Flipz

Arthur shoots Atramor a look, but says nothing, not trusting his ability to do so without being overheard. He subtly casts his gaze around the room, looking to see the room's other occupants' reaction to Atramor's outburst.

Hmm, in that case I guess it would work all right for Battle Mage (though lore-wise it still makes more sense for Mystic Knight). I actually wouldn't mind it replacing ranged spellcasting on MK, though, although now I think of it that's probably still a bad idea for consistency's sake.

How is it any stronger than being able to cast unlimited elemental spells at will (like all Mage classes currently do)?

That would actually hurt Battle Mages, though, since they don't get nearly as much SP as some classes. I'd actually argue that the change would make more sense on Mystic Knight, since they already have a heavy focus on enchanting their weapon in both their SHIELD and their Enchant roll. Keep in mind, this is basically stripping a ranged class of their ranged ability--even though there's some benefit in being able to add effects to elemental spells, it's still a severe nerf. Yes, it would make both classes much more interesting, but Mystic Knight has a LOT of things going for it to support the nerf (though I'd probably still want to see its class HP bonus buffed a little in exchange), whereas Battle Mage doesn't really have what it takes to survive the change. I almost feel like if Battle Mage really needs a change, some sort of "blood rage" ability would be better suited--maybe an increase in damage as their target becomes more injured, or perhaps an optional bonus for every consecutive turn spent attacking the same enemy? (The latter could be interesting--it would tie Berserker's weird ability back into lore, but by making it optional would avoid completely nerfing Battle Mage. Maybe "The Battle Mage gains a stacking temporary +1 bonus to their WP for every previous consecutive attack against the target"?)

Skrall gets the loot, sorry I didn't mention it. Before Arthur can stop her, Miirym leaps up onto Shanxian's shoulder. She nearly opens her mouth to screech, but stops at Arthur's mental rebuke. Miirym! The little dragon reluctantly relaxes, though she still perches protectively atop Lady Ji Pei's shoulder, flicking her tail ever so often as she casts a suspicious reptilian gaze over the room. Throughout it all, the ex-Skirmisher stays spectacularly silent. He mentally sighs. There are enough vultures in this room without you posing like one, Miirym. <She needs my protection. You may not be allowed to show your opinions, but I am a Dragon, and here we are respected.> They cannot listen to words you do not speak aloud, little one. <I...will speak when I must. For now, my actions are enough.> More than enough... Arthur thinks worriedly, but he allows the subject to drop for now.

I believe he was immune to Doomed and Instant Kill.

Sadly for the Druid, the butchered bird had not been properly preserved, providing no nutrition for the nurturing cleric. In search of the final pieces of the puzzle, the fearsome foursome found their way to the town Bakery. Within, a familiar mouse nibbled away at the corner of a stack of parchment; as the party made its presence known, it again shrieked and sped away, leaving another letter for them to read. Though its tone seemed stale at the start, it shifted with time from business to personal. The first several entries were similar, but gradually the author began to leave less logical logs and more entries akin to a diary or journal. The final three entries seemed to be the one most relevant to the present situation. Baker's Note: Judging by the dates listed, these three entries had been made in the last three days before the actual incident occurred. With everywhere in town now visited, and a few precious clues under their belts, the party was well on their way to solving this town's secrets. What would the party do now?

Promising yet again to Play Nice, the Heroes move on to... PREPARE FOR BATTLE! The Enemies: Dryad *Immune to poisoned* Type: Humanoid/Plant Level: 16 Health: 242/242 Special: Poison Ivy – Causes the bound- and poisoned by 4-effects to the target. Drops: Venom Cheshire Cat A Type: Beast/Ethereal Level: 13 Health: 131/131 Special: Big Grin – Causes the jinxed-effect to the target. Drops: Nostrum Cheshire Cat B Type: Beast/Ethereal Level: 13 Health: 131/131 Special: Big Grin – Causes the jinxed-effect to the target. Drops: Nostrum Bugbear Healer A *Fights from the back row* Type: Beast Level: 7 Health: 96/96 Special: Bear Hug – Restores 30 health to self and all allies. Drops: Potion Bugbear Healer B *Fights from the back row* Type: Beast Level: 7 Health: 96/96 Special: Bear Hug – Restores 30 health to self and all allies. Drops: Potion 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: 20/23 (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: 18/32 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 • Grand Potion, 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)), Smoke Bomb, 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: 14/19 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.) Party Leader, please post the order of action. Everyone, choose your targets, weapon, 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.

