Sandy

Ellaria smiles at the man who hands her weapons back to her. "Thank you for showing your trust, Sir Isaac. We are indeed heroes of Heroica, hired by Lord Normorn of Brobric - not by the Hinckwells, mind you - to find a way to settle things here in R'kilf. It is to our understanding that Lady Calaryl of the elves is working here on her own accord, and that the Mopagians and the Pongcanae have also taken an unhealthy interest of this town, disregarding the will of it's people. Might I inquire who you are working for? Or did this resistance really spring up from the people's own will? From what I've seen, the citizens of R'kilf have gotten the short end of the stick on this matter, as each of the factions have only looked after their own interests." Ellaria glances at Alexander and Lawrence. "I hope you trust the word of a druid, as these two can vouch for it being true. Sir Shawe, we only have the interest of the common citizens of this town at heart, so please, be upfront about your motivations so we can compare if they fit well with ours."

I have to give it a thought. It's just that I have so many plans of my own that I find it hard to include other people's ideas into the mix as well. Sorry if I have come off as a dictator at any time, but I just have a clear direction where I want the main storyline to go, and sometimes I just have to cut the most ambitious "evil god will descent on Eubric and all heroes will have to gather to destroy him" -type of ideas so that they won't overshadow the inner turmoil within the city. But as the conflict in Eubric increases, all factions within the city will have to be involved one way or another. I will find a way for all QMs to get their say on the matter when that time comes, rest assured.

But you never told me the Syndicate was benefactors to the poor in the first place, you just posed them as a rivalling criminal gang. I just feel like you took my storyline (which you were aware of) and put it into a faction of your own. Which is not cool. There's already one "steal from the rich, give to the poor"-crime gang in Eubric, why did you have to go and create another? I've been very liberal with other QMs to allow them to tell the stories they want to tell and build the world of this game the way they want to, but I want all of you to realize that I also have a story to tell, so these sort of incidents feel like someone's trying to "steal the limelight" from my story. Just to be clear, I'm not mad about it or anything, just a tad disappointed. Like I said, I need to be more specific in the future.

"Vell, ve all have our veakneththeth... Tho var I have only learned hov to make people undead vithouth the help of necromanthy, but elemental thpellth and veaponth can thtill lay vathte ov my creationth, ath you have thown. Dame Vrimelda vath the virtht vully intact corpthe I vath able to revive, though. I am convident that I vould be able to repeat the prothethth." "Well, you ain't getting anymore bodies from the graveyard for your twisted experiments. If I see you skulking around, I'll report to your boss! I bet he doesn't have an inkling of what is going on down in this cellar..." "No, you muthtn't tell him, not bevore I have thomething concrete to thow that I did not thteal... I mean vind Dr. Parathelthior'th noteth vor no reathon! Pleathe, heroeth, I vill be ever greatvul to you iv you don't tell the Mathked Man anything about thith!" "That vould thound like a good plan, iv my pale vathe and vangth vould not vreak everyone out ath thoon ath they hear the vord death coming out ov my mouth."

"Ah, you don't knov that the Mathked Man leadth the Guild of Invithion, the congregation of Alchemithtth in Eubric? The Guildmathter knovth nothing ov thethe ekthperimentth ov mine, tho I am the only one rethponthible." The vampire gulds as he looks at the gravedigger. "Thorry, thir, I did not vant to cauthe any trouble, I jutht needed thome freth bodieth, that'th all. I wath tho clothe to a breakthrough that I couldn't thtop! Unvortunately you jutht undid all my hard vork, and nov I have nothing to shov to my colleagueth to prove that my ekthperimentationth actually vorked. Iv you vould thend me jutht one more corpthe..." For the first time, Jensen's demure face shows strong emotion, and it isn't a happy one. "I think you've had quite enough, Doctor. Don't you care about the relatives of the deceased you've snatched away and mutilated to your own purposes? The bodies are buried to our cemetery for reason, to let them rest in peace after a long life. The graves are there for the relatives to come back to reminisce about their lost loved one, and you did not even think twice before you stole that away from them! For two weeks I have had to listen to the cries of widows, parents and children after their loved one had disappeared from their grave before they had gotten a chance to properly mourn for them. I wouldn't expect a vampire to know anything about true death or losing a loved one, but I will not have it! If it were up to me, I'd take you and your twisted little assistant back with me to the cemetery and give you a final resting place as a punishment for your blasphemous crimes!" The vampire hides behind his assistant as Jensen spills out his repressed anger. "Noooo!!!" "I... I'm tho thorry! I merely tried to tholve a mythtery that hath been intriguing uth alchemithtth vor thenturies! Pleathe keep that thovel ov yourth avay vrom me and Thaun!" The doctor glances at the heroes, pleading for their support. Party: Sgt Jon. Mcency (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 53 years old male human Black Knight Level 18 1/2 *Dual Strike* *Immune to blinded and stunned* *Hastened* Power: 35 (18+17) Health: 30/36 (7+17+9+3) Defense: 24 (20+4) Gold: 488 (70 owed to Brickington) Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:17, dual strike, Light, Darkness, Hollow (-) daggers), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Black Knight's armour (SP:4, Immune to stunned), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened-effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear) Inventory: Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (-) halberd), 2x Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Unholy Armour (SP:5, immunity to light and darkness, suitable to paladins and dark knights; bodywear), Potion x3, Grand Potion x5, Remedy, Nostrum, Venom x3, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying glass, Business Card, Bone x2, 2x Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Mythril Shard Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554) Male automaton Ranger Level 15 1/2 Power: 20 (15+5) Defense: 0 (-2) Health: 20/20 (6+14) Gold: 467 Equipment: Eminus (WP: 5; bow), Handy Suitcase (SP-2, use 2 Items; accessory) Inventory: Golden Handcannon (WP:9; lightning-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1 to a bow or crossbow; backwear), Topaz (Lightning), Grand Tonic Phoenix Essence, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb, Holy Bomb, Water Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x6, Turdwing (fly familiar; causes confused to one opponent whenever used) Heckz Brutenhal,The Ghostbuster (Eric-Su) 32 year old male human Mage Level 13 1/2 Power: 22 (13+9) (Spellpower: 27 (13+9+5)) Health: 17/17 (5+12) Ether: 18/18 (5+12+1) Gold: 464 Equipment: Rawr (WP:9), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5, handwear) Inventory: 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), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Health Core, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Elixir, Mead, Bedroll, Bone x2, Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold/100 gold at magic shops) Jensen (NPC, controlled by Pyrovisionary) 36 years old male orc Gravedigger Level 12 1/2 Power: 17 (12+5) Health: 1/21 (10+11) Gold: 0 Equipment: Rusty Shovel (WP:5, damages undead) Inventory:

Ellaria is quite surprised to find out that Alexander and Lawrence are in the resistance's lair as well. "Alexander, is that you? And Lawrence as well? Mr. Garrie, I think you can unwrap me now, please. Those two men are my companions, and they can vouch for my intentions." Ellaria waits for her to be able to see and move her hands before making futher commentary.

Great to see all this analysis on the main storyline! Definitely gives me tips about what to focus on during the upcoming quests. I'm not trying to deny that the Wolfgang hasn't done criminal acts to further their cause - they are a criminal faction, after all - but their whole point is to be the "end justifies the means"-faction for people who like their character to think like that. I never intended to make the Wolfgang alluring for all the players to side with, but I'm trying to split the support pretty evenly among all seven houses. Oh, and before I forget, a hearty welcome into the game, Purpearljellyblob! It seems your character has the same fashion sense as mine. And a warm welcome back into the game, Kadabra! If that's the impression you got from the quest, I have to express my resentment over Endgame "stealing my thunder", so to speak. I specifically instructed Endgame not to try to show his own faction as more capable and "better" than the Wolfgang, and I thought we reached a common understanding, but I guess what has happened has happened. I guess just have to restrict other QMs access to the faction even more from now on, so the main storyline won't be ruined by them unbeknowingly. It's just not physically possible for me to monitor and oversee each quest as they progress, so I usually request to know the main story points in advance before accepting the quest to avoid any contradictions with my stories. And if conflicting storylines do happen, let it be known that my quests are canon.

