Flipz

"Greetings, Master Kiga. It appears that my meditation technique is in need of refinement. Would you, perhaps, be willing to teach an impatient young fool such as myself some of the finer points?"

FM Note: Still waiting for William and Avalanche to decide whether or not they'll stay.

Just a heads-up, the banner pic in all the topics seems to have been messed up.

Following the vision's lead, Arthur sits down in one of the spots he'd seen the past monks meditate in, crosses his legs, and begins to meditate. He pats a spot nearby for Miirym to join him. She looks curiously at the flowers, then at Arthur, then with a shrug of her wings and a flick of her tail she curls up as best she can, careful to remain as light as possible and not to trample the plant life. The ever-present smoke trailing from her nostrils things to mere wisps as she begins to meditate alongside him.

Heh. A week ago I pretty much had all of my thoughts on 141 figured out in my head. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked I got sick and my head went loopy. Apologies if my words occasionally fail to make sense. I like how this one turned out, overall. Still not up to the standard of 104, but definitely went a lot smoother than 118. I put a lot of planning into this one mechanically, though story-wise I think it probably could have used a little more polish. Basically, the idea behind this Quest was to explain why Bones and Ancient Bones have monetary value, but only to magic merchants; imagine, if you will, that the sort of bone-trading we saw here happens on a regular basis throughout the Heroica world, wherever Bones/Ancient Bones are bought. I also wanted to loop in the Fields, give a little bit of background lore to the place and flesh out some non-Hero opinions of them. Kiri and Sakurai both embody attitudes some Heroes/players have towards the Fields of Glory, and they were both motivated in part by the loot drop of the current Roaming Monster (and yes, that's why most of the stats of the Mirage Knight were hidden, I can't go and spoil everything, now can I? ). From those concepts, I just had to connect the dots to make a coherent cycle. Originally, I had planned for the cycle to go through twice--Sakurai (or rather, the original concept character I was using instead of him) was going to be the necromancer who hired the party, and he was going to conduct a necromantic ritual to revive the Tyrannosaur so you could fight it and get the bones, which you would have then taken to Kiri who would have raised them as the bone beast. I shied away from that concept for fear of beating you over the head with the concept, as well as allowing the slaying of the Tyrannosaur in Timehenge to contribute to the "abuse of nature" theme Pie's developed during his Fields runs. The loot on this Quest was a little excessive, but was all dropped for a specific purpose: the poisoned non-elemental weapons were there to help you with the two Tyrannosaur variants (especially the Undead one the Barbarians wouldn't have been able to touch otherwise), while the SP-defying elemental ones were, naturally, also designed for said fight. They ended up being a bit excessive, but only because I ended up making them guaranteed drops instead of 1/3 chance drops from the elemental spirits; if the martial Heroes had been forced to use non-SP-defying weapons, I think the final fight might have been more in line with what I'd originally intended (i.e. wear down the SP so that the Heroes with elemental attacks can actually deal damage). I'll probably revisit the mechanic at some point in the future, just tweaking things a bit more to encourage more attacking. Speaking of the final boss, the Ancient Amber/Ancient Sapphamber Staff was also intended to be preparation for the final boss, which was supposed to be Ancient/Undead; I switched it to Undead/Beast, however, when I realized that the original typing would have left the elemental blades useless (and I wasn't sure if the martial Heroes would think to use their non-elemental weapons against the boss). Like I said, I'll be tweaking this mechanic before I use it in the future. Speaking of the fights...gods, Terry and Jinnipher make things difficult. The first and third fights were sort of balanced to give them a little bit of a challenge, but nearly ended with party wipes instead; on the other hand, both Tyrannosaurs ended up as jokes in the face of Jinnipher's SP because I didn't want to make them unfair to the rest of the party. I think handing out the SP-granting hats at the start of the Quest might have helped a lot with that, but in actuality I'd only planned out the Cultist Caps at that point (having a variety of hats instead of just them was a late addition to the Quest, formed after the first near-wipe). Ultimately, though, I'd rather see Jinnipher breeze through my bosses rather than watch the rest of the party wipe, so I'm fine with how the last battle turned out. I think if I had to pick one thing I'm most dissatisfied with, it'd probably be a toss-up between Kiri and the ending. I'll be honest, while I like Kiri's concept (especially mechanically), character-wise I had difficulty writing her. I originally intended her to be sort of over-the-top Gothy (I wanted all of this Quest's NPCs aside from Mac to have the sort of "quirky-but-still-serious-when-needed" vibe Flare mastered in 57), but there were times where she kept drifting towards just being Diana 2.0, which I implicitly didn't want. She was too agreeable here, a little too generous and not quite petty enough. I do have plans to bring her back eventually, but she'll need some work in between now and then. As for the ending, I really think I can chalk that up to a lack of preparation crossed with external complications; in my head, an abrupt ending made sense, but in practice the writing was just a bit awkward. Going forward into my Diana Quest and my Charis Quest, I think I'll put a bit more of my pre-planning efforts into the ending, hopefully ending up with something more akin to Dual Dragoons than to this Quest. Characters/Players: Terry/Endgame I was really psyched when I saw that Terry was back in the Hall and signed on for this Quest, even though I knew from experience that as a mage he'd be an absolute pain to balance for. I'd hoped that thrusting him into a position of leadership would lead to a lot of awkward moments, and I was definitely not disappointed. My advice for you in future party leadership, however, would be to watch the mood and activity of the other players and try to give them moments to play off of you. As party leader, every single character on the Quest is already going to be paying attention to you and your posts, so if you can give them a moment to show off some of their character's traits, it's naturally going to be easier for them to spot those opportunities you give them. We saw you do just that in your interactions with Jinnipher, but I would have liked to see some of that with the other characters, particularly Ezeran (some mage-on-mage mentorship could have been cool, especially with the character age difference) and Kheyli. Also be careful of loot-hogging--I'm guilty of it too (it was especially egregious in 120 ), but it's something to be aware of. Jinnipher/JimBee As with Terry, I was really excited when I realized you were available for 141; for one thing, it meant I could buff the battle difficulty a little, since I knew she'd be able to take on some of the harder foes for the little guy. That said, she's a nightmare to balance for at her current Level, though that should hopefully even out a little more now that she's in the Level 10 range instead of being grouped with Level 1s. Jinnipher's belligerent shone through a lot here, to the point where you almost inspired an unplanned battle (your and Boris' skepticism of Sakurai nearly led you to have to battle through the Burning Forest to get to Timehenge, where you would have arrived just in time to see Sakurai get eaten). That said, there seemed to be a bit of tunnel-vision on Terry at some points, and like with him I would have liked to have seen more interaction between you and the two party Barbarians. Boris/Waterbrick Down I've always liked Boris; there's an inherent contradiction to his character that makes him absolutely fascinating to watch, and I always get a kick out of him quoting Ennocian scriptures (which is a really cool way of breadcrumbing world lore outside of hosting a Quest ). I'd originally slated him to be Party Leader before Jinn and Terry signed up, and I still think it could have turned out well; that said, I was very pleasantly surprised in his interactions with the NPCs, where he reciprocated Kiri's attraction while being skeptical of Sakurai (as I said earlier, almost to the point of throwing me off the rails to an unplanned encounter). You also did a great job of quietly shepherding the lower-level characters to speak up a bit and roleplay, which I as a QM really appreciated. I wish I could have had Mac interact with you and Ezeran a bit more, but unfortunately life had other plans for me. The decision to make the scientists interaction a puzzle instead of just "choose between keeping the bones for yourself or getting Ji Pei rep" came from realizing you'd be on the Quest, and me wanting to give you a taste of the experience you've so often provided for the rest of us. We as QMs often make the sort of Quests we'd like to participate in, so it's always nice to have a chance to give back a little in that respect. My advice to you: while I know the stats aren't your biggest interest, I'd really suggest doing a little optimization on Boris. Despite having a massive level advantage over the rest of the party, he felt a little under-powered even compared to the Level 1s, and while I agree with JimBee that it's refreshing to see a Cleric actually be able to heal allies in battle instead of just fighting, it's a shame to see him so unable to contribute when he does fight. Even something as simple as Karie's Spring Staff would be of tremendous help to him in battle--give him enough WP that his Crits and Heal Mores actually mean something. Ezeran/MysticModulus You have a great character with a cool concept...and quite possibly the worst offensive element in the game. Usually, Mages are the most overpowered base class (as Terry handily showed), put poor Ezeran's very first battle put him up against a bunch of foes who were immune to his only element. On the one hand, I'm glad it let me use Weather as a balance tool (seriously, weather is a powerful but underutilized option in the QM toolkit for adjusting battle balance), but on the other I really wish I'd been able to give Ezeran a few more chances to shine. Still, you did an excellent job of staying active and engaged, and interacting with your fellow party members and the NPCs. I look forward to seeing you grow and develop him and his symbiont more in the future, and I'd happily bring him along in future level-appropriate outings. Torald/Alfadas You were the other newbie on the Quest, and while you had some great moments, there were also some silences where I could have stood to see more of you. You and Sakurai seemed to get along well, as well as you and Boris, so hopefully in the future we can see more relationships like those. I'd especially like to see a little more roleplaying during combat, as it's a great opportunity for Barbarians to express why and how they fight, and how that makes them who they are. Kheyli/K-Nut Like Torald, you got a bit overshadowed on this one, and I would have liked to have seen more of Kheyli as well, particularly her opinions on and interactions with the events unfolding around her. I can tell you have a definite personality established for her, I just couldn't seem to see enough of her to actually grasp it. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed yourself, though, and I look forward to seeing what you bring to Kheyli in the future. Guest QM/Palathadric Wow. When I saw the narration you gave for the elemental battle, I wished I had brought you on to narrate all of my battles. You nailed the Flare-ian Quest 57 vibe I had wanted to bring to the entire Quest, far better than I ever could have. I really think you'll make an excellent QM when you finally jump in to hosting, as you've definitely demonstrated you have the skills it takes. Thank you again so much for helping me, and if I'm in a jam in the future, you'll definitely be one of the first people who comes to mind. It's funny, the "Level based on the Hero's" mechanic is one of my favorites for mixed-level parties, but it honestly never sprang to mind. *blush* Looking back, it would have been perfect for the elementals fight, maybe along with some level-based SP as well. The spirits were probably the least-explained portion of the Quest, mostly because I didn't want to bog down the Mirage Knight in a ton of lore that the other Fields Masters would have to keep track of once a Fields party gets to fight him. In case it wasn't clear, the Mirage Knight is the "Auster" who spoke to the four elemental spirits, sending them after the party; they're allies. And as you might guess, the Mirage Knight at least will make at least one more appearance; it's up to the Fields parties whether or not his next appearance will be his last. Sakurai was originally supposed to Flee mid-Tyrannosaur fight, leaving behind his staff just like he did, but I decided after your initial interactions to tone down his cowardice a bit and let him learn to be a bit more of a risk-taker to distinguish him from Kiri's "play with pawns" style. Since he definitely didn't want you to drag him back to Kiri to complain about his leading her (and you) on about already having the bones, he ran a different direction from you when you fled the Mirage Knight, leaving him free to begin plotting his next scheme. No doubt he'll break into the Fields yet again at some point, and undoubtedly Heroes will end up involved in cleaning up his mess...

