Endgame

I throw open the doors... only to find a purple fellow, being assaulted by living suits of armor. I pull out my bow as the monsters creak and turn towards us, ready for battle. "Shame we had to meet this way, Syrio... But I'm going to have to request that you hang back and do nothing, unless Erik heals you with a blood ritual (In that case, double attack Great Helm from the back row.) Nuitan, heal Syrio from the back row. Sorsha, bash in Kettle Helm's helmet with your Titanic Axe, back. I'll go for Great Helm and Bascinet with my Longbow, back. Battle Order Erik Nuitan Sorrow Karie Syrio "This should be a piece of cake."

The silver wheel holds no traps. It appears to be connected to an intricate system of gears hiden inside the pedestal, but nothing that would be harmful.

The Quest I pretty much agree with everything you said. I'm still kicking myself for making that slip up with Crowley's presence, but hopefully it didn't hurt his characterization too much. For better structuring the rooms, I agree. I thought the first few rooms wer a bit shaky on that regard (I actually did purposely fail to mention the basement/the hidden door in the stair room at first), but I felt as if it got better later on. Kind of kicking myself here too, xince I have a picture of the unseen door in the first foyer, I just forgot to post it. The battles, I felt, worked well. Battle 1 taught you the ropes, Battle 2 introduced some new mechanics, and Battle 3 brought along SP and difficulty. I feel as if the final battle would be possible without a water bomb, but you certainly would've had a knockout if you failed to use it. The story was simple: bugs in a house, get them out. I kind of danced around the issues of the insect society, but there should be enough to piece it all together. There was essentially a schism that led to Frostbarb going rogue, and Kos taking over the ants as well as the spiders. Had this not happened, Heroica would've never gotten called, and Kos would've been delivered an all you can eat buffet. So the true hero of this quest is... Frostbarb the Malovelent/Benevolent/Excellent/Marvelous/Formidable/Omnscient/Spiffy. That, and combined with the Wolfgang/Syndicate/Town Watch story threads, immersed you into the game as well as the quest. Loot I felt was a simply too much: part of the reason Kos's horde was so difficult was to get you folks to spend it. Length and pacing. This was meant to be a shorter quest. I found myself waiting hours to see if Hoanganhbeo would respond, but he rarely did. I feel as if that caused the quest to slow down signifcantly. The Characters: Darksten: I liked Darksten here. He's a bit of a stoic with a softer side... He seemed a bit cold and elitist (murdering insects who wanted mercy after giving him tons of information, seemed to regard himself high than Crowley), but also a pragmatist. He wanted to do the write thing, but he sometimes takes a bit brutal ways to go about doing it. I'll be sure to keep a close watch on darksten has he progress... Nonetheless, Darksten had quite an entry into the realm of Heroica! Hoang Anh: There wasn't much character on display here. Or much participation. Many of your one-liners either restated Darksten's actions, or simply said "ok." It got to the point where I really was considering shafting you EXP from Battle 3 as well, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. If this wasn't your first quest, I would've kicked you out of it. However, I didn't want to scare you away from the realm of Heroica. You showed enthusiasm at the start (that eventually got you a Break, but I digress...), and I didn't want to extinguish that. I have thfour tips for you, Hoanganhbeo, and I hope you read them carefully and apply them to future quests. 1. Be active, and if you're not going to be, give warning. 2. Read what your fellows questees say. 3. Read what your QM says. 4. Roleplay! If you can immerse yourself into a character, its surprisingly fun.

"I'll deliver this to Cobb, sure." "Now, lets get out of this hellhole!" The party backtracks, leading the miners single file through the treacherous tunnel. They all step onto the elevator, the Minoid pulling up the wooden box with his practical dynamo of an arm. All six of them thread through the first floor's meandering tunnels, where the miners bid the heroes farewell. "Farewell, heroes!" "Thanks a ton, heroes!" The party retraces their steps: through the tunnels down the elevator, up the winding tunnel that ld to the upper ridge, and stopped on the upper ridge. Instead of turning left into the employee breakroom like they did earlier, they instead continue straight, into another cave... ...which held perhaps the most bizzare device the heroes had ever laid eyes on. A waterfall pourning in from the ceiling rang out a loud whoosh, the sound constant in the room. A bridge led across to an exit, likely to the right upper ridge, but that wasn't what was important right now. Four odd cages dangled in front of the heroes: 2 in front of the waterfall, two in back of it. A silver wheel sits on a pedestal, perhaps the controls to this odd machine. The party would have to do a little investigating to determine how this machine worked...

