Palathadric

"Really, McEncy, I think you would know better than to refer to the Undead as a race. To even claim such is to show a weakness of the head and that you are not thinking your own thoughts, but are manipulated by a mage or necromancer somewhere."

Crap, and I thought I was coming here for vacation. Next we're going to be creating ships for "Bob"! By the way, my number is 7627 which corresponds with a sweet film I saw some time back about a man jumping on whips and the like. If anyone is interested in checking on what fabulous fabuland stuff I've got going on there, one's more than welcome, only know that you have to plan your time right, as I spend most of my time sunbathing in front of the window, since we're not allowed out on deck. Sorry for my absence, you know, I sleep when I'm bored, and being in a room full of stuffy people can tend to be boring. Oops, I meant a stuffy room full of people...you know...slips of the tongue. Oops just slipped out again. Ummm...the set Bristol mentions has parts. Or am I speaking too soon, and you were referring to Stacy's set? So, if we drown we get to be saved by you? That's quite an offer.

If the party from Quest #50 need a healer, I would be willing and eager to go.

I pick a cookie from the pile. "May I?" The elf may be prejudiced against the undead, but it would not be without good reason. These abominations should not be walking freely on the streets of Eubric, muchless ambling through the hall calling themselves "heroes." Perhaps you should listen to the words of wisdom the elf speaks." "Do not advise the young lady thus, McEncy! Mizuki is the finest rogue I know. At least she is more focused on winning the fight than on collecting coins, so it doesn't seem too bad when she collects some coins on the way. Not like Eric there who runs off with coins and does nothing to help the fight. Mizuki is the best I have seen of a rogue and actually makes me believe that salvation may not be lost to them." I stagger back somewhat. Why is that two heroes have died in the hall recently, and both of them were associates of mine? Is God trying to tell me something. Have I not been passionate enough in trying to bring men to Him. I sit down heavily in a seat opposite the table where the argument is ongoing and wipe the ever-increasing sweat from my forehead. It seems even life here is shorter than I would imagine. It seems...but why in the hall is their no sorrow over the dead? It is a bad omen. With the acceptance of abominations such as these men lack respect for the sanctity that is life. God help us!

"Oh, no, the abomination has returned. Tell me how goes questing for Heroica, coin stealer, purse robber? It's a wonder how some people justify the robbing of others by adding a title "Hero" to their name. Scum and Vermin of the earth! Abominations in the eyes of God! Abomination, do you know that your words are not your own? Have you never realized that? I suppose not, since you don't have a mind of your own. Please, don't argue on that point. If you want we can split up whatever cranium you may have to prove it to you, and believe me, I would take pleasure in such an activity, If it weren't that the emptiness that is your head may corrupt the life and fullness of this hall."

Seeing Mizuki enter the hall, I rise from my seat, "Excuse me a moment." I head over to where she's standing. "Little Miss Rogue, how goes life with you. Clearly you've been living a busy life, haven't you? Where have your travels taken you since our we fought together in the underside of the world for the banker woman? That seems like such a long time ago now. What about Erik? Have you seen him since then? I have been out on a quest for some time now and just got back very recently. One question. Have you met one Wind Mage, Arasmyth by name? I am supposing he is out on a quest, but seeing that you have been spending more time in the hall than I, in recent weeks, I wonder if you may know of him or on which quest he is."

I sigh aloud, but feel it is my duty introduce the pair. "Eric, McEncy. McEncy, Eric. Erdathcath you both know. "Depends on who it was you drowned. If it is the kind of scum that Eubric seems to be flooded with these days, I would almost commend you. Where are the days gone when we could just slay a devil when we saw one and not have to explain our actions away to others who seem to think it's not right? Where have men's conception of what's right gone to, I wonder? If you see a devil, you kill it, plain and simple, loot it if you will, that's optional. It seems like these days it's almost popular to associate oneself with nether beings." "Well, if you are calling it a "mighty being" than clearly you are inferring that I must be a very mighty being if I was able to kill it. Thus, your conclusion about a "weakling God" as you put it, makes no sense, because my God defeated the strength of that minion and his god. See what I mean? "I would join you for drinks, but I never touch a drink served by a greenskin."