"Thank you, milady, though I believe most of the credit goes to Skrall's marksmanship and Atramor's quick thinking with that Decamodifier." Miirym squeaks with joy. <I did it! I helped!> Arthur smiles at the little dragon, though his helmet hides the expression. He turns back to the doctor. "It is indeed a shame about the cannon. If I had thought ahead a little more about the Decamodifier, perhaps its destruction could have been avoided. I...may not be up to your level of mechanical expertise, but if there's anything I can do to help with repairs while we're on our way to Xu, I would be more than happy to offer my assistance."

FM Note: I'm going to wait for LordoftheNoobs' input before moving on.

Mostly Docken and Hybros' behavior in the General Store, and then poor Thormanil getting nothing out of the drinks from the Inn, and now...this guy. I swear I had no control over him as I wrote his letter. It just sort of...happened.

The party left that wayward inn, some changed by the experience, some not. Their reprieve was coming to a close, however, as they homed in on the two spots in town still unsearched. The birch-carved bird above the Butcher's Shop door made the location unmistakable. Like the other locations, the Butcher's Shop was as dead as the rest of the town. A cold chicken carcass lay on the counter next to a pile of 14 gold coins, both likely abandoned mid-transaction. As the party had come to expect, another note was on the counter, this one bearing the signature of Jim Baker, the town butcher. Butcher's note: The remainder of the note was written in the same handwriting, but much more sloppily, as if written in a rush. ...Jim Baker was always a little weird.

I'm not sure why, but apparently my grand attempt at horror has transformed into a comedy of errors. I feel like Camaraderie from Flaming Gumballs ending up useless is going to end up as a running joke now.

QM Note: Doing this party update in a separate post so I have an easier time quoting it later. Next update in about 20-30 minutes. The Druid mixed the drinks, composing four different concoctions before serving them to her party members. They drank up, the Dragoon feeling strangely lonely for some reason. Hybros: Red + Blue = Magician's Mead (+2 max Ether) Ellaria: Blue + Lime = Stickleback Brew (+2 max health) Thormanil: Red + White = Flaming Gumball (Camaraderie - All heroes gain +1 power for total number of heroes in battle with Camaraderie. Cannot exist in only one hero that has camaraderie.) Docken: Lime + White = Trial Brew (Halves the drinkers max HP, max ether, and max SP for the duration of one battle. These effects are irremediable. Surviving a battle without getting knocked out in this state nets you double EXP. Being revived after being knocked-out removes these effects.) The 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: 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, 2 Neutralizers, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, Emergency Essence, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 2 Soma, Ambrosia, 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* *Encouraged* Level: 33 Power Bonus: 3 (8 in front row) * Defense: 0 Health: 54/54 (7+32+12+3*) Ether: 28/37 (32+3+2) Gold: 754 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), 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 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* *Asleep (3 Rounds)* *Trial* Power: 57 (Level 47 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0) Defense: 23 11 (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 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

We already have like three interpretations of the Doctor himself already, though (Byverion, Arthur's father, and Quarion). Is there no love for the companions? Why haven't we gotten a Donna Noble-type character yet?!

Battle Order: Atramor Arthur Skrall Arthur again raises his Spider Leg Spear to attack the Cloud Gigas from the Back Row.

