Sandy

Well, fairies consider Sylvania to be their queen. Or the Queen of Fairies believes she is Sylvania. I haven't worked out the details of that yet... And yes, Ellaria hears Sylvania in her head, too. Although she might just be schizophrenic.

QM Note: Ah yes, the Lens of Speed Reading... My bad, carry on.

Lorcan raises an eyebrow, but agrees to Boomingham's plea. "Whatever floats your boat, milord." Goldraum is about to sit down at Boomingham's table, but his wife grabs him by the collar. "Excuse me, Lord Boominwhatever, but my husband will not be staying in your presence. Have a good evening!" Umbra Shadeaux's eyes narrow to slits, and seeing Lorcan Hinckwell in Boomingham's company, she turns her back to them both. "We're not famille yet..." she mutters to herself. QM Note: How on earth could Arthur get four turns in one round? And please note that the Dark Night is immune to sudden death, he cannot be assassinated.

Apparently I'm not at my sharpest today...

Crap, I forgot her! She was supposed to be among the last batch of guests to arrive... Thanks for noticing!

OoC: You have your level listed twice in there. The one saying "16 1/2" is correct.

~A new quest has been posted on the Quest Board (#68 by Zepher)!~

Kiray has no expertise on spices. She would have to taste them to see if there was anything wrong with them. The guard is still in his place in front of the door. Seeing him scratch his balls makes Arthur turn his gaze quickly back to the dark rider. The black-armoured knight stops, and raises his sword. The ghoulish horse neighs eerily. "Tremble, mortals, for the night is dark and full of terrors!" The horse rears up, kicking the air. The heroes deem it best to draw their weapons. PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Enemies: Dark Night Type: Dark Level: 33 Defense: 6 Health: 999/999 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 Type: Beast/Demon Level: 27 Health: 907/907 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: 31/31 (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: 1182 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. "Just business as usual. It's not easy being the heir to the wealthiest merchant family in the Crystalline Sea. If you hear rumours saying that the Hinckwell fortune is declining, don't listen to them! They're just nasty lies spread by the Shadeaux and their allies. Although apparently I'm supposed to act all chummy with the bats soon...I really don't understand what made my father agree to that deal!" "I'm sorry, I'm very uneducated when it comes to who's who in Eubric. Feel free to enlighten me, though." "Mages make me nervous. Fireballs and merchandise rarely mesh well together. And the man with the hat is none other than the Great Gerald Guffington. They say his riches extend beyond even those of my family, but if they do, he sure hides it well. But yes, a drink would be nice right about now!" A waiter hurries to bring Lorcan a cup, as well as fill Mumbasa's. Boomingham gives the stingy servant a nasty look. The tipsy mage walks to the group of men. "Does any of you know what a man has to do to get a drink in here?" "My experience with witches has never been positive, I can tell that much. But Goldraum, where are you going?!" Mabel sprints after her husband, and the other Ziegfrieds are led to their table by the maitre d'. The golem stops Thothwick and Nyx before they can talk to the wizards more. "Quit disturbing the guests. You are starting to cause a scene. I don't want any of that." The Kappa Quartet takes the stage once again and start playing an upbeat melody as the final guests make their entrance. "Ambassador Ji Pei, a warm welcome! Unfortunately the etiquette dictates that no personal guards or soldiers may enter the Ball. We have organized our own, politically neutral guards to... "Do you mean Lee Long? Non-sense! He is not only my bodyguard but the only family I have left now that my son Jun is..." "Show some decency, sir! It took a lot out of Lady Shanxian to even come here tonight during her mourning period. Not like you uncultured people would know anything about that..." Bilbert Wigglepike glanced warily at Captain Patricia, who pouted her lips but eventually gave a nod of approval. "I sincerely apologize. Of course Mr. Long may escort you tonight, Ambassador. Our city owes you a great debt for all the restoration projects you have performed in the old parts of the city." "Thank you, Mr. Wigglepike. I wonder if I can ever design another building in my life, the loss of my only son weighs so heavily in my heart..." When the Aoi ambassador and her bodyguard were out of earshot from the halfling, Shanxian gave a sly look at Lee Long. "Was I convincing enough?" "You could've fooled me with your performance of a heartbroken mother if I didn't know better." "I am heartbroken, make no mistake of that. I just channel it to anger, not grief." So the crafty Shanxian Ji Pei became the only guest who managed to weasel in her own guardian. Next to arrive were two of the most notable alchemists from the Guild of Invision. "Ah, vhat a beautivul night! Veelth good to be out and about, doethn't it, Madame Ladybug? Thurely you vill join me vor a thwirl at the dancevloor?" "Hmmm yes, it is a rare treat for us to get out of the dusty laboratories. But like you know well, hmmm, I don't dance." "Come nov, jutht a quick valthe. It'th been ageth thince I latht moved my veet to the beat!" "Good doctors, great to have your Guild represented on this most important night. But where is your guildmaster, if I may inquire?" "Hmmm, he prefers to keep away from the public eye." "What a shame! I would have loved to meet the elusive Masked Man for the very first time." "Muahaha, iv you actually had met him, you vould not thay that! Let us enter, Madame." The vampire doctor takes the U'kin herbalist by the arm and escorts her into the theater just as a wagon with bat emblems drives to the yard. Out steps a family of four. "Count Shadeaux, how are you doing on this splendid night?" "Trés bien, Monsieur Wigglepike. Me and mis enfants are looking fourward tu zis célébration. Tunight marks the end of a long bataille tu earn the respect of ze other 'ouses of zis city. And it iz all zanks to my belle fille, Bellanotte." "Please, père. Don't spoil the surprise." "I still cannot understand 'ow you agreed tu zis disgraceful arrangement, petite soeur!" "Me neither..." "Ça suffit! What iz done iz done! Zis will bode well for our famille, trust moi." "Uh... I won't keep you any longer, the festivities are about to start. Please, enjoy the night!" When the Shadeaux have gone inside, Captain Patricia approaches Mr. Wigglepike. "That's everyone, right? Now all we have to do is wait for the Wolfgang to make their move." "You seem awfully calm about it, Captain. Anyway, I better hurry inside as well. I've got a welcoming speech to make." "You do that, Mr. Wigglepike. I will stand vigil on this very spot. The Wolfgang will not slip past me ever again." The captain's cool posture made Bilbert Wigglepike even more nervous. It was a miracle if this night did not end in an utter catastrophe...