Perhaps they share a deeper connection than either of them realizes... Also: Early candidate for "Best Plot Twist" at Henrys 2016?

Arthur takes one look at the pink flowers, smiles serenely, and at Miirym's curious glance picks one.

Arthur follow after Chauncey, Miirym in tow.

Sorry, 139, 141 and UQ have to come first. I'll try to get something written up later. I'll also try to work up my thoughts on 141 for the QM Lounge over the next few days.

Challenge: Immortal: One random enemy cannot be damaged or inflicted with negative effects until all others are defeated. x1.8 GP Round 2 of Battle 4 Avalanche vs. Itsy-Bitsy Spiders - Special Damage (Cobweb - Avalanche: Bound; Warlen: +1 Power) >William vs. Bugbear Healers A - Hit (Bugbear Healers A: no effect, Immortal) >William vs. Itsy-Bitsy Spiders - Critical Hit (Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 5*2=10+22=32 damage) Erik vs. Itsy-Bitsy Spiders - Special Damage (Cobweb - Erik: Bound; Warlen: +1 Power) >Siercon (Fire) vs. Itsy-Bitsy Spiders - Special Damage (Cobweb - Siercon: Bound; Warlen: +1 Power) >Warlen (Fire) vs. Itsy-Bitsy Spiders - Spell (Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 12+20=32+4=36*2=72 damage; Warlen: -1 Ether) Alexander vs. Itsy-Bitsy Spiders - Critical Hit (Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 16*2=32+27=59*2=118 damage (KO!); Bugbear Healers A: Immortal removed) After an astounding first Round, the Heroes inexplicably take an absurd amount of time to kill the spiders. Round 3 of Battle 4 Avalanche vs. Bugbear Healers A Bound >William vs. Bugbear Healers A - Special Damage (Bear Hug - Bugbear Healers A: +30 health; Warlen: +1 Power) >William vs. Bugbear Healers A - Hit (Bugbear Healers A: 5+22=27*2=54 damage) Erik (Fire) vs. Bugbear Healers A - Damage (Erik: 21-14=7 damage; Warlen: +1 Power) >Siercon (Fire) vs. Bugbear Healers A - Damage (Siercon: 21-5=16 damage; Warlen: +1 Power) >Warlen (Fire) vs. Bugbear Healers A - SHIELD (Spellblade Spin - 1+5=6 hits; Bugbear Healers A: 12+20+7=39*2/2/2=19+19+19+19+19+19=114 damage; Warlen: -1 Ether) Alexander vs. Bugbear Healers A - Hit (Bugbear Healers A: 16+27=43*2*3=258 damage (KO!)) As the rest of the party fails to appreciably damage the enemies, Warlen starts to spin, but is hampered by his distance from the enemies; exasperated, Alexander finishes them off with a single strike. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! All Heroes gain experience. Siercon, Alexander, and William level up! Siercon is now Level 20 and may equip a third Artifact! The enemies drop some loot and 7 Glory Points. The Party: Warlen Melimane, Eulalia's Knight (The Chosen Minifigure) 23 year old male half-elf Mystic Knight Level 20.33 *Immune to Ether Reduction* *Cursed defense!* *+1 POWER whenever a party member rolls DAMAGE/SPECIAL DAMAGE* *1/6 chance to redirect Free Hits* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 32/32 (5+19+7+1*) SP: 9 (5+4) Ether: 11/25 (5+19+1) Gold: 250 Glory Points (GP): 16 Equipment: Darkstar Wand (WP:12; has 1/2 chance of inflicting hexed-effect; darkness-elemental wand) (loaned from Erik), Eulalia Shield (SP: 5, prevents ether reduction), Vorpalis Diremail (SP: 4, enemies that inflict damage on the wearer become Cursed. Bodywear), Vorpalis Purgers (Power +0; goes up by 1 every time a someone in the hero's party/the hero themselves rolls damage/special damage. Resets to zero if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends. Legwear), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Inventory: Weapons: The Cannonblade (Can be used as a longsword or handcannon, WP: 8. Ignores SP in sword mode, deals Bleeding 1 in cannon mode), Healing Staff (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging), Rusty Dagger (WP:2, poison 10, breaks after 3 uses). Artifacts: Counterstrike Gloves, Magician's Glove* (+10 spell power), Locustoid Greaves (+4 ether, suitable for ether users), Pointy Hat (Max. Ether +2, suitable for mages and clerics.) Spellbook: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet x2 Lent to Siercon, Opal, Topaz, Diamond, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll ofAntimagic Must Be RPed: Lightning Ball (25 electric damage to all enemies, bomb), Small Frost Ball (10 ice damage, bomb) Consumables: Potion x2, Grand Potion x2, First Aid Kit (Full Health and remove negative effects for the whole party), Health Core, Tonic x3, Grand Tonic x2, Remedy x7, Banana (Full Health), Smoke Bomb x3, Milk x2 (+15 HP and Ether), Hurricane x3 (Grants *Drunk* effect. If user makes pun every round, the strength of their attack is doubled), Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 2x Mead, 4x Smelling Salts, Gold Ring (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver.) Other Junk: Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Bones x8, Shiny Gold Rocks x2 (Worth 1 gold at most stores, 5 at magic stores), 10-gallon Hats x7 (Grants wearer tourist effect, causing no one to take them seriously, headwear), Viper Scale (worth 40 gold to a certain someone) For Sale: Wand of Enamouring (WP:6, deals *Enamoured*-effect, wand), Feathered Cap (SP: 1, headwear, immune to *Petrified*), *+1 to health from Rockapple Fruit, Quest #131 *Name changed from Magicians Gloves. Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 19 years old male human Battle Mage. Level: 26.33 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile, Fire, Water,* *Commands dogs* *Party Leader!* Power Bonus: +0 Defense: 14 (Heavy Armour 5 + Bright Polish 1 + Dog Fur Coat 5 + Tricorne 3) Health: 46/46 (Barbarian base 8 + Level bonus 25 + Battle Mage bonus 5 + Raw Meat 5 + Vampire Dust 3) Ether: 19/27 (Level bonus 26 + Battle Mage bonus 1) Gold: 566 Glory Points (GP): 16 Equipment: Titanic Axe (WP:12, Earth, fire, Light-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Brightly Polished Heavy Armour (SP: 6, immune to Fragile,fire, water, bodywear), Dog Fur Coat(SP:5, Grants Command over dogs, backwear), Tricorne(SP: 3). Inventory: Weapons: Darkstar Wand (WP:12; has 1/2 chance of inflicting hexed-effect; darkness-elemental wand) loaned to Warlen, Silver Cup of Victory (WP:10; has 1/6 chance of causing doomed; club) loaned to Avalanche, Plunger (WP:2; 1/2 chance to cause sudden death to an aquatic enemy with each hit; club), Twin Axe (WP: 5, dual strike-axe), Voltedge (WP: 13, greatsword/longsword). Artifacts: Peacekeepers totem (Grants the "Diplomacy"-job trait; suitable to Erik only; accessory), Talisman of Enlightenment(Protects from hexed-effect; accessory), Sharkskin Armour (SP +1, bodywear), Shamanic Plate (Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2; Blood Ritual does double damage to the target; suitable for shamans; bodywear),Lighter Armor (SP: 4, immune to Fragile, bodywear) loaned to William, Helmet (Health +1), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, suitable for mages, clerics, necromancers, scholars and weather mages; backwear.) Gems: Amethyst, Ruby, Topaz. Consumables: Milk (Restores 15 health and ether), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 4*Tonics, Nostrum, Venom, Ether Core, 3x Potions, Health Core, Mulled Wine, Mead, Smelling Salts, Elixir, Grand Potion, Deluxe Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), 3x Bone Other items: Gold Statuette (Worth 100 gold), 3*Torches (WP:2, breaks after one use, suitable to all), Chair (WP:4, club), 2*Crystal Balls (worth 50 gold, except in magic shops where it is worth 100 gold.) Siercon (Siercon and Coral) Male, Age and species unknown (Visual appearance of hollow black smoke in human form.) Battlemage Level 20 *Natural Respite* *Darkness to all Attacks; Immune to Darkness and Asleep* Power Bonus: +10 spellpower Defense: 5 (Dark Phibbian Cloak +5) Health: 29/29 (5 base + 19 lvl + 5 class) Ether: 10/25 (5 base + 19 lvl + 1 class) Gold: 109 Glory Points (GP): 22 Equipment: Giant Spear (WP:17, causes Bleeding -5, Hollow [-]), Dark Phibbian Cloak (SP:5, Immune to Darkness and Sleep, adds Darkness-element to attacks; bodywear, suitable for magic users), Magicians Gloves(Spellpower +10; Handwear, suitable for Mages) Inventory: Weapons/Artifacts: Sylvania's Cowl (grants Animal Talk; headwear, suitable for anyone), Sanctified Rito Spear (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies, Hollow upgrade [-]), 2x Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril) Gems: Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Ruby (Fire), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth) (loaned from Warlen) Bombs: Cataclysm Bomb 200 (200 damage to all enemies with all elements [except darkness], ignores row and SP), Muddy Bomb (deals blinded and poisoned by 3 to all foes), Confuse Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the confused-effect to all opponents), 7x Bone, Smoke Bomb Consumables: 7 Potions, 3 Remedies, 1 Grand Potion, Tools: Magic Compass, Shovel, Magnifying Glass For Sale: (Message if interested): Chain Scythe (WP:6, appliesEnamored), Hood of the Dark Druid (wearer absorbs Wood- and Darkness-elemental damage; headwear, suitable for druids only), Quest: Good Rep: Shadeaux, Rito Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) 99 years old elf Hunter Level 28 *Natural Respite* *Immune to asleep and fast asleep* *Favors Undead- and Beast-type enemies* *Sealed (2 Rounds)* Power Bonus: +2 WP Defense: 6 (Chevalier of Charis armor + Dream Helm) Health: 43/43 (6 base + 27 level + 6 class + 2 Chevalier of Charis armor + 2 Chicken Drumstick) Gold: 280 Glory Points (GP): 74 Equipment: Fauxthril Crossbow (WP: 14 16 due to Hunter's Quiver, darkness-, ice-elemental, Hollow Blade upgraded [nothing stored]), Chevalier of Charis armor (Artifact, bodywear) (Maximum health +2, SP: 2), Dream Helm (SP: 4, wearer immune to asleep and fast asleep, artifact, headwear), Hunter's Qiver (WP: +2 to bows and crossbows, allows the hunter to favour two typers at the same time) Inventory: •Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 7), Delfrin Master Bow (WP:8, inflicts Jinxed) • Duplovian Helmets of the Guard (SP: 2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Sterile Gloves (Immune to Poisoned and Bleeding; handwear), Ancient Spear (WP:5, Earth elemental), Trickster's Mask of the Gender-Swap • Grand Potion (2), Potions (10), Remedies (2), Tonic (2), Venoms (6), Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Holy Bomb, Fire Bomb (2), Lightning Bomb, Elven Bomb, First Aid Kit (Consumable), Meads (3), Weak potion (2), Weak Regeneration Potion (1), Weak Regeneration Tonic (1), Smelling Salt (2), Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril), Big Apple, Bones (8), Skeleton Decoy, Charcoal, Phoenix Essence (2), (2) Grating Stone • Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Reputation: Ziegfrieds - Great (+2 Quest), Bonapartes - Great (+2 Quest) Name: William Harkenshire *Immune to Light and Fragile* *Counterstriking* Level: 23 Warden Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 14 Health: 37/37 Gold: 559 Glory Points (GP): 16 Equipment: Croise Crossbow (WP: 12), Mirror Shield (SP:10, user is immune to light-elemental damage; shield), Lighter Armor (SP: 4, immune to Fragile, bodywear) (loaned from Erik), Quiver of Homing Arrows (Rolls of AIM become HIT; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear.), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.) Inventory: * Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Delfrin Sword (WP:3), Chain Whip (WP:7, causes Bound), Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning ,Wood), Handy Longsword (WP: 4, 1/6 chance to inflict poisoned), Norgh Shield (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile), Lion Knight Shield (SP: 4, suitable for Knights),Pauldrons (SP +2, suitable to Knights, Dragoons and Skirmishers; accessory), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (Power +1 on the front row, doubles movement),Chimera Armor (SP:2, +2 Max Health; bodywear, suitable for Knights and Barbarians), Wave Sword (WP: 11, Darkness-elemental, deals Cursed Effect) * Sapphire, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom x3, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX, 4 Fire Bombs, Water Bomb, Elixer, Military Grade Water Bomb, Military Grade Lightning Bomb, Bone x4, Magic Saucepan, Nostrum, Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle), 1 fine Montresorian Wine, Mead, (Shard of Wood: WP 1 Dagger), Gold Bar, Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril) Avalanche, the Super Sleuth (Dragonfire) 30 years old male yeti Barbarian *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile* *Secondary Party Leader* Level 15.5 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 28/28 (8+14+1*+5 Lethauros Ring) SP: 5 Gold: 5 Glory Points (GP): 17 Equipment: Silver Cup of Victory (WP:10; has 1/6 chance of causing doomed; club) (loaned from Erik), Heavy Armour (immune to fragile, SP:5), Lethauros Ring (Health and Ether +5. Suitable for anyone, accessory) Inventory: Frostbite (halberd, WP:8, damages undead), Trollsbane (club, WP:7, earth-elemental), 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Mulled Wine, Smoke Bomb, 4x Venom, 2x Nostrum, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pumpkin Bomb (causes the stunned-, blinded-, poisoned by 1-, asleep-, sealed- and confused- effects to all opponents), Lightning Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Holy Bomb, 10x Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, vermin with less than half of the wearer's level are scared and won't directly attack the wearer, bodywear), Henry Award (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound), Counterstrike Gloves (after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to the damage taken) Party Leader, please divide the spoils of battle: 2x Smoke Bomb (Allows the party to escape the battle.) 2x Potion (Restores 10 health to the target.)