Hmm, might be a little early to start going for upgrades. Generally I wouldn't recommend more than a couple ups total until at least your Advanced Class, if not Level 20. The reasoning for this is that 1.) getting an Advanced Class can change a LOT in terms of where money is best spent (i.e. buying gems/scrolls if swapping to a Mage/Cleric AC, SP if going to Knight, new/better Artifact and weapon proficiencies, etc.), and 2.) Level 20, because it introduces a third Artifact slot, is where builds can really start to gain some cohesion and synergy; with 1 Artifact slot, it's basically a primer to the system, or if you're really lucky you'll find something like Docken's Scary Hat or Dyric's Lucky Die that can serve as the core for an overall build. With 2 Artifacts and your Advanced Class, you have pretty much one layer of synergy; either you get one defense Artifact and one utility Artifact, or a utility or defense Artifact and an Artifact (e.g. Black Knight's Armor or Hunter's Quiver) that patches one of the drawbacks of your class, or if you're lucky you'll find a really powerful Artifact that has a strong negative drawback, and another Artifact that can patch said weakness (e.g. Hybros' Golden Armor and the Blessed Amulet he used to use to pair with it). Level 20 is when you have enough slots (and enough options based on class and abilities) to really start to differentiate your build from other players of a similar class and Level; you can tank up with defense (SP/immunities), bulk up with power, or become a jack-of-all-trades with lots of utility, or you can balance all three; additionally, if you have a layer of synergy from the previous stage (i.e. Slowing weapon + Winged Sandals), you can now add more on top of it with a third Artifact. At this point, between your experience playing the game and your mechanical build, you should have a fair idea of the kind of playstyle you'd like to play (and possibly the Expert Class(es) you want to shoot for), and can decide whether or not you want to devote your Gold to direct upgrades or into sidegrades like better Artifacts/weapons or making preparations for your EC. For Actaeon specifically, a Ranger's Quiver is a great buy; it's a cheap 20 Gold upgrade that you can later sell back for 10 when you've found better Backwear. Another good choice would be to throw a Topaz and/or Sapphire into his bow, so as to stack the multipliers (compare 6*2=12+10=22 damage vs Flying to 6*2=12+10=22*2=44 or 6*2=12+10=22*4=88 damage vs Flying). Correct me if I'm wrong, however, but it almost seems like Actaeon's leaning towards Evoker (what with the two loose Scrolls). That might be a decent build; in that case, maybe buy that cape off of Francis and find an Aquamarine so your attacks deal Fragile. (That is, if Thalion or Heckz don't put in bids first; imagine a Sorcerer with the Bad Luck Charm AND the Cloak of the Sea Beast casting Water spells. Bonus points if they borrow Overkill Gloves. ) He wouldn't even have to worry that much about Aquatic enemies, either, given his Scroll that allows him to tame them for long periods of time. It would also be an ideal start if he later decides to go Weather Mage (which would use the same weapons he already had, while also allowing him to stack Fragile with further double damage from Humid). Yeah, the Marketplace shield is a good buy, though I believe there's 1 or 2 people floating around who have shields that provide immunity to Blind or Fragile; based on the new scarcity of Scrolls and other offensive spell items (thanks to Elphaba's departure), it may be worth the cost of upgrading one of them. Definitely drag the Ruby out of the Flameproof Armor and into the new armor. Apart from that, there's still not a whole lot of specialization going on; you may want to hold onto your money and wait until you reach your Expert Class before making a lot of big choices. Maybe grab Counterstrike Gloves if you're really itching for more flexibility, but the meta has shifted away from those a long time ago, and I don't really see them making a substantial comeback. Actually, it's the other way around. Well, okay, "awesome" in-Quest shops are relatively rare, but it's still good to be able to stock up on necessities out in the field, and gold-stealing enemies are actually quite rare unless you focus on fighting Wolfgang (which Kiray obviously wouldn't be doing).

Well, that "one or two Rounds" sure turned into a lot more. Legonater, shouldn't Hand Soldier have gotten a Free Hit on Thalion? It wouldn't have done any damage due to his defense, but it should still be noted. See, your problem here is that no one's told you how Endgame enemies work. Basically, the process goes like this: Step 1. Endgame character tells you what to do. Step 2. You do it. Step 3. They die. (Or, if Endgame doesn't want them dead yet, they inexplicably get away.) Trying to jump the rails in between steps 1 and 2 only delays the inevitable.