Timothy (Passenger) confirming the receipt of his ticket for journey on this voyage. My apologies for not coming sooner. I was busy doing absolutely nothing...as usual. This trip is already proving to be a good investment of my money. Stolen goods and Mafia on the same day. Has anyone had more exciting things happen in their lives?

I stamp a message up by the quest board for all to see. I, Monk Pretzel, am now loaning out one "Fancy Shield" SP:7 for the duration of one quest. I will listen to reasonable offers for it. Anyone interested...don't contact me, I'll contact you. I sit by the table and watch the board carefully, scrutinizing intently whether anyone pays abnormal interest to my notice. I look around me. "I wonder which quest Arasmyth is gone off to now? I've been gone from Heroica for too long."

"When will men learn respect!" I murmur as I enter the Hall. It's been a bad day. The Orc sitting behind the bar doesn't make it easier. "What are you looking at?" I snarl. "It's bad enough that your race is still walking the earth, much worse that you flaunt it in our faces!" I sit down heavily in my usual seat opposite the entrance where I can monitor the comings and goings. I need to hit something badly. Where is that undead abomination or the vampire? Having sat back for a while and take in a few breaths, I look around the Hall to see who is around. Everyone is in their respective groups a paladin I vaguely remember from the last time I was in the hall, an elf, and a bald man are discussing something about Eubric, "Sarge" is apparently trying to get in on the conversation. An elven mage and a ranger depart for a bout of sparring in the arena. "What men do for sport! As if they don't get enough fighting physically." I head over to the board and look at the sign-ups for Quest #58. Eric, Erdathcath, and Sarge's names are all there. "Interesting," I mutter, disinterestedly. I look over and see Eric still sitting in his corner by the bar. I shuffle over to him. "So where did you head off to Eric? Just disappeared right when we were entering that cave, huh? Afraid of the dark, are you? Surprising, you seem more of a darkness-lover to me. Weren't you the one standing up for vampires earlier. Well, guess what? We encountered one on the quest, and I happily sent it to its death. You should have seen the look on its face. One hit was all it took and back into Hell it went. Damning abomination. I took great pleasure in that blow, you should know. It's unfortunate you weren't around to see. So, is it your usual practise to slip out of quests at the first opportunity you get or as soon as it gets a little rough? Eh?"