QM Note: Peppermint, you were already hastened by your teammates. Pay attention. "Unfortunately I cannot allow Jun to leave us. I did not want to kill him for Xiaolin's sake, but I couldn't let him return home to spread the information about us to the Council of the Blue Hand through his mother. I am afraid we have no choice but to end this with blood." Xiaolin quickly grabs her and her father's weapons from the basket they were kept during their tea break. "Xiaolin, please! You don't have to do this. Lee and his companions will spare your life if I ask them." "I'm sorry, Jun. We were lovers once, but now my life is dedicated to my father's cause. I cannot just watch him fight and not help him out." "Worry not, Jun, for we have a slight edge on our opponents. I have not spent these last few months in this cave loitering around. During my meditations, I have been in contact with the spirits that dwell here, and the greatest of them is the spirit of the waterfall itself, the Celestial Dragon Tianlong. Come forth, Iridescent King of the Falls!" Upon Kai Tsi's summoning, a rainbow light fills the cave, and a serpentine dragon emerges from the mouth of the stone carving. It turns out the heroes are up against more than just the nine remaining stars. Lee looks at his reluctant protégé. "Jun, do you need weapons? I'm sure the Heroicans can lend you some..." "I'm sorry, guys, but I cannot fight with you nor against you. This situation is just too messed up for me..." "Enough talk! Constellation, to battle form!" PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Enemies: Blue-faced Beast (17th Star) *Immune to stunned, blinded, sealed, confused, petrified, minimized, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid Level: 59 Defense: 5 Health: 2728/2728 Special I: Aoi Legacy – Causes encouraged, lucky and reinforced effects to self. Special II: Bound By Fate – Damages the target and the opponent next in order equal to the difference between the targets’ current health. Drops: Xiaolin’s Bident (WP:16; instantly kills Aoi; ice- and lightning-elemental spear), 100 gold Cloud Dragon (4th Star) *Immune to poisoned, badly poisoned, minimized, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid/Flying Level: 54 Health: 2314/2314 Special: Dragon’s Wings – Causes 32 wind-elemental damage to all enemies and hastens all allies. Drops: White Dragon’s Greaves (SP:3, avoid traps on the ground, immunity to earth and petrified; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; footwear), 101 gold Double Clubs (8th Star) *Immune to all negative effects* Type: Beast/Fiery Level: 55 Health: 3463/3463 Special: Double Whack-a-mole – Causes 55 damage regardless of SP to the target and 1-6 other random opponents. Drops: 2 Phoenix Essences. 102 gold Note: Double Spears always damages the target and the opponent next in order. Fiery Thunderbolt (7th Star) *Immune to stunned, sealed, confused, minimized, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Fiery/Electric Level: 52 Health: 1887/1887 Ether: 5/5 Special I: Heavenly Fireworks – Causes 52 fire- and lightning-elemental damage regardless of row to all opponents. Costs 1 ether. Special II: Kamikaze – Deals damage equal to own health left to one opponent, instantly killing herself in the process. Used only if ether has ran out. Drops: 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), 103 gold Note: Fiery Thunderbolt’s attacks are fire- and lightning-elemental. Jade Unicorn (2nd Star) *Immune to minimized, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid Level: 57 Defense: 7 Health: 2571/2571 Special I: Cleansing Horn – Transfers all negative effects from herself to the target, and all positive effects from the target to herself. Used only if she has negative effects. Special II: Piercing Horn – Causes 57 damage regardless of SP to the target. Used if she has no negative effects. Drops: Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors; headwear), 104 gold Great Blade (5th Star) *Immune to stunned, sleep, blinded, sealed, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid Level: 56 Health: 2222/2222 Special: Great Divide – Halves the health of all opponents regardless of row and defense. Drops: Great Blade (WP:25, cannot be equipped with a shield, greatsword), 105 gold Panther Head (6th Star) *Immune to blinded, confused, hexed, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Beast Level: 53 Health: 2415/2415 Special I: Roar of Rage – Causes enraged-effect to all opponents and makes them berserk, preventing them from changing targets until the current one has been defeated. Special II: Camouflage – Prevents the Panther Head from getting targeted with any actions for the remainder of the round. Used if all opponents are enraged. Drops: Nunchaku (Dual strike, suitable to Chi Monks; handwear), 106 gold Resourceful Star (3rd Star) *Immune to stunned, sealed, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid/Holy Level: 58 Health: 2683/2683 Ether: 8/8 Special: Stardust – Restores health to all allies equal to the amount of Stars of Destiny killed. Costs 1 ether. Drops: 6 Elixirs, 107 gold Note: The Resourceful Star uses Stardust as a Free Hit. Protector of Justice (1st Star) *Immune to Light, Darkness, all negative effects and sudden death* Type: Humanoid Level: 60 Defense: 6 Health: 3026/3026 Special I: Galactic Justice ~ Meteor Shower – Causes 30 light-elemental damage regardless of row to members of the opposing party 2-12 times. The hits are divided as equally as possible. Special II: Galactic Justice ~ Black Hole – Causes 30 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of row over three rounds, starting from the current round. Special III: Galactic Justice ~ Heaven’s Gate – Restores one random fallen Star of Destiny back to life to join the battle. The revived Star does not drop anything. Drops: Galactic Armor (SP:6, Max. Health +6, immunity to light, darkness and doomed; bodywear), 108 gold Note: Specials alternate. Tianlong, the Celestial Dragon *Immune to all elements, all effects (positive and negative) and sudden death* Type: Ethereal Level: 45 Health: 1736/1736 Special: Rainbow Breath – Causes 5 damage to all opponents nine times regardless of row or SP, using a different element each time. Drops: Zirconia (Gem containing all elements; cannot be merged into equipment) Note: Tianlong’s attacks cause random elemental damage. Tianlong will vanish once Protector of Justice is defeated. Party: Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 30 year old male human Witch Level 28 2/3 *Poisoned Hits* *Counterstrike* *Immune to Water, Lightning, and Wood* *Negative Effects Last One Round* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 40 (28+12) Defense: 4 Health: 96/96 48/48 (7+27+8+6) Ether: 23/26 (1+28-3) Gold: 145 Equipment: Tiger Claws (WP:12, double against humanoids; dual strike dagger),Amulet of the Court (Suitable for anyone, negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear), Rat's Hide (Suitable for anyone, SP:4, backwear) Inventory: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental staff), Conspirator (WP: 15, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 8, shield), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear), Ruby (Fire), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 3 Health Cores, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, Remedy, 2 Phoenix Essences, 3 Mulled Wines, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer (Flare) 28 years old male half-elven Beast Warrior Level 34 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects and Wood Element* *Encouraged* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 52 (34+15+3) Defense: 10 (4+6) Health: 110/110 55/55 (6+33+15+1) Gold: 1410 (owes 500 to Alexis Fenral) Equipment: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind-, earth-elemental), Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to asleep, blinded, confused, frail, and weakened effects), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile), Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors) Inventory: Grogmas Handcannon (WP:12 + the number of the round of battle), Flagpole (WP:3, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance), Kusarigama (WP:10, whip), Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Tricorne (headwear, SP:3), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Potion (2), Grand Potion (12), Health Core (8),Remedy (6), Phoenix Essence (4), Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (3), Mead (5), Mulled Wine (3), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3), Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel,Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Nagure (Costy) 34 year old Male Yeti Berserker. Level 19 1/2 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Ice, Fire, Fragile and Blinded* *Counterstrike* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 29 (19+10) Defense: 22 ( 12+10) Health: 72/72 36/36 (8+14+10) Gold: 49 Equipment: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe),Shield (SP:10), Yeti Fur Coat (Artefact, bodywear, SP:12, immunity to Ice,Fire, Fragile and Blindness; suitable for yetis only), Counterstrike Gloves (Artefact, handwear; After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 15, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Tiger Slayer (WP:10, double against enemies with “tiger” in their name; spear), Helmet (SP:1), Potion x2, Grand Potion x8, Remedy x2, Tiger Balm,Phoenix Essences x2, Phoenix Incense, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x3,Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pickaxe, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Tarn Valco (Rumble Strike) *Party Leader* 22 year old human male Raider Level 24 1/3 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Weakened* *Counterstrike* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 37 (24+13) Defense: 6 Health: 80/80 40/40 (7+23+7+3) Gold: 241 Equipment: Lion’s Heart (WP: 13, darkness-elemental, stun-effect; greatsword), Darksteel Armor (SP:6, Max. Health +3, Immunity to Weakened; bodywear), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves (handwear, after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level) Inventory: Veritas/Equitas (WP:10, Dual Strike, twin sais), Helbaerend (WP: 10; water-, ice- and lightning-elemental, Hollow Blade; axe, Grand Potion equipped), Bagpipes (WP:8, wind-elemental instrument), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6, spear), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness; suitable to Black Knights only), Amulet of U'Kin Nobility (Grants Diplomacy to wearer when addressing a U'Kin), Death Mask (Increases assassination chances to 1/3 when the target’s health is lowered to 1/3; suitable to assassins; headwear), Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), Opal (Ice), Potion, Grand Potion x3, Health Core, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence x2,Mead x5, Nostrum x5, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bucket, Bone x2, Cannon Parts (quest item), Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Tesni Hightribe (Peppermint_M) Level 31 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Afraid* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 48 (31+10+3+4) Defense: 14 (8+2+4) Health: 100/100 50/50 (8+29+10+2) Gold: 1135 Equipment: Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer), Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:8, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear) Inventory: Fàelàn (WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, fire-elemental longsword)), Ġeofon (WP:20, deals 4x damage to enemies weak to water, axe), Cysgodion (WP:11, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Cryfder (WP:6), Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, light-elemental; longsword), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), 2 Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them; accessory), Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), Samurai Helmet (WP:4, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), King's Crown (Headwear, protects against Doom and Petrified, Suitable for all classes), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Sleep, Remedy, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, 5 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, Minimizing Dust, Smoke Bomb, 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Cannon Parts (quest item), Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Sorcerer Level 19 *Dual Strike* *Immune to Sealed, Magic and Healing* *Lucky* *Inspired* Power: 32 (19+13) Defense: 5 (3+2) Health: 54/54 27/27 (5+18+4) Ether: 29/29 (5+18+1+5) Gold: 249 Equipment: Batarang (WP:13, darkness-elemental throwing weapon), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from Sealed-effect), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing) Inventory:Sleeper (WP:5, melee/throwing weapon, deals Asleep, Hollow [Grand Potion]), Cloak of Espionage (allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle; backwear), Snake Eye Charm (Protects from Petrified-effect), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Potion, Grand Potion (3), Health Core, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Bone, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Lee Long (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) 42 years old male human Chi Monk Level 50 2/5 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blinded, Sealed, Confused, Asleep & Weakened* *Dragons cause halved damage* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 52 (50+2) Defense: 10 Health: 117/124 62/62 (12+50) Ether: 51/53 (3+50) Gold: 0 Equipment: Chi Facepaint (protects from blinded-, sealed-, confused- & asleep-effect; suitable for Lee only; accessory) Long Changbao (SP:10, halves damage done by enemies named "dragon"; suitable for Lee only; bodywear), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect; handwear) Inventory: Diamond (Light), Amethyst (Darkness) Topazor (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Topaz G.E.M. Automaton Level 27 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Lightning* *Automatic lucky-effect to allies* Power: 27 Element: Lightning Condition: 100/100 Defense: 10 Emeray (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Emerald G.E.M. Automaton Level 26 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Wood* *Automatic inspired-effect to allies* Power: 26 Element: Wood Condition: 76/100 Defense: 10 Party leader, post the battle order. Everyone, post your actions.

