Sandy

QM Note: I'll keep things moving, since I'd like to wrap this quest up by next week's Friday when I'm leaving on a two-week vacation... The heroes stepped back from the gate to discuss their next move. After a while, the mighty gate creaked and opened slightly. Three more golems walked out - except that one of them was dragging itself, since it had no legs. The other was missing an arm, while the third had no head. They made their way north-west as the gate slammed shut behind them. "Okay, what was that all about?!" "Those golems might provide a stealthier solution in getting into the Tower, if we followed them."

My apologies, Dragonator promised to get them up soon. I'll poke him about it, in case he forgot, but as you know... Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus.

"I must apologize, but the Keeper does not involve herself with things to come. She is only interested in what has been. Furthermore, a word has reached us that Sorceress Ambergaze wishes to raze this tower to the ground. Hence I simply cannot let anyone in at this moment. Take care." "We have come too far to falter now. We have to find a way through that gate!" "Don't we HAVE a coupla BOMBS to spare?" "We might have, but wouldn't that raise an alarm?" What will the heroes do?

Thank you for the suggestion, joeshmoe! You are not wrong in that the lucky-effect has it's problems, but on the other hand, I've seen it best to keep the mechanics as simple as possible, even if they make things too easy for the players sometimes. Your suggestion seems a bit too complicated for my taste, and I see no real need to fix the effect. This game might be on the easy side gameplay-wise, but I'd rather have that than a too challenging game. Anyway, there are numerous ways for QMs to circumvent the lucky-effect, if they really need to, for example by making their enemies lucky as well.

Ellaria was feeling somewhat claustrophobic in the sewers, having gotten used to a life outdoors. "Ehm, it is a nice place you have here, Mr. Moke. I am Ellaria Arbour, a druid of Sylvania. I don't imagine many plants grow down here, do they?"

The party continued their trek through the swamp, listening to Periwinkle whine all the way. The day turned into an evening, and stars appears to the sky above them. The wild beasts and spirits seemed to shirk away from them, but they could feel their presence in the shadows. All of a sudden they were out of the forest, and in front of them rose an impossibly tall, black tower. The ground around it was scorched and barren, and the only other construction in sight was the black wall that circled the tower. "The Tower of Babel. At last." "Wow! I've never seen it with my own eyes before, but the stories certainly did not exaggerate it's magnificence." "DARN shame we gotta blow it to SMITHEREENS." "Does that thing have a tavern in it? Because otherwise I won't move an inch before I get some food!" Periwinkle's words turned out to be just hot air, as she promptly followed the party when they walked closer to the tower. A grey-clad golem was waiting for them at the gate of the wall. "Evening, weary travellers", shouted the golem in a dry, monotonous voice. "I am the Senechal. I am here to apologize on behalf of Keeper Mnemosyne for the fact that the Tower of Babel is closed from visitors. Please turn back and return to whence you came from." "Oh well, that's that. Now let's get something to eat."

QM Note: Sorry, apparently there will be no pictures for this update after all. Eric snuck closer to the source of the smell, and saw a cottage made of gingerbread standing in a forest clearing. There was a familiar black wagon standing in front of the cottage, with a black cat donning a mauve bonnet sitting on the perch, licking himself. "Isn't that the witch's cat from last night?" asked Periwinkle all of a sudden behind Eric. When the raider frowned at her, she gave him a sheepish smile. "Sorry, my stomach didn't want to wait for you."

"That battle was much ado about nothing, really", Ellaria huffed, disappointed by her own poor performance. "Let's just continue, shall we?"

QM Note: Sorry, it's been another busy and exhausting saturday for me, so the next update will have to wait until tomorrow.

Finally getting something done, Ellaria nurtures Nyx in turn.

Throlar also could've just done nothing for the round, and he would've won. The die was merciless in that battle. But the hero party perished too, at the same time. And that warrants for a lost battle, which means the quest failed. I admit I didn't check Throlar's inventory before throwing him into the battle, I kinda assumed he had at least one Smoke Bomb to get himself out of the battle if things got rough. The lesson for the day: always pack a Smoke Bomb with you. They're a cheap insurance.

