JimBee

"Just remember our story..." Hybros murmured to Daggerfall out of the corner of his mouth.

*Back on the airship...* "Perhaps the traits of a Sorcerer would suit you, then, hehe..." "Certainly, eheh..." Hybros handed over the Pheles Rod. "I uh... I am not sure... I suppose I am from under the earth, but before that I do not know... I..." Without having to explain himself further, Jun's crashed ship was found, and they quickly descended to investigate. "We will have to talk later, now we must tend to our tasks..." "Give me a moment..." Hybros searched around the wreckage, trying to find something that might have traces of Jun's presence on it. He picked up a piece, sniffed it, and attempted to track down Jun's location.

You have? I don't remember. You mean OHKO-wise? But what you say is true, when it comes to enemies immune to instakill, Assassins are really just as effective as Rogues. I still gained a lot of gold thanks to the instakill-proof enemies, though, so there's that. It's good to hear different perspectives on different classes, though. To each his own, at least we are satisfied, mostly, with our class choices. On the Mystic Knight, which I forgot to bring up before, CallMePie is right, an MK is essentially a melee class because of how Enchantment sucks up so much ether. I had never thought of it that way because Cinna has been the only active Mystic Knight and began as a Mage. There is at least the option to stay in the back row and fling spells, but Enchantment is a good balancing factor that prevents that from taking place forever. As Pandora once said, Mages, in any RPG or fantasy-type game, Mages start as the most powerful offensively, but the weakest defensively. As they advance levels, though, they become more powerful. MK's Enchantment prevents that from going too far, because without it an MK would have the benefits of a Warden - back row with shield - but with bigger damage.

Yeah, you did really well, Palathadric. As the only one who really had an idea of what was going on Day 6, we were a little worried. Good thing no one was listening to you.

"But would the same apply to all of us? Perhaps we could be warriors for hire, just as originally planned, eheh... We would still have a reason to eh... bash them." "Speaking of which... Namyrra, I know you have not had a good experience with demons of Zoot... and neither have I... but I feel that this Pheles Rod would be better in your hands. Will you take it? Though I will need it back later, eheh... ". "I have something for you as well, Cinna." he rummaged through his bag and pulled out his recently purchased Diamond. "I can not use it, but I am confident you can, hehe... though I will need that back later as well..."

Good points, Flipz. I personally think that the best options would be to not re-tool Meditate, but give the Shaman a different 4 roll (this way other classes aren't affected), and also tweaking the Blood Ritual. Ooh, good discussion. I went with Assassin mostly for RPing. It was the only class that fit Hybros at the time. He hadn't evolved much at that point, at least in the sense that pushed him towards another AC. As Flipz said, there are certain ACs that fit with BCs, and as a Rogue, Assassin was the way to go. I originally wanted to go Black Knight for it's power and ability to carry a shield. However, after playing Assassin for a while, I've really come to love the class (so much so that I've considered passing up both Expert and Master Classes... good thing we can change back at will), and realize it's power. Perhaps it's the weapons and artifacts I have that make it so good for me, but it's really just awesome to play as. I gain large amounts of gold, I can fight from the back row (permanently if I bought a ranged weapon), I have the ability to OHKO, and a 2/3 chance to hit something (plus an AoE shield). I don't even need to fight from the front row, I can just stand in back with a melee weapon if I wanted to focus on assassinating. I really do think it's the most powerful offensive class out of any BC, AC, EC, or MC. Like I said, it might just be my items and strategy. I have the income to buy infinite potions and nostrums, so I rarely have to worry about losing health. I'm permanently hastened, so that means a greater chance to assassinate something, or if necessary, time to heal myself. I also have the Bladerang, which can take out many enemies at once with OHKO. So maybe it's not the class itself, but a strategy that one finds that fits in well with the class. I really do love playing Assassin though. The main disadvantage, and it's a small one, is sometimes having to take big risks when attacking enemies. Assasssins generally have low health, and there are not many SP artifacts available for Rangers and Rogues. With big enemies, Assassins are more likely to get KO'd more than their shield-toting allies, for example in Quest 50. And with enemies that are immune to OHKO, the Assassin becomes considerably less powerful. I was very lucky to not get KOd or eaten in the final battle of Quest 44, and I had to fight from the front row to cause double damage. Agreed, that's where the Hunter's real advantage lies. You say a Ranger is better than a Hunter, but when we're taking into consideration the amount of damage a Hunter can deal, there's no competition (see Quest 30). Plus, you don't have to get any gems for those multipliers, and you have natural respite. I agree, it was even frustrating for me when I hosted for you in Quest 29, when you were dealing so little damage. I would say though, as others have, that it's meant as more of a support class. I know not everyone likes to play as them, but this is what a Paladin is, and it's very powerful at that. I definitely agree. Danny, it's great to hear that you like you playing the class, because like I said many people prefer offense. Druid is a very powerful weapon, especially if they're permanently lucky like Erdathcath. Interesting. I was just going over the Witch class in my head a few days ago, and I thought it to be one of the weaker classes. The Shield and Special Damage skills are definitely the highlights of it for me, but if you think about it, everything else is lacking. Without the Talisman I wouldn't even consider the class useful. It has a 1/3 chance to deal damage no more powerful than any other class, and at this point in the game poison does very little. And there will be a point where even deadly poison won't do much, which is why I've been an advocate for updated poison/deadly poisons (having them deal a set percent instead of a set amount of damage), but that's another debate. Another reason I would never go Witch is because why bother with inflicting negative effects when you can just instakill? We will have to see about that. The Mime will present some very interesting strategies, probably most we haven't thought about yet. I agree, it does have it's disadvantages, but when you consider all the options it has, it can come in handy in any situation.

