Endgame

The thing is, we still want Rogues to be able to harvest money. Just not as much. I don't think whether or not that killer flower can logically drop gold was ever the center of the debate - it is being able to reward the Rogues gold, but be able to keep it in check. If humanoids only (or, heck, even common sense) is put into place, then there are several quests where Rogues can't mug people at all. Meanwhile, every other class can use their ability in every other quest.

A rule, in my mind, really shouldn't be left to the interpretation. A common sense rule is up to interpretation, which makes no sense. So a common sense rule makes no sense. ...Dammit, paradox.

"Woah there! Masson set us up a barrier - we're impervious to damage this round. Lets take advanatge of that, shall we?"

35, I believe? Also, holy hell, Masson is even stronger then I thought.

"So, Mr. Traitor, certain you're not willing to join up with the Wolfgang?" "After you sold us out to them and nearly got us killed?! Never!" Briar's voice adopts a sarcastic drawl, mocking Nevron with every syllable. "What, I simply reported you folks back to the owners of the drugs you snatched! I did the right thing!" Nevron averts his eyes for a few moments. "We took that case of drugs off the street because we were teens, Briar. Bent on giving our parents olcers. How were we suppsoed to know it belonged to the Wolfgang? Besdies, you were the idiot in our group that not only got caught by the Wolfgang, but also decided to sell us out for your own safety! They sent hitmen after the rest of us! I nearly got killed - some of the other friends in our group were not so fortunate. Do you even care that your own cowardice injured and killed some of your - our - friends?!" "Not really. After that whole incident, you became some sort of "hero" bent on "justice". Hah! Don't make me laugh! You think you're making a differnece?! You're a no-rnaker who is spending his days feeding rumors to your side, while I'm shooting up through the ranks of the Wolfgang. Who do you you think chose better, eh, old friend?" Nevron replies with a grim tone, drawing his rapier. "I think I did, Briar. Know why. "old friend"? Because I'll still be doing good for Eubric, while you'll spend your years inside a small cell for your little crime stint. I'll lock you up, Briar. Make no mistake about it." "Hah! Ulric will thank me for wiping fools like you off of the face of Olegaia!" Round One of the Syndicate with the Syndicate Battle! >Boomingham VS Briar (back): Special Damage (Burning Remark: No confusion, Inspires himself... Health is already at maximum. Boomingham's special guard kicks in.) >Masson VS Wolfgang Goon B (front): Shield: Veni Vidi Vici (8+50=58x2=116 damage to all enemies - Sentinel raised) >Karie VS Briar (back): Damage (48/2=24 damage, no dodge) >Arthur casts Blindness on Wolfgang Goon A (back): Failure! >Arthur casts Blindness on Wolfgang Goon A (back): Failure! >Octavyn VS Wolfgang Goon B (front): Miss Damage (27-4=23 damage) >Syndicate Elite (Black) VS Wolfgang Goon B (back): Shield Shield (5x3=15+15=30x2=60/2=30-4=26 damage) >Syndicate Elite (Silver) VS Wolfgang Goon B (back): Critical Hit Miss >Arnulf VS Briar (front): Hit (12+9=21x2=42-7=35 damage, -1 SP to Briar) >Em VS Wolfgang Goon A (back): Critical Hit (7x2=14+12=26+1=27-4=23 damage) >Nevron does nothing >Free Hits: Briar VS Boomingham: Confused! 48-6=42 damage to self >Briar: Becomes Encouraged >Wolfgang Goon A: Becomes Lucky >Wolfgang Goon B: Becomes Encouraged The party begins their all out assault. The ten versus three battle swings in the party's favor: a few get hurt, but the two lesser goons are severely injured as Masson rushes into the fight. With just a dagger he manages to strike every foe for heavy damage. He effortlessly dodges the frenzied swings of the mustached goon, driving his thumb into his solar plexus. He parries the metal headed goon's twin daggers with his own, disarming him and getting in a good shot. He makes his toiwards Briar, the lieutenant swinging his axe into the ground. It gets stuck, Masson jumping on top of the weapon and vaulting off of it. he inks his dagger into the thug's shoulder, Briar staggering back from the mighty attack. With his barrage of perfectly calculated attacks done, Masson steps in front of the party. "Keep it up. Anyone hurt? How about you, ma cherie?" "How the flaming megabluck did the paragon do that...?!" Wolfgang Lieutenant Briar, Level 48 96 Humanoid *Encouraged!