Endgame

QM Note: I only did a fake-out final boss once. Once. "Lets get a *wheeze* move on, then..." Fydelle, Solon, and Punii join the party! Punii, Beast Bomber Extraordianaire >Every turn, Punii may be instructed to make a bomb >He must be instructed which element, which grade, and who to the pass to the bomb to. >Each grade has a different chance of success: -Basic Grade: 5 damage (5/6 chance of success) -Military Grade: 10 damage (1/2 chance of success) -Destructive Grade: 100 damage (1/12 chanc eof success) >Punii only makes bombs: he cannot be harmed, nor can he attack or be attacked directly. The Party: Sgt Jon. Mcency (Pyrovisionary) 54 years old male human witch Level 18.5 *Dual Strike* *Immune to blinded* *Hastened!* Power: 37 (18+17+2) Health: 37/38 (7+17+8+3+3) Ether: 10/19 (18+1) Gold: 317 (70 owed to Brickington) Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:18, dual strike, Light and Darkness-elemental, Hollow (empty) daggers), Witch's talisman (All attacks Cause the badly poisoned effect), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened-effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear) Inventory: Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (-) halberd), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Phoenix Essence, Potion x4, Grand Potion x3, Remedy x5, Venom x3, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying glass, Business Card, Bone x2, 2x Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Counterstrike gloves, Military Grade fire bomb Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old, Level 20 Druid *Lucky!* Power: 30 Health: 34/34 Ether: 22/23 Gold: 359 Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:13), 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, 7 Mead, 9 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, Grand Tonic, Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Saber teeth, Scroll of Weakening, Ruby, Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified), Mage's muffler (protects from sealing), Jinxy Juice, Grand Tonic, Love Potion, Blind Fury Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. Unknown age male human ranger Level 15 Power: 24 SP: 4 Health: 22/22 (6+14+2) Gold: 70 Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Anniversary Medal (Artefact/Accessory) (Power +2, SP +2, Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year), Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect) Inventory: Consumables: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone x2, Nostrum x2, Potion x3, Remedy x4, Venom, Grand Potion, Mead, Ambrosia, Crystal Sovereign Weapons: Quality Cutlass (WP:6, Dagger), Bow(WP:5) Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Equipment:White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear), Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by (Asleep), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), Iron Knuckle Armour (Body, foot, and hand wear. Counts as one artefact. Usable by knights and dragoons. SP: 10. Cannot be removed by enemies), Frost Helmet (SP: 3, ice immune) Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 26.33 Power: 38 Health: 41/41 (23+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (5+1) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed* *Stunned* ), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 1109 (0CB(50)) Equipment: Weapon - Sword of Decay (WP:8) - (once the target is inflicted with damage they lose a quarter of the power of the strike each following turn for three turns. the effect cannot be compounded with more strikes. Suitable to Mages, Knights and Barbarians.) Shield - None Artefact 1 (L1-9) - Heavy Armour - SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights Artefact 2 (L10-19) - Hide of The Bleeding - restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone Artefact 3 (L20-29) - Sticky Gloves - Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors.[ Artefact 4 (L30-39) - Artefact 5 (L40-49) - Artefact 6 (L50+) - Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. Dog Statuette - (suitable for anyone, SP: 1, once named (Rover), speaking the name summons a dog almost certainly to tag along on madcap adventures and make snippy comments.), Scarlet Hood - +4 to power, immunity to stunned, Bravado Boots - 1/6 chance of being Lucky at the beginning of every battle Extra Weapons: Greatsword (WP:3), Focal Staff (WP:5, Focus Fire-Roll a 3 for 5 ether Suitable for clerics and mages),Gladius (WP: 15, Darkness elemental, 1/3 chance of Fragile on succesful hits), Stalker’s Mallet (WP: 8, usable by Knights, Barbarians, and Harlots. Has a 1/2 chance to seal the enemy), Lullaby Wand (WP: 6, causes asleep-effect), Lovelorn Wand (WP: 6, causes enamored-effect.), Scaridy Wand (WP: 6 causes afraid-effect.), Wand of Wrath (WP: 6, causes enraged-effect.) Tools: Shovel (1), Pick-axe (2), Magnifying Glass (1), Magic Compass (1) Consumables: Potion (2), Grand Tonic (1), Remedy (0), Mead (10), Smelling Salts (20), Nostrum (20), Venom (2), Deadly Poison (1), Trial Brew (1), Ambrosia (1), Ectoplasm (1) Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (1), Garnet (1), Opal (1), Ruby (1), Sapphire (1), Topaz (1), Diamond (2), Amethyst (2) Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (1), Scroll of Confusion (1), Scroll of Frailty (1), Scroll of Weakening (1) Quest/RP/Misc. items: Blue Rose, Fifty Shades of Bley Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554) Automaton male, Evoker Level 16 *Blessed* *Transcended* Power: 27 (Level 16 + WP: 11) Defense: 0 (-2) Health: 24/24 (6 + 3 + 15) Ether: 17/17 (16 + 1) Gold: 97 Equipment: Divine Cannonade (WP:11; gives blessed- and transcended-effects to user; Volatile Venom slotted; handcannon), Handy Suitcase (SP-2, use 2 Items; accessory), Enchanted Ring (Accesory, protects against Sealed) Inventory: Golden Handcannon (WP:9; lightning-elemental), Eminus (WP: 5; bow), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1; backwear), Topaz, Grand Tonic x2, Phoenix Essence, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb, Holy Bomb, Water Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x6, Turdwing (fly familiar; causes confused to one opponent whenever used), Grand Potion x3, Volatile Venom x4, Remedy x2, Blue Jelly Summons: Thunder Mode "So, this is it." Fydelle Dos, Level 28 Black Knight Power Bonus: 6 SP: 3 Health: 35/35 Equipment: The Patriot (WP: 15), Captain's Carapace (SP + 3, +6 Power) Inventory: Smelling Salts, Remedy, Grand Potion NOTE: Due to previous wounds, if Solon or Fydelle remains Knocked Out for 2 whole turns, they will perish. "We must make haste..." Solon, Level 35 Mime Power Bonus: 5 SP: 5 Health: 43/43 Equipment: Psuedo-Gladius (WP: 18), Regent's Carapace (SP + 5, +5 Power) Inventory: Crystal Sovereign, Mead NOTE: Due to previous wounds, if Solon or Fydelle remains Knocked Out for 2 whole turns, they will perish. "To the *wheeze* final act!" Punii, Beast Bomber Extraordinaire As the party leaves the subterranena Storeroom, Fydelle stops for a moment while the other go topside. Through the hatch they exitted from, they can hear Fydelle converse with his wounded troops. "Sir... This is nothing short of suicide." "I'm well aware." "But... then, why do this?! Why not linger back in this storeroom's safety, come up with a plan -" "This is literally the only thing we can do. It is either linger and become an unsuspecting slave of these bastards... Or go out trying to change something for the better. I'm still wounded. I may very well die. But my brother was able to accept this fate when he was struck down in the invasion; I may not be as good of a fighter as he ever was, but I like to think I'm a better soldier. I'd rather die heading into the chrage than perish in the shackles of another." "...Very well, sir." "Assuming this all somehow blows over and I'm not here to see it... Your bonusses are in my office. I wish you all the best of uck, and godspeed, gentleman." Fydelle surfaces, and the collective group all begin their walk to the Stronghold for the final confrontation. The Colony as now eerily silent, not a single sign of life remaining - even some of the buildings were ransacked and destroyed. Parts of the Colony looke dlike they were never even inhabited now, a stark contrast to the bustling and overcrowded place it was earlier. The party walks along in silence, wondering how much had truly happened while they were a sleep. However, Solon breaks the silence. "...My children respect you heroes a lot, you know. You especially, Em."

