Flipz

I really hope people are listening to the music links, it took a surprising amount of effort to choose them.

QM Note: Sorry to hear that, you'll be missing a lot. Unless you'd like to specify otherwise, Actaeon will control your actions in battle. Germ quickly searches the ship, but finds nothing out of the ordinary. The ship's engineer notices his examination and speaks up. "Hey, trust me, the Bostonius is completely safe.." "It would be more expedient to simply show you." The party boards the Bostonius, Dr. Ralph waving good-bye to them as they depart. A sleek black automaton approaches the party as the last member climbs aboard. "HALT. WHAT IS YOUR PUR-POSE A-BOARD THE CRE-A-TOR'S VES-SEL?" "These are our passengers. We are delivering them to Dastan." "AF-FIRM-MA-TIVE. DES-IG-NA-TION AS-SIGNED. WEL-COME, PASS-EN-GERS OF THE CRE-A-TOR." "Heroes, meet the Stealth Shadow, my personal bodyguard. It is a G.E.M. Automaton, designed after the success of Mr. Legonardo's original models. He will assist you with anything you need while we are in the air." "AF-FIRM-MA-TIVE." "Forgive me, but time is of the essence, so if we could..." "Of course, Mr. Dragonlord. Captain Fragle, prepare to embark." "Yesss, Missss Tesssla. Missster Hofferman, open the ccceiling hatch!" "Aye, Captain!" The dwarf presses a button on a remote, and to the party's surprise the entire roof folds back, allowing the Bostonius space to depart. "Excellent. It appears the unwired transmission device was successful." Nicole jots down more notes in her notebook. "PASS-EN-GERS, PRE-PARE FOR LIFT-OFF." Below, Dr. Ralph changes the disc on the Vibrataphone to a as the airship slowly lifts into the air. As soon as the ship clears the city skyline, however, its ascent grows far more rapid, and before the party's eyes the city of Eubric shrinks from a sprawling metropolis to a bunch of tiny buildings, to a small u-shaped mass, and finally to a miniscule dot barely distinguishable from the tiny island it was sitting on. "Missss Tesssla, we have reached our cruisssing altitude." "Thank you, Captain. We have a journey of two or three days ahead of us, so please, relax and enjoy yourselves. Dragonlord pulls the party aside. "I was afraid of this. Heroes, we've gained at best three or four days, but that won't be enough to stop the Dragoons before they reach the Dragons. Our job, as of this point, is damage control. That means meeting with the three Emperors, calming locals' fears, and generally helping the Dastanians to defend their homes. We have to stop the Dragoons, but at this point...I hate to say it, but realistically speaking, I don't see how we're going to be bringing them back alive. I mean, it's possible--" "It's not." Surprisingly, Diana's voice, while harsh, lacked its usual venom. "I'm sorry?" "Look. I know it's hard for you heroic types to understand, but sometimes you can't save everybody. "Dragonlord frowns. "I'm...not sure I agree with that." "Search your--our, I keep forgetting I'm one of you now--search our Quest records, you know it to be true. Failed Quests, dishonest employers, betrayals-by both allies AND Heroes--Hel, half the organization is filled with monsters, murderers, and psychopaths, and you just let them stay! If you want to do anything good with that mess, you're going to have to give up the so-called moral high ground." "Not necessarily. Look at our previous trip to Dastan--" "Look at our recent trip to Baltarok. You said it yourself, Dragonlord, the Dastanian people are more important...even if we have to kill the two people we were sent to protect in order to save them. Even Count Shadeaux recognizes that." "..." Left with no response, the Dragonlord heads aft to speak with Nicole. Diana shakes her head. "Stubborn old fool. I thought he'd see reason. But he just can't accept the truth of what's coming...to Eubric, and to Heroica." Frustrated, Diana moves to the front of the ship to think. What will the party do?

Pie, I feel your pain from 51.

