Sandy

Of course! I already wrote so in the Heroica Hall, I guess you missed it...

No, they're actually very much alive. Including Elpis, of course.

There has to be Mother Docken and Father Docken, at least. I doubt they have any other names besides those, though. Where Ellaria comes from has only been hinted at, although I don't know how big of a surprise it will be once it is eventually revealed.

While Arthur is away writing letters, a shady group runs towards the backdoor from the east. Recognizing the Wolfgang insignia, Nagure and Sorrow draw their weapons, but they are severly overpowered. In Arthur's absence, Sorrow has no choice but to take charge, since the yeti is not much of a thinker. PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Enemies: Wolfgang Goon Ajax Type: Humanoid Level: 16 Health: 382/382 Special: Steal & Stash – Steals gold equal to the target’s level and hides it so it cannot be recovered. Drops: 30 gold, Grand Potion Wolfgang Goon Burlesque Type: Humanoid Level: 16 Health: 382/382 Special: Steal & Stash – Steals gold equal to the target’s level and hides it so it cannot be recovered. Drops: 30 gold, Grand Potion Wolfgang Goon Cedric Type: Humanoid Level: 16 Health: 382/382 Special: Steal & Stash – Steals gold equal to the target’s level and hides it so it cannot be recovered. Drops: 30 gold, Grand Potion Wolfgang Hitman Arrowic Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 257/257 Special: Dark Arrow – Causes 15 darkness-elemental damage and the blinded-effect to the target regardless of row. Drops: 20 gold, Smelling Salts Note: Wolfgang Hitman fights from the back row, so all non-ranged attacks will do half damage to him, while his attacks do full damage to heroes in back row. Wolfgang Hitman Bowen Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 257/257 Special: Dark Arrow – Causes 15 darkness-elemental damage and the blinded-effect to the target regardless of row. Drops: 20 gold, Smelling Salts Note: Wolfgang Hitman fights from the back row, so all non-ranged attacks will do half damage to him, while his attacks do full damage to heroes in back row. Backdoor Party: Nagure (Costy) 34 year old Male Yeti Berserker. Level 16 *Immune to Fragile, Blindness,Ice& Fire* *Counterstriking* Power: 30 (16+14) Defense: 21 (12+9) Health: 33/33 (8+15+10) Gold: 4 (200 owed to Arthur) Equipment: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe), Shield (SP:9), Yeti Fur Coat (Artefact, bodywear, SP:12, immunity to Ice,Fire, Fragile and Blindness; suitable for yetis only), Counterstrike Gloves (Artefact, handwear; After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 14, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear),Potion x2, Grand Potion x6, Remedy, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2, Pickaxe Sorrow (Endgame) *Acting Party Leader* 428 years old undead Assassin Level 20 *Immune to Light and Blinded* *Lucky* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 44 (20+22+2) Defense: 7 (1+6) Health: 31/31 (7+19+5) Gold: 1782 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 22 Ice and Darkness Elemental), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear), Armor of the Croise (SP: 1, +2 power; bodywear), Night’s Helmet (SP:6, immunity to light and blinded; headwear) Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5), Dark Cloak (Backwear, SP:1, Max Health +1, Power +1, suitable for rogues and barbarians), Archer's Hat (Artifact, headwear, Power +1, suitable for Rangers and their Advanced Classes), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Grand Potion x5, Health Core,Tonic, Ether Core x1, Remedy x5, Phoenix Essence x5, Venom, Deadly Venom, Mead x8, Smelling Salts x8, Nostrum x6, Dragon Scales x2, Bedroll Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets. Results of Round Five of the Main Course Battle: >Arnulf vs. DFC A - Damage (Arnulf: 8 health+3 SP-(5/2=3 dmg)=8 health) >Grimwald uses Scroll of Weakening on DFC B - Success (DFC B: weakened, Grimwald: -1 ether) DFC B+Walking Wiener - Free Hit vs. Arnulf (Arnulf: 8 health+3 SP-(5/2=3+7=10/2=5 dmg=6 health) DFC B - Free Hit vs. Grimwald (Grimwald: 8 health+1 SP-(5/4=2 dmg)=7 health) DFC B - Cursed (-3 max. health) Arnulf gets a hit on the first chicken, but Grimwald fails to weaken the second. The enemies group up to deliver some hurt on the heroes. Enemies: Dreadfully Fried Chicken A Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 13/52 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Dreadfully Fried Chicken B *Cursed* *Hastened* *Weakened for 3 rounds* Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 25/37 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Walking Wiener Type: Fiery/Demon Level: 7 Health: 73/73 Special I: Wiener Waltz – Causes the confused-effect to all opponents. Special II: Sausage Fest – Causes 5 fire-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of row. Drops: Greasy Sausage (max. health +2 when eaten) Note: The specials alternate. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 7 Power:15 (7+8) Defense: 3 Health: 6/13 (7+6) Gold: 88 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Bedroll, Big Apple (Power +1 when eaten) Kiray Nastay (KingoftheZempk) 24 year old female human Knight Level 2 *Knocked Out* Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 2 Health: 0/11 (10+1) Gold: 10 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP: 3), Scutum (SP: 2), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect) Inventory: Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Bedroll Grimwald Gjinko (LordoftheNoobs) 69 year old male gnome Cleric Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 1 Health: 7/10 (9+1) Ether: 3/6 (5+1) Gold: 0 (Owes Arthur 50 gold) Equipment: Broomstick (WP: 3), Helmet (SP:1) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Remedy, 2 Potion, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten; it is up to the user to choose how many they eat at a time), Bedroll Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets.

