Endgame

QM Note: Punii is only usable the turn after he is freed. I'll wait for more input on this one.

Speaking of Maurice's Guardian Angel... I go over to him to ask him something. "Maurice, when Arkyll was about to knock me out cold... your guardian angel stopped the blow before it could. Why? I was under the impression undead were not particularly liked by followers of the Light - I thought that'd extend to the angels themselves too. It is not that I'm not grateful. I am. But I'm just confused why the angel protected me in the first place..."

QM Note: My brother decided to watch netflix - in HD. It bogged down our connection so much I couldn't even get online - sorry, folks! Round Thirteen of the Battle With The Tentacled Terror >Punii doesn't want to hit the floor, is too short to raise the roof, and doesn't have a plank to walk. >Alex VS Aquos (front): Special Damage Shield: Guardian Angel! >Johon VS Aquos (back): Damage Critical Hit (8x3=24+21=45x2=90/2=45-8=37 damage) >Johon VS Aquos (back): Steal Steal (28 gold earned) >Sylph takes a swig of a tonic >Sylph does nothing >Galen twiddles his thumbs >Elgar VS Aquos (back): Aim Shield: Summon (Sir Slush the ice spirit summoned!) >Lycan does nothing The battle continues, the party cautiously chipping away at the aquatic beast. Alex finally calls forth his guardian angel, a glowing white silhouette lingering above the party. The brillaint light emanating from the angel illuminates the cavern. By the rounds end, after several battles without a single summon, Elgar finally musters his power. Foucsing on his frigid Opal, snow begins to emit from the gem... the flakes of the fluffy snow condense into amalgam of icy mist and frost, known as Sir Slush. He awaits Elgar's orders, eager to attack. Aquos's final tentacle rises from the watery depths, weary after its previous beating. The party still knew that one misstep could be potentially fatal... "Oh joy, they have a pet blob." Aquos, Level 28 Ancient *Decay! 8 damage (2 rounds remaining)* *Cursed!* *Counterstriking!* HP: 842/1094 SP: 10 Ether: 20/30 Specials: 1-2: Tentacle Lash: Does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. The heroes above and below him in the battle order take 14 damage. 3-4: Ruckus: The sound of Aquos's tentacles clapping shakes loose some stalagmites, causing them to fall on top of the party. All heroes take 11 damage, disregarding SP. 5-6: Rhythmic Rampage: Grabs the hero who rolled Special Damage with his tentacles and slams him into all of his party members. The entire party (including the hero who rolled Special Damage) takes damage equal to that Party Member's power. 7-8: Catastrophe Cacophony: Nullifies all of the party's positive effects, and does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. 0: Tail Swing: With a swing of his monstrous tail, Aquos does 18 damage to the entire party. Every party member has a 1/2 chance of being stunned for one round. (Can be remedied or removed for 5 ether.) Note: Aquos's specials are not randomized! The numbers before each special is how many tentacles Aquos must have up for him to use it. For example, if he has 5 tentacles revealed, he will always use Rhythmic Rampage. He will only ever use Tail Swing when he has no tentacle revealed. Passive Specials: Tentacle Guard: As long as Aquos has 1 tentacle up, he will be counterstriking. Ethereal Immunity: Aquos is immune to all scrolls. SP Constant: Aquos's SP can only be lowered by destroying his tentacles, and nothing else. Each tentacle destroyed drops his SP by 2. Hanging on a Thread: Aquos can have a minimum of 1 HP when he still has tentacles active! All of his tentacles must be destroyed before Aquos himself can be. When Aquos dies, the battle is won. Drops: Peculiar Egg, Garnet Hostage Tentacle, Level 23 Beast *Holding Punii!* HP: 41/325 SP: 2 Specials: Kablammo: Uses Punii's bombs to detonate a devastating blast, doing 17 fire elemental damage to the entire party. The hero who rolled Special Damage has their SP granting items overheat from the blast, disabling their SP for the rest of the round and 2 after. (Unremediable and unremoavable.) Rockslide: Uses 6 of Aquos's ether to generate a mighty rock slide, doing 13 damage to the entire party, disregarding SP. if no ether left, defaults to Kablammo. Specials decided by dice roll. Immune to Venoms, Blindness, and Sealing! Drops: Punii (usable the turn after he is freed), 60 gold QM Note: Aquos has 8 different tentacles, and every round, he will raise different ones. It works off a cycle, a repeating pattern: if you can figure out which tentacles appear when, you will be able to strategize far more efficiently. Tentacle Chart: >Hostage Tentacle: Level 23, HP: 41/325, SP: 2 The Party: Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!* unknown age, unknown race Druid Level 19.5 Power: 27 (19+7+1) Defense: 0 Health: 35/35c(9+17+7+1) Ether: 10/23 (5+16+1) Gold: 19 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow *Deadly Envenomed!*. 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, 1 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic x2, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 8 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Crumbling Venom, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Smelling Salts, 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), Grand Tonic, Emerald Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 21 Power: 29 (21+8+0) Health: 36/36 (19+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (1 + 5) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed*), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 781 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M) Equipment: 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.), 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.) Hide of The Bleeding (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone) Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights. Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. 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 (4), Grand Potion, Venom, Ice Bomb (1), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Trial Brew (1), Smelling Salts, Remedy, Nostrum, Dragon Scale (Lucky and blessed effects upon consumption) Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (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) *Lucky!* Level 20 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!* Power: 31 Defense: 6 Health: 30/30 Ether: 8/19 Gold: 193 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental damage and double from Electric elemental damage) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, ,3 Venoms, Spade,Pickaxe,3 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) ,Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x2, Grand Tonic x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking) Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul) *Lucky!* Level 18 Paladin, 20 year old elf male Power: 28 Defense: 13 Health: 38/38 Ether: 3/18 Gold: 6 Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10 *Deadly Envenomed!*; 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 (4), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Tonic Lycan Dean (played by theBoyWonder) Level 13 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 33 SP: 2 Health: 17/17 Gold: 53 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal) Equipment: Combrys (WP: 14 15 *Deadly Envenomed!*, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Leather Armor (SP: 1), Rover (SP: 1) 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), Rover (SP: 1) Pugillist Gloves(Power +2, protects from weakened), Scarlet Hood (Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned) Galen Woodward (Fugazi) 36 year old male human Rogue Level 15.5 Power: 25 (15+10) Defense: 1 (+1) Health: 25/25 (7+13+4) Gold: 969 Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX, Grand Potion x4, Remedy x3, Nostrum x2, Mead x2, Fire Bomb, Deadly Venom x2, Crumbling Venom, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Smelling Salts x2, Trial Brew, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Potion, Leather Armour (SP:1), Soma, Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately) "HEEELLLP!" Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist *Hostage!* Jellies: Blue x2, Green x2, Red x1 "Glurple shluurp!" Translation: Let us trounce this despicable adversary, comrades! Sir Slush, Level 20 Ice Spirit "Wait...I know where that pile of icy snot came from... but where did the angel come from...?!" Aquos is clearly baffled to "see" the angel.

