Sandy

Okay, I'll try to answer some of the specific concerns you had about my quest, so we can all learn from it. I just want to say that while I cannot even defend some of the choices I made, there were some misunderstandings and misconceptions on the player's behalf involved, as well. I tried to correct them as we went, but with so much going on at such a long interval, it was understandable that some details got muddled in the progress. The students were confused and dazed teenagers, so they didn't want to negotiate. Also, having the heroes be able to convince rivaling student factions to work together through job traits would have made the whole "quest long puzzle" obsolete. But I think that was what you wished for. The point of these above-mentioned NPCs was that they were one of the few to offer you physical help in the quest, so you could take them with you and lead them into situations that would make them stand out as characters. That also made them more vulnerable than the other NPCs, since they had more chances of dying than the others. You blame me for not doing much with the important NPCs, but just think about a situation where either Lyren or Nuitan would have actually died in a battle. Think of the prepercussions it would have for the whole Hinckwell/Shadeaux storyline! I don't know what more I could have done with them than to give their fate into your hands. There should have been much less students to save, I can see that. That way you probably would have felt more personal with each of them, but just remember that it was my intention that the heroes would get frustrated with the teens refusing to cooperate. Otherwise saving them would've been a walk in the park, if the battles weren't taken into consideration. Like I said, the quest was meant to be "video-game-y", and the school was like a dungeon from a classical RPG - you need Key A to open Door B, and Item C to progress to Room D where the key lies. If that's not your cup of tea, then I apologize. Or you could've written down such facts yourself to keep your focus straight. It was tacked on, because I had no idea the quest would take as long as it did. I thought I did you guys a service by giving you an in-game explanation why your character was missing from the world for half a year, since I know such roleplaying details are important to you. I'm sorry if the execution wasn't to your liking. Besides, I had quite enough of writing letters to PCs from the Grogmas event, thank you very much! Why is it a cardinal sin? Why does every character need to be likeable and relatable? Again, these were teenagers who were supposed to be annoying, so you'd have more of a hard time saving them. And you remember wrong. The students wouldn't just "run off" when you went to their classroom. The different cliques prevented students from following the party if it was followed by a member of a rivalling faction. They also wouldn't get into the box with said person. The only time the students would run away was if you tried to make them follow you with a student of an opposing faction. It was consistent, trust me. The whole point of the puzzle was that you had to split up to effectively gather everyone. You could've also sent in rogues to investigate different rooms by themselves (since they could've fled if encountering a battle) instead of walking around in one or two big groups. I tried to point this to you several times, but you decided to choose the slower way. Nice suggestion, and the answer is simply because I didn't think of it. The reward was always planned to be a monetary compensation in the ending if you saved all members of a clique. It was a misstep to add in the passive special, I agree. You keep flip-flopping between having wanted more hand-holding and me railroading you too much. Which one was it? Also, didn't you catch the fact that the whole point of most of the battles was to keep the students in peril? The demons wanted to feed their souls to the Mistress by torturing them. It was because of my bad math skills that the monster ended up being too powerful for the party. I compensated that to you by allowing the students to flee and autorolling. There were four lavatories in the school because of this battle. If Rusalka had escaped, you could have fought him again in the next lavatory. It was another throwback to Quest#10, and a way to introduce another recruitable NPC. You're right - it wasn't proofread. I did edit it once I realized my miscalculations. Let me get this straight: you knew the room had a demon in it, yet Cutcobra chose to rush in with a party full of followers when he could've peeked in by himself to see if the monster was a threat or not. It did not come out of the blue. It really was purely a coincidence you entered the room after you took my hint about splitting up. I banged my head on my desk when it happened, but you made the choice yourself. I'm deeply sorry you lost trust in me, but I never tried to purposefully make you fail the quest - and the several times I gave you a hand by changing the stats of a too-difficult battle showed it. It was dictated by logic. If the party could hear each other, why couldn't they have heard the other NPCs in the room? Allowing party communication would've made the battle pointless, and remember, the point of these battles were to put the students with you at risk. It lasted seven rounds, if the autorolled ones are counted as one. Hardly more than a normal end-quest battle. It was stalled because I didn't have the computer access I thought I had, not because the battle was too tricky. Yet you had no trouble breezing through the battle. I don't even want to know how much you would've complained if you would've faced Marilith with the specials I planned for her... Again, I did not change the definition of any effects. The enemies had two Free Hits - one nullified by sealing and one nullified by blinding. It was clearly stated, and it was only for this one battle. I understand a lot of your complains come out of frustration, and I did really push the boundaries of exploring the battle mechanics. I think you're just making a big deal out of nothing with this final battle. Remember those holes that started to appear everywhere? It was the book "ripping" because you didn't follow the story. That's why the people went crazy as well. Remember how I made you fall through the hole after the NPCs had died? It was because you should've jumped through the holes with the NPCs in tow to get out of the book. Other players besides you and Thalion realized this, and that's why your NPCs died. The sidequests had nothing to do with knowing how the respective stories went, they were just backdrops. Demons are interdimensional, so the stories weren't from Heroica's dimension either. Yet you prevailed! I'm truly sorry you didn't have fun, but I hope the in-game rewards were at least sufficient. Thank you! I invested a lot of time and effort to the sets and pictures, so I'm glad it shows. I won't do the same mistake again - and it was a mistake to throw so many quirky battles and mechanics into one quest. I thought I could pull it off and make the quest more varied because of that, but I failed. I don't see a whole lot of point in running test battles outside of quests, though. The best thing about the game is that if something doesn't work, we can always change it on the go. This is not a video game, where play testing is crucial before handing the product to customers. None of us are getting paid or have to pay for playing this game. This is a hobby for me as much as it is to everyone else playing. In the end, we shouldn't take it too seriously. If a mechanic is broken, let's fix it! If someone wants to try out something different, let's find a way to incorporate it into the game! I went over the board with this quest, I admit it, but I don't think anyone was seriously injured because of that. Besides my reputation as a QM, perhaps. Djinnifer's wishes were purely roleplaying, which I knew is important to several of you who were playing in this quest. I tried to see how far you'd be willing to go roleplay-wise to get mechanical benefits. I would've left it up to the individual heroes to decide whether the effects of the wishes were permanent or not. I truly appreciate your effort. Hopefully I have answered to your concerns to your satisfaction. I think first impressions fooled you. Djinnifer was a vain, selfish thing. She responded well to Thalion and Heckz because she thought they were good-looking, but the rest of the gang repulsed her. She also didn't take well with being constantly handed out from one person to another (without anyone ever making a wish), so in the end she just got fed up with the party. I think you and Endgame shared your concerns about the battles, so please refer to my answers to him. Again, you're making a really big deal out of practically nothing. The "Special Free Hits" didn't bend the rules, they were just a minor addition to make the battle challenging. I've had several enemies using their special attacks as Free Hits before, and nobody has complained before. These enemies just had two types of Free Hits - one nullified by sealing and one nullified by blinding. Again, I explained it to you guys from the get-go. It's not like they're going to appear on every battle after that one. All of them were nullified by the pumpkin bomb, anyway. The experimentation was over the top, I admit it, but at least we now know better how far the battle mechanics can be stretched. And I think it's my self-proclaimed right as the creator of these mechanics to give them a nudge every once in a while. Omitting the ability that students would get into Noel's box but wouldn't follow him sort of riled me. It was a key mechanic that was omitted for whatever reason and probably would've helped us in the long run if you had mentioned it earlier. Karie getting mad at Noel was more myself getting mad at the quest in general, but I'll get to that later. I guess I thought it was obvious that you could split up - it was made clear the school was big from the start, after all. But I could have pointed it out more clearly, you're right. I wanted more recruitable students than just Noel, Nuitan and Lyren, so I thought of Sorsha (Carrot became recruitable by a spur of a moment, it was never planned). I wanted her character to reflect an ostracized student, and thus mirror Isabeau Carpenter - unlike the latter, Sorsha could defend herself, though. At one point I thought about making Sorsha a friend of Isabeau, but I dropped it for consistency reasons. She was also supposed to go into a berserk rage more time, but I missed the opportunities to do that with her. Like I said to Endgame, it was by no means necessary for the player characters to know the story of the sidequests. In fact, they were supposed to get chaotic because of the heroes' cluelessness. The Void Eater was planned from the get-go to appear to restrict exploration at some point and to give you a sense of urgency. I don't know how else I could have introduced it than make it appear through the wall... I already explained why I added the "twist" to the end - to give you guys an excuse to be away from the rest of the world for six months, even though the quest only took place in one day or so. I had no way of knowing the quest would take so long when we started. And the ending didn't need to be a week, but like I explained, my internet connection crashed. Of course I wanted to give you your rewards and a chance to say farewell to the characters you met during the quest, and thus wrap up any loose ends. I wanted to keep the quest challenging. I'm sorry I executed it so poorly. What can I say other than repeat that I suck at maths? Counting the odds doesn't come naturally to me like it comes to you... I adjusted the battles on the go as the players complained. However, I firmly believe there should always remain a chance to fail a quest. You're right, I could've made the NPCs initiate conversations with the party more. It's something I will take more notice in the future. Can you point out those moments? I thought I always responded when the players talked to the NPCs... You forget that Eubric doesn't have a justice system. The Rogues also come from rich families, so the best thing Dean Morrible could do if she felt violated was to approach their parents to demand reprise. The dean, however, was really accustomed to the students running amok and jumping on the teachers' noses, and in the end of the day, they didn't actually hurt her. The Rogue's clique was one of the things I intended to delve deeper into, but since the party arrived there late and fatigued, I decided to get it over with quickly.