Oh, pish-posh! I disagree with you, we don't have to know everything about every race, or limit our imaginations. I just love toying around with my minifig collection and combine them as new, exciting characters. A few eccentric cameo characters never hurt anyone. I consent that it hurts the consistency of this game world, but I actually want to keep it as open as possible. Not just race-wise, either. Everyone remembers my pirate-robot-airship quest, don't they? This game is based on LEGO, so why not enjoy the unlimited possibilities it offers? I promise to try not to go overboard too often...

Good news: tomorrow's a national holiday in Finland, so you can expect updates during the entire day. To counter that, I won't have any time for updates on the upcoming Saturday, unfortunately...

"Not much, only our Salmandan friends told that the Witch of Kalakita Bog disappeared from her swamp about a month ago. I worry my poor boy may be lost forever..." "Yes, I remember you, Miss Nyx. Grandmother, this is one of the heroes that helped us find you on the night when Father perished." "Ah, pleasure to meet an aspiring young mage! Without you and your friends, Abraxas would have gained a hold of my family for good. I remain eternally thankful to you. I must say, you remind me when I was much younger, back in Salmanda. Black used to be my colour of choice as well, whereas my best friend Salome always wore white. Miss Nyx, if there is anything we can do to advance your career, just say the word. It is time for the Ziegfrieds to stop hiding in their mansion and share their arcane knowledge with the rest of the world."

Yes, you should move the statistics from your signature to the Heroica Statistics topic found from the top of the forum page. And always update your statistics in-between quests, please! How else can you keep up with your inventory etc.? Berserkers would have to use the dual-strike weapon twice on the same enemy until said enemy was defeated. No weaseling around class restrictions, please!