"I should probably mention that the Dastanians have some bad history with Heroes using bombs, so it'd probably be in your best interests to get rid of it, or at least not to use it while we're there. It's your item, though, so the decision is yours." "All right. If you change your mind, just let me know." A short, bearded man--a dwarf perhaps?--standing next to the ship packs up his toolkit and approaches Nicole. "Preparations are complete, Miss Tesla, we're ready to get underway." "And the Stealth Shadow?" "Ready as well." "Excellent. Thank you, Mr. Hofferman. Heroes, if you need to make any last-minute preparations, please do so, otherwise we are ready to depart whenever you are." QM Note: You lucky son of a gun. I rolled a die for this and it came up 1. Germ searches the machine parts, but as he is not an automaton none of it is suitable for him. However, with an astounding amount of luck the sneaky Rogue is able to slip a small wrench into his pocket without the scientists or his fellow Heroes noticing. It would probably be best not to call attention to it until the party is underway. Wrench - WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, throwing weapon Is the party prepared to depart?

Siercon finds the workshop littered with tools and half-finished machinery. Some of the pieces seem to be weapons and armor, but due to the modifications they'd recieved it seemed they would only be suitable for automatons--that is what the Tritech Corporation is known for, after all. On the wall nearest the Vibrataphone are a few shelves full of unusual but seemingly complete (if a little unrefined) gadgets, with an empty space the size of the Vibrataphone. Leaned against the wall beneath the shelves is an odd two-wheeled contraption, pristine save for the layer of dust covering it. It seems like this area of the workshop is a space for successful prototype devices, a trophy display of sorts. "Ah, thank you Mr. Siercon, but the Bostonius isn't my ship. That airborne marvel is completely Miss Tesla's own design. Nicole is one of our most brilliant scientists; that Vibrataphone--" he adds, indicating the music-playing device on the workbench "--is her design as well. It provides a method to precisely replicate and produce sound--a most ingenious invention, wouldn't you say? It's been a great commercial success, a financial boon that has funded many exciting projects for our company!" Nicole blushes slightly, but her voice manages to retain its usual monotone. "Thank you, Dr. Ralph." "Nice to meet you both as well." "My crew should only require a few minutes to refuel and then check our systems for any malfunctions. We should be in the air within the hour." "Pleased to make your acquaintance, good sir." Diana waves half-heartedly, her gaze fixed on the ship like a wild animal that has spotted a predator. "Hi." She leans back towards Actaeon and whispers a reply, not taking her eyes off the ship. "So what, you thought that remark about her ship being unsafe was a joke? I don't trust these guys--the Ji Pei and their technology are nothing but trouble. The Bonapartes might wear their butts on their heads, but at least you know where you stand with 'em." The Assassin continues to stare at the ship as if it was about to explode. Nicole and Dr. Ralph exchange a glance. "Hmm...interesting. We should make a note to test the maximum altitude of the Bostonius at some point." "Our airships normally fly a short distance above cloud level, but I suppose we could make a point of flying slightly lower if it makes you more comforable." Nicole stares thoughtfully into space for a moment, before jotting down a note into her notebook. Diana visibly relaxes a little, though she still keeps her gaze locked distrustfully upon the airship. QM Note: That's a roleplaying choice, it's entirely up to you. "Ah, I am afraid that I am only here to receive the engine Nicole has just delivered. I was not aware of this arrangement she made with you, though I must admit I am a bit jealous. Going to visit Dastan! It sounds like a wondrous place." "You are welcome to join us, Doctor, but I am sure your schedule is too full to allow it." "Nicole is right, I'm afraid. I have far too many duties to fulfill, all in the name of science!" Kiray happens to shift closer to one of the workbenches, and a small device begins to beep insistently. Dr. Ralph turns his attention to Kiray. "Speaking of which...it looks like you've set off my flux detector! I wonder what you could...well. This is interesting..." Dr. Ralph shows the party the readings on the screen, but they are unintelligible to anyone but the scientists. "It appears you possess some sort of Chaotic Bomb that exists in a simultaneous superposition of several possible states...from these readings, likely related to the nine elements. Fascinating!" He adjusts his glasses eagerly. "I must say, an object like that would be highly valuable to my research...would you by any chance be willing to part with it?" Finally, with a little hesitation, Diana breaks her staring contest with the Bostonius. "What, you expect her to give it to you just like that? I just saw another Hero sell one of those things back at the Hall for 75 gold! You ought to at least match that price, if not beat it!" Dr. Ralph raises his eyebrows, alarmed by Diana's outburst. "I...yes, well of course...I...naturally, I did not mean to..." The scientist takes a moment to regain his composure. "Of course, I would be happy to offer a competitive compensation. How does..." Dr. Ralph pauses while he pulls out a small ledger. "How does 85 Gold sound, miss Knight?"

