Flipz

Arthur shakes his head. "Hybros. Passion's death was wrong. I don't just mean that in the sense of 'it shouldn't have happened', I mean...wrong. Like, me wrong. What Wren did to him...people should earn their fates. Passion only died because Wren would not fight fair. He had no choice, while he lay unconscious she warped him utterly. That's...even at my most insane, I..." I...what? Would never have condoned such an action? This from the man who tried to side with the one who did it? "Lunatic" does not even begin to describe such an attitude. Arthur swallows, struggling for words. "Believe me. Passion's death could not have been any more unnatural. Restoring him to what he was before...that...is more righting a wrong than anything else." Arthur pauses. "I'm not sure if 'strong' is the right word for it, or for me. But thank you anyway." "...It is good to hear that Etheria will be safe. Perhaps now I can rest a little easier." Liar, Arthur thinks to himself. My rest will be anything but easy. With a troubled mind, Arthur rolls out his Bedroll and rests.

Sorry, Zeph, we must have cross posted (I'm on mobile today). I'll respond to your most recent post in an hour or so. EDIT: On second thought, never mind; I'll reply when I can. Don't wait up for me. (Sorry, splitting headaches=no can write good. )

"I have. He is a ferocious fighter, but the subtlety of strategy is not his strong suit. Still, I suppose we have no choice but to hope he and the others are all right." OOC: While we're on the subject, if they fail their Quest, does that mean we fail ours as well, and vice versa? "That...sounds eerily like what happened to us with the Amulet of Gods in the Valley of Ennon. We found the Amulet, defeated the Last General who wore it, and then Wren cheated and stole it out from under us." "<From what you told me in Xu, the Amulet was a physical artifact you never laid hands upon. What we carry is intangible and infinite. The flame, perhaps, is at risk since its vessel may be stolen. The same cannot be said of your breath, nor of the two of you who have learned it. I will personally ensure that.>" "I hope you're right, Miirym. For all our sakes." "If it's upsetting the balance you're worried about, Purpearl, then Heroica is your biggest opponent. Upsetting the status quo is part of the job description, and being the dominant power even more so. If you want to change that, I'd suggest talking to the Veterans about removing the death protection when you get back to the Hall." Arthur shrugs. "I tend to find that actively changing things for the better is better than maintaining the status quo when it comes to opposing those who wish to change things for the worse. Better to draw the enemy into the open where they can be fought than allow them to skulk in the shadows, influencing events in ways unseen."

Having the three job traits does not give you the weapon and artifact proficiencies; additionally, prohibiting shield-bearing classes means you can't try to get two dragons at once or anything nutso like that.

I've been editing my earlier post to add new suggestions, but since everyone else is making multiple posts... For Lind Whisperer: Dragon Egg (The user's job traits are replaced with those of a Dragoon: Diplomacy, Pet Dragon, and Dragon Tamer; accessory, soul-bound, unsuitable to politicians and classes that wield shields) For Throlar: Amulet of Elven Loyalty (wearer is considered an Elf in addition to their original race and gains +5 WP and +5 HP for every Elf in the party; accessory, suitable to Throlar only) For En Sabah Nur: Ethereal Heart (wearer adds half of their Ether count (rounded down) to their max HP; accessory, suitable to original Mages and Clerics whose current class does not use Ether)

I can think of at least three off the top of my head that could be modified and dropped in my future Quests, and that's without even trying. Case in point... I really want to make a version of these akin to the Guardian Feathers from 104.

"...and I think I know the vessel you have in mind--" Arthur is interrupted by Hoke. Arthur nods in agreement. "It's the only logical choice." Arthur turns back to Guffington and Chauncey. "If Daneeka was involved in this research, then no doubt he is in danger from these unknown assailants as well. While I understand the need to split up to travel more quickly, I cannot help but feel concerned for his safety, and that of the other Heroes. They may be protected by their membership in Heroica, but Daneeka is not, and the last time we dealt with the Old Gods we were forced to renounce our vows to proceed in our task. I fear they might have need of our aid, and us a world away with no way to give it..."

Arthur remains silent, simply nodding in support of Hybros' query.