"Why thank you, Thothwick! Your help to our family has been invaluable, I assure you. You and your companions did a great service to us for bringing Sycamore's remains back to us. Necromancy does not suit those who are easily corrupted, as my daughter-in-law proved. I truly hope she is at peace now, as well as Zed, my beloved son. If we ever find the accursed archdemon tormenting our family, I hope we can rely that you will be there fighting by our side, Thothwick." "Hide and go seek... My favourite game..."

Elphaba heard rumours that all the high and mighty were gathering to a Theater that night to celebrate the anniversary of the foundation of the city. As the witch packed her merchandise, she shook her head. "Those fools, can't they see all the bad omens? This is not a night of celebration, for dark forces are on the move. The faster I get out of this city tonight, the better." ~Elphaba's Magic Wagon has left the Marketplace!~

The assistant chef mutters something about things going smoothly until the three of them arrived. It seems that Yasmar's underlings are thoroughly dedicated to him. Kiray cannot decipher anything else than that the chefs are incredibly busy, to the point of sweating. Arthur sees guests arriving to the Ball, but they walk by so quickly he doesn't have time to identify them. The arrow still points east for Steerpike. "What an odd tradition. But what if I have rabies?" The werelion stares unblinking at the speechless Boomingham for a moment, then bursts into a hearty laughter and consents to Boomingham's suggestion. The Hinckwell heir hears Boomingham's call and walks to the old knight and his drinking companion. "Well, if it isn't Lord Boomingham in all his glory. It's been a long time, indeed. Just blurt it out, who are you really working for this time around? I know Captain Patricia hired you, but with you Heroica folk, one can never be sure. And Captain Mumbasa! How fares the Sealion?" "She's better than ever, Mr. Hinckwell! Right now she's anchored in the harbour, making your trading cogs look like rowing boats." Lorcan lets out a forced laughter. Luneth lets out a deep sigh. "Must we really discuss such ominous matters, milady? It is a long story, but it suffices to say that demons have a way of easily creeping into the minds of the corrupted. And back then, the gates to Azazot were flung wide open. What do demons want but destruction and chaos? They are embodiments of everything that is wicked and foul in this world. And Azazot - Zoot, as you know him - is their lord. But please, that is all far in the past now. Zoot has lost his grip on this world, or so I hope." More quests trickle in. An especially large entourage arrives to the front yard next, each member wearing a pointy hat. "Grand Wizardine, good to see you out and about. You look especially healthy tonight." "I may be old, Mr. Wigglepike, but I've still got some spark left. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, as they say." "Hear, hear! And welcome to you too, Grand Conjurator, and uh, General Summoner, and... err, Warlock Vizier... ummm..." "It's quite alright, Mr. Wigglepike. I swear, sometimes I forget our own titles, as well!" "You'd forget your own head if I wasn't around to remind you, husband." "Truer words have never been spoken! My brother, without Beth you probably would've come here pantless." "Goldraum, have you been drinking in advance?!" "Just a sip or two of my special magic brew, dear Mabel! Hehehe..." "I wonder... if Wolfcub666 is here tonight...? I miss him... so..." As the Ziegfrieds enter the Theater, another eccentric citizen of Eubric arrives. (QM Note: Thanks to Zepher for the following dialogue!) "Come along, U'Or." "Oh dear, sir, I really don't think you should be out in public right now! What with your recent melt down, and then Sir Hughes was tragically found dead in his house, I really don't think you should be out in public!" "Now now. Life is for the living. Don't you remember what Mr. Holla said?" "But still, we're relatively sure that Sir Hughes was killed. And for that-" "That's precisely why we must go out, U'Or. Show this killer we're not afraid. Maybe lure him into the open." "I just am afraid, sir, and also sir please don't drink too much like you did last time please sir?" "It's all in good fun. I'm sure this time I can get that Hinckwell and Shadeux to trade pants. They are traders, after all. So serious all the time." "I was just embarrassed by the, er, sensitive information you gave to U'Lala is what embarrassed me..." "Life is for the living, U'Or!! If you don't try to kiss her tonight, I very well might. Now, come along, I think I see that old rascal Zelda." "Sir Guffington, welc..." "Yes, yes, I have arrived! The party has officially started now!" But there were still a few quests left to arrive - those who could not go outside during daylight. The setting sun threw its last rays on the rooftiles of the Theater, and then disappeared below the horizon... As night falls, the back alley becomes an eerie place for the three heroes keeping watch there. At first they hear only the muffled sounds of music seeping inside, but then they discern a click-clack of hooves approaching. Out of the shadows emerges a knight in full black armor riding on a sinister stallion with blood-red eyes. What do the heroes do?

