Flipz

I think we have both a Hell (a warm, firey place of damnation) and Hel (a cold, frostbitten place of damnation ruled by Helvetia).

QM Note: No, the lower cost to upgrade Rito weapons is exclusive to the Rito Settlement. Also: I need to get a character photograph taken, but I won't have access to my camera until tomorrow morning at the very earliest. Tomorrow's update may be delayed accordingly.

Try Questing with him yourself. Until then, though, let's just agree to disagree, shall we?

JimBee actually offered to let me hand WW out in 104, but I worried that the Quest reward + potential Shadeaux rep would be too much with Winged Warrior offered as well, so I turned it down. (I also wasn't sure if the party would take the option to see the Rito in the first place, but it looks like they did, so... ). I really want to see more Skirmishers, actually, in part because Skirmisher is supposed to be by nature part of a larger force, and it's just plain weird being a solo Skirmisher in Heroica.

Naturally (you'd still have to reach Level 30 first, after all), but still. Clamor away so the other QMs have time to plan. Which he then immediately sells to Guts.

Because the one hero just refuses to cooperate with the rest of them at all? Look how much the pace of the Quest has improved since the split.

I feel your pain. Also: "It depends what you mean. We teach our hatchlings to shoot before they can fly, and there are more hatchlings to teach every day! Once they've learned to walk the paths of the sky, reading the wind and feeling the flow of air, nothing can hide from us--then they are truly Winged Warriors." "If you mean outsiders, however, it has been many moons. We heard rumors of a tragically short-lived ogre named Zpilf who had been trained in our ways, but we have not heard of him or our kinsman Fleyra for more than three cycles of seasons now. Perhaps Fleyra has taught others, in her time abroad, but we have not heard news of it. We offered another group of Heroes who came to help us training, but none have returned to claim it. In truth, I hope for the chance to teach others of our ways. Perhaps one day soon, more opportunities to aid us will arise." QM Note: The Winged Warrior Expert Class is only available from certain Rito-themed Quests. If you're interested in the class (as, I must confess, I am), by all means join me in clamoring for QMs to offer it. Hint. Hint.