You have to think about what made them thieves and conmen. Place yourself in a situation where you and your family have no income, no chance to work your way out of misery, and you are surrounded by thousands of people in the same position as you. I feel sorry that I have to heavily underline and spell out the misery of the citizens of Eubric to some of you guys, but I'm trying the best I can to do portray it realistically. Sorry, my questers, I'm pressed for time as I'm heading to see my family and friends in another city, so my quests will continue tomorrow. Quest#74 is just about done, and Quest#75 will have its final showdown. It's going to be epic!

Again, I really want to avoid making the moral choices in my quests about "good option vs. evil option". It's really down to a matter of opinion - like in Quest#75, should the heroes involve theirselves in the politics of a country that they have no connection with, or should they just do what they are told and finish the job they are hired for? Your call. If my depictions of the Hovels isn't enough to convince people that the 6 houses do not care for the citizens of Eubric (unless they have money), then I don't know what will. And if you don't take my word that Wolfgang is helping out the people in the Hovels, then I cannot really do anything to convince you otherwise.

QM Note: Yes, it would. I just miscalculated with my computer's calculator. Yes, I'm that good at maths. Results of Round Four of the Zombie Paladin Battle: >Sarge vs. Frimelda (twice) - Shield/Mortal Hit (Arrogant Prick - Frimelda: 467 health-(86 healthx4/2=172+172=344 dmg)=123 health; Sarge: nothing to steal) >Sarge vs. Frimelda (twice) - Deflected Damage/Hide >Jeaux does nothing >Heckz does nothing Sarge arrogantly pricks the zombie paladin yet again, then goes into hiding. Results of Round Five of the Zombie Paladin Battle: >Sarge vs. Frimelda (twice) - Hide/Special Dodge >Sarge vs. Frimelda (twice) - Shield/Mortal Hit (Arrogant Prick - Frimelda: 467 health-(86 healthx4/2=172+172=344 dmg)=123 health; Sarge: nothing to steal) >Jeaux does nothing >Heckz does nothing This time around, Sarge hides first, then jumps at Dame Frimelda to prick her with arrogance. It was the last prick she ever got, as she crumbled back to being dead. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! Sarge, Jeaux and Heckz earn half of a level. The enemy drops nothing, since Sarge already stole everything she got. Party: Sgt Jon. Mcency (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 53 years old male human Black Knight Level 18 1/2 *Dual Strike* *Immune to blinded and stunned* *Hastened* Power: 35 (18+17) Health: 30/36 (7+17+9+3) Defense: 24 (20+4) Gold: 1088 (70 owed to Brickington) Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:17, dual strike, Light, Darkness, Hollow (-) daggers), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Black Knight's armour (SP:4, Immune to stunned), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened-effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear) Inventory: Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (-) halberd), 2x Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Unholy Armour (SP:5, immunity to light and darkness, suitable to paladins and dark knights; bodywear), Potion x3, Grand Potion x5, Remedy, Nostrum, Venom x3, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying glass, Business Card, Bone x2, 2x Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Mythril Shard Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554) Male automaton Ranger Level 15 1/2 Power: 20 (15+5) Defense: 0 (-2) Health: 20/20 (6+14) Gold: 167 Equipment: Eminus (WP: 5; bow), Handy Suitcase (SP-2, use 2 Items; accessory) Inventory: Golden Handcannon (WP:9; lightning-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1 to a bow or crossbow; backwear), Topaz (Lightning), Grand Tonic Phoenix Essence, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb, Holy Bomb, Water Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x6, Turdwing (fly familiar; causes confused to one opponent whenever used) Heckz Brutenhal,The Ghostbuster (Eric-Su) 32 year old male human Mage Level 13 1/2 Power: 22 (13+9) (Spellpower: 27 (13+9+5)) Health: 17/17 (5+12) Ether: 18/18 (5+12+1) Gold: 164 Equipment: Rawr (WP:9), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5, handwear) Inventory: 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), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Health Core, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Elixir, Mead, Bedroll, Bone x2, Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold/100 gold at magic shops) Jensen (NPC, controlled by Pyrovisionary) 36 years old male orc Gravedigger Level 12 1/2 Power: 17 (12+5) Health: 1/21 (10+11) Gold: 0 Equipment: Rusty Shovel (WP:5, damages undead) Inventory: Loot stolen by Sarge: Unholy Armour (SP:5, immunity to light and darkness, suitable to paladins and dark knights; bodywear) 900 gold During the battle, the vampiric doctor had recovered from being flung into a wall, and now sat on the very bench he had used to revive Frimelda Lettuce. "Avvv, look vhat you did! You ruined by ekthperiment! But it wath thtill a triumph, ath I became the firtht perthon to conquer death vithout the uthe ov necromanthy or vampirithm! Haha, take that, Mathked Man, vor doubting my thkillth!" The vampire gasps suddenly, as he realizes something. "Thuckth, you mutht have been thent here by the Mathked Man himthelv! He mutht have notithed that the noteth ov Dr. Parathelthior had gone miththing! But they were jutht too interethting to pathth. Am I vired now?" "Nooo fiiiree doocttooor! He haaateee fiireee!!!" The heroes are unsure whether they understood everything the doctor said, but they still have to come up with a response.