QM Note: I'll run the round without K-Nut's input, since it's been almost 24 hours since the last round. Results of Round Six of the Brothel Battle: >Walbartan nurtures herself - Shield (Roots of Life - All allies: +50 health; Walbartan: -1 ether) Sarge vs. Captain Buwakhareen (twice) - Hide/Mortal Hit (Captain: 63 health+4 SP-(42x2=84+84=168 dmg)=0 health) Sarge vs. Winged Monkey Guard H (twice) - Damage/Mortal Hit (Monkey H: 66 health+2 SP-(42+42=84 dmg)=0 health) Eric vs. Captain Buwakhareen >Althior does nothing >Nur does nothing >Periwinkle does nothing Walbartan summons revitalizing roots through the roof as Sarge slays the remaining heroes in quick succession. The dutiful captain of the guard grunts as he hits the ground, lethally wounded. "I can't... believe... I died... for that... green-clad buffoon..." "Oh, Captain... I'm so sorry! But we must hurry now, Loki-darling! This way, everyone!" Periwinkle began to lead the party deeper into the brothel. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! Althior gains three fifths of a level; Walbartan gains a fifth; Nur and Periwinkle gain a fourth; Sarge gains three thirds of a level and Eric gains a third. Periwinkle also earns 9 gold from her Money Maker trait. The enemies drop the following loot: 100 gold The following items were stolen by Sarge: 60 gold Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; spear) Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear) Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) *Party Leader* 32 years old male human Necromancer Level 41 *Gain Triple Experience* Power: 57 (41+16) (Spellpower: 62 (41+16+5)) Defense: 6 (4+2) Health: 52/52 (5+40+5+1) Ether: 16/56 (5+40+5+4+2) Gold: 65 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.) 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 ,Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 3 Bones Eric (Khorne) 30 year old Human Nord Level 24 1/3 Raider *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion* Power: 48 (24+22+2) Defense: 5 Health: 42/42 (8+23+7+4) Gold: 155 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), Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip), 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, 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 7 Meads, 6 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 21 *Gain Triple Experience* *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened* Power: 43 (21+18+2+2) Defense: 14 (10+4) Health: 45/45 (7+20+9+3+3+3) Gold: 174 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), Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; 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, 5 Remedies, 3 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, 3 Smoke Bombs, Military Grade Fire Bomb, 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) Decamon Deck: Hippogriff (Flying 6) En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs) 31 year old male human Evoker Level 30 3/4 *Immune to Darkness* *Converts Ether to Health* *Reflects Ether-Based Attacks* *Absorb Poison* Power: 48 (30+18) (66 against Humanoids (30+36)) Defense: 1 Health: 47/47 (5+29+3+5+5) Ether: 22/37 (5+29+1+2) Gold: 30 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), 4 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, Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass Summons: Earthen Shield (Garnet), Emerald the Rockling (Ruby), Chidoris Obelisk (Topaz), 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), 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 3/5 Power: 50 (43+7) Defense: 3 Health: 60/60 (9+42+7+2) Ether: 41/49 (5+42+1+1) Gold: 204 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) Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Harlot Level 30 1/4 *Money Maker* *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 30 Health: 51/51 (7+29+15) Gold: 32 Equipment: 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

~A new quest has been posted on the Quest Board (#107 by Zepher)!~ Ellaria notices someone putting up a new poster on the Quest Board. "Hey guys, that might be our chance", she says, moving closer to read the poster. It said people with reputation among the Ji Pei would be given priority. "Yep, right up my alley!" Ellaria signs her name under Quest#107: Deeper. She then got a weird association between the quest's title and Hybros' earlier inquiries, and felt a blush of shame spread on her cheeks.