Your party will get their chance to shine soon. But I'm really not opposed to let everyone know the major NPCs better - that's why I thought of the Ball and rolled just about everyone there in the first place. Besides, after this I can start chopping some heads with a good consciousness.

Results of Round Four of the Main Course Battle: >Arnulf vs. DFC A - Hit (DFC A: 21 health-(15/2=8 dmg)=13 health) >Grimwald uses Scroll of Weakening on DFC B - Failure (Grimwald: -1 ether) DFC B+Walking Wiener - Free Hit vs. Arnulf (Arnulf: 11 health+3 SP-(5+7=12/2=6 dmg=8 health) DFC B - Free Hit vs. Grimwald (Grimwald: 10 health+1 SP-(5/2=3 dmg)=8 health) DFC B - Cursed (-3 max. health) Arnulf gets a hit on the first chicken, but Grimwald fails to weaken the second. The enemies group up to deliver some hurt on the heroes. Enemies: Dreadfully Fried Chicken A Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 13/52 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Dreadfully Fried Chicken B *Cursed* *Hastened* Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 25/40 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Walking Wiener Type: Fiery/Demon Level: 7 Health: 73/73 Special I: Wiener Waltz – Causes the confused-effect to all opponents. Special II: Sausage Fest – Causes 5 fire-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of row. Drops: Greasy Sausage (max. health +2 when eaten) Note: The specials alternate. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 7 Power:15 (7+8) Defense: 3 Health: 8/13 (7+6) Gold: 88 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Bedroll, Big Apple (Power +1 when eaten) Kiray Nastay (KingoftheZempk) 24 year old female human Knight Level 2 *Knocked Out* Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 2 Health: 0/11 (10+1) Gold: 10 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP: 3), Scutum (SP: 2), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect) Inventory: Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Bedroll Grimwald Gjinko (LordoftheNoobs) 69 year old male gnome Cleric Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 1 Health: 8/10 (9+1) Ether: 4/6 (5+1) Gold: 0 (Owes Arthur 50 gold) Equipment: Broomstick (WP: 3), Helmet (SP:1) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Remedy, 2 Potion, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten; it is up to the user to choose how many they eat at a time), Bedroll Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets. "Zank you, milord! Monsieur 'Inckwell and I are both buzinessmen, zere is nozing we can do betteur zan to make agreements. And whu am I to deny my daughter of l'amour? It 'as pained to see 'er spend 'er days in solitude because of Le Malheur zat plagues 'er and I boz. I must admit, I was surprised when Bellanotte approached me wiz zis idea of marrying young Lyren, but like I said, I managed to make a good deal out of it, hehe..." "Oui, ma père iz not above selling 'is own children if 'e can make a profit out of it!" "Umbra! Quelle insolence!" "For the last time, ma soeur, it was my will! I... love Lyren. I want to be with him forever." Bellanotte gave a sideways glance at Nuitan, who couldn't return the look.

Early on, "Flee" was actually the "4" roll for Rogues. Their job trait was stealth or lockpicking or something equally useless, so it was changed.

Arthur detects no traps. The house seems to be an abandoned residence. Peeking inside from a window, Arthur sees that there's no furniture inside. The black cat is standing on a staircase, staring right at Arthur. "No. Use this towel. And stop acting like a drunken fool. A man of your age and position." The stern golem hands Boomingham a white cloth.

