Endgame

"Gah, didn't see you're already buffed, Guts. I give Irek a good slicing-and-dicing."

QM Note: Combrys drops back to it's base WP at the end of the battle.

"Nnnrk. Slaves of a shiny gem, huh? I'll have to make myself deader then dead if I find myself being reduced to idiots like these people. Nonetheless, Guts, I suggest you give Corlos a good beating. I can use my nostrum on you and you can bust his skull in."

QM Note: Good to see you back on board so quickly, B&P.

"Nope, just one writ for all of ya. And yes that fine-looking blade you got can definitely be upgraded."

Hooray, 48ers: sidequest CLEAR! Also, CallMePie, while rummaging through the Treasury for that Blacksmith's Writ of service, I noticed: there are seperate entries for keys 1-5 from 36.

With the blacksmith and tow, the party returns to where they burned the web. The Elder, Morxes, Lyrol, and the Acolytes accompany them there. They were all careful when they were corssing back over the Trial grounds, but eventually they made it. "I appreciate you for trying to find the rest of my family, but... don't worry too much about it. You've returned my children to me, and that is more than enough for this spider right now. " "Thanks for freeing our elder." "best of luck on your journey: give that regret eye a black eye for us, hm?" Morxes and Lyrol look a little teary. "I... I think we'll be staying here, heroes. At our home. With our dad." "...Can you *sniffle* tell Ayla for us?" "Of course, you two! I'll *wheeze* miss you guys - be sure to visit sometime when this catastrophe is over, alright?" The grouchy blacksmith seems irked over this entire exchange. Spending that much time in a cage as probably made him more bitter than usually. "This is all very touching, but... let's go." And with that, the party trekked to the Blacksmith's shoppe. The party helps the old man carry out some of his equipment: Johon, Lycan, and Galen carry an especially heavy anvil, Sylph and Elgar carry some display posts, and Adam carries his forging hammer and some weapons.Arriving at the Town hall, and with no Ayla in sight, the burdened party heads in. Finding a nice, empty corner, they set down their things and watch as the old man scurries about, setting them all up. After he was done, wiping the sweat off their brow, Adam scrawls something on a scrap piece of paper. He hands it to the heroes. "Consider this your reward for pulling my rump outta the furnace. Thanks." Writ of Blacksmith Service - The owner of this document may obtain 1 free weapon upgrade at Anwyl Smokebeard's/Adam Envill's Smithy. Value: Debatable. "Now then... my services are the same as most other blacksmiths, but here is a refresher." Upgrade a weapon (+1 WP): Any weapon can be upgraded with this service, adding one point to its power per upgrade. Each upgrade costs the amount of WP the weapon has after the upgrade times ten. For example, when a Sword (WP: 3) is upgraded to a Sword (WP: 4), it costs 40 gold. When an Axe (WP: 6) is upgraded to an Axe (WP: 7), it costs 70 gold. You can also upgrade the SP of shields this way. You can order several upgrades for your weapon, but the costs will stack. For example, upgrading a Mace (WP: 3) to a Mace (WP: 5) will cost {40 + 50 =} 90 gold. Merge a weapon with an elemental gem: You need a weapon and an elemental gem for this service. Merging the gem will give the weapon all the elemental attributes of the used gem, but the gem itself will not be available to use anymore. This service costs 50 gold. The merging can be undone to get the gem back, but it will cost another 50 gold. Multiple gems can be imbued into one weapon, but they all need to be merged separately. Mythrilize weapons (+10 WP): You need a weapon and some Mythril, which is a very rare item, for this service. Forging the weapon with Mythril will increase its power by ten points, but the Mythril will be expended. This can only be done once to any weapon. This service costs 100 gold.

QM Note: Well, my Thanksgiving Vacation is over. I'll update this afternoon, this morning is pretty busy.

"I go in whatever direction Mizuki's compass points - or, if it doesn't do anything, the second warehouse."

"That tends to be the case. Ether this and magic that and all of that demon dung. How big of a shock was it to the town when that tower appeared?"

"If ya could take me to my shop just for a couple of minutes I could grab as much equipment as I can. From there I could probably set up in the Town Hall."

"Only once, it wasn't very pleasant."

"Hey, even warriors like to take a break and sunbathe on the beach from time to time." I look up towards the Horizon, the daunting frame of the Tyrant's Twoer still visible from here. "So, that tower just... appeared?" Averting my gaze from the horizon, I turn back to see Guts hopping in the cart. "Woah there! Ever heard of asking?"

"Adam. Adam Envill. Dini? He is a bit nutty. Nice enouch guy, though - we sit down to play some bridge on occasion. Flies on a magic carpet. Whoever that big flying lug was, he looked pretty tough."

"Those sluggy fellas? Proggs, they're called? Huh. Thanks, now I have a name to my grudge. I saw a huge flying one circling around directly south of here. He had some smaller flying fellas behind him, and they were carrying some crates. That's all I got."

Also do not forget that the QM could, thereotically, heal up their enemies too. That is how I handeled it in 36, anyway.

"Hah! If it weren't for the fact you probably beat some sense into 8 eyes here, I wouldn't have belieived ya! Not going to refuse a rescue though. Thanks for that. Luosh definately needs heroes, huh?"

