Flipz

Well, we finally broke Arthur's silent streak at least.

Seeing that the wine was indeed safe, Arthur heads back to the main floor and hears laughter coming from upstairs. He shakes his head. Didn't they know time was short? Deciding to get back to their mission, Arthur returns to the Library and examines the globe, also trying to recall from his conversations with Byblos which books are most valuable. "Guys," he calls out while he's still walking through the upstairs hallway, "Have you figured out what the valuable item in each room is? Maybe we should just grab 'em and keep 'em in the cellar with us."

I tried to figure out a way to throw revisualization and thought routes (WARNING: SPOILERS!) into the Quest, but there just wasn't a logical way to do so.

Way ahead of you.

Trying a different--but hopefully still logical!--take on the Diplomacy skill that will hopefully make it a little more useful. Let me know what you think! (And yes, this idea was given to me by one Athena Cykes, and if you don't know who she is I highly recommend you look her up, I am a huge fan of the work she is from (obviously ). )

"The work on the wall has been delayed in case we need that work force to rebuild areas of Dastan destryoed by the dragon-riders," Mallelio whispers to the party. "It is our mission that delays the deconstruction." "What do you think we have been doing? We may have jobs, but many of Alandri's people refuse to work alongside us, and many of the ones that do only do so because he pays them." "It is unfortunate, but this is true, unfortunately. My people, the U'kin, who are my people, have become more accepted since the war we have been accepted. The people have not truly forgiven the species who took more part in the rebellion, the Tethusial and the Pongcanae, who have not yet been forgiven for the rebellion." "They will not listen to us. That is why Cleric Mallelio must intercede for us." "I am sorry, but we simply have no time--" "Time?! Countless generations my people have suffered, a few short minutes is nothing compared to that!" "Emperor Septrine is in private council discussing matters of state. He will not be free for several hours, and the Heroes and I must--" "Heroes?!" Apparently, the news of the Heroes and their mission was not public knowledge. U'Voros grips his spear more tightly. "I cannot relinquish my weapon while I am on duty I must not disarm myself." "It is all right, U'Voros. Miss Nastayo, if you please, U'Voros is one of our troops. He has worked with Heroes before--he was sent to guard Princess Ella when she went to study with the Oracle in Eubric. He is on our side." Tarban laughs bestially. "Uf uf uf. You think I would listen to you, little Hero? Even if I carried a weapon, I would not need it to tear you limb from limb." "There is a saying in Dastan: it is unwise to upset a Pongcanis." Tarban laughs again. Nemor points accusingly at Kiray, her watery eyes narrowed. "And really, do you expect me to listen to you? When one of your kind was responsible for what happened to my brother?" Mallelio looks downward in shame. "I will admit, trusting that one Hero was likely a mistake. But we have much good to thank them for as well! Without them, the U'kin would not be rising in number amongst the Dragon Knights, we would not have made friends of the Dragons and the Rito, and the very wall you speak of would still stand tall were it not for their aid. Even the Hero you spoke of helped to save Princess Ella from the assassins, and had the Heroes not supported Emperor Phyllius' rise to the throne, he could not have named U'Daras as his successor." "Without them," Tarban growls, "one of my kind might sit on the throne." "Your kind?" "Our kind," Tarban hastily amends, but Kiray's diplomatic training had already told her everything she needed to know.

I don't know, from what I hear that is the proper location for this particular device.

FTFY. Congrats, WBD!

I suspect this to be the case--it's great for Advanced Classes, but not so much at the Expert level. I'd actually love to see more artifacts like the Sorcerer talismans that grant special abilities at the cost of extra Ether, and/or some kind of Ether-based source of SP.

Not really. RotAM is only usable by one Expert Class, which isn't exactly ideal. Quest 100; they sell for 100 gold plus any "convenience fees" the seller charges.

