JimBee

"Let's talk to them, they probably know something that can help us," Hybros whispers to the party.

Wau-wa-wi-wah! A sacrifice? Well of course this is the time where we sit around waiting for something to happen. Not Nadir, though. Nadir will do his job. Now come here, Aloysius. Do me a favor and don't eat that applesauce, okay? Good thing I came well-stocked with FiberOne bars.

Nice! The sand colors really set the tone for this MOC. They make it reminiscent of those retro zombie movies, or out of a 60s comic book. Just that drawing style and color choice. The lamppost and the crashed cars a nice details, too.

Woah, very cool and creative! It looks like it might have been frustrating to get to work, though... was it easy? The TV itself is also neat, the retro look was done well.

"Hehehe... so it looks like all of our toughest enemies we sent away are here... I don't think we want to fight them, but it looks like if we really needed to we could maybe rest in those beds. Let's go check the room on the other side of the staircase we came from." OoC: Since half of our party is gone, I hope it's okay that we're just speeding things along. If you guys want to stop and do something we can always go back.

Results of Round 1 of Phoenix Encounter Alf Gregory vs. Snake C - Damage Namyrra Uq vs. Phoenix - Blind En Sabah Nur vs. Phoenix - Magic Burst (Water) Atramor Gibbin vs. Snake B - Critical Hit Alexis Fenral vs. Phoenix - Spell (Lightning) Alexis Fenral vs. Snake E - Spell Aim (Ice) Ellaria Arbour vs. Snake A - Damage Alf begins the battle by swinging at Snake C, but it lashes out at the Barbarian (5 damage). Nur overflows with power again, and a huge tidal wave washes over the enemies side of the field. The phoenix avoids part of the attack, but its flames die down as the water pours over it, and is blinded by Namrrya (18 to all enemies). Atramor stabs Snake B ([7x2]+12=26), and Alexis summons both of her elements to the battle. First, a bolt of lightning strikes the phoenix (26), and then ice shards shoot at Snake E (10x2=20). Ellaria is bit by Snake A (5 damage). Enemies Phoenix (back row) ~Blinded~ Type: Fiery, Flying Level: 20 Health: 106/150 Special 1: Phoenix Tear (Revives one fallen ally to full health, used only if there is an ally to revive. 50% chance success.) Special 2: Skyward (Flies high into the air, preventing all close-range attacks and halving all ranged attacks the next turn) Drops: 3x Phoenix Essences Note: Since the Phoenix is in the back row, all damage given and received is halved. All ranged attacks are halved again when Skyward is used, as well as the power of the phoenix. Snake A Type: Vermin Level: 5 Health: 32/50 Special: Snake Bite (paralyzes the attacker, causes Stunned effect for 1 turn) Drops: Nothing Snake B Type: Vermin Level: 5 Health: 6/50 Special: Snake Bite (paralyzes the attacker, causes Stunned effect for 1 turn) Drops: Nothing Snake C Type: Vermin Level: 5 Health: 32/50 Special: Snake Bite (paralyzes the attacker, causes Stunned effect for 1 turn) Drops: Nothing Snake D Type: Vermin Level: 5 Health: 32/50 Special: Snake Bite (paralyzes the attacker, causes Stunned effect for 1 turn) Drops: Nothing Snake E Type: Vermin Level: 5 Health: 12/50 Special: Snake Bite (paralyzes the attacker, causes Stunned effect for 1 turn) Drops: Nothing Party Atramor Gibbin (played by CallMePieorDie) Level 12.5 Rogue Power: 19 Health: 18/18 Gold: 79 Inventory: Sapper (WP: 7), Cloak of the Elven Spy (loaned by De'kra), Sand Worm Hide (SP:2) 3 Orc Potions Alf Gregory (played by Bricksandparts) Level 11.5 Barbarian Power: 19 Health: 14/19 Gold: 6 Inventory: Meteor Blade (WP: 8, Light), Focal Staff (WP: 5), Greatsword (WP: 3), Helmet (+1 max HP), 2 Potions, 2 Venoms, Phoenix Essence, Ice Bomb, Mead, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Gold Ore Ellaria Arbour (played by Sandy) Level 14 Cleric Power: 24 Health: 17/22 Ether: 13/18 Gold: 62 Inventory: Ignis Fatuus (WP: 10, Fire), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Venom, 2 Elixirs, 2 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Smelling Salts, Nostrum, 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Telescope Namyrra Uq (played by Quarryman) Level 13 Mage Power: 19 Health: 15/17 Ether: 12/17 Gold: 0 Inventory: Lullaby Wand (WP: 6, Sleep), Bone Staff (WP: 3), 4 Potions, Tonic, Venom, Bedroll, Bone, Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Amethyst (Darkness), Opal (Ice), Emerald (Wood), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing En Sabah Nur (played by Jebediahs) *Party Leader* Level 13.5 Mage *Lucky* Power: 18 Health: 18/18 Ether: 8/18 Gold: 12 Inventory: Sangriste Dagger (WP: 5), Helmet (+1 HP), Loaded Die (Lucky), Thorny Diadem(+3Power -6HP), 4 Potions, 1 Tonic, Grand Tonic, 1 Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion Alexis Fenral (played by Masked Builder) Level 17 Evoker *Hastened* Power: 26 Health: 23/23 Ether: 7/18 Gold: 162 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 10), Ancient Throwing Dagger (WP: 7), Quickdraw Quiver (Haste), Potion, Venom, Lightning Bomb, 2 Meads, Bone, Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Shovel, Pickax, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Party Leader, choose the order of actions. All of you, choose you action and from which row you wish to perform it from. Any enemy not targeted will gain a free hit on the party.

