Palathadric

The secret behind Heroica.

"More than it is now? I'm not sure what you quite mean by that. Perhaps there are more numbers now, though even that could be debatable, but there is little or no common coal anymore. It seems that the questboard is not screened at all. There was a time, from what I hear, that someone posted a quest that was, basically, just challenging heroes to fight him. I mean, what heroism is there in just sporting with someone. "I would purge those who are willing to conduits of darker powers. Not all are beyond redemption. Some are though. Even if you have to admit that the situation has to be pretty bad when even demons find their home here and necromancers can send their undead to spy on the happenings in the hall. I doubt it's a coincidence that there seems to be more rogues here than anything else. To some it seems like more of way to escape from justice and punishment than anything else. "Perhaps you don't understand. I don't blame you. You don't share my calling. "Asking for help? I could not control my body, much less my words. I could still think and feel, but my actions were not my own. I wish I had been able to prevent myself, but I couldn't. Nerwen, after all that we've been through, do you think I would willingly try to destroy you? You're one of the best heroes I know in this hall. Granted, I don't always agree with you, but you're as good as they come and probably the last person I'd want to see hurt here, well, maybe Erik would be the last, he's a good chap, though I haven't seen him around for a while."

At the end of the day, I don't think it really matters much. All it is a name in his first post. He can always change it if he feels so inclined as he moves along. Not everyone who joins has a great understanding of the world in which in Heroica exists.

Round 5-8 of "The Ethereal Enemies": With so many of their party fallen. The heroes decide to go for an "all-safe" position and hide behind Jinnipher's shield. Varunata is not able to get in at them and, after sitting out four rounds, they peek out of the shield to see that the poison has finally done its magic and Varunata is no more. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! Kheyli, Jinnipher, and Boris gain experience. Kheyli and Jinnipher level up. The others recover from their unconscious state. Party Leader, please divide the loot: Topaz Opal Ruby Emerald, Grand Tonic x 3 Ether Core Electrum Blade (WP:5, Lightning-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Lightning, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) Gaia Blade (WP:5, Wood-elemental, ignores defenses of foes weak to Wood, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) Ignis Blade (WP:5, Fire-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Fire, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) Gelum Blade (WP:5, Ice-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Ice, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) The Party Terry Yelnats (played by Endgame) *Party Leader!* Male Human Mage Level 8 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 1/12 (5+6) Defense: 1 Ether: 2/12 (5+5) Gold: 23 Equipment: Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10), Robes of the Murine Chieftan (SP:2, Max Ether +2, grants Command over rats; bodywear, suitable to Ether-using classes), Inventory: Ether Lash Wand: (WP 3 Wand, at the cost of 1 ether per WP the Wand becomes dual strike for one attack.), Cattle Prod Staff (WP: 3), 3x Potion, Sapphire (Wind), Opal (Ice), 2x Bat Guano (can be thrown at an enemy to cause the Blind Effect), Bedroll, Ancient Amber (Makes a weapon deal double damage to Ancient-type enemies when merged into a weapon at a smithy; can only be merged once per weapon, and never into shields; the weapon must be renamed to include "ancient" and "amber" in the name.), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Leather Cap (SP: 1), [/color] Jinnipher Buchaire (JimBee) 76-year-old female Moon Elven Knight *Deals half damage to/takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin* Level 9 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 9 Health: 11/17 Gold: 75 Equipment: Brine Blade (WP:5, deals Poison 5; greatsword), Natural Shield (SP:6, bearer deals half damage to and takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin; shield), Moone Mail (SP:3; bodywear) Inventory: The Beheader (WP:15, defies SP; greatsword), Full Moon Shield (SP:5), Vorpalis Conquerors (Power +0; goes up by 2 for every enemy defeated, drops back down to 0 if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends; footwear), Paper Doll (protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Greater Tonic, 3x Remedy, Bedroll, Shovel, Letter of Recommendation, Venom, Bone, 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Boris Bruhalv (Waterbrick Down) 38 year old male vampire Cleric *Immune to Stunned and Poisoned* Level 10.5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 2 (2) Health: 16/18 (9+8) Ether: 7/14 (5+8) Gold: 103 Equipment: Simple Mace (WP: 3, mace), Rusty Chainmail (SP: 2, Immune to Stunned and Poison), Defender's Ring (Accessory, Rolls of "Heal Less" become "Heal"), Inventory: Scroll of Sleep (Enables casting the asleep-effect to the target, forcing them to miss its turn for three rounds or until woken up by an attack. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), 2 Potions, 2 Remedies, 4 Tonics, 1x Sleep Bomb, 3x Blind Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb (Deals 10 Fire damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Dirt Bomb (Deals 10 Ground damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Holy Bomb (Deals 10 Holy damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Lightning Bomb (Deals 10 Lightning damage to all opponents when used), Floral Bomb, 3x Bone, Grating Stone, Crimson Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Cursed; dagger), 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Ezeran Yavarr (MysticModulus) 42 year old male human mage Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 1/7 Ether: 4/7 Gold: 0 Equipment: Ancient Sapphamber Staff (WP:7, doubled against Ancient enemies, Wind-elemental; staff) Inventory: Staff infested with demonic slime (WP 3), 2x Potion, Emerald (Wood), Ebony Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; dagger), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Torald Waruelf (Alfadas) 20 year old male Human Barbarian Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 1/10 Gold: 10 Equipment: Ebony Scorpion Spear (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; spear), Inventory: Old and Rusty Greatsword (WP: 3), Potion, Mead, Tiger Balm, Fire Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Kheyli (K-Nut) 327 years old female fairy Barbarian Level 4 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 10/10 Gold: 0 Equipment: Rat Club (WP:5, deals Afraid to Vermin-type enemies and Poisoned-by-1 to enemies of all types; club), Inventory: Barrager (WP:3 Greatsword), 3x Potion, Mead, Poison Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Mac (takes suggestions) Has a 1/6 chance to grant Inspired Has a 1/2 chance to grant Encouraged Inventory: 3x Tonic, 3x Potion, Note: Mac does not deal or take damage from enemies and cannot prevent Free Hits.