Thank you for your honest and constructive critiques, everyone, and once again, a big thank you for bearing with me. Like with Quest#50, this was another example of me putting out bigger bits than the players could chew. The quest was inspired by my favourite side-mission in the video game Final Fantasy X-2 where you have to rescue a bunch of uncooperative tourists trapped in a cave. It was thus supposed to be very video-game-y in design, with the focus on mechanical things rather than storyline, but obviously it ended up being too bloated. I think it started because I was too stuck on making the Academy realistic in proportions, adding all the classrooms and other spaces I thought it should contain (and Quest#10 dictated many of them, as well), and that lead to having a specific number of faculty and enough students to fill the rooms. I should've edited myself and drop at least half of the rooms. I understand how many of the locations felt like fillers. The other problem was obviously the battles. After hosting over a dozen quests and getting feedback on how my battles weren't really challenging or varied enough, I had an urge to test my wings, so to speak. Obviously it got out of my hands, and I really did make several bad design choices. I really suck at maths, honestly, so finding the right balance between too easy and impossible is always an issue for me. The gimmicks I thought up only added to that issue. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I actually had several other battles planned, as well. The Hallowed One would have burst through the front doors, the Rogues would've fought the party in the Auditorium, the paintings in the Atelier would've sprung alive, there would've been a Void Eater in the secret passage at the Faculty Office (featured in Quest#10), etc. I decided to drop these for obvious reasons. I never intended this to be a six-month long drag, I hope you realize that. It's just very difficult to estimate length when designing a quest, and there were several long pauses due to unforeseen circumstances as well. The players remained active, though, for which I am truly grateful. I guess it also gave me false sense of doing things right, since I didn't start to get complains until the fourth month. I hope I now know better than to make another long quest in a confined space. I won't give up trying out new things, though, since I also think I know better now what works within the concept of this game and what doesn't. I'll try to answer your concerns about the details of the quest a bit later. Most of them can be jotted down to just not thinking straight. I hope you remember that I am a human, as well, and thus prone to making errors and not always remembering everything and all that. Some of you may have lost trust in me, but I have every intention of getting it back.

"Very well, we shall go to my office, then." "Not without me, you aren't!" Throlar followed Roland and Glimda upstairs, while the guards were left to hold Orokai.

Ellaria patted both Atramor and Lawrence on the shoulder. "I think these two are just downtrodden by the fact that we've travelled to Strivvi twice, and both times came home empty-handed due to circumstances not in our power. We all just need some simple and quick save-the-princess type of quest to pick us right back up, I think."

Ellaria nudges Atramor on the shoulder. "Come on, Atters! I've found life is too short for moping about. Gotta fill the days we've got left the best way we can. The life of a pharmacist just isn't for me, when there's evil in the world to be fought." Ellaria grinned. "I would explain, Hybros-dear, but I could only give you insight about what it is like for a woman. These two gents...", Ellaria pointed at Atramor and Lawrence. "...can explain what they do with their manly bits." She then hesitates for a while. "Although, if you haven't seen a single person in the nude, explaining all that might be a tad challenging."

QM Note: I just noticed I had Nur's horseshoe marked as being poisoned, which it shouldn't be anymore. Results of Round Five of the Brothel Battle: >Walbartan nurtures herself - No Nurturing >Sarge uses a Nostrum on himself - (Sarge: lucky) Sarge uses Grand Potion from the Zoidberg Gauntlets on himself - (Sarge: +25 health) Sarge vs. Captain Buwakhareen (twice) - Damage/Shield (Arrogant Prick - Captain: 483 health-(105x2=210+210=420 dmg)=63 health; Sarge: drops stolen) >Eric uses a Grand Potion on himself - (Eric: +25 health) >Althior uses a Potion on himself - (Althior: +10 health) >Nur (Unlucky Horseshoe) vs. Captain Buwakhareen - Damage (Nur: 9 health-(39/2=20 dmg)=0 health > -12 ether transferred to health > 1 health) >Periwinkle vs. Flying Monkey Guard H - Critical Hit (Monkey H: 79 health+2 SP-(30/2=15 dmg)=66 health) Walbartan fails to heal herself or anyone else. Sarge dabbles with items and manages to deliver a devastating blow to Captain Buwakhareen and steal his gear while he is recovering. Eric and Althior also drink potions. Nur decides to throw his Unlucky Horseshoe, but the captain is faster than him, and would have knocked him out if it weren't for the Lichen Armor transferring his ether into health. Periwinkle slaps the monkey but not nearly hard enough. Two enemies still remain. Enemies: Captain Buwakhareen *Immune to blinded, sealed, bound, petrified, hexed, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid/Beast/Flying Level: 39 Defense: 4 Health: 63/1377 Special: Take To The Skies – Cause 39 wind-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of distance. Drops: nothing Note: Normal attacks pierce defense. Winged Monkey Guard H *Wind-elemental Attacks* *Immune to bound and petrified* *Fly Multiplier x8* Type: Beast/Flying Level: 21 Defense: 2 Health: 66/247 Special: Fly – Doubles the amount of damage done on the next DAMAGE or Free Hit (stacks with consecutive uses) Drops: 20 gold Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) *Party Leader* 32 years old male human Necromancer Level 40 2/5 *Gain Triple Experience* Power: 56 (40+16) (Spellpower: 61 (40+16+5)) Defense: 6 (4+2) Health: 36/51 (5+39+5+1) Ether: 15/55 (5+39+5+4+2) Gold: 65 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.) 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 ,Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 3 Bones Eric (Khorne) 30 year old Human Nord Level 24 Raider *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion* Power: 48 (24+22+2) Defense: 5 Health: 35/42 (8+23+7+4) Gold: 155 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), Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip), 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, 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 7 Meads, 6 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 20 *Gain Triple Experience* *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 42 (20+18+2+2) Defense: 14 (10+4) Health: 37/44 (7+19+9+3+3+3) Gold: 174 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), Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; 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, 5 Remedies, 3 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, 3 Smoke Bombs, Military Grade Fire Bomb, 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) Decamon Deck: Hippogriff (Flying 6) En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs) 31 year old male human Evoker Level 30 2/4 *Immune to Darkness* *Converts Ether to Health* *Reflects Ether-Based Attacks* *Absorb Poison* Power: 48 (30+18) (66 against Humanoids (30+36)) Defense: 1 Health: 1/47 (5+29+3+5+5) Ether: 22/37 (5+29+1+2) Gold: 30 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), 4 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, Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass Summons: Earthen Shield (Garnet), Emerald the Rockling (Ruby), Chidoris Obelisk (Topaz), 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), 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 2/5 Power: 50 (43+7) Defense: 3 Health: 24/60 (9+42+7+2) Ether: 42/49 (5+42+1+1) Gold: 204 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) Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Harlot Level 30 *Money Maker* *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 30 Health: 12/51 (7+29+15) Gold: 23 Equipment: 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

Alchemist wasn't nerfed, only simplified, since I removed both lucky and jinxed from affecting the Mixture. The whole thing with effects affecting the Shield-roll just raised too many questions to my liking. I also introduced the Rubber Gloves that improve the chances of getting better Mixtures. I'm considering putting them up for sale at the Marketplace, too. I'm also considering going Alchemist, too, so it's not like I made the class worse out of spite or something. Having the ability to use an item and attack on the same turn is pretty damn powerful for a support class, in my opinion.