"Hmm...perhaps I will join you, then. I, too, am interested to see how our ultimate mission is planned to unfold. I suppose there is no time like the present...?" Arthur looks to see where Chauncey has gotten off to, and follows Hybros if the latter goes to speak to him.

I actually really like this one, I never would have thought of something like that. Actually, to engage in a bit of mid-Quest notes, I'm really appreciating some of these Quest-earned (and, with luck, Grogmas-gifted ) abilities for Dragons. It makes a lot of sense that a dragon's individual abilities will develop according to their actual life experiences, rather than just being through their Dragoon's gear. It's a neat touch, and simultaneously rewards going through the levels to train your dragon and give them life experiences that grant them new abilities, rather than switching into the class later on when the dragon is already powerful (which has always been one of the bigger complaints levied against the class). It's really cool, and a practice that I hope continues.

Not with itself. It might stack with different gold-multiplying items (Tyrant Statue), I don't know, that'd need Sandy ruling.

Nagurre has the exact same thing. I'm trying to come up with a Grogmas Gift for everyone who's offered one for Arthur, but it's a little hard to come up with things for some of you. People have some nice suggestions going; I may end up just stealing other people's suggestions some more.

For me, it is very much a sort of insanity. The closest thing I can compare it to is figbarfing; I sort of just started throwing paths and obstacles and false leads together until I had something that pleased me; from there, I set one path as my intended solution and then tweaked all the others to have one crucial obstacle that couldn't be overcome within the rules/mechanics of the puzzle. WBD would probably have more insight into the process, but that's my experience from 141 at least.

They have to be playing with the concept of Mistress Death somehow, she's too vital to Infinity Wars not to introduce her at all. If Thanos is just a crazed power-mad villain like Ronan the Accuser was in Guardians of the Galaxy, having no motivation beyond "I like power", the outrage will be unmatched.

In my case, I suggested those specific gifts for Cronk and Nyx in hopes of luring them back. These are pretty good, actually. I might have to steal borrow the mechanic behind the Winterbound Blade and Greaves of Holy Ground, those would be great mechanics to use in an upcoming boss fight (and then drop as loot). Hmm...did it cost him Ether to spawn them, then? (Duplovian Helmet wouldn't block that, but Sealed would IIRC.)

I thought the first Oculoid boss used Ether? I may be misremembering. Either way, even if the Ether pool is "infinite", if the skill says it's using Ether to fuel it, it's a no-sell on someone with a Duplovian Helmet.

Hey, I warned both you and Zepher about it when you started pulling stuff. In Zepher's case, he learned quite well from "The Great Flipz party equipment-swapping of Quest 53", though maybe he needs a refresher; you learned pretty well from my complaining on 70, and for the most part have managed to keep things mostly balanced. But yeah, knowing how fond Zepher is of Jinxed Heroes and Lucky enemies, it's one huge reason I picked Jinxed as one of my Blue Hand Shield immunities, and I imbued my Armor Sundering scroll into my cloak for a similar reason of "I invested heavily into this advantage, by gum I am going to get my money's worth out of it rather than it just being countered." Same reason I've held onto the Duplovian Helmet even though I could just try to collect all gems and imbue them into something; I know you and Zepher both are fond of OP enemies that use Ether for their attacks, that helmet cuts through the BS to make it a fair fight once again (because "Immune to Magic" makes it immune to ALL attacks that use Ether, as well as all elements). If we're talking about "regretting creating a monster you now have to deal with yourself", Arthur is very much high on that list.

Natasha from the Dastan side? Dude, Arthur could totally take her 1-on-1 with just an Ambrosia, not that there seems to be any reason to outside of sparring. (Then again, alongside a group of enemies...okay, yeah, that might be less than enjoyable. ) I mean, it would take like two months to whittle down 7,000 HP, but though it's excessive it's doable. That's consistent with both Wren herself and everything we had to fight on 53. I think I remember complaining about it myself back then, too. I think that's when I myself started getting really douchy with my stat builds and minmaxing.

