Sandy

Growing tired of waiting the hors d'oeurves to arrive, the next speaker takes the stage. He's none other than Heinrich Hinckwell, head of one of the oldest and most highly esteemed families in Uland. He started with greetings from his family to the attendants, and went on with highlights from the common history of the city and his ancestors. "...But finally, I have a great announcement to make. I chose this specific day to make it because it touches the future of not only my family, but this city as well. May I ask my son Lyren to join me up here on the stage, as well as the honorable Count Shadeaux with his younger daughter, the ethereal beauty Bellanotte?" The summoned persons got up from their seats, and walked up to the stage. The crowd gasped and murmured in expectation. "Tonight, I want to announce my son Lyren's engagement to Bellanotte Shadeaux. May their lives be fortunate and prosperous together! And may they bring peace between their two families, who have not gotten off to a good start. Count Shadeaux, we Hinckwells have not welcomed your business to these islands with open arms, but the love between our youth have brought us closer to each other. Let us leave our differences behind and build a better Eubric together. What do you say?" "Bien sur, mon ami! Ze 'Inckwells are now ze same famille wiz Le Shadeaux. Strengz iz in unity." "Let us raise our glasses to Lyren and Bellanotte!" The newly-engaged youth took each other by the hand as the crowd applauded and cheered. The feeling in the ballroom was so high that nobody even remembered the belateness of the servings. There were a few people who did not look happy about the turn of the events... Umbra Shadeaux was hissing at her younger brother. "If I had known zis was waiting for me when I got back 'ome, I would never 'ave left Dastan in ze first place. Seriously, ze dragon was nozing compared to zis abomination! You should 'ave neveur brought zat 'Inckwell boy tu our 'ouse, Nuitan. I said 'e was nozing but trouble from ze start!" "Umbra, you don't know how sorry I am. I couldn't help prevent this, it was their own choice..." Meanwhile, at the Hinckwell table, Lorcan got another talking-to from his mother. "See, now even your teenage brother has gotten engaged before you. I heard Barbariccia Dellamore is in her dressing room right now. Just go meet her!" "Mother, for the last time, I will do no such thing! A Hinckwell does not grovel in front of anyone. And to think I will have to think of Umbra Shadeaux as my sister from now on..." Laureline Hinckwell rolls her eyes, but gives up the conversation. At least she would have Lyren to give her grandchildren now...

Ellaria quietly shakes her head to the ruthlessness of her companions. Surely the man has done evil things that cannot be forgiven, but Ellaria knew enough about magic to know that it could seriously mess up one's mind and soul. If the Ziegfrieds could help this man, or at least end his madness without flat-out killing him, then what was so wrong about that? But Ellaria wasn't one to voice out her opinions. Atramor seems to have made his decision, and Guts was loyal enough to abide to that. Who was she to add anything to that? Instead, she turned to the young alchemists. "Come now, your ordeal is over. You may return to your homes in peace now."

Umm, I don't remember any discussion about prices. Then again, the quest was in the plans for 1,5 years, so... The items are definitely underpriced. Make the artifacts worth "160 gold" and you're closer to their true value.

"Uh, are we sure about this, guys? What does the Guild do with his body, anyway?" Ellaria quips in. "If Mr. Ziegfried here can assure that this murderer will not be released, I wouldn't mind that he takes him away."

Sorry, I'm not that crafty.

