Rumble Strike

Eric hands the pot of gold to Sorrow. Inside is 30 gold pieces. 30 gold Party Leader, please distribute. Erik then takes a look at the maps: They are of the Miranda region of Olegaia. OOC: I should have put Hlin's name through a search engine before using it.

Updated party with weapon distribution: Party Erik Tyrvarr, Level 3 Barbarian (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Power: 8 Health: 10/10 Gold: 35 Inventory: Spear (WP: 5), Axe (WP: 3), Potion x2, Mead, Remedy Sorrow, Level 3 Rogue (Endgame) **Party Leader** Power: 8 Health: 9/9 Gold: 40 Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5), 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: 40 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: 30 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: 12/12 Gold: 25 Inventory: Greatsword (WP: 5), Torch(WP: 3), Shield(SP: 2), Potion, Phoenix Essence Erik looks at the chest: It is indeed locked. ADD Mizuki goes to the desk: On the desk is a pot of gold coins, a torch, and some maps. Does the party want to look closer at these (knowing that Mizuki will probably just wonder off and look for a butterfly or something?)

"I believe our main objective is to rescue Mallelio, as we are charged with keeping him safe. Splitting our forces is dangerous and I do not see why we should go after Wren when one of our charges is in trouble." As he spoke, Tarn loaded a Mead into his axe's hollow blade mechanism.

Tarn's Natural Respite as a Barbarian would heal him right up to full health. Tarn watched in silence as Mallelio listens to Maw's final words. He shivered involuntarily at the mention of the Chimera rising.

Sorrow heads to the barrel of weapons, to see what he can find. There, he finds the following weaponry: Axe (WP: 5, suitable for barbarians) Dagger (WP: 5, suitable for mages and rogues) Greatsword (WP: 5, suitable for barbarians and knights) Longsword (WP: 5, suitable for knights and rogues) Spear (WP: 5, suitable for barbarians) QM Note - feel free to request what weapon you want, but final decision is Sorrow's as Party Leader.

Fully rested, not hearing or seeing any demons, split personalities, visions of black knights or grim reapers, and rejoined by Hlin, the party head to the stairs. Before the party can head up the stairs, the armour makes one final comment. "You have desecrated the first and second realms of sanctuary. The Maginastra will not stand for this. Be wary, foul intruders. Be wary. The third and fourth realms will be harder than what you have experienced. You will all perish. Leave now." With the armour's gutteral warning ringing in their ears, the party head up the stairs to the second level of the magical mansion. The upper hallway is similar to the lower hallway in general style, with another staircase, less ornate than the one below, leading up to the third floor. What will the party do?

QM Note - At this point I will allow Erik's Natural Respite trait and also anyone with bedrolls to regain health if needed, which I don't think it is. Updated party with loot distribution: Party Erik Tyrvarr, Level 3 Barbarian (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Power: 6 Health: 10/10 Gold: 35 Inventory: Axe (WP:3), Potion x2, Mead, Remedy Sorrow, Level 3 Rogue (Endgame) **Party Leader** Power: 6 Health: 9/9 Gold: 40 Inventory: Scythe (WP:3) Potion, Venom, Parasol (Quest Item), Fallen Leaf (Quest Item) Mizuki Kimura, Level 3 Rogue (zakura) 21 years old Female Human Power: 6 Health: 9/9 Gold: 40 Inventory: Black Katana(WP:3), Potion, Venom, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb Nagure, Level 3 Barbarian (Costy) 34 Year old male Yeti Power: 6 Health: 10/10 Gold: 30 Inventory: Club (WP: 3), Potion x2, Bottle of Mead x2 Drake Flamerobe, Level 3 Knight (xxlrocka) 39 year old male human Power: 6 Health: 12/12 Gold: 25 Inventory: Torch(WP:3), Shield(SP:2), Potion, Phoenix Essence The party decide to rest a while in the hallway before making their next move, each seem to be lost in their own thoughts; seeing and hearing goodness knows how many strange internal voices and ghostly figures that aren't actually there, and also a shrubbery. QM Note - Mainly because I haven't had the chance to take any pictures of the second floor yet. I keep adding more blackjack and hookers.

I did add 3 health points back (as Barbarians heal back the amount of health equal to their level) but I think Myrddyn wants to get the extra 2 points back as well. I've no problem with that as the party are not in danger.

