassin *Immune to Water Elemental*

Power

: 26

Health

: 28/28

Gold

: 1799

Equipment

: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory)

Inventory

: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Longsword (WP: 3), , Aquamarine (Water), 3 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2 Mythril Shards (2/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Winged Sandals, Phoenix Essence

Sir Earl Poletad

Level 17 Frog Paladin

Power

: 17

Health

: 0/17

Ether

: 17/17

Cronk

Level 27 2/3 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking*

Power

: 39

Defense

: 16

Health

: 34/45

Ether

: 5/28

Gold

: 16

Equipment

: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level)

Inventory

: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 4 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Phoenix Essence, 2 Remedies, Scroll of Frailty, Bennetton's Seal, Topaz, Health Core, 2 Lightning Bombs

Alexis Fenral

Level 26 1/3 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile*

Power

: 39

Defense

: 3

Health

: 42/42

Ether

: 15/30

Gold

: 83

Equipment

: Mockthril Longbow (WP:13, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.)

Inventory

: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Opal (Ice), 2 Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Tonic, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Scroll of Weakening, 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 Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Ether Core, Fifty Shades of Bley, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened), Health Core, 2 Lightning Bomb

Spirits

: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy(Ruby), Sadie (Diamond)

Phil (Victor)

Level 20 2/3 Dragon Knight *Immune to Fire, Air and Earth Elemental Attacks* *Natural Respite*

Power

: 35

Health

: 0/38

Defense

: 2

Gold

: 50

Equipment

: Hammer of Dastan (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Helmet of Dastan (SP: 2)

Inventory

: Meads (x2), Dragon Scale

Felton

Level 16 1/2 Chaos Regulator *Chaotic*

Power

: 26

Health

: 28/28

Gold

: 56

Equipment

: Rapier (WP: 10)

Inventory

:

Gnash

Level 14 1/2 City Watch Guard

Power

: 22

Health

: 18/28

Defense

: 1

Gold

: 17

Equipment

: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1)

McColt

(NPC - Takes Orders from PL)

Every turn has a 50/50 chance of giving target any of the following effects: Encouraged, Hastened. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of Inspiring target.

[Flipz]

"Hmm...and what cracks do you see in us, I wonder...?" Just then, Cronk and the others came in.

"Alexis! Are you alright? What happened?? Someone figure out how to heal that...person?...before he dies, every resource we can get helps--whether as ally or bargaining chip, we're better off with him alive than dead."

As he looks around at the party, he frowns. "Something is just not right here, I can't shake the feeling. Vipera, am I crazy, or do you sense it too? A feeling...like we've strayed from our mission somehow." Arthur glances worriedly at Alexis, as if afraid Wren would burst through the wall and abduct her or some other such nonsense.

[CorneliusMurdock]

Cronk is sorry for being so harsh, Phil. Cronk knows that Phil wants to help defeat Wren. Cronk just wants Phil to understand that, while it would be nice to avenge friends that Wren has destroyed, employing sound strategy can prevent the loss of more friends.

Cronk was hoping there would be time for quick rest before setting out again. Haldor, can healer with most ether patch up wounded? Party need to be at full health for what lies ahead.

Does Cronk understand this correctly? Orc in funny hat can take friends to a being that can find the way into the temple?

[Flipz]

"What do you mean, Cronk? What happened at the Hovels?" Arthur looks back and forth between Cronk and Alexis.

[Scorpiox]

Haldor blinked at the new developments.

"Right you are Cronk, I'll help all you battered souls before you drop dead on us. How fared you conflicts, friends? Judging by this bleeding demonic prince all strewn accross the floor, I'd say you carried some success. This Zane weasled his way into being spared on account of showing us something of interest, so we had better soon be off to face this thing."

The nord held back to heal the entire party and repair Zander at the cost of how many ether that costs.

"Lead on, Zane."

[Masked Builder]

"Alexis! Are you alright? What happened?? Someone figure out how to heal that...person?...before he dies, every resource we can get helps--whether as ally or bargaining chip, we're better off with him alive than dead."

As he looks around at the party, he frowns. "Something is just not right here, I can't shake the feeling. Vipera, am I crazy, or do you sense it too? A feeling...like we've strayed from our mission somehow." Arthur glances worriedly at Alexis, as if afraid Wren would burst through the wall and abduct her or some other such nonsense.

"Oh yes we're fine now. We had," Alexis pauses as she searches for the right word, "Some complications fighting off the horde lead by Zander here. But we got through them in the end."

She glances to the orc in the hat.

"What's with this guy?"

