Endgame

Roleplay! For their souls will be sent to HELL they'll be sent to a bad place where they can roleplay with the person who sent them there, as well as the others that have been sent to HELL the bad place.

Something I was considering for my finale quest: What if, for when a boss Turns Red in the quest, any hero who gets knocked out is permanently removed from the battle (not the quest)? It could definitely bump up the intensity, but I'm not sure it is fair. However, things that have removed a hero from a battle entirely have exited, so... Did give you slight hint who will be using the passive special: Their name will be prefixed by the word Kaizo.

I chuckle. "Oh, no, no, its fine. I don't need to be reminded how old I am. And besides - during all of this death and reanimation business, I don't even know what to consider my birthday anymore. I may be dead wrong, for all I know. No need for a cake or anyhtig like that, Karie. Does the Syndicate pay well?" I take another ginger sip. Something was bugging Karie. "...Everything alright?"

"Days past in this blasted all like nobody's business. Veterans need to give their artifacts an overhaul or something..." I take a sip of my water. "Hm, agreed. I always just liked to kick back with what little friends and family I had during the season instead of doing anything huge. You people doing anything of the sort." I close my eyes for a moment, trying to recall something. "I... I think Grogmas day is my birthday. I can't remember the specifics anymore - hell, I forgot my real last name."

I notice the pair walk back in. "Back from the arena, Karie, Arthur?" I absentmindedly look out the window, seeing the snow descend slowly onto the city. I give a slight smile, as invisible as always. "Any Grogmas plans?"

Bah, humbug! Actually, that dispenser sounds profitable..

"Then let us get going, then..." Still panicked, Solon and the party forge forward... ------------------------ Forging their way back to the Stronghold to deliver a report, with a bruised Punii in their hands, jeaux and Johon naviagte their way out of the deeps and back to the Colony's finished portion. They walk through the meandering tunnels and impressive caverns, once again reaching the Stronghold. They enter, meeting a face familar to Jeaux... but completely foreign to Johon. "What... Is that... Punii, was it?" Before the Deeps party has a chance to respond, Solon and the rest of the heroes make their way out to the Stronghold's foyer. The heroes make eye contact and walk together to form a group: The party was rejoined! 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 Looking at the arrivals' concerned expressions, Fydelle caresses his face grid and sighs. He asks in a gruff tone: "Somone, get me in the loop. And for the love of the Mythrogg, get that poor yellow Progg some medical attention!"

They still contributed to the battle just as much as the other heroes. If gold-gaining was something that didn't cause damage, I could understand: You're wasting an action that can be used to help somebody or change the tide of battle. However, since you gain gold while letting loose a (potentially devestating) attack, they still help with the battle's progression. I don't see anyone complaining that Guts was damaging the enemy, for example.

One thing I'd like to add to this discussion: Gold earning is the Rogue's main ability - their appeal, their niche. To deny them gold in the distribution to balance it out kind of just defeats the purpose, in my opinion.

QM Note: Finally cleared up my schedule - back to smooth sailing from here on out. "We have prepared a bunker behind Aquos Jr's Royal Pond just in case, yes..." Solon averts his eyes. "You underestimate the power of demons, m'lady. All of our strongest Proggs were extremists, slaughtered by the dozen by Heroica during our siege of Luosh - The best 60 percent of our fighting force was killed in that night alone, about 250 Proggs killed in total. It's also a matter of time, druid. Building safehouses? Distrbiuting weapons? Sending out innocent civillians in the fray? Who knows if that will work against the demon's power? Who knows if the homeless would even be willing to fight? With Jetorix constantly trying to fight, we have forced them into a life of isolation and fear... Speaking of demon's powers, I think I may have a way to counteract atleast one of their potential abilities... Its somehwere in here..." Solon rifles through the bookshelfs, eventually finding two slips of paper and sliding them out of the book. He crumples them up and stashes it away for future use. "Make preparations. We should be moving along soon." ------------------------------------------------------------------- Round One of VS Punii! >Johon VS Punii (front): Hit (0+26=26 damage) Johon, meaning well, assaults Punii without a weapon... but underestimates his own strength. His weight alone sends Punii spiralling through the air. He hits the corner of a crate as he lands, a painful cracking sound resounding throughout the room - the sounds of bones snapping. Punii lies on the floor, his little body quivering and bleeding. He gasps for breath in fear, hacking up black, inky sludge in between gasps. The odd substance slithers way as it exits Punii's body, exitting through the pores in the stone wall... The Battle Was Victorious... But at what cost? All heroes gain their respective amounts of EXP. Party, please distribute the loot: 80 gold Punii continues to write on the floor.... Will the party return to the Stronghold with Punii in tow, or leave him here with his injuries? The Party: 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

Think of it as Puzzle EXP.

