Flipz

Arthur sighs and buys a Shark's Hand for 200 gold. OOC: Please also note the previously-deducted 150 for my trade with Mizuki, which will bring my total gold down to 594 after purchasing my cards.

That's why I'm leaning away from buying a Master hand and instead probably going for a shark's hand. If it's against players, of course having a Master Hand is ideal to maximize odds of winning (and usually winning better cards), but if it's against NPCs odds are you're going to lose two or three of those for cards that are far inferior (i.e. you play a Level 8 Icy card, they take it with a Level 1 Fiery card, and then next round you get one of their cards but it's only Level 3 or something). That makes the Master Hand kind of a waste of money.

FM Note: Clerics (and all other classes with the Healing Job Trait) can heal party members outside of battle at the cost of only 1 Ether per person, no die roll required. I'll assume Grimwald eats all the cherries, since he's down more than 10 Ether; let me know if that was not your intention, Lordofthenoobs. The Party: Lind Whisperer *Immune to Fire* *Party Leader!* 21-year-old male Human of the Munchkin tribe Class: Rogue Level: 13.5 Power Bonus: +3 Defense: 4 Health: 23/23 (7+11+4) Gold: 3 Glory Points: 8 Equipment: Darker Ethereal Deck (Playing Cards) (WP:7, throwing weapon), Anniversary Medal (+3 Health, +3 Power, +3 SP, +3 Ether, Immune to Fire; accessory, suitable for anyone), Akrone Fez (Artefact; SP: 1, Max. Health: +1, Headwear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: • Ethereal Deck (WP:7, throwing weapon) • Mugger's Mask (Protects from loss of gold from gold stealing enemies, headwear.), Trickster's Mask of the Human (suitable for anyone, changes users appearance into a human of the same gender, accessory), • Bedroll, Shovel • Venom, Mead x2, Potion x7, Remedy, Bone, Phoenix Essence • Newspaper with Picture of Lupine (Quest/role-playing item), Alfendi's Cape Grimwald Gjinko 69 year old male gnome Sage Level: 19.5 Power Bonus: +1 permanent, +5 spells SP: 0 Health: 32/32 Ether: 24/28 Gold: 323 (Owes Nerwen 300) Glory Points: 8 Equipment: Shadeaux Mace (Wp:9; deals fragile-effect), Spellbound Gloves (Increases the power of spells by 5, doubled if the enemy is weak to the element), Robes of the Disciple of Ennoc (+5 max. health, +5 max. ether, meditation restores 2 ether, body-wear) Inventory: • Splinter Broom (WP: 8, broomstick, defies SP) • Spellbound hood (Sp: 2, Increases the power of spells by 3, doubled if the enemy is weak to the element, headwear, suitable for Mages, clerics, necromancers), • Shovel, Pickaxe, Bedroll • Opal, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz • Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep • Tonic x6, Grand Tonic x4, Sushi (restores 5 HP and 5 Ether) x2, Remedy x2, Elixir x3, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, Mead x4, Nostrum x3, Smelling Salts x4, Mulled Wine x2, Ambrosia, Bone x5, Ice Bomb, Root beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against Undead enemies for 20 damage (Does not affect non-Undead enemies)), Plague Venom, Mythril Shard, Grating stone x2, Darksten (Comrade Commander) *Immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded* 35 year old Male Human Ranger Level 14 Power: 19 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 20/20 (6 base + 13 level-ups + 1 permanent bonus) SP: 2 Gold: 517 Glory Points: 8 Equipment: Crossbow (WP: 6); Sand-Worm Hide (SP: 2), Tribal amulet (Wearer is Immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded; acessory, suitable to barbarians, rangers, beast warriors) Inventory: Weapons: Spider String Bow (WP: 4, Darkness Elemental Bow), Artifacts: Safety Blanket (SP: 1, protects from Afraid, backwear), Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Consumables: Potion x13, Grand Potion x2, Remedy x5, Mead x4, Venom x3, Phoenix Essence x2, Smelling Salts x2, Nostrum x2, Soma, Ambrosia, Root Beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against undead enemies for 20 damage. The Root Beer does not affect non-undead enemies), Floral Bomb, Smoke bomb, Lightning bombs x8, Bone x3, Roleplay: Utility Knife (roleplay item), Fang of Kos (roleplay item), Fang of Lolth (Roleplay item), Hint Coin (Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or tricky situation. Usable only once. Has no monetary value.) Please declare your next destination and any challenge you wish to partake in for the next battle, as well as any other actions you'd like to take before moving forward.

