Endgame

I stagger backward from the sudden flash of light, my remaining skin practically sizzling. I draw a green disk from my bag... "N-no, I'll be fine, I can heal myself..." I use a Health Core and attack Aureole once more from the back.

Out of curiosity, is long a measure of time, or a measure of rounds? If the latter, how many rounds?

QM Note: Grimwald has his tricorne, and Contagion doesn't apply to free hits. Also, simply because you're among the highest level/participation, I'm placing you as Party Leader, Flipz.

I'm actually working on an upgraded version of octavyn's gimmick. Same passive, but the weapon's special effects are turned back on the hero as well. So if you have a SP-piercing, fragilifying, Poison 20 sword, well...

QM Note: The Scanning Eye pretty much allows the Minoid to scan all enemies (with a few exceptions that will become clear when the time comes) before battle, getting their stats. You actually could've done that on the fleeting glimpse of the rat, so keep in mind that the Minoid actually has a window of time to analyze. Also, Flipz, fixed. I know fully well that Erdathcath is permanently lucky after 81 ( ) so I didn't make a note of it. Round One of the Quartz Cave Clash! >Erdathcath VS Gold Rat A (back): Special Damage Hit (15+20=35x2=70-8=62 damage, Gold Rat A is confused) >Arthur VS Charcoal Rat A (back): Damage Shield: Phalanx! >Grimwald VS Dirt Rat A (back): Critical Hit (6x2=12+12=24x2=48-3=45 damage!) >Grimwald VS Dirt Rat A (back): Damage (25/2=213-3=10 damage, Poison 4 transferred) >Erdathcath VS Gold Rat B (back): Damage Hit (20+15=35x2=70-8=62 damage, Gold Rat B is confused) >Minoid VS Charcoal Rat B (back): Special Damage (Lethal Bite: The Minoid now has the Poison 10 effect.) >Dirt Rat B VS Erdathcath (back): 25/2=13 damage The round goes well enough- Arthur readies himself for a Phalanx, his Skirmishing abilities about to come in full force next round. The party barrages the rats, Grimwald, the Minoid, and Erdathcath suffering some bites; however, the party makes up for these errors with high damage across the board, already whittling down a number of the rat's health. It wouldn't be long. "OBSERVATION: These rats have no immunities at all. Using this advantage is probably key to wiping them out at a swift pace." Gold Rat A, Level 44 Vermin *Poison 11!* *Confused! 3 rounds remaining* HP: 357/430 SP: 8 Specials: Shiny!: The Gold Rat assaults the hero who rolled Special Damage, halving their SP and WP of their current weapon for the rest of the battle. Hyper Contagion: The Gold Rat inflicts Poison 10 on all heroes. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: Minoid Arm Gold Rat B, Level 44 Vermin *Poison 11!* *Confused! 3 rounds remaining* HP: 357/430 SP: 8 Specials: Shiny!: The Gold Rat assaults the hero who rolled Special Damage, halving their SP and WP of their current weapon for the rest of the battle. Hyper Contagion: The Gold Rat inflicts Poison 10 on all heroes. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: Plague Venom Charcoal Rat A, Level 35 Vermin *Poison 7!* HP: 323/330 SP: 5 Specials: Swarm: The Charcoal Rat rams the hero for 38 damage, making them Fragile. Lethal Bite: The Charcoal Rat bites the hero, and inflicts the Poison 10 effect. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: Fire Bomb Charcoal Rat B, Level 35 Vermin *Poison 7!* HP: 323/330 SP: 5 Specials: Swarm: The Charcoal Rat rams the hero for 38 damage, making them Fragile. Lethal Bite: The Charcoal Rat bites the hero, and inflicts the Poison 10 effect. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: Smoke Bomb Dirt Rat A, Level 25 Vermin *Poison 4* HP: 181/230 SP: 3 Specials: Dirt Nap: The Dirt Rat sinks its fangs into the hero who rolls Special Damage, Dooming them. Gold Snatch: The Dirt Rat steals gold equal to the hero's remaining HP. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: 33 gold Dirt Rat B, Level 25 Vermin *Poison 4* HP: 226/230 SP: 3 Specials: Dirt Nap: The Dirt Rat sinks its fangs into the hero who rolls Special Damage, Dooming them. Gold Snatch: The Dirt Rat steals gold equal to the hero's remaining HP. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: 33 gold The Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 31 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] *Lucky!* *Phalanx! 3 rounds remain* *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 (Arm Shield: 14 + Duke's Coat-of-Arms: 5 + Unicorn Helmet: 1) Gold: 73 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding effect), Arm Shield (SP:14), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy. (Example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold.)), 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.) 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), (Unsuitable weapons: Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [nothing]), 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), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), 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 (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 x10, Tonic, Grand Tonic x8, Ether Core, Remedy x9, Elixir x4, Sushi x3 *Status: Nostrum x3, Hurricane, Smelling Salts x 2, Mead x4, Ambrosia x2, Dragon Scales x2, 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 Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old, *Hastened!* Level 20.33 Druid Power: 35 Health: 21/34 Ether: 23/23 Gold: 87 Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:15, Fire-elemental), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; suitable to Erdathcath only; accessory) Inventory: Longbow (WP:7), Quick bow (WP: 6, Suitable to rangers, provides hastened effect for one round each battle), Helmet (+1 max. health), 6 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 6 Mead, 7 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 3 Deadly Venoms, 1 Super Deadly Venom, 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), Mage's muffler (protects from sealing), Jinxy Juice, Grand Tonic x2, Love Potion, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, Jinxy Juice, Deadly Venom, 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), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), 69 year old male gnome Cleric (Immune to Weakened) *Hastened!* *Poison 4!* Level: 12.5 Power: 19 (12 + 6 + permanent boost of 1) SP: 0 Health: 6/20 Ether: 16/16 Gold: 100 Equipment: Knotted Broom (WP: 6), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from Weakened ), 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, Tonic, 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), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), 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), "Progress is needed." Minoid, Level 18 Drilling Automaton *Crippled!* *Poison 10!* HP: 20/30 Power: 28 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, Health Core, Remedy x3, Grand Potion x3, Ambrosia