"Indeed I have." Miirym notes Arthur and Hybros' movement, and soars closer to the airship, the better to listen in. "It is curious. So many times wandering so close to the solution, but not understanding until the end. Only with the aid of hindsight can I truly see the irony." Arthur glances over his shoulder at Chauncey. "I couldn't have done it without Master Guffington and Lord Chauncey. Chauncey in particular gave me good advice for interpreting the Masters' teachings. It was meditating upon his answers to my suggestions that finally led me down the right path. You should speak with him. He has a perspective on the world that few others do."

First rule of Zepher NPCs: they're uncooperative, sometimes dramatically so. Second rule of Zepher NPCs: the "practical" and/or "logical" solution for dealing with them almost never works. Third rule of Zepher NPCs: bring dozens of Phoenix Essences, because they are a ***** to keep alive. Ladies and gentlemen, Zepher NPCs in a nutshell. Also, if you're dealing with Zane, then you're operating on Wren Quest rules rather than post-Wren rules, meaning anything you try to do will likely have some dramatically negative side-effect. Dunno why Legonater failed to warn you about that, though.

Gnn. Between this and trying to do preparations for my future Quests, it's getting very very difficult not to read West! Honestly, I'm itching to get to Etheria so I can just binge it without guilt.

OOC: Miirym should have one more HP from the Henry she used, and Arthur should have the other one in his inventory. Arthur rechecks and readjusts all of his gear, the first time he had done so in a long while. "Hey, Hybros," he says, "perhaps Hoke and I should each hold on to a Phoenix Incense, to store in each of our Hollow Blade weapons? With luck we will not need them, but better safe than sorry." If given a Phoenix Incense, Arthur slots it into the Hollow Blade of his Duplovian Swift Halberd.

No. Blasted 1/6 Petrified axe was enough of a nightmare the last time I had to host it, let's not multiply it. In other news, I just woke up from a Heroica dream! I was reading the QM Lounge comments about a Quest hosted by The Chosen Minifigure featuring Throlar, Boomingham, and William Harkenshire; apparently William had gone on this massive roleplaying kick, culminating in a moment where he had to choose between killing Throlar or Barty (I'll keep to myself which one he actually decided to kill). People kept comparing the Quest favorably to Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and I felt so bad about not following the Quest closely that it woke me up. EDIT: I accidentally a word. Stupid mobile...

Miirym is the first to notice the change. "<You have found it.>" Arthur nods. "I have." Arthur takes a moment to breathe--not deeply, not powerfully, just normally--to enjoy the sensation of it, to relish the experience. "Come. It is time to leave." "<I am glad. I enjoy seeing you learn and grow, but you cannot deny that the waiting was tedious.>" Arthur opens his mouth to object, but instead just smiles and shakes his head. "Let's go." Arthur returns to the others, ready to depart. "It was a pleasure seeing you again, Monsignore Legonardo. If ever you need assistance in your research, be assured that Miirym and I will be happy to assist."