"I am here to bring Jun back home to his mother. The Xuan politics are of no concern to me anymore." "What is too much blood? And who are you to judge me? You have just killed 26 of my companions, and I've been told you had a hand of killing the other 73 at the Pagoda before that. Did the Stars threaten your life in any way? No, you were hired to slaughter them. So don't preach me about the dishonor of killing." "Lady Shanxian Ji Pei would of course be free to continue her life on the Free Islands, despite being an emissary of the Council. We will not be persecuting officials sent abroad. The simple fact is that the current government must be overthrown and replaced with people of various races and origins, if we ever hope to have justice in this land. It is true that the blood of my brotherhood is on my hands, but they were warriors, each and every one of them, trained to fight and die for us aoi. You must see that I had no choice but to strike where it would hurt the Council the most." "Power corrupts, that much I know. Which is why I am willing to be only the instigator for the rebellion and give the power to the hands of a new council chosen by the people of Xu. What comes after that, it is in the hands of fate." "The Council of Blue Hand has been in power for thousands of years, and nobody has been able to dethrone them during all that time - although there have been countless attempts, believe me. How would you suggest we should have started the rebellion, if not by eliminating the Council's personal guards?" "Excuse me, but who have we terrorized, exactly? Ah, you mean the lies being spread about us? Panther Head told me about those when he returned from his old hometown of Baokun. I swear, we have not been robbing or pillaging the countryside neither here nor in Hoshin province, despite what the nasty rumors tell. The government wants everyone to see us as bandits rather than rebels. It seems you have been under the same misguided allusion."

Results of Round Three of the Zombie Paladin Battle: >Sarge vs. Frimelda (twice) - Shield/Special Damage (Arrogant Prick - Frimelda: 1155 health-(86 healthx4/2=172+172=344 dmg)=811 health; Sarge: steals Unholy Armour and 900 gold) >Sarge vs. Frimelda (twice) - Critical Mortal Hit/Shield (Arrogant Prick - Frimelda: 1155 health-(86 healthx4/2=172+172=344 dmg)=467 health; Sarge: nothing to steal) >Jeaux does nothing >Heckz does nothing Sarge performs an arrogant prick at Frimelda four times in a row, and strips away her plate of armour as well as the pouch of gold she carries. Enemy: Dame Frimelda Lettuce *Immune to all negative effects* Type: Undead/Holy Level: 50 Defense: 5 Health: 467/1573 Special I: Deal with Devil – Frimelda gets encouraged, hastened and lucky. However, she loses 90% of her health (rounded up) as well. Special II: Unholy Cross – Deals 50 light-elemental damage to all combatants, including herself. Used only if encouraged, hastened and lucky. Drops: nothing Party: Sgt Jon. Mcency (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 53 years old male human Black Knight Level 18 *Dual Strike* *Immune to blinded and stunned* *Hastened* *Encouraged* *Lucky* Power: 35 (18+17) Health: 30/36 (7+17+9+3) Defense: 24 (20+4) Gold: 1088 (70 owed to Brickington) Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:17, dual strike, Light, Darkness, Hollow (-) daggers), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Black Knight's armour (SP:4, Immune to stunned), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened-effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear) Inventory: Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (-) halberd), 2x Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Unholy Armour (SP:5, immunity to light and darkness, suitable to paladins and dark knights; bodywear), Potion x3, Grand Potion x5, Remedy, Nostrum, Venom x3, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying glass, Business Card, Bone x2, 2x Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Mythril Shard Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554) Male automaton Ranger Level 15 Power: 20 (15+5) Defense: 0 (-2) Health: 20/20 (6+14) Gold: 167 Equipment: Eminus (WP: 5; bow), Handy Suitcase (SP-2, use 2 Items; accessory) Inventory: Golden Handcannon (WP:9; lightning-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1 to a bow or crossbow; backwear), Topaz (Lightning), Grand Tonic Phoenix Essence, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb, Holy Bomb, Water Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x6, Turdwing (fly familiar; causes confused to one opponent whenever used) Heckz Brutenhal,The Ghostbuster (Eric-Su) 32 year old male human Mage Level 13 Power: 22 (13+9) (Spellpower: 27 (13+9+5)) Health: 17/17 (5+12) Ether: 18/18 (5+12+1) Gold: 164 Equipment: Rawr (WP:9), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5, handwear) Inventory: 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), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Health Core, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Elixir, Mead, Bedroll, Bone x2, Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold/100 gold at magic shops) Jensen (NPC, controlled by Pyrovisionary) 36 years old male orc Gravedigger Level 12 1/2 *Knocked Out* Power: 17 (12+5) Health: 0/21 (10+11) Gold: 0 Equipment: Rusty Shovel (WP:5, damages undead) Inventory: Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions.