With another long and futile journey to Strivvi behind, Ellaria was feeling more like a seasoned adventurer than ever before. She had been chosen a party leader by her companions, too, and even though the quest's abrupt ending before they could reach their goal made her ashamed, she for once did not blame herself for it. She was determined to leave her old worries behind - constantly being worried didn't seem to help ease them, after all - and now she was more prepared for whatever came her way next. And she looked the part, too. Strivvi had a lot of bad things, but it also had amazing clothing stores. Ellaria walked the stairs up to the Saloon, and nodded to Atramor, Lawrence and Hybros as she passed them. "Hi there, boys! A fine day for an adventure, wouldn't you think?" she said with a wink.

QM Note: Sorry, my bad. The stats should be fixed now.

QM Note: I added an additional ether cost to the Bad Luck Charms so that they wouldn't be as overpowered. Djinnifer reappears with a sour expression. "Your wish shall be granted as you granted mine, O Hairy and Smelly Master!" The genie princess waves her hand and the whole party feels a little more experienced. Djinnifer's smile widens as she hears Amorith's liberating words. In a puff of smoke she leaps out of the lamp and into the air, and the lamp in the sage's hands breaks into dust. "Gotcha! You really are the mortal fools I pegged you for! I'm free now, so I don't have to obey you anymore. Maybe if you would've treated me with even a little respect and a dash of admiration, I would've given you your final wish, but now I really don't feel like it. I'm off to strech my legs in the Spiritual Realm, and I truly wish we will never see each other again!" With that, the genie princess vanishes, leaving the party empty handed and disappointed. The night is falling fast upon them, so the party decides to head back to the Hall. But they have one final thing to do: Karie ushers Guinevere, Professor Hawke's pet falcon, to fly to freedom. The bird soon disappears into the darkening sky, and the heroes leave the ruined Academy behind. Thanks to the indomitable School Inspectors, the spirits of those who died there were liberated from the archdemon's clutches and found rest at last. But what of the archdemon herself? ~THE QUEST IS SUCCESSFUL!~ Party: Amorith Marvelo, the School Inspector (legobodgers) 324 year old elven Sage Level 22 *Immune to Stunned, Blinded, Sealed, Blessed and Light* *Circle of Mages* Power: 33 (22+10+1) Defense: 9 (6+3) Health: 32/32 (5+21+6) Ether: 33/33 (5+21+2+5) Gold: 706 Equipment: Staff of Light (WP:10), Crow Cursed Cloak (SP:6), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3 max ether +5, immune to sealed), Unholy Parasol (Grants immunity to light, stunned, blinded, sealed and blessed; accessory) Inventory: Bagpipes (WP:8, wind-elemental instrument), Sage’s Mitre (Power +2, Max. Ether +4, suitable for sages; headwear.), Robe of the Eldritch Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +6, Spellpower +3; suitable to archmages; bodywear), Aquamarine (Water), Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Garnet (Earth), Diamond (Light), 2 Amethysts (Darkness), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, 4 Potions, 5 Tonics, Ether Core, 4 Remedies, Elixir, Newtralizer (Like a neutralizer but with a 'w' instead of a 'u'), 3 Meads, Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrums, 2 Mulled Wines, Ambrosia, Venom, Ice Bomb, Fire Bomb, Shovel, Bedroll, Banana (Restores full health to the user; consumable) Erik Tyrvarr, the School Inspector (Myrddyn) 19 years old male human Shaman Level 22 2/3 *Immune to Fragile* *Restoration* Power: 32 (22+10) Defense: 4 Health: 44/44 (8+21+9+5+1) Ether: 23/23 (1+21+1) Gold: 625 Equipment: Silver Cup of Victory (WP:10; has 1/6 chance of causing doomed; club), Lighter Armor (SP:4, immune to fragile-effect; bodywear), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Helmet (Max. Health +1, headwear), Inventory: Voltedge (WP: 13, Lightning-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Titanic Axe (WP:11, Earth- abd Light-elemental, has 1/6 chance of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Nocturne Flute (WP:6, causes asleep-effect, instrument), Twin Axe (WP:5, darkness-elemental dual strike axe), Chair (WP:4, club), Plunger (WP:2; 1/2 chance to cause sudden death to an aquatic enemy with each hit; club), 3 Torches (WP:2, fire-elemental, breaks after one use, suitable to all), Peacekeeper's Totem (Grants the "Diplomacy"-job trait; suitable to Erik only; accessory), Talisman of Enlightenment (Protects from hexed-effect; accessory), Sharkskin Armour (SP +1, immune to Water; bodywear), Shamanic Plate (Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2; Blood Ritual does double damage to the target; suitable for shamans; bodywear), Rubber Gloves (For Mixture, the die is rolled three times instead of twice, and the highest two results determine the created item; suitable to alchemists; handwear), Hundred Hero Hymn (Battle Song that gives Inspired-effect to all allies for as long as the song is sung at the cost of 10 ether per round), 4 Tonics, Ether Core, Remedy, Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Nostrum, Venom, Gold Statuette (Worth 100 gold) John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer *Party Leader* Level 22 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Circle of Mages* *Triple Damage Against Demons* Power: 34 (22+12) (Spellpower: 39 (22+12+5)) Defense: 3 Health: 30/30 (5+21+4) Ether: 33/33 (5+21+1+5+1) Gold: 814 Equipment: Darkstar Wand (WP:12; has 1/2 chance of inflicting hexed-effect; darkness-elemental wand), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5, handwear), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory) Inventory: Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Lovelorn Wand (WP:6, deals enamored-effect), Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Earthen Drum (WP:9, earth-elemental instrument), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Wyrd Shield (SP:4, prevents ether reduction; suitable to mystic knights and paladins), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory), Magician’s Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable to mages; handwear), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), 2 Amethysts (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, Soma, Seth Bomb (Causes 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents), Bedroll, Shovel, Wicked Perfume (Makes all male humanoid enemies enamored to the user, but makes all female humanoid enemies encouraged; consumable), Blue Jelly, 6 Bones Karie Alderflask, the School Inspector (Kintobor) 22 years old female human Witch Level 25 2/3 *Money Maker* *Poisonous Attacks* *Immune to Hexed* Power: 36 (25+11) Defense: 2 Health: 41/41 (7+24+8+2) Ether: 31/31 (1+24+4+2) Gold: 1350 Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, successful hits lowers the target's level by 1; coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle; whip), Glittering Dress (The user's job traits are replaced with those of a Harlot: Promiscuity, Flee and Money Maker; suitable to women only; bodywear), Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4), Paper Doll (immunity to hexed; accessory) Inventory: Spring Staff (WP:12, healing someone else through this staff also heals the user by the same amount; water-elemental staff), Grumpy's Staff (WP:10, fire-elemental staff), Doppleganger (WP:10; Retribution: The user inflicts any negative effects he or she has on to the targeted enemy on successful hits; longsword), Sexy (WP: 8, disregards SP; longsword), Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Rusty Dagger (WP:2; deals Poisoned by 10 effect, breaks after 3 hits), Angelic Trumpet (WP:5, user is blessed, instrument), Vagrant’s Guitar (WP:5, user is lucky, instrument), Catsuit (Wearer becomes nimble and has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear), Medal of Valor (This pendant is awarded by the Bonapartes to those who show their heroism in the battle against piracy. The wearer gains double experience from battles. accessory), Skull Mask (SP:1, wearer can pose as undead; headwear), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Changes user's appearance into an Elf; accessory), Witch’s Talisman (Makes the witch’s poisonous attacks cause poisoned by 10-effect instead of poisoned by 1; suitable for witches; accessory.), Encore Plectrum (If the same Battle Song is sung for more than one round in a row, the song’s ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable to minstrels; accessory.), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Newtity (Turns target into a newt for 1 round; costs 10 ether; usable by ex-Amphibians only), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, Tonic, 2 Grand Tonics, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, 9 Venoms, Pumpkin Bomb (causes stunned, poisoned by 1, asleep, blinded, sealed, and confused to all opponents when used), 2 Love Potions (Makes target enamoured with user for three rounds), Tasty Pretzel (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption), 5 Herbal Infusions (Remove negative effects and cause blessed- and transcended-effects), Telescope, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Baaffy (Pet sheep; whenever unleashed, puts a random enemy fast asleep; unlimited use) Sorrow, the School Inspector (Endgame) 428 years old undead Assassin Level 30 *Immune to Light and Blinded* Power: 59 (30+27+2) Defense: 7 (1+6) Health: 41/41 (7+29+5) Gold: 1357 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 27 Ice and Darkness Elemental), Armor of the Croise (SP:1, +2 power; bodywear), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear), Night’s Helmet (SP:6, immunity to light and blinded; headwear) Inventory: Reaper’s Scythe (WP:33, damages only humanoids; suitable to assassins only; scythe), Shark Jaw Scythe (WP 15/30 vs. aquatic monsters; scythe), Longsword (WP: 5), Dark Cloak (SP:1, Max Health +1, Power +1, suitable for rogues and barbarians; backwear), Archer's Hat (Power +1, suitable for rangers; headwear), Disguise Kit (Allows the user to disguise them self as the opposite gender; accessory), Helmet (Max. Health +1, headwear), 2x Greaves (SP:2, immunity to slowed and hastened; footwear), Death Mask (Increases assassination chances to 1/3 when the target’s health is lowered to 1/3; suitable to assassins; headwear), Ruby (Fire), 2 Grand Potions, 2 Health Cores, 2 Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 5 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 4 Meads, Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Ambrosia, 2 Venoms, Bedroll, Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Sunset Shimmer (quest item) Thalion Dwinlas, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Sorcerer Level 28 1/3 *Immune to Fragile, Sealed, Poisoned, Bleeding* *Circle of Mages* Power: 41 (28+13) Defense: 7 (3+4) Health: 36/36 (5+27+4) Ether: 43/43 (5+27+1+5+5) Gold: 915 Equipment: Alpha and Omega (WP:13, dual healing/spellcasting at the cost of 2 ether; staves), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, Immunity to Sealed; bodywear), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile; headwear), Sterile Gloves (Immunity to Poisoned and Bleeding; handwear) Inventory: Weapons: Batarang (WP:13 darkness-elemental, throwing weapon), Ratsbane (WP:10, absorbs 2 health on successful hits, dagger), Sleeper (WP:5, deals Asleep to enemies it hits, Hollow [-], melee/throwing weapon), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Ribcage Shield (SP:9; every time the wielder takes a hit, the shield loses one SP; gives immunity to doomed and sudden death for as long the shield has SP left) Artifacts: Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear), Dragoon's Helmet (SP:3, makes wearer absorb attacks of the element of their pet dragon, gaining health instead of damage; suitable for dragoons; headwear), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle; backwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, vermin with level less than half of the wearer's are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent reinforced-effect, doubling defense; suitable to marauders; backwear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Gems: Zirconia (Gem containing all elements; cannot be merged into equipment), Amethyst (Darkness), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Diamond (Light), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Sapphire (Wind), Topaz (Lightning), Scrolls: 2 Scrolls of Sealing, 2 Scrolls of Blindness, 2 Scrolls of Frailty, 2 Scrolls of Weakening, 2 Scrolls of Confusion, 2 Scrolls of Sleep Consumables: Ether Core, 3 Remedies, Elixir, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Copy of The Eubric Herald (Gives the target the transcended- and inspired-effects for the duration of one battle), Venom, Smoke Bomb Tools: Magic Compass, Shovel, Bedroll QM Note: It is finished, finally! A big, hearty thank you for the six players for participating actively throughout these months. I hope you had fun despite all the ups and downs this quest took! Please make sure everything is correct in your inventory. I made the NPCs give back the items you loaned them automatically, but the other items went with them.

