Sandy

Periwinkle gave Eric a crooked smile, and then embraced him. "Oh, Eric darling - I see right through you." She spoke softly to his ear. "You try to hide your emotions behind that cool, sardonic facade, but deep down inside you too feel the need to be loved. And you will always have my love, even if we are oceans apart. You silly hunky viking... She then reached into her robes and took out the Flora Gear and Periwinkle's Ribbon. "Take these as mementos of me and my love." "Yes, we took him inside the palace to recover from the blow he got. The people of Kalma are not evil - I should know, since I was born there myself. The life in the southern badlands is just hard, and people stick to their superstitions to make sense of the world. Djuvali is smart and influential both here and in Addis Vipara, so we need him to restore our diplomatic relations with Kalma." "Oh, father!" Periwinkle exclaimed, hugging Sarge in return. "I shall come visit you and my half-sisters one day, when things settle down here. We will meet again, that is the will of Ophaniel. In fact, he wants to make sure you stick around long enough for that to happen." Light began to emanate from Periwinkle's hands, spreading into Sarge. For the first time in ages, he felt no pain anywhere. He was thoroughly healed. "In the name of the Grey Angel, your curse is removed, father." Periwinkle kissed Sarge's forehead. "What a sweet ending to this dreadful day. You may all rest in the private quarters of the Temple for the remainder of the night. I will have Captain Squidraken prepare the Flouncy Phoenix for departure back to Eubric tomorrow morning. Your mission here in Salmanda is fulfilled. Before you retire, I want you to have these items as a token of my gratitude for everything you've done for the Sisterhood of Danab." 4x Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away) 4x Danab's Apple (Revives all fallen party members, restores full health and ether to the whole party and removes all negative effects from them; consumable) 4x Tiger Balm (Grants immunity to all effects - positive and negative - for one battle.) ~THE QUEST IS SUCCESSFUL!~ On the following morning, a huge crowd was gathered to the Golden Square to give the heroes a proper send-off. "With the sirens gone, you should have an uneventful trip back to Eubric. Of course, Aunts Zarissa, Hymnessamine and Theresa may stir up trouble as they are wont to do, but I am sure you will be able to handle them. May Danab watch over your journey, future vindicators!" "I will not be returning to Eubric yet, either, for I fear for the safety of my hometown, still. But I have sent Z-mail to my grandchildren to let them know of your braverism. You four are true friends of the Ziegfrieds, and I hope you will stay by our side no matter what happens in Eubric." "We will see again, some day! Take care, guys - even you, Heckz, no matter how insufferable you were during this week." Rex the Rhinotaur was there with his wife Rhiannon, too. "AAH, my friends! It was fun while it lasted, and we really did show those SNAKES, didn't we? I'm thankful for the company, and for your help with the MISSUS here. We must visit Eubric some day soon, though, don't we, my rhododendron?" "We sure do! Thank you for looking after my Rex. I'll take him back under my watchful gaze now." "HA HA HA, just when I started to enjoy my FREEDOM again! Oh well, I guess it's better this way... Boomingham, you take this Epidemic Halberd off my back, WILL YOU? All I need is my trusty Grindoceros. Have a safe trip, EVERYONE!" When the goodbyes were almost finished, two more familiar people ran up to the pier. "Phew! I'm glad I caught up with you! When I heard you were leaving this morning, I had to pack everything in a rush." Nemeshtar the Necromancer patted the crystal case he was lugging behind him. The heroes could see it was filled to the brim with gems and other magical paraphernalia. "When my dear late mother was put back to rest - thanks to you, Master Brutenhal - I remembered your speech about new opportunities at Eubric Freeport, so I decided a change of scenery would be in order for me to be able to continue my life onwards. So, if you'd be so kind to give me a ride, I would like to move to Eubric to open a magic shop there." "And I am going to take over the magic shop here!" Brown interrupted, exhilarated. "I read the book you gave me from cover to cover, and my head is brimming with all these ideas how to make a booming business! As luck would have it, I ran into Master Nemeshtar yesterday and we made an agreement that he would give me his store here. I already made a ton last night, selling magic knick-knacks to people running scared from the cultists! Here's half of the profit, as promised." Brown gave 100 gold to each hero and shook their hands gratefully. "Hey! Are ye jest about done wiv the g'byes? The cap'n's anxious to get a-movin'!" Was there something else the heroes would like to say to the people they were about to leave in Salmanda? Party: Eric (Khorne) 30 year old norseman Raider Level 30 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Evasion* *Absorbs Poison* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, Asleep, Water and Earth* Power: 49 (30+18+1) Defense: 7 (2+5) Health: 53/53 (8+29+7+4+5) Gold: 516 Equipment: Conspirator (WP:18, causes blinded and has 1/2 chance to cause confused with each hit; darkness-elemental longsword), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile; bodywear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row + Immunity to water, earth, blinded and asleep; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Godricsleif (WP: 22; ice-, lightning-, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Twin Biter (WP:7, causes bleeding; dual strike axe), Rakshasa Blade (WP:8 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; greatsword), Rakshasa Flail (WP:7 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; mace), Rakshasa Scimitar (WP:11 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; longsword), Rakshasa Waveblades (WP:5 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; dual strike daggers) Artifacts: Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened; handwear), Redhawk Helmet (Power +12 if the wearer acts first in the battle order; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; headwear.), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.), Flora Gear (adds wood-element to physical attacks and protects from wood-elemental damage, accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle Eric only; headwear) Consumables: Potion, 9 Grand Potions, 2 Elixirs, 4 Remedies, Danab's Apple (Revives all fallen party members, restores full health and ether to the whole party and removes all negative effects from them; consumable), Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 3 Meads, 4 Smelling Salts, 2 Mulled Wine, Ambrosia, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, 2 Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Floral Bomb, Aeolus Bomb, Poison Bomb, Seal Bomb, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.) Tools etc.: Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away) Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 25 1/3 *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened and Blessed* Power: 50 (25+21+2+2) Defense: 20 (16+4) Health: 49/49 (7+24+9+3+3+3) Gold: 3030 Equipment: Demonic Greatswords (WP:21, dual strike, has 1/2 chance each to cause sealed and blinded with each hit, Light and Darkness elemental greatsword, Hollow [Potion]), Serpenthead Shield (SP:16, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Inventory: Weapons: Staff of the Serpent God (WP:31, spells have 1/6 chance to cause petrify to the target; staff; suitable to archmages and prophets), Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Lilliput Knife (WP:1, wielder’s power is not reduced when under minimized-effect, dagger.) Artifacts: Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), 2x Cloak of the Grand Vizier (SP:1 multiplied by the number of party members; backwear.), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), Sterope’s Headdress (Grants the ability to spend a turn to fly out of a battle and return to it later if it is still going; the wearer cannot affect the battle in any way when they are away from it; suitable to winged warriors only; headwear), Encore Plectrum (If the same Battle Song is sung for more than one round in a row, the song’s ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable to minstrels; accessory.), Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to steal gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold in addition to hiding; footwear) Spell Items: “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Danab's Apple (Revives all fallen party members, restores full health and ether to the whole party and removes all negative effects from them; consumable), Tiger Balm, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Poisoned Water (Causes poisoned by 1 to the target; consumable), 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Bones, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Mythril Shard Tools etc.: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, Mistarian Grey Panther (quest item), Gold Scorpion Venom (quest item), Tyrant Statue (Increases the holder’s gold by 50% at the end of each quest), Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away) Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 48 years old human Paladin *Party Second-in-Command* Level 36 1/4 *Immune to Darkness, Fire, Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* *Affluence* Power: 55 (36+14+4+1) Defense: 19 (7+12) Health: 56/59 (10+35+11+2+1) Ether: 35/36 Gold: 292 Equipment: Frozen Saber (WP: 14; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear), Inventory: Weapons: Scupperer (WP:17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Venom Fang Blade (WP:9, causes poisoned equal to WP; longsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Artifacts: Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Redhawk Helmet (Power +12 if the wearer acts first in the battle order; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; headwear.), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), 2x Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Health Core, 2x Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Danab's Apple (Revives all fallen party members, restores full health and ether to the whole party and removes all negative effects from them; consumable), 3x Mead, 2x Ambrosia, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Stun Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, 2x Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Mythril Shard, Bone Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away) John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 28 1/3 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* Power: 40 (28+12) (Spellpower: 50 (28+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 17/35 (5+27+4) Ether: 8/44 (5+27+1+5+1+5) Gold: 2827 Equipment: Solemn Dagger (WP: 12, darkness-elemental dagger, 1/2 chance of causing sealed), Magician's Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable for mages; handwear), Cloak of Blood Magic (+5 ether, attacks made with darkness magic cause weakened; suitable for mages, necromancers and chi monks; bodywear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Inventory: Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Assassin’s Crossbow (WP:4, each successful assassination increases WP by one permanently; suitable to assassins; crossbow), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear), Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Remedy, Danab's Apple (Revives all fallen party members, restores full health and ether to the whole party and removes all negative effects from them; consumable), Soma, Poison Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, 7 Bones, Bright Polish, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, "Fifty Shades of Bley" (Grants access to Harlot), "Begone With the Winds" (Grants access to Weather Mage), Black Market Insignia (Allows the owner to seek out a black market dealer from any city they visit on a quest, as decided by the QM.), Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away)

"We are truly sorry that this had to turn out this way, but We will not hold anything back." Quintessa began whacking the bugs in the hay. "Die, you vermin!" She attacked the Spider Mob from the front row.

As a Finn, I can totally understand this MOC, but I would never ever in a billion years jump into an "avanto" myself! A great presentation, nevertheless! Näyttää upealta!