Dr. Ralph laughs. "To call us rivals to the Bonapartes is to call a were-lion a rival to wolves; we already outclass them in so many ways, they simply fail to recognize it, stuck as they are in the ways of the past." "In charge? Truth be told, all of us scientists tend to operate with a certain degree of autonomy; unlike the Bonapartes, whose harbormasters' corruption is well-documented at the expense of our cargo, more often than not, we prefer the freedom to expand and explore on our own. The closest person we have to an overseer would be Dr. Legonardo, but he's away in Xu at the moment. You could probably find Dr. Giconda at Crecent Union headquarters at Chateau de Shadeaux, I'll be happy to show you the way once we're finished here." The Heroes split up to follow their separate paths, with Kheyli staying behind, either unwilling or unable to assist. Both Terry and Torald turn east and make significant progress, but in the final stretch inadvertently jam their bone fragments immovably between a bridge and a wall when they try to rotate them. Boris and Ezeran, however, take a more winding Western route, successfully navigating the city streets, while Jinnipher takes a similar route with an unorthodox shortcut. "Hmm...unorthodox, but it seems you've made it nonetheless. Well done, Miss Knight, I like your style." QM Note: While your path was technically incorrect, given the lack of clarity from the angle I photographed the puzzle, I'll allow your solution to stand, JimBee. Boris' solution: Jinnipher's solution: Jinnipher, Boris, and Ezeran gain experience for solving the puzzle. Dr. Ralph waves Terry and Torald over from their hopelessly stuck fragments as the other three exit the plaza. "Never mind, never mind, the others have made it through. Tis the thought that counts, and besides, one should never stick with a hypothesis once it's proven untenable." With the five assisting Heroes in tow, Dr. Ralph reaches the warehouse, accepting the three remaining bone fragments from the Heroes and taking them inside before returning to thank them. "Thank you for your assistance, Heroes. The knowledge we gain from these bones will surely improve our technologies, leading to a great future of bright progress for Eubric! I will be sure to mention you five's assistance to the Ji Pei--they will be most grateful for your support." THE SIDE MISSION IS SUCCESSFUL! The Party Terry Yelnats (played by Endgame) *Party Leader!* Male Human Mage Level 9 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 13/13 (5+8) Defense: 2 Ether: 15/15 (5+8+2) Gold: 73 Equipment: Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10), Robes of the Murine Chieftan (SP:2, Max Ether +2, grants Command over rats; bodywear, suitable to Ether-using classes), Inventory: Ether Lash Wand: (WP 3 Wand, at the cost of 1 ether per WP the Wand becomes dual strike for one attack.), Cattle Prod Staff (WP: 3), 3x Potion, Sapphire (Wind), Opal (Ice), 2x Bat Guano (can be thrown at an enemy to cause the Blind Effect), Bedroll, Ancient Amber (Makes a weapon deal double damage to Ancient-type enemies when merged into a weapon at a smithy; can only be merged once per weapon, and never into shields; the weapon must be renamed to include "ancient" and "amber" in the name.), Leather Cap (SP: 1), Grand Tonic, Tricorne (SP:3, headwear; suitable to anyone) Jinnipher Buchaire (JimBee) 76-year-old female Moon Elven Knight *Deals half damage to/takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin* Level 10.5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 9 Health: 19/19 Gold: 275 Equipment: Brine Blade (WP:5, deals Poison 5; greatsword), Natural Shield (SP:6, bearer deals half damage to and takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin; shield), Moone Mail (SP:3; bodywear) Inventory: The Beheader (WP:15, defies SP; greatsword), Full Moon Shield (SP:5), Vorpalis Conquerors (Power +0; goes up by 2 for every enemy defeated, drops back down to 0 if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends; footwear), Paper Doll (protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Greater Tonic, 3x Remedy, Bedroll, Shovel, Letter of Recommendation, Venom, Bone, Opal (Ice), Gloves of the Aspirant Zieg-friend (Spellpower +5, Max Ether +5; suitable to those with reputation among the Ziegfrieds only; if reputation is great, values are doubled; if reputation is outstanding, values are tripled; handwear), Boris Bruhalv (Waterbrick Down) 38 year old male vampire Cleric *Immune to Stunned and Poisoned* Level 11.5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 2 (2) Health: 19/19 (9+10) Ether: 15/15 (5+10) Gold: 303 Equipment: Simple Mace (WP: 3, mace), Rusty Chainmail (SP: 2, Immune to Stunned and Poison), Defender's Ring (Accessory, Rolls of "Heal Less" become "Heal"), Inventory: Scroll of Sleep (Enables casting the asleep-effect to the target, forcing them to miss its turn for three rounds or until woken up by an attack. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), 2 Potions, 2 Remedies, 4 Tonics, Ether Core, 1x Sleep Bomb, 3x Blind Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb (Deals 10 Fire damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Dirt Bomb (Deals 10 Ground damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Holy Bomb (Deals 10 Holy damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Lightning Bomb (Deals 10 Lightning damage to all opponents when used), Floral Bomb, 3x Bone, Grating Stone, Crimson Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Cursed; dagger), Emerald (Wood), Cultist Cap (regular attacks do damage to Undead; headwear, suitable to anyone), Ezeran Yavarr (MysticModulus) 42 year old male human mage Level 5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 1 Health: 9/9 (5+4) Ether: 9/9 (5+4) Gold: 50 Equipment: Ancient Sapphamber Staff (WP:7, doubled against Ancient enemies, Wind-elemental; staff), Hood of the Elementalist (SP:1, absorbs one element of the user's choice; this element cannot be changed once selected; headwear, suitable to anyone) Inventory: Staff infested with demonic slime (WP 3), 2x Potion, 2x Grand Tonic, Emerald (Wood), Ruby (Fire), Ebony Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; dagger), Torald Waruelf (Alfadas) 20 year old male Human Barbarian Level 4 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 3 Health: 11/11 (8+3) Gold: 160 Equipment: Ebony Scorpion Spear (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; spear), Tricorne (SP:3, headwear; suitable to anyone) Inventory: Gaia Blade (WP:5, Wood-elemental, ignores defenses of foes weak to Wood, gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword), Ignis Blade (WP:5, Fire-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Fire, gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword), Old and Rusty Greatsword (WP: 3), Potion, Mead, Tiger Balm, Fire Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Kheyli (K-Nut) 327 years old female fairy Barbarian *Damages Undead* Level 5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 12/12 (8+4) Gold: 150 Equipment: Rat Club (WP:5, deals Afraid to Vermin-type enemies and Poisoned-by-1 to enemies of all types; club), Cultist Cap (regular attacks do damage to Undead; headwear, suitable to anyone), Inventory: Gelum Blade (WP:5, Ice-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Ice, gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword), Electrum Blade (WP:5, Lightning-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Lightning, gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword), Barrager (WP:3 Greatsword), 3x Potion, Mead, Poison Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Reputation Breakdown for Sandy: +1 Ji Pei (all Heroes except Kheyli) --------------- Several weeks later... "...and as I suspected, the lithification of the calcified matrix method results in a structure both lighter and stronger than our traditional standards. I've supplemented over our standard frames, of course, for modular re-assembly, but I do believe this new material will be far superior for the majority of our applications." "That's well and good, Dr. Ralph, but need the new ship's construction be so...intimidating?" "What? Oh...yes, well, I suppose it could be taken that way, but I am merely paying proper tribute to the source of these marvelous discoveries. Besides, it's just a simple airship..." "...who could possibly take it the wrong way?" QM Note: Thanks for participating, everyone, especially through my delays and sickness at the end here. You may all return to Heroica Hall now.

Ask me again when the numbers aren't literally swimming before my eyes while I'm trying to calculate them. Believe me, if I was capable of auto rolling, I would have. 139, I'm not able to post right now, for similar reasons--if I focus too hard on something, I get incredibly sick and dizzy. 141, because this affects a deadline, I'm going to be generous and extend the deadline until I'm able to post again (shouldn't be more than an extra day or two). Again, I apologize for the delay, if I could update I would.

