Endgame

I'm getting an "Atramor/Triad Situation" vibe from 81 right now...

"In terms of party leaders: whether or not you're split up or together, you can decide your party leaders. Remember, Miss..." Solon glances down at some paperwork. "...Erdacath, you're trying to stop a riot. Strength in numbers."

"Very well then, here is the gist: As you probably now by now, we are having two main problems: Human riots and construction problems. When splitting up, you'll want to consider that the riot will not also likely break out into a fight, but they will likely outnumber you. Despite this, I still think a 2 and 3 split would be best - lone wolves don't fare too well in this world. On the riot side of things, the opposing forces are being led by Jetorix, a war veteran of some sort - not to mention racist person in general. He, and along with one of his concubines - Yes, apparently he has multiple - are leading the daily riots - appear at 5 PM almost everyday. For reference's sake, it is currently about 6 AM." "If you feel like getting those bags out from under your eyes, you can take a quick rest and leave the stronghold together when riot time begins to roll around. The population is getting a bit restless with you folks around here - it may be for the best if you stop wandering around our colony for tourism." "It doesn't bode well for when we try to open our gates to the entire species..." Solon mumbles. "Anyway, on the construction side of things. We've been suffering all types of misfortune done there - sabatoge with the equipment, spontaneous cave ins, or hell, even some of the sites and their workers just flat out exploding. We had our demolition expert -" "- To use the term loosely." Solon gives Fydelle a glance and continues. "He got himself caught down there some how, so look out for him. Any questions?"

Probably 56 length, perhaps a bit longer. I imagine it won't take too long at all, esepcailly since it will only feature a miniboss and not a full boss. (2 battles + 1 miniboss) There will be some humanoids involved, but only for one battle. (Emphasis on the "oid".) I'd love to have some new faces and some returning ones along - Skrall has always been one of those people I've always wanted to host.

"Because we've hired you to do something important, and maybe I'm just old and senile, but I damn well expect you to respect your own bodies. I didn't surive being a soldier for eight centuries by not catching up on my sleep." It occurs to Sarge that Fydelle had been a soldier for atleast 10 times as long as he has. "Perhaps I'll be able to arrange you quarters for a quick rest soon. But for now... Solon's meeting should be done by now. And if it isn't those politicians are going to have to wait half an hour before they can sort out their affairs." Following Fydelle's signal, the party follows him through the stronghold, going through winding corridors of stone. Stepping past a variety of offices and Proggs at work, they eventually reach a spiral staircase, coiling up to the Stronghold's top floor. Stepping through a rather mundane door marked with the word "Solon", the party steps into the lair of the Progg's leader. ...Or, the leader's office, to be more precise. The office was fairly typical, but had some eccentric decorations: color coded books neatly arranged on shelves, twin waterfalls falnking the room's sides. A piece of mythril sits in a glass case, a plaque next to it. However, the Progg owning the office was anything but typical. Even for a race of somehwat odd creatures, Solon looked downright lethal, bearing semblance to the members of the Gladius Unit. However, despite his intimidating appearance, he seemed to have atleast a positive disposition. He speaks earnestly, but also tiredly - it seems like various political meetings had worn him out. Fydelle seems to notice this, as well. "Ah, heroes. I apologize for the hold-up... You arrived early, and not to mention those bloody meetings..." "I just got done with grilling the heroes about sleep, Solon, and here you are, worn out from listening to six hours of political droning." "You can hardly blame me, can you, old friend?" "Hah. Not really, no." "Good to see we're on the same page then, Fydelle. So, heroes, I'm hoping you enjoyed your quick little tour through the colony. Ready for your full briefing? I warn you, this mission will involve you splitting up..."

"Professional, huh." The creatures seems to squint from beneath its face gird, looking closely at the heroes. "You have bags under your eyes and some purple rims. You didn't sleep well, did you?"

