Sandy

Nnnnnggghhhh!!! There! Quest #44 is now officially over, but you can still gain some extra reputation from the Ziegfrieds. I will post the complete list of earned reputations tomorrow. Hope you enjoy all the revelations!

"Well, I guess this is goodbye, then. I really hope you can get Miss Namyrra and Mr. William back, otherwise I will feel about it forever and ever. But thank you so much for helping me find Shaun, anyway! If there's ever anything I can do for you, just let me know. You know where to find me." "Yes, since you helped one of us, we Nôrns all owe you. Ever since we set shore to this island, we have received nothing but disrespect and scorn towards us. But things will be better for us, from now on." With that, the heroes had to say goodbye once again, this time to the gentle little girl they helped out. Little Sküld made a lasting effect to each of their hearts. They backtracked to the square with the Shrine of Fabula Sibylla, and saw Oracle Semiramis herself waiting for them on top of the stairs, smiling mysteriously. Then the door to the shrine opened, and out stepped two very familiar people. Namyrra Uq and William Harkenshire looked pale and disoriented, but otherwise unharmed, as they stood beside the Oracle. The other heroes couldn't believe their eyes - how had the two lost heroes ended up at the shrine? "A pleasant surprise, yes? I just couldn't help meddling with the events, but when demons are involved, I just cannot remain neutral about my visions. How did I find these two, you now ask. I will spare you the details, but having seen their fate before-hand, all I needed to do was to lift the curtain between our realm and the void they had been sent to, and call them out. It is a talent I had to learn when demons invaded my old homeland, Azzurat. But that's enough about me. Heroes, I must warn you: your encounter with the archdemon was only the beginning of darkening times. Heroica needs to stay united, no matter what comes. Otherwise it will fall, just as the Zootists declare. I will do everything within my power to prevent that, and you must promise you do too. Mr. Holla, you can start by giving that book to Byblos at the Heroica Library. It cannot be destroyed, even if you drop it into the deepest ravine or toss it out in the middle of Crystalline Ocean. It will always find its way back, and even I cannot predict whose hands it will end up in. Keep your enemies close, wouldn't you agree?" The other heroes greeted Namyrra and William with glee, and reunited once again, the 17 heroes left the shrine behind. But as they turned away from the shrine, they noticed a bearded man staring them from an alley. Cinna remembered seeing him before, during the riots. When the man saw that the heroes saw him, he fled. Thinking nothing more about it, the party returned to the Hovel Wall, which had already been finished. Dwarven craftsmen were the most efficient builders in the world, after all. Another familiar face was waiting for them at the gate. "Greetings, champions of Heroica!" the Veteran called Copper Fox exclaimed. "Just look what has come of this city: the outer walls are no longer enough, we need walls to separate the citizens from each other. You can take this coming from a former inhabitant of the Hovels, but I believe this is preposterous. Back when I was just a street performer called Jacq Altraite, there was still a sense of compassion and good will left in the city, but all that has gone to the wind now. The poor and the oppressed aren't the threat we should be preparing ourselves against, in any case! Although we argue a lot, that is one thing all of us Veterans can agree on. I believe you met all of us during this quest of yours, didn't you? The Falconer, the Sand Queen, the Valkyrie and the Feathered Serpent all had nothing but good things to say about you. We need more men and women like you in this city. Otherwise all of us will share the fate of those poor souls up there." The Copper Fox pointed up on top of the wall, where there was a row of four pikes with heads on them. The four riot leaders had gotten their punishment after all, and now their heads acted as a warning to all residents of the Hovels to remember their place. "The six houses are taking extreme measures to ensure their place. Is that something we can accept for much longer, I ask? And on the other hand, if Heroica rises against the houses, what will become of this city? We need to bring balance back into Eubric, we just don't know how yet." With grim thoughts, the party left the Hovels through the new gate. They lived in a dark era, and it would only get darker from here on out. With the four severed heads hanging above them, it was easy to believe. THE QUEST IS SUCCESSFUL! Now all that remained was to tie some loose ends. Who would join Cinna in order to bring back the remains of Sycamore Ziegfried to her family? QM Note: You have 24 hours to decide if you want to earn an improved reputation among the Ziegfrieds. Party: Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) 99 years old elven Ranger Level 3 Power: 6 (3+3) Health: 8/8 (6+2) Gold: 8 Equipment: Bow (WP: 3) Inventory: Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Amethyst (Darkness), 2 Potions, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs, Dirt Bomb Benji Carvenhall (Flare) 27 years old male half-elven Assassin Level 22 *Counterstrike* *Encouraged* *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 35 (22+13) Defense: 3 Health: 33/33 (6+21+5+1) Gold: 719 Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:13, fire-elemental, damages two enemies in one turn; daggers), Tricorne (SP:3), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear) Inventory: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP: 13; darkness-, ice, light-elemental), Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), 7 Grand Potions, Health Core, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 3 Meads, Nostrum, 2 Venoms, 2 Smoke Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, 3 Bones Sir Christopher Daggerfall (Fred Fred Burger) 27 years old male human Knight Level 15 *Immune to Weakened, Bound and Slowed* Power: 29 (15+11+2+1) Defense: 4 Health: 24/24 (10+14) Gold: 109 Equipment: Graive (WP:11, inflicts weakened-effect; halberd), Mockthril Shield (SP:4), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects) Inventory: Great Sword (WP:8), Tricorne (SP:3), Paladin's Armor (unsuitable), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, Health Core, Remedy, Mead, 2 Rums, 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Fire Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe Cinna the Dark (darkdragon) 19 years Female Human Mystic Knight Level 21 *Immune to Fire* Power: 38 (21+15+1+1) Defense: 3 (2+1) Health: 33/33 (5+20+7+1) Ether: 27/27 (5+20+1+1) Gold: 6 Equipment: Mauryl (WP:15, ranged), Aurora Helmet (SP:2, immune to fire), High Heels (Power +1, suitable for women; footwear), Anniversary Medal:Y1 (+1 to all stats per year; accessory) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5), Pointy Hat (Max. Ether +2, suitable for mages and clerics; headwear), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, 6 Remedies, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, 4 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, Soma, 2 Deadly Venoms, Fire Bomb, Bedroll, 3 Bones, Remains of Sycamore Ziegfried (quest item) De'kra (Tanma) 11 year old "male" "echo" Assassin