Khorne

Eric sighed and rested on his mighty greatsword for a while. This battle had been a tough one and the loot was rather meagre for the efforts spent. At least the party would finally be able to get rid of the tower now. After that, it's only a matter of time before the Nord would be stinking rich from the reward gained for the quest.

"Someone's bound to have seen this Red Dragon at a certain point? Where would all the stories come from otherwise? People say she targets merchants ships mostly, because of a great craving for gold and jewels. By the gods, I wish I got paid more." The fog grew even thicker and then, like the Guardsman had stated before, deep sounds of blasting horns could be heard. Seemingly out of nowhere, a ship appeared and before the Hinckwells could do anything to repel the attackers, most of them had already lost their lives. Apparently, the Red Dragon was no mere story at all. PREPARE FOR BATTLE ! QM Note: I'll add in the enemies and everything in this port tommorrow. Right now, I'm just too dog tired to do so in a decent way without making mistakes. I just didn't want to let another day pass without any decent update from my side, so now you at least know the Red Dragon isn't a myth and a battle is coming . Also, Photobucket is acting really weird and doesn't show me the pictures I've uploaded, sooo EDIT: Fixed some typos and added in some missing words. The Enemies: "Take everything! Give NOTHING!" The Red Dragon Fiery Humanoid Level: 5 Health: 25/25 Defense: 1 Special I: Ring of Fire - The Red Dragon engulfs herself in a Ring of Fire for one turn, restoring 3 HP to herself and rendering her untargetable. Special II: Dragon of the North - The Red Dragon demonstrates why she earned her monniker and unleashed her fiery breath, dealing 3 Damage to all enemies. Drops: 25 Gold, Phoenix Essence Note: Once The Red Dragon's HP hit 0, she will Flee the battle She will drop her spoils, just to be clear.. "What is dead may never die." Arn the Drowned Watery Humanoid Level: 4 Health: 15/15 Defense: 0 Special I: Call to Arms - Arn summons another drowned sailor from Njordon's Hall to aid him in combat. Special II: Blessing of Njordon - Arn bestows the Blessing of Njordon upon a random ally. Drops: 5 Gold, Remedy Note: Once Arn the Drowned's HP hit 0, he will Flee the battle "Destroy!" Drowned draugr Spearman Undead Level: 3 Health: 8/8 Defense: 1 Special: Block - The Spearman uses his shield to block an incoming attack, taking no Damage during the next Round. Drops: Nothing "Obliterate!" Drowned draugr Spearman Undead Level: 3 Health: 8/8 Defense: 1 Special: Block - The Spearman uses his shield to block an incoming attack, taking no Damage during the next Round. Drops: Nothing "ELIMINATE!" Drowned draugr Berserker Undead Level: 5 Health: 6/6 Defense: 0 Special: Rage - The Berserker flies into a blind fury and deals 2 Damage to all opponents. Drops: 1 Gold The Party: Leofwein Twynam (Capt.JohnPaul) *Party Leader* 18 Year Old Human Barbarian Level 1 Power: 4 (1 + 3) Defense: 0 Health: 8/8 (8) Gold: 10 Equipment: War Axe (WP:3) Inventory: Potion, Mead, First Aid Kit (Completely restores health and removes all negative effects for the entire party once.) Lynne (Endgame) *Blessed* (20)24 Year Old Human Cleric Level 1 Power: 4 (1 + 3) Health: 9/9 (9) Ether: 5/5 (5) Gold: 10 Equipment: Oak Staff (WP: 3) Inventory: Potion, Remedy Polly & Mr. Sanders (Waterbrick Down) *Blessed* 9 year old female human Mage Level 1 Power: 4 (1 + 3) Health: 5/5 (5) Ether: 5/5 (5) Gold: 10 Equipment: Letter Opener (WP: 3, dagger) Inventory: Potion, Amethyst Orel Cayne, Third of his Name (Controlled by Capt.JohnPaul) 41 year old male human Knight Level 3 Power: 6 (3 + 3) Defense: 2 Health: 12/12 (10 + 2) Gold: 4 Equipment: Blessed Blade (WP: 3, longsword, light-elemental), Shield of Ennoc (SP: 2) Inventory: Potion Party Leader, choose the order of actions. All combatants, choose your targets and the Row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, move, heal, cast a magic spell, use an item instead of attacking, or attempt something else outside the box. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone has acted.

"You're already being paid double than what I pay my other men. I hardly think is raise is necessary. Like you said, it's just a story and simple stories alone don't justify a raise in my eyes." No further update today, guys. The coming week should be business as usual again and I'll be able to update more frequently .