FM Note: As an apology for the delays this weekend, I'll go ahead and auto-roll an extra Round or two while I'm currently available. Round 6 of Clamor in the Corn (Battle 3, Play Fair) >Lind Whisperer (Ethereal Deck) vs. Scarecrow (back) - Critical Hit (Scarecrow: 7*2=14+13+3=30 damage; Lind: Ethereal Deck must be retrieved) >Grimwald Gjinko (Light, Shadeaux Mace) vs. Scarecrow (back) - Special Damage (Murder of Crows - Scary Crow B killed, Scarecrow restored to full health) >Darksten vs. Scary Crow B Feral Hen A (back) - Aim (Feral Hen A: 6 damage) Lind finally manages a successful attack, but unfortunately his opponent simply murders another of its allies to negate the effect of the blow. Meanwhile, Darksten aims to kill the crow before the Scarecrow can, but is unfortunately just not fast enough. Fortunately, however, the bolt hits the Feral Hen, whittling down its health. Two enemies remain against three Heroes, all of whom are somewhat injured. THE BATTLE CONTINUES! The Enemies: Feral Hen A Type: Flying? Level: 8 Health: 37/64 Special: Chicken Run – Causes 16 wind-elemental damage to the target, then flees the battle. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 upon consumption) Scarecrow *Darkness-elemental attacks* Type: Demon Level: 15 Health: 210/210 Special I: Murder of Crows – Consume a Scary Crow to restore full health to self. Special II: Shriek – Causes the afraid-effect. Used only if all Scary Crows are gone. Drops: nothing The Party: Lind Whisperer *Immune to Fire* *Party Leader!* 21-year-old male Human of the Munchkin tribe Class: Rogue Level: 13 Power Bonus: +3 Defense: 4 Health: 17/23 (7+11+4) Gold: 3 Glory Points: 4 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 • Newspaper with Picture of Lupine (Quest/role-playing item), Alfendi's Cape Grimwald Gjinko 69 year old male gnome Sage Level: 19 Power Bonus: +1 permanent, +5 spells SP: 0 Health: 17/32 Ether: 20/28 Gold: 323 (Owes Nerwen 300) Glory Points: 4 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 • Grand Potion, 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)), Smoke Bomb, 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 13.5 Power: 18 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 8/18 SP: 2 Gold: 517 Glory Points: 4 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, Pheonix 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.) Round 7 of Clamor in the Corn (Battle 3, Play Fair) Lind Whisperer retrieves throwing weapons >Grimwald Gjinko (Light, Shadeaux Mace) vs. Scarecrow (back) - SHIELD (Magical Vortex - all enemies: 9+19+6=34 Light-elemental damage; all allies: 9+19+1=29 health restored; Grimwald: -2 Ether) >Darksten vs. Feral Hen A (back) - Critical Hit (Feral Hen A: 6*2=12+13=25 damage (KO!)) Grimwald again saves everyone, blasting away both enemies and healing his injured allies. Lind takes the opportunity to retrieve his throwing weapons, while Darksten finishes off the Feral Hen. As only one weakened enemy remains and no Heroes are in danger of KO, the next Round will be auto-rolled. THE BATTLE CONTINUES! The Enemies: Scarecrow *Darkness-elemental attacks* Type: Demon Level: 15 Health: 142/210 Special I: Murder of Crows – Consume a Scary Crow to restore full health to self. Special II: Shriek – Causes the afraid-effect. Used only if all Scary Crows are gone. Drops: nothing The Party: Lind Whisperer *Immune to Fire* *Party Leader!* 21-year-old male Human of the Munchkin tribe Class: Rogue Level: 13 Power Bonus: +3 Defense: 4 Health: 23/23 (7+11+4) Gold: 3 Glory Points: 4 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 • Newspaper with Picture of Lupine (Quest/role-playing item), Alfendi's Cape Grimwald Gjinko 69 year old male gnome Sage Level: 19 Power Bonus: +1 permanent, +5 spells SP: 0 Health: 32/32 Ether: 18/28 Gold: 323 (Owes Nerwen 300) Glory Points: 4 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 • Grand Potion, 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)), Smoke Bomb, 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 13.5 Power: 18 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 18/18 SP: 2 Gold: 517 Glory Points: 4 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, Pheonix 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.) Round 8 of Clamor in the Corn (Battle 3, Play Fair) >Lind Whisperer (Darker Ethereal Deck) vs. Scarecrow (back) - SHIELD (Mug - Scarecrow: 7*3=21+13+3=37 damage; Lind: Darker Ethereal Deck must be retrieved) >Grimwald Gjinko (Light, Shadeaux Mace) vs. Scarecrow (back) - Spell (Scarecrow: 9+19+6=34*2=68 damage; Grimwald: -1 Ether) >Darksten vs. Scarecrow (back) - Damage (Darksten: 15/2=7-2=5 damage) Even with Lind and Grimwald striking mightily at it, the scarecrow manages to strike deviously at the daring Darksten. As only one weakened enemy remains and no Heroes are in danger of KO, the next Round will be auto-rolled. THE BATTLE CONTINUES! The Enemies: Scarecrow *Darkness-elemental attacks* Type: Demon Level: 15 Health: 37/210 Special I: Murder of Crows – Consume a Scary Crow to restore full health to self. Special II: Shriek – Causes the afraid-effect. Used only if all Scary Crows are gone. Drops: nothing The Party: Lind Whisperer *Immune to Fire* *Party Leader!