Level 19 *Immune to Enamored and Confused* Power: 26 (19+7) Defense: 1 Health: 30/30 (7+18+5) Gold: 78 Equipment: Kapura (WP:7, fire-elemental), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1), Heart Locket (Protects from enamored effect and confused effect) Inventory: Chiara (WP:7, lightning-elemental), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:7), Cloak of the Elven Spy, 7 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 3 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Smoke Bombs, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede) 1000 year old male vampire Rogue Level 6 *Immune to Sudden Death* Power: 11 (6+5) Health: 12/12 (7+5) Gold: 11 Equipment: Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5), Cobweb Cowl (Grants immunity to sudden death; backwear) Inventory: Longsword (WP:3), Remedy, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Barbarian Level 12½ *Restoration* *Immune to Water* Power: 23 (12+11) Defense: 1 Health: 19/19 (8+11) Gold: 0 Equipment: Titanic Axe (WP:11, earth-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Sharkskin Armor (SP +1, immune to water; bodywear) Inventory: Voltedge (WP: 13, lightning-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Spear (WP: 9), Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Death Progg Claws, 4 Bones Guts Holla (Scubacarrot) 42 year old male human Raider Level 21 1/3 *Natural Respite* *Dance* Power: 35 (21+14) (30 for ranged attacks (21+9)) Health: 34/34 (7+20+7) Gold: 3360 Equipment: Fafnir (WP:14, ice- and darkness-elemental; greatsword), Dancing Shoes (In the turn after a "4" is rolled, the wearer can act twice) Inventory: Lifestealer (WP:14, ice-elemental, attacks restore 3 health; dagger), Throwing Knife (WP:9, ranged, retrievable, light-elemental), 4 Grand Potions, 1 Grand Tonic, 1 Elixir, 6 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Shovel, Telescope, Bedroll, 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril) Hybros (JimButcher) 50-year-old male imp Assassin Level 21 2/3 *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed* Power: 36 (21+15) Defense: 0 Health: 33/33 (7+20+5+1) Gold: 1918 Equipment: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed; bodywear), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory) Inventory: Pheles Rod (WP:20; grants permanent Aura, doubling the user’s max. health but making all enemy attacks hit the user; staff), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Shuriken of Mercutio (WP:5, retrievable), Throwing Knife (WP:8, retrievable), Throwing Knife (WP:8, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Ancient Throwing Dagger (WP: 8, retrievable), Emerald (Wood), 10 Potions, 10 Grand Potions, 5 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 2 Nostrums, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone Mizuki Kimura (zakura) 21 years old female human Rogue Level 12 ½ Power: 22 (12+10) Health: 18/18 (7 + 11) Gold: 178 Equipment: Dagger (WP:10) Inventory: Sylph Shuriken (WP:12, wind- and light-elemental; throwing weapon), Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Mead, Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, 2 Holy Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Cannonball, Death Progg Claw Namyrra Uq (Quarryman) ***Party Leader*** 1337 years old female Fenarian Evoker Level 22 *Immune to Sealing* Power: 34 (22+12) Defence: 8 (5+3) Health: 29/29 (5+21+3) Ether: 33/33 (5+21+1+1+5) Gold: 44 Equipment: Snake Staff (WP:12), Fanged Helm (SP:5, headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, immune to Sealing, bodywear) Inventory: Staff of the Necromancer (WP:12; damages undead; +1 level to raised undead; staff), Bone Staff (WP:3), Amethyst, Opal, Emerald, Topaz, Garnet, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, 4 Potions, Tonic, 2 Grand Tonics, 2 Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 4 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 3 Nostrums, Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Holy Bomb, Flash Bomb, Bedroll, 3 bones Spirits: Battle Angel (Light), Xut the Daemon (Darkness), Raiju the Raiju (Lightning), Ni the Shrubbery (Wood), Mark the Ice Cube Tray (Ice), Clay Golem (Earth), unknown (Fire), unknown (Wind) Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) ***Acting Party Leader*** 261 year old female elven Cleric Level 14 *Immune to Wind* Power: 23 (14+9) Defense: 2 Health: 25/25 (9+13+3) Ether: 18/18 (5+13) Gold: 100 Equipment: Mourning Star (WP:9, inflicts fragile-effect; mace), White Cloak (+3 Max health; backwear), Winged Circlet (SP:2, Immune to Wind; headwear) Inventory: Staff (WP:6, wood-elemental), Hammer (WP: 6), Torch Staff (WP:5, fire-elemental; staff), 2 Potions, 3 Elixirs, 4 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Venom, 2 Ice Bombs, Shovel, Bedroll, Bone Raven Ashcroft (Raven Brickroft) 18 years old male human Rogue Level 3 Power: 9 (3+6) Health: 9/9 (7+2) Gold: 10 Equipment: Hollow Dagger (WP: 6, hollow) Inventory: Main Gauche (WP: 3), Wrench (WP:3, target’s level -1, throwing weapon), Potion, Elixir, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Venom, Deadly Venom Sarick Lanse (Xarrzan) 27 years old male naga Mage Level 13½ Power: 19 (13+6+1) Defense: 0 Health: 18/18 (5+12+1) Ether: 18/18 (5+12+1) Gold: 54 Equipment: Dragon's Wrath (WP:6), Gaudy Cloak (Max. Health +1, Max. Ether +1; bodywear) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Dragon's Heart (WP: 15, wind- and fire-elemental, longsword), Lichen Armour (The wearer’s ether is counted as additional health if health is depleted; suitable to classes with ether; bodywear), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Tonic, Nostrum, Venom, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bomb XX, Bedroll, Bone, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Mage Level 5 Power: 15 (5+10) Defense: 1 Health: 9/9 (5+4) Ether: 9/9 (5+4) Gold: 4 Equipment: Shiny Dagger (WP:10), Leather Cap (SP:1, headwear) Inventory: Dagger (WP:3), Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice) 2 Potions, Fire Bomb, Bedroll Thothwick (Professor Flitwick) 44 years old Metasimian Black Knight Level 20 *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned and Darkness* Power: 30 (20+10) (27 for ranged attacks (20+8)) Defence: 10 Health: 35/35 (7+19+9) Gold: 200 Equipment: Sabre (WP:10), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do damage to undead), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect, suitable to Black Knights only) Inventory: Shuriken (WP:8), Bedroll, Telescope William Harkenshire (VolcanicPanik) Unknown years old male human Ranger Level 15½ *Hastened* Power: 20 (15+5) (21 from the front row (15+5+1)) Health: 20/20 (6+14) Gold: 0 Equipment: Repeating Crossbow (WP:5, unupgradeable; fire-elemental, permanent hastened), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (Power +1 on the front row, doubles movement) Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; lightning- and wood-elemental), Wave Sword (WP:11, inflicts cursed-effect), Croise Crossbow (WP:11), Lion Knight Shield (SP:4, unsuitable), Pauldrons (SP +2, suitable to knights, dragoons and skirmishers; accessory), Chimera Armor (+2 SP, +2 Health, unsuitable; bodywear), Sapphire (Wind), Remedy, Venom, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Smoke Bombs, Fire Bomb, Water Bomb, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Shovel, Pickaxe, Skeleton Decoy

