Sandy

"So, you would like to meet the congregation, then? Very well... Undying, I summon thee! Gather around to meet these fellow believers!" More figures appeared from the surrounding shadows, lurching, limping, drawling, hovering... An unholy alliance of the undead and the demonkin arrived at the steps of the Forsaken Temple. "It has been a year since my resurrection by Abraxas, and I've been gathering these loyal followers ever since. Some are corpses of the ancient servants of this temple before it was sunken to the ground, some were drifters that met an untimely death and a new life by my hand. There are even a few lesser demons summoned here by Abraxas. If you are interested to know, it was I who awakened the Proud One some fifteen years ago, when I stumbled upon this temple. A grimoire that has been passed down the Ziegfried family line led me here. After some persuasion, my husband Zed agreed to help me. He was intrigued by the demonic arts as well, but never as much as I. Alas, Abraxas did not bend to my will back then, but saw me as a threat. The archdemon decided that Zed was a better puppet to his cause, so he slew me in front of the eyes of my husband and my daughter Chesterine. I never forget the look on her face... It was the last thing I saw before I died. She should not have been there..." The crowd of undead was growing restless. "But enough talk. Do you see your comrades here? This... Shaun?" Suddenly a small boy dashed in between the heroes and the Undying. "Dooo nooth huuurt my frieeendh!" the boy howled. "Shaun! There you are!" The boy turned around to meet his best friend eye to eye, and Guts' suspicions turned out to be correct. "Sküüülddh! Gooo awaaayy! Daaangeroushh hheeere!" "But I came to find you! Come with us." "Iii caaan'tth. Muuustth obeeeyy..." The zombie boy and the nôrn girl stared at each other. Then Sküld turned to the party in despair, with tears in her eyes. "Please, you must do something! Help me get Shaun out of here!" What will the party do?

Are you talking about the dragon or the skeleton? Sorry, dirty joke.

"Umm, duh? Of course Shaun has skin! I've already told you what he looks like! A boy with brown hair. C-can we just go look for him now? That skeleton lady is scary..."

Ellaria recounts the rat's words about the men wearing black and brown to the rest of the party. Then she takes out a small chunk of mouldy cheese from her bag, and places it in front of the rat. "[Thank you, little friend. You've deserved this. It's an Eubrican delicacy.]"

"I don't know what an undead means! Shaun is certainly not a skeleton, if you ask that..."

"Why, you get to live forever! Helvetia is the only one who can grant life eternal, no matter what those blathering alchemists may claim. And when Zoot claims this world, all that will be left will be us Undying, children of Helvetia." "Helvetia?" Sküld whispers in terror. "The Nôrns worship the same goddess as her?"

The skeleton cackles. "Forgive my incredulousness, but you lot do not strike me as Zootists. But this temple does not discriminate anyone who wants to join its congregation. We need all the... able bodies we can get if we want to take over Eubric. What do you say, Grand Master? Shall we combine our flocks? Of course it would mean turning you all undead, but that's a small price to pay for fulfilling Zoot's desires, is it not?" "As for this boy you seek, I do have some children in my flock. Their names are inconsequential now, though. Speaking of names, forgive my manners for not introducing myself. I am Sycamore Ziegfried, the First Disciple of Abraxas and the head necromancer of this temple. Zoot Shall Rise!" The intimidated Sküld takes Nerwen by the hand. "Umm, Miss Nerwen? What's an 'undead'?"