QM Note: Sarge stole them with his Shield-skill. I totally forgot to give you guys experience from the battle, though! The grieving Sisters took away the body of Verdra - the second Eldest Sister they had lost within a short time. Only the ones hailing from Eubric lingered with the heroes. "I cannot thank you enough, heroes. The way you showed up at the last minute was a true miracle - with blazing angels and everything. It breaks my heart it was a moment too late to save our elected Eldest Sister, though..." Nothing in Ovelia's voice hinted of insincerity, although she had every reason to be secretly happy about the turn of events, being the last remaining candidate for the leadership position. "It was a miracle for the whole city", said the Queen of Salmanda as she strode into the Conclave Hall, accompanied by the Black Scorpion Knight and Zelda Ziegfried. The other Sisters were taken by a surprise to see the wizard matron in white robes. "Aunt Esther, my big behind..." "Thanks to Cobra Priest Djuvali, we were aware that the Venomari were a rising threat, but to think they would attack so soon and so suddenly... A lot of blood was spilled in the golden streets of Salmanda tonight." "But a lot were saved, too, my liege, thanks to these valiant gentlemen." The black knight nodded to Boomingham and the others. "Not to mention this remarkable girl! She is the will of an angel incarnated!" "So I hear", the Almagesta glanced at her childhood friend. "Remember how the angel Ophaniel used to talk to us when we were children, Zelda?" "He truly loves this city and everyone living in it. Or she, the Grey Angel could be either." "Oh, it's nothing... I just happened to be in the right place at the right time..." "No, this is not a mere coincidence. Mother Danab teaches us that everything is connected. There cannot be life without death, happiness without sorrow, health without sickness. There must be a balance in everything, and the emergence of the evil cultists made the Grey Angel awaken and bring forth a Nephilim to protect us all. That is how I see it, at least." "You are a wise woman, Ovelia of Mopag, and the Sisterhood should be happy to have you as their leader." "Does that mean we get to go home now?" "You could, but on behalf of the citizens of Salmanda, I would like to request you to stay and watch over us as the emissary of Ophaniel. The Venomari were defeated tonight, but the cult is far from destroyed. We need to increase our defenses manifold." "Umm... I don't know... I kinda have things to do back in Eubric..." Periwinkle looked at Eric and Sarge. "Should I?" What would the heroes say? Party: Eric (Khorne) 30 year old norseman Raider Level 30 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Evasion* *Absorbs Poison* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, Asleep, Water and Earth* Power: 49 (30+18+1) Defense: 7 (2+5) Health: 53/53 (8+29+7+4+5) Gold: 416 Equipment: Conspirator (WP:18, causes blinded and has 1/2 chance to cause confused with each hit; darkness-elemental longsword), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile; bodywear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row + Immunity to water, earth, blinded and asleep; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Godricsleif (WP: 22; ice-, lightning-, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Twin Biter (WP:7, causes bleeding; dual strike axe),, Rakshasa Blade (WP:8 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; greatsword), Rakshasa Flail (WP:7 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; mace), Rakshasa Scimitar (WP:11 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; longsword), Rakshasa Waveblades (WP:5 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; dual strike daggers) Artifacts: Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened; handwear), Redhawk Helmet (Power +12 if the wearer acts first in the battle order; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; headwear.), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Consumables: Potion, 9 Grand Potions, 2 Elixirs, 4 Remedies, Neutralizer, 3 Meads, 4 Smelling Salts, 2 Mulled Wine, Ambrosia, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, 2 Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Floral Bomb, Aeolus Bomb, Poison Bomb, Seal Bomb, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.) Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 25 1/3 *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened and Blessed* Power: 50 (25+21+2+2) Defense: 20 (16+4) Health: 49/49 (7+24+9+3+3+3) Gold: 2930 Equipment: Demonic Greatswords (WP:21, dual strike, has 1/2 chance each to cause sealed and blinded with each hit, Light and Darkness elemental greatsword, Hollow [Potion]), Serpenthead Shield (SP:16, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Inventory: Weapons: Staff of the Serpent God (WP:31, spells have 1/6 chance to cause petrify to the target; staff; suitable to archmages and prophets), Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Lilliput Knife (WP:1, wielder’s power is not reduced when under minimized-effect, dagger.) Artifacts: Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), 2x Cloak of the Grand Vizier (SP:1 multiplied by the number of party members; backwear.), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), Sterope’s Headdress (Grants the ability to spend a turn to fly out of a battle and return to it later if it is still going; the wearer cannot affect the battle in any way when they are away from it; suitable to winged warriors only; headwear), Encore Plectrum (If the same Battle Song is sung for more than one round in a row, the song’s ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable to minstrels; accessory.), Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to steal gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold in addition to hiding; footwear) Spell Items: “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Poisoned Water (Causes poisoned by 1 to the target; consumable), 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Bones, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Mythril Shard Tools etc.: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, Mistarian Grey Panther (quest item), Gold Scorpion Venom (quest item), Tyrant Statue (Increases the holder’s gold by 50% at the end of each quest) Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 48 years old human Paladin *Party Second-in-Command* Level 36 1/4 *Immune to Darkness, Fire, Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* *Affluence* Power: 55 (36+14+4+1) Defense: 19 (7+12) Health: 56/59 (10+35+11+2+1) Ether: 35/36 Gold: 192 Equipment: Frozen Saber (WP: 14; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear), Inventory: Weapons: Scupperer (WP:17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Venom Fang Blade (WP:9, causes poisoned equal to WP; longsword),, Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Artifacts: Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Redhawk Helmet (Power +12 if the wearer acts first in the battle order; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; headwear.), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), 2x Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Health Core, 2x Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 3x Mead, 2x Ambrosia, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Stun Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, 2x Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Mythril Shard, Bone Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 2 Meat Lumps (quest item), Royal Seal of Salmanda (Grants the holder access everywhere in Salmanda at any time of the day; quest item.) John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 28 1/3 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* Power: 40 (28+12) (Spellpower: 50 (28+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 17/35 (5+27+4) Ether: 8/44 (5+27+1+5+1+5) Gold: 2727 Equipment: Solemn Dagger (WP: 12, darkness-elemental dagger, 1/2 chance of causing sealed), Magician's Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable for mages; handwear), Cloak of Blood Magic (+5 ether, attacks made with darkness magic cause weakened; suitable for mages, necromancers and chi monks; bodywear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Inventory: Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Assassin’s Crossbow (WP:4, each successful assassination increases WP by one permanently; suitable to assassins; crossbow), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear), Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Remedy, Soma, Poison Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, 7 Bones, Bright Polish, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, "Fifty Shades of Bley" (Grants access to Harlot), "Begone With the Winds" (Grants access to Weather Mage), Black Market Insignia (Allows the owner to seek out a black market dealer from any city they visit on a quest, as decided by the QM.), Old Teddy (quest item), Flower-tailed Flying Squirrel (quest item), 2x Meat Lump (quest item), Borrowed All Scrolls Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Nephilim Level 32 1/4 *Light- and wood-elemental attacks* *Divert* *Immune to wood and all negative effects* *Permanently blessed* Power: 33 (32+1) Health: 61/61 (30+31) Ether: 56/61 (30+31) Gold: 18 Equipment: Jaws' Mop (WP:1, double damage against aquatic enemies; broomstick), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert direct attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Flora Gear (adds wood-element to physical attacks and protects from wood-elemental damage, accessory) Inventory: Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear), Remedy, Neutralizer Rex the Rhinotaur, the Mighty Mercenary (NPC, controlled by Zepher) 35 years old male wererhino Paragon Level 61 4/5 *Initiative* *Restoration* *Aura of Honor* *Gamble* *No Escape* Power: 96 (61+30+5) Defense: 12 Health: 93/93 (8+60+25) Gold: 737 Equipment: Grindoceros (WP:30; halves target's defense with every successful hit; hammer), Mighty Cuirass (SP:12, suitable to paragons only; bodywear), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory.) Inventory: Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Greater Tonic (Restores 30 ether), Soma, Deadly Venom, Meat Lump (quest item)

After hearing Keliim's explanation, Quintessa waved her hand dismissively. "We were hired by these animals. We carry on their orders with our best capability and reap the reward. Simple as that. Ask them what they want us to do to these masters."

"Uh, that didn't go well..." Ellaria muttered after the captain had been dragged into the sea by the monster. "Crew, lower the rowing boats! We need to get to that island ahead! ... By Sylvania, I really hope there are rowing boats in this ship." Ellaria rushed to the reeling to see if the sea monster was still circling the ship.