Diana checks her coin purse, then throws 55 Gold to Julius. "Take two upgrades, on me." "Whenever you and your...companion are ready." QM Note: Simply bold your choice when you are ready to rest. "I will gladly offer you my fifteen gold. Do not worry about repaying me, I will manage, though I'm afraid you are still short two gold." Diana rolls her eyes and flips Germ the two coins. "It may not be much, but I do expect my money back at some point," she warns. "It depends what you mean. We teach our hatchlings to shoot before they can fly, and there are more hatchlings to teach every day! Once they've learned to walk the paths of the sky, reading the wind and feeling the flow of air, nothing can hide from us--then they are truly Winged Warriors." "If you mean outsiders, however, it has been many moons. We heard rumors of a tragically short-lived ogre named Zpilf who had been trained in our ways, but we have not heard of him or our kinsman Fleyra for more than three cycles of seasons now. Perhaps Fleyra has taught others, in her time abroad, but we have not heard news of it. We offered another group of Heroes who came to help us training, but none have returned to claim it. In truth, I hope for the chance to teach others of our ways. Perhaps one day soon, more opportunities to aid us will arise." QM Note: The Winged Warrior Expert Class is only available from certain Rito-themed Quests. If you're interested in the class (as, I must confess, I am), by all means join me in clamoring for QMs to offer it. The Party: Actaeon Artus (Actaeon) *Party Leader* 21 year old male human Level 3 Ranger Power: 6 Health: 8/8 Gold: 50 Equipment: Bow (WP:3) Inventory: Smoke Bomb, Potion, Dragon Scale, Remedy, Bedroll, Scroll of Frailty Siercon (Siercon and Coral) Male, Age and species unknown Level 9 Mage Power: 17 (9 levels + 8 WP) (20 in Front Row) Power Bonus: +3 in Front Row Defense: 3 in Back Row Health: 13/13 (5 base + 8 lvl) Ether: 4/13 (5 base + 8 lvl) Gold: 60 Equipment: Lullaby Wand (WP:8, deals sleep-effect; wand), Robe of the Dastanian Pongcanis Champion (Wearer gains Power +3 while on the front row or SP:3 while on the back row; bodywear, suitable for barbarians and mages) Inventory: *Sylvania's Cowl (Artifact, Head Wear, Animal Talk), *Diamond (Light), Scroll of Sleep, Bedroll, Topaz (Lightning) (borrowed from Mallelio), Scroll of Sealing (borrowed from Mallelio) *Potion x2, Remedy, Dragon Scale, The Demon Germ (Samurai Turtle) *Immune to Darkness* ??? years old ; Half Demon; Male Level 3 Rogue Power: 6 Defense: 1 Health: 9/9 Ether: 0 Gold 0 (owes 2 Gold to Diana) Equipment: Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1; throwing weapon), Shadow Cloak (SP:1, immune to Darkness; backwear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:5, doubled against Flying enemies), Venom, Potion x2, Remedy, Dragon Scale, Bedroll Warlen Melimane and Quarion the floating skull (The Chosen Minifigure) 17 Year old Male Half-Elf Level 3 Mage Power: 6 (11 for spells) Power Bonus: +5 for spells Health: 7/7 Ether: 2/7 Gold: 20 Equipment: Gold-Coated bat staff (Wp:3), Spellbound Gloves (Power +5 to spells) Inventory: Potion, Amethyst (Darkness), Sapphire (Wind), bedroll, Robe of the Magi (SP:1), Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword) Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk), A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something *Immune to Fire* *Secondary Party Leader* 24 year old female human Level 6 Knight Power: 9 Defense: 3 Health: 13/15 Gold: 16 Equipment: Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Scutum Shield (SP:2; shield), Flameproof Armor (SP:1, immune to Fire; bodywear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: Sword of the Kin (WP:3), Potion x2, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged) Diana N. Justus (NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions) 17 years old female human Level 3 Assassin Power: 8 Power Bonus: +0 Defense: 0 Health: 11/14 Gold: 194 Equipment: Precision Bow (WP:5, AIMs become HITs; bow), Belt of the Ace Assassin (Successful Assasination rolls on enemies immune to sudden death deal an extra Aim instead. Bodywear, Suitable for Assassins only.) Inventory: Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; throwing weapon), Ace Assassin's Crossbow (WP:3, crossbow), Potion x5, Mead x3, Smelling Salts x3, Nostrum x3, Remedy, Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors) Mallelio (NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions) Level 18 Sage Power: 19 Health: 30/33 Ether: 4/25 Gold: 15 Equipped: Wooden Staff (WP: 1, staff), Secondhand Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent) Inventory: Remedy, Potion x2 Rito Weapons: (each party member may choose one of their choice for free; multiple party members may choose weapons of the same type. If you wish to buy more than one, each costs 40 gold.) Sanctified Rito Axe (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; axe) (suitable for Barbarians, Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Infiltrators, Regulators, and Winged Warriors) Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword) (suitable for Knights, Rogues, Beast Warriors, Skirmishers, Infiltrators, Marauders, Regulators, and Winged Warriors) Sanctified Rito Spear (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; spear) (suitable for Barbarians, Dragoons, Skirmishers, and Winged Warriors) Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; throwing weapon) (suitable for Rangers, Rogues, Beast Warriors, Infiltrators, Scholars, and Winged Warriors) Sanctified Rito Bow (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; bow) (suitable for Rangers, Beast Warriors, and Winged Warriors) Sanctified Rito Crossbow (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies;crossbow) (suitable for Rangers, Beast Warriors, Infiltrators, and Winged Warriors) Supplies for sale: Potion (Restores 10 health to the target.) Costs 15 gold. Tonic (Restores 5 ether to the target.) Costs 15 gold. Remedy (Removes all negative effects from the target.) Costs 20 gold. Phoenix Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health during a battle.) Costs 60 gold. *3 in stock* Water Bomb (Causes 5 points of Water-elemental damage to all enemies.) Costs 20 gold. Dirt Bomb (Causes 5 points of Earth-elemental damage to all enemies.) Costs 20 gold. Air Bomb (Causes 5 points of Wind-elemental damage to all enemies.) Costs 20 gold. Holy Bomb (Causes 5 points of Light-elemental damage to all enemies.) Costs 20 gold. Precision Bow (WP:5, Aims become Hits; bow) Costs 50 Gold. *0 in stock* Conductor Helmet (SP:1, immune to Lightning; headwear, suitable for anyone) Costs 50 gold. *2 in stock* Shadow Cloak (SP:1, immune to Darkness; backwear, suitable for anyone) Costs 50 Gold *1 in stock* Guardian Feathers (SP:2, SP is multiplied by the Winged Warrior's Flying multiplier; backwear, suitable for Winged Warriors only) Costs 50 Gold. When incorporated into a pair of wings, these feathers envelop the bearer in a protective aura. SERVICES AVAILABLE: Upgrade equipment (+1 point): 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: 4) is upgraded to a Sword (WP: 5), it costs 50 gold. When an Axe (WP: 8) is upgraded to an Axe (WP: 9), it costs 90 gold. You can also upgrade the SP of shields this way. You can order several upgrades for your weapon or shield, but the costs will stack. For example, upgrading a Mace (WP: 3) to a Mace (WP: 5) will cost {40 + 50 =} 90 gold. SPECIAL: Sanctified Rito Weapons cost half to upgrade (so upgrading Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:4) to Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:5) costs 25 gold instead of 50). QM Note: Selling works just like in the Marketplace topic. Mallelio approaches Germ hesitantly. "Mr. Germ...ah...Might I trouble you to borrow your bedroll so I may regain my strength? I'm afraid that tending to Nemor was more strenuous than I had first anticipated. I fear my usefulness to you Heroes may be quite limited if I run out of Ether entirely."