Results of Round Three of the Main Course Battle: Arnulf vs. DFC A - Miss >Kiray vs. DFC B - Special Damage (Headless Crash - Kiray: 11 health+2 SP-(25/2=13 dmg)=0 health) >Grimwald vs. Walking Wiener - Shield (Miracle- All party members: +8 health) DFC - Free Hit vs. Arnulf (Arnulf: 13 health+3 SP-5 dmg=11 health) DFC B - Cursed (-3 max. health) Arnulf misses his strike. The hastened chicken crashes into Kiray, knocking her out. Grimwald tries to heal her with a blessing, but it does not work on the unconscious Kiray. The hastened DFC gets another hit, this time on Arnulf. Enemies: Dreadfully Fried Chicken A Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 21/52 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Dreadfully Fried Chicken B *Cursed* *Hastened* Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 25/43 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Walking Wiener Type: Fiery/Demon Level: 7 Health: 73/73 Special I: Wiener Waltz – Causes the confused-effect to all opponents. Special II: Sausage Fest – Causes 5 fire-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of row. Drops: Greasy Sausage (max. health +2 when eaten) Note: The specials alternate. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 7 Power:15 (7+8) Defense: 3 Health: 11/13 (7+6) Gold: 88 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Bedroll, Big Apple (Power +1 when eaten) Kiray Nastay (KingoftheZempk) 24 year old female human Knight Level 2 *Knocked Out* Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 2 Health: 0/11 (10+1) Gold: 10 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP: 3), Scutum (SP: 2), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect) Inventory: Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Bedroll Grimwald Gjinko (LordoftheNoobs) 69 year old male gnome Cleric Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 1 Health: 10/10 (9+1) Ether: 5/6 (5+1) Gold: 0 (Owes Arthur 50 gold) Equipment: Broomstick (WP: 3), Helmet (SP:1) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Remedy, 2 Potion, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten; it is up to the user to choose how many they eat at a time), Bedroll Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets. QM Note: You already did that. Also, Sorrow does not have a Smoke Bomb in the inventory... Arthur spots the black cat entering a building in the intersecting street. The Magic Compass points east. Backdoor Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) ***Party Leader*** 21-year-old male human Sorcerer Level 21 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Lucky* Power: 26 (21+5) Health: 33/33 (5+20+4+4) Ether: 8/31 (5+20+1+5) Defense: 3 Gold: 294 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur, oved 200 gold by Nagure) Equipment: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Weapons: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [smelling Salts]), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4) Artifacts: Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target theLucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Consumables: Potion, Grand Potion x6, Ether Core x2, Remedy x10, Elixir, Smelling Salts x3, Nostrum x3, Mulled Wine, Jinxy Juice x4, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything Nagure (Costy) 34 year old Male Yeti Berserker. Level 16 *Immune to Fragile, Blindness,Ice& Fire* *Counterstriking* Power: 30 (16+14) Defense: 21 (12+9) Health: 33/33 (8+15+10) Gold: 4 (200 owed to Arthur) Equipment: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe), Shield (SP:9), Yeti Fur Coat (Artefact, bodywear, SP:12, immunity to Ice,Fire, Fragile and Blindness; suitable for yetis only), Counterstrike Gloves (Artefact, handwear; After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 14, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear),Potion x2, Grand Potion x6, Remedy, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2, Pickaxe Sorrow (Endgame) 428 years old undead Assassin Level 20 *Immune to Light and Blinded* *Lucky* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 44 (20+22+2) Defense: 7 (1+6) Health: 31/31 (7+19+5) Gold: 1782 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 22 Ice and Darkness Elemental), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear), Armor of the Croise (SP: 1, +2 power; bodywear), Night’s Helmet (SP:6, immunity to light and blinded; headwear) Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5), Dark Cloak (Backwear, SP:1, Max Health +1, Power +1, suitable for rogues and barbarians), Archer's Hat (Artifact, headwear, Power +1, suitable for Rangers and their Advanced Classes), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Grand Potion x5, Health Core,Tonic, Ether Core x1, Remedy x5, Phoenix Essence x5, Venom, Deadly Venom, Mead x8, Smelling Salts x8, Nostrum x6, Dragon Scales x2, Bedroll

The crowd applauds and hoots to the heroes' act. The jesters stand aside, perplexed about Nyx and Boomingham taking over their limelight. The pie that Boomingham gets on his face is nothing but tasty. The lieutenant looks at the items, but cannot make heads or tails of them. He's too proud to admit it, though. "Good job, fellows! Carry on eliminating any threats that might appear. I shall turn my patrol towards the east." The patrol disappears into the street at the end of the alleyway. The cat meows loudly, almost demandingly, and then skits towards west. Will the party follow?

How odd... I'm usually very particular about correct alphabetization. Well, it's fixed now.

Results of Round Two of the Main Course Battle: Arnulf vs. DFC A - Damage (Arnulf: 13 health+3 SP-5 dmg=11 health) >Kiray vs. DFC B - Special Damage (Headless Run - DFC B: health halved+hastened) >Grimwald vs. Walking Wiener - Shield (Miracle - All party members: +8 health) DFC - Free Hit vs. Arnulf (Arnulf: 13 health+3 SP-5 dmg=11 health) DFC B - Cursed (-3 max. health) Arnulf gets attacked by the DFC he targetted. The other DFC makes a headless run, seriously damaging itself but also getting hastened. Grimwald's blessing restores Arnulf's health, but the hastened chicken demon takes it away. Enemies: Dreadfully Fried Chicken A Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 21/52 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Dreadfully Fried Chicken B *Cursed* *Hastened* Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 25/46 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Walking Wiener Type: Fiery/Demon Level: 7 Health: 73/73 Special I: Wiener Waltz – Causes the confused-effect to all opponents. Special II: Sausage Fest – Causes 5 fire-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of row. Drops: Greasy Sausage (max. health +2 when eaten) Note: The specials alternate. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 7 Power:15 (7+8) Defense: 3 Health: 11/13 (7+6) Gold: 88 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Bedroll, Big Apple (Power +1 when eaten) Kiray Nastay (KingoftheZempk) 24 year old female human Knight Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 2 Health: 11/11 (10+1) Gold: 10 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP: 3), Scutum (SP: 2), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect) Inventory: Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Bedroll Grimwald Gjinko (LordoftheNoobs) 69 year old male gnome Cleric Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 1 Health: 10/10 (9+1) Ether: 5/6 (5+1) Gold: 0 (Owes Arthur 50 gold) Equipment: Broomstick (WP: 3), Helmet (SP:1) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Remedy, 2 Potion, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten; it is up to the user to choose how many they eat at a time), Bedroll Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets.