Round Three of the Temple Battle: Boomingham vs. Mertseger - Special Damage/Special Damage (Curse of the Venomari - Healing prevented) Boomingham vs. Mertseger - Shield/Shield (Guardian Angel) >Hymnessamine sings Lucky Chant - (Rest of the allies: improved battle results; Hymnessamine: -14 ether) Sarge vs. Extremist Mob (twice) - Special Damage/Shield/Shield (Arrogant Prick - Extremist Mob: 463 health-(113x4=452+452=904 dmg)=0 health; Sarge: drops stolen) Sarge vs. Extremist Mob Mertseger (twice) - Damage/Hide Periwinkle vs. Mertseger - Stream of Light/Mirror Damage (Mertseger: no damage) >Heckz (Darkness) vs. Mertseger - Spell/Spell (Mertseger: 286 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=186 health; Heckz: -1 ether) >Zarissa (Ice) vs. Extremist Mob Mertseger - Spell/Special Damage (Mertseger: 186 health-(48x2=96 dmg)=90 health; Zarissa: -1 ether) Theresa vs. Mertseger - Special Damage/Poisoned Hit (Mertseger: 90 health-(50/2=25 dmg)=65 health; Theresa: +1 gold) Rex vs. Extremist Mob Mertseger - Damage/Critical Hit (Mertseger: 65 health-(126/2=63 dmg)=2 health) Eric vs. Mertseger - Damage/Hit (Mertseger: 2 health-(49/2=25 dmg)=0 health) Eric vs. Mertseger It doesn't take long for the party to overcome the remaining enemies. Eric plunges his sword into the zealous naga priestess. She silently mouths one last prayer to her god before dying. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! Rex gains a fifth of a level, Boomingham, Eric, Periwinkle and the aunts gain a fourth, and Sarge and Heckz gain a third. The enemies drop the following loot: 502 gold Staff of the Serpent God (WP:31, spells have 1/6 chance to cause petrify to the target; staff; suitable to archmages and prophets) Soma (Causes the blessed-effect, allowing the target to recover a tenth of their maximum health at the end of each round for the duration of one battle.) Mead (Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle.) Smelling Salts (Causes the hastened-effect, allowing the target to act twice in one round for the duration of one battle.) Phoenix Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health during a battle.) Remedy (Removes all negative effects from the target.) Stun Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the stunned-effect to all opponents when used.) Poison Bomb (Deals 5 damage and the poisoned by 1-effect to all opponents when used.) The Sisters in the Conclave Chamber could only stare at the Venomari lying dead at their feet. It was finally Periwinkle who voiced what they were all thinking. "Phew! It is over! Friggin' finally!" Party: Eric (Khorne) 30 year old norseman Raider Level 30 1/4 *Natural Respite* *Evasion* *Absorbs Poison* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, Asleep, Water and Earth* Power: 49 (30+18+1) Defense: 7 (2+5) Health: 53/53 (8+29+7+4+5) Gold: 291 Equipment: Conspirator (WP:18, causes blinded and has 1/2 chance to cause confused with each hit; darkness-elemental longsword), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile; bodywear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row + Immunity to water, earth, blinded and asleep; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Godricsleif (WP: 22; ice-, lightning-, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Rakshasa Blade (WP:8 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; greatsword), Rakshasa Flail (WP:7 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; mace), Rakshasa Scimitar (WP:11 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; longsword), Rakshasa Waveblades (WP:5 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; dual strike daggers) Artifacts: Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened; handwear), Redhawk Helmet (Power +12 if the wearer acts first in the battle order; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; headwear.), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Consumables: Potion, 9 Grand Potions, 2 Elixirs, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, 3 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, 2 Mulled Wine, Ambrosia, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, 2 Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Floral Bomb, Aeolus Bomb, Poison Bomb, Seal Bomb, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.) Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 25 1/3 *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened and Blessed* Power: 50 (25+21+2+2) Defense: 20 (16+4) Health: 49/49 (7+24+9+3+3+3) Gold: 2805 Equipment: Demonic Greatswords (WP:21, dual strike, has 1/2 chance each to cause sealed and blinded with each hit, Light and Darkness elemental greatsword, Hollow [Potion]), Serpenthead Shield (SP:16, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Inventory: Weapons: Venom Fang Blade (WP:9, causes poisoned equal to WP; longsword), Twin Biter (WP:7, causes bleeding; dual strike axe), Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Lilliput Knife (WP:1, wielder’s power is not reduced when under minimized-effect, dagger.) Artifacts: 3x Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), 2x Cloak of the Grand Vizier (SP:1 multiplied by the number of party members; backwear.), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), Sterope’s Headdress (Grants the ability to spend a turn to fly out of a battle and return to it later if it is still going; the wearer cannot affect the battle in any way when they are away from it; suitable to winged warriors only; headwear), Encore Plectrum (If the same Battle Song is sung for more than one round in a row, the song’s ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable to minstrels; accessory.), Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to steal gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold in addition to hiding; footwear) Spell Items: “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Remedy, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Poisoned Water (Causes poisoned by 1 to the target; consumable), 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Bones, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Mythril Shard Tools etc.: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, Mistarian Grey Panther (quest item), Gold Scorpion Venom (quest item), Tyrant Statue (Increases the holder’s gold by 50% at the end of each quest) Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 48 years old human Paladin *Party Second-in-Command* Level 36 1/4 *Immune to Darkness, Fire, Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* *Affluence* Power: 55 (36+14+4+1) Defense: 19 (7+12) Health: 56/59 (10+35+11+2+1) Ether: 35/36 Gold: 66 Equipment: Frozen Saber (WP: 14; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear), Inventory: Weapons: Scupperer (WP:17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Artifacts: Redhawk Helmet (Power +12 if the wearer acts first in the battle order; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; headwear.), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), 2x Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Health Core, 2x Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2x Mead, 2x Ambrosia, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, 2x Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Mythril Shard, Bone Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 2 Meat Lumps (quest item), Royal Seal of Salmanda (Grants the holder access everywhere in Salmanda at any time of the day; quest item.) John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 28 1/3 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* Power: 40 (28+12) (Spellpower: 50 (28+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 17/35 (5+27+4) Ether: 8/44 (5+27+1+5+1+5) Gold: 2601 Equipment: Solemn Dagger (WP: 12, darkness-elemental dagger, 1/2 chance of causing sealed), Magician's Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable for mages; handwear), Cloak of Blood Magic (+5 ether, attacks made with darkness magic cause weakened; suitable for mages, necromancers and chi monks; bodywear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Inventory: Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Assassin’s Crossbow (WP:4, each successful assassination increases WP by one permanently; suitable to assassins; crossbow), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear), Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, 7 Bones, Bright Polish, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, "Fifty Shades of Bley" (Grants access to Harlot), "Begone With the Winds" (Grants access to Weather Mage), Black Market Insignia (Allows the owner to seek out a black market dealer from any city they visit on a quest, as decided by the QM.), Old Teddy (quest item), Flower-tailed Flying Squirrel (quest item), 2x Meat Lump (quest item), Borrowed All Scrolls Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Nephilim Level 32 1/4 *Light- and wood-elemental attacks* *Divert* *Immune to wood and all negative effects* *Permanently blessed* Power: 33 (32+1) Health: 61/61 (30+31) Ether: 56/61 (30+31) Gold: 18 Equipment: Jaws' Mop (WP:1, double damage against aquatic enemies; broomstick), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert direct attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Flora Gear (adds wood-element to physical attacks and protects from wood-elemental damage, accessory) Inventory: Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear), Remedy, Neutralizer Rex the Rhinotaur, the Mighty Mercenary (NPC, controlled by Zepher) 35 years old male wererhino Paragon Level 61 4/5 *Initiative* *Restoration* *Aura of Honor* *Gamble* *No Escape* Power: 96 (61+30+5) Defense: 12 Health: 93/93 (8+60+25) Gold: 737 Equipment: Grindoceros (WP:30; halves target's defense with every successful hit; hammer), Mighty Cuirass (SP:12, suitable to paragons only; bodywear), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory.) Inventory: Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Greater Tonic (Restores 30 ether), Soma, Deadly Venom, Meat Lump (quest item) Aunt Zarissa (NPC, controlled by Zepher) 62 years old female gnome Sage Level 33 1/4 *Immune to Poisoned and Cursed* Power: 48 (38+10) Defense: 2 Health: 47/47 (9+32+6) Ether: 38/39 (5+32+2) Gold: 376 Equipment: Sense Knocker (WP:20, staff), Sister's Hood (SP:2, immune to poisoned and cursed; suitable to Sisters of Danab only; headwear) Inventory: Opal (Ice), Scroll of Sealing Aunt Hymnessamine (NPC, controlled by Cutcobra) 44 years old female human Minstrel Level 38 2/4 *Hits Restore Ether* *Immune to Poisoned, Cursed, Blinded and Darkness* Power: 48 (38+10) Defense: 2 Health: 57/57 (9+37+11) Ether: 6/46 (5+37+4) Gold: 462 Equipment: Epic Saxophone (WP:10, each successful hit restores 1 ether, instrument), Sister's Hood (SP:2, immune to poisoned and cursed; suitable to Sisters of Danab only; headwear), Blue-rimmed Glasses (Immune to darkness and blinded; suitable to near-sighted people only; accessory) Inventory: Grand Potion, Grand Tonic Aunt Theresa (NPC, controlled by Pyrovisionary) 37 years old female human Witch Level 36 1/4 *Permanently Poisoned Attacks* *Immune to Poisoned and Cursed* Power: 50 (36+14) Defense: 2 Health: 50/50 (7+35+8) Ether: 30/36 Gold: 778 Equipment: Merry Whip (WP:14, steals 1 gold upon each successful hit; whip), Sister's Hood (SP:2, immune to poisoned and cursed; suitable to Sisters of Danab only; headwear) Inventory: Scroll of Blindness, Smoke Bomb

Yes, effects always last at least until the end of the next round (ie. one full round), unless specifically stated otherwise.

Quintessa saw the animals' reaction. "Oh, did We upset them? We were just trying to prevent the pig from spoiling Our dress with mud... But We know what will do the trick. Here, cupcakes for everybody!" She reached for her pocket-of-holding and pulled out a basket filled with sugary treats, and began to offer them to the animals.

"There is something in the water, port side, captain! Looks like a dorsal fin!" Ellaria called back.

Quintessa is satisfied with watching how her quest mates handle the threatening animals. "Shoo! Shoo!"

Come on, maybe the guy made a conscious decision to roleplay as a corpse! It isn't any less practical than the one guy who wanted to play as a bat (not a werebat, but an actual bat). Sure, his options are limited to lying in the corner and watching everyone else sign into quests, but whatever rocks his boat...