The two pahalanx guards look at eachother, begrudgingly opening the door at Sarge's display. Stepping aside a grand foyer, the party is flanked with more Progg architecture... as well as a familiar face. "Hmph. You made it. Believe it or not, you're still somehow early. What caused you to show up at the rendezvous point so early, anyway? Either way, Solon is trying to adjourn the meeting he is in ASAP. It'll be a minute or two." The next sentence is little more then a low grunt. "Solon wasn't always a politician, you know."

Flipz ran about a few rounds in 48 (Some for The Suffering, some for Perfect Regret)... The former because I was on vacation, the latter because I was drugged up after a wisdom tooth removal.

QM Note: If JmB posts soon enough, I'll allow him to do some retroactive marketeering, but for now... the show must go on. Jeaux checks a few boxes on an order sheet, scribbling in the quantity of the item he desired and writing his name. The saleprogg takes the notice, sending it down a slot in the back of the kiosk. "Coming right up, sir!" A minute later a Progg comes clambering up the steps behind the two salesporggs, placing a neatly wrapped package on the counter. On it, inked in slightly messy writing, is the automaton's name: Jeaux. Opening the package, jeaux recieves his two remedies. The Party: Sgt Jon. Mcency (Pyrovisionary) 54 years old male human witch Level 18 *Dual Strike* *Immune to blinded* *Hastened* Power: 37 (18+17+2) Health: 38/38 (7+17+8+3+3) Ether: 19/19 (+1) Gold: 277 (70 owed to Brickington) Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:17, dual strike, Light, Darkness, Hollow (Potion) 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), Pheonix essence x3 , Potion x4, Grand Potion x5, Remedy x5, Nostrum, 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 Erdathcath Madilinas, 199 years old, Level 19.5 Druid Power: 29 Health: 33/33 Ether: 22/22 Gold: 299 Equipped: Tritech Handcannon (WP:13), Satchel of Awesomeness (Causes lucky-effect; bodywear), Mage's Muffler (protects from sealed) 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, 10 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 petrify), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; suitable to Erdathcath only; accessory) Elgar Gligin (played by Jedi master Brick) Level 24 2/3 Druid *Immune to Fragile!* Power: 34 Defense: 6 Health: 38/38 Ether: 24/24 Gold:40 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11 Permanently Deadly envenomed), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental enemies and double from Electric elemental enemies) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Topaz,,Opal, Spade, Pickaxe, 3 Potions, Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion (x3), Fireworks, Remedy (x2), Hide of The Regret (halves damage from undead; suitable for anyone, backwear), Tonic, Grand tonic (x5), Root beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against undead enemies for 20 damage. The Root Beer does not affect non-undead enemies.) , Ambrosia, White Devil Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. Unknown age male human ranger Level 14.5 Power: 23 SP: 2 Health: 16/21 Gold: 30 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)[/font], Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect) Inventory: Consumables: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone x2, Nostrum x2, Potion x5, Remedy x4, , Venom, Ice Bomb, Grand Potion, Mead x2, Quality Cutlass (WP:6, Dagger) 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), Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe,Bow(WP:5), 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), Ambrosia, Crystal Sovereign 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 *Volatiley Venomed!* (WP:11; gives blessed- and transcended-effects to user; hollow; 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 Summons: Thunder Mode With their shopping spree done, the party practically jogs around The pit kiosk, eager to see the Progg's leader. In their haste they take some side streets, evading vistting the echoes altogether. After some walking, they find themselves in a wide cavern with a low cieling, some water gently churning out from the cieling into small canals at the sides. Rushing past dozens of proggs and their youngs, the party reaches the mouth of the passage they were in, exitting the tunnel into yet another gargantuan cavern. The sight is breathtaking: ' The party stands on a sturdy stone walkway, leading to the colossal Stronghold. Below them the waters of a reservoir churn slowly, the party suspend over what was practically a lake. Crystal clear, the party couldn't even see the bottom of the beautiful waters... Waterfalls from the walls of the Stronghold pour into the mass of water below, keeping it churning. The stornghold was suspended over rapids, and deep ones, at that! The stronghold itself was stunning, walls of finely carved stone towering above them. An imposing door, giant by even progg standards, is guarded by two Phalanx guards. "Halt." "State your purpose."

