JimBee

"Well we will let Purpearl and Matthias decide." Hybros gave a wink. "I hear there is plenty of sand in Dastan, heheh."

Jinnipher squinted her eyes, annoyed. "Once again you try to tell me how the world works. Words keep coming from your mouth but no sense with them. I'm not interested in your stupid books, cult, or hallucinations. Shut it, Lind."

Hybros scratched his head underneath his hat as the heroes organized. "Then Hoke, Arthur, their dragons and I will join you going east, Guffington, and the others will go with Daneeka to the west." Hybros seemed satisfied with the division. He turned to Dyric. "Here, you may as well hold onto these again, eheh. I do not doubt your abilities after our last quest." He handed the assassin his Banana Bladerang and Cloak of the Red Assassin. He also addressed Guts. "It is too bad we are always separated on these things, heheh. Take care. And give my regards to Daneeka." Hybros eyed the mask. "Is that... That belongs to Tarn! Heh, Noble Tarn. I had heard he left for Dastan. I wonder if he is still there... I do not know how you came to hold that mask, but I would like to see to it that it is returned to him."

Jinnipher shrugged. "Sure, but it sounds like this guy's been around for too long to be any normal being. Even elves don't live that long." "I tried that already." Another shrug. "I'm from Mermont, born and raised. Why?" She looked around the beautiful scenery, but didn't really seem to be taking it in. Her mind was deep in reflection about her days in Moone. Growing up in the city, learning to read and write, playing in the streets with her friends, her parents... She shook her head as she remembered what she saw in the vision. Sadness hovered on her face as she speculated where they may or may not be.

I meant that anyone is welcome to use Retraga in a quest if they wish.

"Really, because that's what it sounds like. You're going to 'let' thousands of people of die or destroy them yourselves? Life is for the living, it's up to us how we want to destroy or save ourselves, not some spirit from another realm." She considered for a moment. "But if you have any bright ideas about annihilating that dragon, I don't care who you are. I'm all ears."

Jinnipher scrunches up her face and shakes her head in disbelief. "Is nobody else hearing this? Am I the only one who has a problem with the fact that this guy claims to be a god? One that apparently controls the destiny of the world? There are gods and deities who grant chance and faith, but I control my own destiny. No one controls that. And I don't know of any gods who look or talk like this. This guy is a phony. I don't think we should trust him."

I'm so psyched for this quest! I realized that I forgot to answer Pala's question about Retraga: no, I don't have any plans to run a quest currently but I would like to. It's hard to do it when I'm away from my collection, though. I have plenty of ideas buzzing around in my head. But that doesn't mean someone else can use Retraga in their quests!

Hybros nods, and pushes his hat back to reveal a wide grin. "Then the honor is mine to travel alongside you." He greeted the other people present. He hid a shiver from noticing Lady Felix. They had departed from Guffington Manor on good terms the last time, but he remembered their conflict, even if she didn't. He would have to get used to being around Selkreeth, it seemed. Hybros nodded to Dyric, Torc and Hoke. "It seems like it was yesterday when we blew up that ship and the mindless necromancer with it, heheh." Then a greeting to Arthur, Miirym and Guts, both of whom he had seen recently. Finally, he introduced himself to the Mystic Knight and Druid. "You must be Purpearl and Matthias. I am Hybros." Another nod. "And here I thought I would get to see the whole world in one trip, heheh. Well, I have never been to Dastan or Xu. I would like to go there. I also know Vincent Legonardo from the Tritech corporation. The Ji Pei family holds power there now, and I am on good terms with them. What about everyone else?" He turned to the party.

Concur! On an unrelated note, Purpearl's new getup is sweet. Oh yeah, and my stats are updated, as well!

"Er... okay. So how did you lose your wings, then?"

Another raised eyebrow. "I assume there's a price to pay for such a privilege?"

I'm all for it because you guys are great, but any particular reason for saying this?

"Erm... have my prayers been answered? Not likely... Er, archanglel, what the Hel are we doing here?"

Hybros shuffles up to the gates, realizing he was the last hero to arrive. Before acknowledging any of the others, though, he bends his knee and bows deeply to Guffington. "It is... good to see you again, sir. I have not forgotten what you and Daneeka have done for me and my people, even if it was not directly. I am in your debt." He bowed his head lower so that the brim of his hat covered his eyes.