Ah, sorry, I worded it wrong. I meant I don't use the term "passive special". Of course I use similar passive abilities for enemies.

The dwarven alchemist inspected the strange club Althior handed to him. "A peculiar contraption, I must say. It almost looks... organic." "Well, it is back to the woods, then", Walbartan said when she had finished healing the party. "Let us try not to destroy any more delicate ecosystems on our way, shall we?" They left the dreary Port Taboo behind and made their way back into the Ozmath Marshlands. They followed the paths they walked before to stay on course. It was sometime in the afternoon when they smelled something cooking somewhere ahead. "Mmmh, that smells delicious, and I'm famished! Eric, you've got to get us some of that, whatever it is!" Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) *Party Leader* 32 years old male human Necromancer Level 41 3/5 *Gain Triple Experience* Power: 57 (41+16) (Spellpower: 62 (41+16+5)) Defense: 6 (4+2) Health: 51/52 (5+40+5+1) Ether: 15/56 (5+40+5+4+2) Gold: 40 Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:16, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on attacks and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, Backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, Accessory), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP: 4, Body Wear) Inventory: Weapons: Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; spear), Artifacts: The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear) Spell Items: Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness) x2, Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood) Consumables: 4 Potions, Grand Potion, 11 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Dragon Scale, 4x Agni Bomb, 4x Gaia Bomb, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.) Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 3 Bones Eric (Khorne) 30 year old Human Nord Level 24 2/3 Raider *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion* Power: 48 (24+22+2) Defense: 5 Health: 42/42 (8+23+7+4) Gold: 120 Equipment: Godricsleif (WP: 22; Ice-, Lightning-, Darkness-elemental; longsword), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect) Inventory: Conspirator (WP: 15, causes blinded; longsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8, retrievable, throwing dagger), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Small Spiked Club (WP:5, earth-elemental club), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Counterstrike Gloves (after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level), Crocodile Belt (Max. health +2, immunity to water; accessory), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Sleep, 8 Grand Potions, Health Core, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 7 Meads, 6 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.) Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 22 *Gain Triple Experience* *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened* Power: 44 (22+18+2+2) Defense: 14 (10+4) Health: 46/46 (7+21+9+3+3+3) Gold: 69 Equipment: Zoidberg Gauntlets (WP:21, dual strike, Light and Darkness elemental, Hollow [-], dagger), Serpenthead Shield (SP:10, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent Hastened effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Medal of Glory (Allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, accessory) Inventory: Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Spark Hammer (WP:8, lightning-elemental hammer), Wooden Spear (WP:4, wood-elemental spear), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), 5 Potions, Grand Potion, Health Core, 4 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, 4 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 3 Smoke Bombs, Military Grade Fire Bomb, Demeter Bomb (Causes 100 wood-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, 2 Bones, Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.) En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs) 31 year old male human Evoker Level 31 *Immune to Darkness* *Converts Ether to Health* *Reflects Ether-Based Attacks* *Absorb Poison* Power: 49 (31+18) (67 against Humanoids (31+36)) Defense: 1 Health: 48/48 (5+30+3+5+5) Ether: 17/38 (5+30+1+2) Gold: 25 Equipment: Quarterstaff (WP:18/36 against humanoids, staff), Traveler's Cloak (SP:1, backwear), Lichen Armour (The wearer’s ether is counted as additional health if health is depleted, Darkness Immunity, suitable to classes with ether, bodywear), Cobra Nemes (Absorbs poison, recovering health instead of taking damage from poisoning, suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks and necromancers, headwear), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them, accessory) Inventory: Weapons: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Sangriste Dagger (WP:5), En & Sabah & Nur (WP:5, Shurikens 3/3), Poisonous Rod (WP:5, causes poisoned by 5-effect; staff), Wooden Shield (SP:5, immunity to wood) Artefacts: Sedge Hat (+4 Max. Ether, headwear), Fire Amulet (Makes physical attacks do double damage to all enemies that are weak to fire, accessory), Sealed Heavy Armour of Brilliance (SP:5,Immune: fragile, blinded, sealed effects, suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators, bodywear), Little Jane's Muff (Protects from sealed-effect, accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles, accessory), Lock & Chain (prevents items in the inventory from getting stolen; accessory) Spell Items: Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Confusion Consumables: 6 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 3 Ether Cores, Milk (restores 15 health and 15 ether upon consumption), 5 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 3 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Dirt Bomb, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Trail of Dust Bombs (Causes 5 earth-elemental damage to all opponents and allows the party to flee the battle when used.), 2 Blind Faith Bombs (Causes 10 light-elemental damage and the blinded-effect to all opponents when used.), 2 Flood Bombs (Causes 20 water-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass Summons: Chidoris Obelisk (Topaz), Earthen Shield (Garnet), Emerald the Rockling (Ruby), B.A.S.H. (Aquamarine) Decamon Deck: Shy Shell (Aquatic 2), Demon Ray (Aquatic 3), Sahuagin (Aquatic 5), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Barghest (Electric 2), Automaton (Electric 5), Vampire Bat (Flying 3), Hippogriff (Flying 6), Specter (Icy 2), White Widow (Icy 3), Golden Scorpion (Luminous 2), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Mandragora (Plant 2), Tangleweed (Plant 3), Scarab (Rock 1), Mud Frog (Rock 2) Walbartan (NPC, controlled by K-Nut) 45 years old female pongcanis Druid Level 43 4/5 Power: 50 (43+7) Defense: 3 Health: 60/60 (9+42+7+2) Ether: 35/49 (5+42+1+1) Gold: 104 Equipment: Oaken Mace (WP:7, wood-elemental mace), Crinkah Tribal Armor (SP:3, Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +1; suitable to pongcanae only; bodywear) Inventory: Herbal Infusion (Remove negative effects and cause blessed- and transcended-effects) Hodurr Thornback (NPC, controlled by K-Nut) 167 years old male dwarven Berserker Level 40 1/5 *Natural Respite* *Thorny Defense* Power: 50 (40+10) Defense: 4 Health: 57/57 (8+39+10) Gold: 14 Equipment: Amethyst Axe (WP:10, darkness-elemental axe), Thorny Leather Armor (SP:4; causes damage equal to the armor's SP to all that attack the user physically; suitable to barbarians and beast warriors; bodywear) Inventory: Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Harlot Level 30 2/4 *Money Maker* *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 37 (30+7) Health: 51/51 (7+29+15) Gold: 32 Equipment: Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear) Inventory: Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm Dain Almight (NPC, controlled by K-Nut) 72 years old male dwarven Alchemist Level 1 *Instant Items* *Immune to elements* Power: 14 (13+1) Health: 10/10 Gold: 100 Equipment: Oculoid Claw (WP:13, 1/6 chance of infecting the targeted enemy on successful hits; club.), Safety Goggles (Grant immunity to all elements; suitable for Dain only; accessory) Inventory: Bombastic Mace (WP:5, can be used to launch bombs at enemies, adding the WP to the bomb's power; mace), Potion, Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Confuse Bomb, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Fuse & Detonator (quest item)