Danny, if you ever need someone to run a round or two for you, feel free to ask.

He isn't "evil" anymore, you don't have to fight him!

Second in command. Masson is the head.

No rep, unfortunately - unaffiliated with the major houses. It's just a short gaiden, though, so if you just want to squeeze a quick quest in, it should fit in nicely. Also, it involves one of my more preferred NPCs, who happens to be the second in command of a Town Watch subsidiary...

Also: Just sent in another quest to Sandy for those who want to breathe some fresh air outside the hall. 2 battles, 1 miniboss - Pretty short quest.

QM Note: I will wait for Jedi master Brick before we proceed.

Exactly. A tonf of them are easily exploitable in the easier areas.

They certainly are a welcome addition! I feel as if some may be easily exploitable, though.

Fair enough. I'm just wondering about people's opinions on them in general, I suppose. For example, I know that hex/Dastan battles are signifigantly harder to run for both heroes and QM, but if they are enjoyable then I'd have no problem making one down the line. I've never got to experience any of them, so I can't really form a solid opinion on any of those styles.

I would disagree. Although The Hex Battles are indeed pretty specific, I could see the final battle of Dastan, as an example, working out as all three types of battles. The same could be said for the first battle of 75 - it could also work as continuous battle (enemies pouring in, still fitting the ambush theme of the encounter) and even as a Dastan Battle without changing the concept or circumstances heavily at all.

Random question: What type of "alternate battle" (Dastan Mechanics, Brickdoctor's Hexagon Battles, Continuous Battle, Multi-Pronged Assault (The first battle of 75)) do you think is best for large battles? Personally, I love the concept of a multi-prong battle - it completely alters a battle without really changing the battle system itself, just a single rule. Definitely am going to have to use it in the future.

QM Note: If none of you wish to purchase anything simply say so. After this, I'll be able to let the true carnage in the colony begin!

Don't worry, Kintobor. I only use my TV for the news (Which I am beginning to regret listening to.) and vidya games. The fact that the party can return to Eubric at any time is really interesting, actually.

Carefully treading between both the guards and the line of glaring Proggs, Jeaux reaches the catalog posted at the front. Hearing the murmuring of the Proggs around him, he realizes the catalog contained mostly Progg-related goods; useless to humans. Carapace shiner, mineral soup, some furniture: Progg-sized, no doubt. "Excuse me, sir... Welcome to The Pit, the Colony's one-stop for shopping. We hve a massive cavern right below this building, full of anything you could need - one of the biggest storerooms in Underground Eubric! Just tell us what you like, and we'll fetch it for you..." The Salesprogg notices Jeaux's trouble. "Ah, sorry about that. here is the more, erm... human appropriate catalog, sir." The Pit: Grand Potion – Restores 25 health to the target. Costs 10 gold. Grand Tonic – Restores 15 ether to the target. Costs 25 gold. Elixir – Restores 50 health and 10 ether to the target and removes all negative effects from the target. Costs 50 gold. Remedy – Removes all negative effects from the target. Costs 10 gold. Neutralizer - Removes all temporary effects from all allies and all opponents. Costs 60 gold. Tiger Balm - Grants immunity to all effects (positive and negative) for one battle. Costs 90 gold. Phoenix Essence – Revives a fallen ally with full health during a battle. Costs 55 gold. Smelling Salts - Causes the hastened-effect, allowing the target to act twice in one round for the duration of one battle. Costs 30 gold. The two guards hardly avert their gaze towards the line of whispering Proggs, but respond to the druid's inquiry. "Us Red proggs are members of the Phalanx, as you know - the police-force of the Colony. Solon had one of the lines of The Pit closed here for your fellow's convenience... We're here to keep a watchful eye here, make sure nothing goes awry. Not all of us have fully let go of our warmongering ways, ma'am."

I scrawl my name under the unlimited quest.