Round Twelve of the Battle With The Tentacled Terror >Punii is too busy feeling like he is dead to play dead >Elgar curses Aquos (back) >Alex VS Aquos (front): Damage Critical Hit (10x2=20+18=38 damage) >Johon VS Aquos (back): Critical Hit Critical Hit (8x3=24+21=45x2=90/2=45-10=35 damage, 35/4=8 damage decay placed) >Johon VS Aquos (back): Special Damage Damage (28/2=14-5=9 damage) >Sylph heals Johon (back): No heal No heal! >Sylph heals Johon (back): Greater Heal Greater Heal (9x2=18+19=37 HP healed) >Galen resumes daydreaming >Lycan does nothing The battle continues, the party cautiously chipping away at the aquatic beast. "Pests." Aquos, Level 28 Ancient *Decay! 8 damage (3 rounds remaining)* *Cursed!* HP: 887/1097 SP: 10 Ether: 20/30 Specials: 1-2: Tentacle Lash: Does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. The heroes above and below him in the battle order take 14 damage. 3-4: Ruckus: The sound of Aquos's tentacles clapping shakes loose some stalagmites, causing them to fall on top of the party. All heroes take 11 damage, disregarding SP. 5-6: Rhythmic Rampage: Grabs the hero who rolled Special Damage with his tentacles and slams him into all of his party members. The entire party (including the hero who rolled Special Damage) takes damage equal to that Party Member's power. 7-8: Catastrophe Cacophony: Nullifies all of the party's positive effects, and does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. 0: Tail Swing: With a swing of his monstrous tail, Aquos does 18 damage to the entire party. Every party member has a 1/2 chance of being stunned for one round. (Can be remedied or removed for 5 ether.) Note: Aquos's specials are not randomized! The numbers before each special is how many tentacles Aquos must have up for him to use it. For example, if he has 5 tentacles revealed, he will always use Rhythmic Rampage. He will only ever use Tail Swing when he has no tentacle revealed. Passive Specials: Tentacle Guard: As long as Aquos has 1 tentacle up, he will be counterstriking. Ethereal Immunity: Aquos is immune to all scrolls. SP Constant: Aquos's SP can only be lowered by destroying his tentacles, and nothing else. Each tentacle destroyed drops his SP by 2. Hanging on a Thread: Aquos can have a minimum of 1 HP when he still has tentacles active! All of his tentacles must be destroyed before Aquos himself can be. When Aquos dies, the battle is won. Drops: Peculiar Egg, Garnet QM Note: Aquos has 8 different tentacles, and every round, he will raise different ones. It works off a cycle, a repeating pattern: if you can figure out which tentacles appear when, you will be able to strategize far more efficiently. Tentacle Chart: >Hostage Tentacle: Level 23, HP: 62/325, SP: 2 *Decaying! 21 damage (1 rounds remaining)* The Party: Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!* unknown age, unknown race Druid Level 19.5 Power: 27 (19+7+1) Defense: 0 Health: 35/35c(9+17+7+1) Ether: 5/23 (5+16+1) Gold: 19 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow *Deadly Envenomed!*. 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, 1 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic x3, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 8 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Crumbling Venom, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Smelling Salts, 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), Grand Tonic, Emerald Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 21 Power: 29 (21+8+0) Health: 36/36 (19+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (1 + 5) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed*), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 753 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M) Equipment: 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.), 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.) Hide of The Bleeding (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone) Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights. Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. 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 (4), Grand Potion, Venom, Ice Bomb (1), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Trial Brew (1), Smelling Salts, Remedy, Nostrum, Dragon Scale (Lucky and blessed effects upon consumption) Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (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) *Lucky!* Level 20 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!* Power: 31 Defense: 6 Health: 30/30 Ether: 8/19 Gold: 193 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental damage and double from Electric elemental damage) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, ,3 Venoms, Spade,Pickaxe,3 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) ,Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x2, Grand Tonic x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking) Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul) *Lucky!* Level 18 Paladin, 20 year old elf male Power: 28 Defense: 13 Health: 38/38 Ether: 3/18 Gold: 4 Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10 *Deadly Envenomed!*; 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 (4), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Tonic Lycan Dean (played by theBoyWonder) Level 13 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 33 SP: 2 Health: 17/17 Gold: 53 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal) Equipment: Combrys (WP: 14 15 *Deadly Envenomed!*, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Leather Armor (SP: 1), Rover (SP: 1) 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), Rover (SP: 1) Pugillist Gloves(Power +2, protects from weakened), Scarlet Hood (Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned) Galen Woodward (Fugazi) 36 year old male human Rogue Level 15.5 Power: 25 (15+10) Defense: 1 (+1) Health: 25/25 (7+13+4) Gold: 969 Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX, Grand Potion x4, Remedy x3, Nostrum x2, Mead x2, Fire Bomb, Deadly Venom x2, Crumbling Venom, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Smelling Salts x2, Trial Brew, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Potion, Leather Armour (SP:1), Soma, Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately) "HEEELLLP!" Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist *Hostage!* Jellies: Blue x2, Green x2, Red x1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QM Note: I ran this round, but Sylph, Alex doesn't need healing...