Actually, Bright Polish is incredibly inefficient for use on shields, and the limitations on Artifacts (artifact must already have some SP, the Artifact has to be suitable for your class) means it's risky to use with a non-universal Artifact--not to mention the fact that new Artifacts drop all the time and it's likely you'll find something better than what you have while on a Quest. I'm in a unique position in that 1.) I get 2-3 SP out of a single jar of polish, and 2.) my Artifact will follow me to any Class I decide to take barring Minstrel (which I won't be doing anyhow). Pie's probably the only other player for whom Bright Polish is an ideal option (with the Galactic Armor being suitable for all classes and it already being good enough [sP:6, +6 max HP, and immunity to Doomed and a bunch of other stuff] that he's not likely to find something better). Maybe Docken with his Mail (although he doesn't plan to switch classes until Mime, which means it's just as effective to upgrade his shield with Gold and it's a lot easier for him to do so) or Nagure with his fur coat, but that's about it--there's not a terrible lot of great SP-granting items that will also follow you through multiple classes.

When Sandy made it, it was SP:1; I used three Bright Polish to bring it up to SP:4. Speaking of which, I'm always on the lookout for Bright Polish--I can make it worth your while, especially now that Sandy's set a fair value for it. Check the name of the Cloak that Arthur's currently wearing. (It was a joke--or rather, a very terrible pun. )

Kinto must have given Thormy the wrong cloak. He's supposed to be wearing my Shadeaux Cloak, not the other one.

Upon hearing the roar and yelp, Arthur races back to the wine cellar.

Remind me whose idea it was to make the U'kin talk like that? I was originally planning to stretch this conversation out a little more, but given my slow update speeds (sorry again!) I decided to condense things down a bit.