Challenge: Immortal: One random enemy cannot be damaged or inflicted with negative effects until all others are defeated. x1.8 GP Round 1 of Battle 4 Erik (Fire) vs. Bugbear Archers B - SHIELD (Circle of Might & Magic - All enemies except Itsy-Bitsy Spiders and Bugbear Healers A: 12+26=38*2/2=38 damage; Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 12+26=38 damage; Cheshire Cat Petrified!; All enemies except Cheshire Cat, Bugbear Healers A, and Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 12+26=38*2=76 damage; Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 12+26=38 damage; Cheshire Cat: KO!; Bugbear Healers A: no effect, Immortal; Erik: -5 Ether) >Warlen (Fire) vs. Itsy-Bitsy Spiders - Spell (Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 12+20=32*2=64 damage; Warlen: -1 Ether) >William vs. Bugbear Archers B - Hit (Bugbear Archers B: 5+22=27*2=54 damage >William vs. Cheshire Cat Itsy-Bitsy Spiders - Aim->Hit (Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 5+22=27 damage) Siercon vs. Bugbear Healers B - SHIELD (Circle of Might & Magic - All enemies except Itsy-Bitsy Spiders and Bugbear Healers A: 17+19=36/2=18 damage + Bleeding -5 (Bugbear Archers B KO!); Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 17+19=36 damage + Bleeding 5; All enemies except Bugbear Healers A and Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 17+19=36*2=72 damage (Bugbear Archers A, Bugbear Healers B: KO!); Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 17+19=36 damage; Bugbear Healers A: no effect, Immortal; Siercon: -3 Ether) Avalanche vs. Bugbear Healers B Itsy-Bitsy Spiders - Hit (Itsy-Bitsy Spiders: 10+15=25 damage + no Doomed) Alexander vs. Bugbear Archers A Bugbear Healers A - Damage (Alexander: 21-6=15 damage; Warlen: +1 Power) Itsy-Bitsy Spiders Bleeding: -5 health The Heroes absolutely obliterate nearly all of the FM's beautiful, beautiful enemies in one fell swoop. The Enemies: Bugbear Healers A *Mob 3* *Immortal!* *Ranged, fights from the back row* Type: Beast Level: 21 (7*3) Health: 288/288 (96*3) Special: Bear Hug – Restores 30 health to self and all allies. Drops: Potion Itsy-Bitsy Spiders *Mob 3* *Bleeding by 5* Type: Vermin Level: 20 (4*3) Health: 115/144 (48*3) Special: Cobweb – Causes the bound-effect Drops: nothing The Party: Warlen Melimane, Eulalia's Knight (The Chosen Minifigure) 23 year old male half-elf Mystic Knight Level 20 *Immune to Ether Reduction* *Cursed defense!* *+1 POWER whenever a party member rolls DAMAGE/SPECIAL DAMAGE* *1/6 chance to redirect Free Hits* Power Bonus: 0 +1 Health: 32/32 (5+19+7+1*) SP: 9 (5+4) Ether: 12/25 (5+19+1) Gold: 250 Glory Points (GP): 9 Equipment: Darkstar Wand (WP:12; has 1/2 chance of inflicting hexed-effect; darkness-elemental wand) (loaned from Erik), Eulalia Shield (SP: 5, prevents ether reduction), Vorpalis Diremail (SP: 4, enemies that inflict damage on the wearer become Cursed. Bodywear), Vorpalis Purgers (Power +0; goes up by 1 every time a someone in the hero's party/the hero themselves rolls damage/special damage. Resets to zero if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends. Legwear), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Inventory: Weapons: The Cannonblade (Can be used as a longsword or handcannon, WP: 8. Ignores SP in sword mode, deals Bleeding 1 in cannon mode), Healing Staff (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging), Rusty Dagger (WP:2, poison 10, breaks after 3 uses). Artifacts: Counterstrike Gloves, Magician's Glove* (+10 spell power), Locustoid Greaves (+4 ether, suitable for ether users), Pointy Hat (Max. Ether +2, suitable for mages and clerics.) Spellbook: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet x2 Lent to Siercon, Opal, Topaz, Diamond, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll ofAntimagic Must Be RPed: Lightning Ball (25 electric damage to all enemies, bomb), Small Frost Ball (10 ice damage, bomb) Consumables: Potion x2, Grand Potion x2, First Aid Kit (Full Health and remove negative effects for the whole party), Health Core, Tonic x3, Grand Tonic x2, Remedy x7, Banana (Full Health), Smoke Bomb x3, Milk x2 (+15 HP and Ether), Hurricane x3 (Grants *Drunk* effect. If user makes pun every round, the strength of their attack is doubled), Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 2x Mead, 4x Smelling Salts, Gold Ring (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver.) Other Junk: Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Bones x8, Shiny Gold Rocks x2 (Worth 1 gold at most stores, 5 at magic stores), 10-gallon Hats x7 (Grants wearer tourist effect, causing no one to take them seriously, headwear), Viper Scale (worth 40 gold to a certain someone) For Sale: Wand of Enamouring (WP:6, deals *Enamoured*-effect, wand), Feathered Cap (SP: 1, headwear, immune to *Petrified*), *+1 to health from Rockapple Fruit, Quest #131 *Name changed from Magicians Gloves. Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 19 years old male human Battle Mage. Level: 26 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile, Fire, Water,* *Commands dogs* *Party Leader!* Power Bonus: +0 Defense: 14 (Heavy Armour 5 + Bright Polish 1 + Dog Fur Coat 5 + Tricorne 3) Health: 46/46 (Barbarian base 8 + Level bonus 25 + Battle Mage bonus 5 + Raw Meat 5 + Vampire Dust 3) Ether: 19/27 (Level bonus 26 + Battle Mage bonus 1) Gold: 566 Glory Points (GP): 9 Equipment: Titanic Axe (WP:12, Earth, fire, Light-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Brightly Polished Heavy Armour (SP: 6, immune to Fragile,fire, water, bodywear), Dog Fur Coat(SP:5, Grants Command over dogs, backwear), Tricorne(SP: 3). Inventory: Weapons: Darkstar Wand (WP:12; has 1/2 chance of inflicting hexed-effect; darkness-elemental wand) loaned to Warlen, Silver Cup of Victory (WP:10; has 1/6 chance of causing doomed; club) loaned to Avalanche, Plunger (WP:2; 1/2 chance to cause sudden death to an aquatic enemy with each hit; club), Twin Axe (WP: 5, dual strike-axe), Voltedge (WP: 13, greatsword/longsword). Artifacts: Peacekeepers totem (Grants the "Diplomacy"-job trait; suitable to Erik only; accessory), Talisman of Enlightenment(Protects from hexed-effect; accessory), Sharkskin Armour (SP +1, bodywear), Shamanic Plate (Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2; Blood Ritual does double damage to the target; suitable for shamans; bodywear),Lighter Armor (SP: 4, immune to Fragile, bodywear) loaned to William, Helmet (Health +1), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, suitable for mages, clerics, necromancers, scholars and weather mages; backwear.) Gems: Amethyst, Ruby, Topaz. Consumables: Milk (Restores 15 health and ether), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 4*Tonics, Nostrum, Venom, Ether Core, 3x Potions, Health Core, Mulled Wine, Mead, Smelling Salts, Elixir, Grand Potion, Deluxe Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), 3x Bone Other items: Gold Statuette (Worth 100 gold), 3*Torches (WP:2, breaks after one use, suitable to all), Chair (WP:4, club), 2*Crystal Balls (worth 50 gold, except in magic shops where it is worth 100 gold.) Siercon (Siercon and Coral) Male, Age and species unknown (Visual appearance of hollow black smoke in human form.) Battlemage Level 19.5 *Natural Respite* *Darkness to all Attacks; Immune to Darkness and Asleep* Power Bonus: +10 spellpower Defense: 5 (Dark Phibbian Cloak +5) Health: 28/29 (5 base + 18 lvl + 5 class) Ether: 10/25 (5 base + 18 lvl + 1 class) Gold: 109 Glory Points (GP): 15 Equipment: Giant Spear (WP:17, causes Bleeding -5, Hollow [-]), Dark Phibbian Cloak (SP:5, Immune to Darkness and Sleep, adds Darkness-element to attacks; bodywear, suitable for magic users), Magicians Gloves(Spellpower +10; Handwear, suitable for Mages) Inventory: Weapons/Artifacts: Sylvania's Cowl (grants Animal Talk; headwear, suitable for anyone), Sanctified Rito Spear (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies, Hollow upgrade [-]), 2x Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril) Gems: Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Ruby (Fire), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth) (loaned from Warlen) Bombs: Cataclysm Bomb 200 (200 damage to all enemies with all elements [except darkness], ignores row and SP), Muddy Bomb (deals blinded and poisoned by 3 to all foes), Confuse Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the confused-effect to all opponents), 7x Bone, Smoke Bomb Consumables: 7 Potions, 3 Remedies, 1 Grand Potion, Tools: Magic Compass, Shovel, Magnifying Glass For Sale: (Message if interested): Chain Scythe (WP:6, appliesEnamored), Hood of the Dark Druid (wearer absorbs Wood- and Darkness-elemental damage; headwear, suitable for druids only), Quest: Good Rep: Shadeaux, Rito Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) 99 years old elf Hunter Level 27.66 *Natural Respite* *Immune to asleep and fast asleep* *Favors Undead- and Beast-type enemies* *Sealed (2 Rounds)* Power Bonus: +2 WP Defense: 6 (Chevalier of Charis armor + Dream Helm) Health: 24/39 (6 + 20 + 6 + 4 + 2 Chicken Drumstick) Gold: 280 Glory Points (GP): 67 Equipment: Fauxthril Crossbow (WP: 14 16 due to Hunter's Quiver, darkness-, ice-elemental, Hollow Blade upgraded [nothing stored]), Chevalier of Charis armor (Artifact, bodywear) (Maximum health +2, SP: 2), Dream Helm (SP: 4, wearer immune to asleep and fast asleep, artifact, headwear), Hunter's Qiver (WP: +2 to bows and crossbows, allows the hunter to favour two typers at the same time) Inventory: •Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 7), Delfrin Master Bow (WP:8, inflicts Jinxed) • Duplovian Helmets of the Guard (SP: 2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Sterile Gloves (Immune to Poisoned and Bleeding; handwear), Ancient Spear (WP:5, Earth elemental), Trickster's Mask of the Gender-Swap • Grand Potion (2), Potions (10), Remedies (2), Tonic (2), Venoms (6), Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Holy Bomb, Fire Bomb (2), Lightning Bomb, Elven Bomb, First Aid Kit (Consumable), Meads (3), Weak potion (2), Weak Regeneration Potion (1), Weak Regeneration Tonic (1), Smelling Salt (2), Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril), Big Apple, Bones (8), Skeleton Decoy, Charcoal, Phoenix Essence (2), (2) Grating Stone • Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Reputation: Ziegfrieds - Great (+2 Quest), Bonapartes - Great (+2 Quest) Name: William Harkenshire *Immune to Light and Fragile* *Counterstriking* Level: 22.66 Warden Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 14 Health: 36/36 Gold: 559 Glory Points (GP): 9 Equipment: Croise Crossbow (WP: 12), Mirror Shield (SP:10, user is immune to light-elemental damage; shield), Lighter Armor (SP: 4, immune to Fragile, bodywear) (loaned from Erik), Quiver of Homing Arrows (Rolls of AIM become HIT; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear.), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.) Inventory: * Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Delfrin Sword (WP:3), Chain Whip (WP:7, causes Bound), Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning ,Wood), Handy Longsword (WP: 4, 1/6 chance to inflict poisoned), Norgh Shield (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile), Lion Knight Shield (SP: 4, suitable for Knights),Pauldrons (SP +2, suitable to Knights, Dragoons and Skirmishers; accessory), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (Power +1 on the front row, doubles movement),Chimera Armor (SP:2, +2 Max Health; bodywear, suitable for Knights and Barbarians), Wave Sword (WP: 11, Darkness-elemental, deals Cursed Effect) * Sapphire, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom x3, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX, 4 Fire Bombs, Water Bomb, Elixer, Military Grade Water Bomb, Military Grade Lightning Bomb, Bone x4, Magic Saucepan, Nostrum, Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle), 1 fine Montresorian Wine, Mead, (Shard of Wood: WP 1 Dagger), Gold Bar, Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril) Avalanche, the Super Sleuth (Dragonfire) 30 years old male yeti Barbarian *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile* *Secondary Party Leader* Level 15 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 28/28 (8+14+1*+5 Lethauros Ring) SP: 5 Gold: 5 Glory Points (GP): 10 Equipment: Silver Cup of Victory (WP:10; has 1/6 chance of causing doomed; club) (loaned from Erik), Heavy Armour (immune to fragile, SP:5), Lethauros Ring (Health and Ether +5. Suitable for anyone, accessory) Inventory: Frostbite (halberd, WP:8, damages undead), Trollsbane (club, WP:7, earth-elemental), 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Mulled Wine, Smoke Bomb, 4x Venom, 2x Nostrum, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pumpkin Bomb (causes the stunned-, blinded-, poisoned by 1-, asleep-, sealed- and confused- effects to all opponents), Lightning Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Holy Bomb, 10x Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, vermin with less than half of the wearer's level are scared and won't directly attack the wearer, bodywear), Henry Award (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound), Counterstrike Gloves (after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to the damage taken) Party Leader, choose the order of action. All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone has acted. Mobs get an extra Free Hit if there are more members of the mob than standing party members.

