Asphalt

It would seem that you, Kelim the Cruel, have received the confidence of the majority of your fellows. You shall be the Voice of your party before the Caliph. I caution you to not speak out of turn. As the Magus speaks the bells continue to chime, nearing the end of Full Night. "It is time we leave. " The magus steps forward and cracks the base of his staff against the cobbles. The crystal sphere atop it begins to glow with a clear our light. It casts a perfect ring of light with the mage at its center. Oddly, even though the staff is emitting such bright light, nothing the light touches casts a shadow, nor is the ring broken where the light is blocked by man or object. "All of you, please step forward into the ring." What will the party do? THE PARTY Kelim the Cruel (played by Mencot) *Party Leader* Age 35, male human Level 5 Barbarian Power: 10 (5+5) Power Bonus: 0 Health: 12/12 SP: 0 Gold: 12 Equipment: Dwarven Orichalcum one handed battleaxe (WP: 5), wolf fur coat(Prop) Inventory: Consumables: Mead, x4 Potion, Grand Potion, Smoke Bom Artefacts: Order Imperial Longsword (WP: 5),Heroic Helm (Headwear, SP:2, Helm's SP doubles on free hits),Really Hard Helmet (SP: 2, Immunity to Rock) Misc: Shovel Calamity (played by Scubacarrot) 24 year old human Mage Level 1 Power: 4 (1 + 3) Health: 5/5 (5) Ether: 5/5 (5) Gold: 10 Equipment: Skull-Topped Staff (WP: 3, staff), Inventory: Potion, Amethyst (X2 against Holy/Luminous and Humanoids) Rethinal (played by Rconn0) 58 year old Were-Eagle cleric Level 1 Power: 4 (3+1) Health: 9/9 (9) Ether: 5/5 (5) Gold: 10 Equipment: Small hammer Inventory: Potion, Remedy Terry Yelnats (played by Endgame) Level 1 Mage HP: 5/5 Ether: 5/5 Power: 4 (+0 bonus) Gold: 10 Equipment: Cattle Prod Staff (WP: 3) Inventory: Potion, Sapphire (X2 against Flying and Vermin) Muradin Falstad (played by Cryos) 47 year old male dwarf Level 1 Barbarian Health: 8/8 Power: 4 Gold: 0 Equipment: Granite Hammer (WP:3), Inventory: Potion, Mead, Shovel

Thanks guys, I have had that build done since February. Ive been dying to show it off.

Vindsval returns to the hall from his journey into the desert. Though, those of you who have met the Hal-Giant in the past will notice a change in his appearance. He inhales deeply, drinking in the smells of food, drink, cool air, and civilization. "It is good to be back. A path which returns one to familiar sights is always a welcome one." He moves to the bar, where a lat cask of cool liquid is already waiting for him. It would seem there isn't much call for glasses of that size so there is always one available. On the way to his table he hears the child chattering about needing heroes to check out a Sky Stone. Instead of sitting down he goes to the quest board and reads it over. "A warrior does not only fight for gold. I will help this youngling." Vindsval Signs his Name under Quest #134, The Sky is falling