Endgame, I think the forum software just officially hates you...

I really want to go on at least one of those--not necessarily for the class (as awesome as it is), but for the chance to see Jules and Knife-tongue and Illdria again.

After a moment's hesitation, Captain Hornigold accepts the handshake. "I suppose this is good-bye, then." The captain turns on his heel and marches away, clearly insulted. "Well, there goes our only chance of getting to Dastan alive. I hope you know what you're doing, Ranger." "Excellent decision. The Bostonius will only require a few pre-flight checks and some last-minute supplies before we are ready to depart. If you'd like, you can follow me to Tritech Headquarters." "Zis is where I leave you, 'Eroez. I must retourner to Chateau de Shadeaux before ze fog iz dispersant. I will say zis, 'owever, in light of ze news of ze Dragoons' early arrival: you must protect ze good name of ze Shadeaux, no matter ze cost. Despite ze fact zat zese two 'ave great potential, ze Shadeaux must non be responsable for a catastrophe. Do what you must." Count Shadeaux retreats into the mist as the morning sun begins to burn through the gloom. The party follows Nicole to the Tritech Headquarters, where the Bostonius and her crew were waiting. An odd device sits on a workbench, broadcasting . "Ah, Nicole! And...guests. I did not know we were expecting company." "Dr. Ralph, I hope you found the new engine we delivered satisfactory? These Heroes are in need of swift transport to Dastan, so I have offered the services of the Bostonius." "Hello there, Doctor. I am the Dragonlord. Heroica will not forget the assistance Miss Tesla is providing. With luck, many lives will be saved thanks to her actions." "Oh, my! A Veteran of Heroica! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." "Likewise, Doctor. Perhaps the rest of the party would like to introduce themselves as well?"

Maybe the Crimson Crown will offer to induct you and give you one of those masks.

Bit of a busy day today 104-ers--today's update might be a bit later than usual.

Hey, B&P, do you expect your Quest to let out before the 12th, or do I need to make arrangements with someone in the Hall to give Mizuki her money? So, Doc, out of curiosity: when you hit Level 50, do you plan to get Barbarian's Boots, Winged Sandals, or something else entirely?

Sirone Valishter. There's also someone coming up named Velquoriel.

"We can discuss that more once we're underway." "There is risk associated with any form of travel. Of course, as Heroes, you are accustomed to danger, as it is the primary means by which you grow stronger." "They are brave, Miss Tesla, not suicidal." "Regardless, there are plenty of Heroes who have traveled safely aboard Mr. Legonardo's airship in the past." "So you're saying it's only your airship that's dangerous, is that it?" Nicole seems speechless at the accusation, and perhaps a little indignant as well. Even Captain Hornigold seems somewhat taken aback by the audacity of the comment, and he quickly fills in the silence. "To answer your question, Mr. Ranger, the Princess of the Night is one of the Bonaparte fleet's finest ships, which is saying something considering the Bonapartes have the finest fleet in the world. She will get you to Dastan far quicker than any other ship you'll find here." "Incorrect. As an airship, the Bostonius will naturally outspeed any seafaring vessel in existence. That is why airships are the future of transportation." "Perhaps for those who don't care if they survive the journey. My crew and I are far more experienced than this girl will ever be. We know how to handle ourselves when danger arises, much like you Heroes. Good luck getting some scientist to save you in a crisis." "Like I said, we'll talk more aboard the ship--whichever one you pick for us--but I will say this: people can get touchy when family's involved. You'd be surprised how much someone can change when their family's in crisis." "Siercon and Kiray are right. There's benefits and drawbacks to both ways, but there's no way of telling exactly what lies ahead." "Dragons? You wish to use my ship as a lure to draw out dragons? The Bostonius has its defenses, but it is not built for that scale of combat. Regardless, I cannot stay once I have delivered you--I have important projects for the Tritech corporation underway that cannot be left unattended for more than a few days." Captain Hornigold scoffs. "We are willing to stay--a few extra days in port will not harm our schedule, and there are plenty of valuable commodities in Dastan that will improve our profit margins--a few extra days would only serve to increase our opportunities there. However, I doubt we'd be of much help in Dastan itself--the desert is no place for a sailor, naturally." "It looks like either way, we'll be on our own once we reach Dastan." "Charming," the captain remarks dismally.