QM Note: Talking about an unbalanced fight... I apologize for that, but on the other hand I'm sure we are all happy to see this quest being over finally. Round Two of the Temple Battle: Boomingham vs. Mertseger - Critical Hit/Special Damage (Mertseger: 844 health-(69x4/2=138 dmg)=706 health) Boomingham vs. Mertseger - Special Damage/Critical Hit (Mertseger: 706 health-(69x4/2=138 dmg)=568 health) >Hymnessamine sings Lucky Chant - (Rest of the allies: improved battle results; Hymnessamine: -14 ether) Sarge vs. Preacher Mob (twice) - Critical Mortal Hit/Damage/Critical Mortal Hit (Preacher Mob: 433 health+2 SP-(71x4=284+284=568 dmg)=0 health) Sarge vs. Zealot Mob (twice) - Mortal Hit/Damage/Damage (Zealot Mob: 412 health+2 SP-(50x4=200+200=400 dmg)=14 health+sealed) Periwinkle vs. Blue Snakeman - Stream of Light/Beam of Light/Ray of Light (Extremist Mob: 951 health+3 SP-34 dmg=920 health; Zealot: 14 health+1 SP-34 dmg=0 health; All other enemies: no effect; Periwinkle: -2 ether) >Heckz (Darkness) vs. Black Snakeman - Spell/Special Damage/Shield (Razzmatazz of Darkness - Mertseger: 568 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=468 health; Extremist Mob: 920 health+3 SP-(50x2=100 dmg)=823 health+weakened; Black Snakeman: 360 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=260 health+weakened; Blue Snakeman: 284 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=184 health+weakened; Green Snakeman: 209 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=109 health+weakened; Purple Snakeman: 155 health+2 SP-(50x2=100 dmg)=57 health+weakened; Red Snakeman: 270 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=170 health+weakened; Heckz: -7 ether, 62+117+53+48+59+42+50=431 gold) >Zarissa (Ice) vs. Purple Snakeman - Meditate/Damage/Meditate (Zarissa: +1 ether) Theresa vs. Green Snakeman - Critical Poisoned Hit/Shield/Shield (Mass Hallucination - Extremist Mob, Black Snakeman, Blue Snakeman, Purple Snakeman: hexed; Theresa: -6 ether, 117+53+48+42=260 gold) Rex vs. Extremist Mob - Shield/Extra Critical Hit/Extra Critical Hit (Veni Vidi Vici - Mertseger: 468 health-(96/2=48 dmg)=420 health; Extremist Mob: 823 health+3 SP-96 dmg=730 health, defense halved; Black Snakeman: 260 health-96 dmg=164 health; Blue Snakeman: 184 health-96 dmg=88 health; Green Snakeman: 109 health-96 dmg=13 health; Purple Snakeman: 57 health+2 SP-96 dmg=0 health, defense halved; Red Snakeman: 170 health-96 dmg=74 health; Rex: +42 gold, barrier) Eric vs. Green Snakeman - Damage/Steal/Extra Critical Hit (Green Snakeman: 13 health-(85x4=340 dmg)=0 health) Eric vs. Black Snakeman - Shield/Extra Critical Hit/Steal (Ravage - Mertseger: 420 health-(67x4/2=134 dmg)=286 health; Extremist Mob: 730 health+1 SP-(67x4=268 dmg)=463 health; Black Snakeman: 164 health-(67x4=268 dmg)=0 health; Blue Snakeman: 88 health-(67x4=268 dmg)=0 health; Red Snakeman: 74 health-(67x4=268 dmg)=0 health; 62+78+53+48+50=291 gold) The party makes quick work of the enemies, until only the Cobra Priestess stands with a couple of extremists. "Venomari! Supreme Serpent God!" Mertseger croaked, barely standing up. "Show us your might! Strike down these heathens!" "Poor, misguided soul..." Enemies: Cobra Priestess Mertseger *Ranged, fights from the back row* *Immune to all negative effects and sudden death* Type: Vermin/Humanoid Level: 62 Health: 286/973 Special I: Curse of the Venomari – Prevents all healing through both magic and items for three rounds. Healing through effects such as blessed is unaffected. Special II: Kiss of the Venomari – Petrifies the target. Used only if the Curse of the Venomari is in effect. Drops: 400 gold, Staff of the Serpent God (WP:31, spells have 1/6 chance to cause petrify to the target; staff; suitable to archmages and prophets) Venomari Extremist Mob (x2) *Absorbs poison* *Stunned* *Jinxed* *Weakened for 3 rounds* *Hexed* Type: Humanoid Level: 78 (39x2) Defense: 4 1 (2x2) Health: 463/732 (366x2) Special: Poisonous Skin – Causes poisoned by 39 –effect to self and to all that attack the Extremist physically. The effect ends if the poison is removed from the Extremist. Drops: 15 gold, Venom Fang Blade (WP:9, causes poisoned equal to WP; longsword), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet) Note: The mob will always get a Free Hit if they outnumber the party. Every cultist defeated weakens the mob. Party: Eric (Khorne) 30 year old norseman Raider Level 30 *Natural Respite* *Evasion* *Absorbs Poison* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, Asleep, Water and Earth* *Encouraged* *Hastened* *Inspired* Power: 49 (30+18+1) Defense: 7 (2+5) Health: 53/53 106/106 (8+29+7+4+5) Gold: 291 Equipment: Conspirator (WP:18, causes blinded and has 1/2 chance to cause confused with each hit; darkness-elemental longsword), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile; bodywear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row + Immunity to water, earth, blinded and asleep; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Godricsleif (WP: 22; ice-, lightning-, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Rakshasa Blade (WP:8 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; greatsword), Rakshasa Flail (WP:7 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; mace), Rakshasa Scimitar (WP:11 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; longsword), Rakshasa Waveblades (WP:5 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; dual strike daggers) Artifacts: Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened; handwear), Redhawk Helmet (Power +12 if the wearer acts first in the battle order; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; headwear.), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Consumables: Potion, 9 Grand Potions, 2 Elixirs, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, 3 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, 2 Mulled Wine, Ambrosia, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, 2 Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Floral Bomb, Aeolus Bomb, Poison Bomb, Seal Bomb, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.) Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 25 *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened and Blessed* *Encouraged* Power: 50 (25+21+2+2) Defense: 20 (16+4) Health: 49/49 (7+24+9+3+3+3) Gold: 2790 Equipment: Demonic Greatswords (WP:21, dual strike, has 1/2 chance each to cause sealed and blinded with each hit, Light and Darkness elemental greatsword, Hollow [Potion]), Serpenthead Shield (SP:16, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Inventory: Weapons: Twin Biter (WP:7, causes bleeding; dual strike axe), Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Lilliput Knife (WP:1, wielder’s power is not reduced when under minimized-effect, dagger.) Artifacts: 2x Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), 2x Cloak of the Grand Vizier (SP:1 multiplied by the number of party members; backwear.), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), Sterope’s Headdress (Grants the ability to spend a turn to fly out of a battle and return to it later if it is still going; the wearer cannot affect the battle in any way when they are away from it; suitable to winged warriors only; headwear), Encore Plectrum (If the same Battle Song is sung for more than one round in a row, the song’s ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable to minstrels; accessory.), Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to steal gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold in addition to hiding; footwear) Spell Items: “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Remedy, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Poisoned Water (Causes poisoned by 1 to the target; consumable), 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Bones, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Mythril Shard Tools etc.: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, Mistarian Grey Panther (quest item), Gold Scorpion Venom (quest item), Tyrant Statue (Increases the holder’s gold by 50% at the end of each quest) Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 48 years old human Paladin *Party Second-in-Command* Level 36 *Immune to Darkness, Fire, Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* *Affluence* *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 55 (36+14+4+1) Defense: 19 (7+12) Health: 56/59 (10+35+11+2+1) Ether: 35/36 Gold: 56 Equipment: Frozen Saber (WP: 14; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear), Inventory: Weapons: Scupperer (WP:17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Artifacts: Redhawk Helmet (Power +12 if the wearer acts first in the battle order; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; headwear.), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), 2x Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Health Core, 2x Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2x Mead, 2x Ambrosia, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, 2x Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Mythril Shard, Bone Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 2 Meat Lumps (quest item), Royal Seal of Salmanda (Grants the holder access everywhere in Salmanda at any time of the day; quest item.) John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 28 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* Power: 40 (28+12) (Spellpower: 50 (28+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 17/35 (5+27+4) Ether: 9/44 (5+27+1+5+1+5) Gold: 2601 Equipment: Solemn Dagger (WP: 12, darkness-elemental dagger, 1/2 chance of causing sealed), Magician's Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable for mages; handwear), Cloak of Blood Magic (+5 ether, attacks made with darkness magic cause weakened; suitable for mages, necromancers and chi monks; bodywear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Inventory: Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Assassin’s Crossbow (WP:4, each successful assassination increases WP by one permanently; suitable to assassins; crossbow), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear), Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, 7 Bones, Bright Polish, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, "Fifty Shades of Bley" (Grants access to Harlot), "Begone With the Winds" (Grants access to Weather Mage), Black Market Insignia (Allows the owner to seek out a black market dealer from any city they visit on a quest, as decided by the QM.), Old Teddy (quest item), Flower-tailed Flying Squirrel (quest item), 2x Meat Lump (quest item), Borrowed All Scrolls Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Nephilim Level 32 *Light- and wood-elemental attacks* *Divert* *Immune to wood and all negative effects* *Permanently blessed* Power: 33 (32+1) Health: 61/61 (30+31) Ether: 56/61 (30+31) Gold: 18 Equipment: Jaws' Mop (WP:1, double damage against aquatic enemies; broomstick), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert direct attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Flora Gear (adds wood-element to physical attacks and protects from wood-elemental damage, accessory) Inventory: Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear), Remedy, Neutralizer Rex the Rhinotaur, the Mighty Mercenary (NPC, controlled by Zepher) 35 years old male wererhino Paragon Level 61 3/5 *Initiative* *Restoration* *Aura of Honor* *Gamble* *No Escape* *BARRIER* Power: 96 (61+30+5) Defense: 12 Health: 93/93 (8+60+25) Gold: 737 Equipment: Grindoceros (WP:30; halves target's defense with every successful hit; hammer), Mighty Cuirass (SP:12, suitable to paragons only; bodywear), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory.) Inventory: Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Greater Tonic (Restores 30 ether), Soma, Deadly Venom, Meat Lump (quest item) Aunt Zarissa (NPC, controlled by Zepher) 62 years old female gnome Sage Level 33 *Immune to Poisoned and Cursed* Power: 48 (38+10) Defense: 2 Health: 47/47 (9+32+6) Ether: 39/39 (5+32+2) Gold: 376 Equipment: Sense Knocker (WP:20, staff), Sister's Hood (SP:2, immune to poisoned and cursed; suitable to Sisters of Danab only; headwear) Inventory: Opal (Ice), Scroll of Sealing Aunt Hymnessamine (NPC, controlled by Cutcobra) 44 years old female human Minstrel Level 38 1/4 *Hits Restore Ether* *Immune to Poisoned, Cursed, Blinded and Darkness* Power: 48 (38+10) Defense: 2 Health: 57/57 (9+37+11) Ether: 20/46 (5+37+4) Gold: 462 Equipment: Epic Saxophone (WP:10, each successful hit restores 1 ether, instrument), Sister's Hood (SP:2, immune to poisoned and cursed; suitable to Sisters of Danab only; headwear), Blue-rimmed Glasses (Immune to darkness and blinded; suitable to near-sighted people only; accessory) Inventory: Grand Potion, Grand Tonic Aunt Theresa (NPC, controlled by Pyrovisionary) 37 years old female human Witch Level 36 *Permanently Poisoned Attacks* *Immune to Poisoned and Cursed* Power: 50 (36+14) Defense: 2 Health: 50/50 (7+35+8) Ether: 30/36 Gold: 777 Equipment: Merry Whip (WP:14, steals 1 gold upon each successful hit; whip), Sister's Hood (SP:2, immune to poisoned and cursed; suitable to Sisters of Danab only; headwear) Inventory: Scroll of Blindness, Smoke Bomb