"This can't be happening! What's wrong with me?" Ellaria hisses to herself. Could it be because she pretty much insulted Ennoc's power? She gazed up to the sun above them, and suddenly saw it as a huge judgmental, unblinking eye. Then she perished the foolish thought out of her head and concentrated to heal herself again.

This is kinda the reason I don't use the term "passive special" myself, nor have I incorporated the term to the basic mechanics of the game: they shouldn't be confused with the special attacks that enemies have. They are more like job traits for the enemies.

"That will be 15 gold for the two blinding bombs, with my generous discount, thank you!" Dain Almight got busy and prepared the following combination bombs to Nur: 2x Blind Faith Bomb (Causes 10 light-elemental damage and the blinded-effect to all opponents when used.) 2x Trail of Dust Bomb (Causes 5 earth-elemental damage to all opponents and allows the party to flee the battle when used.) 2x Flood Bomb (Causes 20 water-elemental damage to all opponents when used.) "I'll be packing with me some fuse and a detonator to help us blow up the bombs from a safe distance. Gods, I feel so nasty! Are we ready to depart, now?" asked the alchemist as he joined the party. "I would think so. Now, Althior, which route will we take to the Tower: the easier but more exposed one along the Blood Brick Road or the tougher yet stealthier one through the Ozmath Marshlands? Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) *Party Leader* 32 years old male human Necromancer Level 41 3/5 *Gain Triple Experience* Power: 57 (41+16) (Spellpower: 62 (41+16+5)) Defense: 6 (4+2) Health: 51/52 (5+40+5+1) Ether: 15/56 (5+40+5+4+2) Gold: 40 Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:16, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on attacks and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, Backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, Accessory), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP: 4, Body Wear) Inventory: Weapons: Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, Club, 1/6 chance of infecting the targeted enemy on successful hits.), Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; spear), Artifacts: The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear) Spell Items: Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness) x2, Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood) Consumables: 4 Potions, Grand Potion, 11 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Dragon Scale, 4x Agni Bomb, 4x Gaia Bomb, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.) Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 3 Bones Eric (Khorne) 30 year old Human Nord Level 24 2/3 Raider *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion* Power: 48 (24+22+2) Defense: 5 Health: 39/42 (8+23+7+4) Gold: 120 Equipment: Godricsleif (WP: 22; Ice-, Lightning-, Darkness-elemental; longsword), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect) Inventory: Conspirator (WP: 15, causes blinded; longsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8, retrievable, throwing dagger), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Small Spiked Club (WP:5, earth-elemental club), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Counterstrike Gloves (after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level), Crocodile Belt (Max. health +2, immunity to water; accessory), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Sleep, 8 Grand Potions, Health Core, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 7 Meads, 6 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.) Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 22 *Gain Triple Experience* *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened* Power: 44 (22+18+2+2) Defense: 14 (10+4) Health: 44/46 (7+21+9+3+3+3) Gold: 69 Equipment: Zoidberg Gauntlets (WP:21, dual strike, Light and Darkness elemental, Hollow [-], dagger), Serpenthead Shield (SP:10, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent Hastened effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Medal of Glory (Allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, accessory) Inventory: Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Spark Hammer (WP:8, lightning-elemental hammer), Wooden Spear (WP:4, wood-elemental spear), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), 5 Potions, Grand Potion, Health Core, 4 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, 4 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 3 Smoke Bombs, Military Grade Fire Bomb, Demeter