QM Note: It seems we're missing Daeth as well, he has 48 hours to respond. Moving forward! The Dragonlord snickers appreciatively, but does not comment. Diana, on the other hand, seems unimpressed as usual, while Count Shadeaux appears to be downright exasperated. The Party: Actaeon Artus (Actaeon) *Party Leader* 21 year old male human Level 1 Ranger Power: 4 Health: 6/6 Gold: 5 Equipment: Bow (WP:3) Inventory: Smoke Bomb, Potion, Bedroll Siercon (Siercon and Coral) Male, Age and species unknown Level 6 Mage Power: 14 (6 levels + 8 WP) Defense: 1 (Robe of the Magi) Health: 10/10 (5 base + 5 lvl) Ether: 10/10 (5 base + 5 lvl) Gold: 41 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 *Potion x2, Remedy The Demon Germ (Samurai Turtle) ??? years old ; Half Demon; Male Level 1 Rogue Power: 4 Defense: 0 Health: 7/7 Ether: 0 Gold 5 Equipment: Copper Dagger (WP:3; dagger) Inventory: Venom, Potion, Bedroll Warlen Melimane and Quarion the floating skull (The Chosen Minifigure) 17 Year old Male Half-Elf Level 1 Mage Power: 4 (9 for spells) Power Bonus: +5 for spells Health: 5/5 Ether: 5/5 Gold: 5 Equipment: Gold-Coated bat staff (Wp:3), Spellbound Gloves (Power +5 to spells) Inventory: Potion, Amethyst (Darkness), bedroll Yuji Daeth (Daeth) 34 year old male Croaken (Frog based race) Level 1 cleric Power: 4 Defense: 0 Health: 9/9 Ether: 5/5 Gold: 10 Equipment: Slightly Sharpened Croaken Staff (WP:3; staff) Inventory: Remedy, Potion Kiray Nastayo, A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something 24 year old female human Level 4 Knight Power: 7 Defense: 2 Health: 13/13 Gold: 5 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP:3), Scutum Shield (SP:2; shield) Inventory: Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll "Hah! Yes, we all tend to do that a bit at first." "Zey are quite young--per'aps slightly younger zan ze Ranger and Chevalier in your party." Count Shadeaux responds to Kiray next. "...zat iz acceptable. I am, après tout, a practical man." QM Note: I'll try to tone it down a bit so it's easier to understand. "That is the idea, yes. As for methods...as always, we Veterans give you Heroes complete autonomy in how you wish to accomplish the mission. We are trying to protect innocents, after all--we have to do what we must. I do think the Count would be happier if we can bring them home alive, but you'll get your pay either way." Count Shadeaux nods, indicating that the Dragonlord is in fact correct. QM Note: For the sake of clarity: at least one Dragoon alive=Shadeaux rep; both Dragoons dead=no reputation. "Sirone set out after Darius about two weeks ago. If le vaisseau zey sailed on did not encounter difficulté, zey should be in Dastan in deux or trois days." "Sirone iz a quiet sort. I 'ired 'im in Triad Park on ze night troi 'Eroes murdered my previous gardes and 'eld me at knife-pointe, when I was left needing défense. 'E iz of noble lineage from Duplovia, and iz well-educated--I even asked 'im to tutor my daughter Bellanotte for a time. I believe 'iz famille back in Duplovia 'ad some trouble récemment, but I do not know ze details." "Darius 'as always been a rasher sort. 