Screaming in rage at the fire that continually burns him, Tarn readies himself and tries to cleave Maw's head from his shoulders (from the front row, naturally)

I am loving the archery contest WBD, such a great idea, and the pics of the setting and contestants are nice!

QM Note - I guess if xxlrocka wants to take a potion, it's up to him. Round Four of the Sandworm Guardian Battle >Flamerobe takes potion Sorrow vs Sandy - Critical Hit Nagure vs Sandy - Extra Critical Hit Erik vs Sandy - Hit Mizuki vs Sandwight A - Damage Round four of the battle opens with Flamerobe taking a potion and restoring his health. Sorrow, fresh from a successful attack last round, gets in another solid blow with his scythe against Sandy (-8). Nagure follows this up with another astonishing blow from his club (-11) and Erik finishes off the giant sandworm with a well-placed slice from his axe. As Sandy drops down with a thud, Sandwight A's spindly form collapses into the desert floor before it can hurt Mizuki. The battle is victorious! All members of the party gain a level! Party Erik Tyrvarr, Level 3 Barbarian (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Power: 6 Health: 8/10 Gold: 20 Inventory: Axe (WP:3), Potion x2, Mead Sorrow, Level 3 Rogue (Endgame) **Party Leader** Power: 6 Health: 9/9 Gold: 20 Inventory: Scythe (WP:3) Potion, Venom, Parasol (Quest Item) Mizuki Kimura, Level 3 Rogue (zakura) 21 years old Female Human Power: 6 Health: 9/9 Gold: 20 Inventory: Black Katana(WP:3), Potion, Venom, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb Nagure, Level 3 Barbarian (Costy) 34 Year old male Yeti Power: 6 Health: 10/10 Gold: 20 Inventory: Club (WP: 3), Potion x2, Bottle of Mead Drake Flamerobe, Level 3 Knight (xxlrocka) 39 year old male human Power: 6 Health: 12/12 Gold: 15 Inventory: Torch(WP:3), Shield(SP:2), Potion Drops: Fallen Leaf (Quest Item) - 75 gold Remedy – Removes all negative effects from the target during a battle. Mead - Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle. Phoenix Essence – Revives a fallen ally with full health during a battle. Party Leader, please divide the spoils. After the sandworm has been defeated, the party hear the sounds of children playing getting louder across the desert, and three more children appear out of the shimmering heat-haze, appearing totally unharmed. Once again, they state that they had been playing with Sandy, who was keeping them entertained by creating many weird and wonderful sand sculptures. (only one child pictured, styles and designs may vary) The party has rescued three more of the missing children. Figuring that they had done all they can in the second realm, the party follow their tracks (and Erik's axe-shaft) to the "door" and step through again. After the requisite disorientation, the party finds themselves back in the lower hallway. Captain Hlin Horrkkba of the Ve'er Town Watch awaits them, and anxiously ushers the three children to him, but alas, none of the children are Vell. "Well done heroes, three more of the town's lost children are now safe and sound! I will take them out of here and make sure their parents know." With all 3 doors on this floor investigated, what do the heroes want to do now?

Well I did have to steer Dak well clear of his attempts to go all Professor X 'most powerful telepath in the world' on every NPC he met.

Do you still want to take that potion, xxlrocka? I think you could go another round or so with no problems as the most you can be hit for is 2 damage.

I don't mind a bit of characterisation and roleplaying as long as it doesn't interrupt the flow of the story for everyone else. As a QM I have had no issues with anything my players have done in either Quest.

Could we not trigger Special damage for just one round, please? Tarn will end up looking like Sorrow at this rate! I'm definitely thinking Bezerker now to get a shield.

Tarn shook his head to clear the ringing sound in his ears after Nyx had given him a hefty wallop with the Healing Staff. The Battle Mage was definitely a lot stronger than she looked, but he appreciated the heal and flashed a charming smile, although the effect was lost slightly as his skin burned again. He once more attacked Maw from the front row with Helbaerend.

One area I am weak in is getting the right enemy levels for an engaging battle. I tend to work off the numbers that if every member of the party all got a hit, what would that total, and then times it by 3 (for 3 rounds). But it seems like either my battles are too easy or drag on too long. Mind you, I have re-read Quest#13 recently and the sheer luck the party had with rolls was staggering. They breezed through anything I could set up until the final boss.

