Endgame

"Torture? Like you know anything of torture. The Syndicate, as has been most likely repeated to you multiple times now, is here to put organized crime in Eubric to an end. Do you think torture and pain would get us anywhere? No, it would make us Wolfgang. Which is what needs to be eliminated from this city." The peon chuckles, arms crossed. "Keeping them out on the streets is murder as well. They are still them, only now they are here to assist the city, not destroy it. And don't worry, your friend is not in any way, shape or form bruised, battered, or as you so carefully put it "murdered". Also, what's with the violence? Can't we simply talk this through like civilized people?" The peon raises a hand, fingers outstreched. "One... two... three... Well, third time's the charm! Yes, she's fine. All question's about the red-head's safety can be Z-mailed to the Stealer of Senses, thank you, have a nice day." The peon tosses the rapier back and forth between hands, responding to the party with a boyish voice, sounding frustrated. "Well, I warned you, and I'm sorry for what we're going to have to do, but you asked for it." As if on cue, the automaton in the front explodes into action, dahing forward with unheard of agility for a machine. it propels itself into the air and swings its trident down like a mace, quite nearly splitting Boomingham in two. The paladin moves out of the way at the last second, evading the splitting attack. The attack leaves a den ton the floor, the automaton pulling its weapon up from the ground and drawing itself back up to full height. Only the sound of whirring motors fills the room as the enemeis advance on towards the heroes. Prepare For Battle! ". . ." Magnus, Level 42 Mechanical HP: 1000/1000 SP: 8 Immune to Confusion, Jinxing, and Frailty Specials: Quad-Dazer: Sweeps the entire enemy party with a blue beam of energy. All heroes lose 3 power, 3 max and current ether, 3 max and current HP, and two SP, regardless of SP or Row for the rest of the battle. All permanent stats will be restored when the battle is complete. Trident Turmoil: Cuts the HP of the hero who rolled Special damage, as well as the heroes above and below him in the battle order in half, disregarding row and SP. Rotor Manuever: Magnus rotates its trident around like a rotor, effectively creating a bladed shield around him. For the next 2 rounds he will Counterstrike. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Surge Protector: After magnus is under half HP, Magnus' surge protectors kick in, removing its weakness to Electricity. Drops: Topaz "Blue is safe." Chromoid A, Level 17 Mechanical HP: 1/1 Color: Blue Immune to Jinxing! Specials: Drill Drive: The Chromoid drives its drill appendage into the hero who rolled Special Damage. That hero takes 22 damage (disregarding SP) and has their SP disabled for the next 3 rounds. Swift Servos: The Chromoid picks up the pace, hastening itself at the end of the round for the next 3 rounds. Passive Specials: Color-Coded: The Chromoid cannot take damage until it is in the red. Each succesful hit on the Chromoid brings it down one color in the cycle: Blue -> Green -> Yellow -> Red. (Hit the Chromoid while it is Blue and it'll turn Green.) Maitenace Protocol: At the end of every round, the Chromoid's color will move back one in the rotation. (If left Red at the end of the round, it'll move back to yellow.) Machine Logic: The Chromoid defies row when attakcing a hero of higher level then it. Drops: Chromoid Drill "Blue is safe." Chromoid B, Level 17 Mechanical HP: 1/1 Color: Blue Immune to Jinxing! Specials: Drill Drive: The Chromoid drives its drill appendage into the hero who rolled Special Damage. That hero takes 22 damage (disregarding SP) and has their SP disabled for the next 3 rounds. Swift Servos: The Chromoid picks up the pace, hastening itself at the end of the round for the next 3 rounds. Passive Specials: Color-Coded: The Chromoid cannot take damage until it is in the red. Each succesful hit on the Chromoid brings it down one color in the cycle: Blue -> Green -> Yellow -> Red. (Hit the Chromoid while it is Blue and it'll turn Green.) Maitenace Protocol: At the end of every round, the Chromoid's color will move back one in the rotation. (If left Red at the end of the round, it'll move back to yellow.) Machine Logic: The Chromoid defies row when attakcing a hero of higher level then it. Drops: 40 gold. "Round two!" Syndicate Peon (Bomb), Level 22 Humanoid HP: 310/310 SP: 6 Immune to Confusion! Specials: Cryo Blast: Throws a ice bomb at the party, exploding upon impact. All heroes have a 1/3 chance of becoming Fragile for 3 rounds from the firigid blast. Pyro Blast: Throws a fire bomb at the party. All heroes take damage equal to their level from the seering blast. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Lust: This Peon seeks his master's favor, defying the SP of those who have a higher level then him. Drops: 40 gold "Have at you!" Syndicate Peon (Duelist), Level 22 Humanoid HP: 270/270 SP: 2 Immune to Blindness and Sealing! Specials: Have At You!: Makes a witty remark to the hero who rolled Special Damage, hastening the Syndicate Peon for 3 rounds and Enraging the hero for 3 rounds. Skewer: The Syndicate peon attempts to skewer an artery, reducing that hero's HP to 1 and Weakening them. Specials alternate. Passive Specials: Lust: This Peon seeks his master's favor, defying the SP of those who have a higher level then him. Drops: Mead, Nostrum "'Magnus' translates to 'Champion', heroes. You'll see why." Syndicate Peon (Cleric), Level 11 Humanoid HP: 500/500 Immune to Jinxing, Sealing, and Stun! Specials: Miracle: The Syndicate Cleric removes 1 round from every negative effect that is inflicted to the enemy party, restoring 50 HP to all of his allies. Passive Specials: Utter Defiance: The Cleric defies both SP and Row while attacking. Adept Healer: Rolls of Damage have a 50/50 chance of becoming Special Damage. Drops: Grand Potion, Grand Tonic "Hm." Syndicate Peon (Rapier), Level 23 Humanoid HP: 300/300 SP: 3 Immune to Jinxing and Frailty! Specials: Mass Mugging: The Syndicate Peon mugs every hero. All heroes lose 10 gold (cannot be retrieved) and take 11 damage, disregarding SP. Quick Reflexes: The Syndicae Peon becomes Dodgy for the next 3 rounds, having a 1/2 chance of evading physical attacks. Specials decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Lust: This Peon seeks hismaster's favor, defying the SP of those who have a higher level then him. Strong Will: Darkness does not deal double damage to this Syndicate peon. Drops: 80 gold. The Party: Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 46 Years Old, Human, Level 25 2/3 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened* *Encouraged!* Power: 39 (+5**) Defense: 12 Health: 47/47 (+3*) Ether: 21/24 Gold: 38 Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 11, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health) 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, 2 Meads, 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, Everlasting Venom. Remedy, Seventh Heaven, Tonic, Milk, Emergency Essence Debts: 128 Gold Arthur, 1 gold Docken, 75 gold Sorrow Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 25 2/3 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate] *Encouraged!* *Hastened!* *Lucky!* Power: 38 (25 + WP:13) Health: 25/37 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*) Ether: 22/35 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5) Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi) Gold: 1000 (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 [Mulled Wine]), 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 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 x10, Remedy x10, Elixir x5, Nostrum x 2, Smelling Salts x 3, Mead x 2, 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, Tonic, Emergency Essence x2 Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) *Encouraged!* *Immune to Fragile!* 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 12 Power: 22 (12+9+1) Defense: 4 Health: 11/18 (7+11) Gold: 144 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), 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), Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. Unknown age male human ranger Level 12 Power: 20 Health: 17/17 Gold: 90 Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), 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) Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x6, 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, Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect) "We have a conspiracy to snuff out." Nevron Utral, Level 14 Rogue *Encouraged!* 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