Bomb (Causes 100 wood-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, 2 Bones, Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.) En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs) 31 year old male human Evoker Level 31 *Immune to Darkness* *Converts Ether to Health* *Reflects Ether-Based Attacks* *Absorb Poison* Power: 49 (31+18) (67 against Humanoids (31+36)) Defense: 1 Health: 43/48 (5+30+3+5+5) Ether: 17/38 (5+30+1+2) Gold: 25 Equipment: Quarterstaff (WP:18/36 against humanoids, staff), Traveler's Cloak (SP:1, backwear), Lichen Armour (The wearer’s ether is counted as additional health if health is depleted, Darkness Immunity, suitable to classes with ether, bodywear), Cobra Nemes (Absorbs poison, recovering health instead of taking damage from poisoning, suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks and necromancers, headwear), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them, accessory) Inventory: Weapons: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Sangriste Dagger (WP:5), En & Sabah & Nur (WP:5, Shurikens 3/3), Poisonous Rod (WP:5, causes poisoned by 5-effect; staff), Wooden Shield (SP:5, immunity to wood) Artefacts: Sedge Hat (+4 Max. Ether, headwear), Fire Amulet (Makes physical attacks do double damage to all enemies that are weak to fire, accessory), Sealed Heavy Armour of Brilliance (SP:5,Immune: fragile, blinded, sealed effects, suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators, bodywear), Little Jane's Muff (Protects from sealed-effect, accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles, accessory), Lock & Chain (prevents items in the inventory from getting stolen; accessory) Spell Items: Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Confusion Consumables: 6 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 3 Ether Cores, Milk (restores 15 health and 15 ether upon consumption), 5 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 3 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Dirt Bomb, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Trail of Dust Bombs (Causes 5 earth-elemental damage to all opponents and allows the party to flee the battle when used.), 2 Blind Faith Bombs (Causes 10 light-elemental damage and the blinded-effect to all opponents when used.), 2 Flood Bombs (Causes 20 water-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass Summons: Chidoris Obelisk (Topaz), Earthen Shield (Garnet), Emerald the Rockling (Ruby), B.A.S.H. (Aquamarine) Decamon Deck: Shy Shell (Aquatic 2), Demon Ray (Aquatic 3), Sahuagin (Aquatic 5), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Barghest (Electric 2), Automaton (Electric 5), Vampire Bat (Flying 3), Hippogriff (Flying 6), Specter (Icy 2), White Widow (Icy 3), Golden Scorpion (Luminous 2), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Mandragora (Plant 2), Tangleweed (Plant 3), Scarab (Rock 1), Mud Frog (Rock 2) Walbartan (NPC, controlled by K-Nut) 45 years old female pongcanis Druid Level 43 4/5 Power: 50 (43+7) Defense: 3 Health: 50/60 (9+42+7+2) Ether: 40/49 (5+42+1+1) Gold: 104 Equipment: Oaken Mace (WP:7, wood-elemental mace), Crinkah Tribal Armor (SP:3, Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +1; suitable to pongcanae only; bodywear) Inventory: Herbal Infusion (Remove negative effects and cause blessed- and transcended-effects) Hodurr Thornback (NPC, controlled by K-Nut) 167 years old male dwarven Berserker Level 40 1/5 *Natural Respite* *Thorny Defense* Power: 50 (40+10) Defense: 4 Health: 45/57 (8+39+10) Gold: 14 Equipment: Amethyst Axe (WP:10, darkness-elemental axe), Thorny Leather Armor (SP:4; causes damage equal to the armor's SP to all that attack the user physically; suitable to barbarians and beast warriors; bodywear) Inventory: Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Harlot Level 30 2/4 *Money Maker* *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 37 (30+7) Health: 51/51 (7+29+15) Gold: 32 Equipment: Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear) Inventory: Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm Dain Almight (NPC, controlled by K-Nut) 72 years old male dwarven Alchemist Level 1 *Instant Items* *Immune to elements* Power: 6 (5+1) Health: 10/10 (10) Gold: 100 Equipment: Bombastic Mace (WP:5, can be used to launch bombs at enemies, adding the WP to the bomb's power; mace), Safety Goggles (Grant immunity to all elements; suitable for Dain only; accessory) Inventory: Potion, Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Confuse Bomb, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Fuse & Detonator (quest item)