* 21-year-old male Human of the Munchkin tribe Class: Rogue Level: 13 Power Bonus: +3 Defense: 4 Health: 23/23 (7+11+4) Gold: 3 Glory Points: 4 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 • Newspaper with Picture of Lupine (Quest/role-playing item), Alfendi's Cape Grimwald Gjinko 69 year old male gnome Sage Level: 19 Power Bonus: +1 permanent, +5 spells SP: 0 Health: 32/32 Ether: 18/28 Gold: 323 (Owes Nerwen 300) Glory Points: 4 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 • Grand Potion, 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)), Smoke Bomb, 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 13.5 Power: 18 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 13/18 SP: 2 Gold: 517 Glory Points: 4 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, Pheonix 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.) Round 9 of Clamor in the Corn (Battle 3, Play Fair) >Lind Whisperer (Ethereal Deck) vs. Scarecrow (back) - Hide (Lind: hidden) >Grimwald Gjinko (Light, Shadeaux Mace) vs. Scarecrow (back) - Damage (Grimwald: 15/2=7 damage) >Darksten vs. Scarecrow (back) - Aim (Scarecrow: 6 damage) The Scarecrow refuses to go down without a fight. As only one weakened enemy remains and no Heroes are in danger of KO, the next Round will be auto-rolled. THE BATTLE CONTINUES! The Enemies: Scarecrow *Darkness-elemental attacks* Type: Demon Level: 15 Health: 31/210 Special I: Murder of Crows – Consume a Scary Crow to restore full health to self. Special II: Shriek – Causes the afraid-effect. Used only if all Scary Crows are gone. Drops: nothing The Party: Lind Whisperer *Immune to Fire* *Party Leader!* 21-year-old male Human of the Munchkin tribe Class: Rogue Level: 13 Power Bonus: +3 Defense: 4 Health: 23/23 (7+11+4) Gold: 3 Glory Points: 4 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 • Newspaper with Picture of Lupine (Quest/role-playing item), Alfendi's Cape Grimwald Gjinko 69 year old male gnome Sage Level: 19 Power Bonus: +1 permanent, +5 spells SP: 0 Health: 25/32 Ether: 18/28 Gold: 323 (Owes Nerwen 300) Glory Points: 4 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 • Grand Potion, 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)), Smoke Bomb, 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 13.5 Power: 18 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 13/18 SP: 2 Gold: 517 Glory Points: 4 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, Pheonix 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.) Round 10 of Clamor in the Corn (Battle 3, Play Fair) >Lind Whisperer (Ethereal Deck) vs. Scarecrow (back) - Damage (Lind: 15/2=7-4=3 damage) >Grimwald Gjinko (Light, Shadeaux Mace) vs. Scarecrow (back) - Damage (Grimwald: 15/2=7 damage) >Darksten vs. Scarecrow (back) - Special Damage (Darksten: Afraid) The Scarecrow beats away at the party, frightening Darksten into keeping his distance. As only one weakened enemy remains and no Heroes are in danger of KO, the next Round will be auto-rolled. THE BATTLE CONTINUES! The Enemies: Scarecrow *Darkness-elemental attacks* Type: Demon Level: 15 Health: 31/210 Special I: Murder of Crows – Consume a Scary Crow to restore full health to self. Special II: Shriek – Causes the afraid-effect. Used only if all Scary Crows are gone. Drops: nothing The Party: Lind Whisperer *Immune to Fire* *Party Leader!* 21-year-old male Human of the Munchkin tribe Class: Rogue Level: 13 Power Bonus: +3 Defense: 4 Health: 20/23 (7+11+4) Gold: 3 Glory Points: 4 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 • Newspaper with Picture of Lupine (Quest/role-playing item), Alfendi's Cape Grimwald Gjinko 69 year old male gnome Sage Level: 19 Power Bonus: +1 permanent, +5 spells SP: 0 Health: 18/32 Ether: 18/28 Gold: 323 (Owes Nerwen 300) Glory Points: 4 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 • Grand Potion, 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)), Smoke Bomb, Plague Venom, Mythril Shard, Grating stone x2, Darksten (Comrade Commander) *Immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded* *Afraid* 35 year old Male Human Ranger Level 13.5 Power: 18 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 13/18 SP: 2 Gold: 517 Glory Points: 4 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, Pheonix 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.) Round 11 of Clamor in the Corn (Battle 3, Play Fair) >Lind Whisperer (Ethereal Deck) vs. Scarecrow (back) - Special Damage (Lind: afraid) >Grimwald Gjinko (Light, Shadeaux Mace) vs. Scarecrow (back) - Spell (Scarecrow: 9+19+6=34*2=68 damage (KO!); Grimwald: -1 Ether) >Darksten vs. Scarecrow (back) - The Scarecrow jumps out at Lind one last time before Grimwald obliterates it. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! All Heroes gain 1/2 Level of experience and 4 Glory Points. Darksten levels up! The enemies drop a Phoenix Essence and a Chicken Drumstick. The Enemies: Scarecrow *Darkness-elemental attacks* Type: Demon Level: 15 Health: 31/210 Special I: Murder of Crows – Consume a Scary Crow to restore full health to self. Special II: Shriek – Causes the afraid-effect. Used only if all Scary Crows are gone. Drops: nothing 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: 20/23 (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 • 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: 18/32 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 • Grand Potion, 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)), Smoke Bomb, 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: 14/19 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, Pheonix 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.) Party Leader, please divide the loot: Phoenix Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health during a battle.) Chicken Drumstick (Max. health +1 upon consumption.) Please also declare your next destination and any challenge you wish to partake in for the next battle.