Came down with a nasty sickness. Hopefully it'll pass as quickly as it set in, but it's really throwing me for a loop. Oh, right, reason I posted: upates will be late again. (Told ya it's thworn me for a loop. )

There we go, my first attempt at a WBD-style puzzle! UQ, I'll try to update tonight, otherwise it'll be sometime tomorrow.

QM Note: Yes, you pick one of the nine elements, and then when you are hit by an attack of that element (including if you choose to target yourself), you will gain health from the attack instead of taking damage. QM Note: I'll assume Kheyli is coming along as well; let me know if I'm wrong, K-Nut. "Despite all the craziness, it's been good working with ya, Heroes. Take care of yourselves." Mac and Dr. Don leave, no doubt heading for their meeting at Crescent Hill. Dr. Ralph leads the party back to the city streets. "I can't thank you enough for your help, this may very well be the start of the design breakthrough I've been searching for! It shouldn't take but a few minutes to get these back to the lab from here...the only problem is, we'll have to use the service entrance, since Dr. Tesla isn't available to airlift them in. The bone fragments are rather bulky, unfortunately, so you can either carry them sideways (5x2 stud T-shape, 1 stud tall) or vertically (1x2 stud profile, 5 studs tall). It should be possible to carry them under bridges while sideways, or through narrow alleys while vertical. Here, Dr. Tesla made some aerial surveys of the city, let me show you where we're going so you can plan your route." Dr. Ralph pulls out a roll of parchment and scrolls through it until it shows the proper area, drawing red indicators to represent the Heroes. Your job is to transport the bone fragments from the opening at the top of the map to the opening at the bottom of the map. You may move horizontally or vertically, but not diagonally; additionally, your moves and rotations must be physically possible to complete. You may rotate yourself and/or the bone fragment freely in three dimensions, but only in increments of 90 degrees. Solutions may be in text form (i.e. "1 stud south, 1 stud west, 2 studs south, rotate west, 6 studs west, rotate bone vertical, rotate south", etc.) or drawn visually on a copy of the picture, whichever is most convenient for you. Please PM your answer. You have 48 hours to solve the puzzle.

Sorry, guys, I'll try to update tonight if I have the chance. No guarantees, though.

