Flipz

By the way, for anyone wondering: Miirym is pronounced just like 'Miriam', but with only two syllables (the second one being shortened as well). "MEER-yim"

Arthur passes the shield to Purpearl. "Best of luck to you--hopefully it serves you well." Finishing his drink, the Dragoon gets up and leads the way down to the Quest board, his draconic companion trailing in his wake. About halfway down he stops for her, murmurs something, and holds his cloak open, allowing the little dragon to crawl in and cling to the reinforced fabric. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, the Dragoon stands there staring at the two offered Quests. The first was unacceptable, of course--he'd never willingly work for the Bonapartes--but the second one had piqued his interest. Helping the Ji Pei...but do I really want to risk getting that close to home? Miirym pokes her head out of the cloak, dislodging a shard of bluish crystal from an inner pocket. <Why is going home a risk?> she asks mentally, <And where is home? > "It's--" Arthur stops himself. "Actually, this place is probably the closest we'll ever have to a home. My homeland is..." the Dragoon pauses, struggling with how to explain distance and place to a newborn dragon with no sense of reference to the world. "...a long way from here," he finishes lamely. "They...don't really like me there." Before his dragon can question him further, Arthur kneels down to reclaim his Mythril Shard. I should probably sell this off, he thinks to himself. Miirym cocks her head curiously but does not interrupt his thoughts again; she soon retreats into her caretaker's cloak as he steps forward to write a note on the board: Snickering a little at his own bad joke, the Dragoon starts back up the stairs once more.

Arthur shrugs. "I don't know. That one seems to suit you." He glances towards Miirym, then takes a sip of the drink Purpearl had poured for him. "Tell you what," he says, reaching into his bag and pulling out the Crescent Shield he had bought from Hybros, "I recently acquired this shield from a friend of mine, but I don't really feel like paying to have it upgraded. If you can get it as strong as my old Arm Shield, I'll let you have the old one. Make it better and I'll even pay you half what I would have paid for the extra upgrades. Sound fair?"

"I'd recognize a Mystic Knight anywhere--believe it or not, I used to be one a while back." He offers his hand to Purpearl. "Call me Regulus. This is Miirym." "Feel free to try out the shield if you'd like. Believe it or not, it used to be one of those weak ones from the Marketplace. One of the better parts of being a Mystic Knight is getting to enchant your own gear." He unfastens the Lion - emblazoned shield from his arm and holds it up for Purpearl to try on. "Give it a try," he says.

FM Note: I need a concrete loot division and a final decision on your next destination, please.

Yaaaay! Glad to hear it. This will be VERY useful for finding things in the future.

Awesome, I just might sign up then. In other news, is this the second or third time I've faked everyone out and made them think I was getting rid of Arthur? I swear, this time it wasn't intentional.

A man in a black, bat-winged, face-concealing helmet enters the Hall. Though he had left the place just the previous night, today he was unrecognizable. A small golden dragon trails timidly in his wake as he climbs the stairs to the Saloon, relishing his newfound--though undoubtedly temporary--anonimity. Sidling up to the bar, the Dragoon notices another armored figure, this one seemingly unused to her apparently new armament. "Hello there. I don't think I've seen you around before. Judging by your gear, I'd guess you're a Mystic Knight? Don't see a shield, though--you in the market for one?" OOC: Not to worry, I'm not leaving just yet.

