Sandy

QM Note: You'll be back. I just noticed that Brickdoctor has neglected to equip his artefacts as well, so he shall suffer the consequences of dehydration instantly. Nyx only sees sand as far as her bare eyes can see.

I really don't understand what you're talking about. The sign-up periods for my quests are usually longer than average, from one to two weeks - and so is the case with this current quest pitch. I don't remember any QM ever wanting their sign-ups to last three or more weeks... And I read all the topics on this forum, it's my duty as the manager. Maybe I miss a question or few every once in a while because of a flood in posts, but I'm doing my best with the time given to me.

Brickset has a finalized picture of the Tiger's Beautiful Temple. I wonder where else we will see those new golden ornaments and bamboo straws, because they surely weren't created only for this minuscule set. We also get an illustrated look on the penguin and the second turtle (purple?!) on the pic.

Brickset has the final boxart of Merida's Highland Games. The bear boys are just too cute.

QM Note: How very perceptive of you. You can indeed return to Eubric through the portal and visit the Marketplace if you so choose. Nizam is indeed waiting for the party at the edge of the desert. "Ah, you made a new friend in the village, it seems! Well, the more the merrier, as they say. Let us brave the notorious Desert of Demons, then. But here's a few things you need to know first..." Travelling the Desert You must travel to the ruins of Azzurat through perilous sand dunes while watching out your water supplies and fending off monsters and sandstorms. You automatically consume one portion of the water in your canteen per each square you travel on the map. If your water runs out and you attempt to move, you will be knocked out. The canteens can be filled with a water-elemental spell (1 ether fills one canteen) or visiting one of the three oases. There are also two obelisks and a half-sunken pyramid marked on the map. If you get lost, you can seek out these locations to get back on track. Yes, you can get lost. Because of the cursed nature of the desert, magic compasses do not work and telescopes might show you mirages instead of what's really ahead. In each square of sand (not counting the oases and other specific locations), you have 1/3 chance of encountering prowling monsters and 1/3 chance of getting into a sandstorm. Sandstorms deal 30 earth- and wind-elemental damage to all party members as well as make you disoriented, losing your direction. Again, rely on the landmarks if you get lost. If you accidentally wander off the map, you will find yourself back in Farzibar. Oh, and each time you travel a square, you also receive 10 fire-elemental damage regardless of defense because of the heat. So don't take off those desert cloaks! "Let us venture on, then!" Nizam leads the party one square right on the map. Docken left his water canteen in his pouch, so he passes out as soon as the party moves, forcing the others to drag him with them. Namyrra suffers 10 fire damage from the heat. The party then continues onwards. Suddenly the wind rises. In a blink of an eye, the party is engulfed by a sandstorm! Namyrra is struck harsh by the sands despite her defenses, so she takes 20 earth- and wind-elemental damage as well as taking 10 fire-elemental damage from the heat. The other standing party members are protected from the razing sand by their cloaks, but they have lost their orientation. Which way will they attempt to go: onwards, backwards, right or left? Party: Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 31 year old male human Regulator Level 30 *Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, and Doomed* *Battle Style: Orderly* *Aura* Power: 50 (30+20) Defense: 21 (6+3+12) Health: 120/120 60/60 (7+29+12+6+6) Gold: 20 Water: 1/3 Equipment: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental staff), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Galactic Armor (Suitable for anyone, SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire,light,darkness, and doomed, bodywear), Tricorne (Suitable for everyone, SP: 3, headwear) Inventory: General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, darkness elemental, dual strike, daggers), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear), Rat's Hide (SP: 4, backwear), Amulet of the Court (negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Pickaxe, Shovel, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), 2 Elixirs, Ether Core, 3 Health Cores, 2 Mulled Wines, 2 Phoenix Essences, Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Soma Bartholomew Docken, The Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 32-year-old male human Warden Level 32 1/4 *Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Counterstriking* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* *Knocked Out* Power: 42 (32+10) Defense: 23 (20+3) Health: 0/63 (6+31+8+18) Gold: 1068 Water: 0/0 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear) Inventory: Pan (WP: 1; +1 Max HP; suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7; deals