"Oh, er, heheh, thank you Thalion. I was not expecting such a gift, but I am sure I will make good use of it." Hybros looked around, and noticed several heroes depart for a new quest. Realizing that his name was also chosen, the imp prepares to leave. "You take of yourself. I hope we will see each other again soon." Hybros tugged on Em's sleeve on the way out. "You be careful too, eheh. I do not know what the Crimson Crown wants, but always be on your guard for their trickery. They are not to be trusted." With that, he heads for Guffington Manor.

Gah, so many posts all at once. I'm glad I prepared some of them ahead of time. I'm short on time today, so I'll post in the Hall and then 139 later tonight/early tomorrow. Thanks for having me, Zeph!

Jinnipher raised an eyebrow. "Of course we h--" she realized what might be the truth. Perhaps the dragon hadn't exposed her weaknesses and what she saw the night before didn't really happen. For the first time since they landed in Moone, there was a glimmer of hope. Before she could get too cocky, though, the party was on the move. "We're running? I don't run away. We are facing him on our own terms! When will we be strong enough to take him down if not now! Hey!!!" She realized the other heroes were too busy running for their lives to listen to her. All she could do was keep up.

Hybros returned to the marketplace, this time making a beeline for Anwyl's Smithy. Now that he'd be wielding two weapons simultaneously, it was time for some upgrades. He handed over Zoot's Reaper and Justice to be upgraded four points each, to WP:19 and WP:12, respectively, in exchange for 700 gold (160+170+180+190). When Anwyl was finished, Hybros took the reforged dagger in his hands. He inspected it as he reflected on his periodic visits to his people, where he had learned a few words from the language on Olegaia at the time that the imps still roamed free. To honor them, he decided to rename Justice so that it was now known as Iustitia. Zoot's Reaper looked sharper than ever, but it was still not finished. Hybros returned the weapon as well as 100 gold to Anwyl and instructed him to forge it with his four Mythril Shards that made a whole Mythril Ore. It took several hours for the 'dwarf' to work with the unusual material, but eventually the black goo of a Zoot's Plaything was merged with one of the strongest metals on Olegaia. The sickle sword that had once been a scythe now glimmered a bright blue over the dark metal from the goo and the crimson tint from the Haze. The finishing touches were added with a Grating Stone. Finally, the imp drew the Sword of Ancestral Hatred and had it forged with a Ruby, Sapphire, Opal and Amethyst (200 gold), the latter of which he had removed from the Black Hat (50 gold). Total: 1050 gold spent

Hybros enters the Training Room to find Guts and the Copper Fox. After a brief exchange, the two Alchemists begin their training as Marauders. The Copper Fox teaches them dexterity with both hands to the point where even a mace can be swung one handed with the right application of weight and agility. The two heroes practice their form and technique alongside each other, until finally they have mastered the class. It was time for the final test. The human and the imp stand opposite each other, as both adversaries and old friends. Dummies and targets are pushed to the side of the room and candles dimly light the makeshift dueling arena. Copper Fox sits cross-legged in the middle, meditating with his eyes closed. The fighters give each other a nod and an unbroken gaze to the other. Finally, they each draw their weapons. Guts wields his old favorite Mythril Edge in one hand and the newly-acquired Balanced Rapier in the other, while Hybros held the Sword of Ancestral Hatred and Justice. Another few moments of silent concentration, and Copper Fox opens his eyes. It is the signal to start the sparring bout, and it begins. Hybros and Guts charge at each other and collide, the sound of metal-on-metal echoing in the hall. The candlelight casts shadows that dance across the walls, limbs and weapons move impossibly fast. Each offensive strike is answered with a parry and riposte, only for that attack to be countered. Blades clang and scrape as the pair step around the unfazed Copper Fox, with not so much as a stray sword or cloud of dust being kicked up venture near. The flurry of blades and sparks never even grazes the Veteran. Guts is physically stronger, but Hybros is a smaller target, and has quicker reactions. The imp's wings give him the advantage of mobility, but also give him more area to protect. The fight seems to be impossibly even, as if it go on for eternity in a never-ending draw. Finally, Hybros uses his wings to give him a bigger push into Guts' blade to push it aside and leave him wide open. Not a second is lost in this opportunity as Hybros thrusts with Justice at the open target. But Guts is even quicker to respond, and before the dagger can reach its target it flies out of its wielder's hand thanks to a kick to the face. The imp goes flying backwards from the impact and also drops the Sword of Ancestral Hatred. He is left stunned and defenseless on the ground and before he can recover Guts is already leaping through the air, dagger raised barbarically for the lethal stab straight down into Hybros' chest. As if in slow-motion, the imp instinctively grabs the nearest weapon: Zoot's Reaper, which somehow found its way into his hands. He didn't have time to think about how it ended up there though, so raised the scythe to defend himself and shut his eyes tight... ~~~ Silence followed. Was he dead? Would Heroica really allow its heroes to be killed during training? When Hybros dared to open his eyes again he saw Guts standing over him, struggling to push against Zoot's Reaper that had blocked the attack. The weapon, he was awed to see, was no longer a scythe, but a curved sword that was perfectly shaped to hold Mythril Edge by the hilt around one side of the crescent and the tip on the other. Guts was stronger and had the momentum advantage, but no matter how hard he pushed he dagger was stuck and could go no further. Finally he withdrew by pulling it back as sparks flew between the two weapons. They each took a brief breath and prepared to continue again, but were interrupted by a voice cutting through the Training Room. "Enough." He didn't have to shout. Both heroes ceased their duel immediately at the command. Hybros rose and faced the Copper Fox with Guts. Their training was complete. They had both achieved to master the fighting style ofMarauders. Yet their rivalry was left unsatisfied. They regarded each other with fiery yet friendly looks, and departed. Hybros (JimBee) 54 year old male imp Marauder Level: 37 Health: 63/63 Guts Holla (Scubacarrot) 45 year old male human Marauder Level: 39.5 Health: 63/63