I enter the Training Room, a Level 15 Cleric... I stroll confidently into the Training Room, my cart rolling behind me. The “Copper Fox” smirks sardonically. “So, what can I do for you?” “Just sign here,” I shove the script I had been working on in his direction. “What is this?” he demands, somewhat incredulously. “This is the official pronouncement that I am no longer a mere Cleric of Heroica, but a Paladin. I am returning to my roots.” “But in order to become a Paladin, you must train, and speaking of ‘roots’ would not training as a Druid suit you better?” “God forbid!” “Pardon?” “God forbid!” “Oh…religious thing,” he snorts derisively. This is followed by an awkward silence, as I hold the page out in front of him expectantly. “You know, Druids can stick to the back row in fights. It’s safer that way…farther from danger.” “I have a Magical Flying Cross that keeps me far enough from the enemies.” “Oh…” Another awkward silence. “So, I suppose if Druid is not your thing, than Witch will not be either?” “Hell, no! Damnable devils!” “… I would not recommend for you to train as a Shaman as you hardly seem like a heavy-hitter or someone who relish drinking blood, and though you don’t seem sagacious, why don’t you try for training as a Sage?” “I had thought of that, and though wisdom-wise Sage does seem the right choice, it seems more of a class for the old and feeble.” The Copper Fox looks at me somewhat amusedly. Clearly, he hasn’t seen many heroes that he would deem more “old and feeble” than myself. “Well, I cannot just sign that document and you suddenly “become” a Paladin. You have to train?” he offers at last. “I have trained and fought even with the Paladins before. I need not train for it again.” “How long ago was that, though, it must have at least been 50 years ago.” “Around 250, if I can recall.” The Copper Fox seems even more surprised. “I am sorry, but that is simply too long ago. Surely, you have forgotten some of your training.” “I have an exceptional memory.” The Copper Fox is growing frustrated. “But the training you underwent in those days is surely much different from the training of today.” “How can you be certain?” “Because new things are being learned always: new methods of fighting, new approaches to battles, new medicines for tending to the wounded.” “Bah humbug!” I grunt. “If you don’t take the training, you will find yourself haplessly incapable.” “Ridiculous!” I bark. “Listen. Let me make it simple. Either take the training or leave…now!” “Fine!” I grumble, "but don’t think that because you’re a ‘veteran,’ that makes you able to boss others around. Some of us have been around a lot longer than you have. You hear? I will only take the training because of my kind-hearted character, not because I think I need or because I feel I owe you one.” The Copper Fox ignores me. “Where is your shield?” “In my cart,” I reply, enthusiastically. “Let’s see it!” I open the lid. “That is a good shield you have there. Few men training as Paladins have come with such powerful shields. Let’s see it in action.” I grasp the shield and lift… “Ummm...Paladin…? I suggest you learn to pick up a shield and use it before you start making claims about being a Paladin,” he snickers. “Your insolence is unacceptable!” I growl. He laughs louder. “I would like to see what you will do about it!” I slam the lid of the cart shut and storm away from the Training Room in frustration. “When will people learn to respect their elders!” I fume. ...I leave the Training Room a Level 15 Cleric.

I enter the marketplace and gaze somewhat longingly at the wares, but I have a mission to complete and will not falter until I fulfill it. My Broomstick De Albert, which has been successfully converted into a cross, is pulled out of my cart. I hand it gently to Anwyl. "I want these three gems here, this Amethyst, this Sapphire, and this Ruby embedded into the Holy Flying Cross. Make sure that you treat it with the utmost gentleness. I will not have you mishandling it!" I fix my intent gaze on Anwyl as he sets to work and finally hands the cross to me with the gems studding it's head. "I could have done this job myself!" I mutter. "Hardly befitting the holiest pieces of equipage, but here, I'm a generous man. Have these 150 pieces of gold. I'm expecting better from you in the future though!" 3 Gems x 50 Gold = 150 Gold 195 - 150 Gold = 45 Gold Remaining.

The Enemy Mechanics and Pictures are the ones I am having a hard time with. The pictures I have the selected QMs already, but I will need to look over the pictures to really determine which to go for. The Enemy Mechanics will be tough though. That will take some real thought.

Monk Pretzel trundles into the hall with his cart rolling behind him. Sarge is already there in the hall, talking to a knight Pretzel can vaguely remember. I have been away from the hall for far too long, Pretzel groans inwardly. He spots Eric sitting drunkenly on his own, but decides to ignore him. He heads for the quest board instead. Another mad quest, eh? When will these people come to their senses. Talk of turning men into animals indeed! Perhaps, God wants me to go on these kinds of quests to knock some sense into people. I notice that it requires unknown heroes. Well, who is less known than a hermit. I have been on three quests thus far, but none of them have been made very public and there has been few people who have really interacted with us, so I think I fit this category relatively well. Speaking of which, where is that Erik run off to? Strange lad. Never trust those Norse. He probably left the hall whilst I was on the quest. Ah, well, he wasn't that great a lackey anyway. With all these thoughts buzzing through my head, I sign up for Quest #57: Green and Gone I then notice the quest posted under it. A Bonaparte quest, no less. Well, I don't know about this, but Erdy and Eric's signature are under there, and I will teach him that I'm not afraid to quest with that bloke again. Uh-uh! The gold is great too. So thinking, I sign up for Quest # 58: Brothers-in-Arms As if thinking something over, I turn and rush out of the hall towards the Marketplace.