Alexis tries to talk to the phoenix, but oddly she doesn't seem to be getting through. The creature flies back and forth in rage, and prepares to charge the party. Captain Whales calls from behind a sturdy tree trunk. "Ahoy! As magnificent as that creature thar is, looks like yer gonna hafta hurt it. I ain't any expert a som' kind, but if I recall correctly a phoenix always rises from tha ashes after it er... dies."

"Well there is another floor... I feel that we should explore the two we have more fully before adding another layer of confusion. Let's check the one at the end of the hall."

I'll definitely try my best to contribute something to TPM CB. I did say that for the other three (and never got around to it...), but TPM holds a special place in my heart.

Hybros stares at the elf. What was she talking about? Of course they needed to find the combination, they didn't have time to sit there for weeks and try every one. "I think we should go through one of those doors adjacent to the stairwell, go behind the stairs. Either way we should get moving somewhere."

The heroes try to get the phoenix to move closer by flashing bright objects. The once calm bird suddenly becomes enraged, and takes to the skies again. It's body bursts with flames, and begins to attack the party! Five deadly-looking snakes slither from the brush, and Thimlin and Whales take cover as another battle ensues. PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Enemies Phoenix (back row) Type: Fiery, Flying Level: 20 Health: 150/150 Special 1: Phoenix Tear (Revives one fallen ally to full health, used only if there is an ally to revive. 50% chance success.) Special 2: Skyward (Flies high into the air, preventing all close-range attacks and halving all ranged attacks the next turn) Drops: 3x Phoenix Essences Note: Since the Phoenix is in the back row, all damage given and received is halved. All ranged attacks are halved again when Skyward is used, as well as the power of the phoenix. Snake A Type: Vermin Level: 5 Health: 50/50 Special: Snake Bite (paralyzes the attacker, causes Stunned effect for 1 turn) Drops: Nothing Snake B Type: Vermin Level: 5 Health: 50/50 Special: Snake Bite (paralyzes the attacker, causes Stunned effect for 1 turn) Drops: Nothing Snake C Type: Vermin Level: 5 Health: 50/50 Special: Snake Bite (paralyzes the attacker, causes Stunned effect for 1 turn) Drops: Nothing Snake D Type: Vermin Level: 5 Health: 50/50 Special: Snake Bite (paralyzes the attacker, causes Stunned effect for 1 turn) Drops: Nothing Snake E Type: Vermin Level: 5 Health: 50/50 Special: Snake Bite (paralyzes the attacker, causes Stunned effect for 1 turn) Drops: Nothing Party Atramor Gibbin (played by CallMePieorDie) Level 12.5 Rogue Power: 19 Health: 18/18 Gold: 79 Inventory: Sapper (WP: 7), Cloak of the Elven Spy (loaned by De'kra), Sand Worm Hide (SP:2) 3 Orc Potions Alf Gregory (played by Bricksandparts) Level 11.5 Barbarian Power: 19 Health: 19/19 Gold: 6 Inventory: Meteor Blade (WP: 8, Light), Focal Staff (WP: 5), Greatsword (WP: 3), Helmet (+1 max HP), 2 Potions, 2 Venoms, Phoenix Essence, Ice Bomb, Mead, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Gold Ore Ellaria Arbour (played by Sandy) Level 14 Cleric Power: 24 Health: 22/22 Ether: 13/18 Gold: 62 Inventory: Ignis Fatuus (WP: 10, Fire), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Venom, 2 Elixirs, 2 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Smelling Salts, Nostrum, 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Telescope Namyrra Uq (played by Quarryman) Level 13 Mage Power: 19 Health: 15/17 Ether: 13/17 Gold: 0 Inventory: Lullaby Wand (WP: 6, Sleep), Bone Staff (WP: 3), 4 Potions, Tonic, Venom, Bedroll, Bone, Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Amethyst (Darkness), Opal (Ice), Emerald (Wood), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing En Sabah Nur (played by Jebediahs) *Party Leader* Level 13.5 Mage *Lucky* Power: 18 Health: 18/18 Ether: 8/18 Gold: 12 Inventory: Sangriste Dagger (WP: 5), Helmet (+1 HP), Loaded Die (Lucky), Thorny Diadem(+3Power -6HP), 4 Potions, 1 Tonic, Grand Tonic, 1 Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion Alexis Fenral (played by Masked Builder) Level 17 Evoker *Hastened* Power: 26 Health: 23/23 Ether: 9/18 Gold: 162 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 10), Ancient Throwing Dagger (WP: 7), Quickdraw Quiver (Haste), Potion, Venom, Lightning Bomb, 2 Meads, Bone, Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Shovel, Pickax, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Party Leader, choose the order of actions. All of you, choose you action and from which row you wish to perform it from. Any enemy not targeted will gain a free hit on the party.

