Endgame

By the way, TBW, don't be afraid to suggest courses of action in OoC. I will try to get this battle done as quick as possible, so I can get you back into the action. Its not that long of a phase, anyway.

You mean Dastan wasn't made on a whim? Here it comes, 48ers - the True Final Battle! Don't be deceived by The Regret's low HP...

The Regret's eyes brighten, radiant beams of light illuminating the island's darkness. The Regret's claw lunges into the deep snow, ripping out a ornate bottle of black ash. He chuckles under his breath... "Months ago, Rhodus murdered a hero from your organization... I decided to take some time out of my day to pay my respects at his grave. And what do you know, this bottle was just laying there, so I had to pick it up." It's clear from The Regrets almost gleeful tone that his idea of "paying respects" was different from their's. His claw suddenly clenches into a fist, the bottle shattering and the ashes tumbling onto the snow below in a neat pile. They hum with magic, an eerie purple glow emanating from the fallen hero's remains. The ashes sift and move, forming into black bones... the bones lock together one by one, creating a skeleton as black as they ash it was born from. White skin manifests and crawls up the dark skeleton, the outer layer already branded with the same rune Romulus was enchanted with. The skeleton shambles up, and wordlessly turns to face the party. "D'awww, Daxus, don't be shy. Introduce yourself to the heroes." ". . ." "Silent type, then? Heh heh heh... it matters not." With a snap of his fingers, weapons manifest in the combatant's hands. Despite throwing his weapons away, the Lycanthrope is given a massive knife, perfect for cleaving your foes into oblivion. The silent Daxus is given two Combrys-esque weapons - but The Regret gets the most formidable looking weapon of them all. In his hands two black steel swords appear - or, to be more accurate, the sword's hilt. The actual blade was monstrous, formidable columns of blue light. They seemed to be composed of ether, the sword humming as it vibrated. The Regret slashes at the air masterfully - although he was a master of ether, he seemed more then adept at swordplay. The blades seem to rend holes in the air, just staring at the gashes it left gives the party a throbbing migraine. The hands of the dead reach out from the snowy depths to join The Regret in combat. The arcane Progg points his blade at the shorthanded party of heroes. "Ready for a little warm-up, heroes?" The eldritch creatures ready their weapons and advance on the heroes. The root of all of this calamity stood before them - it was do or die! Time to end this! Prepare For The True Final Battle! "And so... it begins. En garde!" The Regret, Level 42 Ancient HP: 700/700 SP: 10 Ether: Infinite Specials: Appease The Horde: Attacks the hero who rolled Special Damage for 42 damage. This attack literally raises the dead proggs' spirits, allowing The Regret to summon to summon 2 hands instead of 1 for the next 2 rounds. Onslaught: Hits the hero who rolled Special Damage with a barrage of jabs and slashes. Does 48 damage to that hero, and nullifies all fot heir positive effects. Every round after, they take 8 damage (disregarding SP). Blast From Beyond: Hanresses the power of the dead to attack the entire party. All heroes take damage equal to (Number of hand enemies x 5). This attack has a 1/3 chance of Stunning every part ymember for the next round. (Can be remedied or removed for 5 ether each.) Specials decided by die roll. Immune to all scroll effects! Passive Specials: Potentia Mortuorum: At the end of every round, a passive special activates based on the number of Hand enemies: 1-2 Hands: Huddle: The remaining hands huddle around The Regret, making him Counterstrike next round. 3-5 Hands: Antagonistic Applause: The undead hands sarcastically applaud the heroes - 2 random heroes become enraged next round (Can be rmedied or rmeoved for 10 ether.) 