Results of Round Five of the Fruit Salad Battle: >Arnulf vs. Bananasty - Damage (Arnulf: 12 health+3 SP-(6/2=3 dmg)=12 health) >Kiray vs. Horrapple - Miss >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Shield (Blessing - All party members: +7 health) Horrapple - Cursed (-3 max health) Nothing much happens. Results of Round Six of the Fruit Salad Battle: >Arnulf vs. Bananasty - Shield (Mug - Bananasty: 9 health-(30/2=15 dmg)=0 health; Arnulf: +9 gold) >Kiray vs. Horrapple - Shield (Sentinel) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Miss Horrapple - Cursed (-3 max health) Arnulf slays the nasty banana monster, while Kiray takes the Sentinel position again. Results of Round Seven of the Fruit Salad Battle: Arnulf vs. Cherrible - Hit (Cherrible: 41 health-14 dmg=27 health) Kiray vs. Horrapple - Shield (Sentinel) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Hit (Cherrible: 27 health-4 dmg=23 health) Horrapple - Cursed (-3 max health) Arnulf and Grimwald take on the Cherrible, while Kiray keeps up the Sentinel position. Results of Round Eight of the Fruit Salad Battle: Arnulf vs. Cherrible - Special Damage (Cherrish the Moment - All enemies: blessed) Kiray vs. Horrapple - Miss >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Miss Horrapple - Cursed (-3 max health) Horrapple - Blessed (+3 health) Cherrible - Blessed (+3 health) The Cherrible blesses all the enemies, while the heroes miss their strikes. Enemies: Horrapple *Cursed* *Blessed* Type: Plant/Demon Level: 5 Health: 22/22 Special: Apple Bomb (2/2) – Causes 5 wood-elemental damage to all opponents. The Horrapple has two bombs, and nothing happens if both are used up. Drops: Big Apple – Raises power by one permanently when eaten. Cherrible *Blessed* Type: Plant/Demon Level: 4 Health: 26/41 Special: Cherrish the Moment – Causes the blessed-effect to all allies. Drops: 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. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 6 Power:14 (6+8) Defense: 3 Health: 12/12 (7+5) Gold: 27 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 1 Power: 4 (1+3) Defense: 2 Health: 10/10 (10+0) 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 1 Power: 4 (1+3) Defense: 1 Health: 9/9 (9+0) Ether: 5/5 (5+0) 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, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets. Results of Round Five of the Dark Night Battle: >Arthur uses Scroll of Sealing on Dark Night - Failure (Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur uses Scroll of Sealing on Dark Night - Success (Dark Night: sealed; Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur uses Scroll of Frailty on Dark Night - Failure (Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur uses Scroll of Frailty on Dark Night - Failure (Arthur: -1 ether) >Sorrow vs. Night Mare - Shield/Special Damage (Gold Reaper - Sorrow: 33x1,5=50 gold) >Sorrow vs. Night Mare Dark Night - Lethal Hit/Shield (Gold Reaper - Sorrow: 33x1,5=50 gold) Nagure (Axe of the Croise) vs. Night Mare - Special Damage (No effect) Arthur continues to cast curses from his scrolls in a rapid succession, hoping that at least some of them hit home. Sorrow makes more gold. The Dark Night attempts to summon the forces of night upon the heroes, but his powers were sealed by Arthur. QM Note: Sorry, I don't have time to autoroll anymore today. I'll continue tomorrow... Enemies: Dark Night *Weakened for 2 rounds* *Sealed for 3 rounds* Type: Dark Level: 33 Defense: 1 Health: 711/999 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: 33 (21+12) 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: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), 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: 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), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging) 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* *Encouraged* *Counterstriking* 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.

QM Note: I edited the autorolled results of the Fruit Salad-battle to have Arnulf and Kiray attack from the front row. Captain Patricia frowns upon seeing Boomingham walk out of the Theater. "What are you doing here? Assume your position back, now! I don't need reports, I need you to keep those people inside there alive and happy." Thothwick finds the access to the balcony. He finds out it's U-shaped. It is filled with tables for the lesser-known guests who are chatting amongst themselves.

Ellaria thinks about it. "Thanks for the offer, but I think I'm going to keep the scroll. Sorry!"

QM Note: Apparently not. I don't decide your battle actions, remember. Flipz made Arthur to attack Dark Night if Night Mare was dead. And he also used the Scroll of Poisoning on your weapon on the previous round. Oh, and if you don't want to automatically change your target once the intended one is dead, you have to say so.

Yay, I found time for updates today after all! I'm going to go offline for the rest of the day, though. Looks good, but I'm still unsure about how this will work in practice. Would the QM decide which element each hero gets as a reward, or is it an automated process, like "one piece per successfully completed quest"? I also don't understand how this would affect the amount of loot dropped in quests, since this is a completely different matter. Feel free to PM me more details. My next quests will be the follow-up on the failed Ji Pei quest and a Guild of Invision quest. However, I'm going on a vacation to San Francisco at the end of June, so both of these quests won't start until July. And in August, it'll be time to celebrate the Second Anniversary! There will be a special event that delves into the time during the "Heroica massacre" that took place roughly two years ago in-game time. The event will be superfun, I hope, despite the gruesome theme.