The cat smells the liquids, but just wrinkles its nose at them. The potions are wasted. The kitten purrs loudly as Arthur strokes it. She then paces back and forth in front of the heroes, as if waiting for them. Behind Nagure, Lieutenant Serevan's patrol approaches again. "So, here I find you playing with a kittycat while the rest of us have exhausted ourselves by walking around these streets that have never been more empty. It just figures..." Backdoor Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) ***Party Leader*** 21-year-old male human Sorcerer Level 21 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Lucky* Power: 26 (21+5) Health: 33/33 (5+20+4+4) Ether: 8/31 (5+20+1+5) Defense: 3 Gold: 294 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur, oved 200 gold by Nagure) Equipment: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Weapons: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [smelling Salts]), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4) Artifacts: Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target theLucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Consumables: Potion, Grand Potion x6, Ether Core x2, Remedy x10, Elixir, Smelling Salts x3, Nostrum x3, Mulled Wine, Jinxy Juice x4, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything Nagure (Costy) 34 year old Male Yeti Berserker. Level 16 *Immune to Fragile, Blindness,Ice& Fire* *Counterstriking* Power: 30 (16+14) Defense: 21 (12+9) Health: 33/33 (8+15+10) Gold: 4 (200 owed to Arthur) Equipment: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe), Shield (SP:9), Yeti Fur Coat (Artefact, bodywear, SP:12, immunity to Ice,Fire, Fragile and Blindness; suitable for yetis only), Counterstrike Gloves (Artefact, handwear; After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 14, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear),Potion x2, Grand Potion x6, Remedy, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2, Pickaxe Sorrow (Endgame) 428 years old undead Assassin Level 20 *Immune to Light and Blinded* *Lucky* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 44 (20+22+2) Defense: 7 (1+6) Health: 31/31 (7+19+5) Gold: 1782 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 22 Ice and Darkness Elemental), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear), Armor of the Croise (SP: 1, +2 power; bodywear), Night’s Helmet (SP:6, immunity to light and blinded; headwear) Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5), Dark Cloak (Backwear, SP:1, Max Health +1, Power +1, suitable for rogues and barbarians), Archer's Hat (Artifact, headwear, Power +1, suitable for Rangers and their Advanced Classes), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Grand Potion x5, Health Core,Tonic,Ether Core x1, Remedy x5, Phoenix Essence x5, Venom,Deadly Venom, Mead x8, Smelling Salts x8, Nostrum x6, Dragon Scales x2, Bedroll The jesters spot Nyx approaching, and gleefully toss a pie at her. She quickly catches the pie in midair, making the crowd cheer for her stunt. Inadvertedly she has become part of the jesters' act now. Mabel turns around, looking puzzled. "Umm, excuse me? Oh, that paper! I apologize, I forgot all about it. I'll get to it later, if you don't mind terribly." Hestia gives Boomingham a baffled look and mouths the words "What are you doing?", but the admiral does not notice. He just stares down into his cup vacantly.

Results of Round One of the Main Course Battle: Arnulf vs. DFC A - Shield (Mug - DFC: 52 health-31 dmg=21 health; Arnulf: +31 gold) >Kiray vs. DFC B - Hit (DFC: 52 health-(5/2=3 dmg)=49 health+cursed) >Grimwald uses Scroll of Weakness Walking Wiener - Failure (Grimwald: -1 ether) DFC B - Cursed (-3 max. health) Arnulf mugs the first Dreadfully Fried Chicken for great damage and a wealth of gold. Kiray also gets a hit on her target, cursing it thanks to her crown. Grimwald on the other hand fails to weaken the Walking Wiener. Enemies: Dreadfully Fried Chicken A Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 21/52 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Dreadfully Fried Chicken B *Cursed* Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 49/49 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Walking Wiener Type: Fiery/Demon Level: 7 Health: 73/73 Special I: Wiener Waltz – Causes the confused-effect to all opponents. Special II: Sausage Fest – Causes 5 fire-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of row. Drops: Greasy Sausage (max. health +2 when eaten) Note: The specials alternate. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 7 Power:15 (7+8) Defense: 3 Health: 13/13 (7+6) Gold: 88 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Bedroll, Big Apple (Power +1 when eaten) Kiray Nastay (KingoftheZempk) 24 year old female human Knight Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 2 Health: 11/11 (10+1) Gold: 10 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP: 3), Scutum (SP: 2), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect) Inventory: Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Bedroll Grimwald Gjinko (LordoftheNoobs) 69 year old male gnome Cleric Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 1 Health: 10/10 (9+1) Ether: 5/6 (5+1) Gold: 0 (Owes Arthur 50 gold) Equipment: Broomstick (WP: 3), Helmet (SP:1) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Remedy, 2 Potion, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten; it is up to the user to choose how many they eat at a time), Bedroll Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets.

CallMePie has the questionable honor of hosting Quest#69! I hope you have enough innuendo included in it so we won't be disappointed, CMP. Quoted for truth. Kitties!