It is late evening when Arthur at last approaches Chateau de Shadeaux. Letter in hand, the Skirmisher approaches the great stone edifice. After reading his letter, the guard nods and leads the other man inside. Sitting in the parlor are two figures the ex-Mage recognizes, if only in passing. "Master Dragonlord. Count Shadeaux." "Zis is ze un you und Shawe spoke of?" "Yes. Mr. Regulus has a long history with our organization, as well as a record of service to the Town Watch. I believe he will serve your needs well." "...'E will do. Send 'im to Shawe." The Veteran and the Hero both bow to the Count, and the Dragonlord escorts the Skirmisher through the halls of the Shadeaux mansion. "Regulus--a word, please?" Arthur nods in acquiescence. Both men stop walking. "I hope you realize just how lucky you are that the Count needs this job filled. He's showing you a lot of trust, trust that several other Heroes have worked very hard to build. Don't break it." Arthur bows his head. "I won't. I've had a lot of time to reconsider my past...indiscretions. I want to make amends for my misdeeds." The Dragonlord nods. "That's good to hear. Fortunately, the Sand Queen agrees. Which is why we're letting you go through with this." The Veteran gestures forward, and he and Arthur resume walking. The pair pass into a large, empty room, with cabinets full of gear and racks full of polearms lining the walls, and the Skirmisher instantly realizes its purpose: a training room. Inside, two more familiar faces await. "Mr. Regulus." "Mr. Regulus." "Mr. Shawe! And...Copper Fox...I just want to say--" The Veteran raises his hand. "Now is not the time, Mr. Regulus. We are here to train you as a Dragoon." Arthur looks around in surprise. "Me? The caretaker of a Dragon? Me?" He pauses. "I'm...not sure I'm the best candidate for such a responsibility." "Told you," the Dragonlord remarks to his fellow Veteran. "You have proven yourself thus far, Mr. Regulus. We have every faith you will give this task your utmost dedication." After a moment's hesitation, the Skirmisher nods fervently. "Is this the offer you spoke of in your letter, Mr. Shawe?" "Partially. There is more--but I'll leave you to your training first." And leave them he does. It is a grueling night's training, but fortunately the battle styles of the Skirmisher lent themselves well to that of a Dragoon. It is not long before Arthur has mastered the physical art of the style--but one major obstacle remains. "A Dragon. Where am I to find a Dragon to raise?" "Come with me." The Copper Fox raises an eyebrow. "You aren't staying to meet with the Count yet again?" "Don't exaggerate, Fox. We can discuss it later. Come along, Regulus." Arthur nods, but takes a moment longer. "Thank you, Copper Fox. And...I'm sorry." The Copper Fox says nothing, but nods in acknowledgement. Arthur follows the Dragonlord out of the Chateau, and towards the Hovels. The now ex-Skirmisher looks around, wondering why his experience differed from his other friends who had walked this path. "Dragonlord...?" "I think we both know," he says without looking, "that a blindfold would be rather pointless for you." The Veteran waits for Arthur's grudging nod of admission. "The Count is trusting you with a Dragon. I'm trusting you not to look where you're getting one." Arthur blinks in surprise, then nods and shuts his eyes, following the Dragonlord by sound alone. They pass inside an unfamiliar building, then down corridors and stairs until they finally arrive in an enormous, rough-hewn cavern. Despite its depth and size, the place feels warm. "Open your eyes." Arthur complies, and finds himself in the lair of a great green Dragon. He starts, then bows respectfully. "Mr. Regulus, this is my companion, Smaragdea." "I am honored to meet you." "Welcome to my lair. Your respectfulness pleases me." "Smaragdea has been given several eggs to take care of. Now you must choose--" But one of the eggs, a smallish one colored gold, has already begun to shake. Entranced, Arthur begins to reach toward it. <Master? Who is it I sense?> I...'Master'? I'm not sure I-- Contact. At the touch of a finger, the eggshell fractures, once, twice, thrice...and then flies to pieces, the little hatchling within stretching its wings before curling back up tightly, every inch of her body save her piercing eyes covered by the leathery appendages. Arthur looks to the Dragonlord questioningly. The Veteran nods. "She is yours. You'll have to think of a name." Arthur looks back to the little gold reptile before him, pondering. <Master? What is wrong?> Arthur frowns. "I'm...not really comfortable with that term. Smaragdea, in your tongue, what is the word for 'guardian'?" "'Miirym'." "Very well. That is me, young one." The little Dragon cocks her head. <I don't think so. I think that is...me!> "You? Why would--?" A glaze passes over his eyes. A vision--no? She was still with him...? And then he hears it. The quiet murmur of voices--some loud, some soft, a few familiar. A realization-- The Spirit Pools. She's connected to the Spirit Pools. <Is that what they are called? I have heard them as long as I can remember, even before you came. There were voices who spoke to me. They say that is my name.> Miirym? In his vision--and perhaps in reality as well--the little girl nods. But how...? <I do not know. I was only just born.> She looks pleadingly to Arthur. <Will you take care of me?> Arthur looks the hatchling straight in the eyes. I will. I promise. The vision fades, and Arthur is greeted by a Veteran waving a hand in front of his face. "...gulus? Regulus, can you see--?" "I'm here." "Are you all right?" The newly-minted Dragoon nods. "Yes. I'm fine." He holds out his shield, allowing Miirym to climb up onto it, then draws it close again. "Miirym and I are both just fine." The Dragonlord smiles and leads Arthur, eyes closed once more, back to the surface. & Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 33.75 Dragoon, 22-year-old male Human & Miirym, 0-year-old female Dragon hatchling *Immune to Blind, Confused, Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* *Ignores Free Hits from Beasts* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 56/56 Defense: 31 Gold: 1049 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Arm Shield (SP:14, shield), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (SP: 5, Protects against Fragile and all Poisons; bodywear, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Shadeaux Cape (SP:5, Immune to Blind and Confused, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Fur Leggings (SP: 1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: • Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:9, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning-elemental; spear), Dauntlet Index (WP: 9, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [nothing]), Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield) • Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff A (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging), Healing Staff B (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging) • Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear, suitable for anyone), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone) • Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; Backwear, suitable for anyone), • Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy (example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold); handwear, suitable for anyone), • Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Zap-Tap Badge (Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), • Lens of Speed Reading (allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action; accessory, suitable for scroll users), Pointy Hat • Opal (Ice), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), • Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass • Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Weakening, • Potion, Grand Potion x2, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Remedy x8, Elixir x3, Phoenix Essence • Hurricane, Jinxy Juice • Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, • Grating Stone x2, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), Mythril shard • Smoke Bomb x5, Bone x3, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.) • Silver Ore x2 "Oh, and one more thing." "Hmm?" The Dragonlord produces a bundle of nearly two dozen letters, all addressed to 'The Veterans' and all bearing a pink Zeigfried seal. He immediately tucks them back away. "We're all tired of getting these. Read your damn mail." And with that, the Veteran is gone. Arthur stares after the Dragonlord in confusion, before coming to a sudden realization. Digging through his own pack, he removes a still-wrapped Grogmas gift and looks at it curiously, his new companion also observing in fascination...