QM Note: Makes sense to me. Dannylonglegs, since Aquos will still be by his lonesome next round, could you provide an auto-roll battle order too for the sake of time?

That wasn't too effective... "Looks like we'll go challenge Sorona again. Nobody fall for that stupid vortex trick again..."

I look at the chest, wondering what was inside. "Hmph. I have an idea." Unsheathing my steel fan, I close it quickly: it now bore more semblance to some sort of metal chopstick... made of 8 folded together blades. I put the now incredibly narrow device into the lock, not trying to open it, but just trying to file down the inner edges of the lock a bit, making the weapons and perhaps even the key fit in that much easier. Just trying to stack the odds!

Round Eleven of the Battle With The Tentacled Terror >Punii asks Sylph what "dice" are. >Sylph heals Aquos (back): No heal Lesser Heal (19 HP healed) >Sylph heals Elgar (back): Lesser Heal Heal (9+19=28 HP healed) >Alex VS Big Tentacle (back): Special Damage Critical Hit (10x2=20+18=38 damage) >Johon revives Galen (back) >Johon VS Big Tentacle (front): Steal Critical Hit (8x3=24+21=45x2=90-3=87 damage) >Galen revives Lycan (back): >Lycan equips Rover (back) >Elgar VS Hostage Tentacle (back): Damage Damage (23/2=12-6=6 damage) The battle rages on, Sylph healing both Elgar and himself. The druid's ether supply was most certainly finite, and it was dwindling every passing second... The heroes revive each other and destory the big tentacle. The Hostage Tentacle throttles Elgar one last time before sinking into the abyss-like water, not to be seen again for another few rounds. Aquos's tail thumps with a breakneck tempo, Aquos closing his dead eyes to focus on the puzzle of sound that was forming. "Pests." Aquos, Level 28 Ancient HP: 968/1100 SP: 10 Ether: 20/30 Specials: 1-2: Tentacle Lash: Does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. The heroes above and below him in the battle order take 14 damage. 3-4: Ruckus: The sound of Aquos's tentacles clapping shakes loose some stalagmites, causing them to fall on top of the party. All heroes take 11 damage, disregarding SP. 5-6: Rhythmic Rampage: Grabs the hero who rolled Special Damage with his tentacles and slams him into all of his party members. The entire party (including the hero who rolled Special Damage) takes damage equal to that Party Member's power. 7-8: Catastrophe Cacophony: Nullifies all of the party's positive effects, and does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. 0: Tail Swing: With a swing of his monstrous tail, Aquos does 18 damage to the entire party. Every party member has a 1/2 chance of being stunned for one round. (Can be remedied or removed for 5 ether.) Note: Aquos's specials are not randomized! The numbers before each special is how many tentacles Aquos must have up for him to use it. For example, if he has 5 tentacles revealed, he will always use Rhythmic Rampage. He will only ever use Tail Swing when he has no tentacle revealed. Passive Specials: Tentacle Guard: As long as Aquos has 1 tentacle up, he will be counterstriking. Ethereal Immunity: Aquos is immune to all scrolls. SP Constant: Aquos's SP can only be lowered by destroying his tentacles, and nothing else. Each tentacle destroyed drops his SP by 2. Hanging on a Thread: Aquos can have a minimum of 1 HP when he still has tentacles active! All of his tentacles must be destroyed before Aquos himself can be. When Aquos dies, the battle is won. Drops: Peculiar Egg, Garnet QM Note: Aquos has 8 different tentacles, and every round, he will raise different ones. It works off a cycle, a repeating pattern: if you can figure out which tentacles appear when, you will be able to strategize far more efficiently. Tentacle Chart: >Hostage Tentacle: Level 23, HP: 83/325, SP: 2 *Decaying! 21 damage (2 rounds remaining)* The Party: Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!* unknown age, unknown race Druid Level 19.5 Power: 27 (19+7+1) Defense: 0 Health: 35/35c(9+17+7+1) Ether: 6/23 (5+16+1) Gold: 19 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow *Deadly Envenomed!*. 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, 1 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic x3, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 8 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Crumbling Venom, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Smelling Salts, 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), Grand Tonic, Emerald Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 21 Power: 29 (21+8+0) Health: 36/36 (19+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (1 + 5) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed*), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 753 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M) Equipment: 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.), 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.) Hide of The Bleeding (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone) Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights. Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. 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 (4), Grand Potion, Venom, Ice Bomb (1), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Trial Brew (1), Smelling Salts, Remedy, Nostrum, Dragon Scale (Lucky and blessed effects upon consumption) Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (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) *Lucky!* Level 20 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!* Power: 31 Defense: 6 Health: 30/30 Ether: 8/19 Gold: 193 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental damage and double from Electric elemental damage) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, ,3 Venoms, Spade,Pickaxe,3 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) ,Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x2, Grand Tonic x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking) Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul) *Lucky!* Level 18 Paladin, 20 year old elf male Power: 28 Defense: 13 Health: 38/38 Ether: 3/18 Gold: 4 Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10 *Deadly Envenomed!*; 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 (4), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Tonic Lycan Dean (played by theBoyWonder) Level 13 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 33 SP: 2 Health: 17/17 Gold: 53 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal) Equipment: Combrys (WP: 14 15 *Deadly Envenomed!*, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Leather Armor (SP: 1), Rover (SP: 1) 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), Rover (SP: 1) Pugillist Gloves(Power +2, protects from weakened), Scarlet Hood (Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned) Galen Woodward (Fugazi) 36 year old male human Rogue Level 15.5 Power: 25 (15+10) Defense: 1 (+1) Health: 25/25 (7+13+4) Gold: 969 Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX, Grand Potion x4, Remedy x3, Nostrum x2, Mead x2, Fire Bomb, Deadly Venom x2, Crumbling Venom, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Smelling Salts x2, Trial Brew, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Potion, Leather Armour (SP:1), Soma, Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately) "HEEELLLP!" Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist *Hostage!* Jellies: Blue x2, Green x2, Red x1