Battles are actually some of the best times for player interaction. That is when heroes have to make choices, let their comrades remain wounded, pick them up, help them, deny them help to continue attacking your target... Roleplaying being wounded and roleplaying being with the wounded can actually bring out a lot in a character, if you want to. Don't force your posts to only revolve around the battle - maybe chat up a hero and talk about what this battle reminds you of, or roleplay licking the blood off your teeth and pressing onward. Allow battles to bring out the roleplay.

QM Note: Hoang has until Tuesday to post. Round Three of the War of the Worms! >Hoang VS Frostbarb (front): Special Damage (Hypothermia: Hoang is Fast Asleep and suffers 4 damage.) >Crowley VS Winter Worm A (back): Miss >Darksten VS Frostbarb (back): Miss >Frostbarb eats twice: 3+2=5 HP restored >Worm A eats: 2 HP restored The party suffers an abysmal round. Hoang is put to sleep by Frostbarb. Crowley and Darksten try to lash out against their two remaining foes, but ther worms are nimble and evade all damage. The arrogant creatures gobble down more food from the pantry, frostbarb still in optimal condition. <"All glory to the North! All hail those who hal from the North! Haahahhahahahaah!"> Frostbarb The Excellent, Level 5 Icy Vermin HP: 13/13 Specials: Hypothermia: Frostbarb's chilly spikes make the hero's body shut down, making them fall Fast Asleep and take 4 damage. Lash Out: The Winter Worm assaults all heroes, making them each take 3 damage. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Gluttony: Frostbarb gets to take two servings out of the pantry at the end of every round, being the ravenous worm he is. Drops: Grating Stone Winter Worm A, Level 4 Icy Vermin HP: 5/7 Specials: Lash Out: The Winter Worm assaults all heroes, making them each take 3 damage. Passive Specials: Chow Down: The Winter Worms' appetites are never satisfied. They take a serving out of the pantry at the end of every round. Drops: Grand Potion Pantry, Level 0 (NOT REQUIRED TO BE DEFEATED TO WIN THE BATTLE.) HP: 9/20 The Party: Darksten (Comrade Commander) 35 year old Male Human Ranger Level 2 Power: 5 Health: 7/7 Gold: 20 Equipment: Crossbow (WP: 3) Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy x2, Smoke bomb, Bedroll, Grand Potion, Poison, Utility Knife (roleplay item) Hoang Anh (hoanganhbeo) 20 years old Male Human Knight *Fast Asleep!* Level 2 Power: 5 Defense: 2 Health: 7/11 Gold: 25 Equipment: Steel Sword (WP: 4); Shield (SP: 2) Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy x2 Bedroll, Grand Potion, Poison, Sword (WP: 3), Smokebomb "Hungry little worms, aren't they?" ???, Level 2 Cleric HP: 7/9 Ether: 3/6 Gold: 15 Equipment: Storch (WP: 2 staff, fire elemental.) Inventory: Water Bomb, Remedy, Tonic

Contagion, once a passive exsclusive to Perfect Regret, one of the most dififcult and longest boss in all of Heroica... is now being used by rats.