Glad to see you finally joining the game, too! Your character (does she prefer to be called Stigveladi or Amma, by the way?) has now been added to the Hero Gallery.

Ah, sweet sardonism. I'm going to have to leave you at the edge of your seat, as I need to hit the bunk. The quest will be concluded tomorrow, I reckon, and we'll find out just how well-digested Namyrra and William are.

"Devoured by a demon?! By the Goddess, where on earth did your quest take you? But if your companions were swallowed whole by the demon, then there can still be hope for them. I've been taught that demons are not actually corporeal creatures, but physically connected to the dimension that they originate from. It is entirely possible that your friends were merely transferred to another plane of existence when they went down the demon's throat. Contrary to the common belief, demons are not beings of death, you see, but of the Void. Didn't you meet Oracle Semiramis when you first met with Sküld? I wouldn't be surprised if she had seen this coming, with the powers she possesses. Why don't you go ask her?" The small altar girl gasps for breath as she takes the pouch of gold. Even her mother cannot help but to stare. "Ooh, thanks, Mr. Guts! See this, mother? With this much gold, we can move out of the Hovels! But what about the reward I promised you? Let me count, 17.. no, 15 gold..." Sküld starts picking out coins from the pouch she was just given.

The Dragonlord calmed down, but still looked somewhat dismayed. "Harrumphf! While I cannot exactly congratulate for a job well done, I have to say I'm pleased to hear you fought back the demons. We must not let the forces from the Void seep into this city, it's in deep enough trouble as it is without demonic influence. I will bring your news to the other Veterans, although I suspect the Sand Queen already knows about this. She's always one step ahead of the rest of us, that wily woman... Anyway, the heroes who fell did not die in vain. Their names shall be carved on the wall of Heroica Hall to be remembered forever. And if that kid wants to live in my dusty old basement, so be it. It's not like I stay over at the house very often, anyway." "Indeed. I too am proud to see that you helped this innocent girl in her humble quest, even though the cost was heavy. It shows that this city still has hope with Heroica taking care of it. Always remember to defend the oppressed, and the world will slowly become a better place for all of us." "Alright, cut the philosophical crap, Kukulkan! Let's hit Scheherazade's Saloon, I'm in dire need of a strong drink!" "Yes, my friend. We have a spider-catching trip to plan. I have just the thing you need to fell another Murkwood Mother..." The dragoon and the orc walk off side by side. "Oh, we must hurry back to our house!" Indeed, in front of the house of the Nôrns, the party see Sküld's mother arguing with Åsa Nifelheimr. "Trust me, Ürd. They will be back soon. I consulted the Oracle, and..." "May the Goddess take you swiftly if something has happened to my daughter, Åsa! This is absolutely the last time..." Then she spots the girl approaching with the group of heroes. "Sküld! Oh my Goddess, are you alright?" "Mother, I'm fine! And Shaun is too, it just took a while to find him. I'm so sorry for worrying you!" "I've heard enough of this Shaun! He is nothing but trouble to you, I swear! I stayed up all night wishing you come through that door, can you understand how that felt?" "I said I'm sorry, mother..." "Don't be so hard on her, Ürd. She did what was the right thing to do, and now she is back with us. You can always trust champions of Heroica, like I told you." Ürd just glares at the Nôrn leader as she hugs Sküld tightly. Does the party wish to ask something from the Nôrns?