Results of Round Eleven of the Broken Bridge Battle: >Docken vs. Shy Shell - Shield (Aura - Docken: aura) >Althior heals Docken - Heal More (Docken: +41 health; Althior: -1 ether) >Xander vs. Silver Carp A - Aim Hit (Silver Carp: 80 health-(31x3=93 dmg)=0 health) >Dyric vs. Aquaphant - Damage/Hit (Aquaphant: 1056 health-(25/2=13 dmg)=1043 health) Tangleweed A - Free Hit vs. Docken (Docken: 64 health+15 SP-(25/2=13 dmg)=64 health) Aquaphant - Poisoned (Aquaphant: 1043 health-1 dmg=1042 health) Shy Shell - Poisoned (Shy Shell: 81 health-1 dmg=80 health) Docken continues to surround himself with an aura, doubling his current health again. Althior heals Docken, but his health is already above maximum. Xander defeats the last Silver Carp. Dyric causes another 13 damage to the Aquaphant. The untargettedTangleweed tries to damage Docken, but it is futile. Poison takes another 1 health from the Aquaphant and the Shy Shell. Only three enemies are left. Enemies: Aquaphant *Poisoned* Type: Beast/Aquatic Level: 41 Health: 1042/1320 Special: Rain On Your Parade – Causes 21 water-elemental damage and jinxed-effect to all opponents Drops: 2 Aquamarines, Aqua Gear (adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory) Shy Shell *Poisoned* Type: Aquatic Level: 17 Health: 80/384 Special: Shelter – The next attack against the Shy Shell will miss. Drops: Black Pearl (worth 75 gold), Smelling Salts Tangleweed A Type: Plant Level: 25 Health: 179/285 Special I: Entangled – Causes the bound-effect to all opponents for the rest of the battle unless the effect is remedied or the Tangleweed is defeated. Used only if none of the opponents are bound. Special II: Absorb – Transfer 10 health from all bound opponents to self, regardless of row or SP. Drops: Health Core Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) 32 years old male human Sage Level 21 Power: 31 (21+10) (36 for spells (21+10+5)) Defense: 4 Health: 27/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 20/27 (5+20+2) Gold: 0 GP: 6 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, Remedy, Nostrum, Venom, Shovel, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) ***Party Leader*** 31-year old human male Warden Level 24 *Scary* *Immune to Enamored* *Aura* Power: 35 (24+11) Defense: 15 Health: 64/43 (6+23+8+6) Gold: 754 (50 Gold loaned to Flipz) GP: 6 Equipment: Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental; 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: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; stuns enemies; longsword), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5; poisoned), White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of assassination vs. flying monsters; hat), 5 Potions, Grand Tonic, 3 Remedies, Mead, Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Dyric Rone (The Legonater) 20 years old male human Rogue Level 15 *Lucky* Power: 25 (15+10) Health: 21/21 (7+14) Gold: 837 GP: 6 Equipment: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Darksteel Crossbow (WP:8, blinded-effect), 2 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, Smelling Salts, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Xander Unth'or (posades) 24 year-old male human Hunter Level 18 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blindness and Fragile* *Favours Humanoids and Aquatic monsters* Power: 31 (18+11+2) Defense: 5 Health: 25/31 (8+17+6) Gold: 42 GP: 6 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: Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), Pongcanis Club (WP:8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP:3), 2 Potions, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, 2 Venoms, Fire Bomb, Elven Bomb, Skeleton Decoy Party Leader, choose the order of action. Everyone, choose your actions and targets.

"Oh, right..." Ellaria was perplexed. She was still practicing how to communicate with animals. The skill was similar to healing - you had to muster the will and the power from deep within you. And you had to concentrate. That had not been Ellaria's forte lately. "I can try, at least." She stared down to the rat. The little creature stared back, unblinking. Then she talked animal. "[Hello, little friend! We mean you no harm, but we would be grateful if you could tell us who just went through this door? If you don't know, maybe you could go take a peek for us? There might be cheese involved if you can do this for us.]"