QM Note: Yes, it was nullified when you got reputation with the Bonapartes. The two are mutually exclusive, as are Shadeaux & Hinckwells and Ziegfrieds & Guild of Invision. ~EPILOGUE~ After the heroes had left, Madame Ladybug was returning the Triffid into containment when she was intercepted. "Did they suspect anything?" "Oh, Master! You took me by surprise you took me, hmmm... Sorry, I tend to slip into my U'kin manners when I get nervous. Well, they were suspicious about our motives, but I managed to convince them that the Triffid was created purely in the name of science." "Are you certain? If our plans leak into the ears of our opponents, the battle for this city might start before our preparations are complete. We would not want that. There is still much to do." "Hmmm, these precautions we are taking... I have to say they seem a bit extreme. Aren't we trying to prevent a war rather than fall into one, hmmm?" "U'lalah, you are a fool if you think our adversaries are not also arming themselves and gathering troops as we speak. We must protect the two-hundred year history of our Guild at any means necessary!" "I understand, Master, and I beg your forgiveness for doubting you. Hmmm, at least the little one is now safely back... The experiment was a success, as the Triffid was perfectly capable of tracking down its intended targets." "Excellent... With that kind of a trick up our sleeve, the mages of Eubric will finally bend knee before the power of science." "Sleep well, my darlings."

"We will see when we get there, it seems... Do these sewers really run all the way into the farmlands? My, the northern infrastructure really is more developed than the one we have in the south..." Quintessa glanced at her companions with a wry smile. "We have not had the pleasure of meeting these fine younglings before this, but they have proven to be quite capable allies. We look forward to completing this quest as a raging success with them."

There, done! Please enjoy your Grogmas gifts!

'Twas the season, when all was jolly and bright, that in the Hall of Heroes, a great big tree was decorated, and gifts aplenty lay at it's feet. From near and far rushed the champions to see what Grog the Red had brought to each one of them. Be glad, be grateful, for Grogmas comes only once a year! Actaeon Artus (played by Actaeon): Thick Skin (SP:1, user is permanently reinforced; suitable to Actaeon only; bodywear) Alexander Vandangant (played by Wedge09): Marksman's Cap (Successful hits have 1/6 chance of causing sudden death to favoured enemies; suitable to hunters; headwear) Alexis Fenral, the Krakenwhacker, the Titan Smiter and the Orc-kin (played by Masked Builder): Seductive Perfume (Attack cause enamored; suitable for females only; accessory) Althior Emorith, the Dragonslayer (played by K-nut): Lens of Speed Reading (Allows one scroll to be used per round in addition to a normal action, suitable for classes that have ether; accessory) Annienal Anavir (played by Kintobor as a second character): Ring of Hopefully True Love (Max. ether +3; immunity to enamored and fire; suitable to Annienal only; accessory) Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz): Shining Polish (SP +2 to one shield or artifact that has SP when consumed.) Atramor Gibbin, the Fiery Champion of Decamon and the Serpent Skinner (played by CallMePie): Pesticide (Can be used on a weapon to make it permanently deal double damage to vermin-type enemies; consumable.) Avalanche, the Super Sleuth (played by Dragonfire): Yeti Fur Coat (SP:12; immunity to Ice, suitable for yetis only; bodywear.) Bartholomew Docken, the Dragonslayer (played by Brickdoctor): Telescopic Sniper's Eyepatch (Wearer can opt to temporarily transfer any amount of his defense into power for each attack; suitable for Docken; accessory) Bobby "Young" Bucks Jr. (played by Zepher as a second character): Totally Dope Hair Gel (Power +3 when consumed.) Boris Bruhalv (played by Waterbrick Down as a second character): Scriptures of Ennoc (Results for healing and nurturing are rolled (at least) twice; suitable for worshippers of Ennoc only; accessory.) Calamity (played by Scubacarrot as a second character): Devilish Pointy Hat (Max Ether +2, demon-type enemies are automatically enamored with the wearer for 3 rounds at the start of battle, suitable for mages, necromancers, and weather mages, headwear) Cree (played by Pedguin): Speed Cape (The wearer is permanently hastened and nimble, but rolls of 3 turn into a MISS; backwear.) Crone (played by VeryFancyDroids): Boots (SP:2, footwear.) Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock): Hinckwell Shield (SP:3, user is permanently lucky; suitable to those with an outstanding reputation with the Hinckwells only; shield) The Demon Germ (played by samuraiturtle): Human Repellent (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from humanoid enemies during one battle unless he is the last hero standing; consumable.) Dreyrugr, the Carnival Crusader (played by Vash the Stampede): Bloodlust (Power +1, increased by 1 for every enemy defeated, but returned to +1 if user is knocked out; suitable to vampires only; accessory) Dyric Rone, the Orc-kin (played by The Legonater): Quiver of Blinding Light (Attacks become light-elemental and cause blinded; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear) Ellaria Arbour (played by Sandy): Cherokee Rose (Doubles potency of both incoming and outgoing restorative consumables and healing; suitable for Ellaria only; accessory.) En Sabah Nur, the Krakenwhacker and the Titan Smiter (played by Jebediahs): Beast Totem (The wearer may choose to enter battle in Beast Form; suitable for Beast Warriors; accessory) Eric (played by Khorne): Genuine Nordic Mead (Grants the encouraged, hastened, inspired, reinforced, and enraged-effects; consumable) Erik Tyrvarr, the School Inspector (played by Myrddyn): Juggernaut's Helm (SP:5; immunity to petrification and absorbs rock-element; suitable to Erik; headwear.) Ezeran Yavarr (played by MysticModulus): Sneezing Demon (SP:2; enemies that hit the wearer become slowed; suitable to Ezeran only; bodywear.) Grimwald Gjinko, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by LordoftheNoobs): Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, suitable for mages, clerics, necromancers, scholars and weather mages; backwear.) Guts Holla, the Orc-kin and the Serpent Skinner (played by Scubacarrot): Golden Sceptre (Power +5; grants the Diplomacy job trait; suitable for Guts; accessory.) Heckz Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (played by Cutcobra): False Lips (Rolling Pleasure House and KISS AND MAKE UP causes poisoned by 5 in addition to other effects, suitable for harlots only, accessory.) Hoke Ablesword, the Krakenwhacker, the Titan Smiter, the Serpent Skinner and the Champion of the Northern Kingdoms and the Rock Champion of Decamon (played by UsernameMDM): Shadeaux Cape (SP:1; suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear.) Hybros (played by JimBee): Phoenix Emblem (Automatically revives the wearer with 1 health once per battle if they get knocked out; accessory.) Jinnipher Buchaire (played by JimBee as a second character): Helmet of the Tactician (SP:-5, Power +5 when fighting in the front row; SP:5, Power -5 when fighting the back row; cannot be upgraded; headwear.) Johon/Alf Gregory, the Dark Champion of Decamon and a True Hero (played by Bricksandparts): Trampler's Boots (Wearer deals damage equal to their level to the two enemies listed above and below their target with each successful hit; Suitable to barbarians, beast warriors, and marauders; footwear) Jon "Sarge" McEncy (played by Pyrovisionary): Hero's Cocktail (Grants encouraged, hastened, lucky,blessed, reinforced, inspired and transcended -effects for one battle; consumable) Karie Alderflask-Cour, the School Inspector and a True Hero (played by Kintobor): Serene Etude (Removes negative effects from the rest of the party instantly. Costs 1 ether per negative effect removed; Battle Song) Karl (played by bionicle_fanatic): Smiley Face Mask (Grants Diplomacy job trait; headwear.) Keliim (played by Mencot): Gauntlets of Recklessness (HITs become MORTAL HITs, adding lost health to the attack power; suitable to barbarians; handwear.) Kheyli (played by K-Nut as a second character): Bucket of Buffalo Wings (Max. health +3 when consumed.) Kiray Nastayo, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by KingoftheZempk): Wolfhead Aegis (SP:5, enemies that hit the user become afraid, suitable for anyone with Wolfgang reputation; shield.) Lord Lawrence T. Boomingham, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something and a True Hero (played by Zepher): Crown of the Desert King (SP:6; absorbs fire, wind, and earth; suitable for Boomingham only, headwear.) Lind Whisperer (played by Lind Whisperer): Wind Spitter's Deck of Cards (WP:10; wind-elemental; causes triple damage to mobs; suitable to Lind only; throwing weapon.) Matthias, the Carnival Crusader (played by StickFig): XX Handcannon Replica (WP:12, pierces defense; handcannon.) Mhinak (played by Goliath): Dwarven Portable Catapult (WP:10, double damage to enemies visibly larger than the user; throwing weapon) Miderun, the Woman Who Killed Sean Cole (played by CallMePie as a second character): Orcish Grog (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects to greenskins, but encouraged- and jinxed-effects to others for one battle, consumable.) Mizuki Kimura (played by Zakura): Fox Claw (WP:5; causes bleeding; user gains an extra guaranteed hit at one enemy once per battle; dagger) Monk Pretzel, the Super Sleuth (played by Palathadric): The Good Book (Grants the Convert job trait (the user can turn any allied or neutral NPC to their faith, gaining their respect); user gains 10 gold from each conversion; suitable to Monk Pretzel only; accessory.) Mortimer "Em" Mahzan, the Ghostbuster and a True Hero (played by Emjajoas): Warden's Eyepatch (Wearer's health is tripled rather than doubled by Aura; suitable to wardens; headwear.) Na'im Thamir (played by Enceladus): Fenarian Fedora (Max. health +5, Max. ether + 5; suitable for Fenarians; headwear.) Nalguz the Infinite (played by Robert10ant): Murkwood Silk Thread (WP:10; causes slowed; suitable for Nalguz only; whip.) Namyrra Uq, the Krakenwhacker and the Titan Smiter (played by Quarryman): Magician's Touch (Spellpower +10, Max. Ether +10; suitable to mages, necromancers and weather mages; handwear.) Nerwen Calmcacil, the Champion of the Northern Kingdoms (played by Chromeknight): Singing Sword (WP:10; causes bleeding; longsword/instrument.) Nessa Anárion (played by herrJJ): Scope (Can be added to a ranged weapon to turn AIM into HIT.) Nyx, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Pandora): Extremely Volatile Perfume (Spells deal halved damage to the two enemies listed above and below the target as well; suitable to Nyx, accessory.) Petaldan Parfenius (played by Palathadric as a second character): Gloves of the Boy Wonder (SP:2; immunity to stunned, bound and petrified; suitable to Petaldan only; handwear.) Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (played by Purpearljellyblob): Prismatic Focus (Wearer can cast two spells in one round; suitable to mages, necromancers and weather mages; accessory.) Quintessa of Heartland (played by Sandy as a second character): Candycane of Doom (Causes doomed-effect to the target when used. Breaks after 6 uses.) Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan): Adaptive Scaling (Current Immunities: [Effect, Element]; grants immunity to the last negative effect and element wearer is hit by; suitable to nagas and weresnakes; bodywear.) Siercon (played by Siercon and Coral): Everlasting Venom (Adds Poisoned +10 effect to one weapon permanently; consumable) Skrall, the Krakenwhacker and the Titan Smiter (played by Waterbrick Down): Grogmas Beard (Power bonus equal to the number of the current month (eg. +1 in January, +12 in December); accessory.) Sorrow, the Super Sleuth, the School Inspector and a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Endgame): Mask of Anguished Souls (At the cost of 10 ether, the user may sacrifice an undead or a summon to cause doomed-effect to one target; spell item.) Sylph Solanum (played by Dannylonglegs): Nature's Cloak (Wearer is permanently blessed and inspired during lush weather; if the cloak is equipped at the start of a battle, there is a 1/3 chance that the weather becomes lush; backwear) Terry Yelnats (played by Endgame as a second character): Cowardly Cape (The wearer is permanently hastened and gains the Flee job trait, but will automatically flee if he is the last one standing in a battle; suitable to Terry only; backwear.) Tesni Hightribe, the Champion of the Northern Kingdoms and the Serpent Skinner (played by Peppermint_M): Chieftain's Chains (SP:5, Max health +5; when the Command job trait is successfully used, the wearer becomes encouraged for the duration of the next battle; suitable for barbarian chieftains and paragons; bodywear.) Thalion Dwinlas, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (played by -obelix-): Elven Boots (Wearer is permanently nimble; suitable to elves; footwear.) Thormanil Nihai, the Dragonslayer and the Orc-kin (played by swils): Bejeweled Collar (For each gem imbued into the collar, the pet dragon gains the ability to attack with the respective element instead of their natural one. Both the pet dragon and the dragoon also become immune to the imbued elements; suitable to dragoons only; accessory.) Throlar Wineghilm (played by Lord Duvors): Amulet of Elven Loyalty (Wearer can use anything suitable for elves and is considered a friend by all elves; the wearer also becomes encouraged if there are elves in the party; suitable to Throlar only; accessory.) Torald Waruelf (played by Alfadas): Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; footwear.) Vindsval Half-born (played by Asphalt): Mechanical Arm (Doubles WP for the equipped weapon; wearer cannot become disarmed; suitable for Vindsval only; handwear.) Warlen Melimane (played by The Chosen Minifigure): Wizard's Hat of Quick Reading (SP:1; [attached scroll]; one scroll can be attached to the hat outside of battle. During battle it can be used in addition to a normal action once per round; suitable to classes with ether; headwear) William Harkenshire (played by Fred Daniel Yam): Gorgonhead Aegis (SP:6, enemies that hit the user have a 1/6 chance to become petrified, shield) Dr. Windus (played by Windusky): Diamond (Allows light-elemental spells; gem.) Game Manager Note: Feel free to add the item you received to your inventory straight away. Apologies for the lack of item pictures this time around, there were just too many new items and too little time.