Continuing their current challenge, the party moves on to the... PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Challenge: Immortal: One random enemy cannot be damaged or inflicted with negative effects until all others are defeated. x1.8 GP The Enemies: Bugbear Archers A *Mob 2* *Ranged, fights from the back row* Type: Beast Level: 18 (9*2) Health: 174/174 (87*2) Special: Hail of Arrows – Causes 9 damage to all opponents regardless of row. Drops: Smoke Bomb Bugbear Archers B *Mob 2* *Ranged, fights from the back row* Type: Beast Level: 18 (9*2) Health: 174/174 (87*2) Special: Hail of Arrows – Causes 9 damage to all opponents regardless of row. Drops: Smoke Bomb Bugbear Healers A *Mob 3* *Immortal!* *Ranged, fights from the back row* Type: Beast Level: 21 (7*3) Health: 288/288 (96*3) Special: Bear Hug – Restores 30 health to self and all allies. Drops: Potion Bugbear Healers B *Mob 2* *Ranged, fights from the back row* Type: Beast Level: 14 (7*2) Health: 192/192 (96*2) Special: Bear Hug – Restores 30 health to self and all allies. Drops: Potion Cheshire Cat Type: Beast/Ethereal Level: 13 Health: 131/131 Special: Big Grin – Causes the jinxed-effect to the target. Drops (varies by roll): 1-3: Nostrum 4-6: nothing Itsy-Bitsy Spiders *Mob 8* Type: Vermin Level: 32 (4*8) Health: 384 (48*8) Special: Cobweb – Causes the bound-effect Drops: nothing The Party: Warlen Melimane, Eulalia's Knight (The Chosen Minifigure) 23 year old male half-elf Mystic Knight Level 20 *Immune to Ether Reduction* *Cursed defense!* *+1 POWER whenever a party member rolls DAMAGE/SPECIAL DAMAGE* *1/6 chance to redirect Free Hits* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 32/32 (5+19+7+1*) SP: 9 (5+4) Ether: 13/25 (5+19+1) Gold: 250 Glory Points (GP): 9 Equipment: Darkstar Wand (WP:12; has 1/2 chance of inflicting hexed-effect; darkness-elemental wand) (loaned from Erik), Eulalia Shield (SP: 5, prevents ether reduction), Vorpalis Diremail (SP: 4, enemies that inflict damage on the wearer become Cursed. Bodywear), Vorpalis Purgers (Power +0; goes up by 1 every time a someone in the hero's party/the hero themselves rolls damage/special damage. Resets to zero if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends. Legwear), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Inventory: Weapons: The Cannonblade (Can be used as a longsword or handcannon, WP: 8. Ignores SP in sword mode, deals Bleeding 1 in cannon mode), Healing Staff (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging), Rusty Dagger (WP:2, poison 10, breaks after 3 uses). Artifacts: Counterstrike Gloves, Magician's Glove* (+10 spell power), Locustoid Greaves (+4 ether, suitable for ether users), Pointy Hat (Max. Ether +2, suitable for mages and clerics.) Spellbook: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet x2 Lent to Siercon, Opal, Topaz, Diamond, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll ofAntimagic Must Be RPed: Lightning Ball (25 electric damage to all enemies, bomb), Small Frost Ball (10 ice damage, bomb) Consumables: Potion x2, Grand Potion x2, First Aid Kit (Full Health and remove negative effects for the whole party), Health Core, Tonic x3, Grand Tonic x2, Remedy x7, Banana (Full Health), Smoke Bomb x3, Milk x2 (+15 HP and Ether), Hurricane x3 (Grants *Drunk* effect. If user makes pun every round, the strength of their attack is doubled), Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 2x Mead, 4x Smelling Salts, Gold Ring (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver.) Other Junk: Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Bones x8, Shiny Gold Rocks x2 (Worth 1 gold at most stores, 5 at magic stores), 10-gallon Hats x7 (Grants wearer tourist effect, causing no one to take them seriously, headwear), Viper Scale (worth 40 gold to a certain someone) For Sale: Wand of Enamouring (WP:6, deals *Enamoured*-effect, wand), Feathered Cap (SP: 1, headwear, immune to *Petrified*), *+1 to health from Rockapple Fruit, Quest #131 *Name changed from Magicians Gloves. Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 19 years old male human Battle Mage. Level: 26 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile, Fire, Water,* *Commands dogs* *Party Leader!* Power Bonus: +0 Defense: 14 (Heavy Armour 5 + Bright Polish 1 + Dog Fur Coat 5 + Tricorne 3) Health: 46/46 (Barbarian base 8 + Level bonus 25 + Battle Mage bonus 5 + Raw Meat 5 + Vampire Dust 3) Ether: 24/27 (Level bonus 26 + Battle Mage bonus 1) Gold: 566 Glory Points (GP): 9 Equipment: Titanic Axe (WP:12, Earth, fire, Light-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Brightly Polished Heavy Armour (SP: 6, immune to Fragile,fire, water, bodywear), Dog Fur Coat(SP:5, Grants Command over dogs, backwear), Tricorne(SP: 3). Inventory: Weapons: Darkstar Wand (WP:12; has 1/2 chance of inflicting hexed-effect; darkness-elemental wand) loaned to Warlen, Silver Cup of Victory (WP:10; has 1/6 chance of causing doomed; club) loaned to Avalanche, Plunger (WP:2; 1/2 chance to cause sudden death to an aquatic enemy with each hit; club), Twin Axe (WP: 5, dual strike-axe), Voltedge (WP: 13, greatsword/longsword). Artifacts: Peacekeepers totem (Grants the "Diplomacy"-job trait; suitable to Erik only; accessory), Talisman of Enlightenment(Protects from hexed-effect; accessory), Sharkskin Armour (SP +1, bodywear), Shamanic Plate (Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2; Blood Ritual does double damage to the target; suitable for shamans; bodywear),Lighter Armor (SP: 4, immune to Fragile, bodywear) loaned to William, Helmet (Health +1), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, suitable for mages, clerics, necromancers, scholars and weather mages; backwear.) Gems: Amethyst, Ruby, Topaz. Consumables: Milk (Restores 15 health and ether), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 4*Tonics, Nostrum, Venom, Ether Core, 3x Potions, Health Core, Mulled Wine, Mead, Smelling Salts, Elixir, Grand Potion, Deluxe Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), 3x Bone Other items: Gold Statuette (Worth 100 gold), 3*Torches (WP:2, breaks after one use, suitable to all), Chair (WP:4, club), 2*Crystal Balls (worth 50 gold, except in magic shops where it is worth 100 gold.) Siercon (Siercon and Coral) Male, Age and species unknown (Visual appearance of hollow black smoke in human form.) Battlemage Level 19.5 *Natural Respite* *Darkness to all Attacks; Immune to Darkness and Asleep* Power Bonus: +10 spellpower Defense: 5 (Dark Phibbian Cloak +5) Health: 28/29 (5 base + 18 lvl + 5 class) Ether: 13/25 (5 base + 18 lvl + 1 class) Gold: 109 Glory Points (GP): 15 Equipment: Giant Spear (WP:17, causes Bleeding -5, Hollow [-]), Dark Phibbian Cloak (SP:5, Immune to Darkness and Sleep, adds Darkness-element to attacks; bodywear, suitable for magic users), Magicians Gloves(Spellpower +10; Handwear, suitable for Mages) Inventory: Weapons/Artifacts: Sylvania's Cowl (grants Animal Talk; headwear, suitable for anyone), Sanctified Rito Spear (WP:4, doubled against Flying enemies, Hollow upgrade [-]), 2x Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril) Gems: Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Ruby (Fire), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth) (loaned from Warlen) Bombs: Cataclysm Bomb 200 (200 damage to all enemies with all elements [except darkness], ignores row and SP), Muddy Bomb (deals blinded and poisoned by 3 to all foes), Confuse Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the confused-effect to all opponents), 7x Bone, Smoke Bomb Consumables: 7 Potions, 3 Remedies, 1 Grand Potion, Tools: Magic Compass, Shovel, Magnifying Glass For Sale: (Message if interested): Chain Scythe (WP:6, appliesEnamored), Hood of the Dark Druid (wearer absorbs Wood- and Darkness-elemental damage; headwear, suitable for druids only), Quest: Good Rep: Shadeaux, Rito Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) 99 years old elf Hunter Level 27.66 *Natural Respite* *Immune to asleep and fast asleep* *Favors Undead- and Beast-type enemies* *Sealed (2 Rounds)* Power Bonus: +2 WP Defense: 6 (Chevalier of Charis armor + Dream Helm) Health: 