Guts peered at the dark temple with his telescope. He saw something move among the ruins, but it was too dark to see clearly. The party had no choice but to move closer. The entrance of the temple was as uninviting. An especially strange element in it was a large broken stone ring standing on the roof above the doors. As the party approached the doors, a figure emerged from the shadows to block their way: a living skeleton in a dark dress and cowl, and a dark green pointy hat. There was lipstick smudged around her bony jaws, as a mocking memento of the figure's lost feminity. "Who goes there?" the skeletal mage shouted with a hoarse voice, then she hissed. "Living humans?! How did you find this place? Did Zed leave a map behind, after all? That cowardly fool, I never should have gotten him mixed into this... But it is too late to worry about that now. My worthless husband is only ashes now. But you intrigue me, so I shall let you live for a moment more, if you answer me. What brings you to the Forsaken Temple?" How will the party respond? Is there something they wish to ask the skeleton woman? Party: Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) 99 years old elven Ranger Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Health: 7/7 (6+1) Gold: 8 Equipment: Bow (WP: 3) Inventory: Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Amethyst (Darkness), 2 Potions, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb Benji Carvenhall (Flare) 27 years old male half-elven Assassin Level 21 2/3 *Counterstrike* *Encouraged* Power: 34 (21+13) Defense: 3 Health: 32/32 (6+20+5+1) Gold: 0 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, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 4 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrums, 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 14 ½ *Immune to Weakened, Bound and Slowed* Power: 25 (14+8+2+1) Defense: 4 Health: 23/23 (10+13) Gold: 109 Equipment: Great Sword (WP:8), Mockthril Shield (SP:4), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects) Inventory: 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, Bone Cinna the Dark (darkdragon) 19 years Female Human Mystic Knight Level 20 2/3 *Immune to Fire* Power: 36 (20+14+1+1) Defense: 3 (2+1) Health: 32/32 (5+19+7+1) Ether: 26/26 (5+19+1+1) Gold: 6 Equipment: Mauryl (WP:14, 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: , Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Healing Staff (WP:5), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, 6 Remedies, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 4 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, Soma, 2 Deadly Venoms, Fire Bomb, Bedroll, 3 Bones De'kra (Tanma) 11 year old "male" "echo" Assassin Level 18½ *Immune to Enamored and Confused* Power: 25 (18+7) Defense: 1 Health: 29/29 (7+17+5) Gold: 25 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, 2 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 5 Power: 10 (5+5) Health: 11/11 (7+4) Gold: 11 Equipment: Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5) Inventory: Longsword (WP:3), Potion, Remedy, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Barbarian Level 12 *Restoration* *Immune to Water* Power: 25 (12+13) Defense: 1 Health: 19/19 (8+11) Gold: 0 Equipment: Voltedge (WP: 13, lightning-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Sharkskin Armor (SP +1, immune to water; bodywear) Inventory: Titanic Axe (WP:11, earth-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Spear (WP: 9), Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Death Progg Claws Guts Holla (Scubacarrot) 42 year old male human Raider Level 21 *Natural Respite* *Dance* *Encouraged* *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 35 (21+14) (30 for ranged attacks (21+9)) Health: 34/34 (7+20+7) Gold: 2793 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, 5 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2 Smelling Salts, Shovel, Telescope, Bedroll, 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril) Hybros (JimButcher) 50-year-old male imp Assassin Level 21 1/3 *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed and Sudden Death* *Lucky* Power: 36 (21+15) Defense: 0 Health: 33/33 (7+20+5+1) Gold: 1200 Equipment: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed; bodywear), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory); Cobweb Cowl (Grants immunity to sudden death; backwear) Inventory: 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 *Encouraged* *Lucky* Power: 22 (12+10) Health: 18/18 (7 + 11) Gold: 82 Equipment: Dagger (WP:10) Inventory: Sylph Shuriken (WP:12, wind- and light-elemental; throwing weapon), Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2 Venoms, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, 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* *Encouraged* 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: 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: Xut the Daemon (Darkness), Raiju the Raiju (Lightning), Ni the Shrubbery (Wood), Mark the Ice Cube Tray (Ice), Clay Golem (Earth), Battle Angel (Light), unknown (Fire), unknown (Wind) Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) ***Acting Party Leader*** 261 year old female elven Cleric Level 13½ *Immune to Wind* Power: 19 (13+6) Defense: 2 Health: 24/24 (9+12+3) Ether: 16/17 (5+12) Gold: 100 Equipment: Staff (WP:6, wood-elemental), White Cloak (+3 Max health; backwear), Winged Circlet (SP:2, Immune to Wind; headwear) Inventory: 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 2 Power: 8 (2+6) Health: 8/8 (7+1) Gold: 10 Equipment: Hollow Dagger (WP: 6, hollow) Inventory: Main Gauche (WP: 3), Wrench (WP:3, target’s level -1, throwing weapon), Potion, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Venom, Deadly Venom Sarick Lanse (Xarrzan) 27 years old male naga Mage Level 13 *Hastened* *Nostrum* Power: 19 (13+6+1) Defense: 0 Health: 18/18 (5+12+1) Ether: 1/18 (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), 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 4 Power: 14 (4+10) Defense: 1 Health: 8/8 (5+3) Ether: 8/8 (5+3) Gold: 4 Equipment: Shiny Dagger (WP:10), Leather Cap (SP:1, headwear) Inventory: Dagger (WP:3), Ruby (Fire), 2 Potions, Fire Bomb, Bedroll Thothwick (Professor Flitwick) 44 years old Metasimian Black Knight Level 19½ *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* *Lucky* *Blessed* Power: 29 (19+10) (27 for ranged attacks (19+8)) Defence: 4 Health: 34/34 (7+18+9) Gold: 200 Equipment: Sabre (WP:10), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do damage to undead), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect) 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, Smoke Bomb, 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 6 Power: 8 (6+2) Health: 7/7 (2+5) Ether: 15/15 (10+5) Gold: 0 Equipment: Silk Fan (WP:2, wind-elemental, fan) Inventory: Scroll of Sealing