double Damage on ships; club) • Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory), • Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Adamantite Shard (1/4 Adamantite) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Namyrra Uq (Quarryman) 1337 years old female Fenarian Necromancer ***Party Leader*** Level 33 1/4 *Immune to Sealing* Power: 58 (33+25) Defence: 10 (5+3+2) Health: 7/47 (5+32+5+5) Ether: 52/52 (5+32+1+1+5+4) Gold: 842 Water: 1/3 Equipment: Crystal Mace (WP:25 (5 multiplied by the amount of gems imbued), fire, ice, wind, water, lightning elemental), Fanged Helm (SP:5, headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Ether:5. immune to Sealing, bodywear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: Empyreal Staff (WP:15), Staff of the Necromancer (WP:12; damages undead; +1 level to raised undead; staff), Oriental Crossbow (WP:7, Crossbow), Nocturne Flute (WP:6, asleep effect, instrument), Gold Dragon Crown (+6 max ether, immunity to lightning and stunned), Seductive Perfume (adds Enamored effect to all attacks), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Medal of Glory (earns triple XP; accessory), Amethyst, Emerald, Topaz, Garnet,Diamond,Sapphire,Ruby, 5 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, Health Core, Tonic, 4 Ether Cores, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Incense, 4 Phoenix Essence, Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle), 7 Meads, 7 Smelling Salts, 6 Nostrum, 5 Venom, 2 Ambrosia, 3 Smoke Bombs, Holy Bomb, 8 Water Bombs, 3 Dirt Bombs, Ice Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Flash Bomb, Soul Cage (doomed-effect to all combatants), Skeleton Decoy, Pickaxe, 4 Bones, Bedroll, Jade Lamp of Summoning (summons Mediq) Nyx (played by Pandora) 19 years old female human Battle Mage Level 28 1/3 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind, Sealed, Asleep and Fast Asleep* Power: 44 (15+28+1) Defense: 4 Health: 39/39 (5+27+5+2) Ether: 39/39 (5+27+1+5+1) Gold: 476 Water: 1/3 Equipment: Zee Standard (WP: 15, ice- and darkness-elemental, necromancers raise enemies with 2 extra levels, staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:4, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect; bodywear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Explosive Staff (WP: 12; does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Dagger of the Blue Assassin (WP: 4, Aims become Hits), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health; headwear), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened; accessory), High Heels (+1 power; footwear),Chef’s Apron (Immunity to fire and poisons; bodywear), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects; accessory), Phoenix Dress (Max. Ether +5, full ether restored upon revival, immunity to fire and lightning, suitable only to female mages, clerics, chi monks, minstrels and necromancers; bodywear), Ruby,Diamond,Amethyst, Topaz, Sapphire, Emerald, Garnet, Aquamarine, Opal, Scroll of Sleep, 3 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Smelling Salts, Doomshroom Cap (+1 max Ether when consumed), Oneupshroom Cap (works as a Phoenix Essence when eaten), 4 Deadly Venoms, Phoenix Essence, 3 Cosmic Essences (Revives a knocked out ally with full health and ether and gives them the blessed-effect), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 2 Chaotic Bombs (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bomb 'X2' (May be combined with a bomb to get it to ignore SP), 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones Byblos (NPC, controlled by Quarryman) 28 years old male Metasimian Scholar Level 30 *Well-read* *Fast Learner* *Fragile* *Weakened* *Slowed* *Immune to Fire, Earth & Wind* Power: 60 (30+30) Health: 40/40 (10+29+1) Ether: 40/40 (10+29+1) Gold: 0 Water: 1/3 Equipment: Pandemonicon (WP:30 [equal to user's level], inflicts hexed on demons and doomed on humanoids; retrievable book), Tattered Robe (Max. Health +1, Max. Ether +1; bodywear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: "Gone With the Mind" (WP:12, inflicts enamored; retrievable book), "Classical Philosophic Theories" (WP:11, inflicts fast asleep; retrievable book) "100 Venoms for Beginners" (WP:10, inflicts badly poisoned; retrievable book), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Confusion, Banana (restores full health to user) Catnip Everdream (NPC, uncontrollable) 42 years old female human Hunter Level 42 *Favours demons* *Immune to Fire, Earth & Wind* Power: 60 (42+18) Health: 48/48 (42+6) Gold: 1670 Water: 1/3 Equipment: Sandalphon (WP:18; light-elemental crossbow), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: 3 Health Cores, 3 Ether Cores, 3 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, 3 Smoke Bombs

OoC: Thanks for pointing it out. A big difference between my language and yours is that in Finnish words are pronounced as they are written, whereas in English the same pronounciation can be written in multiple ways, each with a distinct meaning. So mistakes like this are bound to happen. [/grammartalk]

Incredible amount of new parts - I'm loving this!

