JimBee

Hybros returned to the Hall after a few days in Zylstra, with a satisfied expression on his face. He sighed contentedly as he took in the goings on of the dimly lit Hall. The usual, idle chit chatter buzzed among the haze of pipe smoke and the stench of rum. Hybros headed up the stairs and sank into his chair in the corner near the fire. Everything was falling into place now. He had improved his reputation with the Ji Pei again, and found some commonality with short folk hiding underground. No imps, quite disappointingly, but it was a good place to start. Soon... very soon it would be time to start what he came here for. The imp laid back in his chair with a grin spread across his face.

Nice build, PsyKater. I can't see most of the pictures in your Training Room post, though.

Okay, that looks really good. I wonder if knights will ever actually be able to become damaged, but that's a bridge to cross when we get there. One small thing I am concerned about is the Aura, which might be easily forgotten because of its conditions to activate. Who is really going to pay attention to when the entire party is below half health? How about if it activates when one party member is KO'd? All of the other Veteran Classes look good as well. The Master Thief's SHIELD skill is neat and fitting, but I might suggest that they steal gold instead of drops. And I agree that the Sylvan Ranger is hard to make unique, but Taming seems the most appropriate skill. I considered suggesting opening the skill to all enemy types, but then it might be too powerful and similar to Hex. Looking forward to the final versions of these classes.

Thanks for the last bit with Zysltra, Pie! I'm not sure how to go about performing that interaction, but it will most likely take place "off-screen".

And that makes four of us, well done Pie! I loved the quest and the interactions between the four PCs. We really need more of these "short and sweet" quests.

Hybros tipped his hat to U'Reeka and Dash. "It was a pleasure, hehehe..." He then turned to the gnome. "Hm, well thank you. Hopefully this will offer some answers." He headed towards the door, and nodded to Thalion. "Well done today, Thalion." He hesitated. "Maurice, Guts." He departed, and pulled out the map quickly, barely containing himself. He tried to read it and follow it. OOC: Hey, it's worth a shot I guess. No problem if you don't want to continue this right now, Pie.

The alchemist guy said he would pass on a good word for us twice - once before and once after the final battle.

So did/will the Quest 82 heroes get two increased reputation scores for the Guild of Invision? Or just one?

"And you look more like an old man than a warrior, so then maybe it is time to hang up your dagger and give up on this revolution for Eubric you have in mind. So long as we are conforming to the suppositions of appearance, heheheh..." Hybros said it coolly, but inside he was burning. Unlike the same argument with Maurice and Eric last time, however, he didn't let it show. "Yes, I remember our time in Jolly Roger's Grotto well, Maurice. Those machines were no fun to fight, eheh." Hybros coughed. "But you are wrong about the Ji Pei. It is not they who have caused this destruction today, it was those who's bodies now litter the street in the Hovels." He pushed his hat up to scratch his head. "And rightly so, heheh..."

Hybros shook his head, and glared at Guts. "You know nothing of the Ji Pei, either, so I would suggest you keep out of it. Thalion is right, and I, too, have seen well enough of the Houses to know the Ji Pei are..." Good? "...Useful. U'Kin, you can send good word with my name as well."

Thus making the game unbalanced. And I still would argue that balanced and fair artifacts are not part of the problem, but we could go around in circles about it.

Hybros stared as the fungus-augmented carcass burned to a crisp, but did not show any reaction on his face. He nodded towards the departing alchemist and sailors. "Well then, em... I guess we had better go as well..."

No, and this discussion isn't about "haves and have-nots" or who's got gold and who doesn't, either (looking at you Flipz). It's not about hating on other players, it's about balancing the game. I'm the one who proposed removing Nostrums from the Marketplace in the first place, and I'm one who has heavily relied on Nostrums for strategy for quite some time now.

"Hm, so this... 'Masked Man' was the work of the Ji Pei? Hm..." Hybros contemplated why the House would do such a thing for such a foolish man. "Oh well." He sheathed his sword and crossed his arms. "A fool indeed... heheh."

@ The most recent UQers: Thanks again for playing, just wanted to say it was fun to host you, and I apologize for the many delays over the months. It seems real life just gets in the way too much to host (let alone be on EB at all) sometimes. I appreciate your continued patience throughout!

Hybros follows his allies and attacks the Plague Doctor from the front row, twice.

Hybros attacks the Plague Doctor with his sword from the front row, twice.

QM Note: The scroll of inspiration is there right by the gems in Amma's inventory, and Hoke has been edited.

Hybros swings from the back row with his Eye-poking Sai towards the Masked Man. If he is successful in blinding his foe, he will attack the Masked Man from the front row with the Sword of Ancestral Hatred. If not, then repeat.