Master Kai Tsi stands up. "I thank you for not making any rushed decisions, although I can see you have not let your guard down. 'Tis only wise, considering the company you are in. The Constellation is formed from my most powerful and loyal followers, who have been with me since the beginning of this daring enterprise. You see, our one and only goal is to dethrone the Council of the Blue Hand and end the tyrannic rule of the aoi in Xu. Ironic, you might say, considering my own skin color, but indeed, I am a betrayer of my own kind. Manyfold so, since I let my followers into the Pagoda of Nine Elements where they killed all my Tao Warrior colleagues and students. It was the hardest thing I have had to do during this uprising, but it was inevitable." "You see, our brotherhood was solemnly sworn to protect the Council, and their bodyguards contain solely Tao Warriors. It would have been my destiny as well, had fate not have different plans for me. And Jun would have also gained a position in the Azure Guard, had he stayed in Xu. We would have served the oppressors together, but alas, our paths took us to different directions." "Xiaolin, that's enough of your romantic tirades. Listen, I am aware we have been coined as a band of thieves and thugs, but that is untrue. While our members came from all walks of life, we were brought together by a common cause: to end the tyranny and oppression of the aoi. It is not right that one race holds itself so high above everyone else that they see themselves as gods, and others as their slaves. Apart from Lee Long, you are not from around here, so you do not have an inkling of what it is like to live in Xu. The Council of the Blue Hand has always promoted war, whether it is against the nagas of Nagashan, the Empire of Njag or the horsemen of the northern Genghis Steppe. That way they can keep collecting taxes from commoners to put into their technological experiments, and keep everyone's minds occupied lest they start to have dangerous thoughts of what it would be like to live in a free country. It is a self-sustaining system that the aoi have kept going for millennia, and during my meditations over the years I came to the conclusion that only an aoi could stop the vicious cycle. That is how I became the Protector of Justice." "Do you want to hear the story of how I became known as the Blue-faced Beast? The name was given to me by a man..." "Xiaolin, for the ancestor's sake, be quiet! I apologize for my daughter, she has no sense of dignity in her. If only her mother would have lived past the childbirth, she could have gotten a totally different upbringing... In any case, have you heard enough of our motives? I only wish you will let me and my company go. We swear we will not bother the werepanthers anymore, but find another place to recuperate and build our ranks. If only we can spread the flames of rebellion among the common people throughout Xu, the Council will soon have a Million Stars of Destiny against them!" Jun looks thoughtful. "I imagine I would still be kept as your 'guest' to ensure that my mother won't report you to the Council?" "You have always been a smart boy, Jun." "Smart, yes, and prone to keep a grudge. As much as I admire your noble cause, Master Kai Tsi, I still cannot get over the fact that you butchered the other masters and my old friends at the Pagoda. But most of the culprits are dead as well now, so I'm torn whether you should be left alive or not. I let Tarn and the others decide." "You're merciless, Jun. That's what I've always loved about you, tehehe." "Xiaolin..." Party: Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 30 year old male human Witch Level 28 2/3 *Poisoned Hits* *Counterstrike* *Immune to Water, Lightning, and Wood* *Negative Effects Last One Round* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 40 (28+12) Defense: 4 Health: 96/96 48/48 (7+27+8+6) Ether: 23/26 (1+28-3) Gold: 145 Equipment: Tiger Claws (WP:12, double against humanoids; dual strike dagger),Amulet of the Court (Suitable for anyone, negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear), Rat's Hide (Suitable for anyone, SP:4, backwear) Inventory: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental staff), Conspirator (WP: 15, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 8, shield), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear), Ruby (Fire), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 3 Health Cores, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, Remedy, 2 Phoenix Essences, 3 Mulled Wines, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer (Flare) 28 years old male half-elven Beast Warrior Level 34 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects and Wood Element* *Encouraged* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 52 (34+15+3) Defense: 10 (4+6) Health: 110/110 55/55 (6+33+15+1) Gold: 1410 (owes 500 to Alexis Fenral) Equipment: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind-, earth-elemental), Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to asleep, blinded, confused, frail, and weakened effects), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile), Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors) Inventory: Grogmas Handcannon (WP:12 + the number of the round of battle), Flagpole (WP:3, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance), Kusarigama (WP:10, whip), Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Tricorne (headwear, SP:3), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Potion (2), Grand Potion (12), Health Core (8),Remedy (6), Phoenix Essence (4), Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (3), Mead (5), Mulled Wine (3), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3), Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel,Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Nagure (Costy) 34 year old Male Yeti Berserker. Level 19 1/2 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Ice, Fire, Fragile and Blinded* *Counterstrike* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 29 (19+10) Defense: 22 ( 12+10) Health: 72/72 36/36 (8+14+10) Gold: 49 Equipment: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe),Shield (SP:10), Yeti Fur Coat (Artefact, bodywear, SP:12, immunity to Ice,Fire, Fragile and Blindness; suitable for yetis only), Counterstrike Gloves (Artefact, handwear; After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 15, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Tiger Slayer (WP:10, double against enemies with “tiger” in their name; spear), Helmet (SP:1), Potion x2, Grand Potion x8, Remedy x2, Tiger Balm,Phoenix Essences x2, Phoenix Incense, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x3,Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pickaxe, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Tarn Valco (Rumble Strike) *Party Leader* 22 year old human male Raider Level 24 1/3 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Weakened* *Counterstrike* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 37 (24+13) Defense: 6 Health: 80/80 40/40 (7+23+7+3) Gold: 241 Equipment: Lion’s Heart (WP: 13, darkness-elemental, stun-effect; greatsword), Darksteel Armor (SP:6, Max. Health +3, Immunity to Weakened; bodywear), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves (handwear, after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level) Inventory: Veritas/Equitas (WP:10, Dual Strike, twin sais), Helbaerend (WP: 10; water-, ice- and lightning-elemental, Hollow Blade; axe, Grand Potion equipped), Bagpipes (WP:8, wind-elemental instrument), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6, spear), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness; suitable to Black Knights only), Amulet of U'Kin Nobility (Grants Diplomacy to wearer when addressing a U'Kin), Death Mask (Increases assassination chances to 1/3 when the target’s health is lowered to 1/3; suitable to assassins; headwear), Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), Opal (Ice), Potion, Grand Potion x3, Health Core, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence x2,Mead x5, Nostrum x5, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bucket, Bone x2, Cannon Parts (quest item), Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Tesni Hightribe (Peppermint_M) Level 31 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Afraid* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 48 (31+10+3+4) Defense: 14 (8+2+4) Health: 100/100 50/50 (8+29+10+2) Gold: 1135 Equipment: Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer), Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:8, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear) Inventory: Fàelàn (WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, fire-elemental longsword)), Ġeofon (WP:20, deals 4x damage to enemies weak to water, axe), Cysgodion (WP:11, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Cryfder (WP:6), Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, light-elemental; longsword), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), 2 Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them; accessory), Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), Samurai Helmet (WP:4, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), King's Crown (Headwear, protects against Doom and Petrified, Suitable for all classes), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Sleep, Remedy, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, 5 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, Minimizing Dust, Smoke Bomb, 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Cannon Parts (quest item), Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Sorcerer Level 19 *Dual Strike* *Immune to Sealed, Magic and Healing* *Lucky* *Inspired* Power: 32 (19+13) Defense: 5 (3+2) Health: 54/54 27/27 (5+18+4) Ether: 29/29 (5+18+1+5) Gold: 249 Equipment: Batarang (WP:13, darkness-elemental throwing weapon), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from Sealed-effect), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing) Inventory:Sleeper (WP:5, melee/throwing weapon, deals Asleep, Hollow [Grand Potion]), Cloak of Espionage (allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle; backwear), Snake Eye Charm (Protects from Petrified-effect), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Potion, Grand Potion (3), Health Core, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Bone, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Lee Long (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) 42 years old male human Chi Monk Level 50 2/5 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blinded, Sealed, Confused, Asleep & Weakened* *Dragons cause halved damage* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 52 (50+2) Defense: 10 Health: 117/124 62/62 (12+50) Ether: 51/53 (3+50) Gold: 0 Equipment: Chi Facepaint (protects from blinded-, sealed-, confused- & asleep-effect; suitable for Lee only; accessory) Long Changbao (SP:10, halves damage done by enemies named "dragon"; suitable for Lee only; bodywear), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect; handwear) Inventory: Diamond (Light), Amethyst (Darkness) Topazor (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Topaz G.E.M. Automaton Level 27 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Lightning* *Automatic lucky-effect to allies* Power: 27 Element: Lightning Condition: 100/100 Defense: 10 Emeray (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Emerald G.E.M. Automaton Level 26 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Wood* *Automatic inspired-effect to allies* Power: 26 Element: Wood Condition: 76/100 Defense: 10

Sorry, that was a blooper on my part. The Galactic Armour is naturally bodywear, since it's worn on the body.

Yes, they're both similar items.

Thalion gathers valuable information about the remaining nine Stars. Blue-faced Beast (17th Star) *Immune to stunned, blinded, sealed, confused, petrified, minimized, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid Level: 59 Defense: 5 Health: 2728/2728 Special I: Aoi Legacy – Causes encouraged, lucky and reinforced effects to self. Special II: Bound By Fate – Damages the target and the opponent next in order equal to the difference between the targets’ current health. Drops: Xiaolin’s Bident (WP:16; instantly kills Aoi; ice- and lightning-elemental spear), 100 gold Cloud Dragon (4th Star) *Immune to poisoned, badly poisoned, minimized, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid/Flying Level: 54 Health: 2314/2314 Special: Dragon’s Wings – Causes 32 wind-elemental damage to all enemies and hastens all allies. Drops: White Dragon’s Greaves (SP:3, avoid traps on the ground, immunity to earth and petrified; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; footwear), 101 gold Double Clubs (8th Star) *Immune to all negative effects* Type: Beast/Fiery Level: 55 Health: 3463/3463 Special: Double Whack-a-mole – Causes 55 damage regardless of SP to the target and 1-6 other random opponents. Drops: 2 Phoenix Essences. 102 gold Note: Double Spears always damages the target and the opponent next in order. Fiery Thunderbolt (7th Star) *Immune to stunned, sealed, confused, minimized, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Fiery/Electric Level: 52 Health: 1887/1887 Ether: 5/5 Special I: Heavenly Fireworks – Causes 52 fire- and lightning-elemental damage regardless of row to all opponents. Costs 1 ether. Special II: Kamikaze – Deals damage equal to own health left to one opponent, instantly killing herself in the process. Used only if ether has ran out. Drops: 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), 103 gold Note: Fiery Thunderbolt’s attacks are fire- and lightning-elemental. Jade Unicorn (2nd Star) *Immune to minimized, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid Level: 57 Defense: 7 Health: 2571/2571 Special I: Cleansing Horn – Transfers all negative effects from herself to the target, and all positive effects from the target to herself. Used only if she has negative effects. Special II: Piercing Horn – Causes 57 damage regardless of SP to the target. Used if she has no negative effects. Drops: Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors; headwear), 104 gold Great Blade (5th Star) *Immune to stunned, sleep, blinded, sealed, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid Level: 56 Health: 2222/2222 Special: Great Divide – Halves the health of all opponents regardless of row and defense. Drops: Great Blade (WP:25, greatsword), 105 gold Panther Head (6th Star) *Immune to blinded, confused, hexed, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Beast Level: 53 Health: 2415/2415 Special I: Roar of Rage – Causes enraged-effect to all opponents and makes them berserk, preventing them from changing targets until the current one has been defeated. Special II: Camouflage – Prevents the Panther Head from getting targeted with any actions for the remainder of the round. Used if all opponents are enraged. Drops: Nunchaku (Dual strike, suitable to Chi Monks; handwear), 106 gold Resourceful Star (3rd Star) *Immune to stunned, sealed, petrified, doomed and sudden death* Type: Humanoid/Holy Level: 58 Health: 2683/2683 Ether: 8/8 Special: Stardust – Restores health to all allies equal to the amount of Stars of Destiny killed. Costs 1 ether. Drops: 6 Elixirs, 107 gold Note: The Resourceful Star uses Stardust as a Free Hit. Protector of Justice (1st Star) *Immune to Light, Darkness, all negative effects and sudden death* Type: Humanoid Level: 60 Defense: 6 Health: 3026/3026 Special I: Galactic Justice ~ Meteor Shower – Causes 30 light-elemental damage regardless of row to members of the opposing party 2-12 times. The hits are divided as equally as possible. Special II: Galactic Justice ~ Black Hole – Causes 30 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of row over three rounds, starting from the current round. Special III: Galactic Justice ~ Heaven’s Gate – Restores one random fallen Star of Destiny back to life to join the battle. The revived Star does not drop anything. Drops: Galactic Armor (SP:6, Max. Health +6, immunity to light, darkness and doomed; bodywear), 108 gold Note: Specials alternate.