"FAREWELL, CHAMPIONS. AND THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE RING! IT'S MY PRECIOUSSS..." Saying goodbye to the dragon, with hopes that they might meet her again some time in the future, the party walks back along the tunnels that at first seemed to be endless. They pass the food storage, which is now devoid of orcs, and walk across the catacombs passing the tomb of the Golden Dragon again. When they emerged back to the cellar of the Dragon House, they saw daylight seeping through the small windows below the ceiling. Shaun let out a squeak and shirked back to the tunnel. "Briiightth liiiighthh!!!" "Oh, is it still daytime? Or a new morning? How long were we down there? My mother must be worried sick! Shaun, you better stay here for the time being. I will take you to see that doctor in the Guild of Invision later, alright?" "Aawwwriiighhtth... Tthheeenn weee plaaaeehh agaaaiiinnh?" "For sure!" Sküld waved her best friend goodbye with a big grin on her face. Despite having seen awful things take place, she was still a child and easily forgot the horrors of the previous night. The heroes climbed out of the dusty basement with the altar girl only to meet two figures waiting for them. "So you were responsible for eliminating my arachnid houseguards?" asked the armoured man that many of the heroes recognized as The Dragonlord. "Tsch, now I have to make another trip to Murkwood with Smaragdea to catch a new batch..." "Don't forget that they also gave your dragon a plentiful sum of gold and an invaluable treasure, Cain", Kukulkan, the orc rebel leader, reminded. "Bah! Only because they pissed her off in the first place! Don't you know the First Rule of the Dragoons: 'never cross a dragon'? But if she forgave you, then I will too." "Umm, Mister Cain? I hope you don't mind my friend Shaun living down in your basement?" "What?! Shaun who? Explain at once!" The party faced the fuming Veteran of their organization. What would they reply?

I wish I had the time to offer them such a sidequest, but unfortunately my next quest is knocking on the door, so I have to push things to a finish for Quest #44...

"IS THIS TRUE?! IN THAT CASE I MUST BLOCK THE VENT IMMEDIATELY! ARE YOU SAYING THAT NOT ALL OF YOU MADE IT BACK?" "Yes...*sob* Two of these great heroes got eaten by a nasty big demon... *sob* We searched everywhere, but we couldn't find them anymore... *sob*" "I AM SORRY, LITTLE ONE, BUT AT LEAST THEY DIED FOR A GOOD CAUSE. THAT IS THE MOST VALIANT WAY TO GO. I AM GLAD TO SEE YOU SAFE AND SOUND, AND REUNITED WITH YOUR FRIEND, AS REEKING AS HE MAY BE. BUT NOW, LET US SORT THIS ISSUE OUT..." Before anyone can say anything, Smaragdea takes flight and flies to the small hole in the wall that the heroes had just entered through, and rams her head against it so that the tunnel caves in. There was no going back to the forsaken temple now, at least not through the dragon's lair.

With heavy hearts, the party leaves the dark temple behind, taking the black grimoire and the zombie boy with them. "I'm so sorry!" Sküld sobs, with tears flowing down her cheeks as they start to ascend back to the dragon's lair. "I never thought people would die because of my quest! I'm just so... sorry!!!" "Sküüülddh saaaddhh! Shhaaaunn saaadddhh!", Shaun moans and pulls his hair in agony. The fifteen heroes and the Nôrn and the zombie eventually emerge to the lair of Smaragdea. The mighty dragon swoops down to greet them. "STINKY! YOU FOUND HIM! AND THAT AWFUL STENCH IS SUBSIDING AS WELL. WHAT EXACTLY WAS DOWN THAT AIR DUCT?" What will the party reply to the dragon?

As Nerwen and Guts are arguing loudly, the rest of the party splits up to search the temple. Dreyrugr thinks of checking the stone tablet that the black grimoire laid on, but apart from a carving of an ornamental crescent moon, it is just an ordinary piece of stone. The ruined temple has many doorways and staircases, but none of them seem to lead anywhere except to more doorways and stairs. The most interesting thing they find is three large seals painted onto the floor of a hall. Some of the symbols on the magical seals are elvish, and only one of them remains intact. The seal painted with purple on cracked tiles reads "ABRAXAS THE PROUD", the white cracked seal says "MEPHISTO THE HUNGRY", and the third, unbroken seal has the name "MARILITH THE VENGEFUL" written with red. It is as Sycamore Ziegfried told them: three archdemons used to guard the temple, but with Abraxas loose somewhere under Eubric and Mephisto banished back to his maker, only one of them remains now. Search and shout as they may, the heroes are unable to find any trace of William Harkenshire or Namyrra Uq.

It's a pure coincidence - I did not even read your flashbacks that carefully. I think we're both drawing inspiration from common clichés of the genre, actually. After all, you're not saying that dark temples and cursed spellbooks are your inventions, are you?

I honestly thought Quest #44 would've ended by now, but most of the 17 players I recruited are very passive, and even the active ones are reluctant to do anything, so the quest isn't moving forward. This is not meant as an insult to my players, but if you are unsure about what you should be doing now, just say so. I've dropped many hints on how to retrieve Namyrra and William, but you can always leave them behind and make your way back to the surface.

Ellaria listens to the words of the ghost , but cannot help feeling repulsed about the thought of accepting another god besides Sylvania. "I am truly sorry, my companions, but in my heart and soul there is only room for my goddess. This Pseudos sounds like a benevolent force, but becoming His champion would feel like betraying Sylvania to me. I personally cannot accept the High Priests offer, but perhaps it suffices that only one of us will. We were insolent by intruding this once sacred place so abruptly, but I believe we came here for a reason. To ignore that would not be wise, methinks..."

Mephisto's voice boomed in Hybros's mind so loud he could barely hear anything else. The archdemon was clearly amused. "FRET NOT, YOU HAVE BANISHED ME BACK TO AZAZOT WELL ENOUGH. YOUR 'FRIENDS' I LEFT THERE, BUT NOT QUITE IN THEIR CORPOREAL STATE, I MUST ADMIT. CONSULT THE PANDEMONICON IF YOU WISH TO GET THEM BACK. BUT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT ZIEGFRIED WOMAN. THE BLACK GRIMOIRE CAN EASILY LURE YOU OVER THE EDGE IF YOU'RE NOT CAREFUL. I WONDER WHICH WILL WIN, CURIOSITY OR FEAR?" It all seemed like a game to the archdemon. The whispering continues in Nerwen's satchel. "Read me, and you will learn everything you have ever desired to know..." "Read me, and you will learn everything you have ever desired to know..." "Read me, and you will learn everything you have ever desired to know..."