In none of you have ever seen or heard of a Gypsy Dart (better known as a Swiss Arrow) before, I highly recommend you --they're really cool.

QM Note: Most of the loot so far has been geared more towards you, Daeth, and Siercon, this is more geared towards the rest of the party. You can still get one of the weapons and either hold on to it until your Advanced Class, or you could sell it to another Hero back in the Hall.

"I feel so reassured." "Well...yeah. I mean, it might take a while, and I can't guarantee anything, but it's worth a shot, you know?" The party nears the top of the mountain, and Mallelio momentarily stops them. "We have almost reached the Rito Settlement. I must caution you, the Rito are unpredictable. They are a proud race, and do not take well to disrespect. Denerii has proven herself to our people, but even she can be impulsive and...well, flighty. Respectfulness and patience are the keys for dealing well with this race." Having said his piece, Mallelio leads the party over the last ridge, where a number of winged figures await. Apologies to JimBee for the blatant image theft! "Halt! Who approaches?" "It is the Heroes and Mallelio, Julius! Welcome, all of you. We have been waiting." "Indeed. You fly with the owls this night. Late is the hour in which this conjurer and his champions choose to appear." "Yes. I'm sorry Julius, Denerii. We became ensnared in events in the capital and neglected to leave when we should have. I have only myself to blame for this." "Flavius! Is he well?" "Oh, yes. Rest assured, he wasn't involved. He is discussing alternative plans with the Emperor and the Dragonlord of Heroica, in the event that we fail to stop the Dragon-riders." "We will not fail! We are Rito! And you are Heroes! Together, we will shoot the baddies and save the land just as we did before!" Even in his tiredness, Mallelio had to smile at Denerii's optimism. "Let us hope so. Flavius told us you would have supplies--please, lead on." Denerii leads the party along a narrow path (occasionally flying when she forgets the others don't have wings) until they reach a small village of huts nestled within the rocks. They follow her inside one of the larger buildings, which appears to have originally been a meeting place of some kind. "Here you can rest, and gather your strength. Julius will show you the weapons we have crafted for you to use. We have also prepared some other supplies for you, though we will need some shineys in exchange for those! We must have shineys in order to trade with the people down below." Denerii winks. Rito Weapons: (each party member may choose one of their choice for free; multiple party members may choose weapons of the same type. If you wish to buy more than one, each costs 40 gold.) Sanctified Rito Axe (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; axe) (suitable for Barbarians, Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Infiltrators, Regulators, and Winged Warriors) Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword) (suitable for Knights, Rogues, Beast Warriors, Skirmishers, Infiltrators, Marauders, Regulators, and Winged Warriors) Sanctified Rito Spear (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; spear) (suitable for Barbarians, Dragoons, Skirmishers, and Winged Warriors) Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; throwing weapon) (suitable for Rangers, Rogues, Beast Warriors, Infiltrators, Scholars, and Winged Warriors) Sanctified Rito Bow (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; bow) (suitable for Rangers, Beast Warriors, and Winged Warriors) Sanctified Rito Crossbow (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies;crossbow) (suitable for Rangers, Beast Warriors, Infiltrators, and Winged Warriors) Supplies for sale: Potion (Restores 10 health to the target.) Costs 15 gold. Tonic (Restores 5 ether to the target.) Costs 15 gold. Remedy (Removes all negative effects from the target.) Costs 20 gold. Phoenix Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health during a battle.) Costs 60 gold. *3 in stock* Water Bomb (Causes 5 points of Water-elemental damage to all enemies.) Costs 20 gold. Dirt Bomb (Causes 5 points of Earth-elemental damage to all enemies.) Costs 20 gold. Air Bomb (Causes 5 points of Wind-elemental damage to all enemies.) Costs 20 gold. Holy Bomb (Causes 5 points of Light-elemental damage to all enemies.) Costs 20 gold. Precision Bow (WP:5, Aims become Hits; bow) Costs 50 Gold. *1 in stock* Conductor Helmet (SP:1, immune to Lightning; headwear, suitable for anyone) Costs 50 gold. *2 in stock* Shadow Cloak (SP:1, immune to Darkness; backwear, suitable