So after this rule, an instance like the one in Ragnarok where the dead scum team is allowed to talk to their living teammates, is not allowed, even if the host okays it?

Hybros looked over the edge down at the Free Islands. It was so surreal seeing them from such a distance, and how small they looked compared to how large the infinite streets and alleyways of Eubric Freeport felt when he was walking in them. He felt powerful. He was taken from his inner thoughts to Tesni's request. As he looked up his stomach did a few somersaults. It would take a a while to get used to this flying thing. "Eh... yes, I suppose that would be a good idea, eheh..." He hadn't thought of such a thing. It was a good thing someone like Tesni, with more experience leading, was around. "Hm, yes, however Jun might begin to suspect something if we mention Eubric. Why not something closer to Xu... Dastan? Investigators for hire from Dastan... eheh..."

Thanks for the game, TinyP. Loved that conclusion, especially at the end with those cuts! Ah! Great scenes and narrative. I wish I live where you do, in the serene green mountains of New Zealand - seriously it was nice to see that part of your hosting return from Witch Hunt. Also, thanks for letting me stay and help out my team after death. That being said, it is quiet in here... too quiet. Okay, some things I wanted to say: Firstly, really well done to Waterbrick Down. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're a great mafia player. You are very analytic, and evidently you had a lot of us picked out early on. Where a compulsive vig might have been a hindrance to the town, you really turned it into a powerful weapon and absolutely destroyed us. Your one set back is your tendency to sit back and analyze quietly. I think if you spoke up more you would be a bigger help to the town, but as a vig you were magnificent, because you could do all the killing yourself. I am almost sorry that we converted you at the last minute (and that you couldn't win), but that did make for some interesting last few days. It was so ironic how you were left on a team that you had personally taken out for the most part. Secondly, we lost for a lot of reasons. One, I think, was our lack of teamwork and communication. Genaro, Bob, Sisco, sorry guys but I was really unimpressed with your performances. I got the feeling that at least some of you didn't even read what was being said. And even you did, as Bob said he did, you still didn't try to communicate with us or bring up new ideas, which is about as helpful as not participating at all anyway. You "took orders" and cooperated with our game plan well enough, but when it game to actually making those plans or just knowing what was going on in general, I felt you three were not participating at all. I hate to sound like a snob, but if you're not prepared to put in the effort, don't even bother signing up. Another thing that messed us up a little was some paranoia. There was one point where some team members distrusted Hinckley and thought he was a traitor, which led to some poor decisions for night actions. I've already discussed this at length with those involved, so I don't feel the need to beat a dead horse, but thought it bore mentioning. Plus, said member was able to pull off an amazing WIFOM tact and kept the game going for us another two days. Also, I admit I wasn't much help to the team with my game life. WBD had me picked off night one, which says something about my ability to hide my scumminess. I was able to help out with my input afterwards (forfeiting my access to the dead WB, of course), which was fun. I do feel that there were some issues with balance, but nothing major. Really, the game could've gone either way, but I did feel at times that the scum team was underpowered. We essentially had two useless roles: the Prankster, which did absolutely nothing and could have framed the user if they were watched/tracked, and the Decoy, which was either useless or harmful unless we knew who the protector was. Also, we had a weak conversion ability. On the other hand, the town had TWO vigs AND a PGO. While these could have been harmful to the town, they weren't, and I felt the balance was a little messed up that way. If the town was organized, which they were, somewhat, they would essentially have three killers. What makes it bad is that the scum had a greater chance of targeting the PGO, with a few useless actions. Was that it? If I had more to say I forgot it. Again, I did have fun, and great job to the players and hosts. I just felt these negative things needed to be said.