"Hmm, true. Demonic shark then, maybe?"

QM Note: Lycan never equipped Rover.

Blame random.org. The internet hates your guts apparently.

"Beaches are not half bad. Just take a dip in the water, assuming that there is not some sort of horrifying kraken in the water."

Round Ten of the Battle With The Tentacled Terror >Sylph's singing voice hasn't changed a bit and is as mediocre as ever >Sylph heals Aquos (back):No heal No heal >Sylph casts Fragile on Hostage Tentacle (back): Failure Failure >Elgar casts Confusion on Hostage Tentacle (back): Failure Failure >Alex heals Lycan (back): No heal Heal (10+18=28 HP healed) >Galen VS Hostage Tentacle (front): Damage Damage (23-1=22 damage) >Johon VS Hostage Tentacle (front): Special Damage Critical Hit (8x3=24+21=45x2=90-3=87 damage, 87/4=21 damage decay placed) >Lycan VS Big Tentacle (front): Special Damage (23-1=22 damage to Lycan, >Galen VS Big Tentacle (front): >Johon VS Big Tentacle (front): Steal Critical Hit (8x3=24+21=45x2=90-3=87 damage) In retribution for their incredible round previous, the party becomes bogged down with misfortune. The ruckus caused by Aquos's drumming tail drowns out the sounds of Sylph and Elgar's chanting, making them incapable of completely their respective incantations. Alex heals Lycan as Galen attempts to whip the Hostage Tentacle. The slimy appendage actually manages to grab Galen's whip, the two forces, engaging in a tug-of-war. Aquos suddenly lets go, Galen stumbling back and slamming his head on the rocky ground. In retirbution, an angry Johon takes a jab at the Hostage Tentacle. Irked by the new scar he recieved from Johon, he wraps his Big Tentacle around Lycan's leg. With a sadistic chuckle, Aquos raises the wereowlf into the air and slams him into Galen, knocking them both out. Seeing the fiendish display, Johoin lashes out at the Big Tentacle. "This has gotten a bit more interesting." Aquos, Level 28 Ancient *Counterstriking!* HP: 949/1100 SP: 12 Ether: 20/30 Specials: 1-2: Tentacle Lash: Does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. The heroes above and below him in the battle order take 14 damage. 3-4: Ruckus: The sound of Aquos's tentacles clapping shakes loose some stalagmites, causing them to fall on top of the party. All heroes take 11 damage, disregarding SP. 5-6: Rhythmic Rampage: Grabs the hero who rolled Special Damage with his tentacles and slams him into all of his party members. The entire party (including the hero who rolled Special Damage) takes damage equal to that Party Member's power. 7-8: Catastrophe Cacophony: Nullifies all of the party's positive effects, and does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. 0: Tail Swing: With a swing of his monstrous tail, Aquos does 18 damage to the entire party. Every party member has a 1/2 chance of being stunned for one round. (Can be remedied or removed for 5 ether.) Note: Aquos's specials are not randomized! The numbers before each special is how many tentacles Aquos must have up for him to use it. For example, if he has 5 tentacles revealed, he will always use Rhythmic Rampage. He will only ever use Tail Swing when he has no tentacle revealed. Passive Specials: Tentacle Guard: As long as Aquos has 1 tentacle up, he will be counterstriking. Ethereal Immunity: Aquos is immune to all scrolls. SP Constant: Aquos's SP can only be lowered by destroying his tentacles, and nothing else. Each tentacle destroyed drops his SP by 2. Hanging on a Thread: Aquos can have a minimum of 1 HP when he still has tentacles active! All of his tentacles must be destroyed before Aquos himself can be. When Aquos dies, the battle is won. Drops: Peculiar Egg, Garnet Big Tentacle, Level 23 Beast *Badly Poisoned!* HP: 116/325 SP: 2 Specials: Musical Grand Theft: Aquos steals gold and does damage to all heroes equal to each hero's SP + WP. Tentalce Slam: Picks up the hero who rolled Special Damage and smashes him into the hero next in the battle order, doing 23 damage to both. Specials decided by die roll. Immune to Sleep, Blindness, and Sealing! Drops: Phoenix Essence, Elixir, Trial Brew Note: When defeated, does an automatic 45 damage to Aquos and drops his SP by 2. Hostage Tentacle, Level 23 Beast *Holding Punii!* *Decaying! 21 damage (3 rounds remaining)* HP: 104/325 SP: 3 Specials: Kablammo: Uses Punii's bombs to detonate a devastating blast, doing 17 fire elemental damage to the entire party. The hero who rolled Special Damage has their SP granting items overheat from the blast, disabling their SP for the rest of the round and 2 after. (Unremediable and unremoavable.) Rockslide: Uses 6 of Aquos's ether to generate a mighty rock slide, doing 13 damage to the entire party, disregarding SP. if no ether left, defaults to Kablammo. Specials decided by dice roll. Immune to Venoms, Blindness, and Sealing! Drops: Punii (usable the turn after he is freed), 60 gold QM Note: Aquos has 8 different tentacles, and every round, he will raise different ones. It works off a cycle, a repeating pattern: if you can figure out which tentacles appear when, you will be able to strategize far more efficiently. Tentacle Chart: >Big Tentacle: Level 20, HP: 217/325, SP: 2 *Badly Poisoned!* *Decaying! 14 damage (1 rounds remaining)* >Hostage Tentacle: Level 23, HP: 212/325, SP: 2 The Party: Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!