QM Note: Sorry, I forgot that Sarge was attacking from the back row last round, so his damage output was halved. The last round's results have been fixed accordingly. Results of Round Two of the Zombie Paladin Battle: >Sarge uses Phoenix Essence from the Hollow Blade on Heckz - (Heckz: revived with full health) >Sarge vs. Frimelda (twice) - Mortal Hit (Frimelda: 1310 health+5 SP-(35+5=40x4/2=80+80=160 dmg)=1155 health) >Sarge vs. Frimelda (twice) - Damage (Sarge: 31 health+24 SP-(50/2=25 dmg)=30 health) >Jeaux uses Turdwing on Frimelda - (Frimelda: no effect) >Heckz uses Nostrum on Sarge - (Sarge: lucky) Sarge revives Heckz. Then he attacks Frimelda, who strikes right back at him. Jeaux sends Turdwing to pester Frimelda, but she doesn't even notice the fly. Heckz makes Sarge lucky with a Nostrum. Enemy: Dame Frimelda Lettuce *Immune to all negative effects* Type: Undead/Holy Level: 50 Defense: 5 Health: 1155/1573 Special I: Deal with Devil – Frimelda gets encouraged, hastened and lucky. However, she loses 90% of her health (rounded up) as well. Special II: Unholy Cross – Deals 50 light-elemental damage to all combatants, including herself. Used only if encouraged, hastened and lucky. Drops: Unholy Armour (SP:5, immunity to light and darkness, suitable to paladins and dark knights; bodywear), 900 gold Party: Sgt Jon. Mcency (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 53 years old male human Black Knight Level 18 *Dual Strike* *Immune to blinded and stunned* *Hastened* *Encouraged* *Lucky* Power: 35 (18+17) Health: 30/36 (7+17+9+3) Defense: 24 (20+4) Gold: 188 (70 owed to Brickington) Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:17, dual strike, Light, Darkness, Hollow (-) daggers), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Black Knight's armour (SP:4, Immune to stunned), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened-effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear) Inventory: Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (-) halberd), 2x Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Potion x3, Grand Potion x5, Remedy, Nostrum, Venom x3, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying glass, Business Card, Bone x2, 2x Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Mythril Shard Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554) Male automaton Ranger Level 15 Power: 20 (15+5) Defense: 0 (-2) Health: 20/20 (6+14) Gold: 167 Equipment: Eminus (WP: 5; bow), Handy Suitcase (SP-2, use 2 Items; accessory) Inventory: Golden Handcannon (WP:9; lightning-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1 to a bow or crossbow; backwear), Topaz (Lightning), Grand Tonic Phoenix Essence, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb, Holy Bomb, Water Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x6, Turdwing (fly familiar; causes confused to one opponent whenever used) Heckz Brutenhal,The Ghostbuster (Eric-Su) 32 year old male human Mage Level 13 Power: 22 (13+9) (Spellpower: 27 (13+9+5)) Health: 17/17 (5+12) Ether: 18/18 (5+12+1) Gold: 164 Equipment: Rawr (WP:9), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5, handwear) Inventory: 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), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Health Core, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Elixir, Mead, Bedroll, Bone x2, Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold/100 gold at magic shops) Jensen (NPC, controlled by Pyrovisionary) 36 years old male orc Gravedigger Level 12 1/2 *Knocked Out* Power: 17 (12+5) Health: 0/21 (10+11) Gold: 0 Equipment: Rusty Shovel (WP:5, damages undead) Inventory: Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions.

Not really. Both the Fiery Sawblade and Aquatic Labrys deal 4x damage to enemies with a certain elemental weakness, which means they add a 4x multiplier to the total damage output against those enemies. Hunter's Crossbow is like the Sharkjaw Scythe you got from the Bigger Fishes.