The party says their good-byes to the Emperor, the Dragonlord, and the others in the library, and Mallelio leads the group outside, and then a short ways south to his home. "I wish I could offer you more hospitality, but I am afraid my duties to the Empire prevent me from attending much to my home. I apologize for the mess." The Heroes step inside the residence. Despite Mallelio's words, his home was not nearly as disorderly as he had made it seem. Though dark, the place is surprisingly tidy, if a bit dusty and bare. They spot a potted plant or two clinging to life in spite of the dryness and heat--Mallelio hastens to water them upon seeing their condition, before leading the party onward. Upstairs, the party finds a different story: though crowded with books and artifacts, everything seemed to be in its proper place, from an antique ship's wheel to a small, glowing blue pedestal tucked in a corner. Mallelio rummages through a drawer before finding what he was looking for: a Topaz wrapped in a fine parchment. "Here we are. Mr. Siercon, I believe you were the one who needed this most. I hope you find it helpful." Upon unwrapping the Topaz, Siercon finds that the parchment was actually a Scroll of Sealing, wrinkled and aged but still useable. Mallelio smiles in recognition. "Ahh, that's right. I remember that. I purchased it from a green-skinned travelling merchant not long after I returned from Eubric. It reminded me of a friend. Please feel free to borrow it as well if you wish." "I regret I must admit that I do not keep my pantry well-stocked enough for a proper meal, but I would be pleased to tend to your wounds before we set out." Mallelio heals the party at the cost of 6 Ether. The Party: Actaeon Artus (Actaeon) *Party Leader* 21 year old male human Level 2 Ranger Power: 5 Health: 7/7 Gold: 30 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 7 Mage Power: 15 (7 levels + 8 WP) Defense: 1 (Robe of the Magi) Health: 11/11 (5 base + 5 lvl) Ether: 8/11 (5 base + 5 lvl) Gold: 76 Equipment: Lullaby Wand (WP:8, deals sleep-effect; wand), Robe of the Magi (SP:1), 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, Trial Brew (Halves the drinkers max HP, max ether, and max SP for the duration of one battle. These effects are irremediable. Surviving a battle without getting knocked out in this state nets you double EXP. Being revived after being knocked-out removes these effects.) The Demon Germ (Samurai Turtle) ??? years old ; Half Demon; Male Level 2 Rogue Power: 5 Defense: 0 Health: 8/8 Ether: 0 Gold 28 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 2 Mage Power: 5 (10 for spells) Power Bonus: +5 for spells Health: 6/6 Ether: 2/6 Gold: 20 Equipment: Gold-Coated bat staff (Wp:3), Spellbound Gloves (Power +5 to spells) (Loaned by Siercon) Inventory: Potion x2, Amethyst (Darkness), Sapphire (Wind), bedroll Yuji Daeth (Daeth) 34 year old male Croaken (Frog based race) Level 2 cleric Power: 5 Defense: 0 Health: 10/10 Ether: 2/6 Gold: 15 Equipment: Slightly Sharpened Croaken Staff (WP:3; staff) Inventory: Remedy, Potion x2 Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk), A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something *Immune to Fire* 24 year old female human Level 5 Knight Power: 8 Defense: 3 Health: 14/14 Gold: 5 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), Phoenix Essence, Bedroll Diana N. Justus (NPC, Uncontrollable/takes suggestions) 17 years old female human Assassin Level 2 Power: 5 Power Bonus: +0 Defense: 0 Health: 13/13 Gold: 259 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 17 1/2 Sage Power: 18 Health: 32/32 Ether: 18/24 Gold: 15 Equipped: Wooden Staff (WP: 1, staff), Inventory: Remedy, Potion x2 Heading outside, the party finds three unfamiliar figures waiting for them. One of them, a U'kin, wears the armor of the Dastanian knights; he wrings his hands nervously. "I am sorry Master Mallelio I offer my apologies, I told them you were occupied but they insisted on coming here even though I informed them of your busyness." "It is all right, U'Voros, do not blame yourself." "Cleric of the Emperor, the Pongcanis and the Tethusial have come to an agreement: we demand to know why the efforts to tear down the section of Emperor Brunt's wall bordering the Tethusial district have been suspended!" The Pongcanis' voice comes out with a harsh growl beneath it, though to Kiray something sounds a bit off somehow. "Yes, we already suffer enough in this wretched land without the Emperors keeping us cordoned off from the rest of the people. Now, when you were so close to making things better for my people, you stop without warning and leave us in the dark. We must know why!" The Tethusial's voice sounds almost watery and is understandable by humans, though she seems unable to clearly pronounce the harder sounds of 't's and 'd's. "How dare you continue to perpetuate this generations-long injustice! It is a travesty!" Again Kiray gets the sense that the Pog might not be entirely sincere. "Mr. Tarban, Ms. Nemor, I assure you, your concerns will be addressed as soon as Emperor Alandri returns from his conference with the Lion Knights; however, now is not an opportune time to--" "Nonsense!" Tarban barks. "Alandri doesn't give a damn about our peoples, he still blames us for the rebels' actions in the war!" "I do not believe that accusation is simply not the truth. The Empire serves all its citizens are served by the Empire. I am sure Emperor Alandri does his best I am certain." "Says the guy whose people got the whole 'sudden social boost' after the war. You may have forgotten, but some of us still face injustice, just like the U'kin did until two years ago." "Gentlemen, lady, I sympathize, truly, but there is nothing I can do. I serve Emperor Septrine, and the Tethusial Quarter falls under Emperor Alandri's purview." "Yes, but the wall is under Emperor Septrine's. There is nothing to stop his workers from taking over the project besides excuses and prejudice!" Mallelio seems exasperated. What, if anything, will the Heroes do?

Probably the best Skirmisher-specific Artifact would be something that allowed Assistance to share all effects the Skirmisher has to the affected Heroes, as it'd make for a great risk-reward strategy (since negative effects would also be shared). Either that or something that lets them retrieve throwing weapons from the Back Row.