"Aye, captain!" Ellaria shouted back, and took out her telescope to peer to the roaring sea around them. After spending so much time on board ships during her many quests, Ellaria felt familiar with the current environment. "Better just to play along", she said to her companions. "The sea monster will show itself sooner or later, that is how stories always go."

"We are curious about how we are supposed to 'prove our loyalty' to the farm animals, exactly. Does it involve dressing into animalistic suits, perchance?" Quintessa asked.

"Hmmm... The Triffid is a most curious creature, naturally drawn towards magic. In the wilderness, it does satiate it's hunger with beings of magical properties, but here in laboratory environment, we can feed tonics to it to keep it satisfied and nourished. You can rest assured that he will be taken a good care of. You have shown him kindness he probably did not deserve, and for that I am thankful for that. And hmmm, yes, you can consider yourselves friends with the Guild from now on. Maybe when you gain more experience, you may even become a proper member, like some people from your organization have, hmmm." "I am truly sorry, but have you followed the political atmosphere in this city lately? We at the Guild are not in friendly terms with the Bonapartes or the Ziegfrieds, and neither have the Eldritches ever been favorable to our trade. Hmmm, sending gifts to them would give a wrong signal to our allies at the Crescent Union, wouldn't you think? If that is all, I would like to call it a night." "As would I. Thank you for your cooperation, Madame Ladybug. We will see ourselves out." The group returned to the darkened street to bid their goodbyes. "It was an eventful day, but order has been restored. I am pleased with your work, Heroicans. In these times of instability, this city needs people who can keep their heads straight. Rest well." "We received the Triffid petals we came after, so Phoebe and I will be departing as well. It has been a pleasure, ladies gentlemen." "What? Aren't we going out to celebrate our victory?! Oh, bummer..." "All's well that ends well. Isn't that right, Frau-frau?" "Yip!" "I don't know about you, but I'm going to take tomorrow off. I don't want to see another plant for a while! But before I forget, here are the emeralds I promised you as a reward. I couldn't have done this without you guys, so thank you!" ~THE QUEST IS SUCCESSFUL!~ All heroes earned increased reputation with both the Bonapartes and the Guild of Invision during this quest, except for Torald who as a member of the Crescent Union cannot gain reputation with the Bonapartes. Party: Ezeran Yavarr (MysticModulus) 42 year old male human mage *Party Leader* Level 9 *Absorbs darkness* Power: 16 (9+7) (Spellpower: 18 (9+7+2)) Defense: 1 Health: 13/13 (5+8) Ether: 13/13 (5+8) Gold: 130 Equipment: Ancient Sapphamber Staff (WP:7, doubled against Ancient enemies, Wind-elemental; staff), Hood of the Elementalist (SP:1, *Absorbs darkness*; headwear, suitable to anyone) Inventory: Trickster’s Baubel (WP:5, each hit causes one random effect: stunned, poisoned by 1, asleep, blinded, sealed or confused; wand), Staff infested with demonic slime (WP 3), Ebony Scorpion Dagger (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; dagger), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory.), 2x Emerald (Wood), Ruby (Fire), 2x Potion, Grand Tonic, 2x Remedy, Bedroll, Level Up Mushroom (Grants one full level when consumed.) Torald Waruelf (Alfadas) 20 year old male human Barbarian Level 8 *Natural Respite* Power: 18 (8+8+2) Defense: 3 Health: 16/16 (8+7+1) Gold: 171 Equipment: Sludge Glaive (WP:8, pierces defense and causes either fragile or weakened; halberd), Tricorne (SP:3, headwear; suitable to anyone) Inventory: Ebony Scorpion Spear (WP:5, deals Poisoned-by-3; spear), Gaia Blade (WP:5, Wood-elemental, ignores defenses of foes weak to Wood, gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword), Ignis Blade (WP:5, Fire-elemental, ignores SP of foes weak to Fire, gems cannot be merged into or removed from the weapon; greatsword), Old and Rusty Greatsword (WP: 3), Crocodile Belt (Max. Health +2; accessory.), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, Mead, Phoenix essence, Tiger Balm, Fire Bomb Paladin Petaldan Parfenius (Palathadric) 5 years old male "wonder" Knight Level 5 Power: 10 (5+5) Defense: 5 Health: 16/16 (10+4+2) Gold: 55 Equipment: Longsword (WP:5, longsword), Shield (SP:5, shield) Inventory: 2x Slimy Sword (WP:4, can be split into several weaker Slimy Swords or combined with other Slimy Swords to increase WP and split apart again at any time, longsword), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, Bedroll Dr. Windus (Windusky) 29 years old human Cleric Level 4 *1/2 chance to prevent blinded* Power: 7 (4+3) Defense: 1 Health: 12/12 (9+3) Ether: 8/8 (5+3) Gold: 120 Equipment: Diamond Staff (WP: 3), Pirate’s Eyepatch (SP:1, has 1/2 chance to prevent blinded; headwear) Inventory: Toxic Bow (WP:6, causes poisoned by 1; bow), Emerald (Wood), Potion, Remedy, 4 Fire Bombs, Poison Bomb, Shovel, Raw Meat (Max. health +5 when consumed.) QM Note: Thank you for the quest! I hope you had fun touring around Eubric, despite the delays. You may now return to Heroica Hall unless there is something you still wish to say to the NPCs.