It's about time we had a Holy War. #Cruel-Angel's-Thesis-2.

I look up at Nerwen, again lost in my thoughts having just digested her latest words. "I don't know," I say, shaking my head. "If I did, I do not know how or why? But surely God would not have allowed this to happen if I had been walking uprightly...I don't know anymore. I need time...alone...more time...to think things over. When I entered this hall again my life seemed so purposeful. I fear I may have let compromise slip in too much. This hall needs a purging. It needs to be restored to it's glory days. Perhaps I have failed at this. Perhaps I am not working quickly enough. Perhaps there is more I should do. I...I need to think things over once again. That witch gripped my mind in a way that nothing else ever has and has left me feeling...guilty...exposed? What is the right word here?"

Since Jinnipher can just tank the remaining hits and Varunata will succumb to the poisoning, I will finish up this battle like so later this evening. If you want to still attack for whatever reason, then you can still post your actions.

Round 4 of "The Ethereal Enemies": Current Weather: Electrified (Doubles Lightning-elemental damage, halves Water-elemental damage) Mac Encourages Jinnipher – Failure Jinnipher vs. Agnito (Beheader) – Damage (15 - 9 SP = 6 Damage) Boris vs. Agnito – Critical Hit (Agnito: 3 x 2 + 10 = 16 Damage) Torald vs. Varunata – Damage (15 Damage: Torald KO'ed) Khyeli vs. Agnito Varunata – Miss All enemies take Poison damage. Agnito KO'ed Mac can't seem to find his voice and Jinnipher's annoyance at it, allows Agnito to get in again, dishing out some damage. Boris follows up on his success by dealing another critical blow that brings Agnito to the point of death. Meanwhile, the party's policy of aggression and all-out attack leads to more defensive weaknesses and, able to get a hit in, Varunata knocks down Torald, the lethal barbarian. Khyeli is, predictably, distraught. On the bright side, Agnito succumbs to the poison, and the numbers are not looking encouraging for our brave band of poisoned spirits, despite their best efforts to knock out three party members. The Ethereal Enemies: Varunata, Spirit of Ice *Ice-elemental attacks* *Immune to sealed, blinded, confused, hexed, enamored, minimized, petrified, doomed, and sudden death* Poisoned 4 Type: Ethereal/Icy Level: 15 Health: 15/45 Special I: Freezing Foresight – Changes current weather to “cold” (doubles ice, halves wood) Special II: Avalanche – Causes 5 ice-elemental damage and Fragile-effect to all opponents. Used only during cold weather. Drops: Opal, Ether Core, Gelum Blade (WP:5, Ice-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Ice, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) The Party Terry Yelnats (played by Endgame) *Party Leader!* KO'ed Male Human Mage Level 8 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 0/12 (5+6) Defense: 1 Ether: 2/12 (5+5) Gold: 23 Equipment: Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10), Robes of the Murine Chieftan (SP:2, Max Ether +2, grants Command over rats; bodywear, suitable to Ether-using classes), Inventory: Ether Lash Wand: (WP 3 Wand, at the cost of 1 ether per WP the Wand becomes dual strike for one attack.), Cattle Prod Staff (WP: 3), 3x Potion, Sapphire (Wind), Opal (Ice), 2x Bat Guano (can be thrown at an enemy to cause the Blind Effect), Bedroll, Ancient Amber (Makes a weapon deal double damage to Ancient-type enemies when merged into a weapon at a smithy; can only be merged once per weapon, and never into shields; the weapon must be renamed to include "ancient" and "amber" in the name.), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Leather Cap (SP: 1), [/color] Jinnipher Buchaire (JimBee) 76-year-old female Moon Elven Knight *Deals half damage to/takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin* Level 8 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 9 Health: 11/17 Gold: 75 Equipment: Brine Blade (WP:5, deals Poison 5; greatsword), Natural Shield (SP:6, bearer deals half damage to and takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin; shield), Moone Mail (SP:3; bodywear) Inventory: The Beheader (WP:15, defies SP; greatsword), Full Moon Shield (SP:5), Vorpalis Conquerors (Power +0; goes up by 2 for every enemy defeated, drops back down to 0 if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends; footwear), Paper Doll (protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Greater Tonic, 3x Remedy, Bedroll, Shovel, Letter of Recommendation, Venom, Bone, 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Boris Bruhalv (Waterbrick Down) 38 year old male vampire Cleric *Immune to Stunned and Poisoned* Level 10 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 2 (2) Health: 16/18 (9+8) Ether: 7/14 (5+8) Gold: 103 Equipment: Simple Mace (WP: 3, mace), Rusty Chainmail (SP: 2, Immune to Stunned and Poison), Defender's Ring (Accessory, Rolls of "Heal Less" become "Heal"), Inventory: Scroll of Sleep (Enables casting the asleep-effect to the target, forcing them to miss its turn for three rounds or until woken up by an attack. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), 2 Potions, 2 Remedies, 4 Tonics, 1x Sleep Bomb, 3x Blind Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb (Deals 10 Fire damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Dirt Bomb (Deals 10 Ground damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Holy Bomb (Deals 10 Holy damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Lightning Bomb (Deals 10 Lightning damage to all opponents when used), Floral Bomb, 3x Bone, Grating Stone, Crimson Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Cursed; dagger), 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Ezeran Yavarr (MysticModulus) KO'ed 42 year old male human mage Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 0/7 Ether: 4/7 Gold: 0 Equipment: Ancient Sapphamber Staff (WP:7, doubled against Ancient enemies, Wind-elemental; staff) Inventory: Staff infested with demonic slime (WP 3), 2x Potion, Emerald (Wood), Ebony Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; dagger), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Torald Waruelf (Alfadas) 20 year old male Human Barbarian KO'ed Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 0/10 Gold: 10 Equipment: Ebony Scorpion Spear (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; spear), Inventory: Old and Rusty Greatsword (WP: 3), Potion, Mead, Tiger Balm, Fire Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Kheyli (K-Nut) 327 years old female fairy Barbarian Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 10/10 Gold: 0 Equipment: Rat Club (WP:5, deals Afraid to Vermin-type enemies and Poisoned-by-1 to enemies of all types; club), Inventory: Barrager (WP:3 Greatsword), 3x Potion, Mead, Poison Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Mac (takes suggestions) Has a 1/6 chance to grant Inspired Has a 1/2 chance to grant Encouraged Inventory: 3x Tonic, 3x Potion, Note: Mac does not deal or take damage from enemies and cannot prevent Free Hits. 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. Mobs get an extra Free Hit if there are more members of the mob than standing party members. Loot Dropped: Topaz, Grand Tonic, Electrum Blade (WP:5, Lightning-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Lightning, cannot be disimbued; greatsword), Emerald, Grand Tonic, Gaia Blade (WP:5, Wood-elemental, ignores defenses of foes weak to Wood, cannot be disimbued; greatsword), Ruby, Grand Tonic, Ignis Blade (WP:5, Fire-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Fire, cannot be disimbued; greatsword)