* unknown age, unknown race Druid Level 19.5 Power: 27 (19+7+1) Defense: 0 Health: 35/35c(9+17+7+1) Ether: 8/23 (5+16+1) Gold: 19 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow *Deadly Envenomed!*. 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, 1 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic x3, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 8 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Crumbling Venom, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Smelling Salts, 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), Grand Tonic, Emerald Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 21 Power: 29 (21+8+0) Health: 36/36 (19+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (1 + 5) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed*), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 753 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M) Equipment: 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.), 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.) Hide of The Bleeding (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone) Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights. Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. 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 (4), Grand Potion, Venom, Ice Bomb (1), Mead, Phoenix Essence (2), Trial Brew (1), Smelling Salts, Remedy, Nostrum, Dragon Scale (Lucky and blessed effects upon consumption) Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (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) *Lucky!* Level 20 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!* Power: 31 Defense: 6 Health: 19/30 Ether: 8/19 Gold: 193 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental damage and double from Electric elemental damage) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, ,3 Venoms, Spade,Pickaxe,3 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) ,Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x2, Grand Tonic x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking) Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul) *Lucky!* Level 18 Paladin, 20 year old elf male Power: 28 Defense: 13 Health: 38/38 Ether: 3/18 Gold: 4 Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10 *Deadly Envenomed!*; 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 (4), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Tonic Lycan Dean (played by theBoyWonder) *Knocked Out!* Level 13 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 33 Health: 0/17 Gold: 53 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal) Equipment: Combrys (WP: 14 15 *Deadly Envenomed!*, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Scarlet Hood (Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned)Leather Armor (SP: 1) 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), Rover (SP: 1) Borrowed! Pugillist Gloves(Power +2, protects from weakened), Galen Woodward (Fugazi) *Knocked Out!* 36 year old male human Rogue Level 15.5 Power: 25 (15+10) Defense: 1 (+1) Health: 0/25 (7+13+4) Gold: 969 Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX, Grand Potion x4, Remedy x3, Nostrum x2, Mead x2, Fire Bomb, Deadly Venom x2, Crumbling Venom, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts x2, Trial Brew, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Potion, Leather Armour (SP:1), Soma, Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately) "HEEELLLP!" Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist *Hostage!* Jellies: Blue x2, Green x2, Red x1

"Fair enough. My brothers and I are the only children of the Mythrogg and Eve. I suppose being direct relatives to ether-born creatures doesn't help our "naturality" too much... But enough dwelling on a bloodstained past. This is the present, and I still have every intention of exterminating you fowl pests." QM Note: Note that I fixed Aquos's history lesson a bit. He said he hadn't seen his father in 2,200 years: since he is about 1,100 years old, that just isn't possible. The Mythrogg was 2,200 years old when Aquos last saw him - so it was actually 800 years ago when Aquos last saw his father. As always, mornings are busy busy, so I'll update this afternoon.

"Hmmm... Do you have the attention span for a little history lesson? Lets just assume yes." "My father, the Mythrogg, was the first of our kind, an ether-generated creature. My father's first days were closely monitored and scrutinized: probably to make sure that our kind wouldn't horribly melt or some sort of other nonsensical tragedy would doom us. When they made sure my father was stable, they created another 3 proggs: 1 male and 2 females. They formed two couples, and from there, the entire Progg species were born. Besides the original 4, we are all natural to a degree, I suppose. So, I suppose more accurately, we are all descendants of ether-born creatures. That probably doesn't change much for you, though, does it?" Aquos recalls the next bit of fact mournfully. Such a shame, though... 3 of the original 4, including my mother, Eve, died in the Siege 800 years ago. They were all annihilated by their original creator. Father was never quite the same after Eve's death... made evident by the fact I haven't seen him for 800 years..."