Well, I can give you larger versions of the pictures I used for the quest, at least...

The grimoire is wrapped by the flames in the brazier, but the fire does not do any damage to it. "The eternal flames of Chaos cannot burn me..." "The eternal flames of Chaos cannot burn me..." "The eternal flames of Chaos cannot burn me..."

QM Note: No, that was a special case. Frankly put, there's no point of having bedrolls in the first place if the whole party could sleep in one.

Althior and Dyric recover full health and ether at the Sanctuary. Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) 32 years old male human Sage Level 21 1/3 Power: 31 (21+10) (36 for spells (21+10+5)) Defense: 4 Health: 31/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 27/27 (5+20+2) Gold: 0 GP: 10 Equipment: Twin Sai Blades (WP:10, dual strike; dagger), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, doubled if target is weak to the element; handwear), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4; bodywear) Inventory: Dragoro (WP:8; wand), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, Tonic, Ether Core, Nostrum, Venom, Shovel, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) ***Party Leader*** 31-year old human male Warden Level 24 1/3 *Scary* *Immune to Enamored* Power: 32 (24+8) Defense: 15 Health: 1/43 (6+23+8+6) Gold: 754 (50 Gold loaned to Flipz) GP: 10 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP:8, blinded-effect, poisoned), Mythril Shield (SP: 15), Dread Hat (permanent scary-effect; headwear), Quiver of Poisoning (permanent poisoned-effect to a bow; backwear), Lover's Locket (immune to Enamored; accessory) Inventory: Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental; poisoned), Frozen Saber (WP: 9; stuns enemies; longsword), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5; poisoned), White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of assassination vs. flying monsters; hat), 2 Aquamarines (Water), 3 Potions, Health Core, Grand Tonic, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) Dyric Rone (The Legonater) 20 years old male human Rogue Level 15 ½ *Lucky* Power: 25 (15+10) Health: 21/21 (7+14) Gold: 837 GP: 10 Equipment: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory), 2 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Smelling Salts, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) Xander Unth'or (posades) 24 year-old male human Hunter Level 18 ½ *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blindness* *Favours Beasts and Aquatic monsters* Power: 31 (18+11+2) Defense: 5 Health: 19/31 (8+17+6) Gold: 42 GP: 10 Equipment: Precision Bow (WP:11; all 'Aim's become 'Hit's), Hunter's Quiver of Marksmanship (WP:2 to a bow, allows the hunter to favor two types at the same time; protects from blindness-effect; backwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect; bodywear) Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP:8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP:3), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), 2 Potions, Grand Potion, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Venom, Fire Bomb, Elven Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, Black Pearl (Worth 75 gold) Where will the party head next?

Results of Round Five of the Rainbow Falls Battle: >Bartholomew Docken uses Smoke Bomb Docken throws one of his Smoke Bombs, and covered by the fog he drags his three half-conscious companions away from the waterfall. THE BATTLE IS TERMINATED! The heroes get no experience, GP or loot. Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) 32 years old male human Sage Level 21 1/3 Power: 31 (21+10) (36 for spells (21+10+5)) Defense: 4 Health: 1/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 27/27 (5+20+2) Gold: 0 GP: 10 Equipment: Twin Sai Blades (WP:10, dual strike; dagger), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, doubled if target is weak to the element; handwear), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4; bodywear) Inventory: Dragoro (WP:8; wand), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, Tonic, Ether Core, Nostrum, Venom, Shovel, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) ***Party Leader*** 31-year old human male Warden Level 24 1/3 *Scary* *Immune to Enamored* Power: 32 (24+8) Defense: 15 Health: 1/43 (6+23+8+6) Gold: 754 (50 Gold loaned to Flipz) GP: 10 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP:8, blinded-effect, poisoned), Mythril Shield (SP: 15), Dread Hat (permanent scary-effect; headwear), Quiver of Poisoning (permanent poisoned-effect to a bow; backwear), Lover's Locket (immune to Enamored; accessory) Inventory: Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental; poisoned), Frozen Saber (WP: 9; stuns enemies; longsword), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5; poisoned), White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of assassination vs. flying monsters; hat), 2 Aquamarines (Water), 3 Potions, Health Core, Grand Tonic, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) Dyric Rone (The Legonater) 20 years old male human Rogue Level 15 ½ *Lucky* Power: 25 (15+10) Health: 1/21 (7+14) Gold: 837 GP: 10 Equipment: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory), 2 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Smelling Salts, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) Xander Unth'or (posades) 24 year-old male human Hunter Level 18 ½ *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blindness* *Favours Beasts and Aquatic monsters* Power: 31 (18+11+2) Defense: 5 Health: 19/31 (8+17+6) Gold: 42 GP: 10 Equipment: Precision Bow (WP:11; all 'Aim's become 'Hit's), Hunter's Quiver of Marksmanship (WP:2 to a bow, allows the hunter to favor two types at the same time; protects from blindness-effect; backwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect; bodywear) Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP:8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP:3), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), 2 Potions, Grand Potion, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Venom, Fire Bomb, Elven Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, Black Pearl (Worth 75 gold) Where will the party head next?

Guts opens the heavy book, but does not understand any of the symbols written on it. He can only discern that they're elvish. He does understand the macabre pictures littered in some pages all too well, though. The images were clearly drawn by wicked hands. "I sense darkness in your soul. Delicious..." "I sense darkness in your soul. Delicious..." "I sense darkness in your soul. Delicious..." Meanwhile, Mephisto talks to Hybros telepathically through the Pheles Rod. "HOW AMUSING TO SEE YOU MORTALS SCRAMBLING SO. DO YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT THE FENARIAN AND THE RANGER THAT MUCH? HOW FAR ARE YOU WILLING TO GO TO GET THEM BACK?"