Progression from Cleric to Witch. Vindsval returns to the Hall of Heroes with the desert dust still clinging to his robes. He feels as if he is at a crossroads and that a decision must be made. He gathers his meager collection of belonging and goes to the Training Hall for contemplation and guidance. He is greeted by Master Copper Fox, the most sociable of the six veteran founders of Heroica. "Greetings large one. Welcome to the Training Room. It would seem you believe yourself to be well travelled enough to claim a place among those of a different specialization." "Greetings to you as well, I am Vindsval, called the Half-Born. I have indeed come here for instruction for I have reached a crossroads. I am of heavy heart and divided mind on the matter. I am told you have places in which a being can seek solitude and quiet contemplation." With this the veteran leads Vindsval to a side room, dimly lit by candle and fading sunlight. He closes the large door silently behind the half-giant. Vindsval moves to the center of the room and seats himself on the floor. His remaining hand reaches to his shoulder, now a smooth healed stump. Wanderer, you have led me down this path, you have brought me to this crossroads, but I know not in which direction I should proceed. I was to be a champion for the weak. A heavy hand to protect those who could not protect themselves. I have always intended to raise sword and shield in your name to destroy those who would pray on the weak. He slams his massive fist into the floor in a sudden fit of anger. But you lead me to the door of the foul one who would poison this city, and the price of stopping him was my arm. I will never hold the protective shield of the Paladin, never wield the two handed sword of power. "Stop your mewling boy." Vindsval turns his head sharply to the sound of the second voice. a ferocious snarl on his lips directed at whomever would interrupt his reflection. The rage fades from his face when he looks up to see a vision of fog and mountains before him in the room. He quickly lowers his eyes and rises to a knee before his God. The High Lord of the Norse Pantheon, The Wander Wartan. Forgive me great lord. ASK ME NOT for forgiveness, I would not see such pathetic weakness in one I have chosen to show favor. I thought I had tempered you better than this. To find you whining at the loss of an arm. A true warrior uses the strength he has been shown and the strength he has taken to stride the path he wishes to take. He is not forced by circumstance into a side path. You say that your destiny was to become one of the pathetic paladins of this soft souther city. Paah, that is no path for one such as you. Think on what I have shown you. Think on the power you have glimpsed. Then look inward and make your decision." As he speaks his final words the god steps back from the cleric and is enveloped by the fog. He fades from existence and Vindsval is once again alone in the room. But now arrayed before him are several objects he has obtained in his travels. The Hood of the Demon Disease that took his arm. The pile of fangs and stingers he collected on his quests. The Talisman and Gloves used to enhance poison and healing and finally the doubled ended blades of the Nin-Jah-Go warriors. He gazes at the items, and a smile splits his large face. It would seem that the shadowed path has been made plain. He gathers the items into his pouches and picks up the twin Sai. Then he opens the door and goes to speak to Copper Fox. Have you made a decision then? What shall you become Hal-Born? Would you become the Wise, One with Nature, a Protector of the weak? Vindsval looks down at the man and shakes his head. Teach me to use this. He holds out the Double Sai, no larger than a dagger in his massive hand. A weapon of theives, then you would become a follower of the Witchery Way? Vindsval nods. There is much strength to be found in the mastery of poison. I have felt the power that disease and venom contain. I would master them, bend them to my will. One that can kill with such things can also learn to protect others from their effects. Teach me the way of poisons and curses so that I may bend them to MY will, and use them how I SEE FIT. Then let us begin. So the Half-Giant began his training in the mastery of poisons, curses and the weapons of speed and craftiness. He refashioned he armor, attaching the tokens of power he collected. He used the craft of the Runeskald to etch letters of power and protection into its fabric. At the end of his training he donned his new armor, placed Verkenner at his belt and looked to Copper Fox. Aren't you forgetting something? The man holds out what appears to be a black fabric funnel. You have a broom, now you need the hat. How else will they know that a witch has arrived. I will leave that thing with you. He looks around the room and spies bundle of black fabric on a nearby table. If I must wear black to identify myself I will at least wear something with dignity. He sweeps the fabric over his missing arm and fastens it with a length of chain. I thank you for your instruction Master Fox. Perhaps if I stay long enough within the Hall, I will have need of it again. You are indeed welcome Vindsval, I shall eagerly await news of your exploits. Vindsval Leaves the Training Room, a mere cleric no longer. 37 year old, Male, Half Giant, Level: 21 Witch *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Fire, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened, and Sealed Effects* Attacks are Poisonous Power: 31 (21+10)(X2 against Humanoid and Holy/Luminous) Defense: 3 Health: 37/37 (9+20+8) Ether: 30/30 (5+20+5)

"The diggity dog, Is that a good thing my little spiky one?" Vindsval smiles, sometimes it is fun to give Bobby a hard time. He stowes the sai in his gear bags, checks that Verkenner is secure in its scabbard and turns to the road out of town. "It would indeed shorten the journey to have an old friend beside me. Let us return to Heroica, and Cooler Climes." Vindsval heads out on the road to the Hall, Bobby beside him. "Though perhaps that coachman will help us shorten still more."

You can always be "The Often Drunk Wizard with the Woman who killed Sean Cole"

Vindsval Chuckles, He has known no one quite like the Timid Warrior Knight. "It has been a pleasure serving with you. I would relish another opportunity. May you path lead you to all you desire. Allow not the actions of the small and petty to swerve you from your path."

The Magus smirks at the Dwarf's swagger. A combat general turned mercenary, impressive indeed. "Make your decision quickly, the time of this meeting was not chosen arbitrarily."

"I care little who speaks for you, so long as he can show proper respect to the Caliph. Do the others among you have anyone whom they would like to put forward?"

The party begins to wander about the Pavilion and mingle among themselves. AS the first bell of the Change of the Watch begins to chime they hear a soft pop and a woos of air. AS the heroes turn in the direction of the sound they see a black robed man walk towards them out of the darkness. They are all the more surprised because they can clearly see the corner he walked away from and there is no doorway to be seen. He pulls a sheet of paper from his robes and reads from it a list of names. "You may call me The Magus. Can I assume that the five of you are Kelim, Calamity, Rethinal, Terry, and Muradin? I am here on behalf of the Caliph to bring you to his court. I can see that you arrived before the appointed hour. You were instructed to choose a leader from among yourselves. Tell me, who is it that will be your Voice before the Caliph. This I must know before we depart to the Red Court."

"I believe there must be a gem cutter here with the prosperity of the mine. Now that the battles have ended if you would return Carvenhall's boots and Bobby the Twin Sai that I had lent to each of you."

"I pray for your sake that what you tell us is true. For if you have caused us to end lives unjustly the God's will see that you travel the path you deserve."