6+ Hands: Effective Swap: The Regret works his dark magic. He steals one random positive effect from one random hero that lasts for 3 rounds and nullfies the rest, and then transfers all of his negative effects on to the chosen hero. (Each effect can only be remeided, will last until remedied.) Rising Dead: At the end of every round, a die is rolled to determine what enemy The Regret will spawn: 1: Dead Hand 2: Dead Hand 3: Dead Hand 4: Vengeful Hand 5: Vengeful Hand 6: Dread Hand Protective Aura: The Regret has an aura of protection surrounding the enemy party, dividing the damage Punii's bombs do by 4. Drops: Nothing "...HEROES." Undead Daxus, Level 23 Undead HP: 450/450 SP: 0 Immune to Sealing and Blindness! Specials: Slice and Dice: In a flurry of jabs, Undead Daxus does 21 damage to the entire party and gains 3 levels. Swords Dance: Boosts the levels of all non-Regret enemies by 1. Special decided by die roll. Passive Specials: Dark Combrys: Every time Undead Daxus gets a roll of damage, his level goes up by 2. Every succesful hit against him drops his level by 1. Drops: Nothing. "My... body..." Romulus, Level 25 Humanoid HP: 650/650 SP: 5 Immune to Weakend, Stunned, Blinded, and Sealed! Specials: Glug Glug: Downs a Nostrum, making himself Lucky for 3 rounds. Mass Mug: With a wid slash of his cleaver Romulus hits every hero, doing 13 damage to all heroes (disregarding SP.) All heroes lose 30 gold and have a 1/6 chance of Gushing Blood. Passive Specials: Deep Wound: Rolls of damage make the damaged hero Gush Blood. Drops: Nothing. Dead Hand A, Level 17 Dark Beast HP: 110/110 SP: 3 Immune to Blindness! Specials: Throttle: Wrings the hero who rolled Special Damage's neck. The target takes 19 damage disregarding SP and is Badly Poisoned (can be remedied or removed for 7 ether) and Stunned next round. (Can be remedied or removed for 5 ether.) Passive Specials: Desire: In death, this fallen Progg desires its life back. Disregards SP on rolls of damage. Drops: Nothing. Dead Hand B, Level 17 Dark Beast HP: 110/110 SP: 3 Immune to Blindness! Specials: Throttle: Wrings the hero who rolled Special Damage's neck. The target takes 19 damage disregarding SP and is Badly Poisoned (can be remedied or removed for 7 ether) and Stunned next round. (Can be remedied or removed for 5 ether.) Passive Specials: Desire: In death, this fallen Progg desires its life back. Disregards SP on rolls of damage. Drops: Nothing. Vengeful Hand A, Level 22 Dark Beast HP: 220/220 SP: 5 Immune to Sealing! Specials: Sacrifice: Cuts its current HP in half to rush the hero who rolled Special Damage. The hero's HP is reduced to 1 and has their Max HP reduced by 4 for the rest of the battle. Drops: 5 gold. Dread Hand A, Level 25 Dark Beast HP: 330/330 SP: 7 Immune to Blindness and Sealing! Specials: 6 Feet Down Under: Drags the entire party into the snow's depths. Does damage equal to number of hands x4 to the entire party, disregarding SP. Drops: 10 gold. The Party: Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!* *Hastened!* *Lucky!* unknown age, unknown race Druid Level 21.33 Power: 29 (21+7+1) Defense: 0 Health: 37/37c(21+17+7+1) Ether: 24/24 (5+16+1) Gold: 37 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow. Every successful hit drops the target's SP by 1) , Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), 20-20 glasses (headwear, +1 turn of effect for scrolls) Inventory: Mockthril Rod (WP:7), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, 2 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs,Ice Bomb, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 6 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Helmet (Max. health +1), Quartz, Tale of the Invincible King, Psych Documents, Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Journal of The Wound, Sword Fragment (2), Emerald, Trial Brew x3, Suffering's Journal, Sword Fragment (3) Nostrum, Grand Tonic Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* Level: 22.33 Power: 34 (22+8+4) Health: 39/39 (22+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (5) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed* *Stunned* *Poisoned!*), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 1882 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M) Equipment: 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.) Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights, Bravado Boots (1/6 chance of being Lucky at the beginning of every battle), Scarlet Hood (+4 to power, immunity to stunned) 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 (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone), Hide of The Suffering (Bodywear, Power +7 when under a negative status effect. Doesn't stack.) Extra Weapons: Greatsword (WP:3), Meteor Blade (WP:8, Light elemental), Focal Staff (WP:5, Focus Fire-Roll a 3 for 5 ether Suitable for clerics and mages) Tools: Shovel (1), Pick-axe (2), Magnifying Glass (1), Magic Compass (1) Consumables: Potion (6), Venom (2), Trial Brew (1), Remedy, Smelling Salts Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (1), Topaz (1) Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (2), Scroll of Confusion (1) Quest items: (None) Elgar Gligin (played by Jedi master Brick) Level 21.33 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!* *Lucky!* Power: 32 Defense: 6 Health: 31/31 Ether: 20/20 Gold: 621 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental enemies and double from Electric elemental enemies) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, Venom x4, Spade, Pickaxe, 4 Potions, Trickster's Mask of the Elf(Accessory, Changes user's appearance into an Elf),Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the badly poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic x3, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking), Phoenix Incense Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul) Level 20 Paladin, 20 year old elf male *Lucky!* Power: 30 Defense: 13 Health: 40/40 Ether: 20/20 Gold: 151 Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10 *Crumbling!* ;ignores SP, +1 gold per successful strike), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 10) (Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for Knights and Barbarians), Dapper Hat (Headwear, wearer has a 1/6 chance of becoming encouraged at the start of each battle) Inventory: Potions (5), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Elixir, Feather Duster of DOOM (WP: 1) Deadly Venom Lycan Romulus Dean (played by theBoyWonder) *Bound to The Regret* Level 15 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 35 Health: 19/19 Gold: 751 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal) Equipment: Combrys (WP: 15, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Pugilist Gloves(Power +2, protects from weakened) Inventory: Bedroll, Staff of The Frog Paladin (WP:6, 1/6 chance of Amphibianocs Blessing (protects from damage)), Throwing Dagger (WP6), Deadly Venom, Venom x3, Sylvania's Cowl(grants Animal Talk to Wearer), Garnet, Scarlet Hood (Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned), Mead, Garnet, Phoenix Essence x2 Galen Woodward (Fugazi) *Encouraged!* *Blessed!* 36 year old male human Rogue Level 17.5 Power: 27 (17+10) Defense: 1 (+1) Health: 27/27 (7+15+4) Gold: 3257 Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately) Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom x2, Grand Potion x2, Fire Bomb, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10 ,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Trial Brew x3, Goblin's Wrench (WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Smokebomb, Potion, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Deadly Venom, Plague Venom, Combrys (WP: 15, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Throwing Dagger (WP6) "Romulus.. you didn't have *wheeze* to... " Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist Jellies: Red x4, Green x3, Blue x3 "Romulus. I'm not holding back." Hal Bohrd, Luosh Guard Captain Level 19.5 Power: 29 Defense: 3 Health: 36/36 Gold: 50 Equipment: Halberd (WP: 10) Luoshian Armor (SP: 3, Bodywear) Inventory: Rolls: 6: Charge! Does damage to the target equal to all conscious party member's WP added together. The special effects in the weapon (such as decay) are not transmitted. 5: Critical Hit: WPx3+Level