for anyone) Costs 50 Gold *2 in stock* Guardian Feathers (SP:2, SP is multiplied by the Winged Warrior's Flying multiplier; backwear, suitable for Winged Warriors only) Costs 50 Gold. When incorporated into a pair of wings, these feathers envelop the bearer in a protective aura. SERVICES AVAILABLE: Upgrade equipment (+1 point): 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: 4) is upgraded to a Sword (WP: 5), it costs 50 gold. When an Axe (WP: 8) is upgraded to an Axe (WP: 9), it costs 90 gold. You can also upgrade the SP of shields this way. You can order several upgrades for your weapon or shield, but the costs will stack. For example, upgrading a Mace (WP: 3) to a Mace (WP: 5) will cost {40 + 50 =} 90 gold. SPECIAL: Sanctified Rito Weapons cost half to upgrade (so upgrading Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:4) to Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:5) costs 25 gold instead of 50). QM Note: Selling works just like in the Marketplace topic. ---------------------------------------------- Diana immediately purchases the Precision Bow. "Nice...sad to be giving up the old crossbow, but this is definitely worth it. I'll take a gypsy dart as well, just in case--some of this stuff might be valuable to other Heroes back in Eubric." She looks to Kiray. "Anything I can help you with? I don't want to use up all my gold, but if you want something, it's yours." "I might consider a Tonic, myself, but if anyone needs my meager gold more than I do, it would be my pleasure to help." "Be sure to to tell me when you are ready to rest for the night so I can send Julius home to his mate and their hatchlings. Don't forget, we must rise early if we hope to succeed--which we will! We must!" The Party: Actaeon Artus (Actaeon) *Party Leader* 21 year old male human Level 3 Ranger Power: 6 Health: 8/8 Gold: 50 Equipment: Bow (WP:3) Inventory: Smoke Bomb, Potion, Dragon Scale, Remedy, Bedroll, Scroll of Frailty Siercon (Siercon and Coral) Male, Age and species unknown Level 9 Mage Power: 17 (9 levels + 8 WP) (20 in Front Row) Power Bonus: +3 in Front Row Defense: 3 in Back Row Health: 13/13 (5 base + 8 lvl) Ether: 4/13 (5 base + 8 lvl) Gold: 60 Equipment: Lullaby Wand (WP:8, deals sleep-effect; wand), Robe of the Dastanian Pongcanis Champion (Wearer gains Power +3 while on the front row or SP:3 while on the back row; bodywear, suitable for barbarians and mages) Inventory: *Sylvania's Cowl (Artifact, Head Wear, Animal Talk), *Diamond (Light), Scroll of Sleep, Bedroll, Topaz (Lightning) (borrowed from Mallelio), Scroll of Sealing (borrowed from Mallelio) *Potion x2, Remedy, Dragon Scale, The Demon Germ (Samurai Turtle) ??? years old ; Half Demon; Male Level 3 Rogue Power: 6 Defense: 0 Health: 9/9 Ether: 0 Gold 43 Equipment: Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1; throwing weapon) Inventory: Copper Dagger (WP:3; dagger), Venom, Potion x2, Remedy, Dragon Scale, Bedroll Warlen Melimane and Quarion the floating skull (The Chosen Minifigure) 17 Year old Male Half-Elf Level 3 Mage Power: 6 (11 for spells) Power Bonus: +5 for spells Health: 7/7 Ether: 2/7 Gold: 20 Equipment: Gold-Coated bat staff (Wp:3), Spellbound Gloves (Power +5 to spells) Inventory: Potion, Amethyst (Darkness), Sapphire (Wind), bedroll, Robe of the Magi (SP:1), Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk), A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something *Immune to Fire* *Secondary Party Leader* 24 year old female human Level 6 Knight Power: 9 Defense: 3 Health: 13/15 Gold: 31 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP:3), Scutum Shield (SP:2; shield), Flameproof Armor (SP:1, immune to Fire; bodywear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged) Diana N. Justus (NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions) 17 years old female human Assassin Level 3 Power: 8 Power Bonus: +0 Defense: 0 Health: 11/14 Gold: 251 Equipment: Precision Bow (WP:5, AIMs become HITs; bow), Belt of the Ace Assassin (Successful Assasination rolls on enemies immune to sudden death deal an extra Aim instead. Bodywear, Suitable for Assassins only.) Inventory: Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies; throwing weapon), Ace Assassin's Crossbow (WP:3, crossbow), Potion x5, Mead x3, Smelling Salts x3, Nostrum x3, Remedy, Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors) Mallelio (NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions) Level 18 Sage Power: 19 Health: 30/33 Ether: 4/25 Gold: 15 Equipped: Wooden Staff (WP: 1, staff), Secondhand Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent) Inventory: Remedy, Potion x2