39/39 (6 + 20 + 6 + 4 + 2 Chicken Drumstick) Gold: 280 Glory Points (GP): 67 Equipment: Fauxthril Crossbow (WP: 14 16 due to Hunter's Quiver, darkness-, ice-elemental, Hollow Blade upgraded [nothing stored]), Chevalier of Charis armor (Artifact, bodywear) (Maximum health +2, SP: 2), Dream Helm (SP: 4, wearer immune to asleep and fast asleep, artifact, headwear), Hunter's Qiver (WP: +2 to bows and crossbows, allows the hunter to favour two typers at the same time) Inventory: •Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 7), Delfrin Master Bow (WP:8, inflicts Jinxed) • Duplovian Helmets of the Guard (SP: 2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Sterile Gloves (Immune to Poisoned and Bleeding; handwear), Ancient Spear (WP:5, Earth elemental), Trickster's Mask of the Gender-Swap • Grand Potion (2), Potions (10), Remedies (2), Tonic (2), Venoms (6), Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Holy Bomb, Fire Bomb (2), Lightning Bomb, Elven Bomb, First Aid Kit (Consumable), Meads (3), Weak potion (2), Weak Regeneration Potion (1), Weak Regeneration Tonic (1), Smelling Salt (2), Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril), Big Apple, Bones (8), Skeleton Decoy, Charcoal, Phoenix Essence (2), (2) Grating Stone • Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Reputation: Ziegfrieds - Great (+2 Quest), Bonapartes - Great (+2 Quest) Name: William Harkenshire *Immune to Light and Fragile* *Counterstriking* Level: 22.66 Warden Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 14 Health: 36/36 Gold: 559 Glory Points (GP): 9 Equipment: Croise Crossbow (WP: 12), Mirror Shield (SP:10, user is immune to light-elemental damage; shield), Lighter Armor (SP: 4, immune to Fragile, bodywear) (loaned from Erik), Quiver of Homing Arrows (Rolls of AIM become HIT; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear.), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.) Inventory: * Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Delfrin Sword (WP:3), Chain Whip (WP:7, causes Bound), Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning ,Wood), Handy Longsword (WP: 4, 1/6 chance to inflict poisoned), Norgh Shield (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile), Lion Knight Shield (SP: 4, suitable for Knights),Pauldrons (SP +2, suitable to Knights, Dragoons and Skirmishers; accessory), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (Power +1 on the front row, doubles movement),Chimera Armor (SP:2, +2 Max Health; bodywear, suitable for Knights and Barbarians), Wave Sword (WP: 11, Darkness-elemental, deals Cursed Effect) * Sapphire, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom x3, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX, 4 Fire Bombs, Water Bomb, Elixer, Military Grade Water Bomb, Military Grade Lightning Bomb, Bone x4, Magic Saucepan, Nostrum, Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle), 1 fine Montresorian Wine, Mead, (Shard of Wood: WP 1 Dagger), Gold Bar, Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril) Avalanche, the Super Sleuth (Dragonfire) 30 years old male yeti Barbarian *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile* *Secondary Party Leader* Level 15 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 28/28 (8+14+1*+5 Lethauros Ring) SP: 5 Gold: 5 Glory Points (GP): 10 Equipment: Silver Cup of Victory (WP:10; has 1/6 chance of causing doomed; club) (loaned from Erik), Heavy Armour (immune to fragile, SP:5), Lethauros Ring (Health and Ether +5. Suitable for anyone, accessory) Inventory: Frostbite (halberd, WP:8, damages undead), Trollsbane (club, WP:7, earth-elemental), 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Mulled Wine, Smoke Bomb, 4x Venom, 2x Nostrum, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pumpkin Bomb (causes the stunned-, blinded-, poisoned by 1-, asleep-, sealed- and confused- effects to all opponents), Lightning Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Holy Bomb, 10x Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, vermin with less than half of the wearer's level are scared and won't directly attack the wearer, bodywear), Henry Award (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound), Counterstrike Gloves (after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to the damage taken) Party Leader, choose the order of action. All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone has acted. Mobs get an extra Free Hit if there are more members of the mob than standing party members.

"Excuse me, I am a natural technician and a certified kindergartner." ...just FYI, everyone should watch this show, it's amazing and I may be making more than a few references to it in the future. ...and actually, one of my next Quests involves tracking down Sirone's orphaned brother... UQ: New battle coming ASAP, assuming one of the other FMs doesn't beat me to it while I'm taking forever to type it up.

QM Note: That would be your friendly neighborhood QM screwing up. Those should have been gone at the start of battle, I'll fix it when I have a chance to update.

"Nothing like...whatever that was, I assure you. We're a great deal more forward-thinking than that, believe me." Kiri, still laying on the ground, raises a middle finger to the man, but is apparently too tired to object further. Dr. Ralph either ignores or fails to notice her; it is difficult to tell which. "Anyway, as befitting the creatures they come from, Ancient Bones are remarkably tough, very difficult to break, as I'm sure you experienced in your battle. And yet, for all their size and strength, they're remarkably light in weight. If we could somehow reverse-engineer those properties...well, I hardly have to need to describe the advantages, particularly in the fields of airship travel. Would give our vessels even more advantage over your standard sailing ships, not that they don't already outclass them in almost every way, of course."

Sorry for the awkward ending/optional puzzle explanation here, folks, that's what I get for trying to push out an update before I have to rush out the door. Unlimited Quest, I'll try to get a battle up tomorrow night at the latest, thank you for your patience.

QM Note: You got half of your reward before the battle, and I automatically gave you the second half now that the battle's over. The scientists are asking for the Ancient Bone Fragments, a Quest Item dropped by the Undead Tyrannosaur. "They claim to be. Truth be told, they seem to be more interested in causing problems for us innovators than in actually defending anyone. I still miss that sonic screwdriver they confiscated..." "They've joined the Sungold Alliance along with the Hinckwells and the Ziegfrieds, and they stand opposed to those of us in the Crescent Union who stand for progress, creation, and liberty." "Lady Ji Pei is a renowned architect responsible for many of the newer buildings in Eubric, but they're better known for funding the Tritech Corporation--" "That's us! We're scientists who like to tinker and build, make things that'll make people's lives safer, easier, and better all around. Why, we're the paragons of progress in Eubric!" "Indeed, I'd be happy to put in a good word for you! Getting them to the lab shouldn't be too difficult, though the narrow city streets might prove to be a bit of a puzzle to maneuver them through." Mac yawns, the stress of the day apparently starting to get to him as well. "Well, if ya all don't mind, I don't think I'll be helpin' ya with the bone fragments this time, I'm just too tired. I think I'm just going to head straight to this meeting with Dr. Don, and then afterwards head home for some rest. I'm not Kiri, but I think I can speak for us both when I say congratulations on a successful Quest--anything the good Dr. Ralph asks ya is your own decision." From her resting place on the ground, Kiri raises a half-hearted thumbs-up indicating her agreement with Mac's assessment. THE QUEST IS SUCCESSFUL! QM Note: Helping Dr. Ralph is an optional puzzle, not necessary to complete the Quest; if you don't want the experience and Ji Pei reputation, you are free to return to Heroica Hall now.