I doubt he was serioues. If he was... god have mercy on the heroes souls.

Hey, I'm currently building The Regret's stats right now... but if you want to have your heroes come on over and take on The Regret, I'm sure I can quadruple them. I'm assuming 53 is about an hour or so behind 48, so The Regret could technically appear.

Progg or person? If Progg, hey, you can never have too many deranged pyscho eldritch being-thingies mock you in one quest.

Ah, I'm sorry. "One of their own" refers to a scum (either team.) What I'm mostly curious about, Palathadric, is why me, instead of the far more sporadic or even quieter players. Note that I am not trying to deflect any suspicions to them, I am just curious why out of all the other possible players you picked me out of the bunch. Saying anything truly concrete in this game is incredibly difficult, and downright suicidal in some cases. You seem to be one of the few people that has this suspicion of me - I am indeed Townie, so I'd like to hear you elaborate on your case against me if possible. Saying he "isn't active" is hardly something you could put a meaningful defense up to. But you are indeed right - I am not as active as I want to be. Other Heroica stuff, as well as of course that pesky Real Life, sometimes detract time from Mafia. I'll definitely be more vocal from here on out.

I allow Alex to transcribe: "Morgan! Think you could change back and join us for the next few fights? We got the feeling that your brother may be guarded by some hooligans."

The Party: Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!* *Hastened!* *Lucky!* unknown age, unknown race Druid Level 21.33 Power: 29 (21+7+1) Defense: 0 Health: 37/37c(21+17+7+1) Ether: 24/24 (5+16+1) Gold: 37 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow. Every successful hit drops the target's SP by 1) , Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), 20-20 glasses (headwear, +1 turn of effect for scrolls) Inventory: Mockthril Rod (WP:7), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, 2 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs,Ice Bomb, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 6 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Helmet (Max. health +1), Quartz, Tale of the Invincible King, Psych Documents, Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Journal of The Wound, Sword Fragment (2), Emerald, Trial Brew x3, Suffering's Journal, Sword Fragment (3) Nostrum, Grand Tonic Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* Level: 22.33 Power: 34 (22+8+4) Health: 39/39 (22+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (5) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed* *Stunned* *Poisoned!*), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 1882 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M) Equipment: 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.) Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights, Bravado Boots (1/6 chance of being Lucky at the beginning of every battle), Scarlet Hood (+4 to power, immunity to stunned) 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 (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone), Hide of The Suffering (Bodywear, Power +7 when under a negative status effect. Doesn't stack.) Extra Weapons: Greatsword (WP:3), Meteor Blade (WP:8, Light elemental), Focal Staff (WP:5, Focus Fire-Roll a 3 for 5 ether Suitable for clerics and mages) Tools: Shovel (1), Pick-axe (2), Magnifying Glass (1), Magic Compass (1) Consumables: Potion (6), Venom (2), Trial Brew (1), Remedy, Smelling Salts Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (1), Topaz (1) Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (2), Scroll of Confusion (1) Quest items: (None) Elgar Gligin (played by Jedi master Brick) Level 21.33 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!* *Lucky!* Power: 32 Defense: 6 Health: 31/31 Ether: 20/20 Gold: 621 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental enemies and double from Electric elemental enemies) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, Venom x4, Spade, Pickaxe, 4 Potions, Trickster's Mask of the Elf(Accessory, Changes user's appearance into an Elf),Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the badly poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic x3, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking), Phoenix Incense Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul) Level 20 Paladin, 20 year old elf male *Lucky!* Power: 30 Defense: 13 Health: 40/40 Ether: 20/20 Gold: 151 Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10 *Crumbling!