Results of Round Two of the Fruit Salad Battle: >Arnulf vs. Bananasty - Special Damage (Banana Split - Arnulf: health halved) >Kiray vs. Horrapple - Shield (Sentinel) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Damage (Grimwald: 8 health+1 SP-(4/2=2 dmg)=7 health) Horrapple - Cursed (-3 max health) The Bananasty splits Arnulf's health in halve. Kiray gets into the Sentinel-stance, protecting everyone from damage on the following round. Grimwald gets attacked by the Cherrible again. The curse continues to work for Horrapple. QM Note: The next round will the autorolled because of Sentinel. Results of Round Three of the Fruit Salad Battle: Arnulf vs. Bananasty - Hit (Bananasty: 47 health-14 dmg=33 health) Kiray vs. Horrapple - Shield (Sentinel) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Shield (Miracle - All party members: 7 health restored) Horrapple - Cursed (-3 max health) Arnulf scores a hit on the Bananasty. Kiray continues the Sentinel position, and Grimwald takes the opportunity to restore everyone's healths. QM Note: The next round will the autorolled as well because of Sentinel. Results of Round Four of the Fruit Salad Battle: Arnulf vs. Bananasty - Hit (Bananasty: 33 health-14 dmg=9 health) Kiray vs. Horrapple - Critical Hit (Horrapple: 37 health-7 dmg=30 health) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Damage (Grimwald: no effect) Horrapple - Cursed (-3 max health) Arnulf and Kiray deal damage to their target's, but poor Grimwald only gets attacked once more. Luckily Kiray's Sentinel-stance protects him. Enemies: Horrapple *Cursed* Type: Plant/Demon Level: 5 Health: 30/34 Special: Apple Bomb (2/2) – Causes 5 wood-elemental damage to all opponents. The Horrapple has two bombs, and nothing happens if both are used up. Drops: Big Apple – Raises power by one permanently when eaten. Bananasty Type: Plant/Demon Level: 6 Health: 9/62 Special: Banana Split – Cuts the target’s health by half (rounded down). Drops: Banana – Restores full health when eaten. Cherrible Type: Plant/Demon Level: 4 Health: 41/41 Special: Cherrish the Moment – Causes the blessed-effect to all allies. Drops: 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. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 6 Power:14 (6+8) Defense: 3 Health: 12/12 (7+5) Gold: 18 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 1 Power: 4 (1+3) Defense: 2 Health: 10/10 (10+0) 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 1 Power: 4 (1+3) Defense: 1 Health: 9/9 (9+0) Ether: 5/5 (5+0) 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, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets. Results of Round Four of the Dark Night Battle: Nagure (Axe of the Croise) vs. Night Mare - Shield (War Cry - All party members: encouraged) >Arthur uses Scroll of Weakening on Dark Night - Success (Dark Night: weakened; Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur (Light) vs. Night Mare - Special Damage/Confuse (Night Mare: Confused; Arthur: -1 ether) >Sorrow vs. Night Mare - Shield/Critical Lethal Hit (Gold Reaper - Night Mare: sudden death; Sorrow: 33+27x1,5=90 gold) >Sorrow vs. Night Mare Dark Night - Shield/Lethal Hit (Gold Reaper - Sorrow: 33x1,5=50 gold) >Arthur (Light) vs. Dark Night - Shield/Spell (Magnetic Mojo - Dark Night: no effect; Arthur: +33 gold) >Arthur (Light) vs. Dark Night - Special Damage/Spell (Dark Night: 974 health+1 SP-(33x8=264 dmg)=711 health;Arthur: -1 ether) Nagure joins the action, and howls a terrible war cry that nevertheless encouraged him and Arthur. Arthur on the other hand weakens Dark Night again, and then confuses the steed. Sorrow finally manages to assassinate Night Mare, and earns a hefty amount of gold in the process. Arthur also earns some gold with his Magnetic Mojo that unfortunately has no effect on the Dark Night. His light-elemental spell does, however. Arthur's ether is burning up very fast, though. Enemies: Dark Night *Weakened for 3 rounds* Type: Dark Level: 33 Defense: 1 Health: 711/999 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: 33 (21+12) Health: 33/33 (5+20+4+4) Ether: 12/31 (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: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), 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: 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), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging) 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* *Encouraged* *Counterstriking* 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: 1682 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.