Round 3 of "The Ethereal Enemies": Current Weather: Electrified (Doubles Lightning-elemental damage, halves Water-elemental damage) Mac Encourages Jinnipher – Failure Jinnipher vs. Agnito (Beheader) – Damage (No Effect) Boris vs. Arayanita – Hit (Arayanita: 3 + 10 = 13 Damage) Torald vs. Arayanita – Extra Critical Hit (Arayanita 5*3 +3 = 18 + Poisoned 3: Arayanita KO'ed) Khyeli vs. Agnito – Shield (Frenzy: All Enemies 8 Damage + Poisoned 1) All enemies take Poison damage. Mac's encouragement is not exactly as motivating as he would have thought. It is so distasteful, in fact, that Jinnipher can only stand back and let Agnito pound on her shield. Boris gets a good hit in but once again Toral and Khyeli do a great job as Toral makes short work of Arayanita and Khyeli goes into a frenzy further poisonating all the enemies. The Ethereal Enemies: Agnito, Spirit of Fire *Fire-elemental attacks* *Immune to sealed, blinded, confused, hexed, enamored, minimized, petrified, doomed, and sudden death* Poisoned 4 Type: Ethereal/Fiery Level: 15 Health: 19/45 Special I: Fiery Foresight – Changes current weather to “hot” (doubles fire, halves ice) Special II: Inferno – Causes 5 fire-elemental damage and Weakened-effect to all opponents. Used only during hot weather. Drops: Ruby, Grand Tonic, Ignis Blade (WP:5, Fire-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Fire, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) Varunata, Spirit of Ice *Ice-elemental attacks* *Immune to sealed, blinded, confused, hexed, enamored, minimized, petrified, doomed, and sudden death* Poisoned 4 Type: Ethereal/Icy Level: 15 Health: 19/45 Special I: Freezing Foresight – Changes current weather to “cold” (doubles ice, halves wood) Special II: Avalanche – Causes 5 ice-elemental damage and Fragile-effect to all opponents. Used only during cold weather. Drops: Opal, Ether Core, Gelum Blade (WP:5, Ice-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Ice, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) The Party Terry Yelnats (played by Endgame) *Party Leader!* KO'ed Male Human Mage Level 8 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 0/12 (5+6) Defense: 1 Ether: 2/12 (5+5) Gold: 23 Equipment: Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10), Robes of the Murine Chieftan (SP:2, Max Ether +2, grants Command over rats; bodywear, suitable to Ether-using classes), Inventory: Ether Lash Wand: (WP 3 Wand, at the cost of 1 ether per WP the Wand becomes dual strike for one attack.), Cattle Prod Staff (WP: 3), 3x Potion, Sapphire (Wind), Opal (Ice), 2x Bat Guano (can be thrown at an enemy to cause the Blind Effect), Bedroll, Ancient Amber (Makes a weapon deal double damage to Ancient-type enemies when merged into a weapon at a smithy; can only be merged once per weapon, and never into shields; the weapon must be renamed to include "ancient" and "amber" in the name.), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Leather Cap (SP: 1), [/color] Jinnipher Buchaire (JimBee) 76-year-old female Moon Elven Knight *Deals half damage to/takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin* Level 8 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 9 Health: 17/17 Gold: 75 Equipment: Brine Blade (WP:5, deals Poison 5; greatsword), Natural Shield (SP:6, bearer deals half damage to and takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin; shield), Moone Mail (SP:3; bodywear) Inventory: The Beheader (WP:15, defies SP; greatsword), Full Moon Shield (SP:5), Vorpalis Conquerors (Power +0; goes up by 2 for every enemy defeated, drops back down to 0 if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends; footwear), Paper Doll (protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Greater Tonic, 3x Remedy, Bedroll, Shovel, Letter of Recommendation, Venom, Bone, 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Boris Bruhalv (Waterbrick Down) 38 year old male vampire Cleric *Immune to Stunned and Poisoned* Level 10 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 2 (2) Health: 16/18 (9+8) Ether: 7/14 (5+8) Gold: 103 Equipment: Simple Mace (WP: 3, mace), Rusty Chainmail (SP: 2, Immune to Stunned and Poison), Defender's Ring (Accessory, Rolls of "Heal Less" become "Heal"), Inventory: Scroll of Sleep (Enables casting the asleep-effect to the target, forcing them to miss its turn for three rounds or until woken up by an attack. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), 2 Potions, 2 Remedies, 4 Tonics, 1x Sleep Bomb, 3x Blind Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb (Deals 10 Fire damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Dirt Bomb (Deals 10 Ground damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Holy Bomb (Deals 10 Holy damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Lightning Bomb (Deals 10 Lightning damage to all opponents when used), Floral Bomb, 3x Bone, Grating Stone, Crimson Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Cursed; dagger), 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Ezeran Yavarr (MysticModulus) KO'ed 42 year old male human mage Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 0/7 Ether: 4/7 Gold: 0 Equipment: Ancient Sapphamber Staff (WP:7, doubled against Ancient enemies, Wind-elemental; staff) Inventory: Staff infested with demonic slime (WP 3), 2x Potion, Emerald (Wood), Ebony Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; dagger), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Torald Waruelf (Alfadas) 20 year old male Human Barbarian Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 10/10 Gold: 10 Equipment: Ebony Scorpion Spear (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; spear), Inventory: Old and Rusty Greatsword (WP: 3), Potion, Mead, Tiger Balm, Fire Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Kheyli (K-Nut) 327 years old female fairy Barbarian Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 10/10 Gold: 0 Equipment: Rat Club (WP:5, deals Afraid to Vermin-type enemies and Poisoned-by-1 to enemies of all types; club), Inventory: Barrager (WP:3 Greatsword), 3x Potion, Mead, Poison Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Mac (takes suggestions) Has a 1/6 chance to grant Inspired Has a 1/2 chance to grant Encouraged Inventory: 3x Tonic, 3x Potion, Note: Mac does not deal or take damage from enemies and cannot prevent Free Hits. 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. Mobs get an extra Free Hit if there are more members of the mob than standing party members. Loot Dropped: Topaz, Grand Tonic, Electrum Blade (WP:5, Lightning-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Lightning, cannot be disimbued; greatsword), Emerald, Grand Tonic, Gaia Blade (WP:5, Wood-elemental, ignores defenses of foes weak to Wood, cannot be disimbued; greatsword)