Charles scrawls up a map. "PLACES VISITED: Elevator Room Lower Ridge Left Connecting Tunnel Upper Ridge Left Breakroom PLACES DESTROYED: Left Scaffolding Bridge PLACES YET TO VISIT: Rinsing Room Upper Ridge Right Right Scaffolding Lower Ridge Right Crypt." "Now, our codes. Mine is 0130135. "Mine is 1243762." "And my code is 3104075!" "Just a note: You're gonna have to break open the boxes, take out the diamonds, and clean them off in the Rinsing Room. You see, they're kinda still buried in tiny pieces of sediment, and obviously the Shadeaux don't want to unearth the diamonds. It is easy enough to figure out... Now, you can escort us up, and head to the Rinsing Room afterwards, if you are ready."

"Day or night, I suppose it doesn't really matter at this point... I kinda wish my mind could wander off like that, to be honest. Usually when it does, it becomes a bit too painful."

I give a small smileas I look at the group I was leading. "Looks like someone is heeding my advice, judging by that dreamy expression of yours."

Kintobor, Hoang is Level 3.

"I've lead twice. And, uh, I'll try to lead well. I know this is stressful, so... Think happy thoughts? I'll be thinking about Heroicas Hall... To the armory." I take a Mead, Nostrum, and Smelling Salts.

"...Many thanks, Hoang." And with that, the Syndicate cleric and his brother walk off, they themselves going back to base to avoid the storm. QM Note: Final update, questees, just to show the final loot breakdown. The Party: Darksten (Comrade Commander) 35 year old Male Human Ranger Level 4 Power: 7 Health: 10/10 Gold: 125 Equipment: Crossbow (WP: 3) Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy x2, Smoke bomb, Bedroll, Utility Knife (roleplay item), Grand Potion x2, Grating Stone, Phoenix Essence, Ambrosia. Fang of Kos (roleplay item), Soma, Safety Blanket (SP: 1, protects from Afraid, backwear) Hoang Anh (hoanganhbeo) 20 years old Male Human Knight Level 3 Power: 7 Defense: 2 Health: 12/12 Gold: 105 Equipment: Steel Sword (WP: 4); Shield (SP: 2) Inventory: Remedy x3 Bedroll, Grand Potion, Poison, Sword (WP: 3), Smokebomb, Soma, Safety Blanket (SP: 1, immune to Afraid; backwear.)

"Incredibly unhealthy. May lead to fatigue, delirium, mild hallucinations, lack of empathy, decreased appetite, depression, or death if used too extensively. Here are my notes on the matter... ACCESSING DATABASE. Entry found: Entry number 89779856, filed 6 months ago... QUOTE: -Extreme dedication. -Any distractions will plunge you into sleep instantly. -Caffeine. Lots and lots of caffeine. ...END QUOTE." The robot almost seemed dissapointed. "STATEMENT: My database on this was not as expansive as I was originally led to believe. Shame." "Uh, I thought you were emotionless..." "I am, as far as my knowledge extends."

"GRIMWALD: I possess encyclopedic knowledge on how to remain fully effiecient for a whole 72 hours without the use of any sort of recreational drug, if you would seek access to this information. My creator used to go on for 72 hours without food or sleep." "Wow, you had a pretty weird maker, didn't ya?" "I am unable to judge the value of human beings, only identify their emotions. As an example, you were immesurably happy 2142 seconds ago."