Question about 120: roughly how long do you expect the Quest to run?

On his way to Chateau de Shadeaux, Arthur stops by the Marketplace one more time. "Hello again, Anwyl, I'd like these sharpened a bit." He hands over his Dauntlet Index, Spider Leg, and 180 Gold, then waits impatiently for the 'dwarf' to finish his work. While he waits, he examines his reflection in the shield Hybros had sold him. "Want me to work on that while I'm at it?" the smithy asks. "Not yet," Arthur replies. "I'd rather let some newer Hero get some use out of it first. Seen any Mystic Knights around lately in need of a shield?" "Hmph. Not lately." "Ah. Thanks anyway." the Skirmisher replies, and goes back to his impatient waiting.

"It's not the specific information that's the real issue--it's the idea that other Heroes are somehow "unworthy" to hear about our pasts. Karie's just as much a Hero as you or me, she doesn't deserve to be excluded just because she doesn't happen to share our history. Heck, she leans a bit more toward the 'me' side, which means it's even more important for us to be there for her when she's most vulnerable. You have no idea what she's been through, Dyric. You could have been for her what you were for me when we were fighting Wren and in the days after--a trusting friend, a brother in a world that seems like it's turned against her. Excluding her...it's just so unlike you, and it's counterproductive to making Heroica better." "In that case, I owe you all another apology. I and my party fought him myself, along with Shawe and the Knights of Patuqun about a year back. We probably could have finished him off, too, if it weren't for that idiot dwarf with us. If I see him again, I'm pulling a Vonnetate on him, I don't care how many of his cronies pile on to me in the process." "More importantly, she--and I, for that matter--is a perfect example of why it's a bad idea for us to have ulterior motives for taking on a Quest. It almost invariably leads to betrayal--like what she did to her party on her last Quest for Heroica, like what I did to my own when fighting her. Bad news all around." "There is that. I just don't think I'm doing a good enough job." Arthur glances out the window, noting the angle of light now streaming into the Hall. "It's been good catching up with you. I'd best be off for my meeting." He catches Dyric's eye. "Be well, brother." And with that, Arthur Regulus leaves Heroica Hall, in search of something new, something he hadn't thought he'd have again... ...His future.