~A new quest has been posted on the Quest Board (#69 by CallMePie)!~

The action in the kitchen comes to another halt as the Master Chef screams in fury. "Bloody hell! Not again?!" The main course has turned into new demonic creatures in front of everyone's eyes. The heroes have no choice but to draw their weapons again. PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Enemies: Dreadfully Fried Chicken A Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 52/52 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Dreadfully Fried Chicken B Type: Flying/Demon Level: 5 Health: 52/52 Special I: Headless Run - The DFC cuts its own health in half and becomes hastened for the remained of the battle. Special II: Headless Crash – Damages the target equal to the remaining health. Used only if Headless Run has been used. Drops: Chicken Drumstick (max. health +1 when eaten) Walking Wiener Type: Fiery/Demon Level: 7 Health: 73/73 Special I: Wiener Waltz – Causes the confused-effect to all opponents. Special II: Sausage Fest – Causes 5 fire-elemental damage to all opponents regardless of row. Drops: Greasy Sausage (max. health +2 when eaten) Note: The specials alternate. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 7 Power:15 (7+8) Defense: 3 Health: 13/13 (7+6) Gold: 57 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Bedroll, Big Apple (Power +1 when eaten) Kiray Nastay (KingoftheZempk) 24 year old female human Knight Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 2 Health: 11/11 (10+1) Gold: 10 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP: 3), Scutum (SP: 2), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect) Inventory: Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Bedroll Grimwald Gjinko (LordoftheNoobs) 69 year old male gnome Cleric Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 1 Health: 10/10 (9+1) Ether: 6/6 (5+1) Gold: 0 (Owes Arthur 50 gold) Equipment: Broomstick (WP: 3), Helmet (SP:1) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Remedy, 2 Potion, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten; it is up to the user to choose how many they eat at a time), Bedroll Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets. Arthur checks the door, and finds it bolted shut still. The watchman Gladstone is still in his position, picking his nose. The Magic Compass still points to the east. Suddenly something meows at Nagure's feet. The black cat has returned, and it's rubbing itself against the yeti's furry legs. Backdoor Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) ***Party Leader*** 21-year-old male human Sorcerer Level 21 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* Power: 26 (21+5) Health: 33/33 (5+20+4+4) Ether: 8/31 (5+20+1+5) Defense: 3 Gold: 294 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur, oved 200 gold by Nagure) Equipment: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Weapons: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [Elixir]), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4) Artifacts: Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target theLucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Consumables: 2x Potion, Grand Potion x7, Grand Tonic Ether Core x2, Smelling Salts x4, Nostrum x4, Mulled Wine, Jinxy Juice x4, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything Nagure (Costy) 34 year old Male Yeti Berserker. Level 16 *Immune to Fragile, Blindness,Ice& Fire* *Counterstriking* Power: 30 (16+14) Defense: 21 (12+9) Health: 33/33 (8+15+10) Gold: 4 (200 owed to Arthur) Equipment: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe), Shield (SP:9), Yeti Fur Coat (Artefact, bodywear, SP:12, immunity to Ice,Fire, Fragile and Blindness; suitable for yetis only), Counterstrike Gloves (Artefact, handwear; After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 14, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Potion x2, Grand Potion x6, Remedy, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2, Pickaxe Sorrow (Endgame) 428 years old undead Assassin Level 20 *Immune to Light and Blinded* Power: 44 (20+22+2) Defense: 7 (1+6) Health: 31/31 (7+19+5) Gold: 1782 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 22 Ice and Darkness Elemental), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear), Armor of the Croise (SP: 1, +2 power; bodywear), Night’s Helmet (SP:6, immunity to light and blinded; headwear) Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5), Dark Cloak (Backwear, SP:1, Max Health +1, Power +1, suitable for rogues and barbarians), Archer's Hat (Artifact, headwear, Power +1, suitable for Rangers and their Advanced Classes), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Grand Potion x5, Health Core,Tonic,Ether Core x1, Remedy x5, Phoenix Essence x5, Venom,Deadly Venom, Mead x9, Smelling Salts x9, Nostrum x7, Dragon Scales x2, Bedroll "Yeth, iv only ve could thtop the dithcrimination and the thhildithh veudth betveen the houtheth, everything vould be muthh better. Thith engagement betveen the Hinckvellth and the Thhadeaukth ith a thtep in the right direction, indeed." As the heroes chat with Dr. Cula, the starter plates are being carried away. Two wacky jesters come out to the stage to entertain the guests as they wait for the main course to be served.

Yes. Equipping artefacts in the middle of a battle always takes one turn, no matter if you're just putting them on or switching them with another artefact.

"I megablocking told you not to get in my way! I have enough stress without any snotnosed sellswords or demonic vegetables messing around in my kitchen, you hear?!" The heroes duck as the ladle swings their way again. Luckily Yasmar soon directs his anger towards his assistants who are doing their best to prepare the main course. "Thank you, thir! Vreedom and peathe ith all I withh vor Eubric athvell. But ath long ath there are thikth ruling houtheth each pulling the thtringth to their ovn direction ve cannot hope vor thingth to thettle dovn. Ve need to unite to make Eubric a better plathe to live vor everyone!" Admiral Bonaparte looked up, surprised of Boomingham's gesture. He said nothing, though. "Nithe to meet you, Lord Boomingham! I am convinthed that thith vhole debacle betveen the living and the undead hath jutht a big mithunderthtanding vrom the beginning. Thure, there are bad seedth in every crop, but ve undead are not inherently evil. Ve live in the dark, but that doethn't make uth criminalth, doeth it? Jutht think ov the poththibilitieth! Eubric could be a thity that never thleepth, governed by the living during daylight and the undead during the night! Ve could prothper in vayth that have never even been given a thought before!" The vampiric doctor is happy to finally have an interested audience, so he isn't about to stop talking. Madame Ladybug, who is sitting next to him, twitches her long ears in frustration.