For your sake, I hope 105 finally lets out first--Zepher is liable to punch something if he's forced to miss that class. Let's not forget, planning for at least two more (though without building ability, I'm rather limited, so one of those is likely very, very far off).

Hey, I'm already running two at once and participating in another, I don't think I could handle running another one.

Hopefully that mini-puzzle's not too dreadfully obscure. Let me know if I need to give more hints.

The monk touched the statue, but nothing happened. Then, for an moment--just an moment, no more, no less--the sensation of detachment, adrift from time, from space. Perhaps he had felt it before, some other time and place. Barkeep's Note: As she stepped behind the counter, the Druid discovered a small box labeled "emergency supply", containing a tiny recipe book along with several colored bottles of ingredients. Upon closer inspection, there were two bottles each of red, blue, lime, and white liquid--enough for a total of four beverages. What colorful concoctions would the aspiring alchemist formulate first? And to whom would she give them? QM Note: As a hint, all four of these beverages have been given to (and consumed by) Heroes in past Quests. The color of the final beverage should (roughly) correspond to the image we've had of each consumable in the past, with the exception of one (which was never given an item image). Note that these drinks must be consumed immediately to have any effect.

Read: unfair.

The Warden found even more records, but nothing of real interest. As he read page after page of boring text, the Warden began to feel drowsy, as if he might fall Asleep at a moment's notice. The plant smelled nice, if dusty. The monk recalled that the "newspaper" was actually the note they had just read. The trashed Town Hall searched, the party paraded on to the Inn, a place of haunting familiarity... An unnatural stillness pervaded the place, the statue of a certain angel dominating the decor. The only indication of life, however, was the lone note on the counter of the bar. Would the party read it? Or was this wayward inn one place they would not dare to tread?