Initiative Round: Eric uses Mulled Wine on himself - (Eric: inspired) Boomingham uses Smelling Salts on himself - (Boomingham: hastened) Heckz uses Stun Bomb - (All enemies: 5 damage + stunned (except Mertseger)) Round One of the Temple Battle: >Boomingham uses Nostrum on himself - (Boomingham: lucky) >Boomingham vs. Mertseger - Shield/Shield (Guardian Angel) >Sarge vs. Preacher Mob (twice) - Shield (Arrogant Prick - Preacher Mob: 1035 health-(113x4/2=226+226=452 dmg)=583 health; Sarge: drops stolen) >Sarge vs. Zealot Mob (twice) - Shield (Arrogant Prick - Zealot Mob: 1017 health-(113x4/2=226+226=452 dmg)=565 health; Sarge: drops stolen) >Hymnessamine sings Lucky Chant - (Rest of the allies: improved battle results; Hymnessamine: -12 ether) >Periwinkle vs. Blue Snakeman - Mirrored Light Damage/Stream of Light (Extremist Mob: 1098 health+6 SP-(34/2=17 dmg)=1087 health; Preacher Mob: 583 health+4 SP-(34/2=17 dmg)=570 health; Zealot Mob: 565 health+4 SP-(34/2=17 dmg)=552 health; All other enemies: no effect; Periwinkle: -3 ether) >Heckz (Darkness) vs. Black Snakeman - Shield/Great Spell (Razzmatazz of Darkness - Mertseger: 968 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=868 health; Anasonya: 403 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=303 health+jinxed+weakened; Extremist Mob: 1087 health+6 SP-(50x2=100 dmg)=993 health+jinxed+weakened; Preacher Mob: 570 health+4 SP-(50x2=100 dmg)=474 health+jinxed+weakened; Zealot Mob: 552 health+4 SP-(50x2=100 dmg)=456 health+jinxed+weakened; Black Snakeman: 508 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=408 health+jinxed+weakened; Blue Snakeman: 432 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=332 health+jinxed+weakened; Green Snakeman: 389 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=289 health+jinxed+weakened; Purple Snakeman: 387 health+4 SP-(50x2=100 dmg)=291 health+jinxed+weakened; Red Snakeman: 418 health-(50x2=100 dmg)=318 health+jinxed+weakened; Heckz: -10 ether, 62+44+117+53+48+59+42+50=975 gold) >Zarissa (Ice) vs. Purple Snakeman - Spell/Great Spell/Meditate (Purple Snakeman: 291 health+4 SP-(48x2=96 dmg)=199 health; Zarissa: -1 ether) >Theresa vs. Green Snakeman - Damage/Special Damage/Critical Poisoned Hit (Green Snakeman: 289 health-(64/2=32 dmg)=257 health+poisoned by 1; Theresa: +1 gold) >Rex vs. Extremist Mob - Shield/Extra Critical Hit/Extra Critical Hit (Veni Vidi Vici - Mertseger: 868 health-(96/4=24 dmg)=844 health; Anasonya: 303 health-(96/2=48 dmg)=255 health; Extremist Mob: 993 health+6 SP-(96/2=48 dmg)=951 health, defense halved; Preacher Mob: 474 health+4 SP-(96/2=48 dmg)=433 health, defense halved; Zealot Mob: 456 health+4 SP-(96/2=48 dmg)=412 health, defense halved; Black Snakeman: 408 health-(96/2=48 dmg)=360 health; Blue Snakeman: 332 health-(96/2=48 dmg)=284 health; Green Snakeman: 257 health-(96/2=48 dmg)=209 health; Purple Snakeman: 199 health+4 SP-(96/2=48 dmg)=155 health, defense halved; Red Snakeman: 318 health-(96/2=48 dmg)=270 health; Rex: barrier) >Eric switches Pugilist's Gloves to Venomari Helmet Eric vs. Anasonya - Damage/Hit/Extra Critical Hit (Anasonya: 255 health-(85x4=340 dmg)=0 health) Red Snakeman - Free Hit vs. Boomingham (Red Snakeman: recover from stunned) Green Snakeman - Poisoned by 1 Their morales high with an angelic Nephilim by their side, the heroes begin a massive counterattack at the Venomari invaders. They deal massive damage, but only the treacherous Aunt Anasonya falls so far. Periwinkle's light-elemental attacks do not seem to be working properly, though, for she has a wood-elemental artifact interrupting the flow. Thirteen enemies are left! Enemies: Cobra Priestess Mertseger *Ranged, fights from the back row* *Immune to all negative effects and sudden death* Type: Vermin/Humanoid Level: 62 Health: 844/973 Special I: Curse of the Venomari – Prevents all healing through both magic and items for three rounds. Healing through effects such as blessed is unaffected. Special II: Kiss of the Venomari – Petrifies the target. Used only if the Curse of the Venomari is in effect. Drops: 400 gold, Staff of the Serpent God (WP:31, spells have 1/6 chance to cause petrify to the target; staff; suitable to archmages and prophets) Venomari Extremist Mob (x3) *Absorbs poison* *Stunned* *Jinxed* *Weakened for 3 rounds* Type: Humanoid Level: 117 (39x3) Defense: 6 3 (2x3) Health: 951/1098 (366x3) Special: Poisonous Skin – Causes poisoned by 39 –effect to self and to all that attack the Extremist physically. The effect ends if the poison is removed from the Extremist. Drops: 15 gold, Venom Fang Blade (WP:9, causes poisoned equal to WP; longsword), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet) Note: The mob will always get a Free Hit if they outnumber the party. Every cultist defeated weakens the mob. Venomari Preacher Mob (x2) *Absorbs poison* *Stunned* *Jinxed* *Weakened for 3 rounds* Type: Humanoid Level: 76 (38x2) Defense: 4 2 (2x2) Health: 433/1035 (345x2) Special: Pandemia – Causes all negative effects that the Venomari have to all opponents as well. Drops: nothing Note: The mob will always get a Free Hit if they outnumber the party. Every cultist defeated weakens the mob. Venomari Zealot Mob (x2) *Absorbs poison* *Stunned* *Jinxed* *Weakened for 3 rounds* Type: Humanoid Level: 74 (37x2) Defense: 4 2 (2x2) Health: 412/1017 (339x2) Special: Twin Fangs – Causes 37 damage and bleeding-effect to the target and the opponent next in turn. Drops: nothing Note: The mob will always get a Free Hit if they outnumber the party. Every cultist defeated weakens the mob. Black Snakeman *Attacks cause slowed* *Stunned* *Jinxed* *Weakened for 3 rounds* Type: Vermin/Humanoid Level: 53 Health: 360/513 Special: Earth Shaker – Causes 22 earth-elemental damage and stunned-effect to all opponents. Drops: 13 gold, Stun Bomb Blue Snakeman *Attacks cause fast asleep* *Stunned* *Jinxed* *Weakened for 3 rounds* Type: Vermin/Humanoid Level: 48 Health: 284/437 Special: Hypno Ray – Causes confused-effect to all opponents. Drops: 8 gold, Remedy Green Snakeman *Attacks cause poisoned by 7* *Stunned* *Jinxed* *Weakened for 3 rounds* *Poisoned by 1* Type: Vermin/Humanoid Level: 59 Health: 209/394 Special: Poison Bomb – Causes 5 damage and poisoned by 1-effect to all opponents regardless of row, expending one bomb from the drops. If bombs run out, nothing happens. Drops: 19 gold, 4 Poison Bomb Purple Snakeman *Attacks cause bleeding* *Stunned* *Jinxed* *Weakened for 3 rounds* Type: Vermin/Humanoid Level: 42 Defense: 4 2 Health: 155/388 Special: Bulk Up – Causes either encouraged-, inspired- or reinforced-effect to self. On consecutive rolls, causes an effect that it does not have. Drops: 12 gold, Mead Red Snakeman *Attacks cause enraged* *Jinxed* *Weakened for 3 rounds* Type: Vermin/Humanoid Level: 50 Health: 270/421 Special: Fast & Furious – Causes enraged-effect to the target and hastened-effect to self. Drops: 10 gold, Smelling Salts Party: Eric (Khorne) 30 year old norseman Raider Level 30 *Natural Respite* *Evasion* *Absorbs Poison* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, Asleep, Water and Earth* *Encouraged* *Hastened* *Inspired* Power: 49 (30+18+1) Defense: 7 (2+5) Health: 53/53 106/106 (8+29+7+4+5) Gold: 0 Equipment: Conspirator (WP:18, causes blinded and has 1/2 chance to cause confused with each hit; darkness-elemental longsword), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile; bodywear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row + Immunity to water, earth, blinded and asleep; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Godricsleif (WP: 22; ice-, lightning-, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon), Rakshasa Blade (WP:8 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; greatsword), Rakshasa Flail (WP:7 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; mace), Rakshasa Scimitar (WP:11 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; longsword), Rakshasa Waveblades (WP:5 multiplied by the amount of Rakshasa weapons equipped by the party in the battle; dual strike daggers) Artifacts: Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened; handwear), Redhawk Helmet (Power +12 if the wearer acts first in the battle order; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; headwear.), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Consumables: Potion, 9 Grand Potions, 2 Elixirs, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, 3 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, 2 Mulled Wine, Ambrosia, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, 2 Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Floral Bomb, Aeolus Bomb, Poison Bomb, Seal Bomb, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.) Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 25 *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened and Blessed* *Encouraged* Power: 50 (25+21+2+2) Defense: 20 (16+4) Health: 49/49 (7+24+9+3+3+3) Gold: 2790 Equipment: Demonic Greatswords (WP:21, dual strike, has 1/2 chance each to cause sealed and blinded with each hit, Light and Darkness elemental greatsword, Hollow [Potion]), Serpenthead Shield (SP:16, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent hastened effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Inventory: Weapons: Twin Biter (WP:7, causes bleeding; dual strike axe), Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Lilliput Knife (WP:1, wielder’s power is not reduced when under minimized-effect, dagger.) Artifacts: 2x Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), 2x Cloak of the Grand Vizier (SP:1 multiplied by the number of party members; backwear.), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), Sterope’s Headdress (Grants the ability to spend a turn to fly out of a battle and return to it later if it is still going; the wearer cannot affect the battle in any way when they are away from it; suitable to winged warriors only; headwear), Encore Plectrum (If the same Battle Song is sung for more than one round in a row, the song’s ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable to minstrels; accessory.), Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to steal gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold in addition to hiding; footwear) Spell Items: “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Remedy, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Poisoned Water (Causes poisoned by 1 to the target; consumable), 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Bones, Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Mythril Shard Tools etc.: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, Mistarian Grey Panther (quest item), Gold Scorpion Venom (quest item), Tyrant Statue (Increases the holder’s gold by 50% at the end of each quest) Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 48 years old human Paladin *Party Second-in-Command* Level 36 *Immune to Darkness, Fire, Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* *Affluence* *Hastened* *Lucky* *GUARDIAN ANGEL* Power: 55 (36+14+4+1) Defense: 19 (7+12) Health: 56/59 (10+35+11+2+1) Ether: 35/36 Gold: 56 Equipment: Frozen Saber (WP: 14; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear), Inventory: Weapons: Scupperer (WP:17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Artifacts: Redhawk Helmet (Power +12 if the wearer acts first in the battle order; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; headwear.), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), 2x Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Health Core, 2x Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2x Mead, 2x Ambrosia, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, 2x Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Mythril Shard, Bone Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 2 Meat Lumps (quest item), Royal Seal of Salmanda (Grants the holder access everywhere in Salmanda at any time of the day; quest item.) John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 28 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* Power: 40 (28+12) (Spellpower: 50 (28+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 17/35 (5+27+4) Ether: 16/44 (5+27+1+5+1+5) Gold: 2170 Equipment: Solemn Dagger (WP: 12, darkness-elemental dagger, 1/2 chance of causing sealed), Magician's Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable for mages; handwear), Cloak of Blood Magic (+5 ether, attacks made with darkness magic cause weakened; suitable for mages, necromancers and chi monks; bodywear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Inventory: Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Assassin’s Crossbow (WP:4, each successful assassination increases WP by one permanently; suitable to assassins; crossbow), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear), Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, 7 Bones, Bright Polish, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, "Fifty Shades of Bley" (Grants access to Harlot), "Begone With the Winds" (Grants access to Weather Mage), Black Market Insignia (Allows the owner to seek out a black market dealer from any city they visit on a quest, as decided by the QM.), Old Teddy (quest item), Flower-tailed Flying Squirrel (quest item), 2x Meat Lump (quest item), Borrowed All Scrolls Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Nephilim Level 32 *Light- and wood-elemental attacks* *Divert* *Immune to wood and all negative effects* *Permanently blessed* Power: 33 (32+1) Health: 61/61 (30+31) Ether: 58/61 (30+31) Gold: 18 Equipment: Jaws' Mop (WP:1, double damage against aquatic enemies; broomstick), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert direct attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Flora Gear (adds wood-element to physical attacks and protects from wood-elemental damage, accessory) Inventory: Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear), Remedy, Neutralizer Rex the Rhinotaur, the Mighty Mercenary (NPC, controlled by Zepher) 35 years old male wererhino Paragon Level 61 3/5 *Initiative* *Restoration* *Aura of Honor* *Gamble* *No Escape* *BARRIER* Power: 96 (61+30+5) Defense: 12 Health: 93/93 (8+60+25) Gold: 695 Equipment: Grindoceros (WP:30; halves target's defense with every successful hit; hammer), Mighty Cuirass (SP:12, suitable to paragons only; bodywear), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory.) Inventory: Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Greater Tonic (Restores 30 ether), Soma, Deadly Venom, Meat Lump (quest item) Aunt Zarissa (NPC, controlled by Zepher) 62 years old female gnome Sage Level 33 *Immune to Poisoned and Cursed* Power: 48 (38+10) Defense: 2 Health: 47/47 (9+32+6) Ether: 38/39 (5+32+2) Gold: 376 Equipment: Sense Knocker (WP:20, staff), Sister's Hood (SP:2, immune to poisoned and cursed; suitable to Sisters of Danab only; headwear) Inventory: Opal (Ice), Scroll of Sealing Aunt Hymnessamine (NPC, controlled by Cutcobra) 44 years old female human Minstrel Level 38 1/4 *Hits Restore Ether* *Immune to Poisoned, Cursed, Blinded and Darkness* Power: 48 (38+10) Defense: 2 Health: 57/57 (9+37+11) Ether: 34/46 (5+37+4) Gold: 462 Equipment: Epic Saxophone (WP:10, each successful hit restores 1 ether, instrument), Sister's Hood (SP:2, immune to poisoned and cursed; suitable to Sisters of Danab only; headwear), Blue-rimmed Glasses (Immune to darkness and blinded; suitable to near-sighted people only; accessory) Inventory: Grand Potion, Grand Tonic Aunt Theresa (NPC, controlled by Pyrovisionary) 37 years old female human Witch Level 36 *Permanently Poisoned Attacks* *Immune to Poisoned and Cursed* Power: 50 (36+14) Defense: 2 Health: 50/50 (7+35+8) Ether: 36/36 Gold: 517 Equipment: Merry Whip (WP:14, steals 1 gold upon each successful hit; whip), Sister's Hood (SP:2, immune to poisoned and cursed; suitable to Sisters of Danab only; headwear) Inventory: Scroll of Blindness, Smoke Bomb