I love this party. (And no, for various reasons I cannot quote to you why.)

"Jeez, that's rough, I'm sorry. Hope it wasn't Dad's work--doesn't sound like it, though, not his style." "You're not too far off from me, actually--I left my mother behind two years ago, too. For us, though, it was a...less than perfect relationship." Diana looks away guiltily. "Let's just say she and Dad split up for good reason, and I'm more my father's daughter." The teenaged Assassin rolls her eyes. "Not that she didn't know that--I'm pretty sure she took me just to spite Dad. Anyway, on my fourteenth birthday, 'Tan and Nic--he was another old friend of Dad's--showed up and told me Dad wanted me back with him in Eubric. They left me a couple gifts on behalf of my father--this crossbow was what Tan brought me then, actually. I...wasn't ready to...leave...then, but a couple years of constant yelling later and I'd had enough. When I found out 'Tan was back in town, I got in touch and she helped me skip town. She taught me to track, to shoot, to forage...in the six months it took us to get back to Eubric and contact Dad, that druidic Pongcanis was a better mom to me than my real mother had been for sixteen years. You can see why it's hard for me to shoot them." Diana looks awkwardly around in silence for a bit, unsure of what to say. "You know," she adds suddenly, "I could ask around town when we get back. You know, about your mother. If you want. There's a surprising number of us based in Eubric, you know, maybe you and I could Track Down some answers." Diana shrugs awkwardly, for a moment more like the teenaged girl she could have been rather than the hardened Assassin she is. Diana throws Germ a look. "What, you planning to suck out our souls while we're sleeping or something? I'm pretty sure we all could take you in a fight if that's the case." Mallelio seems uncomfortable, even alarmed at the direction the discussion seems headed.

I was hoping Mizuki would show back up before Hybros' Quest set off. EDIT: Welcome to Heroica, CallMePie! We hope you and Miderun enjoy your adventures with the rest of us in...oh.

Aw, man, I was hoping Zakura would actually show up to get Mizuki's Gold from Hybros so I could actually have my Chicken Drumsticks.

"I'd like that."

"I'm fine." Diana pauses. Even she knew no one would be fooled by that lie. She sighs. "All right, I'm not. The thing is..." Diana runs her hand across her crossbow again. "That shouldn't have bothered me. I mean, I'm an Assassin. I kill stuff. Hell, I've killed people--well, at least, they're dead because of my actions. It's never really bugged me. But that...those Pongcanae. It was like...killing family. Like it was 'Tan or something, even though I know she's somewhere else. This was the first time it felt like...well, murder." Diana abruptly lifts her fingers from her weapon. "They were right, you know. I mean, Tarban was a jerk and all, but he had the right idea: when your people are oppressed, you do something about it. That's what Dad believes, anyway--and I believe it, too. Even before I...left Mom." Diana looks at the rising moon, as if reliving a memory.