"I speak of Ulric, the leader of the Wolfgang. Somehow he got the Psycrown before we did. And I can swear that I played no part in that. He's preparing to establish himself as king of Eubric and has been working with the witch, but...I suppose...has found Heroica to be of more value to his plans than the witch. I suppose he knows we're stronger. It seems to me that the witch can only control the mind of one person at a time. He knows that if Heroica would put their all into capturing the witch, one mind-controlled person would not be enough to protect her. Hence, he tried to get me to join his cause. I said I would not support one who worked with the witch and told him that if he wanted me to even consider it, that he has to rid himself of her...well...he did. It's not what I would have wished. I would have torn her limb for limb if I could have, but at least Eubric should not have to worry about her for sometime...I suppose." "'Rogue's seat?' What do you mean by that. I am no rogue Nerwen. I am sorry for what happened, but I could not fight it. I mean, I don't know. I must have done something wrong. How is it that my mind could be entered and tampered with so easily? Am I following the wrong path? Did I miss God's call to my life somewhere along the way? It's not like siding with the Wolfgang was ever my intention, but somehow my party conspired against me and now that is coming back to haunt me..." I shake my head. "I don't know anymore."

Yeah, just kept it there so that I don't forget it.

Round 2 of "The Ethereal Enemies": Current Weather: Electrified (Doubles Lightning-elemental damage, halves Water-elemental damage) Mac Inspires Ezeran – Failure Jinnipher vs. Indrito (Beheader) – Shield (Sentinel) >Ezeran vs. Agnito (Staff) – Damage (15/2=8 Damage = Ezeran KO'ed) Boris vs. Varunata – Miss Torald vs. Arayanita – Extra Critical Hit (Arayanita 5 * 3 + 3 = 18/2 = 9 Damage + Poisoned 3) Khyeli vs. Indrito – Hit (Indrito: 8 Damage + Poisoned 1) All enemies take Poison damage. Indrito KO’ed. Mac continues to bore Ezeran, and this combined with Jinnipher being just too late to raise her shield, allows Agnito to get in and knock Ezeran down. Boris is again too dismayed to act, but Toral comes to the rescue yet again with a big hit on Arayanita. Khyeli, meanwhile, does her work excellently and stabs Indrito, who succumbs to the poison The Ethereal Enemies: Agnito, Spirit of Fire *Fire-elemental attacks* *Immune to sealed, blinded, confused, hexed, enamored, minimized, petrified, doomed, and sudden death* Poisoned 3 Type: Ethereal/Fiery Level: 15 Health: 31/45 Special I: Fiery Foresight – Changes current weather to “hot” (doubles fire, halves ice) Special II: Inferno – Causes 5 fire-elemental damage and Weakened-effect to all opponents. Used only during hot weather. Drops: Ruby, Grand Tonic, Ignis Blade (WP:5, Fire-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Fire, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) Varunata, Spirit of Ice *Ice-elemental attacks* *Immune to sealed, blinded, confused, hexed, enamored, minimized, petrified, doomed, and sudden death* Poisoned 3 Type: Ethereal/Icy Level: 15 Health: 31/45 Special I: Freezing Foresight – Changes current weather to “cold” (doubles ice, halves wood) Special II: Avalanche – Causes 5 ice-elemental damage and Fragile-effect to all opponents. Used only during cold weather. Drops: Opal, Ether Core, Gelum Blade (WP:5, Ice-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Ice, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) Arayanita, Spirit of Gaia *Wood-elemental attacks* *Immune to sealed, blinded, confused, hexed, enamored, minimized, petrified, doomed, and sudden death* Poisoned 6 Type: Ethereal/Plant Level: 15 Health: 19/45 Special I: Forest Foresight – Changes current weather to “lush” (doubles wood, halves wind) Special II: Kudzu – Causes 5 wood-elemental damage and Bound-effect to all opponents. Used only during Lush weather. Drops: Emerald, Grand Tonic, Gaia Blade (WP:5, Wood-elemental, ignores defenses of foes weak to Wood, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) The Party Terry Yelnats (played by Endgame) *Party Leader!