Results of Round Four of the Rainbow Falls Battle: >Bartholomew Docken (Darksteel Crossbow) vs. Phoenix - Special Damage (Empyreal Flame - Althior: 6 health+4 SP-(30/2=15 dmg)=0 health; Docken: 25 health+15 SP-(30/2=15 dmg)=25 health; Dyric: 11 health-(30/2=15 dmg)=0 health; Xander: 16 health+5 SP-(30/2=15 dmg)=6 health) >Xander Unth'or vs. Angry Crab - Shield (Marking the Favoured - Angry Crab: 145 health-(31x3=93 dmg)=52 health) >Dyric Rone uses Remedy on Xander >Althior Emorith (Lightning) vs. Magic Carp - Damage Wishing Starfish+Rainbow Frog A+Rainbow Frog C+Mellow Crab - Free Hit vs. Docken (Docken: 25 health+15 SP-(27+19+19+12=77/2=39 dmg)=1 health) Magic Carp+Rainbow Frog B+Rainbow Frog D - Free Hit vs. Xander (Xander: 6 health+5 SP-(66+19+19=104/2=52 dmg)=0 health) Rainbow Frog B - Poisoned (Rainbow Frog: 124 health-1 dmg=123 health) Angry Crab - Poisoned (Angry Crab: 52 health-1 dmg=51 health) The Phoenix cries out and takes flight. It flaps its fiery wings, and burning plumes rain down on the heroes. Both Althior and Dyric are knocked out by the empyreal flame, and the others receive heavy damage from the strike as well. Xander manages to deal 93 damage to the Angry Crab, before he falls victim to the free hits of the remaining enemies. Docken is also overwhelmed by the attacks, but survives by the skin of his teeth. Nine enemies encircle the sole hero standing. Enemies: Phoenix Type: Flying/Fiery Level: 45 Health: 1560/1632 Special I: Phoenix Pyre – The Phoenix reduces its health to one to bring back all defeated allies with full health. Used only after all allies have been defeated. Special II: Empyreal Flame - Causes 30 fire-elemental damage to all opponents. Used when there are allies standing. Drops: 4 Phoenix Essence Wishing Starfish Type: Aquatic/Holy Level: 27 Health: 381/381 Special: Three Wishes – One of three things happens: 1) up to 270 health is restored to all allies, 2) 27 light-elemental damage is caused to all opponents, or 3) all combatants fall asleep. Drops: Wishing Wand (WP:12; each successful hit has ½ chance of inflicting either asleep-, blinded-, sealed- or confused-effect, according to what the user wishes) Magic Carp Type: Aquatic Level: 66 Health: 35/66 Special: Splash – Nothing happens. Drops: Ether Core Rainbow Frog A Type: Vermin/Aquatic Level: 19 Health: 259/259 Special: Double Rainbow Toxin – Causes badly poisoned- and enamored-effects on the target. Drops: Remedy Rainbow Frog B *Poisoned* Type: Vermin/Aquatic Level: 19 Health: 123/259 Special: Double Rainbow Toxin – Causes badly poisoned- and enamored-effects on the target. Drops: Remedy Rainbow Frog C Type: Vermin/Aquatic Level: 19 Health: 259/259 Special: Double Rainbow Toxin – Causes badly poisoned- and enamored-effects on the target. Drops: Remedy Rainbow Frog D Type: Vermin/Aquatic Level: 19 Health: 259/259 Special: Double Rainbow Toxin – Causes badly poisoned- and enamored-effects on the target. Drops: Remedy Angry Crab *Poisoned* Type: Aquatic Level: 40 Health: 51/240 Special: Calm Down – The Angry Crab turns into a Mellow Crab. Drops: Mead Mellow Crab Type: Aquatic Level: 12 Health: 900/900 Special: Rage Up – The Mellow Crab turns into an Angry Crab. Drops: Nostrum Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) 32 years old male human Sage Level 21 1/3 *Knocked Out* Power: 31 (21+10) (36 for spells (21+10+5)) Defense: 4 Health: 0/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 27/27 (5+20+2) Gold: 0 GP: 10 Equipment: Twin Sai Blades (WP:10, dual strike; dagger), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, doubled if target is weak to the element; handwear), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4; bodywear) Inventory: Dragoro (WP:8; wand), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, Tonic, Ether Core, Nostrum, Venom, Shovel, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) ***Party Leader*** 31-year old human male Warden Level 24 1/3 *Scary* *Immune to Enamored* Power: 32 (24+8) Defense: 15 Health: 1/43 (6+23+8+6) Gold: 754 (50 Gold loaned to Flipz) GP: 10 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP:8, blinded-effect, poisoned), Mythril Shield (SP: 15), Dread Hat (permanent scary-effect; headwear), Quiver of Poisoning (permanent poisoned-effect to a bow; backwear), Lover's Locket (immune to Enamored; accessory) Inventory: Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental; poisoned), Frozen Saber (WP: 9; stuns enemies; longsword), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5; poisoned), White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of assassination vs. flying monsters; hat), 2 Aquamarines (Water), 3 Potions, Health Core, Grand Tonic, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) Dyric Rone (The Legonater) 20 years old male human Rogue Level 15 ½ *Lucky* *Knocked Out* Power: 25 (15+10) Health: 0/21 (7+14) Gold: 837 GP: 10 Equipment: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory), 2 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Smelling Salts, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) Xander Unth'or (posades) 24 year-old male human Hunter Level 18 ½ *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blindness* *Favours Beasts and Aquatic monsters* *Knocked Out* Power: 31 (18+11+2) Defense: 5 Health: 0/31 (8+17+6) Gold: 42 GP: 10 Equipment: Precision Bow (WP:11; all 'Aim's become 'Hit's, poisoned), Hunter's Quiver of Marksmanship (WP:2 to a bow, allows the hunter to favor two types at the same time; protects from blindness-effect; backwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile-effect; bodywear) Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP:8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP:3), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), 2 Potions, Grand Potion, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Venom, Fire Bomb, Elven Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, Black Pearl (Worth 75 gold) Party Leader, choose the order of action. Everyone, choose your actions and targets.