"Thank you for your kind words, Lord Boomingham. I am contemplating on recruiting Heroica to help me retrieve my son for the second time - although this time I imagine he will be brought home in a coffin. What comes to drinking, it is uncustomary for us Aoi to celebrate or consume intoxicating substances during a mourning period. The memory of the deceased must not be hazed, it would be disrespectful. I am only attending this party as a representative of my nation - my mind and heart are elsewhere, making preparations on how to avenge the outlaws who took my son away from me. I hope everyone here understands that." Lee Long stands in position behind his blue-skinned mistress. The stoic monk answers Boomingham's nod. Bilbert Wigglepike takes the stage again. "Ahem! I apologize, but there seems to be a minor delay with the hors d'oeurves. Please enjoy another round of drinks in the meantime!" Ballroom Party: Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) ***Party Leader*** 45 Years old male human Paladin Level 22 1/2 *Immune to Fragile* *Encouraged* Power: 36 (22+10+4*) Defense: 12 (7+5) Health: 44/44 (10+21+11+2*) Ether: 22/22 (1+21) Gold: 63 (Owe 50 to Docken, 79 to Arthur, 110 to Sorrow) Equipment: Scupperer (Great Sword, WP: 10, Darkness Fire, causes Bleeding Effect for 5 Damage until remedied or healed to full health) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Counterstrike Gloves (On Free Hits, Deals damage to enemy equal to Boomingham's level), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immunity to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (Generates 10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle, accessory) *Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (Not an Artifact, +4 Power) Inventory: Frozen Saber (Great Sword, WP: 9, Light Ice, stunned effect), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (+4 to Power, -6 to Ether), Hamantasch (consumable, lucky + blessed effects upon consumption for the length of one battle), Marksman's Monocle (rolls of 4 are rerolled, headwear), Sterile Gloves (handwear, immunity to Poisoned and Badly Poisoned), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile for rest of battle, 5 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sealing, Garnet, Sapphire, 4 Meads, Nostrum, Mulled Wine, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immunity to Ice), Military Grade Fire Bomb, Emerald Lamp of Summoning,Bedroll, Adamantite Shard Nyx (Pandora) 19 years old female human Battle Mage Level 25 2/3 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Sealing* Power: 40 (25+14+1) Defense: 3 Health: 36/36 (5+24+5+2) Ether: 35/35 (5+24+1+5) Gold: 21 Equipment: Zee Standard (WP:14; Ice- and Darkness-elemental; Necromancer raise enemies with 2 extra levels; staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), High Heels (+1 Power). Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Explosive Staff (WP: 12, does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Healing Staff (WP: 5). Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened), Ruby (Fire), Diamond (Light), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Opal (Ice), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, 3 Meads, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Bomb 'X2' (May be combined with a bomb to get it to ignore SP), Bedroll, 5 Bones Thothwick (Professor Flitwick) 44 year old Metasimian Level: 23 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 37 (23+12+2) Defence: 10 (6+4) Health: 38 (7+22+9) Gold: 409 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP:12, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8), Sabre (WP 10), Sapphire (Wind), Potion, 2 Health Cores, Dragon Scale, Venom, Grand Zoot Cookie, Bedroll, Telescope, Bone

"Phew, finally it's over! I have never felt more useless in a battle before this..." Ellaria sighs with relief. Ellaria shrugs. "I don't know, it has come as handy in the past, but it does consume my ether resources quite badly. What would you be willing to trade for it?"

