Rumble Strike

Thanks for clearing that up, I follow it now.

I don't think you added on the Shield effect to Tarn's health compared to the others. Should be 19 or 20 depending on whether the -2 from burning will occur this round or next. Everyone else is -1. Tarn managed to nod his thanks to Sir Poletad despite the two of them being on fire. Despite the burns, Tarn readies himself once again and attacks Sphinx from the front row.

Much as it pained him to do nothing, he knew Nyx was right. "Apologies, Nyx. You are correct, of course. Truly both sides of your spirit are working together. I am more anxious to attack than usual with this Mead in my system, but I can see just how hard you hit." Tarn gritted his teeth and watched the Battle Mage and Edger attack instead of him.

"By the Gods!" swore Tarn as Sphinx landed another brutal hit on him. Tarn staggered back, blood flowing from his lips. Knowing his stock of potions was very low, Tarn spoke in a low voice to Nyx. "Either I consume my grand potion, which will heal me fully, or I would ask you to place Edgar first, and you and Sir Poletad both try to heal me before I attack."

Thanks palathadric! I have had a lot of fun creating the Guardians and hope that others have enjoyed seeing them too.

I didn't like Catty for the name and didn't think Firey looked right either. Round One of the Catapult Guardian battle Flamerobe vs Flamepot D - Hit Nagure vs Flamepot E - Damage Sorrow vs Flamepot A - Hit Erik - vs Flamepot C - Damage Mizuki vs Flamepot B - Shield (Mug) Snowy – Free hit on Flamerobe (5-2) = 3 The fourth realm of sanctuary has the sound of weapons clashing echoing around the snowy mountain top as the battle begins. Drake Flamerobe hefts his greatsword and manages to strike at Flamepot D (-9), but the normally ultra-reliable Nagure misses against his target, which singes his fur (-4) - the smell of fried Yeti reaches the others. Sorrow's run continues as he slashes at Flamepot A (-9), but Erik's strategic position atop the living catapult weapon is precarious, and Flamepot C aims a blast of flame at the Barbarian, burning his cloak (-4). Mizuki steals in and as well as aiming a crippling blow against Flamepot B (-19), finds 19 gold coins in the thickets atop the mountain. The untargetted Snowy belches a fireball at Flamerobe, but he duck behind his shield, deflecting some of the fiery attack (-3) The battle continues! Enemies Snowy Level 5 Mechanical Monster Health 70/70 Special 1: Flame - Snowy creates another flamepot enemy for the party to fight. Special 2: Catapult - Snowy fires his catapult, damaging the whole party for 3 damage. QM Note:- Specials will alternate Drops: Sled (Quest Item), 150 gold, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion Flamepot A Level 4 Fiery Monster Health 14/25 Special: Wall of flame - forces the attacker to retreat to the back row for the next round. Drops: Nothing Flamepot B Level 4 Fiery Monster Health 6/25 Special: Wall of flame - forces the attacker to retreat to the back row for the next round. Drops: Nothing Flamepot C Level 4 Fiery Monster Health 25/25 Special: Wall of flame - forces the attacker to retreat to the back row for the next round. Drops: Nothing Flamepot D Level 4 Fiery Monster Health 14/25 Special: Wall of flame - forces the attacker to retreat to the back row for the next round. Drops: Nothing Flamepot E Level 4 Fiery Monster Health 25/25 Special: Wall of flame - forces the attacker to retreat to the back row for the next round. Drops: Nothing Party Erik Tyrvarr, Level 4 Barbarian (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Power: 9 Health: 7/11 Gold: 67 Inventory: Spear (WP: 5), Axe (WP: 3), Potion x3, Mead, Remedy Sorrow, Level 4 Rogue (Endgame) **Party Leader** Power: 9 Health: 10/10 Gold: 88 Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5) *Envenomed*, Scythe (WP: 3) Potion x2, Venom, Phoenix Essence, Parasol (Quest Item), Fallen Leaf (Quest Item), Toy Lamb (Quest Item) Mizuki Kimura, Level 4 Rogue (zakura) 21 years old Female Human Power: 9 Health: 10/10 Gold: 91 Inventory: Dagger (WP: 5), Black Katana(WP: 3), Potion x2, Venom, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb Nagure, Level 4 Barbarian (Costy) 34 Year old male Yeti Power: 9 Health: 7/11 Gold: 57 Inventory: Axe (WP: 5), Club (WP: 3), Potion x2, Bottle of Mead x2, Remedy Drake Flamerobe, Level 4 Knight (xxlrocka) 39 year old male human Power: 9 Health: 8/13 Gold: 57 Inventory: Greatsword (WP: 5), Torch(WP: 3), Shield(SP: 2), Potion, Tonic, Phoenix Essence Party Leader, choose the order of action. All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone has acted.