Round 4 of Drumming at the Door: Thormanil Nihai (Dragonsbane Lance) vs. Golem Rogue (Front Row) - Hit Dragon Aid (Golem Rogue: 20+42+1=63-4=59 damage) >Bartholomew Docken (Darksteel Crossbow) vs. Golem Rogue (Back Row) - Aim Aim (Golem Rogue: 10-4=6 damage + Blinded) Ellaria Arbor (Ignis Fatuus) vs. Golem Rogue - Aim Special Damage (Golem Rogue: 12-4=8 Fire- and Lightning-elemental damage + Poisoned 15) Hybros (Darkness) vs. Golem Clerk (Front Row) - Damage SHIELD (Chakra - Hybros: Full health + negative effects removed + Encouraged, -1 Ether) Hybros (Darkness) vs. Golem Clerk (Front Row) - SHIELD Critical Martial Hit (Chakra - Hybros: Full health + negative effects removed + Reinforced, -1 Ether) The party continued to wail away on the Golem Rogue, completely locking him down and preventing him from counterattacking. Perhaps intimidated by the beatdown, the clerk did nothing to stop the monk from continuing on the path to nirvana. The Warden's aura fades. Both enemies remained standing, so THE BATTLE CONTINUED! The Enemies: Golem Clerk *Immune to Blinded* *Back Row* *Ignores Row* Type: Humanoid Level: 32 30 Health: 106/360 Defense: 1 Special I: Feeble Flailing - Golem Clerk panics, throwing his weapon and hitting the target and the next two targets below them for 31 damage ignoring row and dealing the Blinded-effect. He then becomes Slowed for one Round while he recovers. Used if he is in possession of a weapon suitable for his use. Special II: When In Rome... - Golem Clerk follows the example of the Golem Rogue, stealing a random weapon from the target's inventory. Used when not in possession of a weapon suitable for his use. Drops: Blind Bomb, Quill Pen (WP:1, retrievable throwing weapon), Inkwell (consumable, causes a weapon to deal the Blinded-effect for one battle) Note: Golem Clerk attacks with a throwing weapon; after one roll of Damage or one Free Hit, he will move to the Front Row and will retrieve his weapon on the next roll of Damage or Free Hit. If for any reason he cannot retrieve his throwing weapon, Golem Clerk will attack from the Back Row and his attacks will no longer ignore Row. Golem Rogue *Immune to Darkness and Sealed* *Jinxed* *Weakened (2 Rounds)* *Blinded (3 Rounds)* *Poisoned by 15* Type: Humanoid Level: 50 25 Health: 289/550 Defense: 4 Special I: Mug - The Golem Rogue beats the target by striking for 55 damage. If the target carries gold, the Golem Rogue steals gold equal to the target's level + 5. Special II: Steal & Hide - If the target carries gold, the Golem Rogue steals gold equal to the target's level + 5. The Golem Rogue then hides for the remainder of the Round, avoiding all action that comes their way. Drops: 90 gold, Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to STEAL gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold, in addition to hiding; suitable to rogues; footwear), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, +5 gold stolen; dagger) The Party: Ellaria Arbour (Sandy) 23 years old female human Druid Level 30.25 *Immune to Sealed, Poisoned, Bleeding, and Hexed* *Ignis Fatuus: permanently poisoned by 15* *Party Leader* Power: 42 (30+12) Defense: 7 (3+4) Health: 48/48 (9+29+7+1+2) Ether: 35/42 (5+29+5+1+2) Gold: 223 Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:12, permanently poisoned by 15, fire- and lighting-elemental staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, protects from sealing; bodywear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and bleeding, handwear), Spider Helmet (SP:4, passes poisoned and bleeding effects to the enemy when the wearer is hit; headwear), Paper Doll (Protects from hexed; accessory) Inventory: Weapons Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:10, wood-elemental crossbow), Pan Flute (WP: 7, instrument), Wizard's Staff (WP:1, fire-, wind-, water- and earth-elemental staff), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to Darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only; shield.) Artefacts: Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1 to bows and crossbows. Suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators, and winged warriors), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits; backwear), Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo; headwear), Spell Items: Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance) Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Serenade of Water (Causes Water damage equal to the minstrel's level to all enemies per round for as long as the song is sung. Costs 10 ether per round. Battle Song), Ruby (Fire) Consumables: 3 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 4 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, Emergency Essence, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 2 Soma, Ambrosia, 2 Tasty Pretzels (1/3 chance each of granting Lucky, Hastened and Encouraged-effects upon consumption for the duration of one battle.), 2 Hardtack Biscuits (Grants +10 current and max HP for the duration of one battle), Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Grating Stone, Currency: Gold Ore (worth 80 gold) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Quest Items: Tower Key Hybros (played by JimButcher) 53-year-old male imp Chi Monk *Permanently Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements except wood* *Intimidation* *Natural Respite* *Blessed* *Lucky* *Encouraged* *Reinforced* Level: 33 Power Bonus: 3 (8 in front row) * Defense: 0 Health: 54/54 (7+32+12+3*) Ether: 22/37 (32+3+2) Gold: 768 Equipment: Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), The Black Hat (Suitable for anyone, grantsIntimidation, immune to darkness and cursed, headwear), Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators and winged warriors), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear) Inventory: • Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 45.25 gains 1/4 WP every kill made with it; longsword), Zoot's Reaper (WP:15; scythe, suitable to Hybros), Clock Cog (WP:14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Justice (WP:8, causes blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, daggers), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow blade [nothing]; dagger), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; retrievable), Nimbus Broomstick (WP:5, long range, usable by mages and clerics; Broomstick, sells for double usual price), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), Pan (WP: 1, +1 Health; suitable for all classes) • Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), Baron's Epaulets (Suitable for short heroes, grants Command over short NPCs), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear), Sterile Gloves (grants immunity to poisoned- and bleeding-effects, handwear), • Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Opal, Scroll of Luck (grants Lucky-effect for one battle, costs 10 ether) • 12 Potions, 12 Grand Potions, 16 Health Cores, 11 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 3 Elixirs, 3 Grand Tonics, Soma, Feather of White, 2 Phoenix Essences, 4 Phoenix Incenses, 2 Deadly Venoms, 4 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 5 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 2 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used), 2 Gold Rings (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Skeleton Decoy, Bone • Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 4 Mythril Shards, Crimson Haze (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects permanently), Grating Stone Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 34-year-old human male, Warden Level 47 *Gains Triple Sextuple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confused, Blinded, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Sudden Death* *Counterstriking* *Trial* Power: 57 (Level 47 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0) Defense: 23 (SP: 20 + SP: 3) Health: 81/81 40/40 (base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 46 + Class bonus: 8 + permanent boost: 21*) Gold: 521 (1 Gold loaned to Lord Lawrence Boomingham [Zepher]) GP: 27 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; inflicts the Blinded-effect; Crossbow), Mythril Shield (SP: 20; Shield), Dread Hat (permanent Scary effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, and Wind; suitable for anyone; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for anyone; Bodywear), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Sudden Death; suitable for anyone; Backwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; suitable for anyone; Accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; suitable for anyone; Handwear) Inventory: • Pan (WP: 1; +1 Max HP; suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7; deals double Damage on ships; club), Unlucky Horseshoe (WP: 13; inflicts the Jinxed-effect; Throwing Weapon [borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz)]) • Large Water Canteen (Carries 6 portions of water; Accessory), Aqua Gear (Adds Water-element to physical attacks, immune to Water, Accessory) • Potions (4), Grand Potions (11), Health Cores (3), Remedies (10), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Meads (2), Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine, Feather of Lithe, Feather of White, Smoke Bombs (5), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (5), Bones (11), Venom (5), Deadly Venom, Skeleton Decoy, Teleportapple, Grating Stone, Adamantite Shards (3/4 Adamantite), Writ of Blacksmith Service (Voucher for one free weapon or shield upgrade at Anwyl's Smithy) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • Silver Ore (60 Gold) • Incomplete Formula (Quest Item, note, found: Blacksmith), Portia Butcher's Diary Entry (Quest Item, note, found: General Store), Storekeeper's Note (Quest Item, note, found: General Store Cellar), Clerk's Note (Quest Item, note, found: Mayor's Office), Clara Butcher's Letter (Quest Item, note, found: Town Hall Meeting Room) Thormanil Nihai, Dragonslayer, Orc-kin (Played by swils) and Arx the Youngling (Ice) Level 42.4 Dragoon *Immune to Darkness, Light, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, Lightning, and Asleep, Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile,Slowed, and Weakened* *Gains Triple Experience* *Reflects physical damage* Power Bonus: +1 Defense: 18 Health: 61/61 Gold: 1636 Equipment: Shishkebab (WP: 16, dual-strike, darkness-elemental, lance), Iris Shield (SP: 15; reflects physical Damage back to the attacker regardless of Row or Defense, if the user survives the attack.), Bright Armor (SP: 3, Null Darkness), Winged Sandals (Wearer is immune to Light, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, and Lightning, and the Asleep,Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile, Slowed, and Weakened-effects), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience, accessory) Inventory: • Dragonsbane Lance (WP: 20, triple damage to enemies with 'Dragon' in their name, lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss -> "Aim"), Frozen Saber (WP: 9, longsword, Stuns enemies), Repeater Crossbow (WP: 7, crossbow. Hastened for first round of combat while equipped.), Schoolyard Sword (WP: 8 great sword), Wooden Shield (SP:5, Null Wood), Crossbow (WP:5) • Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Weredog (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory), Fighting Boots (Footwear, Power +5 on the front row, suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, and winged warriors), Sticky Gloves (Handwear, Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up)), Aqua Gear (Wearer deals and is immune to water-elemental damage) • Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • 2x Amethyst (Darkness), Emerald (Wood), Opal (Ice), • Potion, 2x Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Neutralizer, Milk • Mead, 2x Nostrum, Smelling Salts, 2x Mulled Wine, Jinxy Juice, Feather of Lithe, • 2x Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, 3x Smoke Bomb, Ice Bomb, 5x Water Bomb • 3x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, • 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Teleportapple Party Leader, please post the order of actions. Everyone else, choose your actions.

