Endgame

"...I was offed when I was 6. Months, not years. I suppose my afterlife would've been a lot different from yours... I myself lack a certain clarity to it." I rub my temples. "Phantom images. Nothing more. Johon, what are you talking about? Regret? Proggs? What are they?"

"Well, the story I heard about it was woefully incomplete. About 2 sentences: "The Lifespark was from the gods. No mortal being can even touch an ember , their bodies would be crushed and devoured by the power of the flame." More of a warning, really. Althior, are you certain the spark is a fake? These "Oculoids" seemed to do a damn good job of shaking you..."

I look carefully into the swirling vial of plasm, small green sparks of light dancing in the black ink. "Hrmmm... It almost reminds me of..." I think back to the studies of my father. He would read necromantic fables to me like bed time stories: many of them, of course, modified to contain aesops and be a bit more family friendly. "Giving me a little bit of a nostalgia trip, that's all. Ever heard of the "Lifespark?""

"Plagued" originated in 48: 15 Hp and -1 SP per round.

I'm taken aback by Althior's words. "...Of course you could die again, but why would you want to? Althior, from what I remember of the questboard, that job was just a simple delivery... What happened?"

2 months, approximately.

Current Sign-Ups for Quest #81: Home Sweet Home: >Sergeant Jon McEncy (Piro The Visionary) >Heckz Brutenhal (Eric Su) >Erdacath Madilinas (The_Customizer) >Johon (Bricksandparts) >Grimwald Gjinko (LordOfTheNoobs) >Elgar Gligin (Jedi master Brick) >Thalion Dwinlas (-Obelix-) >Em (Emjajoas) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I look at the Necromancer, the once hateful and vitriolic creature now sobbing silently, wondering what to o. I place a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm down his mild hysteria. "Althior. Listen to me. Being "undead" is a misnomer. We're living creatures... But not all Necromancers can revive beings to fit into the world's standards. I once looked exactly like a normal fellow, but that... That was 380 years ago. Althior, your Necromancer seemed to do a very good job. You still look human. Me? I'm an abomination. there really isn't any way to bring an undead back to life, Althior. Because, really, we're already living." I turn around and look up at the ceiling. "Althior. Take advantage of the blessings your necromancer gave you. Don't waste them and ruin the life of the one you love, like I did. Make amends. Do what makes you happy. Find someone, settle down, hell, even start a family if you feel up to it. I only have a few years left before I have to leave this world and my last family member behind. Life is meant for living, and you look like a living creature to me, Althior Emorith. Don't squander it."

I lean an arm on the table, slowly accepting the vial of ink. "You're a Necromancer, Althior. There are dozens, hundreds of ways to revive the dead. You studied, you should know that. I myself was brought back by Animutilav, mutilator of souls... Can tear a soul to shreds and rip it from its body, or tether a wayward soul to a corpse. Obviously, the latter happened to me. I heard the former is one of the most excruciating things possible..." I shift around in my seat, realizing I was getting a bit too detailed. "Anyway, this ink... It seems to have some sort of... magical property. Can you tell me where it was from?" I look at the Necromancer. Begging did not fit his previous philosophy in the slightest. I sigh and ask: "Althior. You seem shaken. What's wrong?"

I raise an eyebrow at the Warden's maddenining comment, my eyebrows raising even further at Althior's whisper. I take a qucik glance at the motioning Necromancer before turning back into the Warden. "Ah, well... Good to know." I turn away, pulling up a chair at the Necromancer's table. I lean in, speaking in slightly hushed tones. "Yes, Althior?"

I enter the hall, clutching my hand. I avoid cringing, trying to be nonchalant about the inferno in my fingers and palms as possible. I look towards the group of heroes, whispering... The fews words I could decipher seemed somewhat grand in scale. King, Freedom, Fix Eubric... ...Guts? I walk over to the table, nodding to the familiar faces. "Well, hello everybody. Anything important going on?"