"We must press our advantage!" bellows Tarn, rushing at Sphinx from the front row.

The party anxiously waited to see what was making the creaking sounds. They had fought a pegasus, a giant sandworm, a giant bumblebee, and really did not know what to expect. Certainly not this! A living catapult weapon, breathing fire! It creates several flamepots from its mouth, and the party must now prepare for battle! Enemies Snowy Level 5 Mechanical Monster Health 70/70 Special 1: Flame - Snowy creates another flamepot enemy for the party to fight. Special 2: Catapuult - Snowy fires his catapult, damaging the whole party for 3 damage. QM Note:- Specials will alternate Drops: Sled (Quest Item), 150 gold, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion Flamepot A Level 4 Fiery Monster Health 25/25 Special: Wall of flame - forces the attacker to retreat to the back row for the next round. Drops: Nothing Flamepot B Level 4 Fiery Monster Health 25/25 Special: Wall of flame - forces the attacker to retreat to the back row for the next round. Drops: Nothing Flamepot C Level 4 Fiery Monster Health 25/25 Special: Wall of flame - forces the attacker to retreat to the back row for the next round. Drops: Nothing Flamepot D Level 4 Fiery Monster Health 25/25 Special: Wall of flame - forces the attacker to retreat to the back row for the next round. Drops: Nothing Flamepot E Level 4 Fiery Monster Health 25/25 Special: Wall of flame - forces the attacker to retreat to the back row for the next round. Drops: Nothing Party Erik Tyrvarr, Level 4 Barbarian (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Power: 9 Health: 11/11 Gold: 67 Inventory: Spear (WP: 5), Axe (WP: 3), Potion x3, Mead, Remedy Sorrow, Level 4 Rogue (Endgame) **Party Leader** Power: 9 Health: 10/10 Gold: 88 Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5) *Envenomed*, Scythe (WP: 3) Potion x2, Venom, Phoenix Essence, Parasol (Quest Item), Fallen Leaf (Quest Item), Toy Lamb (Quest Item) Mizuki Kimura, Level 4 Rogue (zakura) 21 years old Female Human Power: 9 Health: 10/10 Gold: 72 Inventory: Dagger (WP: 5), Black Katana(WP: 3), Potion x2, Venom, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb Nagure, Level 4 Barbarian (Costy) 34 Year old male Yeti Power: 9 Health: 11/11 Gold: 57 Inventory: Axe (WP: 5), Club (WP: 3), Potion x2, Bottle of Mead x2, Remedy Drake Flamerobe, Level 4 Knight (xxlrocka) 39 year old male human Power: 9 Health: 10/13 Gold: 57 Inventory: Greatsword (WP: 5), Torch(WP: 3), Shield(SP: 2), Potion, Tonic, Phoenix Essence Party Leader, choose the order of action. All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone has acted.

Frustrated at leaving the fighting to Nyx and her summoned creature, Tarn nodded his thanks to Sir Poletad, and raced in to attack Sphinx from the front row once again.

Very cool idea and excellently executed as always! I am also intrigued as to the Bow-Tie Fighter, I can't wait to see that

QM Note:- I'm keeping this moving, and assuming no-one has a torch for this door. Hope this is OK. The party carefully open the second door on the left, and once again are enveloped in bright white light as they all step through. When their eyes adjust, it is still very bright... They are on a snow-covered mountain top. The temperature is very cold, and they can see their own breath in the air. They can hear a creaking noise, and children playing off in the distance. What do the party want to do?

"I think our Frog Paladin is still feeling the effects of the last battle we had," said Tarn. In response to the Battle Mage's suggestion that she and her summoned creature only fight this round, he said "It is not my way to watch others fight while I stand idly by and do nothing. I trust Sir Poletad but know that his healing does not always happen during battles. Even with this potion I will only be able to withstand a normal blow from Sphinx, but it would be better than nothing."

To be honest I think B&P has been playing a different game to the rest of us for a while!

Due to uh, the, um, magical properties of the mansion, what you saw outside may not correspond specifically to what you see inside. However, you can tell that it all pretty much matches up. You can keep exploring once you have found all the children, if you survive. When you go through that door, is anyone holding the torch?