Ellaria tries her best to make the Roots of Life come up, as she continues to wale at Indiacca.

Elphaba's back, yay! The Marketplace quest is now up, yay! Time to go to sleep, yay! More on the long, epic side, I'm afraid.

A peculiar creature in a peculiar hat skittles across the Hall on all fours to post something on the Quest Board. ~A new quest has been posted on the Quest Board (#87 by Sandy)!~

QM Note: Yes, treasures are the items that have no other purpose than their value in gold. And how you divide the reward is up to you as the Party Leader, actually. "Then we have reached an agreement. I will accompany you in the Azzurat Desert for as long as you need me. I believe I can find some of the answers I'm personally looking for at the ruins as well." "I cannot fathom any reason I would betray you as long as you keep your end of our deal. I'm merely accompanying you, so do not mistake me as being part of your team. Are we all ready to depart, then? Hope you bought canteens, you're going to need them..." Catnip Everdream joins the party as an uncontrollable member. The Party Leader can suggest her actions, but she might not comply. Party: Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 31 year old male human Regulator Level 30 *Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, and Doomed* *Battle Style: Orderly* *Aura* Power: 50 (30+20) Defense: 21 (6+3+12) Health: 120/120 60/60 (7+29+12+6+6) Gold: 20 Equipment: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental staff), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Galactic Armor (Suitable for anyone, SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire,light,darkness, and doomed, bodywear), Tricorne (Suitable for everyone, SP: 3, headwear) Inventory: General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, darkness elemental, dual strike, daggers), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear), Rat's Hide (SP: 4, backwear), Amulet of the Court (negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Pickaxe, Shovel, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), 2 Elixirs, Ether Core, 3 Health Cores, 2 Mulled Wines, 2 Phoenix Essences, Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Soma Bartholomew Docken, The Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 32-year-old male human Warden Level 32 1/4 *Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Counterstriking* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* Power: 42 (32+10) Defense: 23 (20+3) Health: 63/63 (6+31+8+18) Gold: 1068 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear) Inventory: Pan (WP: 1; +1 Max HP; suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7; deals double Damage on ships; club) • Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory), • Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Adamantite Shard (1/4 Adamantite) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Namyrra Uq (Quarryman) 1337 years old female Fenarian Necromancer ***Party Leader*** Level 33 1/4 *Immune to Sealing* Power: 58 (33+25) Defence: 10 (5+3+2) Health: 47/47 (5+32+5+5) Ether: 52/52 (5+32+1+1+5+4) Gold: 842 Equipment: Crystal Mace (WP:25 (5 multiplied by the amount of gems imbued), fire, ice, wind, water, lightning elemental), Fanged Helm (SP:5, headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Ether:5. immune to Sealing, bodywear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: Empyreal Staff (WP:15), Staff of the Necromancer (WP:12; damages undead; +1 level to raised undead; staff), Oriental Crossbow (WP:7, Crossbow), Nocturne Flute (WP:6, asleep effect, instrument), Gold Dragon Crown (+6 max ether, immunity to lightning and stunned), Seductive Perfume (adds Enamored effect to all attacks), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Medal of Glory (earns triple XP; accessory), Amethyst, Emerald, Topaz, Garnet, Diamond,Sapphire,Ruby, 5 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, Health Core, Tonic, 4 Ether Cores, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Incense, 4 Phoenix Essence, Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle), 7 Meads, 7 Smelling Salts, 6 Nostrum, 5 Venom, 2 Ambrosia, 3 Smoke Bombs, Holy Bomb, 8 Water Bombs, 3 Dirt Bombs, Ice Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Flash Bomb, Soul Cage (doomed-effect to all combatants), Skeleton Decoy, Pickaxe, 4 Bones, Bedroll, Jade Lamp of Summoning (summons Mediq) Nyx (played by Pandora) 19 years old female human Battle Mage Level 28 1/3 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind, Sealed, Asleep and Fast Asleep* Power: 44 (15+28+1) Defense: 4 Health: 39/39 (5+27+5+2) Ether: 39/39 (5+27+1+5+1) Gold: 476 Equipment: Zee Standard (WP: 15, ice- and darkness-elemental, necromancers raise enemies with 2 extra levels, staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:4, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect; bodywear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Explosive Staff (WP: 12; does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Dagger of the Blue Assassin (WP: 4, Aims become Hits), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health; headwear), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened; accessory), High Heels (+1 power; footwear),Chef’s Apron (Immunity to fire and poisons; bodywear), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects; accessory), Phoenix Dress (Max. Ether +5, full ether restored upon revival, immunity to fire and lightning, suitable only to female mages, clerics, chi monks, minstrels and necromancers; bodywear), Ruby,Diamond,Amethyst, Topaz, Sapphire, Emerald, Garnet, Aquamarine, Opal, Scroll of Sleep, 3 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Smelling Salts, Doomshroom Cap (+1 max Ether when consumed), Oneupshroom Cap (works as a Phoenix Essence when eaten), 4 Deadly Venoms, Phoenix Essence, 3 Cosmic Essences (Revives a knocked out ally with full health and ether and gives them the blessed-effect), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 2 Chaotic Bombs (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bomb 'X2' (May be combined with a bomb to get it to ignore SP), 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones Byblos (NPC, controlled by Quarryman) 28 years old male Metasimian Scholar Level 30 *Well-read* *Fast Learner* *Fragile* *Weakened* *Slowed* *Immune to Fire, Earth & Wind* Power: 60 (30+30) Health: 40/40 (10+29+1) Ether: 40/40 (10+29+1) Gold: 0 Equipment: Pandemonicon (WP:30 [equal to user's level], inflicts hexed on demons and doomed on humanoids; retrievable book), Tattered Robe (Max. Health +1, Max. Ether +1; bodywear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: "Gone With the Mind" (WP:12, inflicts enamored; retrievable book), "Classical Philosophic Theories" (WP:11, inflicts fast asleep; retrievable book) "100 Venoms for Beginners" (WP:10, inflicts badly poisoned; retrievable book), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Confusion, Banana (restores full health to user) Catnip Everdream (NPC, uncontrollable) 42 years old female human Hunter Level 42 *Favours demons* *Immune to Fire, Earth & Wind* Power: 60 (42+18) Health: 48/48 (42+6) Gold: 1670 Equipment: Sandalphon (WP:18; light-elemental crossbow), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: 3 Health Cores, 3 Ether Cores, 3 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, 3 Smoke Bombs QM Note: I'm extremely busy tomorrow, so I'm not sure if I have time to update. But I can go full-speed on the weekend, and you guys will finally get to the desert action scene.