Results of Round Twelve of the Battle on the Blood Brick Road: >Throlar vs. Orokai - Special Damage (Claim the Mark - Throlar: knocked out) >Nazgulie vs. Orokai - Special Damage (Join Me in Death - Orokai & Nazgulie: removed from battle) Orokai furiously ripped through Throlar with his cleaver, then assaulted the undead harlot. She did not give in without a fight, though, but with her last strength dug into Orokai's heart with her long claws. Four corpses were left lying on the Blood Brick Road, which once again showed the truth behind its name... THE BATTLE HAS FAILED! A little later, a strange man with a huge backpack came to the scene of the battle. He carefully went through the corpses, looting whatever he could find. When he reached for Throlar's bag, the severely wounded dwarf clutched him by the wrist. "Ooh, you're still alive! But you've been almost split in half. How can you be...? Ah, unless you're from Heroica, of course. Then I better take you with me. I think it's time to go visit momma again..." ~THROLAR'S QUEST HAS FAILED!~ Party: Throlar Wineghilm (Lord Duvors) 135 year old male dwarven Knight Level 12 *Immune to ice and weakened* *Avoids Free Hits from flying enemies* Power: 25 (12+12+1) Defense: 6 (5+1) Health: 26/26 (10+11+5) Gold: 455 Equipment: Mopagsaber (WP:12, ice elemental longsword), Poncanis Shield (SP 5, immunity to ice) Crow Helmet (SP:1, flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer, suitable for knights and dragoons; headwear), Lion’s Plate (Max. Health +5, Power +1, immune to weakened; suitable to barbarians and knights only; bodywear) Inventory: Mace and Chain (WP 3, mace), Elven Sword (WP 5, longsword), Elven Shield (SP 3, All elves in the party gain an equal amount of SP so long as the wielder is standing), Armor of the Draugr (Max Health +2, bodywear), Potion, 2 Remedies, Hint Coin, Bedroll, Bone, Murky Pearl (Worth 25 gold) Decamon Deck: 2x Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1), Ursa Minor (Ethereal 1) QM Note: Sorry it had to end like this for you. You had a chance to defeat Orokai, but you just ran out of luck. Hope you had fun, nevertheless!