Results of Round Seven of the Dark Night Battle: >Nagure does nothing >Arthur uses Remedy on Nagure - (Nagure: confused removed) >Arthur uses Healing Staff on Nagure - Shield (Magnetic Mojo - Arthur: +33 gold) >Sorrow does nothing >Sorrow does nothing Dark Night - Free Hit vs. Nagure (Nagure: 32 health+21 SP-(33/4=9 dmg)=32 health; Dark Night: 400 health-(15x2/2=15 dmg)=385 health) The heroes see it best to resort to a safe strategy, since the Dark Night cannot hurt Nagure with his free hits if the yeti is standing on the back. 26 rounds later, the yeti counters the attack from the spirit of the night for the final time... THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! Arthur gains a third of a level while Nagure and Sorrow earn a half. The enemies drop an Unlucky Horseshoe, a Night's Helmet and a Grand Tonic. Backdoor Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) ***Party Leader*** 21-year-old male human Sorcerer Level 21 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* Power: 26 (21+5) Health: 33/33 (5+20+4+4) Ether: 8/31 (5+20+1+5) Defense: 3 Gold: 294 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur, oved 200 gold by Nagure) Equipment: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Weapons: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [Elixir]), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4) Artifacts: Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target theLucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Consumables: 2x Potion, Grand Potion x10, Smelling Salts x4, Nostrum x4, Mulled Wine, Jinxy Juice x4, Ether Core x2, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything Nagure (Costy) 34 year old Male Yeti Berserker. Level 16 *Immune to Fragile, Blindness,Ice& Fire* *Counterstriking* Power: 30 (16+14) Defense: 21 (12+9) Health: 33/33 (8+15+10) Gold: 4 (200 owed to Arthur) Equipment: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe), Shield (SP:9), Yeti Fur Coat (Artefact, bodywear, SP:12, immunity to Ice,Fire, Fragile and Blindness; suitable for yetis only), Counterstrike Gloves (Artefact, handwear; After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 14, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear),Potion x2, Grand Potion x3, Remedy, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2, Pickaxe Sorrow (Endgame) 428 years old undead Assassin Level 20 Power: 44 (20+22+2) Defense: 1 Health: 31/31 (7+19+5) Gold: 1782 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 22 Ice and Darkness Elemental), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear), Armor of the Croise (SP: 1, +2 power; bodywear) Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5), Dark Cloak (Backwear, SP:1, Max Health +1, Power +1, suitable for rogues and barbarians), Archer's Hat (Artifact, headwear, Power +1, suitable for Rangers and their Advanced Classes), Grand Potion x5, Health Core,Tonic,Ether Core x1, Remedy x5, Phoenix Essence x5, Venom,Deadly Venom, Mead x9, Smelling Salts x9, Nostrum x7, Dragon Scales x2, Bedroll Party Leader, divide the spoils of the battle: Unlucky Horseshoe - WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon. Night’s Helmet - SP:6, immunity to light and blinded; headwear Grand Tonic - Restores 15 ether to the target when consumed. With the dark spirit gone, the back alley is quiet again.

Ellaria returns to the Hall after successfully protecting young alchemists of the Guild of Invision from a mad mage. She had never quite understood the feud between alchemists and spellcasters, but she guessed it was because the two of them dabbled on the same are of expertise with totally different methods. But now she needed to find Guts. The party had split up before she had remembered to give him back the Scroll of Weakening he lent her. Passing by the Quest Board, she took a glance at potential new quests and saw that her old friend Tesni had joined a quest that would take her to a theater at Bric'lin. Ellaria noticed that she didn't quite meet the requirements, but seeing there was only one sign-up in there, she wrote her name down, signing into Quest#68. OoC: Zeph, I need to warn you that I'll be away on a vacation from June the 20th to July the 2nd with a limited internet access. I can probably post infrequently during that time if your quest still goes on then, but I can't make any promises. Please consider this when you decide if you'll take Ellaria in or not.

"There are still many questions unanswered, Miss Vries. How did the mage track us down? Your safehouse does not seem to be as safe as it should... And what were all those strange statues inside the house, anyway?" Ellaria smiled at the young alchemists. "We did keep all of you alive, as we promised. If you ever need a hero to save your day again, you know who to contact, eh?"

The matriarch of the Hinckwell family looks up from her plate that had just been served to her. "Thank you, milord. It is truly a blessing to see one's child so in love." Laureline gazes at Lyren, who in turn can't help glancing repeatedly towards the table where the Shadeaux family sits. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must taste this fruit salad. Master Chef Yasmar's cookings are famous is courts across the world." As soon as the hors d'ouerves are gladly consumed, another speaker takes the stage. "Ladieth and gentlemen ov thith fine thity of Eubric! I have rithen to thith thtage vith a very important meththage on behalv ov my undead brotherth and thithterth. Vor too long, living people have lived in vear ov vampireth, thombieth, ghoulth and ghathtth. All the vhile me and my brethren have lurked in the dark cornerth ov the world in thhame and agony. I tell you nov, you have nothing to vear! Ve nov vant to join thith community and do our duty tovardth it ath your vriendth and comradeth. Ve vant to veel proud to call ourthelveth thitithenth ov Eubric onthe more! All I athk ov you ith to thtop being avraid ov uth and driving uth into hiding. Ve have tho muthh to learn vrom eathh other, you living and uth undead..." This went on for quite a while. Most of the crowd weren't even listening, and those who were lost interest because they couldn't understand the lisping doctor. Finally his fellow alchemist pulled Doctor Cula down from the stage.