Arthur nods respectfully to Lord Chauncey and his companion, but chooses to let Hybros handle the introductions. Here, too, he and Miirym were the Heroes of Xu, but given Hoke's present mood he saw it best not to draw too much attention to himself. Miirym circles overhead, seeking to stay aloft as long as she can before being forced to the ground indoors.

"I knew there was a reason I liked you, Boris." Kiri pauses, taking a brief moment to ogle the vampire once more. "Well, aside from the obvious." Round 5 of the Bone Tale Boss Battle! Jinnipher does nothing Terry does nothing Torald does nothing >Kheyli >Ezeran does nothing >Boris heals Undead Tyrannosaur (twice) - SHIELD (Miracle - Boris, Jinnipher: 3+10=13 health restored; Boris: -2 Ether) >Kiri vs. Undead Tyrannosaur >Kiri vs. Undead Tyrannosaur (twice) - Critical Dual Hit (Undead Tyrannosaur: 10*2=20+10=30*2=60-28=32 damage + Weakened; Undead Tyrannosaur: 10*2=20+10=30-28=2 damage + Confused) Mac does nothing Boris tries to heal the Tyrannosaur to death, but ends up healing himself and Jinnipher back to perfect health. Kiri, perhaps channeling Kheyli, goes on a whirlwind rampage, beating the undead monstrosity to re-death and nearly doing the same to Kheyli; fortunately for the fairy, however, she still stands when the dust settles, still strong enough to say she'd survived the experience. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! Everyone gains experience, and everyone but Kiri levels up. Kiri flops down on the ground, exhausted. "That...was exhausting. Never want to do that again. Never never never." She looks weakly up at the Heroes, breathing heavily. "Take your reward...*gasp*...you've more than...earned it." She stares pointedly at Boris. "Sorry I can't...offer you...the 'special reward'...I was going to...if you know what I mean. Rain check? Find me sometime...at the Albatross...I'll buy you a drink." With that, the exhausted necromancer shuts her eyes, not caring how undignified she looked in the moment. Mac helps the Heroes pick out the remaining rewards they'd claimed from Kiri's rewards. The Party Terry Yelnats (played by Endgame) *Party Leader!* Male Human Mage Level 9 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 13/13 (5+8) Defense: 2 Ether: 15/15 (5+8+2) Gold: 73 Equipment: Grumpy's Staff (WP: 10), Robes of the Murine Chieftan (SP:2, Max Ether +2, grants Command over rats; bodywear, suitable to Ether-using classes), Inventory: Ether Lash Wand: (WP 3 Wand, at the cost of 1 ether per WP the Wand becomes dual strike for one attack.), Cattle Prod Staff (WP: 3), 3x Potion, Sapphire (Wind), Opal (Ice), 2x Bat Guano (can be thrown at an enemy to cause the Blind Effect), Bedroll, Ancient Amber (Makes a weapon deal double damage to Ancient-type enemies when merged into a weapon at a smithy; can only be merged once per weapon, and never into shields; the weapon must be renamed to include "ancient" and "amber" in the name.), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Leather Cap (SP: 1), Grand Tonic, Tricorne (SP:3, headwear; suitable to anyone) Jinnipher Buchaire (JimBee) 76-year-old female Moon Elven Knight *Deals half damage to/takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin* Level 10 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 9 Health: 19/19 Gold: 275 Equipment: Brine Blade (WP:5, deals Poison 5; greatsword), Natural Shield (SP:6, bearer deals half damage to and takes half damage from Beasts, Plants, and Vermin; shield), Moone Mail (SP:3; bodywear) Inventory: The Beheader (WP:15, defies SP; greatsword), Full Moon Shield (SP:5), Vorpalis Conquerors (Power +0; goes up by 2 for every enemy defeated, drops back down to 0 if the wearer is knocked out or if the battle ends; footwear), Paper Doll (protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), 3x Potion, Grand Potion, Greater Tonic, 3x Remedy, Bedroll, Shovel, Letter of Recommendation, Venom, Bone, 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Opal (Ice), Gloves of the Aspirant Zieg-friend (Spellpower +5, Max Ether +5; suitable to those with reputation among the Ziegfrieds only; if reputation is great, values are doubled; if reputation is outstanding, values are tripled; handwear), Boris Bruhalv (Waterbrick Down) 38 year old male vampire Cleric *Immune to Stunned and Poisoned* Level 11 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 2 (2) Health: 19/19 (9+10) Ether: 4/15 (5+10) Gold: 303 Equipment: Simple Mace (WP: 3, mace), Rusty Chainmail (SP: 2, Immune to Stunned and Poison), Defender's Ring (Accessory, Rolls of "Heal Less" become "Heal"), Inventory: Scroll of Sleep (Enables casting the asleep-effect to the target, forcing them to miss its turn for three rounds or until woken up by an attack. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), 2 Potions, 2 Remedies, 4 Tonics, Ether Core, 1x Sleep Bomb, 3x Blind Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb (Deals 10 Fire damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Dirt Bomb (Deals 10 Ground damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Holy Bomb (Deals 10 Holy damage to all opponents when used), Military Grade Lightning Bomb (Deals 10 Lightning damage to all opponents when used), Floral Bomb, 3x Bone, Grating Stone, Crimson Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Cursed; dagger), 4x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Emerald (Wood), Cultist Cap (regular attacks do damage to Undead; headwear, suitable to anyone), Ezeran Yavarr (MysticModulus) 42 year old male human mage Level 4 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 1 Health: 8/8 (5+3) Ether: 6/8 (5+3) Gold: 50 Equipment: Ancient Sapphamber Staff (WP:7, doubled against Ancient enemies, Wind-elemental; staff), Hood of the Elementalist (SP:1, absorbs one element of the user's choice; this element cannot be changed once selected; headwear, suitable to anyone) Inventory: Staff infested with demonic slime (WP 3), 2x Potion, 2x Grand Tonic, Emerald (Wood), Ruby (Fire), Ebony Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; dagger), Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Torald Waruelf (Alfadas) 20 year old male Human Barbarian Level 4 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 3 Health: 11/11 (8+3) Gold: 160 Equipment: Ebony Scorpion Spear (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; spear), Tricorne (SP:3, headwear; suitable to anyone) Inventory: Gaia Blade (WP:5, Wood-elemental, ignores defenses of foes weak to Wood, gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword), Ignis Blade (WP:5, Fire-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Fire, gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword), Old and Rusty Greatsword (WP: 3), Potion, Mead, Tiger Balm, Fire Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), Kheyli (K-Nut) 327 years old female fairy Barbarian *Damages Undead* Level 5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 12/12 (8+4) Gold: 150 Equipment: Rat Club (WP:5, deals Afraid to Vermin-type enemies and Poisoned-by-1 to enemies of all types; club), Cultist Cap (regular attacks do damage to Undead; headwear, suitable to anyone), Inventory: Gelum Blade (WP:5, Ice-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Ice, gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword), Electrum Blade (WP:5, Lightning-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Lightning, gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword), Barrager (WP:3 Greatsword), 3x Potion, Mead, Poison Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (Deals 100 wind-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), 3x Ancient Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for 3 turns. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 50 gold.), The Heroes can hear the sound of clapping coming from behind them. They turn to see two unarmed scientists applauding their work. "Well done...Heroes, I presume?" "Good show! You certainly gave that beast what-for!" Mac seems surprised, but not apprehensive. "Dr. Don, Dr. Ralph, what brings a couple Tritech scientists like yourselves all the way out here?" "You, actually. Count Shadeaux and Lady Ji Pei had a meeting last night, and well..." "To make a long story short, some important business has gone down recently, and our respective employers want to make sure we are all fully informed." The scientists shift slightly, and for the first time the Heroes can see the crescent moon-shaped badges each of them wear. They toss one to Mac as well, who looks at it uncertainly. "We can explain on the way back. I presume from the looks of things that your contract with these Heroes has concluded?" Mac glances back at the pile of shattered bone slivers behind him. "Pretty much." "Excellent, then. We can be on our way at once." "Actually..." Dr. Ralph interrupts, stroking his mustache as he, too, stares at the bone fragments. "If I'm not mistaken, those are fragments of Ancient Bones, are they not? The bones of ancient creatures have some unique structural properties that could be invaluable to airship and automaton research. It's very rare to find them, rarer still in a state so suitable for internal study. If you're interested, I would be more than interested in taking those Ancient Bone Shards off of your hands. Of course, I'd be more than happy to put in a good word with the Ji Pei family if you accept and help me carry them back to the lab." What will each Hero decide?