The party decide to leave Rubio, Garnetic, Opalix and Aquamarq behind. Nagure holds the rising pedestal steady as the rest of them climb aboard. "GIVE THEM HELL!" "I HOPE YOU FIND YOUNG MAS-TER JI PEI UP THERE." "WE WILL TAKE CARE OF THE NIAN UNTIL YOU RE-TURN." "GOOD LUCK." The four abandoned automata and the bipedal beast watch as the pedestal slowly ascends on top of the waterspout, eventually disappearing into a concealed hole in the ceiling. Party: Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 30 year old male human Witch Level 28 2/3 *Poisoned Hits* *Counterstrike* *Immune to Water, Lightning, and Wood* *Negative Effects Last One Round* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 40 (28+12) Defense: 4 Health: 96/96 48/48 (7+27+8+6) Ether: 23/26 (1+28-3) Gold: 145 Equipment: Tiger Claws (WP:12, double against humanoids; dual strike dagger),Amulet of the Court (Suitable for anyone, negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear), Rat's Hide (Suitable for anyone, SP:4, backwear) Inventory: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental staff), Conspirator (WP: 15, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 8, shield), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear), Ruby (Fire), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 3 Health Cores, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, Remedy, 2 Phoenix Essences, 3 Mulled Wines, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer (Flare) 28 years old male half-elven Beast Warrior Level 34 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects and Wood Element* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 52 (34+15+3) Defense: 10 (4+6) Health: 110/110 55/55 (6+33+15+1) Gold: 1410 (owes 500 to Alexis Fenral) Equipment: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind-, earth-elemental), Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to asleep, blinded, confused, frail, and weakened effects), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile), Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors) Inventory: Grogmas Handcannon (WP:12 + the number of the round of battle), Flagpole (WP:3, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance), Kusarigama (WP:10, whip), Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Tricorne (headwear, SP:3), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Potion (2), Grand Potion (12), Health Core (8),Remedy (6), Phoenix Essence (4), Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (3), Mead (6), Mulled Wine (3), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3), Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel,Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Nagure (Costy) 34 year old Male Yeti Berserker. Level 19 1/2 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Ice, Fire, Fragile and Blindness* *Counterstrike* *Lucky* *Inspired* Power: 29 (19+10) Defense: 22 ( 12+10) Health: 72/72 36/36 (8+14+10) Gold: 49 Equipment: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe),Shield (SP:10), Yeti Fur Coat (Artefact, bodywear, SP:12, immunity to Ice,Fire, Fragile and Blindness; suitable for yetis only), Counterstrike Gloves (Artefact, handwear; After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 15, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Tiger Slayer (WP:10, double against enemies with “tiger” in their name; spear), Helmet (SP:1), Potion x2, Grand Potion x8, Remedy x2, Tiger Balm,Phoenix Essences x2, Phoenix Incense, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x3,Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pickaxe, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Tarn Valco (Rumble Strike) *Party Leader* 22 year old human male Raider Level 24 1/3 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Weakened* *Counterstrike* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 37 (24+13) Defense: 6 Health: 80/80 40/40 (7+23+7+3) Gold: 241 Equipment: Lion’s Heart (WP: 13, darkness-elemental, stun-effect; greatsword), Darksteel Armor (SP:6, Max. Health +3, Immunity to Weakened; bodywear), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves (handwear, after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level) Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10; water-, ice- and lightning-elemental, Hollow Blade; axe, Grand Potion equipped), Bagpipes (WP:8, wind-elemental instrument), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6, spear), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness; suitable to Black Knights only), Amulet of U'Kin Nobility (Grants Diplomacy to wearer when addressing a U'Kin), Death Mask (Increases assassination chances to 1/3 when the target’s health is lowered to 1/3; suitable to assassins; headwear), Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), Opal (Ice), Potion, Grand Potion x3, Health Core, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence x2,Mead x5, Nostrum x5, Smelling Salts x2, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bucket, Bone x2, Cannon Parts (quest item), Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Tesni Hightribe (Peppermint_M) Level 31 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Afraid* *Lucky* *Inspired* Power: 48 (31+10+3+4) Defense: 14 (8+2+4) Health: 100/100 50/50 (8+29+10+2) Gold: 1135 Equipment: Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer), Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:8, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear) Inventory: Fàelàn (WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, fire-elemental longsword)), Ġeofon (WP:20, deals 4x damage to enemies weak to water, axe), Cysgodion (WP:11, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Cryfder (WP:6), Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, light-elemental; longsword), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), 2 Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them; accessory), Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), Samurai Helmet (WP:4, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), King's Crown (Headwear, protects against Doom and Petrified, Suitable for all classes), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Sleep, Remedy, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, 5 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, Minimizing Dust, Smoke Bomb, 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Cannon Parts (quest item), Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Sorcerer Level 19 *Dual Strike* *Immune to Sealed, Magic and Healing* *Lucky* *Inspired* Power: 32 (19+13) Defense: 5 (3+2) Health: 54/54 27/27 (5+18+4) Ether: 29/29 (5+18+1+5) Gold: 249 Equipment: Batarang (WP:13, darkness-elemental throwing weapon), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from Sealed-effect), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing) Inventory: Veritas/Equitas (WP:10, Dual Strike, twin sais), Sleeper (WP:5, melee/throwing weapon, deals Asleep, Hollow [Grand Potion]), Cloak of Espionage (allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle; backwear), Snake Eye Charm (Protects from Petrified-effect), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Potion, Grand Potion (3), Health Core, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Bone, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Lee Long (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) 42 years old male human Chi Monk Level 50 2/5 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blinded, Sealed, Confused, Asleep & Weakened* *Dragons cause halved damage* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Hastened* Power: 52 (50+2) Defense: 10 Health: 117/124 62/62 (12+50) Ether: 51/53 (3+50) Gold: 0 Equipment: Chi Facepaint (protects from blinded-, sealed-, confused- & asleep-effect; suitable for Lee only; accessory) Long Changbao (SP:10, halves damage done by enemies named "dragon"; suitable for Lee only; bodywear), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect; handwear) Inventory: Diamond (Light), Amethyst (Darkness) Topazor (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Topaz G.E.M. Automaton Level 27 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Lightning* *Automatic lucky-effect to allies* Power: 27 Element: Lightning Condition: 100/100 Defense: 10 Emeray (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Emerald G.E.M. Automaton Level 26 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Wood* *Automatic inspired-effect to allies* Power: 26 Element: Wood Condition: 76/100 Defense: 10 Somewhere above the heroes, the remnants of the Stars of Destiny have gathered to a cave with a huge carving of a dragon's head on one of the walls. The others are clutching their weapons, but three aoi just sit around a low table, sipping tea. "Master Kai Tsi, the sounds of battle have subsided long ago, yet we haven't heard a report from your underlings. It seems they've all been defeated by Lee and Heroica. It won't be long before those people find their way up here. Shouldn't you be preparing for the upcoming battle?" "Patience, Jun. There is no reason to rush fate. And I haven't finished my tea yet." The female aoi smiles at Jun across the table. "It seems they are here to save you rather than to stop us, Jun. Are you not bothered that your stepfather is among our opponents?" Jun smashes his fist into the table, making the teacups chime. "Lee Long is not my stepfather! I would not care if you flay him alive. But the champions must be sent by my mother. She must be worried sick." "Hmm, flaying is not in our repertoire, I'm afraid. But if we survive tonight, maybe we could send your mother a letter. Would that be alright, father?" "No, my precious Xiaolin. It is best that whatever happens, the Council of the Blue Hand will think of us dead. Even if it is just down to the nine of us, I have high trust that justice will be done in due time." The armored aoi empties his teacup with a final gulp, then gazes at the hole in front of the dragon's head statue. "It is time we meet our destiny, my daughter. Constellation, do not provoke our opponents. Let us see if we can find a non-violent solution to this." At that moment the heroes emerge from the hole, and they step out of the pedestal to face the final Stars. "Jun, by the gods you really are still alive! Have they hurt you?" "Lee, this is my former instructor, Master Kai Tsi, and his daughter and my former lover, Xiaolin. I have nothing to fear from either of them." The young aoi then looks at Tarn and the others. "Glad to see you've come back for me, Tarn and Tesni, even though it turns out you were not the dastanese mercenaries you claimed to be. However, I am in no need of rescue. You on the other hand should hear what Master Kai Tsi has to say before doing anything irrational." How will the heroes respond?

Huh? The whole description of Hunter's Crossbow is messed up. The original description (way back in Quest#6 where it was dropped) was "Hunter’s Crossbow (WP: 4/8 against beasts)". So it had the WP of 4 normally, and WP of 8 against beasts. I don't know what has happened to the weapon's description between now and then, but essentially the weapon should now have WP:22 against beasts, since when the WP is upgraded, it affects the second value as well. Sorry for the confusion...

Results of Round One of the Zombie Paladin Battle: >Jeaux uses Mead on Sarge - (Sarge: encouraged) >Sarge vs. Frimelda (twice) - Critical Mortal Hit (Frimelda: 1573 health+5 SP-(52+15=67x4/2=134+134=268 dmg)=1310 health) >Sarge uses a Potion on himself - (Sarge: +10 health) >Jensen vs. Frimelda - Damage (Jensen: 12 health-(50/2=25 dmg)=0 health) >Heckz (Ice) vs. Frimelda - Damage (Heckz: 7 health-(50/2=25 dmg)=0 health) Jeaux encourages Sarge, who in turn delivers a great blow against Dame Frimelda. Sarge restores some health to himself, but in the mean time the zombie paladin knocks out both Heckz and Jensen with her powerful strikes. Enemy: Dame Frimelda Lettuce *Immune to all negative effects* Type: Undead/Holy Level: 50 Defense: 5 Health: 1310/1573 Special I: Deal with Devil – Frimelda gets encouraged, hastened and lucky. However, she loses 90% of her health (rounded up) as well. Special II: Unholy Cross – Deals 50 light-elemental damage to all combatants, including herself. Used only if encouraged, hastened and lucky. Drops: Unholy Armour (SP:5, immunity to light and darkness, suitable to paladins and dark knights; bodywear), 900 gold Party: Sgt Jon. Mcency (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 53 years old male human Black Knight Level 18 *Dual Strike* *Immune to blinded and stunned* *Hastened* *Encouraged* Power: 35 (18+17) Health: 31/36 (7+17+9+3) Defense: 24 (20+4) Gold: 188 (70 owed to Brickington) Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:17, dual strike, Light, Darkness, Hollow (Phoenix Essence) daggers), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Black Knight's armour (SP:4, Immune to stunned), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened-effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear) Inventory: Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (-) halberd), 2x Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Potion x3, Grand Potion x5, Remedy, Nostrum, Venom x3, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying glass, Business Card, Bone x2, 2x Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Mythril Shard Jeaux Elmfyre (joeshmoe554) Male automaton Ranger Level 15 Power: 20 (15+5) Defense: 0 (-2) Health: 20/20 (6+14) Gold: 167 Equipment: Eminus (WP: 5; bow), Handy Suitcase (SP-2, use 2 Items; accessory) Inventory: Golden Handcannon (WP:9; lightning-elemental), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1 to a bow or crossbow; backwear), Topaz (Lightning), Grand Tonic Phoenix Essence, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb, Holy Bomb, Water Bomb, Bedroll, Bone x6, Turdwing (fly familiar; causes confused to one opponent whenever used) Heckz Brutenhal,The Ghostbuster (Eric-Su) 32 year old male human Mage Level 13 *Knocked Out* Power: 22 (13+9) (Spellpower: 27 (13+9+5)) Health: 0/17 (5+12) Ether: 18/18 (5+12+1) Gold: 164 Equipment: Rawr (WP:9), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5, handwear) Inventory: 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), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Health Core, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Elixir, Nostrum, Mead, Bedroll, Bone x2, Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold/100 gold at magic shops) Jensen (NPC, controlled by Pyrovisionary) 36 years old male orc Gravedigger Level 12 1/2 *Knocked Out* Power: 17 (12+5) Health: 0/21 (10+11) Gold: 0 Equipment: Rusty Shovel (WP:5, damages undead) Inventory: Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions.