Eric grumbled. He just didn't seem able to land a single hit on the Seneschal and the hits that do land, hardly damage the creature at all. He looked over his shoulder at Periwinkle and slightly smirked. At least she had some luck. Eric uses a Grand Potion. Periwinkle repeats.

"Naught but tales of mariners, milady. Nothing to be afraid of!" "But she's real! The Red Dragon. It is said she hunts the seas in search of those who've wronged her. A ship of undead, which strikes from out of the unseen. Fog and misthorns are their omens." "That's enough, Guardsman, shut it. Fairytales, nothing more. The Bonapartes keep the Crystalline Sea free of all threat, that's what we pay all those hefty fees for!" "Defensive mechanisms? Ha! This is a trading cog, a merchant ship. Our defensive mechanisms are our iron resolve, our nerves of steel and the edges of our blades. No son, you are the support. Hey, cheer up, that's what I hired you for in the first place!"

The Hinckwell Guard lowered his looking glass and answered Lynne, his eyes constantly trying to keep a look at his surroundings. "Heh, could be nothing. You know, just a little fog. It happens, Neron and Neredice's will, I guess", he shrugged, but then grew more restless, closed in to Lynne and then softly added, "...could also be her, though..." "Nonsense, marine! That's a fable. A hoax! Hornswoggle, swindle, flimflam, a fraud! I'm a Hinckwell, I won't let myself be bamboozled by some seaman's story."

Here's the official you're on a boat at sea post! A rowing boat took the party from the docks towards a Hinckwell cog. It wasn't a big boat, but it would enough to make the trip from Eubric to the western shore of Dastan. Soon the party was out at sea, with the Fortuna cleaving through the waves like they were nothing. For a long while the winds were in their favor and the crew made steady progress. At the helm, one of the Hinckwell guards was scanning the horizons for any possible threats, while Konrad stood next to him, enjoying the ride. Meanwhile, some of the workers were busy handling the cargo and tending to the general needs of the cog. Slowly, however, the winds died out and the speedy progress grinded to a halt. Fog was starting to pack together near the ship. The crew got restless and spoke in hushed voice to each other. The guard that was surveilling the waters nervously peered through his looking glass, turning from one side to the other.

Poor Eric "Whoaoah, that's not money" Both Periwinkle and Eric repeat their attacks.

God, I'm sooooo sorry, but I won't be able to update again tonight . Something came up that kind of ruines the way I had planned my evening. You guys are on the ship right now and on the sea, so if you want you can RP a little between your characters and I pinky-promise an update with pictures tommorrow

"You get paid when we get there, of course, little one. I need to see if you're worth my investment first!", the merchant laughed, once again twirling his mustache. He gestured the party to follow him as he made his way to his ship. " Now let's get to my ship. I'm telling you, you won't regret this! I sure won't." "D'awww, poor Snorri. I almost had some new customers today. Better luck next time, I guess...", were the only words the saddened Snorri could utter as he saw three customers disappear in front of him. The next update with pictures of you actually boarding the ship and whatnot will only be for tommorrow. Sorry guys This is the last, minor update for today...

"What my ship carries is none of your concern, really. You're simply being requested to tag along to protect the goods, like a well-paid mercenary is supposed to. As for the matter with the Nord. Really, are you daft? That's just what those barbarians do, it's their way of life. You can't trust folk like that."

Both Eric and Periwinkle repeat their actions.