"Sigh. I suppose you really are determined to prove yourself woefully inferior in every aspect... even comedy. Isn't it your duty to help a creature of nature in need anyway? Or are you not only a tree hugger, but a tree hugger with double standards? Intriguing..."

"You are asking me to betray the people I live for. Are you quite sane?"

Drumming his two last tentacles, Aquos perfectly mimics a rimshot. Ba-dum tsh indeed. Punii yelps as his face is slammed on to the rock in Aquos's mocking display "Heeeyyy - my *wheeze* face was there!!" "I'm well aware." Aquos turns his attention to Sylph. "Aren't we confident today? Meh. It is not like anything will truly change if, by some infinitely small chance, you manage to best me. My world has been as black as death since the very beginning - nothing really can change. I'm only alive for the people around me at this point.

Round Nine of the Battle With The Tentacled Terror >Punii bawls >Sylph heals Aquos (back): No heal Greater Heal (9x2=18+19=37 HP healed) >Sylph heals Johon (back): No heal Lesser Heal (19 HP healed) >Alex heals Galen (back): Heal Heal (18+10=28 HP healed) >Lycan switches Pugilist Gloves for Leather Armor (back) >Galen VS Right Tentacle C (back): Damage Hit (10+15=25/2=13-2=11 damage) >Johon VS Left Tentacle B (back): Special Damage Critical Hit (8x3=24+21=45x2=90-1=89 damage) >Elgar VS Right Tentacle C (back): Special Damage Aim (20x2=40-2=38 damage) >Galen VS Right Tentacle C (back): Damage Hit (10+15=25x2=50-2=48 damage) >Johon VS Right Tentacle B (back): Special Damage Critical Hit (8x3=24+21=45x2=90-1=89 damage) The party does spectacularly, slicing and dicing off Aquos's tentacles with ease. "You annoy me, heroes. Annoy me to no end." Aquos, Level 28 Ancient *Counterstriking!* HP: 949/1100 SP: 12 Ether: 20/30 Specials: 1-2: Tentacle Lash: Does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. The heroes above and below him in the battle order take 14 damage. 3-4: Ruckus: The sound of Aquos's tentacles clapping shakes loose some stalagmites, causing them to fall on top of the party. All heroes take 11 damage, disregarding SP. 5-6: Rhythmic Rampage: Grabs the hero who rolled Special Damage with his tentacles and slams him into all of his party members. The entire party (including the hero who rolled Special Damage) takes damage equal to that Party Member's power. 7-8: Catastrophe Cacophony: Nullifies all of the party's positive effects, and does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. 0: Tail Swing: With a swing of his monstrous tail, Aquos does 18 damage to the entire party. Every party member has a 1/2 chance of being stunned for one round. (Can be remedied or removed for 5 ether.) Note: Aquos's specials are not randomized! The numbers before each special is how many tentacles Aquos must have up for him to use it. For example, if he has 5 tentacles revealed, he will always use Rhythmic Rampage. He will only ever use Tail Swing when he has no tentacle revealed. Passive Specials: Tentacle Guard: As long as Aquos has 1 tentacle up, he will be counterstriking. Ethereal Immunity: Aquos is immune to all scrolls. SP Constant: Aquos's SP can only be lowered by destroying his tentacles, and nothing else. Each tentacle destroyed drops his SP by 2. Hanging on a Thread: Aquos can have a minimum of 1 HP when he still has tentacles active! All of his tentacles must be destroyed before Aquos himself can be. When Aquos dies, the battle is won. Drops: Peculiar Egg, Garnet Big Tentacle, Level 23 Beast *Badly Poisoned!* *Decaying! 14 damage (1 rounds remaining)* HP: 217/325 SP: 2 Specials: Musical Grand Theft: Aquos steals gold and does damage to all heroes equal to each hero's SP + WP. Tentalce Slam: Picks up the hero who rolled Special Damage and smashes him into the hero next in the battle order, doing 23 damage to both. Specials decided by die roll. Immune to Sleep, Blindness, and Sealing! Drops: Phoenix Essence, Elixir, Trial Brew Note: When defeated, does an automatic 45 damage to Aquos and drops his SP by 2. Hostage Tentacle, Level 23 Beast *Holding Punii!* HP: 212/325 SP: 3 Specials: Kablammo: Uses Punii's bombs to detonate a devastating blast, doing 17 fire elemental damage to the entire party. The hero who rolled Special Damage has their SP granting items overheat from the blast, disabling their SP for the rest of the round and 2 after. (Unremediable and unremoavable.) Rockslide: Uses 6 of Aquos's ether to generate a mighty rock slide, doing 13 damage to the entire party, disregarding SP. if no ether left, defaults to Kablammo. Specials decided by dice roll. Immune to Venoms, Blindness, and Sealing! Drops: Punii (usable the turn after he is freed), 60 gold QM Note: Aquos has 8 different tentacles, and every round, he will raise different ones. It works off a cycle, a repeating pattern: if you can figure out which tentacles appear when, you will be able to strategize far more efficiently. Tentacle Chart: >Big Tentacle: Level 20, HP: 217/325, SP: 2 *Badly Poisoned!* *Decaying! 14 damage (1 rounds remaining)* >Hostage Tentacle: Level 23, HP: 212/325, SP: 2 The Party: Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!* unknown age, unknown race Druid Level 19.5 Power: 27 (19+7+1) Defense: 0 Health: 35/35c(9+17+7+1) Ether: 8/23 (5+16+1) Gold: 19 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow *Deadly Envenomed!*. 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, 1 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic x3, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 8 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Crumbling Venom, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Smelling Salts, 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), Grand Tonic, Emerald Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 21 Power: 29 (21+8+0) Health: 36/36 (19+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (1 + 5) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed*), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 753 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M) Equipment: 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.), 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.) Hide of The Bleeding (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone) Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights. Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. 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 (4), Grand Potion, Venom, Ice Bomb (1), Mead, Phoenix Essence (2), Trial Brew (1), Smelling Salts, Remedy, Nostrum, Dragon Scale (Lucky and blessed effects upon consumption) Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (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) *Lucky!* Level 20 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!* Power: 31 Defense: 6 Health: 19/30 Ether: 8/19 Gold: 193 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental damage and double from Electric elemental damage) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, ,3 Venoms, Spade,Pickaxe,3 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) ,Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x2, Grand Tonic x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking) Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul) *Lucky!* Level 18 Paladin, 20 year old elf male Power: 28 Defense: 13 Health: 38/38 Ether: 4/18 Gold: 4 Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10 *Deadly Envenomed!*; 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 (4), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Tonic Lycan Dean (played by theBoyWonder) Level 13 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 33 Health: 8/17 Gold: 53 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal) Equipment: Combrys (WP: 14 15 *Deadly Envenomed!*, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Scarlet Hood (Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned)Leather Armor (SP: 1) 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), Rover (SP: 1) Borrowed! Pugillist Gloves(Power +2, protects from weakened), Galen Woodward (Fugazi) *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* 36 year old male human Rogue Level 15.5 Power: 25 (15+10) Defense: 1 (+1) Health: 25/25 (7+13+4) Gold: 969 Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX, Grand Potion x4, Remedy x3, Nostrum x2, Mead x2, Fire Bomb, Deadly Venom x2, Crumbling Venom, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts x2, Trial Brew, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Potion, Leather Armour (SP:1), Soma, Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately) "HEEELLLP!" Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist *Hostage!* Jellies: Blue x2, Green x2, Red x1