'E iz not arrogant, simply bold. Tu tell you ze truth, I am surprized most by 'is actions--'e 'as always placed ze Shadeaux as ze paramount priority, and 'e 'as never shown any signs of personal pride, only pride in 'is work. Tu hear zat 'e was ze one who spoke loudest of proving 'imself--I can 'ardly believe it." "Time is of the essence, Heroes. As Count Shadeaux says, they're only a few days away from arriving in Dastan. Even if we can arrange a fast transport, we'll still be cutting it awfully--" Another figure bursts onto the scene, sweating and panting from exhaustion. Judging by the satchel full of parchment, it's likely he's a messenger of some sort. Both Dragonlord and Count Shadeaux seem to recognize him, as they both turn and give the man their full attention. "Sirs!" the messenger shouts. "Urgent news from Drakencourt! Apparently those two men you were looking for were spotted in Voullin two days ago, heading east." "WHAT?!" "Merde! Que c'est désastre! Putain!" Dragonlord takes a deep breath to calm himself before addressing the Heroes. "It seems our mission may have changed, Heroes. The best we can hope to accomplish now is damage control. Even if we had the fastest ships in the world, the chances of reaching them in time..." An unfamiliar voice interrupts. "Excuse me, I couldn't help but hear you need a ship?" The party turns to see a man in a navy blue uniform walk toward them, his hair slicked back and his smile cocky. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Captain Bartholomew Horningold, and I'm also the captain of one of the Bonapartes' most prestigious vessels, the Princess of the Night. I heard you're looking for transport to Dastan? Perhaps I can be of assistance, Dragonlord?" "Speak of the devil... very well then, fine. I don't know how you came to know of this, nor do I care, honestly. Let's just-" "Not so fast, Dragonlord." Another individual speaks up. Coming from the opposite direction a bespectacled woman walks to the party, her hair a dark red. On her outfit a trident logo splashes across her chest, her face rather expressionless. The captain looks shocked. "Salutations. My name is Nicole Telsa, and I'm a scientist for the Tritech Corporation. It has come to our knowledge that you're heading out to Dastan? Perhaps we could be of assistance? We just so happen to have an air ship waiting for you back at Tritech Headquarters. I assure you it'd be much faster than that lousy, third rate ship the captain is offering you on." The Captain's look of shock soon turns to anger as he clenches his fist on the hilt of his cutlass. "Lousy, third- I beg your pardon, but you have no right to say anything of the sort. Your interests are better left with the Bonapartes, Dragonlord. I assume your blimp or whatever it is about the size of a dingy? The Princess of the Night is equipped with the highest grade cannons, cannoneers, crew, and captain, if I do say so myself. Have you even tested your air ship yet?" Nicole looks a little lost. She realigns her glasses and blushes. "Well-" "Just what I thought. See, sir-" "Oh for the love of the gods, will you two just shut the hell up!?" Dragonlord looks back and forth between the two, before finally turning to the party. "It appears we've come to our first big decision: whose ship will you take? Don't worry about cost, I'll finance the trip either way. The decision is in your hands." QM Note: Talk amongst yourselves, ask questions, and when you're ready to make a decision, bold your choice. Everyone gets a voice in the matter, but the Party Leader must deliver the party's final decision.