Forgive me for harping on this, I'm really only saying it because I want this plotline to redeem itself before it's too late. I considered just PMing you, but I feel that saying this here will allow others to offer their own takes on what I'm saying, so the points of mine that are accurate can be reinforced while the ones that aren't can be corrected by writers who are a lot cleverer than me. I think that's the big problem with The Regret plotline, though, is that it doesn't seem like we can do anything--when we try, we get beaten up, beaten up, or threatened with being beaten up. There doesn't seem like there's a point in playing, because nothing can happen until The Plot says so--or more appropriately, Only The Author Can Save Them Now. It seems like you were trying to go for You Can't Thwart Stage One (which worked rather well in 48 and with 79 and 86) but ended up with Strong As They Need To Be--no matter how far the Heroes progress in experience and stats, the Appeal To Force over the player characters (which is dicey as-is) is Enforced even when it doesn't make sense. Put it another way: compare Regret's (or any of his major minions') response to/attitude towards Arthur or Johon or any of the characters he's met more than once between the first and last times he's encountered them. You could almost literally swap the two conversations, only changing the direct references to a character's class--there's no development, no acknowledgement that anything has changed. No matter what we do, The Regret keeps Moving the Goalposts so the exact same scenario always plays out: "the ragtag bunch of misfits struggles against the impossibly unbeatable foe, and against all odds they win the fight but ultimately it doesn't matter because the villain had planned for every eventuality, even though they claimed the Heroes winning was impossible." Basically, when every choice is a Morton's Fork, and trying to Take A Third Option is punished, the only reasonable remaining response is "Just Get It Over With," which in this game generally means the players have stopped having fun. Again, just my opinion, but hopefully it will help you understand better where I'm coming from.

Missed moment of awesome: the Artifact for Mirror Amorith should have been an Artifact for Sages only that allowed their spells to inflict the effects of their weapons. Speaking of that battle, what would the "Ultimate Artifact" for each class be? (I.E. if Skirmisher Arthur or Dragoon Thormanil fought their mirror counterparts like that.)

It's The Worf Effect meets Invincible Villain (reaction 1, with a high likelihood of reaction 2 as well): the Veterans are powerless to stop them (Worf Effect), and any Heroes who try to do anything can't beat the Invincible Villain. Regret's a Villain Sue, of course he's not going to make any sense. I do like it when allied NPCs show up in the Hall (assuming, of course, they're the kind that are with you from the start), it's logical that they'd meet up with the Heroes in the Hall before they head out together (Ratabor Mossycloak, Diana, Masson and Punii, etc.). The villains...not so much. It forces Heroes and Veterans alike to either pick up the Idiot Ball by not attacking or else be essentially forced out of being able to interact with the Hall topic until the villain decides to leave, possibly even putting off major moments they'd spent a long time planning.

What's coming up next from Pixar? I lost track sometime around the time I started having to ignore Planes 2.

Something like that would be perfect for the Library topic. Also, a request for the more artistically-inclined: We could really use some images and icons on the wiki--things like images for the stub template or the "page needs help" or "upcoming content" templates or even the favicon. If you'd like to help, please, by all means do.

Arthur uses his Magnifying Glass to examine the bookshelves for any traps, triggers, and/or hidden passages.

Note to self: in the future, have avatars for random citizens ready before starting out. (Well, actually, I knew which ones I was stealing, I just forgot to copy the links into my master index. ) Also, I was suuuuuper tempted to link TV Tropes in that dialogue, but then River Song held me up at banana-point, so unfortunately you guys have to do without.

QM Note: Sorry for the slow updates, I'll go ahead and split today's update in half so you have something at least. Also fixed Siercon's inventory--I forgot to actually put the Trial Brew in. "If you've got a way of sailing to Duplovia, finding the guy's family, sailing back, and getting to Domus by tomorrow morning, I'm all ears, otherwise I think we're going to need something a bit more immediate." "I'm an Assassin. I kill things. It's what I do." "Of course, Mr. Warlen. I am prepared to take you to my home whenever you are ready." Will the party say anything else to the people in the Palace before they depart?