"Hmph! You are making a grave mistake! And you call yourself a mage..." "I am sorry, but our family is not welcome anywhere near the alchemist's house. You have made your decision, and I truly hope it is the right one. For all of our sakes. Come along now, Chesterine." The pink-clad wizard was petting the Triffid with Shaun. "It's alright... They'll take you home now..." The trio of wizards left the park, at keast two of them seemingly unhappy about the decision. The heroes had not garnered any good will from the Ziegfrieds that night. "The alchemists have a lot to explain. Let's head to their guildhouse." The Head Herbalist of the Guild of Invision, Madame Ladybug, looked pleased to have the Triffid back. She showed the group the greenhouse where the Triffid had been kept. "You can see here the window he broke through. Hmm, I am terribly sorry for all the trouble he caused. I am so glad nobody got hurt." "May I ask you, what were you thinking, raising such a dangerous creature here in the middle of the city?" "Hmmm, everything I do is in the name of science. The Triffid is such a rare sight, so once I got a hold of the seeds, curiosity got the better of me. He just grew so big so fast, I was unprepared. Poor thing, he must have felt terribly lost out there... Hmmm..." "People almost died because of it, influential people. It attacked Malastor Eldritch, the wife of Blackgull Bonaparte and almost the Ziegfrieds, as well!" "Umm, and me as well." "I cannot apologize enough. But I appreciate you brought him back unharmed. Is there anything I could do to make up for it?" "You have to promise this won't happen again! I don't want my Dorfie get devoured by a plant before our wedding!" "Umm, what about after?" "I would request a sample of the Triffid's petals, strickly for culinary purposes." "Oh yeah, roaming man-eating plants are the least of our problems if we don't get Master Chef Yasmar what he wants!" "Hmmm, that can be arranged. And you can rest assured that the Triffid will be locked away from now on. The Guild exists to serve Eubric, not to threaten it, hmmm. Was that all?" The U'kin herbalist turned at the heroes for more questions.

It took me ages just to sort out the suggestions (many people got a dozen), and now I'm in the process of selecting them for everyone. You'll get them in a day or two.

QM Note: You can only use a single consumable during the initiative, not do anything else. If Cutcobra doesn't show up, I'd like actions for Heckz and Hymnessamine as well.

"I'm sorry, lad, but if you ask me, we should destroy the Triffid right away. I'm frankly afraid of it still..." Waldorf then lowered his voice. "Besides, you don't want to piss of legendary mages like the Ziegfrieds, I tell you." The zombie boy was in awe. "Cooohl! Eeet's aaall sliiimeehh!" As the party leader, Ezeran was expected to announce the heroes' decision.