QM Note - Thanks Myrddyn, I hadn't calculated the SP of Drake's shield on the first hit for some reason. Even though I did for the free hit! xxlrocka, you are now at 5 health, you may want to change your action. I will wait a few hours to run the round, in case you do want to attack. Also liking the good roleplay here guys. If I am honest, as a player I find the battles the worst part of the RPG so it's good to add a bit more to your character during them.

QM Note - it's been over 24 hours, so I've had to pick Sorrow's action and battle order. I've made him attack Sandy too, and promoted Flamerobe back up to first in the order so he can take any free hits. Round Three of the Sandworm Guardian Battle Flamerobe vs Sandy - Damage Nagure vs Sandy - Shield (Battle Frenzy) Erik vs Sandy - Damage Sorrow vs Sandy - Hit >Mizuki takes potion Sandwight A - free hit on Flamerobe The battle starts to take its toll on the heroes, with a mixed round. Flamerobe, leading the attack once again, fails to hit the giant sandworm and gets hit by a hail of sand for his trouble , although he does get his shield up in time to deflect some (-2). Nagure does what he does best, and goes into a Battle Frenzy, hitting all 3 enemies (-5 each). This finishes Sandwight B, which disappears in a puff of sand back into the desert. Erik doesn't have the same luck, and gets hit in the face by a sandy fist, dazing the sturdy Barbarian (-4). Sorrow's run of bad luck with his scythe ends, and he manages to drag his blade along the sandworm, causing Sandy to roar in pain (-5). Mizuki stays at the back and chugs down a potion, restoring her to full health. Sandwight A has a free run at Flamerobe, but the Knight's shield protects him against the brunt of it (-1). The battle continues! Enemies Sandy Level 4 Rock Monster Health 24/40 Special 1: Quicksand - Sandy will create a patch of quicksand, binding the attacker for one turn and doing 2 damage. The attacker will not be able to attack directly but will be able to use items. Special 2: Sandwall - Sandy uses her control over sand to put up a barrier of hard sand, halving any damage taken for the next turn. She will still be able to damage heroes with full power. QM Note:- Specials will alternate Drops: Fallen Leaf (Quest Item), 75 gold, Remedy, Mead, Phoenix Essence Sandwight A Level 3 Rock Monster Health 10/15 Special: Heavy hitter - Strikes for 4 damage. QM Note:- Sandwight will disappear if Sandy is defeated Drops: Nothing Party Erik Tyrvarr, Level 2 Barbarian (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Power: 5 Health: 5/9 Gold: 20 Inventory: Axe (WP:3), Potion x2, Mead Sorrow, Level 2 Rogue (Endgame) **Party Leader** Power: 5 Health: 8/8 Gold: 20 Inventory: Scythe (WP:3) Potion, Venom, Parasol (Quest Item) Mizuki Kimura, Level 2 Rogue (zakura) 21 years old Female Human Power: 5 Health: 8/8 Gold: 20 Inventory: Black Katana(WP:3), Potion, Venom, Bedroll, Smoke Bomb Nagure, Level 2 Barbarian (Costy) 34 Year old male Yeti Power: 5 Health: 9/9 Gold: 20 Inventory: Club (WP: 3), Potion x2, Bottle of Mead Drake Flamerobe, Level 2 Knight (xxlrocka) 39 year old male human Power: 5 Health: 5/11 Gold: 15 Inventory: Torch(WP:3), Shield(SP:2), Potion x2 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.

Cheers Flipz, I thought that was the case - it is worded that way at the bottom of every fight, but just wanted to make sure!

Just a quick question! If an enemy has not been specifically targetted in the battle order, but has been hit by an attack that has damaged them, do they still get a free hit?

Lovely pics, brought back a lot of memories. Me and my brother had many of these sets, especially the early Space ones.

xxlrocka, please state your target as there are 3 enemies standing.

Tarn loathed the rain of fire that continually burned at his skin. Maw had not once struck him directly in combat. He was a coward and he would fall! "Heal Nyx before me!" he shouted, before running at Maw again (front row).

Lots of heroes have had runs of bad luck. Even the most well-known like Maurice, Eric, and De'kra. Sorrow will hit something one day soon, but it may not be this day!