Khorne

Needs more women worshipping him if that were the case .

Quite random since it has got little to do with the Decamon Tournament, but here's some "concept art" I made of a Norse character that'll be included in my future (hypothetical) Norse Quest, that follows up on #111, in a way. Ain't that quite the heroica pose this guy (name isn't settled yet, his role mostly is) is striking .

Gah, Eric soooo should've been on #119, now with The Merry Mermaid and Mariel . He'd done his utmost best to botch the quest and bring down the Bonapartes!

Eric licked his lips and then grinned widely. With a bestial gaze he menacingly stared at the bear and got into fighting stance. He swung Conspirator around and then leapt at the hulking mass of wild bear. Eric attacks Hungry and Vicious Bear from the front row, using Conspirator.

"Like Hel I'll lend you four gold, you cheap Dwarf", the Nord grumbled as he woke up. He grinned as he rubbed his cheeck. "Heh, it reminds of me of times long gone by, when my mother slapped by cheek whenever I had done something mischievous" Eric stretched his arms and cracked his neck. He unsheathed his sword. "Seriously? You guys are afraid of animals?"

Thanks for the criticism, guys . I'm really glad my venture into existing Dastan and expanding that with something new was well-received. Initially, I had even more plans to feature the Polkung more prominently and let the PCs get to know the political intrigues at the governial seat in Nygrad, where the Polkung are divided amongst radical secessionist factions and those who'd like to keep things as is, perhaps with only slight change. The politics of the Northern March were touched upon by the Dastanese general in Farrech, but in Nygrad the heroes would've truly been thrown out amidst them. I love different cultures, history and inventing stories, so I loved telling the story of the Northern March. As with the Vikings, I have a whole bunch of background materials in my head which helps keeping things streamlined. I'm really glad you liked the story of the Northern March and its inhabitants. The reason why the ending was somewhat anticlimatic and why I didn't force the party to go to Nygrad was timing. Overall, the things I need to work on most are timing and preparation. A lot of stuff happened in real life that greatly affected the pacing and I never really got it back on track. The Quest was started end August and it nearly took 3 months to complete, which is a really long time for a simple, basic 14-page Quest like this one. This was not so much by inactivity of the players, but rather to due poor pacing and updating on m side. Keeping in mind that the coming days would only get busier for me (work, exams, holidays, etc.), I decided It'd be better to offer the Heroes a change to end things at the Polkung camp or else I'd risk failing the players more in terms of updates. That's why I also decided to cut the "steppe-exploring" short. I also planned it to take more time and be bigger, but I decided to let the Polkung take the Heroes to their camp to cut time. So, JimBee, the ending was somewhat improvised. I had a bigger ending with more of a bang planned, but chose to do it like this. The heroes wouldn't have been able to "save" the priest, though (or maybe, very maybe because insane l33t RP skills of the PCs they could've convinced him to stay ). He was set to leave from the beginning, because like you said: hypothetically I'd love to continue this storyline and expand upon the Vikings, Värtland and the role of the Shaman King (which is actually a Sandy character ). This quest was mainly a testing ground for me and a jumping board to launch something else, maybe. More pointers and tips for me: BUY SOME FRIGGIN' DECENT LAMPS learn some basic maths and get the battles right more planning All in all, I had a great time and I really liked the party. Great learning experience . Party criticism: Leofwein: Like some others here have said, Leofwein doesn't really differ that much from Alexandre. Even their avatars are quite alike. Aside from that, I really liked that you were very active and loved your input. I'd host you again in an instant. You're a great player to have! I'd be awesome if you could flesh out Leofwein somewhat more and make him stand out from Alexandre. Polly: I really like the idea of a child hero, who travels with her bear. Just like JimBee, I'd hate to see Polly go, because I find her quite original. I'd love to get to know more of the character. It's your choice of course if you want to keep her or not . If you do ditch her, I can't wait to see what character you'll come up with next . Lynne: I think some of the best RP and general character outline came from Lynne. She's got that motherly touch, but there's something "weird" and mysterious about her too and you let it shine through occasionally, which I like. I don't really know the full story of Lynne, because I haven't followed all you quests in detail, so I like how it's all kind of mysterious to me.