* *Confused! 2 rounds remaining* *Plagued! 2 rounds remaining* *Inspired!* HP: 699/900 SP: 5 Immune to Blindness and Sealing! Specials: Battleaxe Barrage: All heroes take damage equal to their level +4, disregarding row. Double Dose: Takes two swigs from his flask, allowing him to get two positive effects next round instead of one. Cannot have two of the same positive effects. Special decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Indulgence: Briar takes a swig from his flask at the end of every round. He becomes either Encouraged, hastened, or Lucky for one round. Can only have one positive effect at a time, unless under the effects of Double Dose. Drops: 60 gold, Double Rainbow "Ain't it great when fortune smells on ya?" Wolfgang Goon A, Level 27 Humanoid *Lucky!* HP: 265/400 SP: 4 Specials: Double Slash: The Wolfgang Goon hits the hero who rolled Special Damage for damage equal to his level (disregarding SP), and hits that same hero again at the end of the next round also for damage equal to his level (disregarding Row). Double Dose: Takes two swigs from his flask, allowing him to get two positive effects next round instead of one. Cannot have two of the same positive effects. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Indulgence: Briar takes a swig from his flask at the end of every round. He becomes either Encouraged, hastened, or Lucky for one round. Can only have one positive effect at a time, unless under the effects of Double Dose. Drops: 20 gold, Pixie Dust "This... isn't looking good...!" Wolfgang Goon B, Level 27 Humanoid *Encouraged!* HP: 212/350 SP: 4 Specials: Smashing Blow: The Wolfgang Goon swings his massive sword downwards, doing 30 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage and cutting their SP in half for the rest of the battle. Double Dose: Takes two swigs from his flask, allowing him to get two positive effects next round instead of one. Cannot have two of the same positive effects. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Indulgence: Briar takes a swig from his flask at the end of every round. He becomes either Encouraged, hastened, or Lucky for one round. Can only have one positive effect at a time, unless under the effects of Double Dose. Drops: 20 gold, Seventh Heaven The Party: Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 46 Years Old, Human, Level 26 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened* *Encouraged!* Power: 40 (+5**) Defense: 12 Health: 48/48 (+3*) Ether: 13/25 Gold: 108 Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 11, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health, permanently Deadly Envenomed) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Counterstrike Gloves (On Free Hits, Deals damage to enemy equal to Boomingham's level), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immunity to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (Generates 10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle, immunity to sleep and weakened, accessory) ****Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (Not an Artifact, +4 Power) Inventory: Frozen Saber (Great Sword, WP: 9, Light Ice, stunned effect), Bedroll, Mead, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immunity to Ice), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile for rest of battle, 5 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, 1 Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragility, Scroll of Sealing, Garnet, Sapphire, Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (+4 to Power, -6 to Ether), Hamantasch (consumable, lucky + blessed effects upon consumption for the length of one battle), Admantite Shard, Remedy, Seventh Heaven, Tonic, Milk, Emergency Essence, Mead Debts: 128 Gold Arthur, 1 gold Docken, 75 gold Sorrow Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 26 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate] *Encouraged* *Lucky!