QM Note: Flipz, the Jester's Hat specifically says "targeted enemy", so I can't have you copying Nagure's immunity. Sorry! Results of Round Six of the Dark Night Battle: >Arthur does nothing >Arthur uses Healing Staff on Nagure - Critical Hit (Nagure: +31 health) >Arthur does nothing >Arthur uses Healing Staff on Nagure - Confuse (Nagure: confused) Nagure (Axe of the Croise) vs. Dark Night - Shield (War Cry - Dark Night: 711 health+1 SP-(39x8=312 dmg)=400 health) >Sorrow does nothing >Sorrow does nothing Arthur's unnecessary tomfoolery with the Healing Staff results in Nagure getting confused. Luckily the yeti manages to find his actual target, cutting the Dark Night's health almost in half. Sorrow just watches from the sidelines in awe. Enemies: Dark Night *Weakened for 1 round* *Sealed for 2 rounds* Type: Dark Level: 33 Defense: 1 Health: 400/999 Special: Darkness – Causes 33 darkness-elemental damage and the blinded-effect to all opponents. Drops: Night’s Helmet (SP:6, immunity to light and blinded), Grand Tonic Note: Immune to blinded, asleep, stunned, petrified, confused and sudden death. Backdoor Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) ***Party Leader*** 21-year-old male human Sorcerer Level 21 1/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Encouraged* *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 26 (21+5) Health: 33/33 (5+20+4+4) Ether: 8/31 (5+20+1+5) Defense: 3 Gold: 261 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur, oved 200 gold by Nagure) Equipment: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear, SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Weapons: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [Elixir]), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4) Artifacts: Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles) Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Badly Poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target theLucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Consumables: 2x Potion, Grand Potion x10, Remedy, Smelling Salts x4, Nostrum x4, Mulled Wine, Jinxy Juice x4, Ether Core x2, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything Nagure (Costy) 34 year old Male Yeti Berserker. Level 15 1/2 *Immune to Fragile, Blindness,Ice& Fire* *Counterstriking* *Encouraged* *Confused for 3 rounds* Power: 29 (15+14) Defense: 21 (12+9) Health: 32/32 (8+14+10) Gold: 4 (200 owed to Arthur) Equipment: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe), Shield (SP:9), Yeti Fur Coat (Artefact, bodywear, SP:12, immunity to Ice,Fire, Fragile and Blindness; suitable for yetis only), Counterstrike Gloves (Artefact, handwear; After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 14, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear),Potion x2, Grand Potion x3, Remedy, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2, Pickaxe Sorrow (Endgame) 428 years old undead Assassin Level 19 1/2 *Encouraged* *Hastened* *Lucky* *Mockthril Bow: Badly Poisoned* Power: 43 (19+22+2) Defense: 1 Health: 30/30 (7+18+5) Gold: 1782 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP: 22 Ice and Darkness Elemental), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up), suitable for rogues and beast warriors; handwear), Armor of the Croise (SP: 1, +2 power; bodywear) Inventory: Longsword (WP: 5), Dark Cloak (Backwear, SP:1, Max Health +1, Power +1, suitable for rogues and barbarians), Archer's Hat (Artifact, headwear, Power +1, suitable for Rangers and their Advanced Classes), Grand Potion x5, Health Core,Tonic,Ether Core x1, Remedy x5, Phoenix Essence x5, Venom,Deadly Venom, Mead x9, Smelling Salts x9, Nostrum x7, Dragon Scales x2, Bedroll Party Leader, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets. "What the hell? I thought you weren't here to serve but to guard, princess. Who are you, exactly? What kind of a game are you playing? Did YOU bring those megablocking monsters with you?" The Master Chef starts fuming again. It seems that Kiray's words have started to rouse his suspicions, despite their triumphant battle against the demonic fruit just now. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 7 Power:15 (7+8) Defense: 3 Health: 13/13 (7+6) Gold: 57 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Bedroll, Big Apple (Power +1 when eaten) Kiray Nastay (KingoftheZempk) 24 year old female human Knight Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 2 Health: 11/11 (10+1) Gold: 10 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP: 3), Scutum (SP: 2), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect) Inventory: Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Bedroll Grimwald Gjinko (LordoftheNoobs) 69 year old male gnome Cleric Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 1 Health: 10/10 (9+1) Ether: 6/6 (5+1) Gold: 0 (Owes Arthur 50 gold) Equipment: Broomstick (WP: 3), Helmet (SP:1) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Remedy, 2 Potion, Bunch of Cherries (10/10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten; it is up to the user to choose how many they eat at a time), Bedroll