The heroes leave the presence of Smaragdea, and head to the wall on the right side. It doesn't take them long to figure out which airduct the dragon was talking about. One of the vents in the wall gives out a foul stench: a mixture of sulphur and decay. Sk¨ld bravely peeked inside the hole. It was large enough for every one of them to fit through, but pitch dark. "Lady Dragon said this is the way that Shaun came through, so I guess we have to go down there. You will come with me, right?" The champions agree. There was no turning back now, no matter what they would find down the air duct. One by one the party members leave the glimmering cave behind and enter the engulfing darkness. The cramped tunnel twists and turns down and down. They wander in complete darkness for about an hour until they finally see a faint light ahead of them. At that point the smell of death is almost unbearable, and the temperature has risen so that everyone are sweating. Suddenly the air duct opens into another cave, lit up by small streams of molten lava. This cave is not as large as the dragon's lair, but it's still large enough to contain a black-walled, ruined building. Sküld gasps audibly. "Miss Nerwen! Didn't you talk with the Oracle about a dark temple? Could this be it?" The imposing construct lies a small distance away. Not knowing what awaits them there, the party decides to prepare themselves. Party: Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) 99 years old elven Ranger Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Health: 7/7 (6+1) Gold: 8 Equipment: Bow (WP: 3) Inventory: Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear), Amethyst (Darkness), 2 Potions, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb Benji Carvenhall (Flare) 27 years old male half-elven Assassin Level 21 2/3 *Counterstrike* *Encouraged* Power: 34 (21+13) Defense: 3 Health: 32/32 (6+20+5+1) Gold: 0 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, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 4 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrums, 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 14 ½ *Immune to Weakened, Bound and Slowed* Power: 25 (14+8+2+1) Defense: 4 Health: 23/23 (10+13) Gold: 109 Equipment: Great Sword (WP:8), Mockthril Shield (SP:4), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened-effect), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects) Inventory: 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, Bone Cinna the Dark (darkdragon) 19 years Female Human Mystic Knight Level 20 2/3 *Immune to Fire* Power: 36 (20+14+1+1) Defense: 3 (2+1) Health: 32/32 (5+19+7+1) Ether: 26/26 (5+19+1+1) Gold: 6 Equipment: Mauryl (WP:14, 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: , Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Healing Staff (WP:5), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, 6 Remedies, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense, 4 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, Soma, 2 Deadly Venoms, Fire Bomb, Bedroll, 3 Bones De'kra (Tanma) 11 year old "male" "echo" Assassin Level 18½ *Immune to Enamored and Confused* Power: 25 (18+7) Defense: 1 Health: 29/29 (7+17+5) Gold: 25 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, 2 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 5 Power: 10 (5+5) Health: 11/11 (7+4) Gold: 11 Equipment: Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5) Inventory: Longsword (WP:3), Potion, Remedy, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 18 years old male human Barbarian Level 12 *Restoration* *Immune to Water* Power: 25 (12+13) Defense: 1 Health: 19/19 (8+11) Gold: 0 Equipment: Voltedge (WP: 13, lightning-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Sharkskin Armor (SP +1, immune to water; bodywear) Inventory: Titanic Axe (WP:11, earth-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Spear (WP: 9), Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Death Progg Claws Guts Holla (Scubacarrot) 42 year old male human Raider Level 21 *Natural Respite* *Dance* *Encouraged* *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 35 (21+14) (30 for ranged attacks (21+9)) Health: 34/34 (7+20+7) Gold: 2793 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, 5 Remedies, 3 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2 Smelling Salts, Shovel, Telescope, Bedroll, 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril) Hybros (JimButcher) 50-year-old male imp Assassin Level 21 1/3 *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed and Sudden Death* *Lucky* Power: 36 (21+15) Defense: 0 Health: 33/33 (7+20+5+1) Gold: 1200 Equipment: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed; bodywear), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory); Cobweb Cowl (Grants immunity to sudden death; backwear) Inventory: 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 *Encouraged* *Lucky* Power: 22 (12+10) Health: 18/18 (7 + 11) Gold: 82 Equipment: Dagger (WP:10) Inventory: Sylph Shuriken (WP:12, wind- and light-elemental; throwing weapon), Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2 Venoms, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, 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: Shiny Dagger (WP:10), 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, 5 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 3 Nostrums, Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Holy Bomb, Flash Bomb, Bedroll, 3 bones Spirits: Xut the Daemon (Darkness), Raiju the Raiju (Lightning), Ni the Shrubbery (Wood), Mark the Ice Cube Tray (Ice), Clay Golem (Earth), Battle Angel (Light), unknown (Fire), unknown (Wind) Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 261 year old female elven Cleric Level 13½ *Immune to Wind* Power: 19 (13+6) Defense: 2 Health: 24/24 (9+12+3) Ether: 16/17 (5+12) Gold: 100 Equipment: Staff (WP:6, wood-elemental), White Cloak (+3 Max health; backwear), Winged Circlet (SP:2, Immune to Wind; headwear) Inventory: Hammer (WP: 6), Leather Cap (SP:1, headwear), 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 2 Power: 8 (2+6) Health: 8/8 (7+1) Gold: 10 Equipment: Hollow Dagger (WP: 6, hollow) Inventory: Main Gauche (WP: 3), Wrench (WP:3, target’s level -1, throwing weapon), Potion, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Venom, Deadly Venom Sarick Lanse (Xarrzan) 27 years old male naga Mage Level 13 *Hastened* *Nostrum* Power: 19 (13+6+1) Defense: 0 Health: 18/18 (5+12+1) Ether: 1/18 (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), 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 4 Power: 9 (4+5) Health: 8/8 (5+3) Ether: 8/8 (5+3) Gold: 4 Equipment: Torch Staff (WP:5, fire-elemental; staff) Inventory: Dagger (WP:3), Ruby (Fire), 2 Potions, Fire Bomb, Bedroll Thothwick (Professor Flitwick) 44 years old Metasimian Black Knight Level 19½ *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 29 (19+10) (27 for ranged attacks (19+8)) Defence: 4 Health: 34/34 (7+18+9) Gold: 200 Equipment: Sabre (WP:10), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do damage to undead), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect) Inventory: Shuriken (WP:8), Bedroll, Telescope, Dragon Scale 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, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Water Bomb, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Shovel, Pickaxe, Skeleton Decoy Sküld (NPC, controlled by Quarryman) 7 years old female nôrn Altar Girl Level 6 Power: 8 (6+2) Health: 7/7 (2+5) Ether: 1/15 (10+5) Gold: 0 Equipment: Silk Fan (WP:2, wind-elemental, fan) Inventory: Scroll of Sealing, Grand Tonic