Alternatively, exterminate all humans.

"I assure you good sir, she is alive and well. We aren't ones for murder, don't you know?"

I don't think there is anything "required" to QM. it is nigh impossible to host a quest without absorbing any form of literature or media whatsoever, so typically you'll mold your quests to what you have seen. I like to build my quests with a quirky set of characters, only dabbling in major issues and not answering them (hate/revenge for 48, for example... or the concept of free will right/wrong for 70) and with villains built around a vice or idea - because that is what I've observed. Mind you, I have yet to see a 3 story tall omnicidal ancient crustaceans, but it is on the bucket list.

"Woah - thanks a bunch, mister! That was my biggest sale all year!" The Party: Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 46 Years Old, Human, Level 25 2/3 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened* Power: 39 (+5**) Defense: 12 Health: 47/47 (+3*) Ether: 21/24 Gold: 38 Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 11, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health) 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, 2 Meads, 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, Everlasting Venom. Remedy, Seventh Heaven, Tonic, Milk, Emergency Essence Debts: 128 Gold Arthur, 1 gold Docken, 75 gold Sorrow Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 25 2/3 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate] *Encouraged!* *Hastened!* *Lucky!* Power: 38 (25 + WP:13) Health: 25/37 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*) Ether: 22/35 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5) Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi) Gold: 1000 (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 [Mulled Wine]), 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 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 x10, Remedy x10, Elixir x5, Nostrum x 2, Smelling Salts x 3, Mead x 2, 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, Tonic, Emergency Essence x2 Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) *Encouraged!* *Immune to Fragile!* 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 12 Power: 22 (12+9+1) Defense: 4 Health: 11/18 (7+11) Gold: 144 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), 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), Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. Unknown age male human ranger Level 12 Power: 20 Health: 17/17 Gold: 90 Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), 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) Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x6, 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, Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect) "We have a conspiracy to snuff out." Nevron Utral, Level 14 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 With the secret of the fountain literally unlocked and the party geared to raid the Syndicate base, the party descends down the ladder. Their eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness as they descended, anxiety dragging what was nothing more then a minute climb down into what felt like an hour long one. They touch the ground ground, surveying the sights around them. They stood in a small cobbled hallway, surprisingly clean. Four silver pipes vibrate as water feeds through them, travelling to the fountain below. A pool of water had settled at their base - despite this, the place seemed rather well maitenanced. A ladder hangs on the opposite edge of the tunnel... The party begins their second climb, this one going up. None of them spoke, but they all silently vowed to rescue their kidnapped comrade. if Arthur's compass was right, Karie was somewhere in this building. The ladder leads up into a cramped anteroom, hardly able to contain the five men. Wanting to escape the claustrophobic corridor, the party throws the door open to the other room... ...and stumble into a far more dire situation. The claustrophobic room behind them almost seemed wlecoming, now that the slew of foes they would have to face stood before them. Arthur grimaces as he picks out 3 figures from the crowd: Automatons. it would seem The Stealer's machinery expertise extended far beyond just weaponry. Two robots hung in the back, thin and lean but potent all the less. An absolutely fearsome automaton stands front and center, armed with a menacing trident and a pulsating Tri-Dazer cannon. The sounds of churning gears and pistons hang in the air as the four Syndicate members get into battle position, seemingly ready for the heroes' arrival. "They've arrived." "This should prove interesting..." They recognize the bomber from the armory -back for round two, it would seem. "Heh. If time has taught me anything, the boss' engineering is top-notch." "If you know what's good for you, you'll turn around and head back up top!" The two lesser automatons speak up, dorning a pre-programmed phrase in unison. "Blue is safe. Green is safe. Yellow is caution. Red is DANGER." "Blue is safe. Green is safe. Yellow is caution. Red is DANGER." The large automaton simply remains silent. ". . ."

That is actually the equivalent of smacking one person around with another person, in the Heroica Realm.

Soon they'll be switching to an ABS Plastic Chicken!

Arnulf thrusts his dagger into the fountain's bubbling water, earning him a few odd glances from the shop owners. The glances turn to astonishment as Arnulf twists his daggers, snapping the tumblers into place. Parts of the ground literally fold out, a small abyss opening into the avenue with a creak. The ground retracts and sinks into the Earth, inches of asphalt pouring down the chute as it opens. A ladder dangles inside the pit, beckoning the party to enter. "Wow...!" "What in the name of..?!" "That was there?" Nevron kneels, staring into the pit. Very little daylight seemed to reach the bottom, the entire chute seemingly rejecting any sunlight trying to enter. "We have a hero to save, don't we?"

It appeared to be a small lock, hidden by The Syndicate with the piece of a broken part. Being submerged in water, they can only install two tumblers - any small weapon could probably undo this if used as a key.

Arnulf rolls the Piston around in his hands, inspecting it. It had an input and an output, but no power source - as hard as he tired, he couldn't get the piston to budge. The paint, insignias, and engravings on the part were quite faded, signifying old age. Perhaps it'd be better to focus on where it was and what it was concealing, then what it can do...

Arnulf reaches into the water, gripping the metal ring. It camoflaged well... but not perfectly. he removes it from the water, the small component sealing a shallow hole in the fountain. Arnulf pulls it out, and the two components they had seemed to go together... + = Ji Pei Piston: What is this doing here?

"Yes, they are! Do you like the Shadows, Mr. Horse?"

"I'd bet this fountain holds the answers we're looking for..." Nevron, Em and Arnulf gaze over the side of the fountain again... was there anything odd in the water?

"Romulus, may you ask the "victim" wha this thoughts on the subject are?"

"Next up, the original Star wars trilogy!"

The Party: Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 46 Years Old, Human, Level 25 2/3 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened* Power: 39 (+5**) Defense: 12 Health: 47/47 (+3*) Ether: 21/24 Gold: 38 Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 11, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health) 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, 2 Meads, 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, Everlasting Venom. Remedy, Seventh Heaven, Tonic, Milk Debts: 128 Gold Arthur, 1 gold Docken, 75 gold Sorrow Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 25 2/3 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate] *Encouraged!* *Hastened!* *Lucky!* Power: 38 (25 + WP:13) Health: 25/37 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*) Ether: 22/35 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5) Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi) Gold: 1550 (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 [Mulled Wine]), 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 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 x4, Remedy x5, Elixir, Nostrum x 2, Smelling Salts x 3, Mead x 2, 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, Tonic Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) *Encouraged!* *Immune to Fragile!* 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 12 Power: 22 (12+9+1) Defense: 4 Health: 11/18 (7+11) Gold: 144 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), 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), Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. Unknown age male human ranger Level 12 Power: 20 Health: 17/17 Gold: 90 Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), 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) Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x6, 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, Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect) "We have a conspiracy to snuff out." Nevron Utral, Level 14 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 Nevron raises an eyebrow. "Spare parts going missing, an old Ji Pei part turns up here, in the street where a a literal Syndicate is apparently hiding out? That is too many coincedences. I think the area in front of the king needs furhter inspection, heroes...."