Results of Round Nine of the Fruit Salad Battle: >Arnulf vs. Horrapple - Special Damage (Apple Bomb - Arnulf: 12 health+3 SP-(5/2=3 dmg)=12 health; Kiray: 10 health+2 SP-(5/2=3 dmg)=9 health; Grimwald: 9 health+1 SP-(5/2=3 dmg)=7 health) >Kiray vs. Cherrible - Special Damage (No effect) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Special Damage (No effect) Horrapple - Cursed (-3 max health) Horrapple - Blessed (+3 health) Cherrible - Blessed (+3 health) The Horrapple throws an Apple Bomb that causes minor damage to Kiray and Grimwald. The heroes miss again. Results of Round Ten of the Fruit Salad Battle: >Arnulf vs. Horrapple - Shield (Mug - Horrapple: 19 health-(30/2=15 dmg)=4 health; Arnulf: +15 gold) >Kiray vs. Cherrible - Shield (Sentinel) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Miss Horrapple - Cursed (-3 max health) Horrapple - Blessed (+3 health) Cherrible - Blessed (+3 health) Arnulf mugs the Horrapple again while Kiray assumes the Sentinel-position again. Results of Round Eleven of the Fruit Salad Battle: Arnulf vs. Horrapple - Hit (Horrapple: 7 health-14 dmg=0 health) Kiray vs. Cherrible - Special Damage (No effect) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Miss Cherrible - Blessed (+3 health) Arnulf slays the Horrapple as well. Only the Cherrible remains anymore. Results of Round Twelve of the Fruit Salad Battle: >Arnulf vs. Cherrible - Shield (Mug - Cherrible: 35 health-(30/2=15 dmg)=20 health; Arnulf: +15 gold) >Kiray vs. Cherrible - Damage (Kiray: 9 health+2 SP-(4/2=2 dmg)=9 health) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Miss Cherrible - Blessed (+3 health) Arnulf mugs the Cherrible, but it's able to attack Kiray as well, although with no effect. Results of Round Fourteen of the Fruit Salad Battle: >Arnulf vs. Cherrible - Hit (Cherrible: 23 health-(14/2=7 dmg)=16 health) >Kiray vs. Cherrible - Critical Hit (Cherrible: 16 health-(7/2=4 dmg)=12 health) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Hit (Cherrible: 12 health-4 dmg=8 dmg) Cherrible - Blessed (+3 health) All heroes manage to damage Cherrible, but it recovers some of the health back due to its blessed state. Results of Round Fifteen of the Fruit Salad Battle: >Arnulf vs. Cherrible - Hit (Cherrible: 11 health-(14/2=7 dmg)=4 health) >Kiray vs. Cherrible - Shield (Sentinel) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Damage (Grimwald: 7 health+1 SP-(4/2=2 dmg)=6 health) Cherrible - Blessed (+3 health) Arnulf hits the cherry monster again. Kiray protects everyone with Sentinel, but not before the Cherrible gets another hit at Grimwald. Results of Round Sixteen of the Fruit Salad Battle: Arnulf vs. Cherrible - Shield (Mug - Cherrible: 7 health-30 dmg=0 health; Arnulf: +7 gold) Kiray vs. Cherrible - Shield (Sentinel) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Shield (Miracle - All party members: +7 health) Luck is finally on the heroes' side as Arnulf mugs the Cherrible to death and gains some more gold, while Arnulf heals everyone. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! All party members gain a level of experience. The enemies drop a Big Apple, a Banana and a Bunch of Cherries. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 7 Power:15 (7+8) Defense: 3 Health: 13/13 (7+6) Gold: 57 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Bedroll Kiray Nastay (KingoftheZempk) 24 year old female human Knight Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 2 Health: 11/11 (10+1) Gold: 10 Equipment: Sword of the Kin (WP: 3), Scutum (SP: 2), Ancient Crown (Headwear, First successful strike of battle deals Cursed-effect) Inventory: Potion, Bedroll Grimwald Gjinko (LordoftheNoobs) 69 year old male gnome Cleric Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Defense: 1 Health: 10/10 (9+1) Ether: 6/6 (5+1) Gold: 0 (Owes Arthur 50 gold) Equipment: Broomstick (WP: 3), Helmet (SP:1) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Remedy, 2 Potion, Bedroll Party Leader, divide the spoils of the battle: Big Apple – Raises power by one permanently when eaten. Banana – Restores full health when eaten. Bunch of Cherries – A bunch of 10 cherries that each restore 1 ether when eaten; it is up to the user to choose how many they eat at a time. The fruit monsters are vanquished, but they leave the kitchen in a real state of turmoil. However, Yasmar is not a Master Chef for no reason. "Alright, we got rid of those little megablocks! Now gather up their remains and toss 'em in a bowl. Add some sugar and spice and everything bloody nice and voilá, we've got ourselves a megablocking fruit salad! Go serve it, and be megablocking fast about it!" With the hors d'oeurves on their way, the kitchen staff starts to prepare for the main courses. Will they turn into demonic abominations as well? Or will Steerpike step in and try to sabotage the food? Time will tell... QM Note: Sorry, backdoor party, you will have to wait until tomorrow again, as I desperately need to go to sleep now. You can blame your overly complex battle strategies, though...