The party dashes after the rodent, running down the right tunnel. They come to a glittering cave, practically swarming with rats... "OBSERVATION: A vein of Quartz we found four days ago. Shiny mineral with a high luster. Likely attratced the rats recently to make a hideout." The vermin begin to approach, the party pulling out their weapons to combat them. It was time for their first battle as a hero! The Minoid's drill begins whirling, the robot joining the party in their assault. The two forces clash, the battle beginning! Prepare for Battle! Gold Rat A, Level 44 Vermin *Poison 11!* HP: 430/430 SP: 8 Specials: Shiny!: The Gold Rat assaults the hero who rolled Special Damage, halving their SP and WP of their current weapon for the rest of the battle. Hyper Contagion: The Gold Rat inflicts Poison 10 on all heroes. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: Minoid Arm Gold Rat B, Level 44 Vermin *Poison 11!* HP: 430/430 SP: 8 Specials: Shiny!: The Gold Rat assaults the hero who rolled Special Damage, halving their SP and WP of their current weapon for the rest of the battle. Hyper Contagion: The Gold Rat inflicts Poison 10 on all heroes. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: Plague Venom Charcoal Rat A, Level 35 Vermin *Poison 7!* HP: 330/330 SP: 5 Specials: Swarm: The Charcoal Rat rams the hero for 38 damage, making them Fragile. Lethal Bite: The Charocal Rat bites the hero, and inflicts the Poison 10 effect. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: Fire Bomb Charcoal Rat B, Level 35 Vermin *Poison 7!* HP: 330/330 SP: 5 Specials: Swarm: The Charcoal Rat rams the hero for 38 damage, making them Fragile. Lethal Bite: The Charocal Rat bites the hero, and inflicts the Poison 10 effect. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: Smoke Bomb Dirt Rat A, Level 25 Vermin *Poison 4* HP: 230/230 SP: 3 Specials: Dirt Nap: The Dirt Rat sinks its fangs into the hero who rolls Special Damage, Dooming them. Gold Snatch: The Dirt Rat steals gold equal to the hero's remaining HP. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: 33 gold Dirt Rat B, Level 25 Vermin *Poison 4* HP: 230/230 SP: 3 Specials: Dirt Nap: The Dirt Rat sinks its fangs into the hero who rolls Special Damage, Dooming them. Gold Snatch: The Dirt Rat steals gold equal to the hero's remaining HP. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Contagion: On rolls of Damage, the Gold Rat inflicts all negatvie effects it currently has onto the damaged hero. Drops: 33 gold The Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 31 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] *Lucky!* 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 (Arm Shield: 14 + Duke's Coat-of-Arms: 5 + Unicorn Helmet: 1) Gold: 73 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding effect), Arm Shield (SP:14), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy. (Example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold.)), 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.) 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), (Unsuitable weapons: Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [nothing]), 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), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), 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 (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 x10, Tonic, Grand Tonic x8, Ether Core, Remedy x9, Elixir x4, Sushi x3 *Status: Nostrum x3, Hurricane, Smelling Salts x 2, Mead x4, Ambrosia x2, Dragon Scales x2, 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 Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old, *Hastened!* Level 20.33 Druid Power: 30 Health: 34/34 Ether: 23/23 Gold: 87 Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:15, Fire-elemental), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; suitable to Erdathcath only; accessory) Inventory: Longbow (WP:7), Quick bow (WP: 6, Suitable to rangers, provides hastened effect for one round each battle), Helmet (+1 max. health), 6 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 6 Mead, 7 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 3 Deadly Venoms, 1 Super Deadly Venom, 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), Mage's muffler (protects from sealing), Jinxy Juice, Grand Tonic x2, Love Potion, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, Jinxy Juice, Deadly Venom, 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), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), 69 year old male gnome Cleric (Immune to Weakened) *Hastened!* Level: 12.5 Power: 19 (12 + 6 + permanent boost of 1) SP: 3 Health: 20/20 Ether: 16/16 Gold: 100 Equipment: Knotted Broom (WP: 6), Tricorne (suitable for anyone, SP: 3, headwear), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from Weakened ), 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, Tonic, 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), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), "Progress is needed." Minoid, Level 18 Drilling Automaton *Crippled!* HP: 30/30 Power: 28 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, Health Core, Remedy x3, Grand Potion x3, Ambrosia

Why do I get the feeling we may see a Cosmic Incense in our future?