QM Note: I apologize for that atrocious delay - I've been wrapping up the last of my health concerns, as well as preparations for the holidays. Thank you all so much for bearing with me! Solon's gaze shifts from Sarge and Erdathcath as they deliver their messages, looking at them in complete bewilderment. His anxiety seems to explode as Erdathcath asks him how his morning was - the job was clearly taking its toll on him. "How was my - how was my morning?? He can you be so nonchalant about this - all of this - when you just risked your lives against a murderous bigot? How can you simply be so clam when you know that this place is going to be hit by a siege of demons in Ennoc knows how short of a time?! And they're after Aquos Jr. as well?!" Solon begins to pace back and forth rapidly, the panic clear in his eyes. The party can see the tension in his eyes from under the face grid, beads of perspiration flowing down his tail. "We aren't well enough prepared for this. The Phalanx is still being trained in the defensive arts, and we practically destroyed most of our heavy artillery equipment as a sign of peace during one of her negotiations with Jetorix... We have the men, but the Blacksmith is not yet done forging new weapons for the guard... The Royal Pond has nothing for defense besdies a gate and a handful of guards around the perimeter, and who knows what tricks these demons have... Morale is low de to the staggering homelessness problem, and neither I nor Fydelle have been able to fix it..." Solon paces incessantly, his frantic speech devolving into something of a mantra. "This... This is bad. really bad. Please, if you know anything else, tell me." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I said *wheeze* BEGONE!" "Punii" jumps into the crates and begins to rifle through them, searching for his signature blast jellies. He gives an exasperated wheeze as he realizes he had no explosive artillery with him - he was cornered in the crawlspace with two heroes who were on to him, and nothing but his frail, runt of a body to defend himself. Prepare For "Battle"! "Oh no... I used all of my *wheeze* explosives...!" Punii? Level 0 Beast HP: 10/10 Specials: Headbutt: Punii squirms and charges into the hero who rolled Special Damage, doing 1 damage. Drops: 80 gold The Party: Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 26 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 15.5 *Blessed* *Transcended* Power: 26 (Level 15 + WP: 11) Defense: 0 (-2) Health: 23/23 (6 + 3 + 14) Ether: 16/16 (15 + 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

"Lead the way then, Karie. Maybe we could finally talk about something that isn't world-ending demons or harrowing romance..."

The yellow creature whrils around, it it indeed appear to be Punii. The creature had Punii's distinctive yellow hue, his almost pittifully small carapaqce, and hi silver face grid... But not his normal, child-like attitude. What occupied him now was far more hostile. It whirls around and hisses as frecousily as possible - which, for the petite little progg, wasn't intimidating at all. "Hisssssssssssssss! Begone!" What will the party do? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Solon whirlls around, surprised. he nearly draws the twin swords sheathed on his arms, but thinkes better of it, seeing the wooden druid. He sighs, and speaks. "Gah. Apologies. I've been... On edge, as of late. The full report, if you please. i want to know what happened, what you did with the rioters who were - presumably - defeated, and anything you may have learned. Anything you say will be immensely helpful - our colony is at stake." Solon looks ruefulley at the altar before him. The white text on the ancinet balck parchment thrummed with alluring power, as if trying to draw in the heores and Progg... "That parchemnt? That is Animutilav, "mutilator of souls", as it translates to... and the cause of the greatest villain Proggkind has ever faced."

Angry Sun ain't got nothing on Boomerang Bros. And yes, Kintobor ran that through me! Nice to see it come to fruition.

"Enjoy your midlife crisis, then, because that's next up on the agenda... Then again, mine was more of a tenthlife crisis. And consisted of my flesh peeling off."

"No problem..." I cough before answering. "Ehrm... Just... Think nothing of it. It's just that relationships just moved a lot faster back when I was still presentable - as in, engagement after one week of meeting faster - and I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get..." I cut myself off. "Erm. Sorry. Just rambling about the "good ol' days"."

Riot 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) Siri's words still lingering in their mind, the party practically makes a mad dash from the colony. From their several trips through the establishment, they now know the corridors well, navigating the winding corridors without a guide. Before long, they once again stand before the immense Stronghold, ready to report in to Solon. The Phalanx guards, stalwart as ever, stand guard. "Solon is in the Stronghold archives... Back in one piece, I see." "Well, if you are back, that means you at least drove those bastards off for now... Archive is the third door on the left." The party rushes in, earning quite a few bewildered glances from patrons inside the giant political building. They practically slam the door open of the archives, and sure enough, Solon stands right in there, looking deep in thought... It seemed like he hadn't even registered the heroes' presence. he looks at an alter wistfully. "To think... The one parchment to start it all." What will the party do? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Besides the black rocks piercing the roof, nothing else was on the ceiling and the hatch. Expecting the best and preparing for the worst, they throw the hatch open and climb into the crawlspace... In the back, they find a small, writhing yellow creature. Why did it look so familiar?

The fain creak of a joint slipping out of its socket can be heard as Karie wraps my arms around me. Hopefully nobody noticed... "Make no mistake, I don't approve of the action... But what is done is done, and it is not like you did it for sinister intentions. Yelling at you, although it would be slightly... cathartic... would not change a single thing. Just.... don't even think about pulling something like that again. You nearly got yourself killed, and you made more enemies then friends, I suspect. Just... sorry for all the questions about what's between you and Masson. But the betrayal is no laughing matter... ...Nor is the fact I might very damn well have a son in-law before long. Ehm... Your family isn't super religious, right? They wouldn't try to slay me or anything?"

No such thing thing as overdoing - after all, there's no kill like overkill!

To be fair, I bet the questees feel the same way.

I cradle my forehead in my hands, and draw a deep breath. With a sigh i draw myself up, and continue. "Well... Not neccasairly. here's the thing, Karie. Betraying your party nearly got you killed, and I hope you never do something like that ever again. its too dangerous, too unhonorable. But you didn't do it out of greed, evil desire, or anything sinister... You did it because you felt you wanted to do something good. To help avenge your sister. To help someone you cared about, maybe even loved, at the time. And if you do love him, Karie? I can't sya that you didn't do the right thing. You weren't one hundred percent correct in it - and I swear to Helvetia, I will not be this benevolent if you pull that stunt again - but you did what you thought was best, and in the end, nothing terrible truly happened. So if you love him, Karie? You have my blessings." I turn to Arthur. "What do you think of Masson, Arthur?"

"But this isn't just some fling, is it?" Apparently I lied about the "last question" bit.

I sigh. "Okay, last question, promise, before I give my ultimatum. How serious are you two about the relationship?"