Monk Pretzel makes mushroom soup out of his Level Up Mushroom and drinks it too, raising his Level to 15.

Not really, it's just men who like to think they're tough. I can see the confusion though, and why someone may fail to understand who he's talking to. I mean, if Monk Pretzel would have been in the hall, he would have replied. Is it better to merge my ruby and my sapphire with the weapon a darkness-elemental weapon or a light-elemental weapon. Or should I merge them with the steak? I am kind of leaning towards the darkness one, but not sure what's best.

I have to agree with you there. Fun little side-quest you had going there! I must say that I did enjoy the "whimsical magic" feel (as Zepher put it) of your quest. I have to say that because it was called "The Meaning of It All" I thought it would be more serious-natured, but I was pleasantly surprised. All the NPCs were actually really fun, even though we ended up killing most of them. They all seemed at least partially insane. I liked how you made battles out of nothing, though weaving it in to make perfect sense while making no sense whatsoever. I don't know how to say it, but it was fun. I enjoy playing games hosted by new QMs, and I have had two of those thus far, first Endgame and then you. With new QMs you never know what to expect. The quest did take a long time, but like CMP said you did surprisingly well in balancing the battles for a lucky druid, especially considering that this is your first quest. To start out with Advanced Classes must not be incredibly easy at all, but you did great and the battles were tough, but entertaining. The loot was good too, although I do wish I had gotten that "Awesomeness" artifact! It was great when Khorne was around, but Sarge filled his shoes nicely. I have to say though that I am beginning to realize how desperately over-powered the Paralyzing Venom is, and perhaps the dual-strike weapons as well, but they worked together nicely in this quest! All-in-all, it has been a rather light-hearted, enjoyable 6 months of Heroica.

Perhaps we should already start the Dead Writeboard game.

Pearl 2.0 here we come.

"I am kind, amn't I? Such a shame you will not accept though. You seemed like such a nice person."

1) Are you currently ill? If you are busy with your illness throughout the trip, please do not sign up. Ans: Yes, I am, but the doctors recommended I go on a cruise to fully recover. 2) Have you traveled on any voyages before? Ans: No, but I heard they're usually great. I heard there's a great movie playing in the on-ship theatre called "Titanic." I'm really looking forward to seeing that. 3) Are you willing to try new and exciting things never seen before on any other voyage? Ans: Umm...okay. 4) Do you need a vacation? Ans: According to my doc. Questions Translations: 1) Are you busy for the next few weeks? As always, my answer will be that I shouldn't be too busy to play, but unexpected things may come up, Still, I think I'm good to go. 2) Have you played Mafia before? Yes, see signature.

"Erdy, in case you didn't follow, as it stands, I am collecting 170 gold, Sarge 210, and you 240. Now that business is over, I suggest we get on to the more serious matters at hand. Are you both assured of your saintliness? I would have you know that it doesn't take much gold to retreive a blessing from God."

"The Pork Chops are rare around Eubric, especially around this time of year. I say 180/200. " Just had to do this.

"Umm...Adam, could we have the Shield and Magic Viper Skin back? "I believe the reward was 420, which is 140 each, and the other 200 was repayment for the Mythril Shard, so technically Erdy should get that. Since I forfeited my 100, so Erdy could have her full gold right away in the unlikely case that we would have failed to get the gold from Trice, I think the gold should be split 140 each, and then 100 extra for Erdy and I. Plus Sarge is getting that Pork Chop and has been collecting a tidy fortune of gold from our enemies the whole quest long." I don't mind so much, myself, but Monk Pretzel is greedy. The extra 100 would be nice though. Otherwise, I suppose Sarge could just keep the extra 70 in payment for the Shield, if that's okay with him. I've fine with splitting it evenly as well.