"Very well." Hybros said. "It seems we are ready to depart. Lady Shanxian, we will make sure your son makes it back safely." Hybros bowed again to Shanxian and Lee Long, then led the party out to board the airship. He gave an annoyed look to Christopher as he saw him making conversation with Gioconda. Turning to Tarn, he extended a hand. "I do not believe we have met before, warrior... eheh... I am Hybros, as you know already. I do not know you well, but I hope you are up to the tasks ahead of us. Just in case..." Hybros pulled a Grand Potion from his belt. "I suggest you fill your hollow ax with something useful. Never know when we might need it, eheh..."

Agreed, really awesome that you did that, Sandy. And great MOCs, too! Also, love that slave market MOC, Scuba. I'll echo Zepher by saying those techniques used for the wall are just great!

OOC: Woo! Really excited for this. There is just one thing with my stats that needs correcting: I gave Cinna 100 gold before we departed, so I should have 100 less. As far as I know her stats are correct. When they arrived at the Ji Pei Palace, Hybros wondered at its magnificence. This is where it would all begin. Inside, he bowed to the two Ji Pei members. "It is an honor to meet and to serve you... I am Hybros, and these are my fellow heroes. There is no backing down from this task from any of us, we are here for a reason. Can you tell us a little more about the Pagoda of Nine Elements?" When Legonardo and his assistant entered, Hybros bowed again. He had met them briefly in Jolly Roger's Grotto, along with Daggerfall. "Mister Legonardo, Miss Gioconda... you may remember Sir Daggerfall and I from Jolly Roger's Grotto a while ago... I apologize the offense we may have caused, and I hope we may start anew." He directed this particularly to Monalisa, who they had knocked out and kidnapped.

Random Kitten All superheroes have at least one time in their career when they must save a kitten from a frighteningly high tree branch. It makes old cat ladies happy and is good for the community. Random Kitten makes sure that all superheroes do their duty to save him from the highest of trees, and increases their reputation. Who's the real hero in this situation? Weaknesses: Catnip, Food, Massages, Water, Catnip, and dogs.

That's why you drink plenty of Nostrums to grow big and strong! She was sitting down, but I guess they would still be eye level.

"I have already bought all I needed..." Hybros showed Cinna a sack full of Health Cores. "...eheh..."

While surveying his future team, Hybros noted that Cinna was poorly stocked on Tonics, and how she sighed when checking her purse. Heading over to her, he pulled out 100 gold from his magical coin sack and handed it to her. "I read in the Library what happened in the Fields of Glory, eheh... we do not need something like that to happen again..."

Uh oh... But seriously thanks for taking the time to do this. Yep, the class will tie into a Rito quest that I'm planning. It will most likely be up to the player if they want their character to grow wings or have some alternative, but I do have those planned. Also, can't everything be explained with magic? I don't want to give away too much, but the Rito will be able to "give" wings to heroes, either by ritual or something else for mechanical wings. 1. SHIELD: Take to the Skies - The Winged Warrior flaps its mighty wings. This causes wind-elemental damage equal to the Winged Warrior's level to all enemies, stuns all enemies, and protects the Winged Warrior from taking damage the next round. Yeah, Take to the Skies counts as an attack and would use up any flying multipliers after it is rolled. Rolls of 5 and 6 while trying to Fly would negate them as well, yes. I didn't articulate this well in the description, but WWs can attempt to stack flying multipliers. For example, one round they roll "Fly" (4), and the next they could try to fly again. If they rolled another number with fly (2, 3, or 4), that multiplier would stack with the previous one. Rolls of 1, 5 or 6 would reset the multipliers to 1x damage. It could be powerful, but the WW runs the risk of losing all of the multipliers if they try to stack, plus they're not targeting enemies so they don't prevent free hits. Does this make sense? The thing is that they miss a turn when "charging" for Lined-Up Shot. It would be a lot simpler to have Aim, though, because fitting LUS in with the flying multipliers might be too complicated. I will think about changing it.

. Well we did have a chance for one more battle, and that was with the orcs, but of course that would've gone against some character's morals. I was wondering about that myself... but now that you mention it I think I know who it is, too.