* Power: 39 (25 + WP:13) Health: 38/38 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 25 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*) Ether: 19/36 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 25 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5) Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi) Gold: 1480 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur,) Equipment: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Overkill Gloves, Marksman's Monocle Inventory: Weapons: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade, contains an Elixir), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear; unsuitable) Artifacts: 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), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves, Lens of Speed Reading Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, 2x Scroll of Sealing (1x Lent to De'kra), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, 2x Scroll of Frailty (1x Lent to Nyx), 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 Badly Poisoned 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, Consumables: Grand Potion x11, Remedy x9, Elixir x4, Nostrum, Smelling Salts x 3, Mead, Jinxy Juice x2, Ether Core, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Tesla Bomb, Grand Tonic, Double Rainbow, Bright Polish, Exterlate x2, Tonic, Emergency Essence, Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) *Immune to Fragile!* *Encouraged!* *Inspired!* 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 12.5 Power: 22 (12+9+1) Defense: 4 Health: 15/18 30/38 (7+11) Gold: 186 Equipment: Chromoid Drill (Dagger, WP: 9, succesful hits drop enemy's SP by 1.), Emerald Hood (SP: 4, Immunity to Fragile), Sticky Gloves Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 2 Venoms, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, 1 Mead, Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine, Remedy x2, Tricorne (SP:3), Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Topaz Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. *Inspired!* Unknown age male human ranger Level 12.5 Power: 20 Health: 16/17 32/34 Gold: 120 Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect), Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum x2, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x4, Remedy x4, Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by Asleep.), Venom, Ice Bomb, Grand Potion, Bow(WP:5), Mead x2, White Marksman's Hat - (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear) Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round) "It would seem the end is near..." Nevron Utral, Level 14.5 Rogue HP: 20/20 Power: 21 SP: 1 Equipment: Standard Issue Rapier (WP: 7), Gallant Gauntlets (SP: 1, Handwear. User has a 1/6 chance to become Encouraged at the start of every battle.) Inventory: Trial Brew, Soma, 30 gold, Remedy Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor) *Inspired!* *Encouraged!* 22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 15 Power: 21 (lvl 15 + WP: 6) Health: 20/21 16/42 Gold: 321 Defence: 0 Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Lover's Locket (Protects from enamoured effect), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear) Inventory: Mead, Remedy (1), Venom (1), Smoke bomb (1), Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp) (1),, Topaz, Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Leather Armor (Bodywear, SP: 1), Masson's Photo, Entry 11 "This shouldn't take too much longer." Masson Cour, Level 50 Paragon *Encouraged* *Lucky!* HP: 105/105 SP: 12 Equipment: Syndicate Cape (SP: 12, usable only by Masson), Spare Dagger (WP: 8) Inventory: Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts "Urgh. Got a bit cocky, there." Octavyn Scelin, Level 25 Rogue HP: 9/32 SP: 4 Equipment: Lesser Syndicate Cape (SP: 4, usable only by Octavyn), Corseque (WP: 14) Inventory: Nostrum, Neutralizer "Heh! Skills are as sharp as ever..." Syndicate Elite (Black), Level 15 Rogue *Immune to Doomed!* HP: 22/22 SP: 2 Equipment: Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, immunity to Doomed), Twin Renders (WP: 5, Dual Strike) Inventory: Potion "Hm..." Syndicate Elite (Silver), Level 14 Rogue *Immune to Doomed!* HP: 21/21 SP: 2 Equipment: Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, immunity to Doomed), Spear (WP: 11) Inventory: Potion