Alexis pulls out her compass again, and it points to where the party came from, East. Nur leads the party and the Captain and First Mate back to the intersection and head North. They come to another clearing as a flash of orange and red swoops near, and again shortly after. Finally the blur rests on a nearby tree, and for a short while the heroes and their shipmates lay their eyes on a magnificent creature, one that is very rarely seen by mortal eyes: a phoenix! The mythical bird pauses and analyzes the party with curiosity. It is giving off a warm and friendly heat, and illuminates the shaded jungle brightly. What will the party do?

Yup, definitely need a boss key. "Heheh... looks like we need to put in a combination of some sort, out of letters of the alphabet. I've no idea where to begin, maybe we'll find the combo somewhere else, eheh..." Hybros was reminded of the combination lock he and Eric encountered on their first quest, at the Shadeaux warehouses. He wondered if the combination could be solved in the same way.

Cool, thanks for the wrap-up. This was done in a very creative way, and something I'd like to see in future years as well. A big thanks to the staff and all of the active members who deliver these fun things to share. Here's to another great year ahead. (Eyes peeled for more )

Love it! It's cute and badass at the same time. The tattoo detailing on the torso and head is excellent. It reminds me a bit of Larry Lars' cubedudes.

Alf pulls out his shovel and digs in the soft earth. After a few minutes, the party hears a metal-on-metal ping. Alf digs up a chunk of Gold Ore! Gold Ore (worth 80 gold) Alf then tries to look in the bushes for anything useful, but finds nothing but leaves and needles. He then charges at the rocks ahead, resulting only in a bruised shoulder.

Hybros attempts to pick the lock on the door in front of them.

Ellaria heals herself and Atramor. Atramor attempts to use his Cloak of the Elven Spy, but there are no enemies in sight. QM Note: Please bold your actions if you want to do something. No other format will be accepted. The brown spot on the ground is dirt. Atramor Gibbin (played by CallMePieorDie) Level 12.5 Rogue Power: 19 Health: 18/18 Gold: 79 Inventory: Sapper (WP: 7), Cloak of the Elven Spy (loaned by De'kra), Sand Worm Hide (SP:2) 3 Orc Potions Ellaria Arbour (played by Sandy) Level 14 Cleric Power: 24 Health: 22/22 Ether: 13/18 Gold: 62 Inventory: Ignis Fatuus (WP: 10, Fire), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Venom, 2 Elixirs, 2 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Smelling Salts, Nostrum, 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Telescope

This is Nadir, and he thinks it somewhat strange that the statue was glowing... Wau-wa-wi-wah! A talking camel!

QM Note: Which rock are you talking about? Please specify in the picture.

The party heads West, and comes to a dead end. Nur feels a great relief wash over himself as he removes his Thorny Diadem and puts on his helmet. He now has more health, but less power. En Sabah Nur (played by Jebediahs) *Party Leader* Level 13.5 Mage *Lucky* Power: 18 Health: 18/18 Ether: 8/18 Gold: 12 Inventory: Sangriste Dagger (WP: 5), Helmet (+1 HP), Loaded Die (Lucky), Thorny Diadem(+3Power -6HP), 4 Potions, 1 Tonic, Grand Tonic, 1 Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion Alexis Fenral (played by Masked Builder) Level 17 Evoker *Hastened* Power: 26 Health: 23/23 Ether: 9/18 Gold: 162 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 10), Ancient Throwing Dagger (WP: 7), Quickdraw Quiver (Haste), Potion, Venom, Lightning Bomb, 2 Meads, Bone, Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Shovel, Pickax, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass What will the party do?

Nur makes a small hole in the ground and fills it with water at the cost of two ether. The small pool is calm and still. Alexis pulls out her compass again. The needle spins around until it points a definite northward direction. En Sabah Nur (played by Jebediahs) *Party Leader* Level 13.5 Mage *Lucky* Power: 21 Health: 11/11 Ether: 8/18 Gold: 12 Inventory: Sangriste Dagger (WP: 5), Thorny Diadem(+3Power -6HP), Loaded Die (Lucky), Helmet (+1 HP), 4 Potions, 1 Tonic, Grand Tonic, 1 Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion Alexis Fenral (played by Masked Builder) Level 17 Evoker *Hastened* Power: 26 Health: 23/23 Ether: 9/18 Gold: 162 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 10), Ancient Throwing Dagger (WP: 7), Quickdraw Quiver (Haste), Potion, Venom, Lightning Bomb, 2 Meads, Bone, Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Shovel, Pickax, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass

Nice work, ADHO. I've only played the games once or twice myself, but these are pretty recognizable. What color did you use for the tower? Dark tan?

Plausible, I'd say. I'd try to limit the number of quests that select their parties this way, though. A lot of new members could potentially be excluded. Though the idea does sound pretty good for character building... I'd like to see something like that at least once, just to see how it goes.

Gotta catch 'em all?