* KO'ed Male Human Mage Level 8 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 0/12 (5+6) Defense: 1 Ether: 2/12 (5+5) Gold: 23 Equipment: Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10), Robes of the Murine Chieftan (SP:2, Max Ether +2, grants Command over rats; bodywear, suitable to Ether-using classes), Inventory: Ether Lash Wand: (WP 3 Wand, at the cost of 1 ether per WP the Wand becomes dual strike for one attack.), Cattle Prod Staff (WP: 3), 3x Potion, Sapphire (Wind), Opal (Ice), 2x Bat Guano (can be thrown at an enemy to cause the Blind Effect), Bedroll, Ancient Amber (Makes a weapon deal double damage to Ancient-type enemies when merged into a weapon at a smithy; can only be merged once per weapon, and never into shields; the weapon must be renamed to include "ancient" and "amber" in the name.), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Leather Cap (SP: 1), [/color] Jinnipher Buchaire (JimBee) 76-year-old female Moon Elven Knight *Deals half damage to/takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin* Level 8 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 9 Health: 17/17 Gold: 75 Equipment: Brine Blade (WP:5, deals Poison 5; greatsword), Natural Shield (SP:6, bearer deals half damage to and takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin; shield), Moone Mail (SP:3; bodywear) Inventory: The Beheader (WP:15, defies SP; greatsword), Full Moon Shield (SP:5), Vorpalis Conquerors (Power +0; goes up by 2 for every enemy defeated, drops back down to 0 if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends; footwear), Paper Doll (protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Greater Tonic, 3x Remedy, Bedroll, Shovel, Letter of Recommendation, Venom, Bone, 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Boris Bruhalv (Waterbrick Down) 38 year old male vampire Cleric *Immune to Stunned and Poisoned* Level 10 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 2 (2) Health: 16/18 (9+8) Ether: 7/14 (5+8) Gold: 103 Equipment: Simple Mace (WP: 3, mace), Rusty Chainmail (SP: 2, Immune to Stunned and Poison), Defender's Ring (Accessory, Rolls of "Heal Less" become "Heal"), Inventory: Scroll of Sleep (Enables casting the asleep-effect to the target, forcing them to miss its turn for three rounds or until woken up by an attack. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), 2 Potions, 2 Remedies, 4 Tonics, 1x Sleep Bomb, 3x Blind Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb (Deals 10 Fire damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Dirt Bomb (Deals 10 Ground damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Holy Bomb (Deals 10 Holy damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Lightning Bomb (Deals 10 Lightning damage to all opponents when used), Floral Bomb, 3x Bone, Grating Stone, Crimson Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Cursed; dagger), 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Ezeran Yavarr (MysticModulus) KO'ed 42 year old male human mage Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 0/7 Ether: 4/7 Gold: 0 Equipment: Ancient Sapphamber Staff (WP:7, doubled against Ancient enemies, Wind-elemental; staff) Inventory: Staff infested with demonic slime (WP 3), 2x Potion, Emerald (Wood), Ebony Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; dagger), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Torald Waruelf (Alfadas) 20 year old male Human Barbarian Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 10/10 Gold: 10 Equipment: Ebony Scorpion Spear (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; spear), Inventory: Old and Rusty Greatsword (WP: 3), Potion, Mead, Tiger Balm, Fire Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Kheyli (K-Nut) 327 years old female fairy Barbarian Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 10/10 Gold: 0 Equipment: Rat Club (WP:5, deals Afraid to Vermin-type enemies and Poisoned-by-1 to enemies of all types; club), Inventory: Barrager (WP:3 Greatsword), 3x Potion, Mead, Poison Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Mac (takes suggestions) Has a 1/6 chance to grant Inspired Has a 1/2 chance to grant Encouraged Inventory: 3x Tonic, 3x Potion, Note: Mac does not deal or take damage from enemies and cannot prevent Free Hits. 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. Mobs get an extra Free Hit if there are more members of the mob than standing party members. Loot Dropped: Topaz, Grand Tonic, Electrum Blade (WP:5, Lightning-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Lightning, cannot be disimbued; greatsword)

I cast a dark look Karie's way. "Gah! This is the reason I wished to speak privately Nerwen. I am going over there to the corner and if you want to hear what I have to say then follow me to that table. My mind has experienced more stress and pain over the last weeks than in all the years of my life, and I do not want to have fools who know nothing of what pain means, talking here as if they were experts of life, death, and everything in between." I shuffle over to a table in the far corner and take a seat. Elbows on the table, I cup the back of my bowed head in my hands. The pain is still there.

"I was taken to the Wolfgang den and pressed the wolf head into banishing the witch from Eubric. It falls woefully short of killing her, though I tried to convince him to do that. Unfortunately, in order to do that, I had to agree to support the wolf head. Filthy creature! At least he has his ways of controlling the witch."