Feel free to present it to me. My upcoming quests focus on the main families of Eubric, with only a few venturing outside the Free Islands.

Again, it is not just Hestia who keeps the heroes from dying, it's all of the Veterans. Come on, Zepher, get that NPC Index updated so I don't have to explain this over and over again each time!

"These three have gone through a living hell working under me, and they've stuck around where countless others have ran home bawling their sorry eyes out. I tolerate only the best of the best among my staff. One megabluck-up, and you're done. But go ahead, just as long as you don't get in the way. They have nothing to hide from you." The other chefs glance at Yasmar, surprised of his sudden leniency. Thothwick sees the youngest Hinckwell blush, but Laureline Hinckwell beams. "Why, thank you! As a matter of fact, my husband has a big announcement to make tonight. Oh, how I look forward to that..." "Mother..." "Shush, you! And Lorcan-dear, remember what I said about Barbariccia. If her looks please you, take the pendant to her dressing room. It is a crying shame for you to remain unwed at your age." "Mother, please!" "Haha, watch out, my son. You shouldn't fall for songstresses, they bring nothing but trouble. Trust me, I should know." Heinrich Hinckwell gives his groaning wife a kiss on the cheek.

"Do you have a problem with my cooking, hovering around like flies on a turd of shit? Is my cooking not good enough for your fancy-pants lord and ladies? I have you know that I have fed kings and emperors on every corner of the world, and they all megablocking loved my food! Don't you believe me, damnit?"

If you look at the world map, they are indeed next to each other (with a sea in-between them). Here's what the Embassy-topic says about werepeople: The origins of all werefolk lies in ancient shapeshifting magic. Originally all shapeshifters could change their form at will, but over the ages the magic changed, and most of the shifters got accustomed to a certain form. Some could only change their appearance partially, while others could turn into an animal completely. Thus were born the various tribes of werefolk. The magic can be transferred by blood, so all children of werefolk were born with the same talent as their parents. Blood infusion or biting can also change a normal non-wereperson into one, but it is a risky process that often leads to death. Mostly true, but it's all in the open for now. For example, the LoC wolves can be used as werewolves, and the upcoming gorillas as Metasimians.

Exactly. Captain Patricia isn't miffed at the heroes for siding with Wolfgang, she only knows they failed to capture the leaders and that's why she doesn't trust them to do their job. She might have suspicions of the reason they failed, though...

She actually didn't say what would happen, she warned of the possible futures that might happen if certain requirements were fulfilled. That's how her prophecies work in general - they're not inevitable.