Results of Round Ten of the Broken Bridge Battle: >Xander vs. Silver Carp B - Shield (Marking the Favoured - Silver Carp: 80 health-(31x3=93 dmg)=0 health) >Docken vs. Shy Shell - Shield (Aura - Docken: aura) >Althior heals Dyric - Heal Less (Dyric: +10 health; Althior: -1 ether) >Dyric vs. Aquaphant - Critical Hit/Special Damage (Aquaphant: 1075 health-(35/2=18 dmg)=1057 health) Silver Carp A +Tangleweed A - Free Hit vs. Docken (Docken: 38 health+15 SP-(16+25=41/2=21 dmg)=32 health) Aquaphant - Poisoned (Aquaphant: 1057 health-1 dmg=1056 health) Shy Shell - Poisoned (Shy Shell: 82 health-1 dmg=81 health) Xander takes out another Silver Carp. Docken bestows a protective aura around himself, doubling his current health but also drawing all damage to him until the end of next round. Althior replenishes Dyric's health, while the rogue shaves a bit more health from the Aquaphant. The remaining Silver Carp and the Tangleweed join together to attack Docken, and manage to deal 6 damage to him. Both the Aquaphant and the Shy Shell lose one more health. Four enemies remain. Enemies: Aquaphant *Poisoned* Type: Beast/Aquatic Level: 41 Health: 1056/1320 Special: Rain On Your Parade – Causes 21 water-elemental damage and jinxed-effect to all opponents Drops: 2 Aquamarines, Aqua Gear (adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory) Silver Carp A Type: Aquatic Level: 16 Health: 80/116 Special: Reflection – Causes damage equal to the target’s level, regardless of row and SP. Drops: Silver Ore (worth 60 gold) Shy Shell *Poisoned* Type: Aquatic Level: 17 Health: 81/384 Special: Shelter – The next attack against the Shy Shell will miss. Drops: Black Pearl (worth 75 gold), Smelling Salts Tangleweed A Type: Plant Level: 25 Health: 179/285 Special I: Entangled – Causes the bound-effect to all opponents for the rest of the battle unless the effect is remedied or the Tangleweed is defeated. Used only if none of the opponents are bound. Special II: Absorb – Transfer 10 health from all bound opponents to self, regardless of row or SP. Drops: Health Core Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) 32 years old male human Sage Level 21 Power: 31 (21+10) (36 for spells (21+10+5)) Defense: 4 Health: 27/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 20/27 (5+20+2) Gold: 0 GP: 6 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, Remedy, Nostrum, Venom, Shovel, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) ***Party Leader*** 31-year old human male Warden Level 24 *Scary* *Immune to Enamored* *Aura* Power: 35 (24+11) Defense: 15 Health: 32/43 (6+23+8+6) Gold: 754 (50 Gold loaned to Flipz) GP: 6 Equipment: Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental; 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: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; stuns enemies; longsword), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5; poisoned), White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of assassination vs. flying monsters; hat), 5 Potions, Grand Tonic, 3 Remedies, Mead, Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Dyric Rone (The Legonater) 20 years old male human Rogue Level 15 *Lucky* Power: 25 (15+10) Health: 21/21 (7+14) Gold: 837 GP: 6 Equipment: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Darksteel Crossbow (WP:8, blinded-effect), 2 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, Smelling Salts, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Xander Unth'or (posades) 24 year-old male human Hunter Level 18 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blindness and Fragile* *Favours Humanoids and Aquatic monsters* Power: 31 (18+11+2) Defense: 5 Health: 25/31 (8+17+6) Gold: 42 GP: 6 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: Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), Pongcanis Club (WP:8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP:3), 2 Potions, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, 2 Venoms, Fire Bomb, Elven Bomb, Skeleton Decoy Party Leader, choose the order of action. Everyone, choose your actions and targets.