Ellaria nodded in approval. She felt confident she could convince the resistance leader. "Yes, we druids are powers, but I choose to use them for good. I agree to your terms, Mr. Garrie... Or may I call you Benedict? Please, take me your leader." Ellaria turns her back on the young man and places her hands behind her back, motioning that Benedict would be free to tie her up. She flashes him a sweet smile over her shoulder.

Yes, all items have the effect that is actually described for them. Did that come as a surprise to you?

Atramor hastens himself and Lee, while curiosity takes over Nagure, and he opens the big parcel that Double Spears dropped. The whole cave rumbles as the mighty yeti falls to the ground, having instantly been knocked out by the contents of the parcel. Party: Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 30 year old male human Witch Level 28 2/3 *Poisoned Hits* *Counterstrike* *Immune to Water, Lightning, and Wood* *Negative Effects Last One Round* *encouraged* *transcended* *lucky* *inspired* *reinforced* *blessed* *Hastened* Power: 40 (28+12) Defense: 8 4 Health: 96/96 48/48 (7+27+8+6) Ether: 23/26 (1+28-3) Gold: 145 Equipment: Tiger Claws (WP:12, double against humanoids; dual strike dagger),Amulet of the Court (Suitable for anyone, negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear), Rat's Hide (Suitable for anyone, SP:4, backwear) Inventory: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental staff), Conspirator (WP: 15, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 8, shield), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear), Ruby (Fire), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 3 Health Cores, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, Remedy, 2 Phoenix Essences, 3 Mulled Wines, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer (Flare) 28 years old male half-elven Beast Warrior Level 34 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects and Wood Element* *encouraged* *transcended* *lucky* *inspired* *reinforced* *blessed* *Hastened* Power: 52 (34+15+3) Defense: 20 10 (4+6) Health: 110/110 55/55 (6+33+15+1) Gold: 1410 (owes 500 to Alexis Fenral) Equipment: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind-, earth-elemental), Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to asleep, blinded, confused, frail, and weakened effects), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile), Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors) Inventory: Grogmas Handcannon (WP:12 + the number of the round of battle), Flagpole (WP:3, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance), Kusarigama (WP:10, whip), Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Tricorne (headwear, SP:3), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Potion (2), Grand Potion (12), Health Core (8),Remedy (6), Phoenix Essence (4), Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (3), Mead (6), Mulled Wine (3), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3), Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel,Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Nagure (Costy) 34 year old Male Yeti Berserker. Level 19 1/2 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Ice, Fire, Fragile and Blindness* *Counterstrike* *Knocked Out* Power: 29 (19+10) Defense: 22 ( 12+10) Health: 0/36 (8+14+10) Gold: 49 Equipment: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe),Shield (SP:10), Yeti Fur Coat (Artefact, bodywear, SP:12, immunity to Ice,Fire, Fragile and Blindness; suitable for yetis only), Counterstrike Gloves (Artefact, handwear; After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 15, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Tiger Slayer (WP:10, double against enemies with “tiger” in their name; spear), Helmet (SP:1), Potion x2, Grand Potion x8, Remedy x2, Tiger Balm,Phoenix Essences x2, Phoenix Incense, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x3,Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pickaxe, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Tarn Valco (Rumble Strike) *Party Leader* 22 year old human male Raider Level 24 1/3 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Weakened* *Counterstrike* *encouraged* *transcended* *lucky* *inspired* *reinforced* *blessed* Power: 37 (24+13) Defense: 12 6 Health: 80/80 40/40 (7+23+7+3) Gold: 241 Equipment: Lion’s Heart (WP: 13, darkness-elemental, stun-effect; greatsword), Darksteel Armor (SP:6, Max. Health +3, Immunity to Weakened; bodywear), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves (handwear, after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level) Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10; water-, ice- and lightning-elemental, Hollow Blade; axe, Grand Potion equipped), Bagpipes (WP:8, wind-elemental instrument), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6, spear), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness; suitable to Black Knights only), Amulet of U'Kin Nobility (Grants Diplomacy to wearer when addressing a U'Kin), Death Mask (Increases assassination chances to 1/3 when the target’s health is lowered to 1/3; suitable to assassins; headwear), Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), Opal (Ice), Potion, Grand Potion x3, Health Core, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence x3,Mead x5, Nostrum x5, Smelling Salts x3, Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bucket, Bone x2, Cannon Parts (quest item), Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Tesni Hightribe (Peppermint_M) Level 31 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Afraid* *encouraged* *transcended* *lucky* *inspired* *reinforced* *blessed* Power: 48 (31+10+3+4) Defense: 28 14 (8+2+4) Health: 100/100 50/50 (8+29+10+2) Gold: 1135 Equipment: Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer), Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:8, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear) Inventory: Fàelàn (WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, fire-elemental longsword)), Ġeofon (WP:20, deals 4x damage to enemies weak to water, axe), Cysgodion (WP:11, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Cryfder (WP:6), Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, light-elemental; longsword), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), 2 Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them; accessory), Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), Samurai Helmet (WP:4, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), King's Crown (Headwear, protects against Doom and Petrified, Suitable for all classes), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Sleep, Remedy, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, 5 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, Minimizing Dust, Smoke Bomb, 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Cannon Parts (quest item), Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Sorcerer Level 19 *Dual Strike* *Immune to Sealed, Magic and Healing* *encouraged* *transcended* *lucky* *inspired* *reinforced* *blessed* Power: 32 (19+13) Defense: 10 5 (3+2) Health: 54/54 27/27 (5+18+4) Ether: 29/29 (5+18+1+5) Gold: 249 Equipment: Batarang (WP:13, darkness-elemental throwing weapon), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from Sealed-effect), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing) Inventory: Veritas/Equitas (WP:10, Dual Strike, twin sais), Sleeper (WP:5, melee/throwing weapon, deals Asleep, Hollow [Grand Potion]), Cloak of Espionage (allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle; backwear), Snake Eye Charm (Protects from Petrified-effect), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Potion, Grand Potion (3), Health Core, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Bone, Toolbox (Repairs one automaton back to perfect condition once) Lee Long (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) 42 years old male human Chi Monk Level 50 2/5 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blinded, Sealed, Confused, Asleep & Weakened* *Dragons cause halved damage* *encouraged* *transcended* *lucky* *inspired* *reinforced* *blessed* *Hastened* Power: 52 (50+2) Defense: 20 10 Health: 117/124 62/62 (12+50) Ether: 51/53 (3+50) Gold: 0 Equipment: Chi Facepaint (protects from blinded-, sealed-, confused- & asleep-effect; suitable for Lee only; accessory) Long Changbao (SP:10, halves damage done by enemies named "dragon"; suitable for Lee only; bodywear), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect; handwear) Inventory: Diamond (Light), Amethyst (Darkness) Rubio (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Ruby G.E.M. Automaton Level 29 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Fire* *Automatic encouraged-effect to allies* Power: 29 Element: Fire Condition: 57/100 Defense: 10 Opalix (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Opal G.E.M. Automaton Level 28 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Ice* *Automatic transcended-effect to allies* Power: 28 Element: Ice Condition: 53/100 Defense: 10 Topazor (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Topaz G.E.M. Automaton Level 27 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Lightning* *Automatic lucky-effect to allies* Power: 27 Element: Lightning Condition: 100/100 Defense: 10 Emeray (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Emerald G.E.M. Automaton Level 26 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Wood* *Automatic inspired-effect to allies* Power: 26 Element: Wood Condition: 76/100 Defense: 10 Garnetic (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Garnet G.E.M. Automaton Level 24 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Earth* *Automatic reinforced-effect to allies* Power: 24 Element: Earth Condition: 87/100 Defense: 10 Aquamarq (NPC, controlled by Rumble Strike) Aquamarine G.E.M. Automaton Level 23 2/3 *Immune to all effects and Water* *Automatic blessed-effect to allies* Power: 23 Element: Water Condition: 100/100 Defense: 10