I run over to the side of Watt, getting there before Karie despite going after her. "Dress isn't too great for this mission." I note, disapprovial still high in my voice and protest obious. I turn back to the familiar face. "Watt! Long time no see... It's me, Sorrow. Do you know what the demon that got you looked like?"

QM Note: What was meant to be a quick trip to the mall spiralled into something a lot bigger - I'lll update in the morning, and your final opposition will be revealed by tomorrow night.

"Agreed. Lets get a move on before Karie's outfit drives my blood pressure up any further..." I grumble.

I'm working on it, I'm working on it! (Big football day today, and I'm trying to prepare the rest of the sets in advance.)

"Exactly. I'd much rather take the intellectual approach than the "passionate" one..."

I harumph, obviosuly disapproving. "A bit of an understatement, don't you think?"

"...You're joking. Right?"

"Hrm. You know my opinion on harlotry, and I really prefer if you didn't get children "passionate"... I really would prefer if you saved the "razzle dazzle for Masson or something, unless our lives depend on it..." I start having vague memories of my faince coming home - still in uniform. Urrrgh.

I give a blank stare that said one thing and one thing only: where the hell did that come from?! "These are minors, Karie..."

That was only the current sign-ups, I believe, not the announcement.

"Onwards."

Wow, Naamah's drop is potent. EDIT: Either my eyes are decieving me, or Naamah's Hourglass no longer can pretrify people.

"You overestimate your abilities. There are atleast two hundred Oculoids there, not to mention a good amount of brainwashed Proggs. We're going to be branded warmongers all over again, thanks to this..." "I can think of little else of value besides Animutilav she would want; obviously, the colony's records are all that; citizenship papers, a census or two... But nothing that would hold any true value to those wretched demons." "As far as we know, Iris can't use off a spell of the magnitude she used earlier... She over-exerted herself with that spell. Obviously she'll have plenty of ether to get a few good licks in, but I don't think she could pull that same trick again..." Solon sighs. "Most of the Ohalanx has reporte din here, mortally wounded - along with plenty of citizens. I can only assume the rest are currently locking themselves up in fear, brainwashed, or dead. Like I mentioned earlier this forsaken day: most of our actual fighters were sent out to die during our invasion of Luosh. Our main fighting force has been thwarted, and our citizens turned into maniacs. We're practically on our own." "My entire squad got trumped my Iris and he rhorde while you were off in dreamland. Fydelle grunts, and then sighs. "Honestly... Just going for an assault on Iris seems like our best bet. The seven of us that are able to hold our own in a fight -" Suddenly, the door creaks open, and a familiar yellow face slithers in to the room. "Eight. Eight *wheeze* fighters." Punii corrects Fydelle. " - the eight of us would have to take on Iris. No way in hell we're ever going to liberate the Homeless district. Best take our chance and go straight for the head of the leader." Solon sighs. "So, heroes. Are you ready to head off and dance the final dance?"

I sigh. "Same policy as always, Karie. If you feel like I should know or want a second opinion, we can talk about it - even here, if you want to. I can think of few other alternate scenarios to what I'm thinking..." Now, lets get this freakshow on the road." I down a Mead, Nostrum, and Semlling Salts before opening the door.

I raise an eyebrow. And without the hood to conceal my face, it was perfectly visible. This is the first time anyone has seen any of my actual flesh for what... 400 years? "You were a past rogue, right? Surprised you got by."

"Saving children in a magically warping house... It's almost deja vu." "You're right on that part. These hardly seem like guardians, and I don't like the whole screaming bit..."

"I think that profesionalism went out the window when we aruged who was going to sniff out the janitor..." I shrug. "This is almost on par with the Maginastra's house, isn't it Erik?"

"You'd think the nostrum would've helped..." "You? Do something naughty? Perish the thought." I chuckle before continuing. "No, just sent him a grogmas greeting. It was more of a "thank you for not killing my granddaughter". ...Amazing how I consider that positive criteria. Let me guess: that jewelry brochure was for him, right? Birthday soon or something?"

"No doubt there are hostile forces running amuck here, though I imagine these monsters don't discriminate. They just want to kill something, end of story." "You can blame me for that little spritz of poison, sorry..." "But you held up quite well, Noel - far better than I did at your age." Come to think of it, it appears that one of my letter hasn't come back... did I spell his name right? I look towards my redheaded relative. "Erm, Karie... Out of curiosity, does "Masson" have one "S" or two?"

"You people are lucky I keep these maps on me..." A: Makeshift Entry B: Bazaar *We're here.* C: Echoes Core D: Stronghold Checkpoint E: Housing District F: Deep's Gate G: The Deeps H: Food Storage I: Homeless District *A couple hundred hostiles and brainwashed Proggs are here.* J: True Entry K: Tavern: The Granite Keg L: Reservoir District M: The Royal Pond N: The Bunker X: The Stronghold *Iris is here.*

"We really can't plan... Both due to time constraints and the situation itsdelf. if any of you have ideas, pitch them now."

"Magic fell greatly out of favor after he was defeated. There are no magic shops here anymore... Iris is still trying to recharge after her last announcement, so our best bet is to strike her down while we have her peeled from the Echoes."

"Its a fairly common artifact... I believe you Heroicans have been passing around a couple. It protects from hexing." "Without the proper magic? No. You can't just cut out another... And, unfortunately for us, even when enchanted, they have the same durability as paper. Ours were wrecked when we were saving you all-" Beatrice gives a bitter cough, somehow making the syllable seem contempt. "*AHEM!*" Solon looks down. "...We couldn't save Aquos Jr. They grabbed him before we could get him. And now, according to some Phalanx members who had the wits to come down here, Iris and her forces have split: Most of them are rounding up Proggs in the Homeless corridor to enslave them, while she and her horde have been tearing up the Stronghold, looking for something." Does the party have anything else to say or ask?