"Is it Samhain again?" muttered the merchants of the Marketplace as the all-too-familiar dark wagon rolled into their view. The green-skinned witch named Elphaba stepped out of the wagon, and took a deep breath of air. "Is she still around?!", Elphaba wondered, as she wrinkled her nose as if she had smelled something foul. "I would've thought Heroica had done something about her by now. That old hag is a disgrace to my profession..." Ignoring the stares she got from the other merchants and the passers-by, Elphaba set out her wares once again. This time she had brought many new items with her. She did not know how long she could keep coming to Eubric, so she wanted to reap whatever gold she could for as long as she could. ~Elphaba's Magic Wagon is open at the Marketplace until November the 30th, 2013!~

"Just so you know, I've got a Neutralizer in my pocket if things get really hairy." Ellaria continues to attack Indiacca.

Catnip's eyes flicker with interest above the scarf that covers her mouth. "So the rumours are true, then? Something has awoken in the ruins of Azzurat, something you think is spawning the demons that run amok in the desert? Truth be told, I did not come to this outback village to drink myself blind. I have a mission of my own, and it seems our interests are similar. Over the years I spent hunting demons, I've come to know my value, but I can tell you're not incapable of dealing with them yourself. So how does this sound: I get a third of all gold and treasures we come across at the desert. You can keep any weapons and other items we might find, I have everything I need in Sandalphon." The woman awaits for the heroes' reply.

"Thank you, Arthur. Indiacca's quite a formidable force now, but we should have luck on our side." Ellaria attacks Indiacca from the front row with Ignis Fatuus.