[UsernameMDM]

Hoke watched the exchange between Zane and Zander and listen to what happened with the other parties. He did not trust Zane, but could not think of another option. He did not trust the Gray wizard either.

"What say you about the Gray wizard," Hoke whispered to Vipera. "Surely he would have revealed his brother to expedite our quest. Also, have you any connection with this dragon Zane speaks of? It looks like we may be off again soon. If I could kindly have your blessing once more, I would be grateful indeed."

[CMP]

Atramor glanced between Zane and Zander when he entered, listened in their exchange, and chuckled dryly as he turned to the Gray Wizard

"These are the people you want us to ally with?"

[Flipz]

"This is Zane. He said he had information that the Gray Wizard would want, so we spared his life. If we don't like his results, we can always just beat the stuffing out of him later." Arthur's stomach continues to do somersaults, and he appears inexplicably ill. Why were these beings troubling him so? Arthur leans against the wall, closing his eyes tightly and clenching his fists as both Zander and Zane happen to glace at him in the same moment. The Sorcerer wavers light-headedly.

[Pandora]

Nyx slinks into the room, with much on her mind. She makes her way over to Cronk, to relay some information.

"So in the cemetery there was a skellie woman called Zee who wanted to raise Zoot to swallow the whole of creation, but unfortunately she and her ridiculously large undead army bested us. The odd thing is though, that Sphinx and XX appeared at the end and captured her to use as a hostage, apparently for an exchange. I've no idea with whom, or for whom, though. Anyway, it was a rubbish fight and I'm sorry we couldn't win it. I can only assume the gate is still closed somehow, though."

She wanders off, in a reflective mood and leans in the shadows against the wall, waiting and listening.

[Zepher]

Cronk is sorry for being so harsh, Phil. Cronk knows that Phil wants to help defeat Wren. Cronk just wants Phil to understand that, while it would be nice to avenge friends that Wren has destroyed, employing sound strategy can prevent the loss of more friends.

Does Cronk understand this correctly? Orc in funny hat can take friends to a being that can find the way into the temple?

"As I said, no harm done, Cronk. An honest man speaks with an honest mouth, and we need a clear thinker in times like there."

"Well, you've gone and simplified it, but more or less, yes. I'll take you to The Master of the Night, and he'll tell you where to find Mephisto, and Mephisto can tell you an open entrance to the Temple, if you can convince him to."

The nord held back to heal the entire party and repair Zander at the cost of how many ether that costs.

OoC: Poletad should have already been healed, my mistake.

Haldor expends five ether to heal Zander, Gnash, Phil, Cronk and Arthur.

"What say you about the Gray wizard," Hoke whispered to Vipera. "Surely he would have revealed his brother to expedite our quest. Also, have you any connection with this dragon Zane speaks of? It looks like we may be off again soon. If I could kindly have your blessing once more, I would be grateful indeed."

<I have not said anything about the Gray Wizard because we have been very busy. Felton does not trust him, but Felton no longer trusts anyone. I cannot say that Felton is misguided, however, in this. The Gray Wizard is secretive, and his presence in the Spirit Pools are larger than anyone else I have ever met. He reads like a Prophet, but he is not one. Ella is the only person I have ever felt that is close to him, and the Chimera too. And Dragons, to an extent. I feel even now he is masking himself in the Spirit Pools. That is a feat. As for the Dragon, I have tried to speak to her, but there is so much noise, it is hard. Perhaps if we venture below the ground. I will gladly bless you, but bear in mind I only have so much magic in me. Even dragons grow weary. I may bless you twice more before I will need to rest. Dragons rest differently than your kind, and I will rest for a long time when this is over. Tell me if you would like to be blessed still.>

"These are the people you want us to ally with?"

Zane is the one to answer.

"Chaos acquaints a man with strange bedfellows." He shrugs. "We all work with those we don't like if our goals are similar enough."

"I can only assume the gate is still closed somehow, though."

<I am afraid not, Lady Nyx. That gate is open. Whatever comes will be better defended due to it. Zee failed, but Sphinx opened it just the same. I can sense him. He is not the same as he once was, but I can still feel him.>

"Are we ready to go? Who will come to meet the King of the Past with me? Gray, you must."

"I will come alone with the heroes. There is no need to bring anyone else into it. Perhaps Vipera should come as well."

"For protection? Do you fear your brother, Gray Wizard?"

"No more than he does me."

<I will come. I must see what monsters are in the world.>

"I am coming too."

"No."

"Yes. I am tired of your secrecy, Gray Wizard. I have fought Wren at every turn. I started in a small village, but I have expanded my mind and grown to know the world. I understand Chaos and Order as I never did before. I will see what you have to show me, and that is the end of it. I play with a full deck of cards. If there are more players, I must know them."