Results of Round One of the Fruit Salad Battle: >Arnulf vs. Bananasty - Shield (Mug - Bananasty: 62 health-(30/2=15 dmg)=47 health; Arnulf: +15 gold) >Kiray vs. Horrapple - Critical Hit (Horrapple: 46 health-(7/2=4 dmg)=42 health+cursed) >Grimwald vs. Cherrible - Damage (Grimwald: 9 health+1 SP-(4/2=2 dmg)=8 health) Horrapple - Cursed (-3 max health) The rookie heroes decide to play it safe against the demonic fruit, so they cause only minor damage. Kiray's Ancient Crown curses the Horrapple. The Cherrible manages to hit Grimwald, but he only receives a scratch. Enemies: Horrapple *Cursed* Type: Plant/Demon Level: 5 Health: 42/43 Special: Apple Bomb (2/2) – Causes 5 wood-elemental damage to all opponents. The Horrapple has two bombs, and nothing happens if both are used up. Drops: Big Apple – Raises power by one permanently when eaten. Bananasty Type: Plant/Demon Level: 6 Health: 47/62 Special: Banana Split – Cuts the target’s health by half (rounded down). Drops: Banana – Restores full health when eaten. Cherrible Type: Plant/Demon Level: 4 Health: 41/41 Special: Cherrish the Moment – Causes the blessed-effect to all allies. Drops: 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. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 6 Power:14 (6+8) Defense: 3 Health: 12/12 (7+5) Gold: 18 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 1 Power: 4 (1+3) Defense: 2 Health: 10/10 (10+0) 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 1 Power: 4 (1+3) Defense: 1 Health: 8/9 (9+0) Ether: 5/5 (5+0) 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, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets. Results of Round Three of the Dark Night Battle: Nagure does nothing >Arthur uses Scroll of Armor Sundering on Dark Night - Success (Dark Night: -5 SP; Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur (Light through Sir Roderick's Sword) vs. Night Mare - Mirror Damage/Great Spell (Night Mare: 821 health-(45x4=180 dmg)=641 health; Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur uses Scroll of Poisoning on Sorrow's Mockthril Bow - Success (Sorrow's Mockthril Bow: badly poisoned; Arthur: -5 ether) >Arthur (Light through Sir Roderick's Sword) vs. Night Mare - Great Spell/Great Spell (Night Mare: 641 health-(45x4=180 dmg)=461 health; Arthur: -1 ether) >Sorrow vs. Night Mare - Damage/Lethal Aim (Night Mare: 461 health-(22x4=88 dmg)=373 health+badly poisoned) >Sorrow vs. Night Mare - Shield/Lethal Aim (Gold Reaper - Sorrow: 33+27x1,5=90 gold) Dark Night - Free Hit vs. Nagure (Nagure: 32 health+21 SP-(33/2=17 dmg)=32 health; Dark Night: 988 health+1 SP-15 dmg=974 health) Night Mare - Badly Poisoned (373 health-10 dmg=363 health) Arthur continues to stack nasty effects on the enemies. Together the heroes cut down Night Mare's health drastically. Enemies: Dark Night *Weakened for 1 round* Type: Dark Level: 33 Defense: 1 Health: 974/999 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. Night Mare *Sealed for 1 round* *Fragile for 2 rounds* *Badly Poisoned* Type: Beast/Demon Level: 27 Health: 363/907 Special: Night Terrors – Causes the fast asleep- and afraid-effects to the target. Drops: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon) Note: Immune to asleep and blinded. Backdoor Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) ***Party Leader*** 21-year-old male human Sorcerer Level 21 1/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 33 (21+12) Health: 33/33 (5+20+4+4) Ether: 15/31 (5+20+1+5) Defense: 3 Gold: 228 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur, oved 200 gold by Nagure) Equipment: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), 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: 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), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging) 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* Power: 29 (15+14) Defense: 21 (12+9) Health: 32/32 (8+14+10) Gold: 4 (200 owed to Arthur) Equipment: Stone Hammer (WP: 14, Earth & Darkness-elemental, suitable for barbarians, clerics and alchemists), 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: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental), 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: 1542 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.

I'm not entirely opposed to the idea, but I personally would rather spend my time as a host to something else than crafting heraldry to players. A system like this would require a long-term dedication, and for a purely cosmetic reward it sounds like an awful lot of work. I also don't understand how they could replace loot as a reward, unless monsters start dropping pieces of heraldry after the battles... So Peppy, are you volunteering on making these "banners" for all the players, then? Let me see what you mean in practice before I make my decision.