"I am indeed a demon hunter. Catnip Everdream's the name. I reckon you're after some demons in the desert? I can help you with those, as long as we come to agreement about my price. 1000 gold and I'm at your disposal. Deal?" The woman called Catnip lifts up her bow-gun to show it to the party. "This baby is the Sandalphon, a revolutionary bow-gun with a diamond imbued in it. Coupled with my demon hunting skills, there's no creature of darkness that can stand up against me." "Eep! That woman means serious business!"

Am I sensing some caution in your tone? It is not your run-of-the-mill, fight-monsters-loot-houses-beat-boss kinda quest, no. But you'll get a better idea tomorrow when I launch the pitch.

It shouldn't be long, but I've learned that it's nigh impossible to predict how long a quest will take in advance.

The veiled woman is still standing at the counter of the bar. "Didn't you find that apewoman? I've drank my free drink a long time ago and I've got places to be." Apparently the woman had been nicking a bottle or two, for her cup was still full in front of her.

There's going to be a new quest from me in just a couple of days when Elphaba the Witch arrives to the Marketplace, and it's open to all levels and classes. And yes, it's the Marketplace quest.

QM Note: Very well, we shall continue with the current party for the time being. So, what do you wish to do? Party: Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 31 year old male human Regulator Level 30 *Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, and Doomed* *Battle Style: Orderly* *Aura* Power: 50 (30+20) Defense: 21 (6+3+12) Health: 120/120 60/60 (7+29+12+6+6) Gold: 20 Equipment: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental staff), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Galactic Armor (Suitable for anyone, SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire,light,darkness, and doomed, bodywear), Tricorne (Suitable for everyone, SP: 3, headwear) Inventory: General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, darkness elemental, dual strike, daggers), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear), Rat's Hide (SP: 4, backwear), Amulet of the Court (negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Pickaxe, Shovel, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), 2 Elixirs, Ether Core, 3 Health Cores, 2 Mulled Wines, 2 Phoenix Essences, Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Soma Bartholomew Docken, The Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 32-year-old male human Warden Level 32 1/4 *Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Counterstriking* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* Power: 42 (32+10) Defense: 23 (20+3) Health: 63/63 (6+31+8+18) Gold: 1068 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear) Inventory: Pan (WP: 1; +1 Max HP; suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7; deals double Damage on ships; club) • Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory), • Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Adamantite Shard (1/4 Adamantite) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Namyrra Uq (Quarryman) 1337 years old female Fenarian Necromancer ***Party Leader*** Level 33 1/4 *Immune to Sealing* Power: 58 (33+25) Defence: 10 (5+3+2) Health: 47/47 (5+32+5+5) Ether: 52/52 (5+32+1+1+5+4) Gold: 842 Equipment: Crystal Mace (WP:25 (5 multiplied by the amount of gems imbued), fire, ice, wind, water, lightning elemental), Fanged Helm (SP:5, headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Ether:5. immune to Sealing, bodywear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: Empyreal Staff (WP:15), Staff of the Necromancer (WP:12; damages undead; +1 level to raised undead; staff), Oriental Crossbow (WP:7, Crossbow), Nocturne Flute (WP:6, asleep effect, instrument), Gold Dragon Crown (+6 max ether, immunity to lightning and stunned), Seductive Perfume (adds Enamored effect to all attacks), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Medal of Glory (earns triple XP; accessory), Amethyst, Emerald, Topaz, Garnet, Diamond, Sapphire,Ruby, 5 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, Health Core, Tonic, 4 Ether Cores, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Incense, 4 Phoenix Essence, Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle), 7 Meads, 7 Smelling Salts, 6 Nostrum, 5 Venom, 2 Ambrosia, 3 Smoke Bombs, Holy Bomb, 8 Water Bombs, 3 Dirt Bombs, Ice Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Flash Bomb, Soul Cage (doomed-effect to all combatants), Skeleton Decoy, Pickaxe, 4 Bones, Bedroll, Jade Lamp of Summoning (summons Mediq) Nyx (played by Pandora) 19 years old female human Battle Mage Level 28 1/3 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind, Sealed, Asleep and Fast Asleep* Power: 44 (15+28+1) Defense: 4 Health: 39/39 (5+27+5+2) Ether: 39/39 (5+27+1+5+1) Gold: 476 Equipment: Zee Standard (WP: 15, ice- and darkness-elemental, necromancers raise enemies with 2 extra levels, staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:4, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect; bodywear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Explosive Staff (WP: 12; does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Dagger of the Blue Assassin (WP: 4, Aims become Hits), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health; headwear), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened; accessory), High Heels (+1 power; footwear),Chef’s Apron (Immunity to fire and poisons; bodywear), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects; accessory), Phoenix Dress (Max. Ether +5, full ether restored upon revival, immunity to fire and lightning, suitable only to female mages, clerics, chi monks, minstrels and necromancers; bodywear), Ruby,Diamond,Amethyst, Topaz, Sapphire, Emerald, Garnet, Aquamarine, Opal, Scroll of Sleep, 3 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Smelling Salts, Doomshroom Cap (+1 max Ether when consumed), Oneupshroom Cap (works as a Phoenix Essence when eaten), 4 Deadly Venoms, Phoenix Essence, 3 Cosmic Essences (Revives a knocked out ally with full health and ether and gives them the blessed-effect), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 2 Chaotic Bombs (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bomb 'X2' (May be combined with a bomb to get it to ignore SP), 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones Byblos (NPC, controlled by Quarryman) 28 years old male Metasimian Scholar Level 30 *Well-read* *Fast Learner* *Fragile* *Weakened* *Slowed* *Immune to Fire, Earth & Wind* Power: 60 (30+30) Health: 40/40 (10+29+1) Ether: 40/40 (10+29+1) Gold: 0 Equipment: Pandemonicon (WP:30 [equal to user's level], inflicts hexed on demons and doomed on humanoids; retrievable book), Tattered Robe (Max. Health +1, Max. Ether +1; bodywear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: "Gone With the Mind" (WP:12, inflicts enamored; retrievable book), "Classical Philosophic Theories" (WP:11, inflicts fast asleep; retrievable book) "100 Venoms for Beginners" (WP:10, inflicts badly poisoned; retrievable book), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Confusion, Banana (restores full health to user)