See you next week, Zepher.

The Party: Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 46 Years Old, Human, Level 25 2/3 Paladin *Immune to Fragile, Sleep and Weakened* Power: 38 (+4**) Defense: 12 Health: 46/46 (+2*) Ether: 21/24 Gold: 238 Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 11, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health) 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, 2 Meads, 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, Everlasting Venom. Remedy, Seventh Heaven, Tonic Debts: 128 Gold Arthur, 1 gold Docken, 75 gold Sorrow Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz), Level 25 2/3 Sorcerer, 21-year-old male Human *Immune to Sealed* [ Currently in: Quest #70: The Syndicate] *Encouraged!* *Hastened!* *Lucky!* Power: 38 (25 + WP:13) Health: 25/37 (Basic Health: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 4 + Permanent Boost: 4*) Ether: 22/35 (Basic Ether: 5 + Level Bonus: 23 + Class Boost: 1 + Robe of the Archmagi: 5) Defense: 3 (Robe of the Archmagi) Gold: 1550 (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 [Mulled Wine]), 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 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 x4, Remedy x5, Elixir, Nostrum x 2, Smelling Salts x 3, Mead x 2, 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, Tonic Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) *Encouraged!* *Immune to Fragile!* 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 12 Power: 22 (12+9+1) Defense: 4 Health: 11/18 (7+11) Gold: 144 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), 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), Name: Unknown. Most call him "Em," though his real name remains largely mysterious. Unknown age male human ranger Level 12 Power: 20 Health: 17/17 Gold: 90 Equipment: Aquabow (WP: 7, Water-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (+1 WP to all Bows/Crossbows), 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) Inventory: Smoke bomb, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion x6, 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, Syndicate Cowl (SP: 2, Immune to Doomed effect) "We have a conspiracy to snuff out." Nevron Utral, Level 14 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 "Thank you for your patronage!" "Welcome! Sometimes, just some plain old food is enough to keep even a hero nice and healthy." Milk - Restores 15 health and ether when consumed. 40 gold. Banana - Restores full health to the target. 40 gold. Chicken Drumstick - Raises maximum health by 1 permanently. 80 gold. *1 in stock!* Big Apple - Raises Power Bonus by 1 permenantly. 80 gold. *1 in stock!* "Ah, yes, sir, here ya go! i found it in the water in front of the King sttaue." "Doohickey": A metal casing of some kind. Nevron raises an eyebrow at the odd device. "May I take a look?" Arnulf hands Nevron the gadget, the Town Watchman tilting its bottom towards the sun. Sure enough, the Ji Pei insignia engraved on the bottom begins to glint in the rays of sunshine. It had faded over time, but was still there. "Ji Pei manufacture..." nevron mumurs. Walking in front of the King statue, Arnulf gazes into the bubbling waters below.

"Ah! I apologize, sir. We were unable to understand you before, so we gave you an offering of goodwill to show we mean no harm. What are the charges you have against us?"

QM Note: Last day of classes, huzzah! I'm only going in for a couple of hours, so I should be back before noon time. I'll be able to update then.

"Two stomps of the hoof for "I come in peace", Sir Black Stallion?"

How does everyone like those emergency essences?

The young woman behind the counter perks up as Arthur approaches. "Hiya, sir! We specialize in herbal remedies... any ailment ya have, I guaruntee we have something to fix it! All natural ingredients, of course. Take a look!" Grand Potion – Restores 25 health to the target. Costs 10 gold. Remedy – Removes all negative effects from the target. Costs 10 gold. Elixir – Restores 50 health and 10 ether to the target and removes all negative effects from the target. Costs 40 gold. Tiger Balm - Grants immunity to all effects (positive and negative) for one battle. Costs 100 gold. Emergency Essence - If an Emergency Essence is in your inventory when you're knocked out, you'll be revived with half-hp. Otherwise, it can be used like a normal Phoenix Essence. Costs 90 gold. "'Fraid not, sir. Just opened up 10 minutes ago. The only strange thing is that that herbalist found some doohcikey in the fountain..."

Maybe its part of a splinter cell? *ba-dum-tish*