Because it isn't really a rule. It isn't a solid guideline - just a very blurred line between what is muggable and what isn't. It has far too much room for interpretation.

Pretty much the reason why I prefer the idea of "only enemies with gold can be mugged" - it gives far more control to the QM to balance for without having to severely offer the storylines to accomodate a player character. If the Humanoid rule was in place for 48, Galen would've earned about 400 gold, not 5,000. No, the core of this debate is finding a way to lower the Rogue's income to a more reasonable level in a kore reasonable way. Plenty of things in Heroica make no sense at all.

Doesn't the question of balance belong in the hands of the QMs, though? That way, Rogues can gain gold from quests that don't primarly feature humanoids - quests like hunting trips, the fields of glory, etc.

QM Note: My bad: They have 22 (black) / 21 (Silver) HP.

QM Note: Flipz is on personal leave, likely for the rest of the quest. Could someone control his actions in battle? Briar chuckles as he advances on the group of 10, the opposition's larger side still not intimidating him. "Lets rumble!" The lietunant chuckles as he slashes through the air with his battle axe, adopting a fighting position. His two cohorts do the same, joining their superior officer in battle: despite being outclassed by a longshot. They all remove a flask from their uniforms, gluggling down cocktails of consumables in order to give themselves an edge. Prepare For Battle! "I'll bury you!" Wolfgang Lieutenant Briar, Level 48 Humanoid *Hastened!* *Confused! 3 rounds remaining* *Plagued! 3 rounds remaining* HP: 900/900 SP: 7 Immune to Blindness and Sealing! Specials: Battleaxe Barrage: All heroes take damage equal to their level +4, disregarding row. Burning Remark: Briar insults the hero, Inspiring himself and doubling his current HP. (Cannot exceed 900.) The hero who rolled Special damage is Enraged for 3 rounds by the insult. Usable only once, and then is removed from the Specials list. Double Dose: Takes two swigs from his flask, allowing him to get two positive effects next round instead of one. Cannot have two of the same positive effects. Special decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Indulgence: Briar takes a swig from his flask at the end of every round. He becomes either Encouraged, hastened, or Lucky for one round. Can only have one positive effect at a time, unless under the effects of Double Dose. Drops: 60 gold, Double Rainbow "Heh heh heh..." Wolfgang Goon A, Level 27 54 Humanoid *Encouraged!* HP: 400/400 SP: 4 Specials: Double Slash: The Wolfgang Goon hits the hero who rolled Special Damage for damage equal to his level (disregarding SP), and hits that same hero again at the end of the next round also for damage equal to his level (disregarding Row). Double Dose: Takes two swigs from his flask, allowing him to get two positive effects next round instead of one. Cannot have two of the same positive effects. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Indulgence: Briar takes a swig from his flask at the end of every round. He becomes either Encouraged, hastened, or Lucky for one round. Can only have one positive effect at a time, unless under the effects of Double Dose. Drops: 20 gold, Pixie Dust "Heh heh heh..." Wolfgang Goon B, Level 27 Humanoid *Lucky!* HP: 350/350 SP: 4 Specials: Smashing Blow: The Wolfgang Goon swing shis massive sword downwards, doing 30 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage and cutting their SP in half for the rest of the battle. Double Dose: Takes two swigs from his flask, allowing him to get two positive effects next round instead of one. Cannot have two of the same positive effects. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Indulgence: Briar takes a swig from his flask at the end of every round. He becomes either Encouraged, hastened, or Lucky for one round. Can only have one positive effect at a time, unless under the effects of Double Dose. Drops: 20 gold, Seventh Heaven The Party: Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 46 Years Old, Human, Level 26 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened* *Encouraged!* Power: 40 (+5**) Defense: 12 Health: 48/48 (+3*) Ether: 13/25 Gold: 108 Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 11, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health, permanently Deadly Envenomed) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Counterstrike Gloves (On Free Hits, Deals damage to enemy equal to Boomingham's level), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immunity to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (Generates 10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle, immunity to sleep and weakened, accessory) ****Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (Not an Artifact, +4 Power) Inventory: Frozen Saber (Great Sword, WP: 9, Light Ice, stunned effect), Bedroll, Mead, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immunity to Ice), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile for rest of battle, 5 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, 1 Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragility, Scroll of Sealing, Garnet, Sapphire, Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (+4 to Power, -6 to Ether), Hamantasch (consumable, lucky + blessed effects upon consumption for the length of one battle), Admantite Shard, Remedy, Seventh Heaven, Tonic, Milk, Emergency Essence, Mead Debts: 128 Gold Arthur, 1 gold Docken, 75 gold Sorrow Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 26 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate] *Encouraged* *Lucky!