But, but, I'm immune to sleep . Eric is vaguely aware of his surroundings and slowly wakes up.

QM Note: Phew, finally some time to post. I had a super busy weekend so far. "Very well then, heroes. You have done your part. You have aided me in finding out what happened to the priest and for that you will be recompensed. Thank you for coming along. This is where we part ways, I believe. I won't be going back to Eubric just yet. I feel it is my duty to try and retrieve the priest." "Farewell. Perhaps our paths will cross again, who knows? May Ennoc watch over you. Always." The group made their choice clear to the leader of the camp, who then ordered some tribesmen to lead the party back to Farrech. Orel, on the other hand was taken to Nygrad. From Farrech, the heroes began the long way back to Eubric. In stark contrast to the journey to the Northern March, the way back was remarkably quiet and uneventful ( ) . Perhaps no one dared oppose the party now they had some experience. The Quest is successful! Each party member receives 75 Gold as reward (plus reputation with the Hinckwells for helping defend the trade ship)! The Party: Leofwein Twynam (Capt.JohnPaul) *Party Leader* 18 Year Old Human Barbarian Level 4 Power: 7 (4 + 3) Defense: 0 Health: 11/11 (8 + 3) Gold: 98 Equipment: War Axe (WP:3) Inventory: Mead (2x), Remedy, Venom (2x), War Axe (WP:5) Lynne (Endgame) (20)24 Year Old Human Cleric Level 4 Power: 7 (4 + 3) Health: 10/12 (9 + 3) Ether: 4/8 (5 + 3) Gold: 90 Equipment: Oak Staff (WP: 3) Inventory: Potion (2x), Phoenix Essence, Tonic, Bone, Bedroll, Feather of White Polly & Mr. Sanders (Waterbrick Down) 9 year old female human Mage Level 4 Power: 7 (4 + 3) Health: 4/8 (5 + 3) Ether: 5/8 (5 + 3) Gold: 96 Equipment: Letter Opener (WP: 3, dagger) Inventory: Amethyst, Tonic (2x), Fire Bomb, Potion Thanks you all for playing! I know it didn't really go all that well in terms of pacing, but I'm glad you stuck with me . Feel free to leave your comments in the QM Lounge. I'm eager to hear what you thought of it. I'll try and post my thoughts on the quest there, too.

"I don't know, really", the Paladin sighed, "Try to take him back with us, I guess... Bring him home and put him on trial for treason of our Order." "How much as I want that, revenge isn't mine to take. He betrayed us all. Punishment should be exacted by the proper instances within the Order." "Maybe I might convince him, but according to most stories we've heard, he did have his mind pretty much set. It's up to you, though. Like the girl stated, we know what happened to him, so you'll get your reward as promised already."

Eric remained laying on the floor and rolled over, his back turned to the party. He raised his arm and made a waving gesture. Barely intelligible he muttered, "you shut up...let's just sleep already..."

Orel visibly had a hard time accepting the choice of a fellow member of his order. As soon as the chieftain was done telling the story, the Paladin furiously stood up and stormed outside. There he paced around, walking in circles. "Outrageous, how dare he quit the Order like that? How dare he not brings us up to date? We are all brethren in Ennoc's care. What he is doing is treason, he's turning his back on family!" "I, I, ..." The Paladin was so angry and disappointed he couldn't even find words to express what he felt. "We need to bring him back to us." What will the party do? Will they travel to Nygrad to intercept the priest and stop him from traveling to Värtland or will they except the fate he has chosen?

Eric lay down and was looking to find a comfortable sleeping position. "I elect Rollinger to guard all night." "I don't trust the dwarf to look after my back. I want to sleep and the mage probably needs a beauty sleep." Not even caring to wait for a reply, he gruffly ended with a "goodnight".

To the #111'ers, I swear, that's the last time you're missing the priest by an inch . The quest is definitely coming close to its end now though .