"Oh, okay! I give up with you!" Ellaria shouts to the Guardian Angel and instead focuses to heal herself from the back row.

"Fire and brimstone it is, then. That will be 400 gold, please!" The bombcrafter exchanges the bombs for the gold. "Now, if you want to combine any bombs, we have to do it before we leave. I can only do it here in the workshop, you see. If you can really get me into the Guild of Invision, I'll do it free of charge." The bombcrafter began to enthusiastically gather essentials in preparation for the journey ahead. Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) *Party Leader* 32 years old male human Necromancer Level 41 3/5 *Gain Triple Experience* Power: 57 (41+16) (Spellpower: 62 (41+16+5)) Defense: 6 (4+2) Health: 51/52 (5+40+5+1) Ether: 15/56 (5+40+5+4+2) Gold: 55 Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:16, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on attacks and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, Backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, Accessory), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP: 4, Body Wear) Inventory: Weapons: Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, Club, 1/6 chance of infecting the targeted enemy on successful hits.), Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; spear), Artifacts: The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear) Spell Items: Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness) x2, Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood) Consumables: 4 Potions, Grand Potion, 11 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Dragon Scale, 4x Agni Bomb, 4x Gaia Bomb, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.) Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 3 Bones Eric (Khorne) 30 year old Human Nord Level 24 2/3 Raider *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion* Power: 48 (24+22+2) Defense: 5 Health: 39/42 (8+23+7+4) Gold: 105 Equipment: Godricsleif (WP: 22; Ice-, Lightning-, Darkness-elemental; longsword), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect) Inventory: Conspirator (WP: 15, causes blinded; longsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8, retrievable, throwing dagger), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Small Spiked Club (WP:5, earth-elemental club), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Counterstrike Gloves (after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level), Crocodile Belt (Max. health +2, immunity to water; accessory), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Sleep, 8 Grand Potions, Health Core, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 7 Meads, 6 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.) Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 22 *Gain Triple Experience* *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened* Power: 44 (22+18+2+2) Defense: 14 (10+4) Health: 44/46 (7+21+9+3+3+3) Gold: 69 Equipment: Zoidberg Gauntlets (WP:21, dual strike, Light and Darkness elemental, Hollow [-], dagger), Serpenthead Shield (SP:10, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent Hastened effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Medal of Glory (Allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, accessory) Inventory: Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Spark Hammer (WP:8, lightning-elemental hammer), Wooden Spear (WP:4, wood-elemental spear), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), 5 Potions, Grand Potion, Health Core, 4 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, 4 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 3 Smoke Bombs, Military Grade Fire Bomb, Demeter Bomb (Causes 100 wood-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, 2 Bones, Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.) En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs) 31 year old male human Evoker Level 31 *Immune to Darkness* *Converts Ether to Health* *Reflects Ether-Based Attacks* *Absorb Poison* Power: 49 (31+18) (67 against Humanoids (31+36)) Defense: 1 Health: 43/48 (5+30+3+5+5) Ether: 17/38 (5+30+1+2) Gold: 40 Equipment: Quarterstaff (WP:18/36 against humanoids, staff), Traveler's Cloak (SP:1, backwear), Lichen Armour (The wearer’s ether is counted as additional health if health is depleted, Darkness Immunity, suitable to classes with ether, bodywear), Cobra Nemes (Absorbs poison, recovering health instead of taking damage from poisoning, suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks and necromancers, headwear), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them, accessory) Inventory: Weapons: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Sangriste Dagger (WP:5), En & Sabah & Nur (WP:5, Shurikens 3/3), Poisonous Rod (WP:5, causes poisoned by 5-effect; staff), Wooden Shield (SP:5, immunity to wood) Artefacts: Sedge Hat (+4 Max. Ether, headwear), Fire Amulet (Makes physical attacks do double damage to all enemies that are weak to fire, accessory), Sealed Heavy Armour of Brilliance (SP:5,Immune: fragile, blinded, sealed effects, suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators, bodywear), Little Jane's Muff (Protects from sealed-effect, accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles, accessory), Lock & Chain (prevents items in the inventory from getting stolen; accessory) Spell Items: Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Confusion Consumables: 6 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 3 Ether Cores, Milk (restores 15 health and 15 ether upon consumption), 5 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 8 Water Bombs, 3 Dirt Bombs, 2 Floral Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass Summons: Chidoris Obelisk (Topaz), Earthen Shield (Garnet), Emerald the Rockling (Ruby), B.A.S.H. (Aquamarine) Decamon Deck: Shy Shell (Aquatic 2), Demon Ray (Aquatic 3), Sahuagin (Aquatic 5), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Barghest (Electric 2), Automaton (Electric 5), Vampire Bat (Flying 3), Hippogriff (Flying 6), Specter (Icy 2), White Widow (Icy 3), Golden Scorpion (Luminous 2), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Mandragora (Plant 2), Tangleweed (Plant 3), Scarab (Rock 1), Mud Frog (Rock 2) Walbartan (NPC, controlled by K-Nut) 45 years old female pongcanis Druid Level 43 4/5 Power: 50 (43+7) Defense: 3 Health: 50/60 (9+42+7+2) Ether: 40/49 (5+42+1+1) Gold: 104 Equipment: Oaken Mace (WP:7, wood-elemental mace), Crinkah Tribal Armor (SP:3, Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +1; suitable to pongcanae only; bodywear) Inventory: Herbal Infusion (Remove negative effects and cause blessed- and transcended-effects) Hodurr Thornback (NPC, controlled by K-Nut) 167 years old male dwarven Berserker Level 40 1/5 *Natural Respite* *Thorny Defense* Power: 50 (40+10) Defense: 4 Health: 45/57 (8+39+10) Gold: 14 Equipment: Amethyst Axe (WP:10, darkness-elemental axe), Thorny Leather Armor (SP:4; causes damage equal to the armor's SP to all that attack the user physically; suitable to barbarians and beast warriors; bodywear) Inventory: Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Harlot Level 30 2/4 *Money Maker* *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 37 (30+7) Health: 51/51 (7+29+15) Gold: 32 Equipment: Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear) Inventory: Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm

The angel dodges Ellaria's strike and hits back again. She does not give in, though, but repeats her attack.

"You mean Eubric Freeport? Would they appreciate a self-taught alchemist like me there? I heard there was an influential guild there, keeping a leash on all the alchemists... But if you can take me there safely, I can give it a try. Now, onto the pressing matter. Which bombs would you like for me to make for you?"

The list of negative effects has been updated now! Please note the changes to petrified-, bleeding-, cursed- and bound-effects. Many other effects have had their descriptions clarified as well. The FAQ has also been updated on behalf of how these effects apply to enemies.

"I may have lived among humans my whole life, but I still don't warm up to women without beards. No offense, Miss." "None taken. Anyway, I've dedicated my life to Loki... err, sorry, Eric... now. He's the only man for me!" "I don't know what to say..." the dwarf looked uneasy. "I've never been even in a street fight before, let alone braved the monsters of the wilderness! I would love to take my business to a more lucrative location, though. I just don't know where. They didn't want me in Vega, said my business was too risky to have around. If you can help me out with that - and protect me from whatever beasties we will encounter - I guess I could sell you the bombs half price and help you transport them in return. Just don't even think of double-crossing the one that holds the fuse!" "What little gold me and Hodurr carry is yours as well, although I would prefer we take Master Almight's offer to save us some gold for the road ahead." "I was GONNA get me some MEAD wiv the gold I have, fer the RECORD." What would the party do: take Dain Almight's offer or pay him the full price for the bombs?