OoC: I don't think the Zap-Tap Badge should affect anyone but the player who has equipped it. Otherwise it's too powerful and too much of a hassle for the QM to deal with. Ellaria retrieves the horseshoe, after the successful strike on the Dread Pirate.

QM Note: Alright, guys. Shall I cancel the quest and recruit another party of heroes, or are you willing to make an effort to continue the quest? One post per day, or even one in a few days, shouldn't be too much to ask...

OoC: Yeah, if a player attacks another ally, it's illogical that they retort. But I'd say it's up to the QM. Ellaria grunts as the Dread Pirate hits her. "This was supposed to go the other way around!" she shouts, the alcohol still running rapidly in her veins, as she tries to throw the Unlucky Horseshoe again at Indiacca from the back row.

Namyrra buys one more canteen and gives it to Nyx. Party: Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 31 year old male human Regulator Level 30 *Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, and Doomed* *Battle Style: Orderly* *Aura* Power: 50 (30+20) Defense: 21 (6+3+12) Health: 120/120 60/60 (7+29+12+6+6) Gold: 20 Equipment: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental staff), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Galactic Armor (Suitable for anyone, SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire,light,darkness, and doomed, bodywear), Tricorne (Suitable for everyone, SP: 3, headwear) Inventory: General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, darkness elemental, dual strike, daggers), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear), Rat's Hide (SP: 4, backwear), Amulet of the Court (negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Pickaxe, Shovel, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), 2 Elixirs, Ether Core, 3 Health Cores, 2 Mulled Wines, 2 Phoenix Essences, Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Soma Bartholomew Docken, The Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 32-year-old male human Warden Level 32 1/4 *Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Counterstriking* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* Power: 42 (32+10) Defense: 23 (20+3) Health: 63/63 (6+31+8+18) Gold: 1068 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear) Inventory: Pan (WP: 1; +1 Max HP; suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7; deals double Damage on ships; club) • Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory), • Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Adamantite Shard (1/4 Adamantite) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Namyrra Uq (Quarryman) 1337 years old female Fenarian Necromancer ***Party Leader*** Level 33 1/4 *Immune to Sealing* Power: 58 (33+25) Defence: 10 (5+3+2) Health: 47/47 (5+32+5+5) Ether: 52/52 (5+32+1+1+5+4) Gold: 782 Equipment: Crystal Mace (WP:25 (5 multiplied by the amount of gems imbued), fire, ice, wind, water, lightning elemental), Fanged Helm (SP:5, headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Ether:5. immune to Sealing, bodywear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: Empyreal Staff (WP:15), Staff of the Necromancer (WP:12; damages undead; +1 level to raised undead; staff), Oriental Crossbow (WP:7, Crossbow), Nocturne Flute (WP:6, asleep effect, instrument), Gold Dragon Crown (+6 max ether, immunity to lightning and stunned), Seductive Perfume (adds Enamored effect to all attacks), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Medal of Glory (earns triple XP; accessory), Amethyst, Emerald, Topaz, Garnet, Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 5 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, Health Core, Tonic, 4 Ether Cores, 2 Remedies, Phoenix Incense, 4 Phoenix Essence, Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle), 