Taking up an artifact slot to do so. My argument is not against the unique drops (except the Lucky Dice, which we've determined were overpowered). It's one perk that I was lucky enough to get, and the same could be said about plenty of heroes. The problem lies in heroes being able to buff themselves with every beneficial effect so easily, forcing QMs to make enemies more difficult which leaves weaker heroes with less income more vulnerable. Being permanently Hastened is one thing, being able to be permanently Lucky, Encouraged, Hastened, Inspired, and Reinforced as long as there are drinks so easily available is another.

Hybros shook his head. "Very well. It seems there is no convincing you that this grand scheme of yours is useless, even when you have seen, and are about to see, similar schemes fail right in front of you."

QM Note: No, you cannot exchange GP. @Quarryman: Thanks for pointing that out. It seems CallMePie added 6 GP instead of Gold to Alexis' stats, then I did the same thing and added 11 GP instead of gold. So, Alexis loses 17 GP and gains 17 gold for a grand total of 234 GP and 587 gold, pre-purchases. @All: Please check these final stats. You can complete any additional trades in the Hall. Thanks for playing! Party Namyrra Uq (Quarryman) 1337 years old female Fenarian Sorcerer Level 33.25 *Immune to Sealing* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 10 Health: 44/44 Ether: 38/48 Gold: 1975 GP: 4 Equipment: Empyreal Staff (WP:15; Wind elemental), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Ether:5. immune to Sealing, bodywear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, backwear),Fanged Helm (SP:5, headwear), Seductive Perfume (adds Enamored effect to all attacks), Inventory: Staff of the Necromancer (WP:12; damages undead; +1 level to raised undead; staff), Oriental Crossbow (WP:7, Crossbow), Crystal Mace (WP:5 multiplied by the amount of gems imbued; cannot be upgraded otherwise; mace), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Jade Lamp of Summoning (summons Mediq), Nocturne Flute (WP:6, asleep effect, instrument), Pointy Hat (Suitable for mages and clerics, +2 max ether, headwear), Soul Cage (doomed-effect to all combatants), Amethyst (Darkness), Opal (Ice), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Diamond (Light), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Confusion, 5x Potions, 4 Grand Potions, Health Core, Tonic, 4 Ether Cores, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Milk (restores 15 health and 15 ether upon consumption), 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, 5x Venom, 3x Smoke Bombs, Holy Bomb, 8 Water Bombs, 3 Dirt Bombs, Ice Bomb, Flash Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, Pickaxe, 4x Bone, Bedroll, 2x Silver Ore, Gold Dragon Crown (+6 max ether, immunity to lightning and stunned), Lightning Bomb, Golden Fleece (worth 90 gold), Gold Bar (worth 50 gold) Skrall (Waterbrick Down) ***Party Leader*** 80 year old Male Ogre Hunter Level 31.5 *Favors Ancient and Bestial enemies* *Immune to Fragile* Power Bonus: +2 WP Defense: 8 Health: 45/45 Gold: 1003 GP: 0 Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:11/22 vs. Beasts, fire- and lightning-elemental), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile effect, body wear) Inventory: Composite Bow (WP:11, ignores SP, darkness-elemental; bow), Precision Bow (WP: 6, AIM's become HIT's), 3x Sharkjaw Scythe (WP:15 /30 against Aquatic type enemies), Wooden Shield (SP:5, grants immunity to wood-elemental attacks), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), Aquamarine (Water), 9x Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Potion, 2 Grand Potions, Phoenix Essence, 6x Phoenix Incense, 6x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, Smelling Salts, Mead, Minimizing Dust, Grand Zoot's Cookie, Topaz, 4x Bone, Lightning Bomb, Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed) En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs) 30 year old male human Sage Level 26.33 *Immune to Lucky and Petrified* Power Bonus: 5 (spells only) Defense: 1 Health: 17/46 Ether: 30/32 Gold: 1003 GP: 0 Equipment: Quarterstaff (WP:12/24 against humanoids; staff) Traveler's Cloak (SP: 1), "No Luck" Spellbound Gloves (Immune: Lucky, +5 spellpower), Snake Eye Charm (immune to petrified; accessory) Inventory: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Sangriste Dagger (WP: 5), En, Sabah, Nur (Shurikens 3/3, WP: 5), Wooden Shield (SP:5, grants immunity to wood-elemental attacks), Sealed Heavy Armour of Brilliance (Bodywear, SP:5, Immune: fragile, blinded, sealed effects), Fire Amulet (Accessory, Makes physical attacks do double damage to all enemies that are weak to fire), Pointy Hat (Suitable for mages and clerics, +2 max ether, headwear), Aqua Gear (adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire),Scroll of Confusion, Pickaxe, 6 Potions, Grand Potion, 2x Tonic, Grand Tonic, 3 Ether Cores, 2 Phoenix Essences, Phoenix Incense, 2x Venom, 3 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, 2 Deadly Venoms, Smelling Salts, 3 Ice Bombs, 2x Fire Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 10 Water Bombs, 3 Dirt Bombs, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Garnet Lamp of Summoning (2/3 uses left), Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, 10x Bone, Black Pearl (worth 75 gold), Grand Potion, 2x Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Kraken Fang (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle. Consumable), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Level Up Mushroom Alexis Fenral (Masked Builder) 20 year old female elven Harlot Level 35.5 *Immune to Fragile and Blinded* *Counterstriking* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 3 Health: 64/64 Gold: 1087 GP: 9 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:18, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Ring of Sight (protects fromblinded), Counterstrike Gloves Inventory: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental), Death's Whip (WP:11, on successful hits there is a 1/6 chance to cause double damage), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect, suitable to Rangers), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, light-elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4; staff), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory) Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Topaz (lightning), Fifty Shades of Bley, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, 2 Remedies, 2 Somas, 8 Water Bombs, 2x Lightning Bomb, 2x Fire Bomb, 3 Dirt Bombs, Smoke Bomb, 4x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, Health Core, 3x Potion, 2x Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, 4 Nostrums, 8 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 10 Remedies, 6 Grand Potions, Skeleton Decoy, 8x Bone, Deadly Venom, 2 Kraken Fangs (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle. Consumable), Winged Sandals (artifact; footwear; protects from bound and slowed effects), 2xTitan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 3x Level Up Mushroom Hoke Ablesword (UsernameMDM) Mystic Knight Level 29 *Damage Undead* *Counterstriking* Power Bonus: 2 Defense: 22 Health: 22/49 Ether: 24/28 Gold: 1148 GP: 0 Equipment: Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Steel Buckler (SP: 20), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Counterstrike Gloves Inventory: Skull Shield (SP: 6, immune to darkness-elemental damage, shield), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory),Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), 2x Topaz (Lightning), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, 4 Potions, 4 Grand Potions, Remedy, 3 Phoenix Essences, Phoenix Incense, Mead, 4x Ether Core, Dragon Scale, Grating Stone, Zoot's Plaything (Special 3/4 Edition), 8 Water Bombs, 3 Dirt Bombs, 2x Smoke Bomb, 3x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, 4x Bone, Black Pearl (worth 75 gold), Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Deadly Venom, Kraken Fang (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), Golden Fleece (worth 90 gold), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Level Up Mushroom Stigveladi ("Amma") Kötturin (PsyKater) 247 years old dwarven Mage Level 20 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 1 Health: 27/27 Ether: 24/24 Gold: 1003 GP: 1 Equipment: Wishing Wand (WP:12; each successful hit has ½ chance of inflicting either asleep-, blinded-, sealed- or confused-effect, according to what the user wishes),Lover's Ring (Accessory, +2 HP), Leather Cap (SP:1; headwear) Inventory: Stealth Dagger (WP: 12; dagger), Dwarven Broomstick (WP: 3), 2x Topaz (Lightning), Aquamarine (Water), Fragment of an Opal (Gem; Ice), Scroll of Inspiration, Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Crown of the Sea Kings(Gives the wearer +20 SP, +20 max. health and +20 max. ether when fighting at a sea, lake or river; headwear), Cat Statuette (Accessory, "Grettir", +1 HP), Pointy Hat (Suitable for mages and clerics, +2 max ether, headwear), Bedroll, 3 Grand Potions, 4x Phoenix Incense, 5x Potion, 3x Tonic, 2x Grand Tonic, 5x Venom, 3 Dirt Bombs, 8 Water Bombs, Fire Bomb, Ice Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2x Bone, 2x Kraken Fang (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), Silver Ore (worth 60 gold),Golden Fleece (worth 90 gold), Gold Bar (worth 50 gold), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed)

No, it's a positive-effect giving artifact, which are pretty rare. It's also a balanced item since it also gives me Cursed. The problem is the ease of access to so many effects. Any buffing consumable you could want is cheap and available, which throws things off a lot. In response to Endgame's idea, I agree with those who said raising the price would only favor Rogues more. I honestly think just removing them from Portia's altogether would be the best action.

Hybros rolls his eyes. "You really are getting ignorant in your... 'old' age." He returns his focus to the enemies. "So let us do this."

I was more thinking that drain could just be used to recover ether, rather than steal it. I still think Guardian Knight is too similar to Paladin without a blocking skill or something. I don't think they would make the Master Classes any less attractive if we added more skills; they would simply reinforce what skills define the Basic Classes, whereas Master Classes combine skills and are more versatile than specialized.