Hi, I'm your friendly neighbourhood QM Taking over from Flipz. Flipz didn't seem to find mistakes. Round 1 of "The Ethereal Enemies" Current Weather: Electrified (Doubles Lightning-elemental damage, halves Water-elemental damage) Mac Inspire Ezeran – Failure >Terry vs. Arayanita (Ice Spell) – Damage (15 x 2/2 = 15-2 = 13 Damage. Terry KO’ed) Jinnipher vs. Indrito (Beheader) – Hit (Indrito: 23 damage) >Ezeran vs. Agnito (Wood Spell) – Miss Boris vs. Varunata – Special Damage (Freezing Foresight: Changes Weather to *Cold*) Torald vs. Arayanita – Shield (Frenzy: All Enemies: 8 Damage + Poisoned 3) Khyeli vs. Indrito – Special Damage (Faraday Foresight: Changes Weather to *Electrified*) Mac, in awe of the ethereality surrounding him, fails in his attempt to inspire Ezeran. Terry takes too long to prepare his spell and is struck down by a brutal attack from the Spirit of Gaia. Better luck next time, Terry! Jinnipher coolly stabs the Spirit of Lightning, unmoved by Terry’s falling. Ezeran, Boris, and Khyeli are all too shocked to act, leaving themselves exposed to attack. Varunata and Indrito use the opportunity to sneak up on the heroes, but just when they can get in their hits, they decide instead to do some cool magic and change the weather. Torald, not fond of the new weather, nor indeed of Terry’s falling, goes into a rage, slashing and poisoning each spirit. The Ethereal Enemies: Agnito, Spirit of Fire *Fire-elemental attacks* *Immune to sealed, blinded, confused, hexed, enamored, minimized, petrified, doomed, and sudden death* Poisoned 3 Type: Ethereal/Fiery Level: 15 Health: 34/45 Special I: Fiery Foresight – Changes current weather to “hot” (doubles fire, halves ice) Special II: Inferno – Causes 5 fire-elemental damage and Weakened-effect to all opponents. Used only during hot weather. Drops: Ruby, Grand Tonic, Ignis Blade (WP:5, Fire-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Fire, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) Varunata, Spirit of Ice *Ice-elemental attacks* *Immune to sealed, blinded, confused, hexed, enamored, minimized, petrified, doomed, and sudden death* Poisoned 3 Type: Ethereal/Icy Level: 15 Health: 34/45 Special I: Freezing Foresight – Changes current weather to “cold” (doubles ice, halves wood) Special II: Avalanche – Causes 5 ice-elemental damage and Fragile-effect to all opponents. Used only during cold weather. Drops: Opal, Ether Core, Gelum Blade (WP:5, Ice-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Ice, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) Indrito, Spirit of Lightning *Lightning-elemental attacks* *Immune to sealed, blinded, confused, hexed, enamored, minimized, petrified, doomed, and sudden death* Poisoned 3 Type: Ethereal/Electric Level: 15 Health: 11/45 Special I: Faraday Foresight – Changes current weather to “electrified” (doubles lightning, halves water) Special II: Thunderstorm – Causes 5 lightning-elemental damage and Jinxed-effect to all opponents. Used only during electrified weather. Drops: Topaz, Grand Tonic, Electrum Blade (WP:5, Lightning-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Lightning, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) Arayanita, Spirit of Gaia *Wood-elemental attacks* *Immune to sealed, blinded, confused, hexed, enamored, minimized, petrified, doomed, and sudden death* Poisoned 3 Type: Ethereal/Plant Level: 15 Health: 34/45 Special I: Forest Foresight – Changes current weather to “lush” (doubles wood, halves wind) Special II: Kudzu – Causes 5 wood-elemental damage and Bound-effect to all opponents. Used only during Lush weather. Drops: Emerald, Grand Tonic, Gaia Blade (WP:5, Wood-elemental, ignores defenses of foes weak to Wood, cannot be disimbued; greatsword) The Party Terry Yelnats (played by Endgame) *Party Leader!