If you wanted to face The Stealer, I honestly couldn't have guaranteed the quest's success. And yes, this is indeed the beginning of the end! For the Finale: I'll bring pretty much anyone who signs up, the only restriction being that you have to be Level 20+. An NPC from 70, 79, 81, and the Third Reaper quest will be joining the party... I can confirm Masson will be helping you guys outm but the rest remain a mystery. 78: I enjoyed it! Your characters were plenty quirky, and your builds were pretty great. You had a nice mixture of quirky and serious, and I think that the mount of tension was just right. Pacing was odd, but I think that could be attributed to C.A.T. The battle were all well balanced, but I felt that the second was harder then the third. (I especially enjoyed the bait-and-switch aspect of Battle 2. ) The storyline was definitely intriguing, and I'm curious to see where this goes. Thank you for Sorrow's miniquest, as well. Now, where to find that blasted herb...

I write most of the my battle descriptions to involve mostly physical trauma/burns. Remember, this is fantasy setting; A character who is complaining about a couple of stab wounds is far more natural than a character that doesn't even seem to take note.

I catch the bottle of ambrosia, glancing towards the door. "Thank you for the reward." I head back to the Hall.

Sorry I couldn't get this up earlier, folks, but better late then never I suppose. Quest 79 79 was a relatively simple quest compared to my normal fare, but I wanted the quest pitch to sound even simpler. I wanted to take a simple delivery job and add a demonic element to it - The overshadowing feel of conspiracy. It's interesting to note that the Oculoids were not really individuals, but just reflections of The Regret's personality and opinions. They also served as a test of character. The quest wasn't really engineered to develop characters too much, but rather to solidify them. I think every once and a while, after mounting revelations and secrets coming to light, sometimes its good to take a step back and take a look at the character themselves without them being completely altered by the experience. I achieved this through the Oculoids, mind reading demons with a tendency for sucking out souls: After all, opposition brings out the true colors of heroes. The quest's length went well with the idea of solidifying the past rather then diving into the future and present. At times I felt the Oculoids were not distinct enough from each other in personality, but their beliefs were almost always in synch. Loot wise: I think this quest was fairly good loot wise. It focused more on consumables (You got a lot of Emergency Essences!) with only two weapon drops and an artifact drop. Hopefully you folks found the loot suitable, I felt a bit of disconnect from who would be carrying it for one or two enemies. Battle-wise, besides some hiccups with the boss fight, I balanced fairly well. You all got to participate in the battles, ad you were forced into panic mode or even dire straits at least once a battle. Battles 1 and 2 were meant to be pretty basic, with the choice battles and the boss being your normal Endgame battle mechanics. To outline what you missed: The Forest Battle: Battle with the Blue Oculoid! He would actually possess two trees (Treevils), hastened level 20-30 enemies. Each one would have about 700 HP and 3 SP. However, they start out with two roots, and each get to spawn one more per round of battle. Every root in the field they spawned causes the Treevil's SP to double. (So three roots equals 3x6=18 SP.) The Grove Battle: This battle was with the Red Oculoid. He would sink into the ground, forming a Plasm Puddle. The puddle corrupts the entire grove, causing one sinister/carnivorous plant (Cymbal Roots included!) to spawn every round. He'd start with one of every plant, and build his numbers up. HP and Levels would be about the same as Battle 2 all around, so not very difficult at all. Notes: The battle you chose influenced the Oculoid Palm and the Amalgam itself. If you chose the Hard path, the palm would drop as WP: 12. If you chose the Medium path, the palm would drop as WP: 11 If you chose the Easy path, the palm would drop as WP: 10 If you chose the Hard Path, the Amalgam would've started with 2500 HP and have a 1/6 chance of becoming Fragile every round. If you chose the Medium path, the Amalgam would've started with 2500 HP. If you chose the Easy path, the Amalgam would've started with 2600 HP and 3 SP. Characters: Karie: You know what I think of Karie, so I'll try to keep this short. it's always great to host you, and this time is no exception. Karie keeps up her streak of being one of the most realistic characters, further shown by her anger, sorrow, and eventual bravery and confidence in the face of the Chief/Amalgam. Karie's character was truly put to the test here, but I think she made it out a stronger individual. Althior: Great to have you back! I apologize for murdering you a year ago, so hopefully you found 79 a smidge more enjoyable. Althior's interaction with everyone in the quest was rather interesting. he tried to show a somewhat compassionate aura, even though he was anything but... And seeing him slowly realizing how close he was to the oculoids, only to try to separate from them entirely, was great to watch! Johon: Always nice to have someone back from 48! I had the feeling from the start that you would pick out The Regret as the true antagonist. Johon has developed, but one thing I would advise: he seems almost "out of body" at times. There were moments where he was completely and utterly unfazed about the physical abuse he was receiving, like the fact that he was quite nearly bleeding to unconsciousness... But instead chose to instead curse the Amalgam's logic. Sometimes its important to note the pain that your chracter is going through; it makes them that much more realistic. The Regret: Yes, The Regret is back. Yes, The Regret has the Lifespark locked down in his clutches. Yes, the massive citadel at the end was indeed his castle.