Nerwen allowed Hybros to take the gigantic Pheles Rod. As the imp touched it, it decreased in size so he was just able to carry it. Then an all-too-familiar voice boomed inside Hybros' mind. "SO YOU CHOOSE ME, LITTLE IM. YOU AND I WILL GET ALONG JUST FINE, I THINK." Hybros looked around to see if anyone else heard the voice, but nobody even looked his way. He turned back to the Pheles Rod, and felt the cold satisfaction oozing from it. When the loot of the battle was distributed, the party decided to take a look inside the ominous temple. The black ruined building looked repelling, but also mysteriously alluring at least to those of them who were connected with their darker side. As the party started to climb up the cracked stairs, whispers filled their ears, and the double doors creaked ajar. "Come in..." "Come in..." "Come in..." And in they went, through the jagged doorway. The interior was obviously designed with a chaotic eye, with twisted archs extending everywhere, staircases leading to nothingness, and small windows at different altitudes. The whispers grew louder. "Find me..." "Find me..." "Find me..." "Everyone, look! It's that book over there that's whispering!" Sküld pointed at a dusty old tome with black covers that laid on a stone tablet. "At your service..." "At your service..." "At your service..." "Sttaaaeh awaaaeh! Baaaddh boookkh!" What will the party do with the book? And how deep into the temple do they dare to venture in search of their friends? Party: Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) 99 years old elven Ranger Level 3 Power: 6 (3+3) Health: 8/8 (6+2) Gold: 8 Equipment: Bow (WP: 3) Inventory: Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Amethyst (Darkness), 2 Potions, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs, Dirt Bomb Benji Carvenhall (Flare) 27 years old male half-elven Assassin Level 22 *Counterstrike* *Encouraged* *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 35 (22+13) Defense: 3 Health: 33/33 (6+21+5+1) Gold: 719 Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:13, fire-elemental, damages two enemies in one turn; daggers), Tricorne (SP:3), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear) Inventory: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP: 13; darkness-, ice, light-elemental), Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), 7 Grand Potions, Health Core, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 3 Meads, Nostrum, 2 Venoms, 2 Smoke Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, 3 Bones Sir Christopher Daggerfall (Fred Fred Burger) 27 years old male human Knight Level 15 *Immune to Weakened, Bound and Slowed* Power: 29 (15+11+2+1) Defense: 4 Health: 24/24 (10+14) Gold: 109 Equipment: Graive (WP:11, inflicts weakened-effect; halberd), Mockthril Shield (SP:4), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects) Inventory: Great Sword (WP:8), Tricorne (SP:3), Paladin's Armor (unsuitable), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, Health Core, Remedy, Mead, 2 Rums, 2 Smoke Bombs, 2 Fire Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe Cinna the Dark (darkdragon) 19 years Female Human Mystic Knight Level 21 *Immune to Fire* Power: 38 (21+15+1+1) Defense: 3 (2+1) Health: 33/33 (5+20+7+1) Ether: 1/27 (5+20+1+1) Gold: 6 Equipment: Mauryl (WP:15, ranged), Aurora Helmet (SP:2, immune to fire), High Heels (Power +1, suitable for women; footwear), Anniversary Medal:Y1 (+1 to all stats per year; accessory) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5), Pointy Hat (Max. Ether +2, suitable for mages and clerics; headwear), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, 6 Remedies, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, 4 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, Soma, 2 Deadly Venoms, Fire Bomb, Bedroll, 3 Bones, Remains of Sycamore Ziegfried (quest item) De'kra (Tanma) 11 year old "male" "echo" Assassin Level 19 *Immune to Enamored and Confused* Power: 26 (19+7) Defense: 1 Health: 30/30 (7+18+5) Gold: 78 Equipment: Kapura (WP:7, fire-elemental), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1), Heart Locket (Protects from enamored effect and confused effect) Inventory: Chiara (WP:7, lightning-elemental), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:7), Cloak of the Elven Spy, 7 Potions, 3 Grand Potions, 3 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Smoke Bombs, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede) 1000 year old male vampire Rogue Level 6 *Immune to Sudden Death* Power: 11 (6+5) Health: 12/12 (7+5) Gold: 11 Equipment: Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5), Cobweb Cowl (Grants immunity to sudden death; backwear) Inventory: Longsword (WP:3), Remedy, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Barbarian Level 12½ *Restoration* *Immune to Water* Power: 23 (12+11) Defense: 1 Health: 19/19 (8+11) Gold: 0 Equipment: Titanic Axe (WP:11, earth-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Sharkskin Armor (SP +1, immune to water; bodywear) Inventory: Voltedge (WP: 13, lightning-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Spear (WP: 9), Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Death Progg Claws, 4 Bones Guts Holla (Scubacarrot) 42 year old male human Raider Level 21 1/3 *Natural Respite* *Dance* Power: 35 (21+14) (30 for ranged attacks (21+9)) Health: 34/34 (7+20+7) Gold: 3360 Equipment: Fafnir (WP:14, ice- and darkness-elemental; greatsword), Dancing Shoes (In the turn after a "4" is rolled, the wearer can act twice) Inventory: Lifestealer (WP:14, ice-elemental, attacks restore 3 health; dagger), Throwing Knife (WP:9, ranged, retrievable, light-elemental), 4 Grand Potions, 1 Grand Tonic, 1 Elixir, 6 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Shovel, Telescope, Bedroll, 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril) Hybros (JimButcher) 50-year-old male imp Assassin Level 21 2/3 *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed* Power: 36 (21+15) Defense: 0 Health: 33/33 (7+20+5+1) Gold: 1918 