* ;ignores SP, +1 gold per successful strike), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 10) (Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for Knights and Barbarians), Dapper Hat (Headwear, wearer has a 1/6 chance of becoming encouraged at the start of each battle) Inventory: Potions (5), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Elixir, Feather Duster of DOOM (WP: 1) Deadly Venom Lycan Romulus Dean (played by theBoyWonder) *Bound to The Regret* Level 15 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 35 Health: 19/19 Gold: 751 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal) Equipment: Combrys (WP: 15, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Pugilist Gloves(Power +2, protects from weakened) Inventory: Bedroll, Staff of The Frog Paladin (WP:6, 1/6 chance of Amphibianocs Blessing (protects from damage)), Throwing Dagger (WP6), Deadly Venom, Venom x3, Sylvania's Cowl(grants Animal Talk to Wearer), Garnet, Scarlet Hood (Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned), Mead, Garnet, Phoenix Essence x2 Galen Woodward (Fugazi) *Encouraged!* *Blessed!* 36 year old male human Rogue Level 17.5 Power: 27 (17+10) Defense: 1 (+1) Health: 27/27 (7+15+4) Gold: 3257 Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately) Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom x2, Grand Potion x2, Fire Bomb, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10 ,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Trial Brew x3, Goblin's Wrench (WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Smokebomb, Potion, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Deadly Venom, Plague Venom, Combrys (WP: 15, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Throwing Dagger (WP6) "Romulus.. you didn't have *wheeze* to... :cry:" Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist Jellies: Red x4, Green x3, Blue x3 "Romulus. I'm not holding back." Hal Bohrd, Luosh Guard Captain Level 19.5 Power: 29 Defense: 3 Health: 36/36 Gold: 50 Equipment: Halberd (WP: 10) Luoshian Armor (SP: 3, Bodywear) Inventory: Rolls: 6: Charge! Does damage to the target equal to all conscious party member's WP added together. The special effects in the weapon (such as decay) are not transmitted. 5: Critical Hit: WPx3+Level The Regret simply gives a single chuckle as Romulus uses the last moments of control he had to simply toss away his weapons. "Ahh... I cant help but be amused by such futile gestures. What a riot." The Regret slowly shuffles towards the Paladin, even the wind going silent as the arcane beast draws closer. "Hmph - You upset me. I don't recall ever saying I was a god, you dim-witted child. No, I simply have a better purpose to liv emy unlife then the rest of you. While you are prancing about, performing "heroic" deeds, prolonging doomed lives and snuffing others out, I was planning. Planning to finally rid Olegaia of your verminous kind and the virulent plague you so gleefully carried. But all of that matters not, Alexandre. That isn't why I'm upset. I don't like your tone." Saying his last words without a bit of emotion, his ghostly white claw suddenly plunges into Alex's chest. Instead of ripping a hole in his flesh, it instead parts like water, Alex's body distorting where the genocidal villain reached in. Black tendrils and ruins slither up his forearm like a snake, glowig in the frigid darkness. Suddenly he clutches his claw and the inscirptions on his arm flare up even brighter. Alex's eyes roll up in his head as he keels down to his knees, sweating fromevery orifice. He writhes in agony, trying to hold back screams of pain - and failing. The regret almost seems to take pleasure in the act, clutching his grip tighter and tighter. "Know this, child. I am not squeezing an organ, or a bone, or anything like that. No - I am reaching deeper. That is your soul, Alexandre. How does it feel? How does not even a single percent of the unending hell that I experienced feel?" The Regret removes his claw from Alexandre, the paladin panting on his knees... close to collapsing into the cold snow's embrace. All the party can do is look on in terror as The regret tortures their fellow hero - it is as if some of the pain even spread to them. Intriguingly, the entire procedure drew not a single drop of blood. QM Note: And yet another planned tidbit of RP. Won't be able to get the battle up tonight - sorry, folks. It'll definitely be up tomorrow morning/afternoon - the pictures all are ready, its just typing the bloody thing up. Last-last minute RP/preparation, I suppose.