" 'Fun' wouldn't exactly be the word I'd use to describe the situation, sir...?" the Paladin searched for a name, only to realize he didn't know a single name of his new companions. "See, the Empire is still in the process of rebuilding after the last war. The internal composition of the Empire is a fickle one and thus it will take time before all wounds will be fully healed. The process is a slow one. So, no, 'fun' wouldn't not be the word I'd use, at all. There's danger lurking around every corner right now in Dastan. The borders are relatively open as many soldiers have been pulled back to the interior to safeguard the Empire and its citizens there. I do wonder how the situation in Farrech will be once we get there." "I don't have a ship. The Order's military material is held up elsewhere and to use one of our own warships simply to ferry us to Dastan would be overkill, don't you think? We'll try to find a ship here that will take us to Dastan for a reasonable price." "Most of it is indeed rather dry. The climate is temperate and the more you head north, the colder it gets. It also gets greener. The mountains and plains of the south slowly give way to the steppes and rolling hills of the Northern March, the frontier region that serves as a buffer to shield the more prosperous and civilized south from Viking incursions." "Don't quote me on this later, but I'm pretty sure we won't need to be hiking in the mountains. After all, the purpose of missionaries is to convert people and spread Ennoc's faith. There aren't much people in the mountains. On the contrary, the eastern mountains are actually the home of the ancient race of Dragons." "Anyway, let's find ourselves a ship first. If there's anything else you want to know or ask me about where we're going, don't hesitate. I can't promise I know all the answers, but I'll try to share any information I have." Since Eubric was a port city and a main trading hub in the Crystalline Sea, it didn't take the party all that long to find themselves a ship with a captain that claimed he was their man to take them to the Dastanese continent. While the heroes were busy negotiating the price of said voyage, an eccentric though enigmatic Hinckwell merchant and his Werelion guard joined the fray. "I'm your man. I'll take you to Dastan, sure! For the mere price of 5 gold each, I, Snorri shall see it as my duty to get you to Dastan safely, by Njordon!", the man stated in a heavy sing-song accent, typical of those who hail from the North. Obviously, the man was a Norse immigrant trying to make his living in Eubric now. Before the heroes could close the deal, they were interrupted. "Hah! Don't trust that Norseman. He'll slit your throats and steal your purses. He'll chop off your heads and feed your bodies to the sharks. If you're lucky you'll be sleeping when he does that. No, sir-ee, I am who you should trust to take you to Dastan." "I have a ship full of merchandise that needs to be taken to some Dastanese port and I could use some mercs such as yourselves to protect the goods. Pleased to meet you! Konrad Krowne is my name and making good bargains is my game. You know what, if you come with me, I'll even pay you each 7 gold for your effort! What say you, lasses and sir?" The merchant assumed a proud composure, one hand in his side and using the other to twirl his mustache. Konrad was clearly no stranger to brokering trading deals and seeing to it that he received the better end of it. "Wha-? I won't kill you, I promise! I swear it on my honor, in the names of Wartan, Torrik and Helvetia! Please, I need the coin. Poor Snorri needs this. Life is hard in Eubric for an honest Nordman. Look, I'll even lower my price to 2 gold each. That's as far as I can go, though." What will the party do? Which captain will they choose?

The 'thumbs up' makes me guess that's a good thing!

Nice build, instantly recognizable (if you know something about Ancient Egypt, of course ). I once made a "real" version of this game with wood and clay figures, but I've never actually played the game myself. I searched my PC for pics of the Senet I made, but I couldn't find them immediatly. If I find them, I'll post one here. It's not LEGO, though, but then one can see how a "real" Senet looks, perhaps .

Polly's joke made the Paladin loosen up a bit. His nervous attitude relaxed and the man let out a hearty chuckle. "Well, well, look at the brains on the young one. You are indeed correct, miss, we are going to sea. More specifically, we need a boat ride to Dastan Yes, Dastan again ." As the party slowly started walking away from where they were standing, Orel took out a map and unfolded it while they were walking. He pointed towards the northernmost settlement of the Empire. "Farrech. It's the last outpost city of the "civilized" Empire, before it gives way to the lawless Northern March. That is were we are going first. My Order believes I will find more information about our lost missionary there. If we're lucky, the man is wandering about the premises in that place, otherwise, we will have to wait and see where our information leads us to next. If we find anything at all, that is... You lot have been to Dastan before?" QM Note: Map links to a bigger version. Sorry for the poor quality. Photobucket apparently likes to screw up my maps.

A-ha! That's what I was missing. I was so busy scanning my own effects and actions, I looked over the fact that the Golem was lucky. Thanks for pointing out!

"Wha-? You...are a hero, too? I didn't know they let them join so join at Heroica," Orel said somewhat baffled. He was a bit reluctant about having a child accompany him, but quickly relented. "Very well then, seeing as you are the Heroes that will join me, we might as well get this started. Let us find some sort of transport first, we can't very well swim to our destination, now can we?" Orel chuckled nervously. He wasn't even aware the Heroes didn't know where they were going. Noticing the Heroes' somewhat puzzled looks, he then quickly added: "You do know where we are going, right? I take it that they have told you of this already?"