Right now, he's stuck 600 (soon to be 6,000) feet down under, about to tke on a horde of contagious rats. Also, all of the "The Minoid is you, Endgame!" comments: I have inserted an expy of myself into an incredibly minor role in one of my quests. Which one it is, though, you'll have to figure out by yourselves.

Wait, seriously? I thought it was a roundly occurance! In that case, couldn't Sorrow just keep shooting and have himself get healed every single time he rolls Damage or worse twice?

This is actually something that is starting to become a lot more aware to me - especially after 97.

"It's time consuming, if anything. As long as we keep Polaris alive, Aureole is rather weak in terms of offense. With all of its immunities and its endurance we'll be here for the next seven years or so, but as long as we use Grand Potions on me (or healing) and keep consistently healing Polairs, I should be able to bring it down without a hitch."

"I'm guessing we're not going with my wait-it-out strategy? it'd take forever, but I should be able to kill it if given the time..."

"Noel is bashing them with the box, I believe. Karie, try using your Oculoid tattoo... thing... on Aureole. You may be able to drop its strength a little bit with it." "We do have a strategy... Nuitan could heal Polaris every turn, and I could just keep shooting. Someone could just heal me if I get hit, and I should be able to whittle this thing to death."

"ANSWER: Table and Pestle. Used by miners to reduce chunks of boulder to dust and reveal any other minerals inside. Largely useless for combat, and getting a rat onto the pedestal would be largely impossible."

It looks like you didn't adjust Aureole's helath at, Sandy. I shoot Aureole with my Longbow, twice, from the back row, stopping if I take damage.

"That much is true. Be warned that the threat will not diminish if we split up. PREDICTION: We'll go through this mine faster, but I detect a 94% chance that any potential enemy will not practice chivalry if they are encountered."

"QUERY: Tactical benefits of dividing the group?"

The party meanders through another reinforced tunnel, coming to another corridor. A squeeking can be heard on the floor... A rat nibbles on Minoid's other arm. It spots the party, terrified, and grabs its steely prize. With a nimbleness typical of vermin it speeds off, heading through the door to the right. The party now had some options: There was 2 doors, one that the rat had ran through, and the other sitting atop some scaffolding. Four odd pedestals with hammers mounted on them sit in the middle of the room, rock powder covering the top. "OBSERVATION: There is a 99.243567% chance that the piece of metal that the rat ran off to the with was my arm. DEDUCTION: My arm was seperated from my body after I was compressed by the Giant's foot. Some breeds of rats have a tendency to take things that reflect light well, better known as things that are "shiny". My arm is made of a glossy, high carbon content steel. Therefore, the rat took the only part of my body it could. QUERY: Will we pursue?"

Arthur takes a sketch down of the footprint. "Statistically, I likely lost my arm when the giant stomped me. The current whereabouts of the mechanical appendage is currently a mystery to me. PREDICTION: It's still somewhere in this mine. The giant has no use for my arm. That much is almost certain. If the giant does not have it, and I don't have it, someone else must've taken it. A matter of process of elimination." Arthur digs up the footprint, finding: Silver Ore: Worth 60 gold. The Minoid steps forward, ready to join the party. 6: Dance of Drills: The Minoid does damage to all enemies equal to its Level+it's weapon's WP, plus the SP of its opponents x2 (WP+Level+SPx2). This attack disregards SP. 5: Piercing Hit: The Minoid does damage equal to it's Level + WPx2, disregarding SP. 4: Weathering Hit: The Minoid does damage equal to its Level + WP, reducing the enemy's SP by 2. 3: Miss 2: Damage Note: Can use any weapon, but cannot equip any artifacts other than what it starts with. The Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 31 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] 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 (Arm Shield: 14 + Duke's Coat-of-Arms: 5 + Unicorn Helmet: 1) Gold: 73 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding effect), Arm Shield (SP:14), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy. (Example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold.)), 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.) 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), (Unsuitable weapons: Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [nothing]), 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), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), 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 (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 x10, Tonic, Grand Tonic x8, Ether Core, Remedy x9, Elixir x4, Sushi x3 *Status: Nostrum x3, Hurricane, Smelling Salts x 2, Mead x4, Ambrosia x2, Dragon Scales x2, 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 Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old, *Hastened!* Level 20.33 Druid Power: 30 Health: 34/34 Ether: 23/23 Gold: 87 Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:15, Fire-elemental), Satchel of Awesomeness (Permanent Lucky-effect; bodywear), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; suitable to Erdathcath only; accessory) Inventory: Longbow (WP:7), Quick bow (WP: 6, Suitable to rangers, provides hastened effect for one round each battle), Helmet (+1 max. health), 6 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 6 Mead, 7 Smelling Salts, 15 Venoms, 3 Deadly Venoms, 1 Super Deadly Venom, 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), Mage's muffler (protects from sealing), Jinxy Juice, Grand Tonic x2, Love Potion, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, Jinxy Juice, Deadly Venom, 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), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), 69 year old male gnome Cleric (Immune to Weakened) *Hastened!* Level: 12.5 Power: 19 (12 + 6 + permanent boost of 1) SP: 3 Health: 20/20 Ether: 16/16 Gold: 100 Equipment: Knotted Broom (WP: 6), Tricorne (suitable for anyone, SP: 3, headwear), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from Weakened ), 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, Tonic, 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), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), "Progress is needed." Minoid, Level 18 Drilling Automaton *Crippled!* HP: 30/30 Power: 28 SP: 2 Equipment: Minoid Drill Arm (WP: 13), Iron Shell (SP: 2), Scanning Eye (Allows the Minoid to analyze most foes before battle.) Inventory: Ether Core, Health Core, Remedy x3, Grand Potion x3, Ambrosia "Without my arm, I can only operate at about 67.1123581321% capacity. I cannot use the items tha thave been given to me by Cobb in battle, any weapon besides my remaining arm, nor am I able to use my demolition functions. PROPOSAL: The demolition properes my missing arm has is likely going to be vital to this spelunking trip. STATEMENT: The Giant has been causing cave-ins of all types, blocking off passages. My abilities may be the only way through. There is one other tunnel in this room. Shall we proceed?"