OOC: It should be noted that the Sand Worm Hide is only wearable for Barbarians, Rogues, and Ranger and their Advanced Classes. Seeing that he was not only chosen to go on a Ji Pei quest, but also chosen to be the Party Leader, Hybros began to feel a little nervous. He had never led anyone before, and had only looked out for himself. 'This is a test' he thought. 'The Ji Pei are testing me, and I will prove myself...' At long last, the chance came to earn a reputation with the house. It was finally time to make progress; their technology would be helpful in finding his kind... if they still existed. For now, though, there was hope. He checked the list to see who he was leading. Namrrya, the Fenarian who was swallowed into another plane of existence, apparently, by the archdemon Mephisto. Cinna, the shy yet valiant female Mystic Knight. Tesni, the brutish woman whom he had met briefly a long time ago. Tarn, someone who he faintly remembered but didn't think he had actually met. And Daggerfall, the quiet and noble knight he would be questing with for the fourth time now. Hybros hoped the team would be up to the task, disappointing the Ji Pei would be fatal.

While this topic is back, any chance you could take a look at my Winged Warrior class, Sandy?

Beautiful pictures and great review, BigCam. I personally think that this is the better of the two sets you reviewed. I absolutely love these minifigures (long hair that allows quivers?! ), and the spiders are great. The rest of the set has a great color combination, and those dark red leaves are just amazing. I'm glad TLG has added more leaf colors like dark red and olive green, for a more diverse forest. What's really great is the price. It's almost a 10 cent per piece ratio, which is something we're seeing less and less of (no surprises there, and can you blame TLG?). Despite the stunning minifigs and new colors/pieces, we're still given a decent price. I will definitely be picking this one up when it's released.

I loved Quest 44, Sandy, thanks for having me. I really enjoyed the variety of enemies and cool drops, as well as the many revelations that took place including the identities of the six current veterans. It even offered some unexpected roleplay opportunities, which was a plus. I know that towards the end, you were a little frustrated that some of us had been too passive. I know I hadn't really taken much action, but at the end I was unsure of what to do. I was waiting for CK to distribute the loot and then I would follow everyone else in the temple, but it seemed like you wanted more. Sorry, I wasn't aware of that. One gripe I do have is that even with 17 heroes, 24 hours should be more than enough time for everyone to post their actions. When 48 hours or more passed without an update, the quest felt very slow. My suggestion would be to just go ahead with or without everyone's input after a certain amount of time, based on what the active heroes did say. You did do that a little with Scubacarrot in particular, but unfortunately he seemed like the only active one in a timezone close to you, so the slowness in that regard was kind of unavoidable. I also realize that you don't have time to sit at the computer 24/7. Also, to the heroes of Quest 44: I was very impressed with the new players' ability to "fit in", if you will, among us older players. I'm glad none of you were really passive or inactive because you felt ineffective, and I hope you don't feel discouraged because we might have paid less attention to you in battle. It was simply not worth it to revive a low-level hero, I hope you understand. At least you got some good loot and I hope all of you continue playing Heroica.

I agree, which is why I buy so many healing items. They're not just for me, you know. Plus, being lucky keeps me alive.

Heading to the marketplace with 1718 gold, Hybros noticed Elphaba's wagon had rolled into the city once again. Deciding it couldn't hurt to check out her wares, he stopped by. After some consideration, he bought 25 Health Cores and a diamond for a total of 600 gold. He could never wield the power of Light, but the stone looked nice among his horde of gold. The witch's eyes gleamed at the large purchase, and shoveled the money into a magic coin purse. The coins were in it, but it seemed to hold nothing and weigh very little. "Eheh... you wouldn't happen to have any more of those?" Hybros asked. "I could use something to take the weight of gold off myself, hehe..." "What, too much gold to even carry?" cackled Elphaba. "...but I suppose you are a little one. Fine, here, have one. The spell is simple enough for an experience spellcaster like me, heeheehee!" With that, Hybros poured all of his remaining gold into the magical purse, where its weight seemed to disappear. When he needed for Portia's Potions, however, the money would materialize within the bag. "Clever..." he mused as he handed over 605 gold for 13 Nostrums, 10 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, and 5 Remedies. Left with 513 gold, Hybros departed from the marketplace.

Waking up, Hybros gathered his things and prepared to head out again. There were things to unload his gold on, to prepare for the Ji Pei quest. On his way down he noticed a sorcerer, Arthur, he hazily recalled, eyeing the Pheles Rod. Too bad, he had almost forgotten about it for the moment, and he was reminded of Mephisto's voice once again. Sighing, he checked the questboard to see that several other heroes he knew were now signed up to go along on the Ji Pei quests. Well, at least he wouldn't have to impress the house alone.