"megablocking finally, a straight answer! Just stay the hell away from my way and maybe we can fit in the same room." There's food boiling and frying in the pots and pans, but the Master Chef isn't pleased with Kiray poking around his cooking. "What the megabluck are you doing, princess? Do not touch anything, capiche?" "Who the megabluck are you to give me lectures, midget?! Do not cross with me in my kitchen! I could make a stew out of you if I wouldn't be so damn busy." The hulking chef is fuming. The party isn't doing great trying to keep the situation calm... The maitre d' raises an eyebow as Nyx approached the guests, but does not interfere. "Ah, I'm enchanted to meet such an educated young lady! Ambassador Luneth, at your service. Alas, the story of Mercution is a sad one. The Free Islands and Moone are the only pieces of land left from the once great kingdom. We Moon Elves were a proud people, and where pride resides, there demons get a foothold. The Cult of Azazot swept across the realm, possessing the minds of the high and mighty, down to the last king of Mercution. A great war erupted between the kingdoms of the Moon and the Sun - Mercution and Ennon. Ultimately the Ennonian Wizard Priests saw no other option than to sink their adversaries under the waves of the Crystalline Sea. But this was all a millennia ago... There is only a handful of us Moon Elves left, clinging to the memory of our lost splendour. Ah, but I must apologize for burdening you with such a sad story on this night of celebration, Miss Nyx. I hope you can forgive an old fool such as me?" The Drandoran representative tuts. "In the Drandoran court, servants are seen but not heard. But what would you ruffians know about court etiquette..." "Ah, a kindred spirit! Please, show me to the drinks, Lord Boomigham - I'm thirsty as a mermaid on dry land! Any drink will do, I'm not picky." One of the waiters rushes to give a goblet of wine to the werelion, but much to Boomingham's chagrin, he is left without. "Aye, I was taken as a slave from my homeland of Terra Chima as a wee cub, but I worked my way to freedom and joined the Mistarian Trading Company. And look at me now, Lord and Commander of the finest ship to ever grace the port of Miranda - The Sealion. You must come to the harbour tomorrow, so I can give you a tour, old chap. But where's your goblet? Hoy, waiter! Bring the good lord here something to drink!" Reluctantly the waiter gives Boomingham a drink as well. A pleased grin spreads to the old knight's face. Outside, more influential guests arrive. "Admiral Bonaparte, Lady Bonaparte, welcome! I am sorry to hear about your loss." "..." "Yes, we will all miss Reno dearly. How we wish he would be here to enjoy this wonderful night with us." "Indeed. I hope you have a splendid evening, nevertheless." The Bonaparte couple have barely made it into the Theater when another family arrives. "Mr. Wigglepike, Captain Cousland. I trust tonight's arrangements have gone smoothly?" "Certainly, Mr. Hinckwell. You and your family have absolutely nothing to worry about, me and my men are here to ensure that." The older son of the Hinckwell family smirks. "I heard you employed Heroica to help you out. I hope you aren't losing your grip, captain?" "Lorcan!" "It was just a precaution,Mr. Hinckwell. You can rest assured that every measure has been taken to make this night a success." "I will hold you to that promise, captain. Let us enter, my nearest and dearest." "Yes, I can hardly wait to finally hear Barbariccia singing! I have heard so much about her!" "You shan't be disappointed, Mrs. Hinckwell. Have a great night!" Following on the Hinckwells' footsteps are the representatives of the faculty of the Academy of Enlightenment, lead by Provost Lector himself. "Welcome, Provost and deans! How are things at the cradle of civilization that is your institution?" "Just magnificent, as always! Only yesterday some of our students made a breakthrough in the field of etherology. Just you see, my friend, soon ethereal manipulation will not be the sole right of mages!" "But hasn't Vincent Legonardo already..." If the provost's gaze could kill, the gnomish dean would have dropped dead at that instant. "I told you not to mention that name in my company again, Dean Bumblebore!" "Come on now, gentlemen. Let us leave academic disputes behind for this one night and celebrate." "Yes, let us not burden you with topics you understand nothing about, Dean Morrible." "Why you little...!!!" Captain Patricia steps between the quarrelling educators. "Stop behaving like the kids you teach and move along now." "Yes, ma'am..." Mr. Wigglepike lets out a sigh of relief as the faculty walks in through the doors. The stream of guests subsided for the moment.

In my head, Terra Chima is inhabited by werepeople of various kinds. They have just spread across the world. Werelions and weregators definitely come from Terra Chima (Captain Mumbasa of my current quest is an immigrant).

No. Yet another case of "Someone made a neat roleplaying choice - now I want my character to be exactly the same!". Make up your own personality quirks, dammit.