I walk out, silent, with the rest of the party. Another simple job that required roll a dozen or so heads. I saved one life, but who knows how well Lydia will fare? However, I hear Connor's offer. Maybe this was my chance. my chance to become a necromancer, to learn the art of raising the dead... Just like father. "Much appreciated, Connor."

"I do nothing twice."

"It's all yours." I use the Phoenix Essence.

I won't be able to do an analysis until Friday Night, so feel free to comment whenever. Hey, The Regret is the most evil of my favorite species I've introduced - making him my Ultimate Big Bad.

QM Note: I believe Althior already agreed to the claw. You folks are free to return to the hall. The Party: Althior Emorith (And Finnegan) Level 36 2/4 Necromancer *Earns triple XP* Power: 48 (53 for spells) Power Bonus: +5 Spells Defense: 6 (4+2) Health: 41/46 (5+5+Chicken Drumstick (1)+35) Ether: 24/49 (5+5+35+4) Gold: 300 Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:12, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on attacks and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 power when casting Spells, doubled if target is weak to Element, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, Backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, Accessory), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP: 4, Body Wear) Inventory: Dragoro (WP:8, Wand), Skeleton Decoy, Potion x6, Tonic x10, Grand Potion, Grand Tonic x2, Ether Core x2, Bedroll, Remedy x9, Mead, Smelling Salts, Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Skull Shield (SP: 6, immune to darkness elemental damage), Bone x3, Elixirs x3, Phoenix Incense x2, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, Deadly Poison, Grating Stone x2, Tasty Fish, Ectoplasm, Emergency Essence, Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, Club, 1/6 chance of infecting the targetted enym on succesful hits.), The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches), Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 26 Power: 38 (25+9+4) Health: 34/41 (25+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (5+1) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed* *Stunned* ), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 3494 (1726(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M) 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) - Bravado Boots - 1/6 chance of being Lucky at the beginning of every battle 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.), Hide of The Bleeding - restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone, Scarlet Hood - +4 to power, immunity to stunned, Oculoid Iris (Accesory, grants permanent Transcended effect.) 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) Tools: Shovel (1), Pick-axe (2), Magnifying Glass (1), Magic Compass (1) Consumables: Potion (2), Venom (2), Mead (4), Smelling Salts (9), Nostrum (10), Trial Brew (1), Grand Tonic, Ambrosia, Grand Potion, Deadly Poison, Ectoplasm Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (1), Topaz (1) Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (1), Scroll of Confusion (1) Quest items: Blue Rose Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor) *Party Leader!* 22 year old Human Rogue Witch, lvl 17.5 Power: 24 (lvl 17 + WP: 7) Health: 23/23 Ether: 15/23 Gold: 302 Defence: 2 Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.) by 1. Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear) Inventory: Grand Tonic, Mead (1), Remedy (1), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1),Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Emergency Essence (1) Quest Items: Entry 11, Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal Aretefacts/Weapons:Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured effect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) Sexy (WP: 7, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Paper Doll (Accesory, prevents Hexing) Gemstones: Topaz

Sometimes it helps to look down at the image. (That, or your monitor's brightness/contrast is different from mine.)

Fun fact: the Regret was the very first chracter to appear in 79. (Look very closely, far left, just above the green flames:) The Oculoid's mannerisms and speech patterns were made to be almost mirrors to The Regret's in 48.

And with that... 79 is a wrap, folks. Thanks for playing!