* KO'ed Male Human Mage Level 8 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 0/12 (5+6) Defense: 1 Ether: 2/12 (5+5) Gold: 23 Equipment: Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10), Robes of the Murine Chieftan (SP:2, Max Ether +2, grants Command over rats; bodywear, suitable to Ether-using classes), Inventory: Ether Lash Wand: (WP 3 Wand, at the cost of 1 ether per WP the Wand becomes dual strike for one attack.), Cattle Prod Staff (WP: 3), 3x Potion, Sapphire (Wind), Opal (Ice), 2x Bat Guano (can be thrown at an enemy to cause the Blind Effect), Bedroll, Ancient Amber (Makes a weapon deal double damage to Ancient-type enemies when merged into a weapon at a smithy; can only be merged once per weapon, and never into shields; the weapon must be renamed to include "ancient" and "amber" in the name.), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Leather Cap (SP: 1), [/color] Jinnipher Buchaire (JimBee) 76-year-old female Moon Elven Knight *Deals half damage to/takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin* Level 8 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 9 Health: 17/17 Gold: 75 Equipment: Brine Blade (WP:5, deals Poison 5; greatsword), Natural Shield (SP:6, bearer deals half damage to and takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin; shield), Moone Mail (SP:3; bodywear) Inventory: The Beheader (WP:15, defies SP; greatsword), Full Moon Shield (SP:5), Vorpalis Conquerors (Power +0; goes up by 2 for every enemy defeated, drops back down to 0 if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends; footwear), Paper Doll (protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Greater Tonic, 3x Remedy, Bedroll, Shovel, Letter of Recommendation, Venom, Bone, 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Boris Bruhalv (Waterbrick Down) 38 year old male vampire Cleric *Immune to Stunned and Poisoned* Level 10 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 2 (2) Health: 16/18 (9+8) Ether: 7/14 (5+8) Gold: 103 Equipment: Simple Mace (WP: 3, mace), Rusty Chainmail (SP: 2, Immune to Stunned and Poison), Defender's Ring (Accessory, Rolls of "Heal Less" become "Heal"), Inventory: Scroll of Sleep (Enables casting the asleep-effect to the target, forcing them to miss its turn for three rounds or until woken up by an attack. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), 2 Potions, 2 Remedies, 4 Tonics, 1x Sleep Bomb, 3x Blind Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb (Deals 10 Fire damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Dirt Bomb (Deals 10 Ground damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Holy Bomb (Deals 10 Holy damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Lightning Bomb (Deals 10 Lightning damage to all opponents when used), Floral Bomb, 3x Bone, Grating Stone, Crimson Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Cursed; dagger), 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Ezeran Yavarr (MysticModulus) 42 year old male human mage Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 7/7 Ether: 4/7 Gold: 0 Equipment: Ancient Sapphamber Staff (WP:7, doubled against Ancient enemies, Wind-elemental; staff) Inventory: Staff infested with demonic slime (WP 3), 2x Potion, Emerald (Wood), Ebony Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; dagger), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Torald Waruelf (Alfadas) 20 year old male Human Barbarian Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 10/10 Gold: 10 Equipment: Ebony Scorpion Spear (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; spear), Inventory: Old and Rusty Greatsword (WP: 3), Potion, Mead, Tiger Balm, Fire Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Kheyli (K-Nut) 327 years old female fairy Barbarian Level 3 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 10/10 Gold: 0 Equipment: Rat Club (WP:5, deals Afraid to Vermin-type enemies and Poisoned-by-1 to enemies of all types; club), Inventory: Barrager (WP:3 Greatsword), 3x Potion, Mead, Poison Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Mac (takes suggestions) Has a 1/6 chance to grant Inspired Has a 1/2 chance to grant Encouraged Inventory: 3x Tonic, 3x Potion, Note: Mac does not deal or take damage from enemies and cannot prevent Free Hits. 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. Mobs get an extra Free Hit if there are more members of the mob than standing party members.