I probably don't have to say this, but if anyone else wins the Bright Polish, PM me and I'll buy that relatively-useless-to-you item for a significant amount of Gold.

Arthur yawns. He'd prepared for any number of possible methods of danger and intrusion, but boredom hadn't been one of them. As he checks the wine collection for any sign of tampering for what felt like the third time, his mind wanders. Maybe I ought to read something... Just then, a slip of pink paper poofs into existence. "Again?? Didn't I tell her--" Arthur stops. He had, last Grogmas. Is that who the package is from? he wonders. He signs his name to the lottery as usual, then rummages in his pack until he finds the forgotten package he had yet to unwrap...

Arthur yawns. He'd prepared for any number of possible methods of danger and intrusion, but boredom hadn't been one of them. As he checks the wine collection for any sign of tampering for what felt like the third time, his mind wanders. Maybe I ought to read something... Just then, a slip of pink paper poofs into existence. "Again?? Didn't I tell her--" Arthur stops. He had, last Grogmas. Is that who the package is from? he wonders. He signs his name to the lottery as usual, then rummages in his pack until he finds the forgotten package he had yet to unwrap...

QM Note: All right, this should be correct, but don't hesitate to let me know like samuraiturtle did if something's not right! The Party: Actaeon Artus (Actaeon) *Party Leader* 21 year old male human Level 3 Ranger Power: 6 Health: 8/8 Gold: 50 Equipment: Bow (WP:3) Inventory: Smoke Bomb, Potion, Dragon Scale, Remedy, Bedroll, Scroll of Frailty Siercon (Siercon and Coral) Male, Age and species unknown Level 9 Mage Power: 17 (9 levels + 8 WP) (20 in Front Row) Power Bonus: +3 in Front Row Defense: 3 in Back Row Health: 13/13 (5 base + 8 lvl) Ether: 4/13 (5 base + 8 lvl) Gold: 60 Equipment: Lullaby Wand (WP:8, deals sleep-effect; wand), Robe of the Dastanian Pongcanis Champion (Wearer gains Power +3 while on the front row or SP:3 while on the back row; bodywear, suitable for barbarians and mages) Inventory: *Sylvania's Cowl (Artifact, Head Wear, Animal Talk), *Diamond (Light), Scroll of Sleep, Bedroll, Topaz (Lightning) (borrowed from Mallelio), Scroll of Sealing (borrowed from Mallelio) *Potion x2, Remedy, Dragon Scale, The Demon Germ (Samurai Turtle) ??? years old ; Half Demon; Male Level 3 Rogue Power: 6 Defense: 0 Health: 9/9 Ether: 0 Gold 43 Equipment: Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1; throwing weapon) Inventory: Copper Dagger (WP:3; dagger), Venom, Potion x2, Remedy, Dragon Scale, Bedroll Warlen Melimane and Quarion the floating skull (The Chosen Minifigure) 17 Year old Male Half-Elf Level 3 Mage Power: 6 (11 for spells) Power Bonus: +5 for spells Health: 7/7 Ether: 2/7 Gold: 20 Equipment: Gold-Coated bat staff (Wp:3), Spellbound Gloves (Power +5 to spells) Inventory: Potion, Amethyst (Darkness), Sapphire (Wind), bedroll, Robe of the Magi (SP:1), Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk), A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something *Immune to Fire* *Secondary Party Leader* 24 year old female human Level 6 Knight Power: 9 Defense: 3 Health: 13/15 Gold: 31 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP:3), Scutum Shield (SP:2; shield), Flameproof Armor (SP:1, immune to Fire; bodywear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged) Diana N. Justus (NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions) 17 years old female human Assassin Level 3 Power: 6 Power Bonus: +0 Defense: 0 Health: 11/14 Gold: 301 Equipment: Ace Assassin's Crossbow (WP:3, crossbow), Belt of the Ace Assassin (Successful Assasination rolls on enemies immune to sudden death deal an extra Aim instead. Bodywear, Suitable for Assassins only.) Inventory: Potion x5, Mead x3, Smelling Salts x3, Nostrum x3, Remedy, Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors) Mallelio (NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions) Level 18 Sage Power: 19 Health: 30/33 Ether: 4/25 Gold: 15 Equipped: Wooden Staff (WP: 1, staff), Inventory: Remedy, Potion x2 Germ finds nothing of real value besides clumps of blood-matted fur--it seemed that Diana's explosive ordinance had shattered even their bones beyond usability. He does find a larger-than-average Pongcanis tooth that he could perhaps take as a trophy if he so wished. Diana smiles back, slightly, though the look in her eyes remains. At Siercon's remark, she actually studies Warlen for a moment. "Hmm...maybe 'War-lord'? I don't know, I kinda suck at nicknames." "All right. I will guide the way." Just then, a guard rushes from the Palace towards them carrying a mass of brown cloth. "Cleric Mallelio! I am pleased I caught you before you left. U'Voros wished you to have this." Mallelio unfolds the cloth to reveal U'Voros' Secondhand Cloak of Deception, which he fastens gratefully over his shoulders. "Thank him for me, please, Markus." "Of course. I was also given a message for a Mr....Siercon from Princess Ella." The guard hands Siercon a small envelope bearing the Septrine seal. "I believe that was all. We will handle things here, Cleric Mallelio. Good luck!" "Thank you, Markus." Mallelio leads the party out of the city. Though they traveled quickly, the half-day journey in the hot sun was still exhausting, and by the time they reached the foot of the mountain only the last rays of light from the setting sun remained. "Now we must climb," Mallelio informs them. "I apologize for not getting us here sooner, but I am afraid I can do nothing to halt the passage of time. Dastan is a vast and old land. We are stronger for having to face its challenges." They begin to climb, though unlike the first group of Heroes who had traveled there, the party now has a rough, if still treacherous, path to follow. Mallelio happens to look back at Diana. "I must admit...it is strange, trusting my life to an Assassin--one who specializes in explosives, nonetheless--when not so long ago they were trying to kill me. There was a bomber by the name of XX, I wonder--" "He's not my dad, if that's what you're wondering. Dad did sell him a little pea-shooter just before we left, though. Apparently XX is working with Heroica these days." Mallelio seems incredulous, but doesn't press the matter further. "I've noticed you speak much of your parents. Are they--" "I don't want to talk about them." Diana bites her lip, then looks pointedly away from the Sage. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude." Silence reigns once again as the Heroes continue on their way to the Rito Settlement. QM Note: Talk amongst yourselves for a bit! I'll move things forward to the Rito Settlement and your much-needed rest shortly.