* Power: 39 (25 + WP:13) Health: 38/38 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 25 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*) Ether: 21/36 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 25 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5) Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi) Gold: 1480 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur,) Equipment: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Overkill Gloves, Marksman's Monocle Inventory: Weapons: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade, contains an Elixir), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear; unsuitable) Artifacts: 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), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves, Lens of Speed Reading Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, 2x Scroll of Sealing (1x Lent to De'kra), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, 2x Scroll of Frailty (1x Lent to Nyx), 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 Badly Poisoned 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, Consumables: Grand Potion x11, Remedy x9, Elixir x4, Nostrum, Smelling Salts x 3, Mead, Jinxy Juice x2, Ether Core, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Tesla Bomb, Grand Tonic, Double Rainbow, Bright Polish, Exterlate x2, Tonic, Emergency Essence, Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) *Immune to Fragile!* *Encouraged!* *Inspired!* 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 12.5 Power: 22 (12+9+1) Defense: 4 Health: 15/18 30/38 (7+11) Gold: 186 Equipment: Chromoid Drill (Dagger, WP: 9, succesful hits drop enemy's SP by 1.), Emerald Hood (SP: 4, Immunity to Fragile), Sticky Gloves Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 2 Venoms, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, 1 Mead, Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine, Remedy x2, Tricorne (SP:3), Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Topaz Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. *Inspired!* Unknown age male human ranger Level 12.5 Power: 20 Health: 16/17 32/34 Gold: 120 Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect), Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum x2, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x4, Remedy x4, Gentleman's Hat (SP: 1, suitable for men, headgear. The wearer has a 1/2 chance to not be affected by Asleep.), Venom, Ice Bomb, Grand Potion, Bow(WP:5), Mead x2, White Marksman's Hat - (⅙ chance of Assassination vs. Flying monsters; Headwear) Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round) "It would seem the end is near..." Nevron Utral, Level 14.5 Rogue HP: 20/20 Power: 21 SP: 1 Equipment: Standard Issue Rapier (WP: 7), Gallant Gauntlets (SP: 1, Handwear. User has a 1/6 chance to become Encouraged at the start of every battle.) Inventory: Trial Brew, Soma, 30 gold, Remedy Karie Alderflask (Played by Kintobor) *Inspired!* *Encouraged!* 22 year old Human Rogue, lvl 15 Power: 21 (lvl 15 + WP: 6) Health: 20/21 40/42 Gold: 321 Defence: 0 Equipment: Sexy (WP: 6, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Lover's Locket (Protects from enamoured effect), Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear) Inventory: Mead, Remedy (1), Venom (1), Smoke bomb (1), Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp) (1),, Topaz, Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Leather Armor (Bodywear, SP: 1), Masson's Photo, Entry 11 "Onwards." Masson Cour, Level 50 Paragon *Encouraged* *Lucky!* HP: 105/105 SP: 12 Equipment: Syndicate Cape (SP: 12, usable only by Masson), Spare Dagger (WP: 8) Inventory: Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts "Some action!" Octavyn Scelin, Level 25 Rogue HP: 32/32 SP: 4 Equipment: Lesser Syndicate Cape (SP: 4, usable only by Octavyn), Corseque (WP: 14) Inventory: Nostrum, Neutralizer "Briar's waiting." Syndicate Elite (Black), Level 15 Rogue *Immune to Doomed!* HP: 22/22 SP: 2 Equipment: Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, immunity to Doomed), Twin Renders (WP: 5, Dual Strike) Inventory: Potion "Long live the Syndicate!" Syndicate Elite (Silver), Level 14 Rogue *Immune to Doomed!* HP: 21/21 SP: 2 Equipment: Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, immunity to Doomed), Spear (WP: 11) Inventory: Potion