QM Note: I'll try to get the true final battle up by tonight, 48ers. Make any last minute prep you may need.

No, most are pretty much flipping The Regret off.

"Hah. Hahahahah. No. You think an arcane master goes thousands of years without a few enthrallment spells? Your body will do as I tell it to... and your mind will remain fully aware. You'll get to witness beating your party to death with an unclouded mind! You chose this fate for yourself, Romulus. I told you - my services come with a fee."

The Regret, for the first time the party has seen him, laughs. It is not a sadistic chuckle, or a cruel snicker - maniacal laughter, the sinister sound echoing in the still air. In one swift Motion he sinks his claw into the Lycanthrope's back, Romulus crumbling to his knees. His skin and fur turns a few shades paler, and a black rune is branded on his back. Intricate spirals slither about in the Rune, the venomous spell seemingly alive. "Gahahaha...! You poor fool - you thought you could simply utilize my powers then simply flee?! I'm afraid that rune binds you to battle, Romulus. You're not fleeing battle any time soon. So... anyone else wish to take a little peek into the realm of the dead? If not, they must not be worth much to you after all... Hahahahahhah."

"But you know as well as I that humanity isn't dead. And that is an issue I'd like to remedy. Try to talk your friends out of it as much as you want... whether or not you join makes little difference to me."

Thus is how a battle operates, though - if you don't play it smart, you're dead! :shrug:

I notice the concealed bag. "Nothing out of the usual my undead foot. Remain cautious..." I scrutinize the bag, trying to tell whether or not it will explode in my face.

Nope. Eidolon was not that insane. For starters, there were what, 3 knockouts, 3 revives? They have 4-5 Phoenix Essences, and an Incense. This battle is going to be more insane then Eidolon. Besides, loose ends in the final quest of a plotline?! Absurd!

Interesting - the red team vehicles actually combine into a somewhat respectable ride! Go Billy! Thanks a bunch, GRogall.

Mr. Def, why am I never directly picture nor do I ever say anything in the vignettes? Drat - the worst of all hat tricks! I think the fact that the vig killed Li'l Fugazi is a reasonable claim - I can only assume that ii'l Corny getting killed was the work of scum, but in no way can I see it as a symbol of the scum team uniting. One thing I find somewhat disquieting is the fact that Mr. Def so blatantly brought up the possibility of six scum... Yikes. I remain Town. Congratulations on mayorhood, Li'l Cecile!

"You're wasting your breath, Druid. I have spent more then two thousand years in this form... do you truly think that your words can make any difference? Hah, you say we are different... and yet, when you look at the core of things, we are nearly the same. Two old souls, just trying to find their place in this world. And how "natural" can you really be? Hmph. You are a holier-then-thou protector of nature, and yet... there may not even be a face underneath that mask of yours. Tell me, druid. How is that natural in any sense of the word? I brought you here for two reasons, heroes. One, to untangle the knot of Progg history that has eluded you for so long. And the second reason... to offer you an opportunity." The heroes try not to show it, but their guts are immediately twisted into a knot... what was this maniac's next move? "It is quite a simple proposition, really; and it extends to the entire party, not just you, Galen. The terms are as simple as can be. I allow you contact with one deceased person, or at least check whether or not they are dead or alive. Of course, as I have stated many times in the past, my services are not just some sort of tool to be used and kept. No, there is a price to this little deal - but, really, if you care about the people you wish to contact at all, the fee should be miniscule at best. In return for granting you a peek into the realm of the dead, you must fight with me and assist me in murdering you heroes. I can sense layers of magic protecting you fools... but it is only a minor obstacle to a master of the Arcane such as I. Rest assured, should you refuse my offer, I will beat you within an inch of your life, and peel away the layers of ethereal protection one by one. You have escaped death far too many times then a creature deserves, heroes. If you dare face me in combat, you will perish at my hands. Now then... what is more important to you, heroes? Honor or family? Love, or your fellow heroes? I will await all of your decisions... Heh heh heh." The knot in the party's stomach tightens to an excruciating degree as the twisted beast presents his offer. The deal keeps echoing their mind, repeating over and over and over... All the beast does is look at the startled party and chuckle sadistically - he was trying to cause a split, and he could very well succeed. Turning hero against hero was the most sick and disgusting tactic employed thus far... but the ability to speak to lost loved ones, or confirm whether or not they are alive, was a very tempting offer indeed. Each hero would have to reach their own consensus... QM Note: I'll give some time for this one. If you want to workshop anything with me, don't afraid to shoot me a pm.

What I am curious about in the Q53's current battle is this: why didn't the holes pecked in Chaos by destroying the spires not transfer to Wren? Chaos was essentially just a miniboss, even by Q48 standards... going through all of those battles to not even soften up the main final boss seems odd. Had the party been able to Blind Wren, this entire battle would pretty much become fully balanced in an instant.

QM Note: I'll give a few more hours to respond to The Regret's final revelation before I move this along...

"Alexander - translation, please?"