Phew! The problem with our internet modem wasn't as bad as I first thought it was, so I'm back sooner than anticipated. I'll post the conclusion to Quest#93 very soon!

QM Note: I'm terribly sorry, but our internet modem decided to break today. Updates will continue as soon as I find a solution.

QM Note: I'm terribly sorry, but our internet modem decided to break today. I only have one final post to make, but i obviously can't make it from my mobile. I'll try to find a solution to the problem asap, so please be patient. :/

"Judging by the condition of our prestigious institute, it will take a long while before education can continue in there. I will see what I can do about the cliques, but children will be children. Back in the day I studied at the Academy, we had 'Monocles' in feud with 'Canes'. Things were more gentlemanly those days, though. I can't fathom how one can force people to be friends with each other - especially people in constant heat and mood swings." "Thank you, Mister Tyrvarr. At least someone understands the constant pressure I am in." "Who told you I escaped? I only made it to the Academy after it had vanished. It happened early in the morning, mind you, classes hadn't even begun for half of the students. Just imagine that there could have been over 200 people for you to save." "A student was killed in our Academy by one of the faculty members. Can you name one reason why I shouldn't try my darnest to sweep that under the rug, Miss Alderflask? It is a great shame such a heinous thing happened under my watch, but all those involved are now dead. There's no reason to give the families more reasons to doubt the safety of the Academy. As if these demonic invasions weren't enough to do that..." "I will leave it to you. I don't want anything to do with any demonic artifacts, thank you very much. Now, if there aren't any more questions, I would like to present you with the promised reward, and head inside to see what remains of my precious Academy." The provost gives a big sack of 2400 gold to the party and awards them with the title of "School Inspector". QM Note: Now is your very last chance to finally use Djinnifer's Lamp. I don't want to leave it as another QM's problem...

Yes, Sentinel is disabled if the knight gets knocked out mid-round. If by "recent" you mean "two years ago", then yeah...

QM Note: Of course. I just forgot you carried one.