Yes, they were featured in both of his quests, actually. I know he's no longer active here, but I wanted to slip a mention of the family in there, since it's one of the few pieces of pre-orcish-invasion history there is about Eubric.

I hope #66 isn't getting too hard to follow. I contemplated on dividing the parties to different topics, but since this is a relatively short quest, it seemed pointless. Just try to bear with me!

Boomingham looked up, only to see his newfound friend Captain Mumbasa raising his chalice to him from the balcony. Nyx does not spot anything out of place, but Phoebe is more than eager to share some juicy gossip. "Gee, the things a gal hears in events like this! For instance, Lady Shanxian refused the welcoming drink - said it was uncustomary to drink alcohol during a mourning period. Sir Guffington, on the other hand, has had plenty to drink ever since he got here. Oh, and Mrs. Bludrun, wife of the head of the Butcher's Guild, asked for water only, but I happen to know it's because she's preggers for Mr. Furback, the leader of the Tanner's Guild. But that was only expected after the accident that Mr. Bludrun had with a horny bull that wasn't quite ready to die yet... Trust me, all hell will break lose if the affair ever comes to daylight. Even now you can't put a butcher and a tanner in the same room with each other. Speaking of disputes, the teachers of the Academy that were invited here haven't spoken a word to each other during this whole evening! I wonder why that is..." Phoebe could've gone on for who know's how long if the stoic maitre d' didn't interrupt her with a loud cough. Thothwick finds nothing and nobody behind the curtains. Mr. Wigglepike gives him a curious look as the halfling walks up the stairs to start his speech, though. "Ahem! Can I have everyone's attention, please! Thank you! As you all know, I am Bilbert Wigglepike, the proprietor of this Theater. First of all, let me welcome you once more to my humble abode to celebrate the 400th Foundation Day of our beloved city, Eubric Freeport, also known as the Ever-changing City and the City That Never Sleeps." The heroes could hear the younger Hinckwell son snicker. "Yeah, because it's citizens are too busy robbing and stabbing each other to sleep." "Four hundred years ago, three great families - the Hinckwells, the Bonapartes and the Porthiar - declared Uland and the surrounding islands free and independent from any kingdom or empire. They built a mighty city in place of a puny fishing village, and nurtured it and protected it over the centuries, letting it grow and prosper. With no laws and regulations, it was not easy to do. Some families grew mighty only to fall due to their own pride and greed - as happened to the Porthiar. Others grew along with the city and gained fame, like the Ziegfrieds and the Guild of Invision. Others yet moved into the city and got a foothold in the internal affairs, such as the Shadeaux and the Ji Pei. It is because of hard work and dedication that the city still stands in this same spot, four hundred years later. We did it together, we the free people of the Free Islands! Tonight, we celebrate our freedom and independence. To Eubric!" "TO EUBRIC!!!" the audience shouts back. "Please enjoy tonight's performances. And please note that we have the one and only Master Chef Yasmar in charge of all the food served here tonight. Your tastebuds will be blown away, let me assure you! We begin with the hors d'oeuvres very soon. Once again, welcome from the bottom of my heart!" The audience claps their hands politely as the servants hurry into the kitchen. Arnulf did not have to wait any longer, for once the flurry of waiters marched into the kitchen, Yasmar raised his terrifying ladle and shouted from the bottom of his massive lungs. "HORS D'OEUVRES!!! You megablocking slugs! Get that bloody fruit salad into those bowls in this instant or you'll end up in it yourselves!" The three heroes watched in awe as pieces of fruit practically flew across the kitchen. But then something went terribly wrong. "AAARGGGHH! What the megablocking megabluck?!" Much