Vindsval says a prayer of release over each of the slain, His arm beginning to glow gold with a holy light, sending their souls to The Wanderer in tribute and for their eternal justice. "May your next path be the one each of you deserve." He turns and walks to the foreman, taking his share of the offered gold. "I am pleased that we were able to rid your land of the evil oppressing it. Though I cannot help but feel there was more to the story. What connection did Cole and the other Ancient have to this land?"

When he has finished dividing the loot, Vindsval stands and looks towards the pile of bodies in the road. "Why would the man not show his face?" The Cleric moves the Cole's body and removes his hat in order to get a clear look at the man who could bend men and beast to his will as well as bring terror to an entire community.

"Heavy on my head lies the decisions effecting others. Here is my final decision. It is said that a true compromise pleases no one, I hope this proves not to be the case at the end of our grand adventure." Vindsval finishes handing out the loot, hoping that all feel they were rewarded justly for their bravery and actions. Final Loot Division Vindsval 1. Gloves of the Hypocritical/Hippocratic Oath, Handwear, (Adds +10 to healing for characters with the Healing job trait and + 10 Poisoning for characters with the Wicked (or future equivalent) Job Trait ) 2. Remedy 3. Grand Potion 4. Raw Horsehide 5. 200 Gold 6. Ethereal Cloak Annienal Tobacco Pouch(1/2 Chance of Blinding with attacks, accessory) Remedy Grand Potion Throwing Knife: WP:3 5. Locustoid Greaves(+4 Ether, immune to Earth Class, usable by all Ether-based classes) 6. Geode 7. Geode 8. 26 Gold Miderun Lesser Orc Gauntlets: +6 power on the front row, +3 on the back, handwear, suitable only to orcs 2. Remedy 3. Grand Potion 4. Lucustoid Axe: WP:6, 5. Raw Horsehide 6. 52 gold Warlen Locustoid Greaves(+4 Ether, immune to Earth Class, equippable by all Ether-based classes). Remedy 3. Grand Potion 4. Throwing Knife: WP:3 5. Raw Horsehide 6. Sean Cole's Sword-handcannon(Can be used alternatively as either a Handcannon or as a Longsword; each function can only be equipped by classes with the pre-existing ability to equip it; WP:8; as Longsword, pierces SP, as Handcannon, deals Bleeding-effect by 1), Bobby 1. Mugger’s Mask(Head-wear, wearer cannot have gold stolen from them) 2. Throwing Knife: WP:3 3. Remedy 4. Grand Potion 5. Swift Boots 6. Raw Horsehide 7. 26 Gold

"Not being angry with what one receives is indeed a good policy. Though I would divide the gear fairly and equitably." Vindsval looks down at the items still not allotted to piles. "I believe Annienal would make good use of this weapon, but Warlen, you want it as well. But as you do not know how to wield it I must leave the decision to take it or not to the Lady Knight. There are also the second pair of grieves. then there is the cash. Is there anyone interested in the Grieves?"

QM: ok, just wanted to make sure you knew. As soon as Calamity arrives we can get moving.

Ok: I have tried to figure out what loot was designed for who. Here is a rough draft. I have assigned everything except the Gun, a pair of grieves, The Gold, and the Horse Hides. This is a big list so I would like some input. Chosen, I think that the hand cannon would fit Annienal better since she can already use it. So I was going to give it to her, but if she doesn't want it, the thing is all Warlen's. So please everyone let me know what changes you think might need to be made. ROUGH DRAFT Vindsval 1. Gloves of the Hypocritical/Hippocratic Oath, +10 to Healing and Poisoning(+10 Poisoning is only applicable to Wicked job trait and future/present equivalents, not weapon poisoning), (can I rewrite that as “Handwear, Adds +10 to healing and Poisoning for characters with the Wicked (or future equivalent) Job Trait? ) it’s a little shorter. 2. Remedy 3. Grand Potion Annienal Tobacco Pouch(1/2 Chance of Blinding with attacks, accessory) Remedy Grand Potion Throwing Knife: WP:3 Miderun Lesser Orc Gauntlets: +6 power on the front row, +3 on the back, handwear, suitable only to orcs Remedy Grand Potion Lucustoid Axe: WP:6, Warlen Locustoid Greaves(+4 Ether, immune to Earth Class, equippable by all Ether-based classes) Remedy Grand Potion Throwing Knife: WP:3 Bobby 1. Mugger’s Mask(Head-wear, wearer cannot have gold stolen from them) 2. Throwing Knife: WP:3 3. Remedy 4. Grand Potion 5. Swift Boots

QM Note: Mencot, I updated your list. Also you do not have any armor equipped so your SP is 0. If you want to wear one of your pieces of armor it needs to be listed in the equipment section.

Vindsval was your first arm loss so his is the original all other are imitations.

Hey 115 was a life changing experience.

Almost as if it is a balloon made of lead, the boy's last word "Hero" hangs in the air. Will anyone answer him, or will the party leave the fledgling adventurer to stew in his juices.

New that was coming. Last time I promise. I was looking for a script font, but there wasn't one.

yeah you two should be able to keep me straight when I need it.

It's not the players I am worried about. After reading all of Lind's feedback I am afraid of the other QM's.