"You are exactly the prey that he would love to feast on. He is the Master of Regret."

"I regret much, but he will not master it. My regrets have made me the person I am now. They have made me stronger. A smart man learns from his mistakes."

The Gray Wizard looks at Felton long and hard, and finally nods. "The rest of you will remain here. Be prepared to act."

Zane points at Zander, no longer dying, but still weak. "He's coming with us too. Trust me, you don't want him here. Someone carry him."

Felton lifts Zander and the heroes set out into the dark night, following Zane.

[iNTERLUDE - EUBRIC]

In the Temple of Ennoc, in the Paladin Order's complex in Northern Eubric, a meeting was taking place. The High Counsel of the Order under the leadership of High Priestess Alisameth had just gathered in a room deep inside the headquarters to discuss pressing matters.

"Welcome, I'm pleased that we managed to be here everyone today, even you Lord Kapriel."

"It's because of the serious situation you mentioned, High Priestess. Otherwise I would rather be back with the 1st battalion of Light and Justice, we are currently stationed at Newharbour, preparing an expedition to the western part of the High Kingdoms. There are reports of some vile creatures terrorizing the new settlements there and also rumors of raiding bands of greenskins."

"I was hoping I could get some reinforcements to my battalion soon. The discontent brewing here in the city is troubling and I fear my unexperienced soldiers will not be of much help if things get violent."

"Let's hope it will not come to that Sir Pellmar. In any case, your 4th battalion should be able to protect our own buildings from the mob, and we could shelter some of our civil followers in the Temple. Sir Jons, is it possible for the 2nd battalion to assist in these matters?"

"Maybe, High Priestess. It depends on how fast we can muster the troops. They are spread out over all of Uland at the moment and the discipline has really declined since the murder of Sir Mandric. He was idolized by the soldiers and his death caused a state of anarchy in the battalion. I don't feel I have the support of more than a handful of the officers at the moment."

"My lady, the 3rd battalion is ready to serve! Our sailors will fight just as good on land as on the sea. I can give the order right away and the ships will gather in a week, some much sooner."

"Haha, you are an eager one, my young apprentice! But I don't think your ships will come to a better use in Eubric, it's more important to protect our trade routes and communication lines. We can't afford to get cut off in a situation like this. You just make sure those transports get where they should."

"You're right, Lord Kapriel, let's not panic and give up all our hard work at the first sight of problem. But it's never wrong to be careful. Do you have anything to say about the situation, Lady Luthia?"

"It is a serious problem, no doubt. I've been letting my clerics put up a stock of potions and tonics in case of a worst case scenario. My problem is that we are so few here in the city, we wouldn't be able to heal more then a fraction of the wounded if it came down to a fight. Maybe we could send for some novices from the convents on the countryside?"

"No, most of those novices are still children and it would be very irresponsible to bring them here with all the distress and disorder. I think we will have to rely on what we have. With the help of the Righteous Light we will make it."

The meeting continued with discussing of more standard issues of maintenance of the battalions, financial reports from the estates and disciplinary verdicts.

in the evening after the meeting Alisameth walked through the corridors back to her room in the Paladin Order's complex. Her room were located in the northern part, close to the city wall, with a view over the fields that stretched all the way to the horizon. The High Priestess stopped and went out on the balcony just outside her door. The sky was dark and cloudy, no twinkling stars and the moon could not be seen. From the north she could see more clouds building up and a chilly wind with the faintest smell of smoke brushed her face and then disappeared.

"Dark times are coming, the signs are unambiguous. The darkness will blind the people, they will not see the strings that controls them and they will not see the consequences of their actions. They will not be able to distinguish right from wrong and chaos will rule. Dark times are coming and we will have a need of guidance. A Light in the dark to show us the right path, a Light that reveals the power behind its shades. The power of chaos needs darkness to grow, in the Light it will wither and die since its illusions will be clear. Dark times are coming, and chaos is growing. Never have we needed a Light more then now.

Ennoc, God of Justice, hear my plea and use your divinity to spread the Light over the world. Every soul with a Light in its heart is a beacon in the chaotic darkness where the blind and frightened people can gather. Give us the power of the Light to see through the chaos and see it for what it really is, and the power to resist it. The Light that reveals everything will shine forever."

The High Priestess retired back to her room with a still troubled mind. No doubt the God of Light and Justice would do what it could, but finally the outcome of this would all come down to a few mortal beings and weather or not they could see through the chaos or not.

[iNTERLUDE - CONCLUDED]