An expression of fear fell over Jinnipher's face, but she was the first to enter the room anyway. She took in the scene around her. "Vorpalis." She drew her sword. "Grr... what did you do this time?! You will pay for your actions. You will pay!!" Jinnipher was ready to charge, but she held back. She knew it wouldn't do any good right now.

Is that what happened? I thought only Lind entered. Which is actually equally hilarious that Skrall locked him in there.

Jinnipher joined the others in the inn before departing. She had changed her clothes; dark crimson robes joined her navy blue ones, fastened around her armor like a cape. Upon reaching the cathedral, she looked up in wonder. "I haven't been to worship since I lived here..." She frowned and looked concerned, even scared for a while, before kneeling before the cathedral. "Galadrya and Celebryon..." she began mouthing a prayer. After she collected herself and returned to usual demeanor, Jinnipher rose and replied flatly, "They do much more than that."

I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head for me, Pie. Overall an extremely enjoyable quest with a few small bumps along the way. I guess I'll get the negative out of the way first, I definitely it drag in the middle. The quest could've maybe been a month shorter with consistent daily updates. I also didn't really get the point of us splitting up for the two puzzles, but seeing your comments that was a result of veering from a different plan for the quest. I did enjoy the lock puzzle, even though I spent hours on something that should've taken ten minutes because I copy/pasted a piece twice. I was questioning my sanity and basic geometry skills for a long time. I liked the story and characters. Hybros had never been on a Magpie quest before, but he had met Knife-Tongue and Melvin. This is definitely your most epic quest, and one of my favorites. #84 still holds first place for me because of the characters and short-and-sweetness of that one, but this was great in its own way. Illdria made me laugh a lot and I really love her character. Reminds me a bit of Nathan Fillion's character on Firefly. Melvin was of course Hybros' old friend, and Knife-Tongue and Zaises were unique. I wish we had found out more about Giuliana/Volmuniix, but both were awesome. The three vampires never really felt threatening at all, and I still don't quite understand their purpose. To help Melville and the Cold Circle, yes, but other than that they just seemed like any other lackey. Melville was a little bland, but unlike the vampires was a threat and definitely evil. It felt good to kill him. In all honesty though, Soonavask seemed like the real villain because she manipulates Melville and, er, did the most damage to Jules. The visions worked well, and reading them all side by side was cool. I did not get that mine was supposed to be tailored to Hybros, to answer your concern. I agree that it didn't matter that the letter puzzle was obvious, it still served both story and mechanics purposes, and in an effective way. The gruesome scenes of torture were actually kind of scary, and the fact that the PCs got to see it was the main driving force behind the lust for justice/vengeance. I could definitely see that you tied all your storylines together for this one (not that I got the hints in previous quests ). Things will be more interesting than ever before with your quests. Of course, returning to Jolly Roger's Grotto was a significant plot point for Hybros. I think that was the most that I got out of roleplaying for this quest, which I'll touch on later. The freedom to move around the grotto in almost any order we liked was nice, and it seemed that we went in an order that spaced out puzzles and battles nicely. The puzzles were good and varied. I can't say I put too much effort into the kitchen maze because that was during exams. Sorry about that. The battles were the highlight for me. We had a kickass party to begin with, and the battles truly satisfied. The first battle was a bit difficult, like you said, but after that I think you did an excellent job with balancing. I'd say it's one of your best strengths as a QM. No battle felt too hard or too easy. Am I glad I imbued my diamond into Justice. There were a lot of undead, but it never felt too unmanageable thanks to the