"Uhh... Go ahead?" The party retreats into their bedrolls, even the Minoid stopping for a recharge. The Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 31.75 Mystic Knight, 22-year-old male Human *Immune to Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* [ Currently in: Six Thousand Feet Under] *Party Leader!* Power: 42 (31 + WP:11) Health: 54/54 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 30 + Class Boost: 15 + Permanent Boost: 4*) Ether: 36/36 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 30) Defense: 20 40 (Arm Shield: 14 + Duke's Coat-of-Arms: 5 + Unicorn Helmet: 1) Gold: 198 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding effect), Arm Shield (SP:14), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (Protects against Fragile and all Poisons, SP; 5, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators; bodywear), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors; headwear), Zap-Tap Badge (Artefact, Accessory. Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level.), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent Inventory: Weapons: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 broomstick, suitable to Arthur only), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Ambrosia] halberd),Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), (Unsuitable weapons: Ammit (Greatsword, WP 6, gains 5 Ether for each kill), Artifacts: Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves (Handwear, wearable by everybody. Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you.), Minoid Card Key, Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent (Unsuitable Artifacts: Sticky Gloves (Handwear, Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors) (sent to Isaac Shawe) ) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: All Lent! Consumables: *Healing: Potion, Grand Potion x1, Tonic, Grand Tonic , Ether Core, Remedy x6, Elixir x4, Sushi x3 *Status: Nostrum x3, Hurricane, Smelling Salts, Mead x2, Ambrosia x2, Dragon Scale, Jinxy Juice x2, *Venoms: Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), *Permanent Improvement: Bright Polish x2, Grating Stone, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), *Bombs: Smoke Bomb x5, 3 Bones, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), *Currency: Scrap Metal x2, Silver Ore x2 Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old, Level 21.33 Druid Power: 36 Health: 35/35 Ether: 24/24 Gold: 592 Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:15, Fire-elemental), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear), Overkill Gloves, Mage's muffler (protects from sealing) Inventory: Longbow (WP:7), Helmet (+1 max. health), 6 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 6 Mead, 5 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 4 Deadly Venoms, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Fire Bomb, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, 2 Air Bombs, Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Saber teeth, Scroll of Weakening, Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified), , Jinxy Juice, Grand Tonic x2, Love Potion, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, Jinxy Juice, Mythril Shard, Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Silver Ore, Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; suitable to Erdathcath only; accessory), Elixir 69 year old male gnome Cleric (Immune to Weakened) Level: 14 Power: 23 (14 + 8 + permanent boost of 1) SP: 0 Health: 22/22 Ether: 18/18 Gold: 228 Equipment: Knotted Broom (WP: 6), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Inventory: Shovel, Pickaxe, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Mead, Remedy x3, Potion x2, Bone x2, Grand Potion, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, Ice Bomb, Root beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against Undead enemies for 20 damage (Does not affect non-Undead enemies)), Ambrosia, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Smoke Bomb, Plague Venom, Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Tricorne (suitable for anyone, SP: 3, headwear), Grand Tonic x2, Pugilist's Gloves (+2 power/immune to Weakened), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Splinter Broom (WP: 8, defies SP), Opal, Amethyst, Diamond "VICTORY: Achieved." Minoid, Level 19.5 Drilling Automaton HP: 31/31 Power: 29 SP: 2 Equipment: Minoid Drill Arm (WP: 13), Iron Shell (SP: 2), Scanning Eye (Allows the Minoid to analyze most foes before battle. If in battle, it can spend a turn to analyze the fight) Inventory: Remedy x2, Grand Potion, Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [empty]), Quick bow (WP: 6, Suitable to rangers, provides hastened effect for one round each battle) The party emerges from their slumber, fully healed. "...Enjoy your rest?" "You were out for, like, 30 minutes or so."

Yeah, if Sylph hadn't started saying Eidolon's name wrong, 48 would've been borderline soul crushing. Thanks for the bit of relief, LordOfTheNoobs - you're getting a free heal for that o! (You're gonna need it...)

"...But... what? The hell? How does that even work?" "I think I had a nightmare about something like that, once." "Crypt isn't that word, honestly... It seems more like an... Entryway, or something. We found it about 3 or 4 months ago... It took half of our explosives to blast open the entry, and the next door seems almost impregnable." "It's on the other side of the large cavern you had to traverse to get here. We can draw a map, if you want..." "STATEMENT: That is the same direction the Giant went when it cut the bridge."