It's like you've never played against a Zepher boss. "Immune to Magic" includes all elements, as well as any attack that consumes Ether.

Arthur slowly lets out the breath he hadn't even known he'd been holding. "To tell you the truth, I am uncertain. I was rather surprised by the Littlefinger's vehement opposition to you, but only he seemed truly set on expelling you. The others seemed either neutral or else marginally on your side. It is my hope that the others allow you to retain your post, though--it is no secret that I distrust the Bonapartes, and to my mind your House and Monsignor Legonardo's technology are the only things standing between them and complete tyranny over Eubric." Arthur replays the whole conversation in his head, hoping his diplomatic training would help him discern some of the subtext and motives behind the Councilors' earlier words.

Quick, someone Inspire Docken and then Curse and Minimize him so that he's under every single possible health-modifying effect so that the BBCode for his HP is even more of a mess.

Round 3 of Drumming at the Door: >Ellaria Arbor uses Scroll of Weakening on Golem Rogue - Success (roll of 1; Ellaria: -1 Ether) Thormanil Nihai (Dragonsbane Lance) vs. Golem Rogue (Front Row) - Deflected Damage Dragon Aid (Golem Rogue: 42 Ice-elemental damage) >Bartholomew Docken (Darksteel Crossbow) vs. Golem Rogue (Back Row) - SHIELD Critical Hit (Aura - Docken: Aura) Hybros (Darkness) vs. Golem Clerk (Front Row) - SHIELD (Hybros: Full health + negative effects removed + Blessed, -1 Ether) Hybros (Darkness) vs. Golem Clerk (Front Row) - SHIELD (Hybros: Full health + negative effects removed + Lucky, -1 Ether) With the Golem Rogue already Jinxed, the Druid found it best to Weaken the enemy as well. The Dragoon's strike sailed wide, but his faithful dragon followed up with a blast of chilling cold. The Warden began to glow slightly, growing in strength and drawing in the enemies' attacks, and the monk decided to follow suit by meditating to enhance his own latent powers. Both enemies remained standing, so THE BATTLE CONTINUED! The Enemies: Golem Clerk *Immune to Blinded* *Back Row* *Ignores Row* Type: Humanoid Level: 32 30 Health: 106/360 Defense: 1 Special I: Feeble Flailing - Golem Clerk panics, throwing his weapon and hitting the target and the next two targets below them for 31 damage ignoring row and dealing the Blinded-effect. He then becomes Slowed for one Round while he recovers. Used if he is in possession of a weapon suitable for his use. Special II: When In Rome... - Golem Clerk follows the example of the Golem Rogue, stealing a random weapon from the target's inventory. Used when not in possession of a weapon suitable for his use. Drops: Blind Bomb, Quill Pen (WP:1, retrievable throwing weapon), Inkwell (consumable, causes a weapon to deal the Blinded-effect for one battle) Note: Golem Clerk attacks with a throwing weapon; after one roll of Damage or one Free Hit, he will move to the Front Row and will retrieve his weapon on the next roll of Damage or Free Hit. If for any reason he cannot retrieve his throwing weapon, Golem Clerk will attack from the Back Row and his attacks will no longer ignore Row. Golem Rogue *Immune to Darkness and Sealed* *Jinxed* *Weakened (3 Rounds)* Type: Humanoid Level: 50 25 Health: 369/550 Defense: 4 Special I: Mug - The Golem Rogue beats the target by striking for 55 damage. If the target carries gold, the Golem Rogue steals gold equal to the target's level + 5. Special II: Steal & Hide - If the target carries gold, the Golem Rogue steals gold equal to the target's level + 5. The Golem Rogue then hides for the remainder of the Round, avoiding all action that comes their way. Drops: 90 gold, Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to STEAL gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold, in addition to hiding; suitable to rogues; footwear), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, +5 gold stolen; dagger) The Party: Ellaria Arbour (Sandy) 23 years old female human Druid Level 30.25 *Immune to Sealed, Poisoned, Bleeding, and Hexed* *Ignis Fatuus: permanently poisoned by 15* *Party Leader* Power: 42 (30+12) Defense: 7 (3+4) Health: 48/48 (9+29+7+1+2) Ether: 35/42 (5+29+5+1+2) Gold: 223 Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:12, permanently poisoned by 15, fire- and lighting-elemental staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, protects from sealing; bodywear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and bleeding, handwear), Spider Helmet (SP:4, passes poisoned and bleeding effects to the enemy when the wearer is hit; headwear), Paper Doll (Protects from hexed; accessory) Inventory: Weapons Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:10, wood-elemental crossbow), Pan Flute (WP: 7, instrument), Wizard's Staff (WP:1, fire-, wind-, water- and earth-elemental staff), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to Darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only; shield.) Artefacts: Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1 to bows and crossbows. Suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators, and winged warriors), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits; backwear), Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo; headwear), Spell Items: Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance) Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Serenade of Water (Causes Water damage equal to the minstrel's level to all enemies per round for as long as the song is sung. Costs 10 ether per round. Battle Song), Ruby (Fire) Consumables: 3 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 4 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, Emergency Essence, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 2 Soma, Ambrosia, 2 Tasty Pretzels (1/3 chance each of granting Lucky, Hastened and Encouraged-effects upon consumption for the duration of one battle.), 2 Hardtack Biscuits (Grants +10 current and max HP for the duration of one battle), Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Grating Stone, Currency: Gold Ore (worth 80 gold) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Quest Items: Tower Key Hybros (played by JimButcher) 53-year-old male imp Chi Monk *Permanently Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements except wood* *Intimidation* *Natural Respite* *Blessed* *Lucky* Level: 33 Power Bonus: 3 (8 in front row) * Defense: 0 Health: 54/54 (7+32+12+3*) Ether: 24/37 (32+3+2) Gold: 768 Equipment: Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), The Black Hat (Suitable for anyone, grantsIntimidation, immune to darkness and cursed, headwear), Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators and winged warriors), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear) Inventory: • Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 45.25 gains 1/4 WP