to their horror, the heroes saw three devilish creatures made of mutated fruit assaulting Yasmar. It looked like little fruit demons had appeared to avenge the chef for all the greenstuff he had sliced and diced during his career. "What are you just standing there, you useless pieces of shit?! Aren't you going to help me?!" The heroes saw no other option but to attack the demonic fruit. PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Enemies: Horrapple Type: Plant/Demon Level: 5 Health: 46/46 Special: Apple Bomb (2/2) – Causes 5 wood-elemental damage to all opponents. The Horrapple has two bombs, and nothing happens if both are used up. Drops: Big Apple – Raises power by one permanently when eaten. Bananasty Type: Plant/Demon Level: 6 Health: 62/62 Special: Banana Split – Cuts the target’s health by half (rounded down). Drops: Banana – Restores full health when eaten. Cherrible Type: Plant/Demon Level: 4 Health: 41/41 Special: Cherrish the Moment – Causes the blessed-effect to all allies. Drops: 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. Kitchen Party: Arnulf Bishop (Shoker86) ***Party Leader*** 30 yrs old male human Rogue Level 6 Power:14 (6+8) Defense: 3 Health: 12/12 (7+5) Gold: 3 Equipment: Cheesy Dagger (WP:8, Double damage to vermin), Tricorn(SP:3) Inventory: Leather Armor(SP:1), 4 Potions, 3 Venoms, Remedy, Bedroll Kiray Nastay (KingoftheZempk) 24 year old female human Knight Level 1 Power: 4 (1+3) Defense: 2 Health: 10/10 (10+0) 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 1 Power: 4 (1+3) Defense: 1 Health: 9/9 (9+0) Ether: 5/5 (5+0) 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, post the order of action. Everyone, post your actions and targets. Results of Round Two of the Dark Night Battle: Nagure does nothing >Arthur uses Scroll of Frailty on Night Mare - Failure (Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur uses Scroll of Frailty on Night Mare - Success (Night Mare: fragile; Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur uses Scroll of Armor Sundering on Dark Night - Failure (Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur uses Scroll of Armor Sundering on Dark Night - Failure (Arthur: -1 ether) >Sorrow vs. Night Mare - Damage/Shield (Gold Reaper - Sorrow: 33+27x1,5=90 gold) >Sorrow vs. Night Mare - Shield/Damage (Gold Reaper - Sorrow: 33+27x1,5=90 gold) Dark Night - Free Hit vs. Nagure (Nagure: 32 health+21 SP-(33/2=17 dmg)=32 health; Dark Night: 997 health+6 SP-15 dmg=988 health) Arthur manages to debilitate the steed some more, and Sorrow greedily steals more gold, but other than that, nothing much happens. Enemies: Dark Night *Weakened for 2 rounds* Type: Dark Level: 33 Defense: 6 Health: 988/999 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. Night Mare *Sealed for 2 rounds* *Fragile for 3 rounds* Type: Beast/Demon Level: 27 Health: 821/907 Special: Night Terrors – Causes the fast asleep- and afraid-effects to the target. Drops: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon) Note: Immune to asleep and blinded. Backdoor Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) ***Party Leader*** 21-year-old male human Sorcerer Level 21 1/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 33 (21+12) Health: 33/33 (5+20+4+4) Ether: 23/31 (5+20+1+5) Defense: 3 Gold: 228 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur, oved 200 gold by Nagure) Equipment: Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [Elixir]), 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), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging) 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* Power: 29 (15+14) Defense: 21 (12+9) Health: 32/32 (8+14+10) Gold: 4 (200 owed to Arthur) Equipment: Stone Hammer (WP: 14, Earth & Darkness-elemental, suitable for barbarians, clerics and alchemists), 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: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental), 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* Power: 43 (19+22+2) Defense: 1 Health: 30/30 (7+18+5) Gold: 1452 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.