My next quest, despite going under the current ~ominous~ title of "Fading Spark", is actually going to be pretty lighthearted.

He wanted to make Arthur hurt in the now, so I can understand where you're coming from. But worry not, Progg 0 is going to be home of one of the most twisted, demented, nightmarish and downright horrifying sequences in all of Heroica. Implied violence is wonderful violence, wouldn't you agree? You'll finally get a peek into The Regret's mind... and what a place it is.

Irony at its finest: original drafts of The Regret had him speaking only in poetic verse. He used it as a mental distraction from all of the voices in his head - I still like to think that he did that as some sort of pathetic coping device when his soul first split. But yes, he is a lot more poetic in quest regarding his motives then in PM. Though I think his battle style is nothing short of art: his movements are perfectly calculated in normal form, and he started ripping holes in spacetime at the end of the Perfect Regret battle.

Off the top of my head, I can think of The Stealer's "You'll find me before you find yourself" quote (he actually meant that with no malice, but still plenty nightmarish) and anything The Regret has ever said to you. The Regret is appearing in Progg 0. He'll be doing what he does best: physically and mentally abuse people, haunting them, torturing them, and making them crave the sweet, sweet release of death. How's that for a Round 3?

Issue here is: The Regret can't die. And was the second time actually canon, or just meta? I know I said Progg 0 was after Stealer 2, but... I'm probably going to do a one off first. I've set up my quests to basically lead up to one grand finale one (that concludes any saga I've started) - and this set of quest's current grand finale, currently going under the title of The Eternal Reaper, but that is about 3-4 quests away. Funny, my magic conch only gives one response: Be as devious and cruel to your PCs as possible to the point where they still somehow like your quest! Is it working?

Masson probably has had the most planned pyschological tics out of all of my baddies, yeah. Aww, don't do that to the guy. Also, dangit Danny, stop reminding me I have too many good pieces of media/literature to catch up on. Nor does Masson want you to be. I can see them as the kind of couple that just kicks back together after saving the world or something. The couple that slays together, stays together.

At the same time, however, I hope no one else got excluded in the quest. I put in goodies for almost everyone, I hope. Karie did get an exclusive sidequest (She got to view the Syndicate from the insdie, while the rest got the out) - but that is about it. Really, I don't consider a unique relationship with the big bad, romance, in this case, to be hijacking. You all served to wear him down on a mental level quite a bit, but Karie was really the only one who could've delivered the "coup de grace", so to speak. Fun fact: minus any attraction element, anyone who wanted to join up with the Syndicate basically would've gotten the same sidequest Karie did. (Yes, anyone could've joined him at any time.)

Actually, your analysis isn't that far off. He is indeed 25 years old, but the reason for him not having a girlfriend was self-imposed: he is intellignet, caring, and one handsome devil but he has a fear of them getting hurt. All of his loved ones died around him, and he blamed himself (despite it being out of his control) - he thought by alientating himself and burying what made him "human", everyone was better off. Basically, he thinks/thought (he's getting better) that he was worthless. Due to his life crumbling around him and the world generally just not making sense, he buried himself and became obsessed with the rational and constant: Numbers are absolute, they don't change. Science is logical, reliable. Etc etc. And thus, his obsaessions, compulsions, and fears led to an agonizingly slow descent into madness. (He even questions his own sanity in his journal.) Despite being at his most furious at the end of 56, he came to realize that his anger was speaking then - and he soon, of course, blamed himself for what happened there. He knew Karie got scarred the most, and offered a chance to repent. In the process he let his guard down, and soon realized he had feelings for Karie. We all know where this leads now. He didn't want anyone else to go through what he did, and thus his vision of a perfect world was born. In defense. most of the poeple he used The Harvester on were happy at the end, even if they acknowledged the tamperment. Karie really became the only one who could peentrate through The Stealer of Senses to find Masson (Maybe he has mild schizophrenia too, but smashing the Harvester pretty much cured that. ) and thus was the only one who could convince him to pursue a quiet world through better means. So, behind his descent into insanity, Masson is really just a caring (and loving, as he and Karie have demonstrated ) and intelligent individual who wants the best for everyone. Pyschologically speaking, this quest has worked wonders for Masson. He finally allowed himself to have a catharsis, and is ready to live life (alongside Karie ) again.

I assume that you're not allowed to vote for yourself, so blank ballot.

"Under no circumstances do we leave Clare unattended, alright? We can't let her buff herself like that." I fire at Clare twice, back. Order: Sorrow Thromanil Mizuki Romulus Grimwald

"Hopefully things will begin to look up after this entire fiasco is said and done, ma chérie."

And Masson has never been in a relationship before this one. Yaaay? Also, 70ers, Briar is indeed the final battle! He will be a far cry from a boss, however.

Perhaps switch the Witch's talisman to a Plague Talisman?

Even as he is burnt by chemicals, Briar continues to goad. "Can't hear me, kitty cat? Or just going to let your boyfriend do the talking?"