every kill made with it; longsword), Zoot's Reaper (WP:15; scythe, suitable to Hybros), Clock Cog (WP:14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Justice (WP:8, causes blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, daggers), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow blade [nothing]; dagger), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; retrievable), Nimbus Broomstick (WP:5, long range, usable by mages and clerics; Broomstick, sells for double usual price), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), Pan (WP: 1, +1 Health; suitable for all classes) • Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), Baron's Epaulets (Suitable for short heroes, grants Command over short NPCs), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear), Sterile Gloves (grants immunity to poisoned- and bleeding-effects, handwear), • Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Opal, Scroll of Luck (grants Lucky-effect for one battle, costs 10 ether) • 12 Potions, 12 Grand Potions, 16 Health Cores, 11 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 3 Elixirs, 3 Grand Tonics, Soma, Feather of White, 2 Phoenix Essences, 4 Phoenix Incenses, 2 Deadly Venoms, 4 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 5 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 2 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used), 2 Gold Rings (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Skeleton Decoy, Bone • Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 4 Mythril Shards, Crimson Haze (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects permanently), Grating Stone Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 34-year-old human male, Warden Level 47 *Gains Triple Sextuple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confused, Blinded, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Sudden Death* *Counterstriking* *Trial* *Aura (1 Round)* Power: 57 (Level 47 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0) Defense: 23 (SP: 20 + SP: 3) Health: 81/81 30/40 60/80 (base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 46 + Class bonus: 8 + permanent boost: 21*) Gold: 521 (1 Gold loaned to Lord Lawrence Boomingham [Zepher]) GP: 27 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10 0; inflicts the Blinded-effect; Crossbow), Mythril Shield (SP: 20; Shield), Dread Hat (permanent Scary effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, and Wind; suitable for anyone; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for anyone; Bodywear), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Sudden Death; suitable for anyone; Backwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; suitable for anyone; Accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; suitable for anyone; Handwear) Inventory: • Pan (WP: 1; +1 Max HP; suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7; deals double Damage on ships; club), Unlucky Horseshoe (WP: 13; inflicts the Jinxed-effect; Throwing Weapon [borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz)]) • Large Water Canteen (Carries 6 portions of water; Accessory), Aqua Gear (Adds Water-element to physical attacks, immune to Water, Accessory) • Potions (4), Grand Potions (11), Health Cores (3), Remedies (10), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Meads (2), Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine, Feather of Lithe, Feather of White, Smoke Bombs (5), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (5), Bones (11), Venom (5), Deadly Venom, Skeleton Decoy, Teleportapple, Grating Stone, Adamantite Shards (3/4 Adamantite), Writ of Blacksmith Service (Voucher for one free weapon or shield upgrade at Anwyl's Smithy) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • Silver Ore (60 Gold) • Incomplete Formula (Quest Item, note, found: Blacksmith), Portia Butcher's Diary Entry (Quest Item, note, found: General Store), Storekeeper's Note (Quest Item, note, found: General Store Cellar), Clerk's Note (Quest Item, note, found: Mayor's Office), Clara Butcher's Letter (Quest Item, note, found: Town Hall Meeting Room) Thormanil Nihai, Dragonslayer, Orc-kin (Played by swils) and Arx the Youngling (Ice) Level 42.4 Dragoon *Immune to Darkness, Light, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, Lightning, and Asleep, Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile,Slowed, and Weakened* *Gains Triple Experience* *Reflects physical damage* Power Bonus: +1 Defense: 18 Health: 61/61 Gold: 1636 Equipment: Shishkebab (WP: 16, dual-strike, darkness-elemental, lance), Iris Shield (SP: 15; reflects physical Damage back to the attacker regardless of Row or Defense, if the user survives the attack.), Bright Armor (SP: 3, Null Darkness), Winged Sandals (Wearer is immune to Light, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, and Lightning, and the Asleep,Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile, Slowed, and Weakened-effects), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience, accessory) Inventory: • Dragonsbane Lance (WP: 20, triple damage to enemies with 'Dragon' in their name, lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss -> "Aim"), Frozen Saber (WP: 9, longsword, Stuns enemies), Repeater Crossbow (WP: 7, crossbow. Hastened for first round of combat while equipped.), Schoolyard Sword (WP: 8 great sword), Wooden Shield (SP:5, Null Wood), Crossbow (WP:5) • Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Weredog (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory), Fighting Boots (Footwear, Power +5 on the front row, suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, and winged warriors), Sticky Gloves (Handwear, Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up)), Aqua Gear (Wearer deals and is immune to water-elemental damage) • Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • 2x Amethyst (Darkness), Emerald (Wood), Opal (Ice), • Potion, 2x Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Neutralizer, Milk • Mead, 2x Nostrum, Smelling Salts, 2x Mulled Wine, Jinxy Juice, Feather of Lithe, • 2x Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, 3x Smoke Bomb, Ice Bomb, 5x Water Bomb • 3x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, • 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Teleportapple Party Leader, please post the order of actions. Everyone else, choose your actions.

Arthur finds Mizuki and repeats his earlier trade (gives Mizuki 150 gold, gains 2 Chicken Drumsticks), before walking over to the dummy and staring at it intently, trying to decide which hand would be best for him. "I suppose a handsome automaton like yourself would know quite a lot about Decamon. Care to give a fella a hand and share some advice on the game?" OOC: Will we still be matched up with NPCs appropriate to the strength of our cards, or will this be exclusively against other players now?