"I thank you for saving one of ours from the paws of the Cyclopses. After all these years, the silent struggle is not over and still they prey upon us." The chieftain softly chuckled, his eyes glistening in the fire. "Nor will it ever be over. The Northern March is a place were violence lurks around every corner. Protecting the Empire is our sole reason of existence. The land grant was a poisoned gift to our people if you ask me." "But enough of that, I do know this priest you speak of. Jeremiah, a priest of Ennoc. A missionary that came from Uland if I'm not mistaken. He told me he was sent by his order to spread the word and faith of his god here in the North, in Farrech and among our people." Another chuckle, followed by a cough. "Needless to say, his message didn't spread very well here. We have little need for a god of warmth and light. We do not fear the setting sun. Our own gods take care of our kind. Torrun in the sky and Ursem of the plains." "Your priest was intrigued by what he learned in Farrech. So much that he chose to spent time with us here in the steppes to learn of our ways." The chieftain paused and looked at Orel, first glancing at the eagle on his shield and then looking him in the eyes. "The priest has left the path of your god, Eagle Warrior. He no longer saw Ennoc's justice nor felt his warm touch in the cold and brutal wilderness that is the Northern March. "He is eager to learn much more of our gods. Of other gods deemed pagan by your order. He wants to learn more than can be learned here. I'm afraid you will no longer find your Jeremiah here, travellers. He left for Nygrad together with our shaman. Perhaps you can still catch up, but whatever you need him for, I believe his mind is set." "I think the priest said he wanted to go even further North, into Värtland, the land of chill and dread. Rumors have reached the Northern March about some powerful Shaman King there. It is said this Shaman King can communicate with the gods through his dreams, so strong is his connection with the spirits. The gods grant him great power which gives him ever-increasing dominion over others." "I do not know how much of these tales the Northern travellers tell us are true, but priest seemed interested. He wants to learn under the tutelage of this Shaman King."

The "mummy wrappings" are actually linnen amor. He's pretty much spot on for an Egyptian warrior . I like how they made a new "headcloth" piece instead of rehashing the pharaoh's crown.

"We have very little basis to trust these folk, these...pagans. I very much doubt their backward culture has any notion of keeping word to people like us, whom they deem low. However, they have done little to antagonize us so far, so as of now I give them the benefit of the doubt." The party agreed to follow the Polkung to their camp. Cold winds battered the party and made the long walk hard, but they managed. The steppes continued without end, vast plains. The Polkung were much like the Vikings, except that the Polkung "sailed" and trekked across vast seas of grass instead of water and instead of dreaded sailors they were expert horsemen. The Polkung camp was a large collection of yurts. Children were chasing each other between the tents, playing games. In the grass next to the camp, warriors were practicing their archery skills while on horseback. Other Polkung were doing all manner of chores. They hardly looked up as the party arrived. They were greeted by a single warrior only, greeting his kin, but keeping a strong gaze upon the foreigners. Their Polkung companions, Dimeter and Boleslav, led the heroes to a yurt that was somewhat bigger and more decorated than others. They gestured that the heroes should enter. Inside it was warm and cozy. The floor was draped with all manner of furs and a small fire was burning. In the back of the yurt an older man was sitting with a finely groomed mustache. Upon his head sat a fur hat topped with the feathers of an eagle, symbol of leadership and sign of expert markmanship among the Polkung tribes. In his hand he held a scepter, a ceremonial mace symbolising strength. No doubt this man was in charge of the camp. He was the chieftain. A hetmann. "What brings you to my camp?"

I believe there's only one. If I'm not mistaken, the Zirconia was the family crown jewel of the Ziegfrieds, which was then stolen by Violetta the Cat-Burglar and later given to the heroes by the Wolfpack as a reward. My mind is kind of blurry on the matter, though, so I could be mistaken .

Wow, that review came really quick! Like I said in the other discussion topic, I loooooove that Goblin. Other highlights/must-haves are the King and the Egyptian Warrior. I really want a small army of those warrriors. I bought 10 pharaos at the time those were released, to build me an Egyptian army, so I'm really glad I can finally have some "real" soldiers. One thing I've noticed, though (but maybe I'm just imagining things): the printing seems really basic and sparse compared to some of those previous series. But like I said, maybe it's just me imagining things .

Eric shook his head in disbelief. How ignorant this Paladin was, judging the heroes so low. "Kids go out camping. I'm sure adults like us will manage." The Nord cracked his knuckles. "It'll be hell to pay for anyone trying to disturb our sleep."