"Since you saved me, and I'm more than grateful for that, I'm gonna give you a bit of a tip: You're walking in a minefield here, this is her behavior when she has a crush on someo-" "Knock it off!" "Oh, no problem. It was something I found from the weird, crypt thingy we unearthed. "That place gives me the creeps, brr..."

Still have to do a little bit more to get it, although it isn't nearly as difficult as the battle, and isn't even failable. (You still gotta complete the quest, though.)

"We should probably keep the party balanced, though... We don't want to leave one too much weaker than the other, in terms of manpower." "Any reason why?" I raise a mangled eyebrow.

I expected a knockout, 99ers, but you used a buttload of consumables to prevent it, so I'm satisified.

"You, uh, okay, Mr. Dashing Hero?" "I know you've always wanted to be a princess, Brittany, but - " "Ah, come on, come off it, Derrek." "Best listen to your boss, Derrek! I, uh... knew I did some weird stuff while under those damn demon's spell, but I guess it was only because I trusted you, even then. And you proved me right." The black haired man approaches Grimwald. "Hey, I've seenchealing staves like that; one of our clients is a priest who always purchases diamonds for his church. Trade you it for something?"

>Arthur remedies himself (back) >Arthur uses a Grand Potion on Derrek (back) >Erdathcath heals Derrek (back): No heal Heal (15+20=35 HP healed) >Erdathcath heals Derrek (back): Heal Greater heal (15x2=30+20=50 HP healed) >Grimwald heals Brittany (back): Heal Less Greater Heal (6x2=12+13=25 HP healed) >Minoid uses a Grand Potion on Derrek (back) "NO!" Umbraloid, Level 55 Darkness *Poison 50!!* *Fragile! 2 rounds remaining* HP: 93/575 SP: 7 Immune to Sealing, Blindness, and Jinxing! Specials: Shadowy Sludge: With a slash of its tentacle, the Umbraloid releases a surge of lethal ink. Alll heroes become Doomed. Look Into My Eye...: The Umbraloid hijacks the mind of the hero who rolls Special Damage. That hero becomes Hexed and dequips all of their artifacts. Razor Jab: The Umbraloid impales the hero who rolled Special damage, reducing their health to 1, disregarding row and SP. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Meat Shield: The Umbroaloid's defense is equal to Derrek's health divided by 4, rounded down. Drops: Phoenix Essence, Amethyst "Join us! Join us!" Brainwashed Derrek, Level 18 Humanoid HP: 160/160 Specials: Piercing Pickaxe: Jabs the hero who rolled Special Damage with his pickaxe, dealing 18 damage - disregarding row. Passive Specials: Glory To The Oculoids!: If left untargetted, instead of a free hit, Derrek transfers 50 of his own health to his captor, the Umbraloid. Drops: Memory of Combination 1 (Is destroyed if Derrek is killed) "This is beyond stupid..." Photoloid, Level 45 Light *Bleeding!* *Fragile! 2 rounds remaining* HP: 525/550 SP: 24 Immune to Weakness and Sealing! Specials: Flood Of Light: In a flash of light, the hero who rolled Special Damage is blinded, and all other heroes take 24 damage. Witness The Light: The Photoloid indoctrinates the hero who rolled Special Damage, flooding their head with mindless bliss. Their health and ether are halved, and they are Hexed for one turn. Razor Jab: The Umbraloid impales the hero who rolled Special damage, reducing their health to 1, disregarding row and SP. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Meat Shield: The Photoloid's defense is equal to Brittany's health divided by 4, rounded down. Drops: Diamond, Bright Polish "Master...?" Brainwashed Brittany, Level 18 Humanoid HP: 123/160 Specials: Model Miner: Brittany, under the complete control of the Photoloid, uses her looks to Enamor any male heroes for three rounds. Passive Specials: Glory To The Oculoids!: If left untargetted, instead of a free hit, Brittany transfers 50 of his own health to his captor, the Photoloid. Drops: Memory of Combination 3 (Is destroyed if Brittany is killed) The Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 31.5 Mystic Knight, 22-year-old male Human *Immune to Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* [ Currently in: Six Thousand Feet Under] *Party Leader!* *Hastened!* *Reinforced!* Power: 42 (31 + WP:11) Health: 54/54 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 30 + Class Boost: 15 + Permanent Boost: 4*) Ether: 36/36 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 30) Defense: 20 40 (Arm Shield: 14 + Duke's Coat-of-Arms: 5 + Unicorn Helmet: 1) Gold: 198 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding effect), Arm Shield (SP:14), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (Protects against Fragile and all Poisons, SP; 5, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators; bodywear), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors; headwear), Zap-Tap Badge (Artefact, Accessory. Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level.), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent Inventory: Weapons: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 broomstick, suitable to Arthur only), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Ambrosia] halberd),Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), (Unsuitable weapons: Ammit (Greatsword, WP 6, gains 5 Ether for each kill), Artifacts: Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves (Handwear, wearable by everybody. Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you.), Minoid Card Key, Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent (Unsuitable Artifacts: Sticky Gloves (Handwear, Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors) (sent to Isaac Shawe) ) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: All Lent! Consumables: *Healing: Potion, Grand Potion x1, Tonic, Grand Tonic x5, Ether Core, Remedy x6, Elixir x4, Sushi x3 *Status: Nostrum x3, Hurricane, Smelling Salts, Mead x2, Ambrosia x2, Dragon Scale, Jinxy Juice x2, *Venoms: Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), *Permanent Improvement: Bright Polish, Grating Stone, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), *Bombs: Smoke Bomb x5, 3 Bones, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), *Currency: Scrap Metal x2, Silver Ore x2 Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old, Level 21 Druid *Hastened!* Power: 36 Health: 35/35 Ether: 19/24 Gold: 592 Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:15, Fire-elemental *Poison 25!*), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear), Overkill Gloves, Mage's muffler (protects from sealing) Inventory: Longbow (WP:7), Helmet (+1 max. health), 6 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 6 Mead, 5 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 4 Deadly Venoms, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Fire Bomb, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, 2 Air Bombs, Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Saber teeth, Scroll of Weakening, Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified), , Jinxy Juice, Grand Tonic x2, Love Potion, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, Jinxy Juice, Mythril Shard, Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Silver Ore, Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; suitable to Erdathcath only; accessory) 69 year old male gnome Cleric (Immune to Weakened) *Lucky!* *Blessed!* Level: 13.5 Power: 20 (13 + 6 + permanent boost of 1) SP: 0 Health: 21/21 Ether: 11/17 Gold: 228 Equipment: Knotted Broom (WP: 6), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Inventory: Shovel, Pickaxe, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Mead, Remedy x3, Potion x2, Bone x2, Grand Potion, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, Ice Bomb, Root beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against Undead enemies for 20 damage (Does not affect non-Undead enemies)), Ambrosia, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Smoke Bomb, Plague Venom, Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Tricorne (suitable for anyone, SP: 3, headwear), Grand Tonic x2, Pugilist's Gloves (+2 power/immune to Weakened), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Splinter Broom (WP: 8, defies SP) "To battle." Minoid, Level 19 Drilling Automaton HP: 31/31 Power: 29 SP: 2 Equipment: Minoid Drill Arm (WP: 13), Iron Shell (SP: 2), Scanning Eye (Allows the Minoid to analyze most foes before battle. If in battle, it can spend a turn to analyze the fight) Inventory: Ether Core, Remedy x2, Grand Potion, Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [empty]), Quick bow (WP: 6, Suitable to rangers, provides hastened effect for one round each battle) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- QM Note: Derrek is at full HP, and since there is absolutely no way 107 heals won't get Brittany to 160 HP... >A bunch of silly autorolling happens (4 Grand Tonics/1 Ether Core later...) Both oculoids succumb to their inflicted wounds, melting away to nothing. They sputter and shot foul expletives as the poison takes their toll, both demons ramming hoplessly at Arthur's armor, trying to break through the shield. The battle had been won; the Oculoids had been cornered without them even realizing it, and now they had to suffer a slow and painful death for their ignorance. They leave their captives rleatively unhamred and with free will, their minds recovering from the thorough brainwashing the Oculoids had cast onto them. "NNNNAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOO!" "Oh... feel soo... lightheaded... no blood... losing consciousness..." Both demons burst into piles of elemental goo, the puddles quickly dissolving. The Battle Is Victorious! All heroes gain the proper amount of EXP. Party Leader, please ditribute the Loot: -Opal -Diamond -Amethyst -Bright Polish Elixir Phoenix Essence The Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 31.75 Mystic Knight, 22-year-old male Human *Immune to Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* [ Currently in: Six Thousand Feet Under] *Party Leader!