The monk charged a blast of Wood-elemental Ether, but to his surprise rather than growing to grip the fleeting figure, the grass grows into a gigantic fist, punching its prey for what appeared to be 133 Wood-elemental damage. "Sqeeeek! Squeek Squeek! Squeek eek squeee eek squee! Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! <Monsters! Monsters everywhere! Going to kill us all! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!>" The terrified creature fled, and the warden soon followed suit in pursuing his friends' fleeing foe. To no one's surprise, the being bolted into the General Store, flinging the door open and fleeing fast within. Investigating inside, the group saw little out of place--save a well-concealed trapdoor near the back, its impeccably-disguised design foiled by the fleeing figure disappearing down it. A moment quicker and he would have vanished entirely. The three inside the shop heard the thunk of a bolt being thrown, but it mattered not--now knowing where it was, the disguised door would serve little an obstacle for their impish companion. Left a moment to breathe, the party had two options: continue their pursuit, or commence further investigation. Which would they decide?

FM Note: I should probably point out (based on your actions) that challenges (i.e. Close Encounters) apply to all Heroes in a battle and must be declared before choosing a location. Also note that fractional GP is always rounded down. Round 7 of "A Quix Fight" (Battle 1): Grimwald Gjinko (Light, Shadeaux Mace) vs. Zombie Peasant B (front) - SHIELD (Magical Vortex - All enemies: 9+18=27+1+5=33 Light-elemental damage (all enemies KO'd!); All allies: 9+18=27+1=28 HP restored; Grimwald: -2 Ether) Lind Whisperer (Darker Ethereal Deck) vs. Zombie Peasant B (front) >Darksten (Crossbow) vs. Itsy-Bitsy Spider C (back) Grimwald releases another healing pulse, finally finishing their freakish foes. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! All Heroes gain 1/2 level of experience and 1 Glory Point. Darksten levels up! The enemies drop two bones and a Remedy. The Party: Lind Whisperer *Immune to Fire* *Party Leader!* 21-year-old male Human of the Munchkin tribe Class: Rogue Level: 12.5 Power Bonus: +3 Defense: 4 Health: 22/22 (7+11+4) Gold: 3 Glory Points: 1 Equipment: Darker Ethereal Deck (Playing Cards) (WP:7, throwing weapon), Anniversary Medal (+3 Health, +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, • Newspaper with Picture of Lupine (Quest/role-playing item), Alfendi's Cape Grimwald Gjinko 69 year old male gnome Sage Level: 18.5 Power: 28 (18 + 9 + permanent boost of 1) Power Bonus: +1 permanent, +5 spells SP: 0 Health: 31/31 Ether: 20/27 Gold: 323 (Owes Nerwen 300) Glory Points: 1 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 • Potion, 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 x2, 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 Power: 18 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 18/18 SP: 2 Gold: 517 Glory Points: 1 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 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. 2x Bone (Can be thrown at monsters to distract them for a turn. Worth nothing, except in magic shops where it is worth 5 gold.) Remedy (Removes all negative effects from the target.) Please also declare your next destination and any challenge you wish to partake in for the next battle.

Weird, I had never heard of that figure being referred to as "Dr. Charles Lightning"; I've always known him as "Dr. Kilroy" (which I believe is used in the video games and the name used in Orient Expedition, the first time I actually paid attention to the story of Adventurers ). All of these are fantastic, though it's really weird not to see Harry Cane wearing his brown bomber jacket (which I remember vividly from the Treasure Raiders set, one of my earliest sets). I'd love to see him in the Series 3 Pilot jacket, though I'm not sure if there's any printing on the back that might render it non-period-accurate. After you've completed the sets you actually had, will you be continuing on with some of the sets you didn't? I remember always wanting Pharoh's Forbidden Ruins, but of course it was far too big and expensive for me to have as a child--I'd love to see a version updated to today's standards.

"Treating the few decent ones we've got like second-class citizens because they don't share our history isn't the way to start, brother. Wren may be dead, but if we don't keep the memory of her actions alive, more Heroes will end up walking down her path. It's up to those of us who know to tell them how that journey ends--or don't you remember that she used to be a Hero, too?" "Lady Nyx is...someone I've hurt. Badly. I don't want to bring her any more pain." "Yes, I also have a lot of respect for Dragons. Few people really understand the depth of their wisdom." "Bull pirate...his name wouldn't happen to be Indiacca, would it?"