Tarn hoped that his talk with Nyx had encouraged her to that first attack, and despite being solidly clubbed around the head by Sphinx, he grins like a madman at the Battle Mage. Knowing that they have no margin of error in trying to save Mallelio, Tarn retreats to the back row and takes a potion.

The parties' lull after the battle means that Erik regains his health. Erik Tyrvarr, Level 4 Barbarian (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Power: 9 Health: 11/11 Gold: 67 Inventory: Spear (WP: 5), Axe (WP: 3), Potion x3, Mead, Remedy

Ban this sick filth! Won't somebody think of the children! A timely typo given the discussion a couple of pages back!

Sorry if I gave away any info! I shall edit the statement. I am not reading the other two Dastan quests either. And it looks like I can't edit anything! So apologies to all. And now I can edit. How strange

QM Note :- Yes, Hlin needed a potion as he does not have a bedroll and so couldn't heal on his own. You don't get to know if he will still fight for you later, but he isn't around for the next door. Erik had 5 health at the end of the battle, and regained 4 due to his level, so 9/11 is correct. If you guys choose to rest for a while, he will regain the 2 health. If you press on immediately, you won't. You can't carry the torch without equipping it. It would go out otherwise. Also great idea on the giant squid! Quest#13 was going to have one before it became the alligator.

Party with loot distribution and potion used on Hlin: Party Erik Tyrvarr, Level 4 Barbarian (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Power: 9 Health: 9/11 Gold: 67 Inventory: Spear (WP: 5), Axe (WP: 3), Potion x3, Mead, Remedy Sorrow, Level 4 Rogue (Endgame) **Party Leader** Power: 9 Health: 10/10 Gold: 88 Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5) *Envenomed*, Scythe (WP: 3) Potion x2, Venom, Phoenix Essence, Parasol (Quest Item), Fallen Leaf (Quest Item), Toy Lamb (Quest Item) Mizuki Kimura, Level 4 Rogue (zakura) 21 years old Female Human Power: 9 Health: 10/10 Gold: 72 Inventory: Dagger (WP: 5), Black Katana(WP: 3), Potion x2, Venom, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb Nagure, Level 4 Barbarian (Costy) 34 Year old male Yeti Power: 9 Health: 11/11 Gold: 57 Inventory: Axe (WP: 5), Club (WP: 3), Potion x2, Bottle of Mead x2, Remedy Drake Flamerobe, Level 4 Knight (xxlrocka) 39 year old male human Power: 9 Health: 10/13 Gold: 57 Inventory: Greatsword (WP: 5), Torch(WP: 3), Shield(SP: 2), Potion, Tonic, Phoenix Essence Hlin Horrkkba, Captain of the Ve'er Town Watch (NPC) Level 5 Swordsman Power: 5 Health: 10/10 Shield – Surgical Strike: Takes off half the target's health (can only occur once per target, otherwise counts as a normal hit) "Thank you for the potion, Sorrow. I am glad I could help out you heroes in that battle. I've never seen anything like that before but boy, I got her good! I told you I was quite the swordsman. Now, I shall get these children back to their parents, they must be worried sick. I know I am, about my darling Vell. I can't believe we haven't found her yet." Hlin goes down the stairs and leaves the mansion with the rescued children in tow. What do the party want to do?

I have to admit, I think Tarn is really bouncing off some of these NPCs and members of my team. It's quite a cool dynamic between Nyx and Tarn, and I feel Tarn's speeches to [redacted] really get into his character.

There's that bloody AoE fire effect special again! Tarn nods his warrior's appeciation of Sphinx's words. Unlike a lot of the enemies he had fought, this one clearly had a sense of honour. "We are prepared also! I am Tarn, the battering ram. Alongside me is Nyx, the flower of steel, and Sir Poletad, the uh, green healing machine. Prepare to meet your end at our hands!" He drinks the Mead stored in his weapon's Hollow Blade to become Encouraged, raises Helbaerend, and charges at Sphinx.

Tarn shouts, his voice carrying to where Sphinx is standing on the altar. "Your words are spoken with conviction, Sphinx, I will grant you that. You clearly believe what you say, that this Chimera will herald a new dawn, that we all have a place in the greater picture. Well, your own 'greater picture' ends with my fist pounding your face! Release Malellio, and it will not have to come to that!"

Tarn spoke in a low voice to Nyx. "I can see there is a steel to you, Nyx. You are a beautiful yet deadly flower. You may not have started out a Barbarian but now you hear the siren call of bloodlust and combat nonetheless. It will get stronger now, that side of you. Don't let it take over completely. There is much I do not understand about Mages and the magic arts; the powers of the elemental gems are about my limit. But if you harness both sides of your spirit then with your mastery of magic you will be far more powerful than a simple barbarian such as myself."