None other than Queen Amidala's head. Exactly.

Results of Round One of the Dark Night Battle: >Nagure does nothing >Arthur uses Scroll of Weakening on Dark Night - Success (Dark Night: weakened; Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur uses Scroll of Sealing on Night Mare - Success (Night Mare: sealed; Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur uses Scroll of Frailty on Night Mare - Failure (Arthur: -1 ether) >Arthur uses Scroll of Frailty on Night Mare - Failure (Arthur: -1 ether) >Sorrow vs. Night Mare - Lethal Aim/Lethal Hit (Night Mare: 907 health-(43x2=86 dmg)=821 health) >Sorrow vs. Night Mare - Damage/Shield (Gold Reaper - Sorrow: 33+27x1,5=90 gold) Dark Night - Free Hit vs. Nagure (Nagure: 32 health+21 SP-(33/4=9 dmg)=32 health; Dark Night: 999 health+6 SP-(15/2=8 dmg)=997 health) Arthur devises a complex plan against their sinister adversary, but it is not very effective. Sorrow manages to make some gold out of it, though. As the battle continues, Arthur checks out the cat in the box. It seems to have gotten scared of the ominous rider and slipped away. Enemies: Dark Night *Weakened for 3 rounds* Type: Dark Level: 33 Defense: 6 Health: 997/999 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. Night Mare *Sealed for 3 rounds* Type: Beast/Demon Level: 27 Health: 821/907 Special: Night Terrors – Causes the fast asleep- and afraid-effects to the target. Drops: Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes jinxed-effect; throwing weapon) Note: Immune to asleep and blinded. Backdoor Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII (Flipz) ***Party Leader*** 21-year-old male human Sorcerer Level 21 1/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 33 (21+12) Health: 33/33 (5+20+4+4) Ether: 27/31 (5+20+1+5) Defense: 3 Gold: 228 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham; owed 50 gold by Grimwald Gjinko; owed 70 gold by En Sabah Nur, oved 200 gold by Nagure) Equipment: Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [Elixir]), 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), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging) 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* Power: 29 (15+14) Defense: 21 (12+9) Health: 32/32 (8+14+10) Gold: 4 (200 owed to Arthur) Equipment: Stone Hammer (WP: 14, Earth & Darkness-elemental, suitable for barbarians, clerics and alchemists), 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: Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental), 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* Power: 43 (19+22+2) Defense: 1 Health: 30/30 (7+18+5) Gold: 1272 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.

Don't take it personally, Umbra is in a foul mood for reasons that will come apparent soon. I just watched the latest episode of GoT yesterday, and it was goooood.

"Let me spell it to you: No. Drinking. On. Duty. Your suave tongue might sway a fleshy being, but I am golem. My stone heart does not warm up to a drunkard's pleas." "Your compliments are wasted on moi, Lord Bigbelly. I will neveur fourgive you ze way you broke into our storage, killed men of finesse in cold blood, and shamed moi by stealing my prized rapier afteur our duel. I know ze 'Inckwells sent you zen, and I 'ave no reason tu doubt you are working for zem tunight as well. You can keep zose gloves to yourself - white is not my colour anyway." The heiress of the Shadeaux family is not easily impressed, it seems. "How do you do, Lord Boomingham? Thank you for asking, the evening has begun in an interesting way, I must say. It is a rare occasion that all of the Great Houses of Eubric are gathered in one place like this - why, I can't remember a single event before this! You should know you are standing on a barrel of cannon powder ready to explode at any time. The slightest word can be taken as a grave insult with these people, and when you insult one of them, you insult their whole family. Always remember that when you are dealing with people in high places. Although judging by your title, you aren't unfamiliar with that walk of life, either. But what am I talking here, you should go and enjoy yourself on this night of celebration!" Mabel stares after the Metasimian in puzzlement, with the leaflet in one hand and her husband's collar on the other. QM Note: I take it you're addressing both of the U'kin present, since you did not clarify. "Hmmm, I was born and raised in Eubric, actually. My parents moved here from Dastan before they had me. They lived in the farmlands outside of the city. Hmmm, that is where I got my fascination towards herbs and plants from, I guess." "I dedicate my days to serving Sir Guffington. I sometimes write to my relatives in Dastan, but I'm not bothered much by the comings-and-goings of the Empire." Since everyone has arrived, the guests are directed to their places on the tables and the waiters start to serve appetizers. A steady hubbub of conversation fills the ballroom as Bilbert Wigglepike prepares to take the stage...

"That was that, it seems. You can now breathe more easily", Ellaria said to the alchemists. There was still the matter of those pesky ethereal spirits to take care of, but with such powerful companions, she didn't see them as a threat. Ellaria attempts to weaken Minor Spirits A and B from the back row.

No, I've just read buttloads of fantasy novels, that's all.

Absolutely right, Sylvania can be worshipped by many groups in many locations, and she, like the other gods, can have a multitude of names and appearances. To the woodland elves, she is known as Ivene, for example. For the purposes of other worshippers, her name can be morphed into Ywaine, Ylvanna, Silviane, Selwen, and so on. Be inventive!