QM Note: Why don't you give it a try and see what happens? Amidst the gloomy crowd begins an upbeat cheer. "Gimme 'H'! Gimme 'E'! Gimme 'R'! Gimme 'O'! Gimme 'I'! Gimme 'C'! Gimme 'A'! What've I got? Heeeeeroica!!! Woohoo!!!" The Chirls hop and skip their way to the heroes, followed by their boyfriends, the Fonzies. "There you are! Did you like our cheer?" "We're like totally grateful that you saved us! Sorry that I acted like a total bitch back then. You're sorry as well, aren't you Cayenne?" "Yeah, I guess so." "Our parents wanted you to get this gold as a reward. They also wanted me to start dressing all proper, but they can't get all they want, heh." Mustard hands the heroes a sack containing 200 gold. Next come the Foureyes, with Nuitan in tow. "D-don't mind the d-d-ditzes and do-do-doofuses. All t-th-they c-can think of is t-th-themselves." "How utterly insensitive of them to come hollering and cheering here!" "But we are here to express our uttermost gratitude." "Thou hath certainly made our kin overjoyed. As the saying goes in Ancient Lylzuhylzu..." "Ahem! What Harry means is that you saved a bunch of rich kids, so you're going to be richer for it." "And we Foureyes hold the future in our hands. They may bully us at school, but one day the tables will turn! We will be the leaders of the future!" "Yes indeed! Knowledge is power!" "One d-day, my f-f-friends. But before that, we h-have to settle for being r-r-rich." Nuitan and the other Foureyes give the heroes 350 gold more. The Greenies approach the heroes next. "Hey there! We came to say thanks for saving our megablocks back there. You're not the sissies I first thought you were." "Umm, Professor Eldritch still mad at Krasch for breaking lantern?" "Krasch must get over lantern! Nugwug tired of hearing about damned lantern! Krasch not cool." "Yay, that means me has finally has a chance!" "Ha! Qurm make move first, goblin!" "Boys shut up now! Nugwug not a hunting trophy!" "Just ignore those clowns. Here's a token of our tribes' appreciation." Arges hands the heroes 250 gold as a bonus reward. The final group of students to visit the heroes are the Rogues. They look hesitant to even approach the heroes at all. "Our folks made us come here and say sorry or something." "I guess we let power get into our heads a little..." "I wouldn't have blamed you if you'd just left us there." "Lets just admit that we were being idiots. I don't know what we were thinking, kidnapping Dean Morrible like that..." "But boy was it fun!" The youngest Rogue gets angry glares from the others. "...For as long as it lasted, I mean." "Yeah, anyway... The Bullsworths, the Rocksoms, the Minegolds and the Greaveses send their regards." Grant Bullsworth tosses a sack containing 250 gold to the heroes. In total, the party gains 1050 extra gold for saving four complete student factions. As evening falls, the crowd starts to disperse. Sorsha, Carrot and the Ziegfrieds also bid their farewell, until only the heroes and the Town Watch are left on the scene. The watchmen already begin to take out the fences built around the academy when the heroes finally see a familiar man in a rectangular hat running down the street. "I *huff* apologize *puff* for my *wheeze* tardiness", Provost Lector says as he gasps for breath. "I got caught in my studies, and only got the message that the Academy has returned a moment ago. But what a wreck it is! Well, Pepe has his work cut out for him... What about your mission, heroes? What caused the disappearance? Did the others make it out alive?" "We counted six casualties among the faculty and students, dear Provost. Added to that was a charred body we discovered from the Atrium. Now would be the time to give your full report, dear champions." The provost and the detective look at the heroes with expectation.

Results of Round Four of the Brothel Battle: Scaly Mutant hits Winged Monkey Guard G - (Monkey G: 11 health+2 SP-14 dmg=0 health; Althior: -1 ether) Eric vs. Winged Monkey Guard H - Special Damage (Fly - Monkey H: quadruple damage for the next hit) Sarge vs. Winged Monkey Guard D (twice) - Critical Mortal Hit (Monkey C: 54 health+2 SP-(63+7=70+70=140 dmg)=0 health) Sarge vs. Winged Monkey Guard E (twice) - Shield (Arrogant Prick - Monkey A: 68 health-(105+105=210 dmg)=0 health; Sarge: 20 gold stolen) >Althior (Darkness) vs. Captain Buwakhareen - Special Damage (Take To The Skies - Althior: 32 health+6 SP-39 dmg=0 health; Eric: 25 health+5 SP-(39/2=20 dmg)=10 health; Sarge: 37 health+14 SP-39 dmg=12 health; Nur: 47 health+1 SP-39 dmg=9 health; Walbartan: 60 health+3 SP-39 dmg=24 health; Periwinkle: attack not diverted, 51 health-39 dmg=12 health) Walbartan vs. Winged Monkey Guard H - Special Damage (Fly - Monkey H: octuple damage for the next hit) >Nur (Lightning) vs. Captain Buwakhareen - Spell Aim (Captain: 551 health+4 SP-(36x2=72 dmg)=483 health; Nur: -1 ether) Periwinkle vs. Winged Monkey Guard E H - Hit (Monkey H: 109 health-30 dmg=79 health) The party takes out three more winged monkey guards in almost consecutive hits, but then Captain Buwakhareen retaliates by flying high to the roof and flapping his winds so hard it sends the heroes flying across the room, crashing into furniture and other obstacles. The undead that Althior raised get reduced to dust as the necromancer himself is knocked out. Althior's emergy essence kicks in, though, reviving him with half of his health. The remaining monkey guard also prepares to make a devastating blow. Two enemies remain against five standing party members. Enemies: Captain Buwakhareen *Immune to blinded, sealed, bound, petrified, hexed, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid/Beast/Flying Level: 39 Defense: 4 Health: 483/1377 Special: Take To The Skies – Cause 39 wind-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of distance. Drops: Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; spear), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Hippogriff (Flying 6, Decamon Card) Note: Normal attacks pierce defense. Winged Monkey Guard H *Wind-elemental Attacks* *Immune to bound and petrified* *Fly Multiplier x8* Type: Beast/Flying Level: 21 Defense: 2 Health: 79/247 Special: Fly – Doubles the amount of damage done on the next DAMAGE or Free Hit (stacks with consecutive uses) Drops: 20 gold Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) *Party Leader* 32 years old male human Necromancer Level 40 2/5 *Gain Triple Experience* Power: 56 (40+16) (Spellpower: 61 (40+16+5)) Defense: 6 (4+2) Health: 26/51 (5+39+5+1) Ether: 15/55 (5+39+5+4+2) Gold: 65 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.) 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: 5 Potions, Grand Potion, 11 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Dragon Scale ,Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 3 Bones Eric (Khorne) 30 year old Human Nord Level 24 Raider *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion* Power: 48 (24+22+2) Defense: 5 Health: 10/42 (8+23+7+4) Gold: 155 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), Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip), 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, 9 Grand Potions, Health Core, 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 7 Meads, 6 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 20 *Gain Triple Experience* *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Hastened* Power: 42 (20+18+2+2) Defense: 14 (10+4) Health: 12/44 (7+19+9+3+3+3) Gold: 174 Equipment: Zoidberg Gauntlets (WP:21, dual strike, Light and Darkness elemental, Hollow [Grand Potion], 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), 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, 5 Remedies, 3 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, Nostrum, 3 Smoke Bombs, Military Grade Fire Bomb, 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) En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs) 31 year old male human Evoker Level 30 2/4 *Immune to Darkness* *Converts Ether to Health* *Reflects Ether-Based Attacks* *Absorb Poison* Power: 48 (30+18) (66 against Humanoids (30+36)) Defense: 1 Health: 9/47 (5+29+3+5+5) Ether: 34/37 (5+29+1+2) Gold: 30 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 *Poisoned by 1* (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), 4 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, Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass Summons: Earthen Shield (Garnet), Emerald the Rockling (Ruby), Chidoris Obelisk (Topaz), 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), 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 2/5 Power: 50 (43+7) Defense: 3 Health: 24/60 (9+42+7+2) Ether: 42/49 (5+42+1+1) Gold: 204 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) Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Harlot Level 30 *Money Maker* *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 30 Health: 12/51 (7+29+15) Gold: 23 Equipment: 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