Arthur snorts. "Ulric is either a liar or a fool, and even if he's sincere about fixing the city, his little gang of groupies would just tear it to pieces anyway. I've had enough of the Wolfgang to last me a long time." "I've never been to Xu. My homeland's not far from them, though--we sat on an inaccessible peninsula that juts out to the east, right along the border between them and Nagashan. We're fortunate neither side saw any real value in us or our land." "Well then. Haldor deserves his happy ending just as much as Tarn. I've heard about your Quest with Karie, actually--what's this about her 'not needing to know' about Wren? She spends her time in a Hall that sits on top of that damned temple, too, you know." "At the end of the day, though, we're just a bunch of sellswords with ridiculously good publicity and downright absurd healthcare. We've got way too much power for our own--or anyone else's--good, and rather than wielding it with care and respect we just swing it around haphazardly like an enormous club. Without the guise of legitimacy, we'd all be little more than a bunch of notorious mass murderers. I want to protect someone for once, take care of them, instead of just killing for cash. I've caused enough damage to the world, and it just seems like I only break things worse when I try to fix it."

Arthur nods. "Ella was here in Eubric for a while, training with the Oracle of Fabula Sibylla. She hired Pretzel, Tarn, and me to help her find a lost storybook, and once we succeeded she asked Tarn to go back to Dastan with her--sort of a fairy-tale ending, I suppose. Pretzel and I were supposed to say goodbye on his behalf to you and several others, but I've hardly seen the old gang since then. I almost had a chance to tell Ellaria and Benji, but they got picked for Quests before I could. I've seen Nyx a few days ago, but...well. Better if Pretzel talks to her, I think. You seen Thothwick, Haldor, or Tesni recently?" "Take it from me, Dyric, it's not going to happen in your lifetime. First the witch Barbariccia would have to be dealt with--and there's not exactly enough Heroes both willing enough and strong enough to do so--and then all the current heads of Houses would have to die out, non-violently so their heirs can't be manipulated to seek revenge upon their rival House. Not to mention that the reasonable figures in each House aren't even first in line as heirs--Lorcan Hinckwell's a complete megablocks, and even though Umbra's more reasonable by a long shot she's still a hard-liner when it comes to the Hinckwells...and the more I myself see of those guys, the less I can blame her. Bonapartes are the same way, actually--I've yet to meet one I can actually stand, and they seem Hel-bent on keeping gold in their purses and Eubric under their thumb no matter what nasty things they have to do to get it. Haven't had a lot of experience with the Guild of Invision and the Zeigfrieds, but then again I'm not even sure why people say they're rivals in the first place. Maybe Valentine slept with the Masked Man's father and ruined his reputation or something?" Arthur snorts at his own joke, before remembering that he still hadn't opened her Grogmas gift, nearly a year after it had been sent. I should really do that sometime... "You've got me. All I was told is that my service to the House has been recognized and that there's a recently-vacated position they're interested in me filling." The Skirmisher lays out the letter he'd received from Hoke on the table. "'Lo, Skrall. Been a while."

"All the time, my friend, all the time." "Unwell, to tell the truth. I saw Ella and Tarn off to Dastan, and since then little has gone well for me. I fell ill shortly afterwards--Monk Pretzel can attest to that--and I then spent some time taking odd jobs that ended up being far more involved than first advertized. The Shadeaux have extended an invitation to some sort of meeting, but it seems they are rather busy--it has been rescheduled several times now. Hopefully it is worth the wait."

As the Druid watched the windows, she saw naught but wooden planks boarding them from the inside. Arriving at the rear entrance--the entrance to the storekeeper's home, from the looks of it--they found here also the door unlocked and ajar. Venturing a peek inside, they soon saw a rather unexpected sight: the interior nearly completely stripped of its furnishings, and a pale, faceless figure grabbing up everything remaining it could find. Spotting the party, the figure dropped its goods and barreled past the group, dashing directly back the way they had just come. Would the party pursue?

Hmm...well, technically Hans had a stint in both 30 and 31 (not sure if he appeared in 29 at all, I doubt it though), so that's technically 6... You're right, Altair ties at seven: 3, 14, 33, 65, 66, 79, and 100.