FM Note: I'll need Darksten to tell me directly if he'd like to consume his Chicken Drumstick; the same goes for Grimwald healing you guys. Regarding your throwing weapons: you'd gathered them up on the turn you were KO'd (it's why you were KO'd, because you can only retrieve throwing weapons from the Front Row), but even if you hadn't it's assumed someone in the party scoops them up for you while they drag you out of battle. Round 4 of the Apple Ambush (Battle 4, Play Fair): >Grimwald Gjinko throws Smoke Bomb In the face of potential defeat, Grimwald chooses to play it safe and drop a Smoke Bomb, the obscuring mist allowing the party to safely flee. THE BATTLE IS DISCONTINUED! The Party: Lind Whisperer *Immune to Fire* *Party Leader!* 21-year-old male Human of the Munchkin tribe Class: Rogue Level: 13.5 Power Bonus: +3 Defense: 4 Health: 1/23 (7+11+4) Gold: 3 Glory Points: 8 Equipment: Darker Ethereal Deck (Playing Cards) (WP:7, throwing weapon), Anniversary Medal (+3 Health, +3 Power, +3 SP, +3 Ether, Immune to Fire; accessory, suitable for anyone), Akrone Fez (Artefact; SP: 1, Max. Health: +1, Headwear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: • Ethereal Deck (WP:7, throwing weapon) • Mugger's Mask (Protects from loss of gold from gold stealing enemies, headwear.), Trickster's Mask of the Human (suitable for anyone, changes users appearance into a human of the same gender, accessory), • Bedroll, Shovel • Venom, Mead x2, Potion x7, Remedy, Bone, Phoenix Essence • Newspaper with Picture of Lupine (Quest/role-playing item), Alfendi's Cape Grimwald Gjinko 69 year old male gnome Sage Level: 19.5 Power Bonus: +1 permanent, +5 spells SP: 0 Health: 23/32 Ether: 17/28 Gold: 323 (Owes Nerwen 300) Glory Points: 8 Equipment: Shadeaux Mace (Wp:9; deals fragile-effect), Spellbound Gloves (Increases the power of spells by 5, doubled if the enemy is weak to the element), Robes of the Disciple of Ennoc (+5 max. health, +5 max. ether, meditation restores 2 ether, body-wear) Inventory: • Splinter Broom (WP: 8, broomstick, defies SP) • Spellbound hood (Sp: 2, Increases the power of spells by 3, doubled if the enemy is weak to the element, headwear, suitable for Mages, clerics, necromancers), • Shovel, Pickaxe, Bedroll • Opal, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz • Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep • Tonic x6, Grand Tonic x4, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten, user can choose how many are eaten at a time), Sushi (restores 5 HP and 5 Ether) x2, Remedy x2, Elixir x3, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, Mead x4, Nostrum x3, Smelling Salts x4, Mulled Wine x2, Ambrosia, Bone x5, Ice Bomb, Root beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against Undead enemies for 20 damage (Does not affect non-Undead enemies)), Plague Venom, Mythril Shard, Grating stone x2, Darksten (Comrade Commander) *Immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded* 35 year old Male Human Ranger Level 14 Power: 19 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 9/19 SP: 2 Gold: 517 Glory Points: 8 Equipment: Crossbow (WP: 6); Sand-Worm Hide (SP: 2), Tribal amulet (Wearer is Immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded; acessory, suitable to barbarians, rangers, beast warriors) Inventory: Weapons: Spider String Bow (WP: 4, Darkness Elemental Bow), Artifacts: Safety Blanket (SP: 1, protects from Afraid, backwear), Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Consumables: Potion x13, Grand Potion x2, Remedy x5, Mead x4, Venom x3, Phoenix Essence x2, Smelling Salts x2, Nostrum x2, Soma, Ambrosia, Root Beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against undead enemies for 20 damage. The Root Beer does not affect non-undead enemies), Floral Bomb, Smoke bomb, Lightning bombs x8, Bone x3, Chicken Drumstick (+1 Max health upon consumption) Roleplay: Utility Knife (roleplay item), Fang of Kos (roleplay item), Fang of Lolth (Roleplay item), Hint Coin (Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or tricky situation. Usable only once. Has no monetary value.) Please declare your next destination and any challenge you wish to partake in for the next battle, as well as any other actions you'd like to take before moving forward.

No, no, and no. It's a game of sacrifice. You keep what you win, but so does your opponent. You can't use what you win until after the end of the game, though.

I understand the drive to try to include the poorer characters, but at a certain point you have to accept that the people who have been playing this game for years and who have saved up their gold are going to have an advantage. I'd understand artificial field - leveling if this were completely separate from the rest of Heroica, but the fact of the matter is that between the prizes and the class, this is a part of character advancement, and so people are going to invest in the tournament just as much as they do into their regular characters. That said, I personally wouldn't mind if the tournament was delayed for a while, in order to let people build their decks through gameplay instead of gold. Now that we have a more complete set of cards QMs can drop as loot, as well as one (soon to be four) Decamodifiers in play, and not to mention a rough idea of the value of each card level, we can start to integrate Decamon into the existing Heroica rewards system, which will help a lot in curbing abuse. While I'm excited for the tournament, especially the rewards for those Level 9 cards, I honestly think that a delay would be better for everyone (including the poorer characters who would now have more time to gather their decks).