I hope you tell me of your plans in advance, as well. Noel is talking about Zelda, of course, but she's only his great-aunt by marriage. Valentine is Zelda's husband Fahrenheit Ziegfried's niece, and thus Zed Ziegfried's (much younger) cousin. I've got the Ziegfried family tree written up, but I don't want to publish it because I want to keep it as a subject to change. What the others said. I have over 1600 minifigs in my current collection, plus a plethora of loose parts, so I get to mix & match to my heart's content.

I'd narrow it down to kills made by the wearer him/herself, as the description says, so there would be no confusion. Usually the best thing in these cases is to take descriptions literally.

QM Note: I'm going to keep the farewells rolling in a few big chunks, but feel free to adress any NPC even if they've left the scene. We can afford to bend the continuity a little like that. The satyr frowns at Karie's nonchalant greeting. "Is that any way to greet your elders, Young Miss?" "Forgive her, husband. She is used to spending time with different circles from ours." "A pleasure to meet someone with manners, Master Dwinlas. I understand you and your troupe are responsible from saving my wife? For that, the Eldritch bloodline owes you our gratitude." "Husband, please..." Drucilla's uneasiness returns. "I'm afraid not, but he should be on his way. He has a tendency of being tardy, as you might have noticed..." "Is this really the time to compare our rods, Young Sir?" "By all means, keep it! If demons keep invading our city at this rate, we'll end up like Nu Mercution in no time. We've got to have something to fight them back." Aunt Hymnessamine claps her hands to get attention. "I am so happy you came to meet us, everyone! Might I suggest we make our way to the Gilded Cockatrice to raise a glass to the memory of our beloved colleagues, Pleiades and Hawke. May they rest in Danab's bosom." "I like the sound of that!" "Just remember the point is to drink to their memory, Hugin, not drink to forget they ever existed." "You're welcome to join us later, dearies, once you're done here", Aunt Hymnessamine says to the heroes. "Drucilla, Lord Eldritch, will you be coming?" Drucilla shifts her eyes between her colleagues and husband. "I... would love to, but I think I need to go home now." The other faculty members depart for the tavern while Malastor offers his arm to his wife, and begins to walk her home. More familiar faces emerge from the crowd, some of them carrying white lilies. The Gothics approach the heroes in a somber group. "Noel. Glad you're not dead yet. I would've hated to miss the chance for a romantic double suicide." "I hope that was just some twisted joke, Hél", Valentine gasps in shock. "Chill out, mom! You're embarrassing me in front of my friends!" "Hey, we brought these flowers for Mort, or whatever." "Thanks, Vicalyn. He'll always be a part of our evil scheme to rule the world. Hey, we should ask my great-aunt to raise him as a zombie!" "Caw! She can do that?! Your family is the best, Noel!" The Gothics take the lilies to the stairs and begin a plot to raise Mort. The Midgets then come forward, with Carrot in their lead. "Hi guys! Cool to smell you again! Look, we bought these flowers with the money I stole from the Demon Door!" "Aye! They're fer Broín. Poor lad..." "Why did I have to carry these flowers?! I'm afraid they're going to spring to life and eat me!" "Grow a beard, Gimbur! At least Carrot had the gaul to fight the demons." "I picked them. Do you think they're pretty?" "Not nearly as pretty as you, Janeane." "Tehehe! Willow, you're making me blush!" "Quit it, you horndogs! We're supposed to have a sobby moment here!" The Midgets take the flowers next to the other ones on the stairs while the remaining Pointers come to the party, chanting a haunting song. "E môr henion i dhu: Ely siriar, êl síla. Tiriel arad 'ala môr minnon i dhû-sad oltha. Tiro! El eria e môr I 'lir en êl luitha 'uren. I lacha en naur e-chun Síla, éria, brónia." The elves halt at the bottom of the stairs. "We bring these lilies of death to you, beautiful Caloriel. May they bring you happiness in the Gardens of Galadrya and Celebryon." "May you rest in the Gardens of Galadrya and Celebryon." "Gee, the Pointers really know how to make a show out of everything..." Other students gather around the party as well. Among them the heroes can spot the three girls that got enthralled by the brightness of the Void, Olivar who wanted his mommy, and Leigh who turned out to be the heroes' huge admirer. One girl stepped forward with white lilies in her hands. "Ixion now rests with his forebearers in Mopag Village. I don't know how to thank you enough for sending him over to us. I have had almost half a year to recover from my loss, but I will never forget my brother. These flowers are for his memory." Joy looks up to the ruined Academy. "To you, Ixion." The crowd stands silent apart from sobs and sneezes.