Like Asphalt, I'll add more to this list later. For Vindsval Half-Born: Mechanical Arm (WP x2, wearer cannot be disarmed, artifact cannot be de-equipped during battle; handwear, suitable for Vindsval only) For Hoke Ablesword: Shadeaux Cape (SP:1; suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear) For Purpearl Berthadhiell: Coat Hanger (Allows wearing a second bodywear artifact regardless of the amount limit for artifacts; accessory) For Hybros: Impish Gauntlets (SP:3, wearer is immune to Free Hits from Dark- and Demon-type enemies; handwear, suitable for Hybros only) For Cronk: Hinckwell Shield (SP:3, makes user permanently lucky; suitable to those with an outstanding reputation with the Hinckwells only; shield) For Nyx: Book of a Thousand Creatures Errata (spell item, allows the user to summon Edgar (see: Book of a Thousand Creatures) in-battle or out of battle at the cost of 10 Ether; usable by owners of the Book of a Thousand Creatures only) For Thormanil Nihai: Shadeaux Cape (SP:1; suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear) For Ellaria Arbour: Alchemist's Cheatsheet (1/3 chance to make two of the same Mixture on rolls of Shield, accessory, suitable to Alchemists) For Sorrow: Bone Gloves (thrown bones and Ancient Bones deal damage equal to the wearer's level in addition to their normal effect; handwear, suitable to undead only) For Zora Felix: Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row; footwear, suitable for anyone) For Vipera: Dastanese Pearl (Grants permanent immunity to hexed, confused, enamored, afraid, and enraged when used on a dragon companion, consumable) For Thalion Dwinlas: Blue Hand Shield (SP:5, grants immunity to five effects of the user’s choice; these immunities cannot be changed once selected; shield) For Atramor Gibbin: Ultraviolet Blade (WP:30, dual strike; first strike is fire-elemental, second strike ice-elemental; gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; longsword) For Lawrence Boomingham: Crimson Haze (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects permanently) For Kiray Nastayo: Wolfish Boots (SP:1, multiplied by number of characters in party with Wolfgang reputation; footwear, suitable only for those with Wolfgang reputation) For Warlen Melimane: Lens of Speed-Reading (allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action; accessory, suitable for scroll users) For Karie Alderflask: Portable Vibrataphone (tool, allows the user to record one Battle Song of their choice, which cannot be changed; the chosen song may be performed up to three times per Quest at no Ether cost, usable by Minstrels only) For Skrall: Trigger-link Gauntlet (allows the user to comfortably wield two crossbows at once, combining their WP, elements, and effects into one attack; handwear, suitable for characters with enormous hands) For Dyric Rone: Quiver of Blinding Light (Attacks deal Blinded; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; Backwear) For William Harkenshire: Wristguards of the Wrathful Warden (SP:2, SHIELD applies an Aggressive Aura to the targeted enemy instead of the Warden, causing the enemy to draw in all attacks and negative effects (including the enemies' attacks) until the end of the next Round; handwear, suitable to Wardens only) For Heckz Brutenall: Ethereal Make-up Kit (spell item; removes all negative effects and grants Immune to Negative Effects for one round at the cost of 15 Ether, usable once per battle) EDIT: Repeating suggestions made in later posts for Sandy convenience: For Lind Whisperer: Dragon Egg (The user's job traits are replaced with those of a Dragoon: Diplomacy, Pet Dragon, and Dragon Tamer; accessory, soul-bound, unsuitable to politicians and classes that wield shields) For Throlar: Amulet of Elven Loyalty (wearer is considered an Elf in addition to their original race and gains +5 WP and +5 HP for every Elf in the party; accessory, suitable to Throlar only) For En Sabah Nur: Ethereal Heart (wearer adds half of their Ether count (rounded down) to their max HP; accessory, suitable to original Mages and Clerics whose current class does not use Ether) For Germ: Shroud of Solitude (SP:2, absorbs Darkness, wearer is Encouraged and Inspired if they are the only standing party member; backwear, suitable to Germ only) For Matthias: Diadem of the Diminutive Druid (immune to Minimized, wearer can choose to heal an ally in addition to making an attack [both actions use the same roll]; headwear, suitable to short druids) For Guts Holla: Hip Flask (allows the user to slot in a consumable, letting them use it while still taking a normal action [see: Hollow Blade weapons]; accessory, suitable to alcohol connoisseurs) For Sarge: Adamantite (An exceedingly rare metal that can be forged into weapons and shields, adding 25 WP or SP, respectively.) For Erik Tyvarr: Great Force (doubles all damage given and taken; accessory, suitable for everyone) For Eric: Generosity Wallet (all allies gain half as much gold when the wearer steals gold, this does not reduce the amount of gold stolen; accessory, suitable to gold-gaining classes) For Pretzel: Dice Bag of Fortune (tool; when used on an enemy, causes their loot rolls to be rolled twice if KO'd within three rounds) For Em: Wristguards of the Wrathful Warden (SP:2, SHIELD applies an Aggressive Aura to the targeted enemy instead of the Warden, causing the enemy to draw in all attacks and negative effects (including the enemies' attacks) until the end of the next Round; handwear, suitable to Wardens only) For Sylph: Nature's Cloak (Wearer is Blessed and Inspired during *Lush* weather, has 1/6 chance to change weather to *lush* at the start of battle, if equipped, backwear)