Round 2 of Drumming at the Door: Thormanil Nihai (Dragonsbane Lance) vs. Golem Rogue (Front Row) - High Assault (Golem Rogue: 20*5=100+42+1=143-4=139 damage) >Ellaria nurtures herself - Heal (Ellaria: 12+30=42 health restored + negative effects removed, -1 Ether) >Bartholomew Docken (Unlucky Horseshoe) vs. Golem Rogue (Back Row) - Aim (Golem Rogue: 13-4=9 damage + Jinxed; Docken: Unlucky Horseshoe must be retrieved) >Hybros drinks Potion (Back Row) - +10 health Hybros (Darkness) vs. Golem Clerk (Front Row) - Martial Hit (Golem Clerk: 33*2=66+8=74*2=148-1=147 damage; Hybros: -1 Ether) The Round went without a hitch for the party, the Druid healing herself while her companions all landed significant blows upon their enemies. The party was in position to strike strong and swift in the next Round of their bout. Both enemies remained standing, so THE BATTLE CONTINUED! The Enemies: Golem Clerk *Immune to Blinded* *Back Row* *Ignores Row* Type: Humanoid Level: 32 30 Health: 106/360 Defense: 1 Special I: Feeble Flailing - Golem Clerk panics, throwing his weapon and hitting the target and the next two targets below them for 31 damage ignoring row and dealing the Blinded-effect. He then becomes Slowed for one Round while he recovers. Used if he is in possession of a weapon suitable for his use. Special II: When In Rome... - Golem Clerk follows the example of the Golem Rogue, stealing a random weapon from the target's inventory. Used when not in possession of a weapon suitable for his use. Drops: Blind Bomb, Quill Pen (WP:1, retrievable throwing weapon), Inkwell (consumable, causes a weapon to deal the Blinded-effect for one battle) Note: Golem Clerk attacks with a throwing weapon; after one roll of Damage or one Free Hit, he will move to the Front Row and will retrieve his weapon on the next roll of Damage or Free Hit. If for any reason he cannot retrieve his throwing weapon, Golem Clerk will attack from the Back Row and his attacks will no longer ignore Row. Golem Rogue *Immune to Darkness and Sealed* *Jinxed* Type: Humanoid Level: 50 Health: 411/550 Defense: 4 Special I: Mug - The Golem Rogue beats the target by striking for 55 damage. If the target carries gold, the Golem Rogue steals gold equal to the target's level + 5. Special II: Steal & Hide - If the target carries gold, the Golem Rogue steals gold equal to the target's level + 5. The Golem Rogue then hides for the remainder of the Round, avoiding all action that comes their way. Drops: 90 gold, Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to STEAL gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold, in addition to hiding; suitable to rogues; footwear), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, +5 gold stolen; dagger) The Party: Ellaria Arbour (Sandy) 23 years old female human Druid Level 30.25 *Immune to Sealed, Poisoned, Bleeding, and Hexed* *Ignis Fatuus: permanently poisoned by 15* *Party Leader* Power: 42 (30+12) Defense: 7 (3+4) Health: 48/48 (9+29+7+1+2) Ether: 36/42 (5+29+5+1+2) Gold: 223 Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:12, permanently poisoned by 15, fire- and lighting-elemental staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, protects from sealing; bodywear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and bleeding, handwear), Spider Helmet (SP:4, passes poisoned and bleeding effects to the enemy when the wearer is hit; headwear), Paper Doll (Protects from hexed; accessory) Inventory: Weapons Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:10, wood-elemental crossbow), Pan Flute (WP: 7, instrument), Wizard's Staff (WP:1, fire-, wind-, water- and earth-elemental staff), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to Darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only; shield.) Artefacts: Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1 to bows and crossbows. Suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators, and winged warriors), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits; backwear), Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo; headwear), Spell Items: Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance) Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Serenade of Water (Causes Water damage equal to the minstrel's level to all enemies per round for as long as the song is sung. Costs 10 ether per round. Battle Song), Ruby (Fire) Consumables: 3 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 4 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, Emergency Essence, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 2 Soma, Ambrosia, 2 Tasty Pretzels (1/3 chance each of granting Lucky, Hastened and Encouraged-effects upon consumption for the duration of one battle.), 2 Hardtack Biscuits (Grants +10 current and max HP for the duration of one battle), Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Grating Stone, Currency: Gold Ore (worth 80 gold) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Quest Items: Tower Key Hybros (played by JimButcher) 53-year-old male imp Chi Monk *Permanently Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements except wood* *Intimidation* *Natural Respite* Level: 33 Power Bonus: 3 (8 in front row) * Defense: 0 Health: 54/54 (7+32+12+3*) Ether: 26/37 (32+3+2) Gold: 768 Equipment: Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), The Black Hat (Suitable for anyone, grantsIntimidation, immune to darkness and cursed, headwear), Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators and winged warriors), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear) Inventory: • Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 45.25 gains 1/4 WP every kill made with it; longsword), Zoot's Reaper (WP:15; scythe, suitable to Hybros), Clock Cog (WP:14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Justice (WP:8, causes blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, daggers), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow blade [nothing]; dagger), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; retrievable), Nimbus Broomstick (WP:5, long range, usable by mages and clerics; Broomstick, sells for double usual price), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), Pan (WP: 1, +1 Health; suitable for all classes) • Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), Baron's Epaulets (Suitable for short heroes, grants Command over short NPCs), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear), Sterile Gloves (grants immunity to poisoned- and bleeding-effects, handwear), • Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Opal, Scroll of Luck (grants Lucky-effect for one battle, costs 10 ether) • 12 Potions, 12 Grand Potions, 16 Health Cores, 11 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 3 Elixirs, 3 Grand Tonics, Soma, Feather of White, 2 Phoenix Essences, 4 Phoenix Incenses, 2 Deadly Venoms, 4 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 5 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 2 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used), 2 Gold Rings (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Skeleton Decoy, Bone • Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 4 Mythril Shards, Crimson Haze (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects permanently), Grating Stone Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 34-year-old human male, Warden Level 47 *Gains Triple Sextuple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confused, Blinded, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Sudden Death* *Counterstriking* *Trial* Power: 57 (Level 47 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0) Defense: 23 (SP: 20 + SP: 3) Health: 81/81 30/40 (base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 46 + Class bonus: 8 + permanent boost: 21*) Gold: 521 (1 Gold loaned to Lord Lawrence Boomingham [Zepher]) GP: 27 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10 0; inflicts the Blinded-effect; Crossbow), Mythril Shield (SP: 20; Shield), Dread Hat (permanent Scary effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, and Wind; suitable for anyone; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for anyone; Bodywear), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Sudden Death; suitable for anyone; Backwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; suitable for anyone; Accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; suitable for anyone; Handwear) Inventory: • Pan (WP: 1; +1 Max HP; suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7; deals double Damage on ships; club), Unlucky Horseshoe (WP: 13; inflicts the Jinxed-effect; Throwing Weapon [borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz)]) • Large Water Canteen (Carries 6 portions of water; Accessory), Aqua Gear (Adds Water-element to physical attacks, immune to Water, Accessory) • Potions (4), Grand Potions (11), Health Cores (3), Remedies (10), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Meads (2), Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine, Feather of Lithe, Feather of White, Smoke Bombs (5), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (5), Bones (11), Venom (5), Deadly Venom, Skeleton Decoy, Teleportapple, Grating Stone, Adamantite Shards (3/4 Adamantite), Writ of Blacksmith Service (Voucher for one free weapon or shield upgrade at Anwyl's Smithy) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • Silver Ore (60 Gold) • Incomplete Formula (Quest Item, note, found: Blacksmith), Portia Butcher's Diary Entry (Quest Item, note, found: General Store), Storekeeper's Note (Quest Item, note, found: General Store Cellar), Clerk's Note (Quest Item, note, found: Mayor's Office), Clara Butcher's Letter (Quest Item, note, found: Town Hall Meeting Room) Thormanil Nihai, Dragonslayer, Orc-kin (Played by swils) and Arx the Youngling (Ice) Level 42.4 Dragoon *Immune to Darkness, Light, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, Lightning, and Asleep, Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile,Slowed, and Weakened* *Gains Triple Experience* *Reflects physical damage* Power Bonus: +1 Defense: 18 Health: 61/61 Gold: 1636 Equipment: Shishkebab (WP: 16, dual-strike, darkness-elemental, lance), Iris Shield (SP: 15; reflects physical Damage back to the attacker regardless of Row or Defense, if the user survives the attack.), Bright Armor (SP: 3, Null Darkness), Winged Sandals (Wearer is immune to Light, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, and Lightning, and the Asleep,Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile, Slowed, and Weakened-effects), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience, accessory) Inventory: • Dragonsbane Lance (WP: 20, triple damage to enemies with 'Dragon' in their name, lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss -> "Aim"), Frozen Saber (WP: 9, longsword, Stuns enemies), Repeater Crossbow (WP: 7, crossbow. Hastened for first round of combat while equipped.), Schoolyard Sword (WP: 8 great sword), Wooden Shield (SP:5, Null Wood), Crossbow (WP:5) • Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Weredog (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory), Fighting Boots (Footwear, Power +5 on the front row, suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, and winged warriors), Sticky Gloves (Handwear, Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up)), Aqua Gear (Wearer deals and is immune to water-elemental damage) • Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • 2x Amethyst (Darkness), Emerald (Wood), Opal (Ice), • Potion, 2x Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Neutralizer, Milk • Mead, 2x Nostrum, Smelling Salts, 2x Mulled Wine, Jinxy Juice, Feather of Lithe, • 2x Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, 3x Smoke Bomb, Ice Bomb, 5x Water Bomb • 3x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, • 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Teleportapple Party Leader, please post the order of actions. Everyone else, choose your actions.