Results of Round Three of the Brothel Battle: Dorothea hits Winged Monkey Guard B - (Monkey B: 37 health+2 SP-31 dmg=8 health; Althior: -1 ether) Red-clad Mutant hits Winged Monkey Guard F - (Monkey F: 23 health+2 SP-14 dmg=11 health; Althior: -1 ether) Scaly Mutant hits Winged Monkey Guard F - (Monkey F: 11 health+2 SP-14 dmg=0 health; Althior: -1 ether) Barghest hits Winged Monkey Guard B - (Monkey B: 8 health+2 SP-10 dmg=0 health; Althior: -1 ether) Eric vs. Winged Monkey Guard D - Shield (Ravage - Captain: 805 health+4 SP-(70x2=140 dmg)=669 health; Monkey C: 144 health+2 SP-(70x2=140 dmg)=6 health; Monkey D: 247 health+2 SP-(70x2=140 dmg)=109 health; Monkey E: 234 health+2 SP-(70x2=140 dmg)=96 health; Monkey G: 245 health+2 SP-(70x2=140 dmg)=107 health; Monkey H: 247 health+2 SP-(70x2=140 dmg)=109 health; Eric: 21+21+21+21+21=105 gold) Sarge vs. Winged Monkey Guard B C (twice) - Critical Mortal Hit (Monkey C: 6 health+2 SP-(63+7=70+70=140 dmg)=0 health) Sarge vs. Winged Monkey Guard G (twice) - Mortal Hit (Monkey G: 107 health+2 SP-(41 health+7=48+48=96 dmg)=13 health) >Althior (Darkness) vs. Captain Buwakhareen - Spell (Captain: 669 health+4 SP-(61x2=122 dmg)=551 health; Althior: -1 ether) Walbartan vs. Winged Monkey Guard C D - Critical Hit (Monkey D: 109 health+2 SP-57 dmg=54 health) >Nur (Fire) vs. Winged Monkey Guard H - Special Damage (Fly - Monkey H: double damage for the next hit) Periwinkle vs. Winged Monkey Guard E - Kiss & Make Up (Monkey E: 96 health+2 SP-30 dmg=68 health+enamored with Periwinkle) Winged Monkey Guard G - Poisoned by 2 This round the heroes manage to take out three of the monkey guards. They are still against five enemies. Enemies: Captain Buwakhareen *Immune to blinded, sealed, bound, petrified, hexed, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid/Beast/Flying Level: 39 Defense: 4 Health: 551/1377 Special: Take To The Skies – Cause 39 wind-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of distance. Drops: Metasimian Dory (WP:9, pierces defense; spear), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Hippogriff (Flying 6, Decamon Card) Note: Normal attacks pierce defense. Winged Monkey Guard D *Wind-elemental Attacks* *Immune to bound and petrified* Type: Beast/Flying Level: 21 Defense: 2 Health: 54/247 Special: Fly – Doubles the amount of damage done on the next DAMAGE or Free Hit (stacks with consecutive uses) Drops: 20 gold Winged Monkey Guard E *Wind-elemental Attacks* *Immune to bound and petrified* *Enamored with Periwinkle for 3 rounds* Type: Beast/Flying Level: 16 Defense: 2 Health: 68/247 Special: Fly – Doubles the amount of damage done on the next DAMAGE or Free Hit (stacks with consecutive uses) Drops: 20 gold Winged Monkey Guard G *Wind-elemental Attacks* *Immune to bound and petrified* *Poisoned by 2* Type: Beast/Flying Level: 21 Defense: 2 Health: 11/247 Special: Fly – Doubles the amount of damage done on the next DAMAGE or Free Hit (stacks with consecutive uses) Drops: 20 gold Winged Monkey Guard H *Wind-elemental Attacks* *Immune to bound and petrified* *Fly Multiplier x2* Type: Beast/Flying Level: 21 Defense: 2 Health: 109/247 Special: Fly – Doubles the amount of damage done on the next DAMAGE or Free Hit (stacks with consecutive uses) Drops: 20 gold Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) *Party Leader* 32 years old male human Necromancer Level 40 2/5 *Gain Triple Experience* Power: 56 (40+16) (Spellpower: 61 (40+16+5)) Defense: 6 (4+2) Health: 32/51 (5+39+5+1) Ether: 16/55 (5+39+5+4+2) Gold: 65 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.) 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: 5 Potions, Grand Potion, 11 Tonics, 5 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense, Emergency Essence, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Dragon Scale ,Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 3 Bones Loewe the Coward (Undead) Element: Darkness Power: 32 Dorothea Cansassy (Undead) Element: Darkness Power: 31 Skinny Joe (Undead) Element: Darkness Power: 29 Reptilian Mutant (Undead) Element: Darkness Power: 15 Red-clad Mutant (Undead) Element: Darkness Power: 14 Scaly Mutant (Undead) Element: Darkness Power: 14 Barghest (Undead) Element: Darkness Power: 10 Eric (Khorne) 30 year old Human Nord Level 24 Raider *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fragile and Weakened* *Evasion* Power: 48 (24+22+2) Defense: 5 Health: 25/42 (8+23+7+4) Gold: 155 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), Leather Whip (WP:7, makes target enraged; whip), 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, 9 Grand Potions, Health Core, 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 7 Meads, 6 Smelling Salts, 4 Nostrum, 3 Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bone Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 20 *Gain Triple Experience* *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Hastened* Power: 42 (20+18+2+2) Defense: 14 (10+4) Health: 37/44 (7+19+9+3+3+3) Gold: 154 Equipment: Zoidberg Gauntlets (WP:21, dual strike, Light and Darkness elemental, Hollow [Grand Potion], 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), 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, 5 Remedies, 3 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, Nostrum, 3 Smoke Bombs, Military Grade Fire Bomb, 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) En Sabah Nur (Jebediahs) 31 year old male human Evoker Level 30 2/4 *Immune to Darkness* *Converts Ether to Health* *Reflects Ether-Based Attacks* *Absorb Poison* Power: 48 (30+18) (66 against Humanoids (30+36)) Defense: 1 Health: 47/47 (5+29+3+5+5) Ether: 35/37 (5+29+1+2) Gold: 30 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 *Poisoned by 1* (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), 4 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, Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass Summons: Earthen Shield (Garnet), Emerald the Rockling (Ruby), Chidoris Obelisk (Topaz), 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), 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 2/5 Power: 50 (43+7) Defense: 3 Health: 60/60 (9+42+7+2) Ether: 42/49 (5+42+1+1) Gold: 204 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) Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Harlot Level 30 *Money Maker* *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 30 Health: 51/51 (7+29+15) Gold: 23 Equipment: Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert 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

"Ha! You have no right to make wishes from me, bearded elf guy! It was the hairy one - err, the hairier one, that fulfilled my wish, but he was foolish enough to pass me to someone else instead of claiming my wish for himself! So double ha! From you, elf, I wish to be set free so I don't have to deal with you lot anymore! Of course I would grant you your wish before I'd depart, I'm no cheater." Concerning the choice between the two merchant families, Karie and Amorith gain increased reputation among the Hinckwells while Thalion, Heckz, Sorrow and Erik gain more reputation among the Shadeaux. More people show up to marvel at the return of the academy, among them the surviving faculty members. "Oh, it is such a relief to see you all alive! Did you hear about Dean Bumblebore yet? Such a tragedy! The two of us had our disputes, but I would have never thought he would have stooped so low..." "My, the building sure took some heavy damage... You seem unharmed, though. Lucky you, the ride on the box was the worst few seconds of my life. It chipped my elbows off!" "No no no, I'm not going to clean that mess up! The provost can fire me if he wants to, but I won't do it!" "Ah, heroes! It has been a long while since you sent me home, but I heard that for you it has only been a day. How fascinating! Did you find my artefact? Was it of any use?" Amidst all the hubbub, someone clears his throat behind the party. "Ahem! Wife, it appears you have returned from the Void intact." Everyone turns to meet a black-clad satyr wizard. Drucilla goes stiff upon seeing him, but walks to him nevertheless. "So it is, husband. I apologize for the delay, but I had my workplace to safe." "No matter. The dinner went cold six months ago, though." A hint of smile returns to Drucilla's face. "We better go home and fix us another one, then. But before that... Everyone, I would like you to meet my husband, Malastor Eldritch." The wizard bows courteously to the heroes and the faculty members.