I'm obviously missing something and this is perhaps a stupid question, but why did my Extra Critical Hit change to Steal? Eric smirked as he pocketed the gold he had gained. Feeling rejuvenated, he once more lunged forward and tried to strike the Seneschal. Meanwhile, Periwinkle slowly got back up and rubbed her head. "Geez, that was a weird experience." Slowly adjusting from getting freshly revived, the Harlot cracked her whip, aiding Eric in his attack. Eric attacks the Seneschal from the front row, using Conspirator Periwinkle attacks the Seneschal, from the back row. Thanks, Pyro

The Hinckwell guard throws a quick glance in Lynne's general direction, to say if the question was directed at him. Concluding it wasn't really, he just strolled on, continuing his tour guarding and surveying Hinckwell assets in the docks. Lynne had a bit more luck with the others. "Teehee, Laurel. That's a funny name," the pig farmer laughed and snorted, patting his knees. "I don't know anyone with that name. I don't go out much, I usually spent me days on the farm. Conversing with me piggies is all the conversations I needs. Well, poor Bert'll be off again. Gots to sell this 'un to make some money. Pig meat is good, you ought to try it someday, it'll give ya sum colour." With that, the simpleton farmer give a slight nod and smile, only half aware at how rude his remark actually was, and then continued his way, too. "I'm Orel, yes. Second of my name, really. And 'Cayne' is indeed my surname. Like a walking cane, only spelled differently.", the man stated. "So, who's asking? Are you the Heroica lot, per chance? I thought I asked for three of you, I only notice the knight and you, miss." The man raised an eyebrow. Orel made a confused impression on the heroes.

Let me correct that to 'set', since 2 out of the 3 pictures posted thus far are MOCs from Etzel, whose pictures I borrowed from #16 . But thanks anyway, Zeph!

Eric attacks the Feldspar Golem from the front row, using Godricsleif.

"Very well, then. I'll leave you all to your job. Don't hesitate to come visit the Temple again. My services and advice are always at your disposal." The high priestess gave another of her warm smiles and the party made ready to leave. Before they had fully excited the building, Alisameth lay her hand on Lynne's shoulder and quietly said, so only she could hear: "Don't ever apologize for the way you look, child. It's who you are within that truly matters. People will judge you more by what you do." And so the party left the Temple of Ennoc and the high priestess and made their way through Eubric. The air in the narrow streets was hot and the city was teeming with life. As they neared the docks, the smell of salty water and fish entered the party's nostrils. Seagulls cried in the sky and waves gentle crashed onto the quay. The Eubric docks were a large place and as one of the most important places for commerce, the area seemed to be crawling with merchants, soldiers, mercenaries, fishermen and many other individuals. Finding the Paladin would be like finding a needle in a haystack. The party strolled along the warehouses for a while, eyeing the magnificent ships laying in the harbour, unloading or waiting to be loaded. After a while, the group left the main docks and made their way to the smaller docks. There, it didn't take them much longer to locate someone who might be the very person they were looking far. All in all, their search hadn't taken that long, consider the very size of the entire docks. Perhaps Ennoc was indeed on their side or perhaps it was just plain coincidence and sheer luck? What will the party do?

"Alright, then, follow me, please." The high priestess led the party deeper inside the Temple and then lit some candles at the feet of the deity's statue. "It's not that hard, really. You just kind of have to open your mind and heart to let Ennoc's light enter. You just say a prayer and thank or ask the god for his blessing. Sometimes he hears you immediatly, sometimes he doesn't, but you can rest assured that Ennoc will always have your backs." The party followed Alisameth's example and followed her in a brief prayer to the god. It seemed like some had a closer connection with the divine than others. Both Polly's and Lynne's prayers were heard and they felt the blessed by the deity. "Wow, Ennoc must truly love you! Now, anything else?" What will the party do now? Do they have any further questions or will they head to the docks? The Party: Leofwein Twynam (Capt.JohnPaul) *Party Leader* 18 Year Old Human Barbarian Level 1 Power: 4 (1 + 3) Defense: 0 Health: 8/8 (8) Gold: 10 Equipment: War Axe (WP:3) Inventory: Potion, Mead, First Aid Kit (Completely restores health and removes all negative effects for the entire party once.) Lynne (Endgame) *Blessed* (20)24 Year Old Human Cleric Level 1 Power: 4 (1 + 3) Health: 9/9 (9) Ether: 5/5 (5) Gold: 10 Equipment: Oak Staff (WP: 3) Inventory: Potion, Remedy Polly & Mr. Sanders (Waterbrick Down) *Blessed* 9 year old female human Mage Level 1 Power: 4 (1 + 3) Health: 5/5 (5) Ether: 5/5 (5) Gold: 10 Equipment: Letter Opener (WP: 3, dagger) Inventory: Potion, Amethyst

Great build all-around. Like your previous Dragon Master MOC, the tudor sections are very nice and the dark red/black/bley-colorscheme simply works. The two things I love most about this tower, are the supports underneath the tudor sections and that you added gears to the ballista to make it turn. Those gears give it a great touch of credibility and just make the whole contraption seem more vicious in a way.