FM Note: I'm terribly sorry; I just realized that, due to Lind having to retrieve his throwing weapons from the Front Row, he was in fact KO'd by the Free Hits. I'll give you guys some time to re-strategize, and my most sincere apologies for not realizing this mistake sooner.

I think he ran it in 51 and possibly 69 as well--Melvin ran it, I think. Question for Sandy: what happens when there are two Skirmishers in a party and one rolls Phalanx while the other one's Phalanx is still active? Do the timers stack collectively (which would sort of make sense with the whole "teamwork" concept of the class), or do they both get separate timers (a la Knights and Paladins rolling double Sentinels/Guardian Angels)? If it's the latter, does the damage reduction stack while both are in effect? (It would make sense to me--if a Phalanx blocks half of all incoming blows, a second Phalanx could block half of the blows that get past the first Phalanx.)

Yeah, I'd definitely like to see the class offered to the top 3-5 as well--not for myself, mind you, just so that in general we end up with a little more diversity. And of course, as usual, WBD is spot-on with dealing with player balance issues. I should also point out that SP:5 on an enemy renders all Level 1 cards useless and rather gimps Levels 2 and 3 as well, and if you're really worried it's possible to even go a little higher.

Exactly. Honestly, I'm only really here for 3-4 specific cards: Dark 9, Icy 9, and Ethereal 9 (and maybe Ethereal 8). If I somehow manage to get any of those first three, I can walk away completely satisfied (I can "Catch 'Em All" the old-fashioned way with the Decamodifier at some point).

If a cap is instituted, I'll need to withdraw my current "order" of the fire-elemental hand--rest assured, I'll still be participating, but I'll need to rethink my card choices.

What about catching 'em all? I wanted to collect every single caaaaard! Aside from complexity, what's the problem with players having a ton of cards?

"Interesting Atramor should mention that...Sun Qui the Weather Mage told me that some of Xu's Ethereal Windmills have been sabotaged recently. The Spymaster seems to suspect the Nagas...I wonder if the problem might be even more internal than he realizes. More importantly, though--I overheard those two nobles over there gossiping about you. They seem to think the Ringfinger has called you here to form some sort of an alliance, even if it means going behind the Thumb and the Forefinger. They also seem to think that the Middlefinger will have a particularly negative idea of you, especially if the Ringfinger does indeed seek said alliance. Either way, though, it sounds like the Council is harboring a lot of internal dissent...I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing for you." The Dragoon looks to Lady Shanxian with some concern.

Arthur moves to Lady Shanxian, but does not interrupt, instead waiting patiently for her. So the Council is not as unified as it would like to seem...I should make sure I have this straight. The Ringfinger likely wants an alliance with Lady Shanxian, even though Thumb and Forefinger have mutual history with her, and the Middlefinger would be the strongest opposed. <Hmm?> Oh, I'm sorry Miirym. I just overheard some...interesting information from two of the people chatting over there. We should make sure to tell the Lady before she is called in to the Council. Miirym nods and ever so gently squeezes Lady Shanxian's shoulder.

QM Note: I'm...not sure. I believe they are physical (to my mind, the elemental imbuement is the only part that can be blocked by Sealed), though it doesn't matter anyway since Hybros is immune to Blinded.

QM Note: ...wow. Second action rolled, boom, Special Damage.