Results of Round Ten of the Battle on the Blood Brick Road: >Throlar vs. Detraehd Loc - Deflected Damage (Throlar: no effect) >Nazgulie vs. Detraehd Loc - Satisfy (Detraehd Loc: level decreased by a quarter) Orokai - Free Hit on Throlar (Throlar: 26 health+6 SP+20 health from skeleton decoy-(45/2=23 dmg)=26 health, skeleton decoy destroyed) Neither the party nor their opponents managed to hurt each other. Nazgulie only weakened Detraehd some more, and Orokai cut through the skeleton decoy. Results of Round Eleven of the Battle on the Blood Brick Road: >Throlar vs. Detraehd Loc - Miss >Nazgulie vs. Detraehd Loc - Hit (Detraehd Loc: 7 health-(44/2=22 dmg)=0 health) Orokai - Free Hit on Throlar (Throlar: 26 health+6 SP-(45/2=23 dmg)=9 health) The Fenarian assassin dodges Throlar's strike again, but Nazgulie finally manages to bludgeon her to death. "Detraehd... This can't be! She was a living legend, over a thousand years old!" "It was clearly her time to go, then. You're next, big guy!" "RrrraaAAARRGGHH!!!" Orokai lifted his immense blade up and rushed towards the dwarf and the zombie in a berserk rage. Enemies: Orokai the Greenskin Hunter *Inspired* Type: Humanoid Level: 45 Defense: 10 Health: 58/58 104/116 Special (when targeting Throlar): Claim the Mark – Instantly knocks out Throlar. Special (when targeting Nazgulie): Join Me In Death – Orokai rips Nazgulie into pieces but gets mortally wounded in the process. Both Nazgulie and Orokai are removed from the battle. Orokai drops nothing in this case. Drops: Simurgh Wingblade (WP:12, cannot be used with a shield; greatsword), Mythril Mail (SP:10; suitable to knights and barbarians only; bodywear), Mead Party: Throlar Wineghilm (Lord Duvors) 135 year old male dwarven Knight Level 12 *Immune to ice and weakened* *Avoids Free Hits from flying enemies* *Mopagsaber causes asleep* Power: 25 (12+12+1) Defense: 6 (5+1) Health: 9/26 (10+11+5) Gold: 455 Equipment: Mopagsaber (WP:12, ice elemental longsword), Poncanis Shield (SP 5, immunity to ice) Crow Helmet (SP:1, flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer, suitable for knights and dragoons; headwear), Lion’s Plate (Max. Health +5, Power +1, immune to weakened; suitable to barbarians and knights only; bodywear) Inventory: Mace and Chain (WP 3, mace), Elven Sword (WP 5, longsword), Elven Shield (SP 3, All elves in the party gain an equal amount of SP so long as the wielder is standing), Armor of the Draugr (Max Health +2, bodywear), Potion, 2 Remedies, Hint Coin, Bedroll, Bone, Murky Pearl (Worth 25 gold) Decamon Deck: 2x Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1), Ursa Minor (Ethereal 1) Nazgulie (NPC, controlled by Lord Duvors) Unknown years old female zombie Harlot Level 40 *Money Maker* *Immune to all effects and sudden death* Power: 44 (40+4) Health: 63/63 (9+39+15) Gold: 328 Equipment: Bone Flail (WP:4, damages undead; whip), Heartstone (Grants immunity to all effects - both negative and positive - and sudden death; suitable for Nazgulie only; headwear) Inventory: Remedy

Do you think the Fearsome Four are lugging around 4000 gold in their pockets or something? The gold is in Eubric, the Wolfgang's plan was never to actually pay for the bombs.