Erik meant that he was before Mizuki in the order, not that he was first up. Round Four of the Bumblebee Guardian Battle Sorrow vs Creeper E - Critical Hit Hlin vs Buzzy - Damage Flamerobe vs Buzzy - Shield (Sentinel) Nagure vs Creeper C - Extra Critical Hit Erik vs Creeper D - Frenzy Mizuki vs Creeper D Buzzy - Critical Hit The battle of the Bumblebee Guardian continues, with Sorrow leading the charge and slicing up Creeper E good and proper (-13) before any venom can take effect. Hlin's luck against Buzzy finally runs out, and the bumblebee bites the arrogant yet gfted lawman (-5), leaving him perilously close to being knocked out. However Flamerobe gets a second wind and knows that his shield will protect the party from physical damage next round. Nagure gets his customary huge hit on Creeper C (-18), killing it, whilst Erik works himself up into a frenzy against the remaining enemies, killing Creeper D (-8) and wounding Buzzy (-8). Mizuki then changes her target to the Guardian, and scores a massive hit with her dagger (-13). The battle continues! Enemies Buzzy Level 5 Flying Monster Health 4/60 Special 1: Stinger - Buzzy stings her attacker, poisoning them, losing one health each turn until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Special 2: Fearsome Buzz - Buzzy swoops down over the attacker, making them afraid, forcing them to the back row until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. QM Note:- Specials will alternate Drops: Toy lamb (Quest Item), 100 gold, Remedy, Tonic, Phoenix Essence Creeper A Level 4 Plant Monster **Poisoned** Health 0/20 Special: Sleepyhead - The attacker gets a whiff of the creeper's scent, causing them to fall asleep. The attacker can only be woken if they are attacked, or roll 1,2,3 or 4, or until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Potion Creeper B Level 4 Plant Monster Health 0/20 Special: Sleepyhead - The attacker gets a whiff of the creeper's scent, causing them to fall asleep. The attacker can only be woken if they are attacked, or roll 1,2,3 or 4, or until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Potion Creeper C Level 4 Plant Monster Health 0/20 Special: Sleepyhead - The attacker gets a whiff of the creeper's scent, causing them to fall asleepasleep. The attacker can only be woken if they are attacked, or roll 1,2,3 or 4, or until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Potion Creeper D Level 4 Plant Monster Health 0/20 Special: Sleepyhead - The attacker gets a whiff of the creeper's scent, causing them to fall asleep. The attacker can only be woken if they are attacked, or roll 1,2,3 or 4, or until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Potion Creeper E Level 4 Plant Monster **Poisoned** Health 0/20 Special: Sleepyhead - The attacker gets a whiff of the creeper's scent, causing them to fall asleep. The attacker can only be woken if they are attacked, or roll 1,2,3 or 4, or until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Potion Party Erik Tyrvarr, Level 3 Barbarian (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Power: 8 Health: 5/10 Gold: 42 Inventory: Spear (WP: 5), Axe (WP: 3), Potion x2, Mead, Remedy Sorrow, Level 3 Rogue (Endgame) **Party Leader** Power: 8 Health: 9/9 Gold: 83 Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5) *Envenomed*, Scythe (WP: 3) Potion, Venom, Parasol (Quest Item), Fallen Leaf (Quest Item) Mizuki Kimura, Level 3 Rogue (zakura) 21 years old Female Human Power: 8 Health: 9/9 Gold: 47 Inventory: Dagger (WP: 5), Black Katana(WP: 3), Potion, Venom, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb Nagure, Level 3 Barbarian (Costy) 34 Year old male Yeti Power: 8 Health: 10/10 Gold: 37 Inventory: Axe (WP: 5), Club (WP: 3), Potion x2, Bottle of Mead x2 Drake Flamerobe, Level 3 Knight (xxlrocka) 39 year old male human Power: 8 Health: 10/12 Gold: 32 Inventory: Greatsword (WP: 5), Torch(WP: 3), Shield(SP: 2), Potion, Phoenix Essence Hlin Horrkkba, Captain of the Ve'er Town Watch (NPC) Level 5 Swordsman Power: 5 Health: 1/10 Shield – Surgical Strike: Takes off half the target's health (can only occur once per target, otherwise counts as a normal hit) Party Leader, choose the order of action. All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone has acted. QM Note:- I will run the next round automatically, as the enemy is close to defeat and you guys have a Sentinel effect in place. Round Five of the Bumblebee Guardian Battle Sorrow vs Buzzy - Damage (protected by Sentinel) Hlin vs Buzzy - Hit Flamerobe vs Buzzy - Miss Nagure vs Buzzy - Damage (protected by Sentinel) Erik vs Buzzy - Frenzy Mizuki vs Buzzy - Hit Knowing the party cannot be harmed by physical attacks, they press their advantage against the nearly defeated Guardian of the third realm. Sorrow is overconfident, and has to rely on the spritely Flamerobe to protect him from Buzzy's sting. Hlin, badly wounded, still manages to finish this as a contest by keeping low and striking the bumblebee in her unprotected underside (-5). Buzzy drops with an anguished buzz, and her wings stop fluttering. The battle is victorious! Everyone gains a level! Enemies Buzzy Level 5 Flying Monster Health 0/60 Special 1: Stinger - Buzzy stings her attacker, poisoning them, losing one health each turn until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Special 2: Fearsome Buzz - Buzzy swoops down over the attacker, making them afraid, forcing them to the back row until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. QM Note:- Specials will alternate Drops: Toy lamb (Quest Item), 100 gold, Remedy, Tonic, Phoenix Essence Creeper A Level 4 Plant Monster **Poisoned** Health 0/20 Special: Sleepyhead - The attacker gets a whiff of the creeper's scent, causing them to fall asleep. The attacker can only be woken if they are attacked, or roll 1,2,3 or 4, or until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Potion Creeper B Level 4 Plant Monster Health 0/20 Special: Sleepyhead - The attacker gets a whiff of the creeper's scent, causing them to fall asleep. The attacker can only be woken if they are attacked, or roll 1,2,3 or 4, or until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Potion Creeper C Level 4 Plant Monster Health 0/20 Special: Sleepyhead - The attacker gets a whiff of the creeper's scent, causing them to fall asleepasleep. The attacker can only be woken if they are attacked, or roll 1,2,3 or 4, or until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Potion Creeper D Level 4 Plant Monster Health 0/20 Special: Sleepyhead - The attacker gets a whiff of the creeper's scent, causing them to fall asleep. The attacker can only be woken if they are attacked, or roll 1,2,3 or 4, or until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Potion Creeper E Level 4 Plant Monster **Poisoned** Health 0/20 Special: Sleepyhead - The attacker gets a whiff of the creeper's scent, causing them to fall asleep. The attacker can only be woken if they are attacked, or roll 1,2,3 or 4, or until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Potion Party Erik Tyrvarr, Level 4 Barbarian (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Power: 9 Health: 9/11 Gold: 42 Inventory: Spear (WP: 5), Axe (WP: 3), Potion x2, Mead, Remedy Sorrow, Level 4 Rogue (Endgame) **Party Leader** Power: 9 Health: 10/10 Gold: 83 Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5) *Envenomed*, Scythe (WP: 3) Potion, Venom, Parasol (Quest Item), Fallen Leaf (Quest Item) Mizuki Kimura, Level 4 Rogue (zakura) 21 years old Female Human Power: 9 Health: 10/10 Gold: 47 Inventory: Dagger (WP: 5), Black Katana(WP: 3), Potion, Venom, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb Nagure, Level 4 Barbarian (Costy) 34 Year old male Yeti Power: 9 Health: 11/11 Gold: 37 Inventory: Axe (WP: 5), Club (WP: 3), Potion x2, Bottle of Mead x2 Drake Flamerobe, Level 4 Knight (xxlrocka) 39 year old male human Power: 9 Health: 10/13 Gold: 32 Inventory: Greatsword (WP: 5), Torch(WP: 3), Shield(SP: 2), Potion, Phoenix Essence Hlin Horrkkba, Captain of the Ve'er Town Watch (NPC) Level 5 Swordsman Power: 5 Health: 1/10 Shield – Surgical Strike: Takes off half the target's health (can only occur once per target, otherwise counts as a normal hit) Drops Toy lamb (Quest Item) 100 gold Remedy Tonic Phoenix Essence Potions x 5 Party Leader, please distribute the spoils. Preoccupied during the battle, the heroes fail to notice 3 children have appeared. As before, the three say they were having a great time in the meadow, playing hide and seek with Buzzy, but one wonders when he is going to go home and see his family again. Hlin is pleased but sad to see that Vell remains unaccounted for. The party has rescued three more of the missing children. Exhausted from their efforts, the party work out where the doorway from the third realm should be and pass through it successfully, returning back to the upper hallway of the mysterious magical mansion.