First of all, congratulations! Prophet is...I wouldn't say sucky, but it's definitely a heavy support class. To be sure, it's the absolute best next to Minstrel, but it's basically Sage crossed with Druid; if you're not a fan of pausing your attacks to heal people or read off scrolls, you're probably not going to enjoy Prophet. If you do enjoy the support role, however, Prophet will be very fun for you, as it takes the best of both Sage and Druid (the two most powerful Cleric classes) with none of the drawbacks. Back when I was basically married to my Scrolls, Prophet looked amazing, and it still does for that sort of player. RE:112: It looked like a LOT of fun, and I'd love to play in something similar. I know I have plans to steal the mechanics system outright in the future, that's for sure.

Round 6 of "A Quix Fight" (Battle 1): Grimwald Gjinko (Light, Shadeaux Mace) vs. Zombie Peasant B (front) - SHIELD (Magical Vortex - All enemies: 9+18=27+1+5=33 Light-elemental damage (Spider A KO!); All allies: 9+18=27+1=28 HP restored; Grimwald: -2 Ether) Lind Whisperer drinks a Potion does nothing (front) >Darksten (Crossbow) vs. Itsy-Bitsy Spider A B (back) - Critical Hit (Itsy-Bitsy Spider B: 6*2=12+12=24 damage (KO!)) Itsy-Bitsy Spider C Free Hit vs. Grimwald Gjinko: 4 damage At last the party manages to turn things around, Grimwald unleashing a magical vortex that both heals his allies and blasts his enemies. His target already killed, Darksten follows up by finishing off another spider. Two substantially damaged enemies remain standing against the three freshly-healed Heroes. THE BATTLE CONTINUES! The Enemies: Zombie Peasant B *Immune to sudden death* Type: Undead/Humanoid Level: 13 Health: 66/132 Special: Bone Gnaw – Causes 13 damage and fragile-effect to the target, and restores 13 health to self. Drops: Bone Itsy-Bitsy Spider C Type: Vermin Level: 4 Health: 15/48 Special: Cobweb – Causes the bound-effect Drops: nothing The Party: Lind Whisperer *Immune to Fire* *Party Leader!* 21-year-old male Human of the Munchkin tribe Class: Rogue Level: 12 Power Bonus: +3 Defense: 4 Health: 22/22 (7+11+4) Gold: 3 Glory Points: 0 Equipment: Darker Ethereal Deck (Playing Cards) (WP:7, throwing weapon), Anniversary Medal (+3 Health, +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, • Newspaper with Picture of Lupine (Quest/role-playing item), Alfendi's Cape Grimwald Gjinko 69 year old male gnome Sage Level: 18 Power: 28 (18 + 9 + permanent boost of 1) Power Bonus: +1 permanent, +5 spells SP: 0 Health: 29/31 Ether: 22/27 Gold: 323 (Owes Nerwen 300) Glory Points: 0 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 • Potion, 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 x2, 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* *Bound (1 Round)* 35 year old Male Human Ranger Level 12.5 Power: 18 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 17/17 SP: 2 Gold: 517 Glory Points: 0 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 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, post the order of action, including unconscious allies. Everyone, choose your actions, including which Row you will be acting from.

Eh, Erdy's going Cannoneer if 105 ever ends, and she's already built for it--it's more interesting to see a class that's working as intended rather than hamstrung by lack of prep (i.e. a Cannoneer without a good handcannon AND without enough bombs). I'd rather see Minstrel Nerwen over Cannoneer. That said, I'd like to see that crazy axe in action sometime, so...

In PvP, though, party balance is even more important. Healing from a Cleric has always equal in power to their Hit, with the exact same odds, so I don't see why healing should be favored to become more powerful than their attack by a factor of 7 (or whatever divisor is used). If healing can't keep up with damage intake, then the party itself was poorly balanced (which, to be fair, was a serious serious issue with 102). I do think that Free Hits should not be a thing with PvP, however. The opponents are already getting their own turn in which to attack the other party, they don't need a Free Hit opportunity every Round on top of that. Once Free Hits are taken out of the equation, *10 PvP ends up being pretty balanced on all sides; healing negates damage roughly equally, SP, healing, and damage over time are equally balanced against enemies as it would be in a PvE battle, and everyone has the same chances of taking damage.