7 Meads, 7 Smelling Salts, 6 Nostrum, 5 Venom, 2 Ambrosia, 3 Smoke Bombs, Holy Bomb, 8 Water Bombs, 3 Dirt Bombs, Ice Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Flash Bomb, Soul Cage (doomed-effect to all combatants), Skeleton Decoy, Pickaxe, 4 Bones, Bedroll, Jade Lamp of Summoning (summons Mediq) Nyx (played by Pandora) 19 years old female human Battle Mage Level 28 1/3 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind, Sealed, Asleep and Fast Asleep* Power: 44 (15+28+1) Defense: 4 Health: 39/39 (5+27+5+2) Ether: 39/39 (5+27+1+5+1) Gold: 536 Equipment: Zee Standard (WP: 15, ice- and darkness-elemental, necromancers raise enemies with 2 extra levels, staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:4, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect; bodywear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects; accessory) Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Explosive Staff (WP: 12; does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Dagger of the Blue Assassin (WP: 4, Aims become Hits), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health; headwear), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened; accessory), High Heels (+1 power; footwear),Chef’s Apron (Immunity to fire and poisons; bodywear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory), Phoenix Dress (Max. Ether +5, full ether restored upon revival, immunity to fire and lightning, suitable only to female mages, clerics, chi monks, minstrels and necromancers; bodywear), Ruby,Diamond,Amethyst, Topaz, Sapphire, Emerald, Garnet, Aquamarine, Opal, Scroll of Sleep, 3 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Smelling Salts, Doomshroom Cap (+1 max Ether when consumed), Oneupshroom Cap (works as a Phoenix Essence when eaten), 4 Deadly Venoms, Phoenix Essence, 3 Cosmic Essences (Revives a knocked out ally with full health and ether and gives them the blessed-effect), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 2 Chaotic Bombs (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bomb 'X2' (May be combined with a bomb to get it to ignore SP), 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones Byblos (NPC, controlled by Quarryman) 28 years old male Metasimian Scholar Level 30 *Well-read* *Fast Learner* *Fragile* *Weakened* *Slowed* *Immune to Fire, Earth & Wind* Power: 60 (30+30) Health: 40/40 (10+29+1) Ether: 40/40 (10+29+1) Gold: 0 Equipment: Pandemonicon (WP:30 [equal to user's level], inflicts hexed on demons and doomed on humanoids; retrievable book), Tattered Robe (Max. Health +1, Max. Ether +1; bodywear), Desert Cloak (Immunity to fire-, earth- and wind-elemental damage; backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; essential in deserts to avoid dehydration; accessory) Inventory: "Gone With the Mind" (WP:12, inflicts enamored; retrievable book), "Classical Philosophic Theories" (WP:11, inflicts fast asleep; retrievable book) "100 Venoms for Beginners" (WP:10, inflicts badly poisoned; retrievable book), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Confusion, Banana (restores full health to user) Byblos and his great-aunt approach the party. "We'll be heading back to your bar to meet up with our guide. Won't you walk with us, Aunt Hathor?" "Hmm, I think I'll try to get Ifrita to host one more game for me, if you don't mind. I'm sure the bar will be fine. I asked the demon huntress to take care of it while I was gone, after all. Take care of yourselves out in the desert, you hear me. Not a whole lot of people have returned from there. Luckily you have Nizam with you - he's the most dependable guy to have out there, as long as he stays sober. See you soon!" The party return to the Drunken Monkey, but their elven guide is no longer there. He must be waiting for the party at the edge of the desert.