* Power: 42 (31 + WP:11) Health: 54/54 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 30 + Class Boost: 15 + Permanent Boost: 4*) Ether: 36/36 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 30) Defense: 20 40 (Arm Shield: 14 + Duke's Coat-of-Arms: 5 + Unicorn Helmet: 1) Gold: 198 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding effect), Arm Shield (SP:14), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (Protects against Fragile and all Poisons, SP; 5, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators; bodywear), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors; headwear), Zap-Tap Badge (Artefact, Accessory. Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level.), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent Inventory: Weapons: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 broomstick, suitable to Arthur only), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Ambrosia] halberd),Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), (Unsuitable weapons: Ammit (Greatsword, WP 6, gains 5 Ether for each kill), Artifacts: Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves (Handwear, wearable by everybody. Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you.), Minoid Card Key, Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent (Unsuitable Artifacts: Sticky Gloves (Handwear, Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors) (sent to Isaac Shawe) ) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: All Lent! Consumables: *Healing: Potion, Grand Potion x1, Tonic, Grand Tonic , Ether Core, Remedy x6, Elixir x4, Sushi x3 *Status: Nostrum x3, Hurricane, Smelling Salts, Mead x2, Ambrosia x2, Dragon Scale, Jinxy Juice x2, *Venoms: Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), *Permanent Improvement: Bright Polish, Grating Stone, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), *Bombs: Smoke Bomb x5, 3 Bones, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), *Currency: Scrap Metal x2, Silver Ore x2 Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old, Level 21.33 Druid Power: 36 Health: 35/35 Ether: 11/24 Gold: 592 Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:15, Fire-elemental), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear), Overkill Gloves, Mage's muffler (protects from sealing) Inventory: Longbow (WP:7), Helmet (+1 max. health), 6 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 6 Mead, 5 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 4 Deadly Venoms, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Fire Bomb, 3 Smoke Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, 2 Air Bombs, Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Saber teeth, Scroll of Weakening, Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified), , Jinxy Juice, Grand Tonic x2, Love Potion, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, Jinxy Juice, Mythril Shard, Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Silver Ore, Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; suitable to Erdathcath only; accessory) 69 year old male gnome Cleric (Immune to Weakened) Level: 14 Power: 23 (14 + 8 + permanent boost of 1) SP: 0 Health: 22/22 Ether: 12/18 Gold: 228 Equipment: Knotted Broom (WP: 6), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Inventory: Shovel, Pickaxe, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Mead, Remedy x3, Potion x2, Bone x2, Grand Potion, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, Ice Bomb, Root beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against Undead enemies for 20 damage (Does not affect non-Undead enemies)), Ambrosia, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Smoke Bomb, Plague Venom, Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Tricorne (suitable for anyone, SP: 3, headwear), Grand Tonic x2, Pugilist's Gloves (+2 power/immune to Weakened), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Splinter Broom (WP: 8, defies SP) "VICTORY: Achieved." Minoid, Level 19.5 Drilling Automaton HP: 31/31 Power: 29 SP: 2 Equipment: Minoid Drill Arm (WP: 13), Iron Shell (SP: 2), Scanning Eye (Allows the Minoid to analyze most foes before battle. If in battle, it can spend a turn to analyze the fight) Inventory: Remedy x2, Grand Potion, Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [empty]), Quick bow (WP: 6, Suitable to rangers, provides hastened effect for one round each battle) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "OBSERVATION: The miners are returning to their senses. STATISITC: Cross referencing my knowledge of body language with their movmenets, I detect a 98% that they are free from the brainwashing brought onto them by the demons." Sure enough, the miners begin to awake. "Uuuurgh... feels like I just woke up from a bad dream." "Splitting migraine over here..." Brittany practically springs to her feet. "I'm feeling fine! I'll try to hunt down some of your migraine meds, Charles, I think you left them somehwere around here. But first..." Brittasny does the exact same thing she did before the battle: plant her hands on Arthur's shoulders affectionately, and give a dazzling smile. This time, though, it was of her own free will - and there was life in her eyes, not a dreary glow. "You're the dashing hero that rescued me, aren't you?"