With the utmost care, Grimwald begins to repair the robot. The panel begins to become complete, the pieces falling into place... The twisting and turning of cogs begins to become audible from inside the automaton. The machine re-calibrates itself, steadily recovering from being crushed by the giant. Before long, it clambers to its feet, standing up straight and facing the party. "Social trivialities programmed within me dictate I must display gratitude: QUOTE: "Thank you very much." END QUOTE. I am now capable of walking and moving my remaining appendages at full capacity. If you wish for me to join you, you ust simply say it. QUERY: Have any of you found my missing arm?" The robot was indeed missing an arm...

Round Two of the War of the Worms! >Hoang VS Frostbarb the Magnificent (front): Miss >Crowley VS Winter Worm A (back): Damage (4/2 = 2 damage) >Darksten VS Winter Worm C (back): Shield: Triple Shot (3+2=5 damage to C and B) >Frostbarb eats twice: 2+2=4 HP restored >Worm A eats: 2 HP restored >Winter Worm B VS Hoang (back): 4=-2=2 damage Crowley and Hoang fail in their barrage, but Darksten remains relentless, unleashing yet another volley of arrows. <Noooo! My soldiers! My beloved soldiers! How could you?!> Frostbarb The Malovelent, Level 5 Icy Vermin HP: 13/13 Specials: Hypothermia: Frostbarb's chilly spikes make the hero's body shut down, making them fall Fast Asleep and take 4 damage. Lash Out: The Winter Worm assaults all heroes, making them each take 3 damage. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Gluttony: Frostbarb gets to take two servings out of the pantry at the end of every round, being the ravenous worm he is. Drops: Grating Stone Winter Worm A, Level 4 Icy Vermin HP: 3/7 Specials: Lash Out: The Winter Worm assaults all heroes, making them each take 3 damage. Passive Specials: Chow Down: The Winter Worms' appetites are never satisfied. They take a serving out of the pantry at the end of every round. Drops: Grand Potion Pantry, Level 0 (NOT REQUIRED TO BE DEFEATED TO WIN THE BATTLE.) HP: 12/20 The Party: Darksten (Comrade Commander) 35 year old Male Human Ranger Level 2 Power: 5 Health: 7/7 Gold: 20 Equipment: Crossbow (WP: 3) Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy x2, Smoke bomb, Bedroll, Grand Potion, Poison, Utility Knife (roleplay item) Hoang Anh (hoanganhbeo) 20 years old Male Human Knight Level 2 Power: 5 Defense: 2 Health: 9/11 Gold: 25 Equipment: Steel Sword (WP: 4); Shield (SP: 2) Inventory: Potion x3, Remedy x2 Bedroll, Grand Potion, Poison, Sword (WP: 3), Smokebomb "Hungry little worms, aren't they?" ???, Level 2 Cleric HP: 7/9 Ether: 3/6 Gold: 15 Equipment: Storch (WP: 2 staff, fire elemental.) Inventory: Water Bomb, Remedy, Tonic