Round 1 of Drumming at the Door: >Ellaria uses Neutralizer (all combatants: effects removed) Thormanil Nihai (Dragonsbane Lance) vs. Golem Rogue (Front Row) - High Assault (Thormanil: avoiding all action) >Bartholomew Docken (Unlucky Horseshoe) vs. Golem Rogue (Back Row) - Damage (Docken: 50/2=25-23=2 damage) Hybros (Darkness) vs. Golem Clerk (Front Row) - Critical Martial Hit (Golem Clerk: 33*3=99+8=107*2/2=107 damage; Hybros: -1 Ether) Hybros (Darkness) vs. Golem Clerk (Front Row) - Special Damage (Feeble Flailing - Hybros, Ellaria, Thormanil Docken: 31 damage + Blinded) The Druid displayed her cleverness once more, eradicating their more dangerous foe's greatest advantage, though the spray still stripped the monk of his Encouragement. The Dragoon took flight, preparing to come crashing down upon the rogue, who in the meantime struck the Warden ineffectively. The Monk swung at the golem clerk, though its distance robbed the blow of some of its strength. His second swing, however, prompts panic, causing calamity for three of the party. Both enemies remained standing, so THE BATTLE CONTINUED! The Enemies: Golem Clerk *Immune to Blinded* *Back Row* *Ignores Row* *Slowed (1 Round)* Type: Humanoid Level: 32 30 Health: 253/360 Defense: 1 Special I: Feeble Flailing - Golem Clerk panics, throwing his weapon and hitting the target and the next two targets below them for 31 damage ignoring row and dealing the Blinded-effect. He then becomes Slowed for one Round while he recovers. Used if he is in possession of a weapon suitable for his use. Special II: When In Rome... - Golem Clerk follows the example of the Golem Rogue, stealing a random weapon from the target's inventory. Used when not in possession of a weapon suitable for his use. Drops: Blind Bomb, Quill Pen (WP:1, retrievable throwing weapon), Inkwell (consumable, causes a weapon to deal the Blinded-effect for one battle) Note: Golem Clerk attacks with a throwing weapon; after one roll of Damage or one Free Hit, he will move to the Front Row and will retrieve his weapon on the next roll of Damage or Free Hit. If for any reason he cannot retrieve his throwing weapon, Golem Clerk will attack from the Back Row and his attacks will no longer ignore Row. Golem Rogue *Immune to Darkness and Sealed* Type: Humanoid Level: 50 Health: 550/550 Defense: 4 Special I: Mug - The Golem Rogue beats the target by striking for 55 damage. If the target carries gold, the Golem Rogue steals gold equal to the target's level + 5. Special II: Steal & Hide - If the target carries gold, the Golem Rogue steals gold equal to the target's level + 5. The Golem Rogue then hides for the remainder of the Round, avoiding all action that comes their way. Drops: 90 gold, Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to STEAL gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold, in addition to hiding; suitable to rogues; footwear), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, +5 gold stolen; dagger) The Party: Ellaria Arbour (Sandy) 23 years old female human Druid Level 30.25 *Immune to Sealed, Poisoned, Bleeding, and Hexed* *Ignis Fatuus: permanently poisoned by 15* *Party Leader* *Blinded (3 Rounds)* Power: 42 (30+12) Defense: 7 (3+4) Health: 24/48 (9+29+7+1+2) Ether: 37/42 (5+29+5+1+2) Gold: 223 Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:12, permanently poisoned by 15, fire- and lighting-elemental staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, protects from sealing; bodywear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and bleeding, handwear), Spider Helmet (SP:4, passes poisoned and bleeding effects to the enemy when the wearer is hit; headwear), Paper Doll (Protects from hexed; accessory) Inventory: Weapons Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:10, wood-elemental crossbow), Pan Flute (WP: 7, instrument), Wizard's Staff (WP:1, fire-, wind-, water- and earth-elemental staff), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to Darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only; shield.) Artefacts: Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1 to bows and crossbows. Suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators, and winged warriors), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits; backwear), Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo; headwear), Spell Items: Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance) Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Serenade of Water (Causes Water damage equal to the minstrel's level to all enemies per round for as long as the song is sung. Costs 10 ether per round. Battle Song), Ruby (Fire) Consumables: 3 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 4 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, Emergency Essence, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 2 Soma, Ambrosia, 2 Tasty Pretzels (1/3 chance each of granting Lucky, Hastened and Encouraged-effects upon consumption for the duration of one battle.), 2 Hardtack Biscuits (Grants +10 current and max HP for the duration of one battle), Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Grating Stone, Currency: Gold Ore (worth 80 gold) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Quest Items: Tower Key Hybros (played by JimButcher) 53-year-old male imp Chi Monk *Permanently Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements except wood* *Intimidation* *Natural Respite* Level: 33 Power Bonus: 3 (8 in front row) * Defense: 0 Health: 23/54 (7+32+12+3*) Ether: 27/37 (32+3+2) Gold: 768 Equipment: Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), The Black Hat (Suitable for anyone, grantsIntimidation, immune to darkness and cursed, headwear), Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators and winged warriors), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear) Inventory: • Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 45.25 gains 1/4 WP every kill made with it; longsword), Zoot's Reaper (WP:15; scythe, suitable to Hybros), Clock Cog (WP:14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Justice (WP:8, causes blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, daggers), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow blade [nothing]; dagger), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; retrievable), Nimbus Broomstick (WP:5, long range, usable by mages and clerics; Broomstick, sells for double usual price), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), Pan (WP: 1, +1 Health; suitable for all classes) • Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), Baron's Epaulets (Suitable for short heroes, grants Command over short NPCs), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear), Sterile Gloves (grants immunity to poisoned- and bleeding-effects, handwear), • Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Opal, Scroll of Luck (grants Lucky-effect for one battle, costs 10 ether) • 13 Potions, 12 Grand Potions, 16 Health Cores, 11 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 3 Elixirs, 3 Grand Tonics, Soma, Feather of White, 2 Phoenix Essences, 4 Phoenix Incenses, 2 Deadly Venoms, 4 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 5 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 2 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used), 2 Gold Rings (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Skeleton Decoy, Bone • Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 4 Mythril Shards, Crimson Haze (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects permanently), Grating Stone Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 34-year-old human male, Warden Level 47 *Gains Triple Sextuple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confused, Blinded, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Sudden Death* *Counterstriking* *Trial* Power: 57 (Level 47 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0) Defense: 23 (SP: 20 + SP: 3) Health: 81/81 30/40 (base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 46 + Class bonus: 8 + permanent boost: 21*) Gold: 521 (1 Gold loaned to Lord Lawrence Boomingham [Zepher]) GP: 27 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10 0; inflicts the Blinded-effect; Crossbow), Mythril Shield (SP: 20; Shield), Dread Hat (permanent Scary effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, and Wind; suitable for anyone; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for anyone; Bodywear), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Sudden Death; suitable for anyone; Backwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; suitable for anyone; Accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; suitable for anyone; Handwear) Inventory: • Pan (WP: 1; +1 Max HP; suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7; deals double Damage on ships; club), Unlucky Horseshoe (WP: 13; inflicts the Jinxed-effect; Throwing Weapon [borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz)]) • Large Water Canteen (Carries 6 portions of water; Accessory), Aqua Gear (Adds Water-element to physical attacks, immune to Water, Accessory) • Potions (4), Grand Potions (11), Health Cores (3), Remedies (10), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Meads (2), Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine, Feather of Lithe, Feather of White, Smoke Bombs (5), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (5), Bones (11), Venom (5), Deadly Venom, Skeleton Decoy, Teleportapple, Grating Stone, Adamantite Shards (3/4 Adamantite), Writ of Blacksmith Service (Voucher for one free weapon or shield upgrade at Anwyl's Smithy) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • Silver Ore (60 Gold) • Incomplete Formula (Quest Item, note, found: Blacksmith), Portia Butcher's Diary Entry (Quest Item, note, found: General Store), Storekeeper's Note (Quest Item, note, found: General Store Cellar), Clerk's Note (Quest Item, note, found: Mayor's Office), Clara Butcher's Letter (Quest Item, note, found: Town Hall Meeting Room) Thormanil Nihai, Dragonslayer, Orc-kin (Played by swils) and Arx the Youngling (Ice) Level 42.4 Dragoon *Immune to Darkness, Light, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, Lightning, and Asleep, Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile,Slowed, and Weakened* *Gains Triple Experience* *Reflects physical damage* Power Bonus: +1 Defense: 18 Health: 61/61 Gold: 1636 Equipment: Shishkebab (WP: 16, dual-strike, darkness-elemental, lance), Iris Shield (SP: 15; reflects physical Damage back to the attacker regardless of Row or Defense, if the user survives the attack.), Bright Armor (SP: 3, Null Darkness), Winged Sandals (Wearer is immune to Light, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, and Lightning, and the Asleep,Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile, Slowed, and Weakened-effects), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience, accessory) Inventory: • Dragonsbane Lance (WP: 20, triple damage to enemies with 'Dragon' in their name, lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss -> "Aim"), Frozen Saber (WP: 9, longsword, Stuns enemies), Repeater Crossbow (WP: 7, crossbow. Hastened for first round of combat while equipped.), Schoolyard Sword (WP: 8 great sword), Wooden Shield (SP:5, Null Wood), Crossbow (WP:5) • Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Weredog (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory), Fighting Boots (Footwear, Power +5 on the front row, suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, and winged warriors), Sticky Gloves (Handwear, Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up)), Aqua Gear (Wearer deals and is immune to water-elemental damage) • Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • 2x Amethyst (Darkness), Emerald (Wood), Opal (Ice), • Potion, 2x Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Neutralizer, Milk • Mead, 2x Nostrum, Smelling Salts, 2x Mulled Wine, Jinxy Juice, Feather of Lithe, • 2x Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, 3x Smoke Bomb, Ice Bomb, 5x Water Bomb • 3x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, • 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Teleportapple Party Leader, please post the order of actions. Everyone else, choose your actions.

Fair enough, but that only lasts for the first cup; as soon as you win a match, you'll have at least 6 cards, at which point hidden hands comes back into play.