41 and 45. Fortunately for Siercon, he got one of the more OCD QMs when it comes to stats.

*Gibbs-slaps Khorne and Zepher* You should be ashamed of yourselves, tormenting a poor low-level Mage like that. (At least Zepher had the decency to actually increase his HP on level-up, even though he ignored Ether half the time. )

I've been tweaking this template (and adding in extra info as I come up with it) for my various characters, but I thought I'd share a blank version of the roleplaying notes template I'm using for all the NPCs on Quest 104, just in case other QMs find it helpful. There's also a combat version of this, but that one only has three fields given the simplicity of our system: Participation Type: [Direct/Buffing/escort/other] (ally/enemy, cooperative/uncooperative) During Combat: *the character's tactics in combat, which includes who they listen to if they're cooperative or which enemies they'll attack if they're uncooperative* Morale/Escape: *In what circumstances the character will try to leave combat, and any tactics they may use (Smoke Bomb, Flee, runs when defeated, etc.). This is where I list if an NPC dies if they hit 0 HP in combat* After that is the normal stat block. Hope people find this helpful!

Gah, exposition city! At least with this third draft I managed to simplify it somewhat.

QM Note: Siercon and Coral have 72 hours to get in contact with me; for now, we'll move forward. "Ze way you 'stayed calme' at ze Foundation Day gala and let ze Wolfgang attack uz, non doute." Apparently the Count has a long memory. "And you Heroes wonder why no one takes you seriously..." the dark-clothed woman mutters, unimpressed. "Diana. Diana N. Justus, Ace Assassin," the girl says grudingly. The Veteran waves off Actaeon's concern. "Bah! Don't worry about such small things. You're here now--that's what matters." At the comment regarding the threat, though, his smile fades. "Perhaps I ought to let Count Shadeaux explain." "Si vous insistez..." "Several weeks ago, ze House Shadeaux--zat is, ze House of which I am head--found itzelf in need of le mercenaire who would be...'ow you say...more trustworzy zan ze usual sort." "He means he couldn't trust Heroes to do the job." Dragonlord and Count Shadeaux both shoot death glares at Diana, who seems unperturbed. "Miss Justice, perhaps you could allow the Count to finish explaining? Without interruption?" The girl shrugs. "Whatever." "In any case, we picked ze two brightest canditats we had, and trained zem as Dragoons--superbe chevaliers wiz ze skill to ride Dragons as zheir mount. What we did non know, 'owever, was zat zese two where meilleurs amis et rivaux--zey competed fiercely, and zey were non 'appy to find out ze ozzer 'ad been trained. Zey fled ze city soon after." Count Shadeaux withdraws a rolled sheet of parchment from his coat and hands it to Dragonlord to unroll, pointing out the two figures illustrated upon it. "Zese are ze deux--on ze left, Darius Kaan, a well-trusted mercenaire who 'as served ze Shawes for many yearz. On ze right is Sirone Valishter, who once served as un of my personal guard." "Zey are young, but zat iz idéal, even nécessaire if zey are to form a lifelong bond wiz zheir Dragon partner. Zey were assurément our best choix for ze Dragoon training." "I'm a Dragoon myself--my ancestor, the Golden Dragon, was one of the original Veterans of Heroica. What many people seem to forget about her is that she was also one of the last great Dragoons from the Empire of Dastan, home of one of the world's largest and oldest known populations of Dragons. She passed that tradition along to her daughter, who in turn passed it to her daughter, and eventually my mother taught me. My partner Smaragdea and I haven't flown together in...well, longer than I'd care to admit, thanks to our duties, but we both cherish our partnership as much as life itself. It truly is a life-long connection." "And zat is what we believe zey are after. Ze Dragons of Dastan." After a moment's pause, Diana speaks up again. "...and? So they want to tame dragons. Let them! What's the big deal?" "Ze 'big deal', as you put it, Miss Justice, iz zat zey are young, and reckless. Ze last we heard of zem, zey were reported to be having la querelle spectaculaire, and one spoke of 'proof' zey were ze best Dragon-rider ze world 'ad ever seen. If zey attempt to pursue zose claims..." "Dragon-riding takes skill. It also takes patience, wisdom, and, most importantly, responsibility. Dragons are among the most powerful creatures on Olegaia. Even the young can ravage cities with a single breath. If suficiently angered--or worse, if misdirected--they could be a serious threat to these two, and to everyone around them. The Dastanese have already been through a war, less than two years ago--they don't need another catastrophe to deal with. We have to bring these two to their senses before anything happens--to them or to the people of Dastan. Any questions?"

Believe me, I have been mercilessly pushing them to fight that archdemon. Think of all the overpowered drops!

What's up with that one-up mushroom, Pie? Did Hybros drink his Feng-whatever essence? If so, shouldn't that also apply to Pretzel through the Soul Link Chain?

I'd actually like to see some variations on those Artifacts--maybe a Shaman Plate that heals from the enemy with the least health remaining (so not necessarily a full heal), but it gives the party that enemy's immunities for a few rounds or something. Or maybe a Witch's Talisman that deals poisoned equal to some fraction of the Witch's level, or one that deals poisoned equal to the Round number; not necessarily upgrades (well, except for the Witch one), but more along the lines of side-grades.

True enough. That's probably why English is so widespread--it's like the Borg of languages. Also: we have a banner now! Look familiar?

Other way around.

Depends on how happy Count Shadeaux is with what you guys accomplish.