The three Polkung tribesmen looked at each other and started conversing in their own language. After some time, one of them addressed the party. "Ja, we know this priest you speak of. He came to our camp some days ago, asking to come live with us for a while. He wanted to learn of our gods. We will take you to our camp, where you shall find your missing missionary. Sounds good?"

"My name is Boleslav, son of Olivandr, of the Bloody Blades tribe. Our gratitude goes to you for saving one of our kin. It's show gut to stick out your neck for someone you don't know. To stain your blades with blood to save one that is not of your own kin." "The Cyclopses have been our natural enemies for centuries. They prey upon us to either enslave us or sell us. They still refuse to aknowledge that our people are masters of the steppe now." "I doubt that, but it might very well be. The Cyclopses are savages." "What brings you to these lands, heroes? Is there any way we can help, to show you our gratitude? We are in your debt, after all"

"Uhm, yes. It's, uhm...ah ja, I'm Dimeter. Torrun bless our meeting." "I guess they didn't notice that I was behind. It was still dark when they took me." Just as the man utters these words the Heroes can see two horsemen ride closer towards them. The party clasps their weapons tightly, but soon notice the riders are Polkung, too, just like Dimeter. Apparently, Dimeter's disappearance was only discovered just now and scouts had been sent out to scour the steppes. One of the riders was somewhat more adequately armored than the other, and wore chainmail, but both the men certainly fulfilled the role of light cavalry and were armed with bows, maces, shields and a spear. It was clear the Polkung had a knack for fighting. "Hail, travellers. What are your business wit our kinsman?" I'll update without pictures, because I really want to keep on going. Pics will be on Sunday, I think. It's just been some crazy days with unexpected workloads.

D'oh, forgot to post . Eric eyed his surroundings, but couldn't make out anything. He still felt the Mead coursing through his veins and it kept him on edge. If it was coming to a brawl, he wouldn't be brushed aside as easily as last time. Still, he uncorked one of his Smelling Salts, just to be sure. "Yeah, let's just continue."

The Party: Leofwein Twynam (Capt.JohnPaul) *Party Leader* 18 Year Old Human Barbarian Level 4 Power: 7 (4 + 3) Defense: 0 Health: 11/11 (8 + 3) Gold: 23 Equipment: War Axe (WP:3) Inventory: Mead (2x), Remedy, Venom (2x), War Axe (WP:5) Lynne (Endgame) (20)24 Year Old Human Cleric Level 4 Power: 7 (4 + 3) Health: 10/12 (9 + 3) Ether: 4/8 (5 + 3) Gold: 15 Equipment: Oak Staff (WP: 3) Inventory: Potion (2x), Phoenix Essence, Tonic, Bone, Bedroll, Feather of White Polly & Mr. Sanders (Waterbrick Down) 9 year old female human Mage Level 4 Power: 7 (4 + 3) Health: 4/8 (5 + 3) Ether: 5/8 (5 + 3) Gold: 21 Equipment: Letter Opener (WP: 3, dagger) Inventory: Amethyst, Tonic (2x), Fire Bomb, Potion Orel Cayne, Third of his Name (Controlled by Capt.JohnPaul) 41 year old male human Knight Level 6 Power: 9 (6 + 3) Defense: 2 Health: 10/15 (10 + 5) Gold: 11 Equipment: Blessed Blade (WP: 3, longsword, light-elemental), Shield of Ennoc (SP: 2) Inventory: Potion "Oo boy, I don't recall exactly. They picked me off while I was straggling behind once we had broken camp, I guess. I'm glad you showed up and saved me! You sure have a funny way of speaking. I guess you're not from around, are ya?"

Wow! These look great. Again, a very strong line-up in my opinion. I do get that people more into Town and stuff like that are perhaps being less served than those into Castle/Fantasy. Still, I'm very excited. I'll definitely try to get multiples of the Egyptian Guard and the Goblin. The King looks awesome, too. Way better crown than the classic "battle crown" we've only had until now. I like how the Goblin looks cartoonish enough to be a "cousin" of the 2007 Castle Fantasy's orc. The LOTR Goblins/Orcs look very serious compared to that minifig, so this Goblin might be a better pairing. Nice to see a remake of the turban headpiece, as well. Looks more detailed than the old one and fits better with those from Prince of Persia.