Equipment: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed; bodywear), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory) Inventory: Pheles Rod (WP:20; grants permanent Aura, doubling the user’s max. health but making all enemy attacks hit the user; staff), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Shuriken of Mercutio (WP:5, retrievable), Throwing Knife (WP:8, retrievable), Throwing Knife (WP:8, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Ancient Throwing Dagger (WP: 8, retrievable), Emerald (Wood), 10 Potions, 10 Grand Potions, 5 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 2 Nostrums, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone Mizuki Kimura (zakura) 21 years old female human Rogue Level 12 ½ Power: 22 (12+10) Health: 18/18 (7 + 11) Gold: 178 Equipment: Dagger (WP:10) Inventory: Sylph Shuriken (WP:12, wind- and light-elemental; throwing weapon), Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Mead, Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, 2 Holy Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Cannonball, Death Progg Claw Namyrra Uq (Quarryman) ***Party Leader*** 1337 years old female Fenarian Evoker Level 22 *Immune to Sealing* Power: 34 (22+12) Defence: 8 (5+3) Health: 29/29 (5+21+3) Ether: 29/33 (5+21+1+1+5) Gold: 44 Equipment: Snake Staff (WP:12), Fanged Helm (SP:5, headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, immune to Sealing, bodywear) Inventory: Staff of the Necromancer (WP:12; damages undead; +1 level to raised undead; staff), Bone Staff (WP:3), Amethyst, Opal, Emerald, Topaz, Garnet, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, 4 Potions, Tonic, 2 Grand Tonics, 2 Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 4 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 3 Nostrums, Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Holy Bomb, Flash Bomb, Bedroll, 3 bones Spirits: Battle Angel (Light), Xut the Daemon (Darkness), Raiju the Raiju (Lightning), Ni the Shrubbery (Wood), Mark the Ice Cube Tray (Ice), Clay Golem (Earth), unknown (Fire), unknown (Wind) Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) ***Acting Party Leader*** 261 year old female elven Cleric Level 14 *Immune to Wind* Power: 23 (14+9) Defense: 2 Health: 25/25 (9+13+3) Ether: 14/18 (5+13) Gold: 100 Equipment: Mourning Star (WP:9, inflicts fragile-effect; mace), White Cloak (+3 Max health; backwear), Winged Circlet (SP:2, Immune to Wind; headwear) Inventory: Staff (WP:6, wood-elemental), Hammer (WP: 6), Torch Staff (WP:5, fire-elemental; staff), 2 Potions, 3 Elixirs, 4 Remedies, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, Venom, 2 Ice Bombs, Shovel, Bedroll, Bone Raven Ashcroft (Raven Brickroft) 18 years old male human Rogue Level 3 Power: 9 (3+6) Health: 9/9 (7+2) Gold: 10 Equipment: Hollow Dagger (WP: 6, hollow) Inventory: Main Gauche (WP: 3), Wrench (WP:3, target’s level -1, throwing weapon), Potion, Elixir, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Venom, Deadly Venom Sarick Lanse (Xarrzan) 27 years old male naga Mage Level 13½ Power: 19 (13+6+1) Defense: 0 Health: 18/18 (5+12+1) Ether: 11/18 (5+12+1) Gold: 54 Equipment: Dragon's Wrath (WP:6), Gaudy Cloak (Max. Health +1, Max. Ether +1; bodywear) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Dragon's Heart (WP: 15, wind- and fire-elemental, longsword), Lichen Armour (The wearer’s ether is counted as additional health if health is depleted; suitable to classes with ether; bodywear), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Tonic, Nostrum, Venom, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Bomb XX, Bedroll, Bone, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Mage Level 5 Power: 15 (5+10) Defense: 1 Health: 9/9 (5+4) Ether: 5/9 (5+4) Gold: 4 Equipment: Shiny Dagger (WP:10), Leather Cap (SP:1, headwear) Inventory: Dagger (WP:3), Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice) 2 Potions, Fire Bomb, Bedroll Thothwick (Professor Flitwick) 44 years old Metasimian Black Knight Level 20 *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned and Darkness* Power: 30 (20+10) (27 for ranged attacks (20+8)) Defence: 10 Health: 35/35 (7+19+9) Gold: 200 Equipment: Sabre (WP:10), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do damage to undead), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect, suitable to Black Knights only) Inventory: Shuriken (WP:8), Bedroll, Telescope William Harkenshire (VolcanicPanik) Unknown years old male human Ranger Level 15½ *Hastened* Power: 20 (15+5) (21 from the front row (15+5+1)) Health: 13/20 (6+14) Gold: 0 Equipment: Repeating Crossbow (WP:5, unupgradeable; fire-elemental, permanent hastened), Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (Power +1 on the front row, doubles movement) Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; lightning- and wood-elemental), Wave Sword (WP:11, inflicts cursed-effect), Croise Crossbow (WP:11), Lion Knight Shield (SP:4, unsuitable), Pauldrons (SP +2, suitable to knights, dragoons and skirmishers; accessory), Chimera Armor (+2 SP, +2 Health, unsuitable; bodywear), Sapphire (Wind), Remedy, Venom, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Smoke Bombs, Fire Bomb, Water Bomb, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Shovel, Pickaxe, Skeleton Decoy Sküld (NPC, controlled by darkdragon) 7 years old female nôrn Altar Girl Level 7 Power: 9 (7+2) Health: 8/8 (2+6) Ether: 6/16 (10+6) Gold: 0 Equipment: Silk Fan (WP:2, wind-elemental, fan) Inventory: Scroll of Sealing

QM Note: Chromeknight, even though you only suggested it, it's not your job to ask other players to give up the items or gold they earned just so they can get a better item. If someone wants to give an item to another player, that's between the two of them. Life in Heroica isn't always fair, you know? "Deeeeemonsh. Asshleeepph..." QM Note: I'll update the party statistics after work. Please make your preparations and decision where to go by then.

Hybros does not find anything in the ground, but his keen impish ears hear distant muttering. He cannot discern the words, but the noise is eery. "..." "..." "..."