I grab the Long Sword and follow suit.

My Warp Stinger inexplicably came in the mail already - ordered it on Friday with free 8-10 day shipping, postal service doesn't work on weekends, and it somehow came on Tuesday...? Hey, I'm not complaining - and the set is lovely! I think I'm going to try to articulate the legs somehow.

"Once again, druid, nobody is laughing. And no, I doubt he was "saving it up". It was probably just an adrenaline rush. Shame you disgusting creatures don't get one when you're about to kick the bucket... another way Proggs are superior, I suppose." QM Note: Fixed and fixed, Fugazi.

One mystery in fiction I'll never solve: Stammering... in a letter?

"Flattery will get you nowhere except your grave a bit quicker. I'd advise you stop. It is in bad taste to speak ill of the dead, is it not? Especially when his brother is engaged in mortal combat with you. Also, I'll think you'll learn there is a difference between going insane and switching to more effective tactics mid-battle..." QM Note: I'm so sorry about the delay folks! First, I had robotics class... then my Warp Stinger came in the mail. ( ) Round Eight of the Battle With The Tentacled Terror >Punii and Aquos both agree Sylph's singing voice was mediocre at best >Galen gives Lycan Leather Armor (back): >Johon gives Lycan rover (back) >Lycan accepts armor and Rover (back) >Alex VS Aquos (back): Special Damage Special Damage (Tail Swing: 18 damage to entire party) -Sylph: Not stunned! -Johon: Not stunned! -Elgar: Not stunned! -Galen: Not stunned! -Lycan: Not stunned! >Sylph heals Alex (back): No heal Heal (9+19=28 HP healed) >Elgar consumes Greasy Sausage (back): +2 Max HP >Galen daydreams about Beatrice (back) >Johon twiddles his thumbs (back) >Sylph heals himself (back): Heal Heal (9+19=28 HP healed) The battle continues. The party plays completely conservatively, cautious about attacking the Tentacled Terror. Johon and Galen hand Lycan some sp-granting items, which the werewolf happily collects after his previous knock-out at this prince's hands. Misfortune frowns on Alex as he rushes Aquos, the beast tapping out one last beat before snickering. With one fell swoop and a swift swing of his tail, he smashes his barbed tail into all of the heroes. They all stagger from the blow, reeling backwards... but all of them, miracously, remain unstuned. Elgar gobbles down a greasy sausage while Johon and Lycan daydream. Sylph patches himself and Alex up. "You got lucky." Aquos, Level 28 Ancient *Counterstriking!* HP: 1047/1100 SP: 18 Ether: 20/30 Specials: 1-2: Tentacle Lash: Does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. The heroes above and below him in the battle order take 14 damage. 3-4: Ruckus: The sound of Aquos's tentacles clapping shakes loose some stalagmites, causing them to fall on top of the party. All heroes take 11 damage, disregarding SP. 5-6: Rhythmic Rampage: Grabs the hero who rolled Special Damage with his tentacles and slams him into all of his party members. The entire party (including the hero who rolled Special Damage) takes damage equal to that Party Member's power. 7-8: Catastrophe Cacophony: Nullifies all of the party's positive effects, and does 28 damage to the hero who rolled Special Damage. 0: Tail Swing: With a swing of his monstrous tail, Aquos does 18 damage to the entire party. Every party member has a 1/2 chance of being stunned for one round. (Can be remedied or removed for 5 ether.) Note: Aquos's specials are not randomized! The numbers before each special is how many tentacles Aquos must have up for him to use it. For example, if he has 5 tentacles revealed, he will always use Rhythmic Rampage. He will only ever use Tail Swing when he has no tentacle revealed. Passive Specials: Tentacle Guard: As long as Aquos has 1 tentacle up, he will be counterstriking. Ethereal Immunity: Aquos is immune to all scrolls. SP Constant: Aquos's SP can only be lowered by destroying his tentacles, and nothing else. Each tentacle destroyed drops his SP by 2. Hanging on a Thread: Aquos can have a minimum of 1 HP when he still has tentacles active! All of his tentacles must be destroyed before Aquos himself can be. When Aquos dies, the battle is won. Drops: Peculiar Egg, Garnet Left Tentacle B, Level 19 Beast *Badly Poisoned!* HP: 24/250 SP: 1 Specials: Musical Mugging: Perfectly aligned with the beat, the tentacle slaps the hero who rolled special damage, stealing gold and doing damage equal to the hero's WP + SP. Stone Spike: Uses 4 of Aquos's ether to raise a spike of stone from the ground, doing 9 damage to the entire party, disregarding SP. If no ether left, nothing happens. Specials decided by die roll. Immune to Blindness and Sleep! Drops: 30 gold, potion. Note: When defeated, does an automatic 45 damage to Aquos and drops his SP by 2. Right Tentacle B, Level 19 Beast *Badly Poisoned!