"Thank you for your services, heroes." The archaelogist and the heroes part ways, the heroes beginning their trek back to the Ziegfried Manor. The forest seemed almost serene now, peaceful with the threat of the Oculoids purged from it. Trees swayed in the wind as the party walked back, now admiring the once corrupted pieces of scenery in the forest. It was quite a pleasant place, despite the atrocious beings that had lurked here not even a few hours ago. And yet... A feeling of unease grips at the hearts and minds of the party. They had managed to unearth a massive conspiracy, and yet failed to make even the slightest dent in it... What pieces of information they had were unuseable, or downright ominous. They managed to slay a few Oculoids, but they were mere objects, likely replaced by the time the heroes arrived at Ziegfried manor victorious. They had saved the forest and its inhabitants, but something far more was at stake... The heroes were triumphant, but they couldn't help but feel like they had tangled themselves in with a power far greater than any of them could begin to imagine. Doubt and confusion plaguing their minds, the trek through the forest goes by in a blur, the heroes soon arriving at Ziegfried manor. Goldraum paces around the Courtyard, impatient as ever. The Wizard raises an eyebrow. "What took you so long? And why are you all covered in ink?" The party simply offers Goldraum the documents he had requested. "Well, better late than never. Though I presume you Heroica types have already read through this entire stack of documents..." Goldraum grumbles. The purple clad ether user begins to peruse the documents, his eyebrows raising higher and higher with every paragraph. An ink stain on his thumb clues him into the passage on the back, flipping over the documents to reveal the Chief's final foreboding verse. The intrigue in his eyes is obvious, even trumping his normally stuck-up aura. "Well... Despite its lack of specific finformation... These documents are quite interesting, to say the least." Goldraum humphs as he rifles through his cloak's pockets, pulling out three royal blue bags. he levitates one into the plams of each hero. "150 gold to each hero, as promised. I'll be sure to put in word to my mother about this." With the rewards in hand and the Oculoid Chief slain, the party knew that... ~The Quest Was Succesful!~ The Party: Althior Emorith (And Finnegan) Level 36 2/4 Necromancer *Earns triple XP* Power: 48 (53 for spells) Power Bonus: +5 Spells Defense: 6 (4+2) Health: 41/46 (5+5+Chicken Drumstick (1)+35) Ether: 24/49 (5+5+35+4) Gold: 300 Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:12, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on attacks and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 power when casting Spells, doubled if target is weak to Element, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, Backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, Accessory), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP: 4, Body Wear) Inventory: Dragoro (WP:8, Wand), Skeleton Decoy, Potion x6, Tonic x10, Grand Potion, Grand Tonic x2, Ether Core x2, Bedroll, Remedy x9, Mead, Smelling Salts, Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Skull Shield (SP: 6, immune to darkness elemental damage), Bone x3, Elixirs x3, Phoenix Incense x2, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, Deadly Poison, Grating Stone x2, Tasty Fish, Ectoplasm, Emergency Essence, Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, Club, 1/6 chance of infecting the targetted enym on succesful hits.) Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 26 Power: 38 (25+9+4) Health: 34/41 (25+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (5+1) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed* *Stunned* ), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 3494 (1726(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M) 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) - Bravado Boots - 1/6 chance of being Lucky at the beginning of every battle 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.), Hide of The Bleeding - restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone, Scarlet Hood - +4 to power, immunity to stunned, Oculoid Iris (Accesory, grants permanent Transcended effect.) 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) Tools: Shovel (1), Pick-axe (2), Magnifying Glass (1), Magic Compass (1) Consumables: Potion (2), Venom (2), Mead (4), Smelling Salts (9), Nostrum (10), Trial Brew (1), Grand Tonic, Ambrosia, Grand Potion, Deadly Poison, Ectoplasm Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (1), Topaz (1) Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (1), Scroll of Confusion (1) Quest items: Blue Rose Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor) *Party Leader!* 22 year old Human Rogue Witch, lvl 17.5 Power: 24 (lvl 17 + WP: 7) Health: 23/23 Ether: 15/23 Gold: 302 Defence: 2 Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.) by 1. Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear) Inventory: Grand Tonic, Mead (1), Remedy (1), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1),Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Emergency Essence (1) Quest Items: Entry 11, Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal Aretefacts/Weapons:Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured effect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches), Sexy (WP: 7, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Paper Doll (Accesory, prevents Hexing) Gemstones: Topaz -Meanwhile...- Two formidable figures weilding tremendous power - One inferior to the other - converse while cloaked in a fathomless darkness. Their voices echo around the cavernous room they were in, their voices accented by the crackle and hum of a nearby flame. "We've had a failed operation, milord. An information supression assignment went awry in Uland." "Specifics, if you would be so kind." "Let's see... Ooooh. you're not going to like the sound of this, boss." "What I don't like the sound of is your incessant stalling, Iris. The report, please." "Heh heh heh... Oh, calm down, master. It isn't as bad as I originally made it out to be, milord. So, information supression. Some archaelogist managed to swipe some documents relating to our Spark about a month prior." "An incident I was not informed of." "Do you really expect me to stay on top of every little going on in this god forsaken planet reported in by our Ocu-" The superior of the conversation seems to have had more than enough of Iris's complaining. A dozen phantasmal hands immediately shoot from the ground and the formidable Oculoid Mastermind by the head and tentacles, dragging her down to eye level with her master. Her master's gaze, despite her constant teasing, never ceased to shake her to her core. Even as a being as powerful as her - one of the more formidable dmeons wandering Olegaia, as it stands - her Master's eyes blazed with a fathomless power that he did not hesistate to use on all who crossed him. The humans would be learning that one much too well all too soon, if her Master was to have his way. There was no mercy in those eyes. "Yes, Iris. I believe I do. You are the greatest of the Oculoids. I expect you to at least be a competent creature. Now, your report, before I feel the urge to amputate a few tentacles to prove my point." "Y-y-yes, Master..." Iris stammers, her carefree attitude melting away at her Master's threats. She had no dobut he would exact them if need be. "S-so... Ahem. So, yeah. Some documents regarding the Lifespark got hijacked about a month ago. Three weeks, to be precise. As soonas the archaelogist gets back home he makes a business deal with some Ziegfried fool to exhange them for some coin. The wizard on the recieving end of the deal hired some middlemen, heroes of Heroica to get the documents for him. We sent a squad in order to murder anyone who has even set eyes on the papers. Long story short, the entire squad, plus some wayward Oculoids they rounded up, are currently dead." "Fatality count." "On our side? Eleven, master." "Keep talking, Iris. Please say something I may possibly like." "The Chief of the squadron managed to peruse the documents. Apparently they betrayed nothing of the spark itself, only a fairy tale of its origins. Only a select few still know about it, and even those people remain completely unenlightened as to how it works or where it is. There was a minimal amount of information to be supressed in the first place. Sooooo... That good enough for ya, milord?" "Hmph. It's a start. I trust you will replace the fallen oculoids as soon as possible?" "Already done, master." The Master lets out a single chuckle, the one simple syllable managing to be more menacing then all of the Oculoids' cackling combined. "Perhaps you aren't useless after all, Iris. Run along now... I have a Spark to temper. You're dismissed." Iris thinks of letting loose a snarky comment, but thinks twice about it and perishes the thought. She bows deeply instead. She knew by now that displeasing the Master was a surefire way to get yourself killed... Iris heeds her lord's instruction turning to exit the gargantuan chamber. "Very well, Master. Thank you." As his subordinate exits the Cavern, the Master turns to the centerpeice of the collosal room: The Lifespark. The Regret raises his arms aloft, ready to once again continue his preparation of the divine inferno. The green flames silhouette his ghostly form, convulsing with laughter. "Now, my Spark... We have some work to do! GAAHAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!" A massive citadel, dominating the horizon. Surrounded by hellish cold winds and freezing cold waters. Towers of darkness, dwarfing the sky and piercing the heavens. A master of death dwells the Citadel's corridors, commanding legions of the faceless. A Spark slumbers deep within, its blinding light being suffocated by the darkness surrounding it. From the Spark a being of life and death, light and dark shall be born - And thus the Eternal Reaper will spell the end of humanity. The End...? QM Note: The quest is over! Feel free to converse with Goldraum or amongst yourselves before departing back to the hall. Pleas eleave any feedback you have in the QM Lounge - I will probably won't be able to do my own analysis until Friday Night, so I'd love to hear your guys' comments first. Thanks for playing!