party's access to gems and artifacts. The final battle was spectacular, and embodied the whole quest in an epic finale. Although I think I had a foolproof plan after Round 5 even if we rolled Special Damage on Melville. I thought the Earthwyrm battle was cool, with an interesting mechanic and a story purpose (indicating the ruin that the grotto had become and maybe a hint at Melville's power). The battle aboard the docked Magpie was also really enjoyable. Great job on this. I guess I should also mention again how kickass our party was. Despite only having a 1/3 chance to hit something, Guts was still our powerhouse. Playing as Alchemist was awesome; easily my favorite class that I've played as. The traits and rolls just seem to complement each other so well, and it doesn't seem OP with the Chrysopeia nerf. I really liked having the role of healer especially with the Kjorfelnaire Tongue (I was a little disappointed you gave that back to Mizuki, but it's fair ). Alchemist is a better healing class than any cleric variation BY FAR. That's kind of a problem I think, and I hope we come up with a good solution to make Clerics a desirable class. Hoke, Dyric and Illdria also had significant roles in battle, and Erik helped a lot with crowd control. Battle Mage is the perfect class for him with all of those effect weapons. Thalion and Em felt rather useless. I talked to obelix about Artisan, and it seems to be a class that is extremely dependent on your build. I guess Pala is enjoying it a bit more but it's the weirdest class ever and sometimes fails in battle. Em was the weakest (level-wise) in the group, and Aura would've just hurt instead of helped. I think he saved the party with it once in the first battle, and then needlessly KO'd himself in the last battle. His defense wasn't high enough for such a large and strong party, and thus numerous and powerful enemies led to his downfall. One thing I was disappointed with on our end was the lack of PC-to-PC interaction. Sometimes it seemed like we acted as if none of the rest of the PCs existed, but there were rarely times when we needed to. I don't know, maybe it was just the result of a dungeon-crawler quest and the straightforwardness of it, or the epic narrative. I felt it was a low point for Hybros RP as well, partly because of what I just mentioned and partly because I've gotten a little bored with him. Part of me wishes I hadn't wrapped up his storyline too soon. I was to see him to the conclusion of Sandy's story, but in the meantime there isn't anywhere for him to develop. There are still loose ends with his story, but I'm not sure how I want to tie them up yet. As a result of this standstill, he was kind of flat in this quest. Meh. Although having Jinnipher now has invigorated my roleplaying and maybe the third Guffington quest will push Hybros in a new direction (should he be accepted, of course). I feel like I had a few more things to say, but I can't think of them right now. I also feel like this posted sounded less enthused than I really am about the quest, so let me say that I found it to be one of the most enjoyable of all that I've had so far. I loved the battles because strategy is my favorite part of this game and they pushed me to really think about them. Being PL for such a huge party wasn't stressful at all, and I'm glad I got to control the BO and NPC actions. Myrddyn was also a vocal strategist in our PM conversation, he gets my nomination for PL in his next quest. The quest was fun, epic, and not dragged out too much. Thank you so much for hosting, Pie!

"A Ziegfried, hm? I never would have guessed, heheheheh... Perhaps you would like to meet me in the Hall later and I can tell you about the vials storing what seemed to be, ehehm, souls in Ziegfried-marked crates on my very first quest with Heroica." "There is a quest that I believe is heading to those countries. If your are worried about the Great Guffington's reputations, I can assure you he is a very good and generous man." Hybros looked around. "It is no problem, but I do not think I will be able to help you with the discount again any time soon. I am taking leave of the Guild for a while for a practice more... cunning, eheh. And that is where I am going now. I will see you in the Hall, Arthur." With that, Hybros departed for the Training Room.