* HP: 28/250 SP: 1 Specials: Musical Mugging: Perfectly aligned with the beat, the tentacle slaps the hero who rolled special damage, stealing gold and doing damage equal to the hero's WP + SP. Stone Wall: Uses 4 of Aquos's ether to raise a stone wall, halving all damage done to all enemies next round. Specials decided by die roll. Immune to Blindness and Sealing! Drops: 30 gold, tonic Right Tentacle C, Level 20 Beast *Badly Poisoned!* HP: 107/250 SP: 2 Specials: Musical Mugging: Perfectly aligned with the beat, the tentacle slaps the hero who rolled special damage, stealing gold and doing damage equal to the hero's WP + SP. Stone Wall: Uses 4 of Aquos's ether to raise a stone wall, halving all damage done to all enemies next round. Specials decided by die roll. Immune to Blindness and Sealing! Drops: 30 gold, tonic QM Note: Aquos has 8 different tentacles, and every round, he will raise different ones. It works off a cycle, a repeating pattern: if you can figure out which tentacles appear when, you will be able to strategize far more efficiently. Tentacle Chart: >Left Tentacle B: Level 19, HP: 24/250, SP: 1 *Badly Poisoned!* >Big Tentacle: Level 20, HP: 241/325, SP: 2 *Badly Poisoned!* *Decaying! 14 damage (2 rounds remaining)* >Right Tentacle B: Level 19, HP: 28/250, SP: 1 *Badly Poisoned!* >Right Tentacle C: Level 20, HP: 107/250, SP: 2 *Badly Poisoned!* >Hostage Tentacle: Level 23, HP: 212/325, SP: 2 The Party: Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!* unknown age, unknown race Druid Level 19.5 Power: 27 (19+7+1) Defense: 0 Health: 35/35c(9+17+7+1) Ether: 10/23 (5+16+1) Gold: 19 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow *Deadly Envenomed!*. 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, 1 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic x3, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 8 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Crumbling Venom, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Smelling Salts, 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), Grand Tonic, Emerald Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 21 Power: 29 (21+8+0) Health: 18/36 (19+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (1 + 5) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed*), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 753 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M) Equipment: 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.), 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.) Hide of The Bleeding (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone) Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights. Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. 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 (4), Grand Potion, Venom, Ice Bomb (1), Mead, Phoenix Essence (2), Trial Brew (1), Smelling Salts, Remedy, Nostrum, Dragon Scale (Lucky and blessed effects upon consumption) Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (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) *Lucky!* Level 20 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!* Power: 31 Defense: 6 Health: 19/30 Ether: 8/19 Gold: 193 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental damage and double from Electric elemental damage) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, ,3 Venoms, Spade,Pickaxe,3 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) ,Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x2, Grand Tonic x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking) Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul) *Lucky!* Level 18 Paladin, 20 year old elf male Power: 28 Defense: 13 Health: 38/38 Ether: 5/18 Gold: 4 Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10 *Deadly Envenomed!*; 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 (4), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Tonic Lycan Dean (played by theBoyWonder) Level 13 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 33 Health: 8/17 Gold: 53 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal) Equipment: Combrys (WP: 14 15 *Deadly Envenomed!*, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Pugillist Gloves(Power +2, protects from weakened), Scarlet Hood (Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned) 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)Leather Armor (SP: 1) Rover (SP: 1) Borrowed! Galen Woodward (Fugazi) *Hastened!* *Lucky!* *Encouraged!* 36 year old male human Rogue Level 15.5 Power: 25 (15+10) Defense: 1 (+1) Health: 17/25 (7+13+4) Gold: 969 Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX, Grand Potion x4, Remedy x3, Nostrum x2, Mead x2, Fire Bomb, Deadly Venom x2, Crumbling Venom, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts x2, Trial Brew, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Potion, Leather Armour (SP:1), Soma, Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately) "HEEELLLP!" Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist *Hostage!* Jellies: Blue x2, Green x2, Red x1