"I'll go along with you, Karie, if you want..."

The party trudges up the stairs, navigating out of the bloodied basment. They stomp their feet on the carpet in the foyer as they walk out. Some snow flakes graze their cheeks, their faces and hands going red from the cold. Crowley looks snug in his attire. The party reutrns to the hovellers, and finds another person waiting for them... "Antony!?" The green clad man chuckles. "Well, look who decided to show up! You're safe and sound, right?" "Yeah, but what are you doing here, brother?" "I heard from the boss that you were here, Crowley. I wanted to make sure your first assignment went well, and that you didn't dig yourself too deep of a grave." "...Thanks, Antony. Thanks a ton." While the two siblings chat, the three hovellers approach ther heroes. "Well... you somehow managed to preserve the food, so you each get a Soma. I've been holding onto them since I got evicted, but I think you're a better holder." Soma (Causes the blessed-effect, allowing the target to recover 3 health at the end of each round for the duration of one battle.) "You exterminated all of the icky bugs, heroes! Thank you very, very much! Hear - I don't need these blankets anymore now that the icky little bugs are gone, so you can have these. One for each of you!" Safety Blanket: Backwear, suitable for anyone. SP: 1, the comforting texture protects from the Afraid effect. "I said no snow on the ground. And look what's on the ground! Snow! So you get nothing from me." "Thanks for bringing my brother back safely, heroes. I know its kinda meager, but... We Syndicate folk aren't paid much. Here, have 10 gold each." Isaac skulks out from behind the corner to see all the commotion, noticing the heroes in the process. "...You made it out? Welll, wow, I'm surpri- I mean, ahem! The hovels give you our deepest thanks, heroes. As a collective token of our appreication, here: have 65 gold, each." The Party: Darksten (Comrade Commander) 35 year old Male Human Ranger Level 4 Power: 7 Health: 10/10 Gold: 125 Equipment: Crossbow (WP: 3) Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy x2, Smoke bomb, Bedroll, Utility Knife (roleplay item), Grand Potion x2, Grating Stone, Phoenix Essence, Ambrosia. Fang of Kos (roleplay item), Soma, Safety Blanket (SP: 1, protects from Afraid, backwear) Hoang Anh (hoanganhbeo) 20 years old Male Human Knight Level 3 Power: 7 Defense: 2 Health: 12/12 Gold: 110 Equipment: Steel Sword (WP: 4); Shield (SP: 2) Inventory: Remedy x4 Bedroll, Grand Potion, Poison, Sword (WP: 3), Smokebomb, Soma, Safety Blanket (SP: 1, immune to Afraid; backwear.) Crowley and his brother begin to walk off, but Crowley stops to talk to the heroes. "Good working with you two. Maybe we'll bump into each other on the streets, eh? Battling the Wolfgang and all that. Either way, I'll see you folks around." With the bugs stomped out, their reward recieved, and the woes of the Hovels resolved, the heroes knew that ~The Quest Was Successful!~ QM Note: Thanks for playing, 97ers! You're free to return to the hall now. If you can, please leave any comments and criticisms in the QM Lounge.

QM Note: How are you going to be generating 107 ether like that? It'll take 103 rounds for the Photoloid to kick the bucket, and therefore 103 ether. 21+11=32 ether. 103-32=71. An ether core can restore Erdathcath's 24 ether, bringing the total needed down to 47. 47/4 (rounded to the nearest mutliple of 15) equals 4 grand tonics, with Erdathcath having 13 ether remaining. Shall I remove the items stated in your ctions, as well as the Ether Core from the Minoid and four grand Tonics, and end the battle?

QM Note: Not rolling 107 rounds, sorry. Also, I don't believe healing staves can recieve damage, although I may be wrong.