"Believe me, I have had my share of working against mind controlling freaks, necromancy comes to mind. I've never had anything like this happen before. I thought my mind was able to resist anything like it. In all my years, I've never had something like this though. The only reason I was taken control of was because of a stupid decision by a disloyal party a couple years ago who, apparently sold me out to the Wolfgang while I was unconscious. None of them are even around the hall anymore for me to extract any kind of revenge though. I'm sorry for what happened, if any of us going on this quest wanted to rid the world of the witch it was me, but I underestimated her powers...we all did, it seems. "Nevertheless, there is a light of sorts at the end of the sewer, though it came at a cost."

I get how they work, but their leaders are less than human so what does that make the organization, but an abomination and downright evil?

Kill him before he kills you, I say.

Next Quest: Black is white. You're all just colour blind.

I let out a low growl, but return to Nerwen, pleadingly. "I'm sorry. I did what I could to remedy the situation, but I could do nothing at the time. I...this is a bad location." I cast my eyes at the many witnesses.

At first my plan is to hold Nerwen's wrath for as long as it takes for me to skedaddle, but as Nerwen speaks, I grow a little annoyed. "Do you think I wanted to have that disgusting presence in my head like that? I have never felt so violated in all my life. The pain was unbearable! I have been around long enough and seen many things, but to see someone who could enter my mind the way that which did, I've never seen it before. If I could kill her a thousand times I would do it, but I cannot. She is a far worse menace than I could have ever imagined!"

The Black Knight's monologue passes me by, without me paying it any heed until he gets to the end. "What?" I turn around and duck instinctively to see Nerwen brandishing her stool "Quarter!" I yell impulsively. "Quarter! Quarter!"

I could try having a go at it. I hope I don't do too badly, but at least I've got four long-timers to watch my work.

So it begins. I hope you have some promotional posters with you. You should have gotten Valentino onto your side as well.

"One must never attempt to drown sorrow with drink...sorrow is an expert swimmer. I am actually just looking for the half-giant, Thormanil and I will be on my way. Do you know of his whereabouts?" I notice Nerwen talking with another musician and decided to give them a wide berth. My mind plays tug of war over whether I should go apologize or not. Perhaps it is my duty to tell them the "good" news.