"I killed all of them, actually." Diana glances down, running a hand over her weapon. She notices Actaeon watching and abruptly stops. "And what's with taking loot you can't use, anyway? That thing's clearly only usable by Mages and Barbarians, and you're obviously neither. What gives?" QM Note: Just to clarify, you can only use Artifacts if they are suitable to your class. You might have already accounted for that, but I wanted to make sure you knew. Mallelio bows his head to Actaeon. "I will do my best to help you and your fellow Heroes, if that is indeed what you wish." "Oh, get over yourself. You were only trying to help, you had no way of knowing those two would show up. People can't tell the future, you know." "I think Princess Ella would disagree on that last point, Miss Justice." Diana snorts. "Whatever." She goes back to cleaning her crossbow.

You have a good point, but I still think the wording is confusing. Not sure how to fix it, though. On the plus side, I think that's what really started the push to improve the Witch's SHIELD--I think I or someone else pointed out that pretty much any other Expert Class would have had a chance that fight if they'd rolled a Shield, but yours hurt your chances. Or something. I have too much rattling around in my head today.

Yeah, you have a point--if it's any fraction 1/X of max health, it becomes Doomed on a timer of X rounds. The problem is that enemies have so much health these days (and it's only going up as Hero damage outputs increase) that any fixed numeric amount starts to get overshadowed pretty quickly. Poison was finally fixed by giving it multiple amounts and letting it stack; Bleeding is like Poison but can be removed by healing to full health, and Burning...well, burning is just another flavor of Poison/Bleeding that bypasses regular Poison immunity and might be more thematically appropriate (i.e. makes more sense for a Phoenix to Burn someone than to poison them). Cursed has always had the quirk of affecting an enemy's max HP, and I think it should stay that way, but I'm not sure how to bring it up to snuff, since it makes the party useless if it deals more damage than them but itself becomes kinda useless if it deals less damage than the party.

About how on pretty much any Zepher Quest your number one priority has to be to "protect the NPCs at all times". Basically, he seems completely unaware of the location (and/or existence?) of the party's Phoenix Essences, a skill I thought you'd burned into all of us on 53.