The Party: Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) unknown age, unknown race Druid Level 18.5 Power: 26 (18+7+1) Defense: 0 Health: 34/34c(9+17+7+1) Ether: 9/22 (5+16+1) Gold: 64 Equipment: Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), Helmet (Max. health +1) 20-20 glasses 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, Grand Tonic x2, Remedy, 2 Venoms, 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 x2, Helmet (Max. health +1) Galen Woodward (Fugazi) 36 year old male human Rogue Level 14 Power: 24 (14+10) Defense: 2 (+2) Health: 24/24 (7+13+4) Gold: 391 Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Leather Armour (SP:1) Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX, Grand Potion x5, Remedy x3, Nostrum x5, Mead x5, Fire Bomb, Deadly Venom x2, Crumbling Venom, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts x2 Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider Level: 20.5 Power: 28 (20+8+0) Health: 35/35 (19+8+1+7+0) Shield Power: (1 + 5) Ether: ~/0 Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed*), *Natural Respite* Negative effects: (none) Gold: 385(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 (3), Grand Potion, Venom, Ice Bomb (1), Mead (2), Phoenix Essence (3), Trail Brew (1), Nostrum (2), Smelling Salts (2) 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) Level 19 Evoker Power: 30 Defense: 0 Health: 27/27 Ether: 16/18 Gold: 420 Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11) Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald,SapphireTopaz ,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. Usuable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x2, Grand Tonic x3, Opal Lycan Dean (played by theBoyWonder) Level 10.5 Rogue *Immune to weakened* Power: 21 Health: 14/14 Gold: 33 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal) Equipment: Combrys (WP: 8, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Sword of the Croise (WP: 9) Pugillist Gloves(Power +2, protects from weakened), Sylvania's Cowl(grants Animal Talk to Wearer) Inventory: Bedroll, Staff of The Frog Paladin (WP:6, 1/6 chance of Amphibianocs Blessing (protects from damage)), Throwing Dagger (WP6), Warhammer (WP:4), Grand Potion, Deadly Venom x2, Venom x3, Mead, Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts x2, Nostrums x5 Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul) Level 16.5 Paladin, 20 year old elf male Power: 24 Defense: 13 Health: 36/36 Ether: 10/16 Gold: 61 Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 8; ignores SP), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 10) (Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for Knights and Barbarians) Inventory: Potions (4), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Remedy, Grand Tonic, Mead, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, Deadly Posion "That *wheeze* was quick..." Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist Jellies: Green x3, Red x1, Blue x1 "I'm the one who set and knows how to undo the lock, so I shall follow." With that, ducking through a crevice in the wall surrounding them, (or in this case, the Elder walked over the wall entirely.) they go down a fairly straightforward path - and find their blacksmith. He looks at the heroes then distastefully at his fromer captor; he was clearly in a sour mood "Weeelll then. Dinner already? I assume that I'm the appetizer and those whippersnappers are the main course?" Despite completely dwarfing the blacksmith, Aranoc looks sheepish. "I... must apologize for my behavior previously." Aranoc shoots a thread of web on top of the cage and manuevers it into a keyhole on top. With a twist of the thread, the cages bars fall out of place... the blacksmith was free. The old man steps out, brushes the dust off of his overalls, and says: "So, who are you, lads?"

Nobody here seems to even have the faintest hypothesis. QM Note: Are we ready to proceeed?

I'll be able to get the blacksmith up in a few hours: my brother has some college stuff he needs to do on the computer.

"Right down this path. " The Elder signals to a gap in the wall that was surrounding his den. QM Note: I'll let you either progress or roleplay a bit more: I know Sylph has something of a dynamic with spiders, so I'm not sure whether or not he wants to chat with Aranoc and co. a bit more.

"If only I could know, Galen. I'd greatly appreciate that if you do decide to send a few words to your higher-ups."

"Head is still a bit clouded, but I feel fine."

"More then a pleasure to meet you. Without your intereference, not only would my children would probably be dead, I would've remained as that savage husk that maniac made me. I'm glad to see that I was unable to actually hurt any of you." Aranoc turns to his delighted children. "I can only imagine how much pain I've caused you two, though." And with that, the spider scoops up his two children and embraces them in a hug. "We missed you, daddy..." "I missed you too, Morxes, lyrol. More then you ever could... but everything's going to be okay now, alright?" "Okay, daddy!" The Elder gently places his two children on the ground, pats them on the head, and turns back to the heroes. "I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble. I suppose an explanation is an order, huh? A year and half ago, a man who calls himself the Dragonlord raided here once again. One of your leaders, if I recall. (I can hardly bear ill will to you though, especially after everything you've done.) Us spiders in the Murkwood decided enough was enough. All of the oldest spiders in the forest banded together and tried to flank him at once. They left a few dents on him, to be sure: but he was a more seasoned fighter then any of us. Eventually, the Elder, and all of the older spiders, fell. Eventually, he made his way to the inner reaches of the forest, where me, my wife, and my three young children were. Speaking of which, Morxes, Lyrol, where is your sister?" "There was a much smaller Progg invasion a month or two ago, Daddy." "Widow... she didn't make it." Aranoc hung his head low, saddened by this information... but in his eyes the heroes could spot a flame of hatred in his eyes. "So... they took my daughter... nearly took my sons... and transformed me into a puppet. Heroes, please make sure that these Proggs get what they rightfully deserve. On everyone's behalf" Aranoc continues his tale. "So. inner-reaches of forest. My family's nest was there. Me and my wife were acolytes at the time. I told my wife to stay put and hide while I run to the edge of the forest with Morxes and Lyrol. When I got to the edge, I sent them off, in fear the Dragonlord may one day return and take them. And when I returned to my nest? The Dragonlord was gone... and with him, my wife." The Elder heaves a sorrowful sigh. "I haven't foriven myself for that to this day. I was the oldest Acolye left, so I became the new Elder. The rest, as they say, is history. A blacksmith, you say? Yes, I have him. Shall I take you to him?" QM Note: I'll allow a little roleplay before you go to save the smith.

Either Galen or Lycan. I just thought it was because they were making so mnay mugs off of them and getting so rich they statrted calling them "Profits" instead of "Proggs."