I can't stop admiring this creation. I wish I had the parts and the time to create something as magnificent for my quests, but most locations only get a few shots of them in a quest, so I usually just build something quick. Great job with this one, anyway! I just love it when people show some extra effort for our game.

Results of Round Nine of the Broken Bridge Battle: >Xander vs. Silver Carp C - Aim Hit (Silver Carp: 80 health-(31x3=93 dmg)=0 health) >Althior heals himself - Heal (Althior: +31 health, -1 ether) >Docken vs. Shy Shell - Damage (Docken: 19 health+15 SP-(17/2=9 dmg)=19 health) >Dyric vs. Aquaphant - Miss/Hit (Aquaphant: 1089 health-(25/2=13 dmg)=1076 health) Silver Carp A - Free Hit vs. Xander (Xander: 28 health+5 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=25 health) Silver Carp B - Free Hit vs. Althior (Althior: 31 health+4 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=27 health) Tangleweed A - Free Hit vs. Docken (Docken: 19 health+15 SP-(25/2=13 dmg)=19 health) Aquaphant - Poisoned (Aquaphant: 1076 health-1 dmg=1075 health) Shy Shell - Poisoned (Shy Shell: 83 health-1 dmg=82 health) Xander slays one of the Silver Carps. Althior restores himself to full health. The Shy Shell tries to damage Docken again, but to no avail. Dyric hits the Aquaphant for 13 damage. The Free Hits and the poisoning take their toll yet again. Only five enemies remain anymore. Enemies: Aquaphant *Poisoned* Type: Beast/Aquatic Level: 41 Health: 1075/1320 Special: Rain On Your Parade – Causes 21 water-elemental damage and jinxed-effect to all opponents Drops: 2 Aquamarines, Aqua Gear (adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory) Silver Carp A Type: Aquatic Level: 16 Health: 80/116 Special: Reflection – Causes damage equal to the target’s level, regardless of row and SP. Drops: Silver Ore (worth 60 gold) Silver Carp B Type: Aquatic Level: 16 Health: 80/116 Special: Reflection – Causes damage equal to the target’s level, regardless of row and SP. Drops: Silver Ore (worth 60 gold) Shy Shell *Poisoned* Type: Aquatic Level: 17 Health: 82/384 Special: Shelter – The next attack against the Shy Shell will miss. Drops: Black Pearl (worth 75 gold), Smelling Salts Tangleweed A Type: Plant Level: 25 Health: 179/285 Special I: Entangled – Causes the bound-effect to all opponents for the rest of the battle unless the effect is remedied or the Tangleweed is defeated. Used only if none of the opponents are bound. Special II: Absorb – Transfer 10 health from all bound opponents to self, regardless of row or SP. Drops: Health Core Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) 32 years old male human Sage Level 21 Power: 31 (21+10) (36 for spells (21+10+5)) Defense: 4 Health: 27/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 21/27 (5+20+2) Gold: 0 GP: 6 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, Remedy, Nostrum, Venom, Shovel, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) ***Party Leader*** 31-year old human male Warden Level 24 *Scary* *Immune to Enamored* Power: 35 (24+11) Defense: 15 Health: 19/43 (6+23+8+6) Gold: 754 (50 Gold loaned to Flipz) GP: 6 Equipment: Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental; 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: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; stuns enemies; longsword), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5; poisoned), White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of assassination vs. flying monsters; hat), 5 Potions, Grand Tonic, 3 Remedies, Mead, Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Dyric Rone (The Legonater) 20 years old male human Rogue Level 15 *Lucky* Power: 25 (15+10) Health: 13/21 (7+14) Gold: 837 GP: 6 Equipment: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Darksteel Crossbow (WP:8, blinded-effect), 2 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, Smelling Salts, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Xander Unth'or (posades) 24 year-old male human Hunter Level 18 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blindness and Fragile* *Favours Humanoids and Aquatic monsters* Power: 31 (18+11+2) Defense: 5 Health: 25/31 (8+17+6) Gold: 42 GP: 6 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: Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), Pongcanis Club (WP:8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP:3), 2 Potions, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, 2 Venoms, Fire Bomb, Elven Bomb, Skeleton Decoy Party Leader, choose the order of action. Everyone, choose your actions and targets.

QM Note: Sorry, I'm not a native speaker of English so I did not understand the difference between offering and giving. Neither did the dragon, though, so your gold is lost.

This seems to be just a misunderstanding. Jebediahs, please remove the scrolls from your inventory. They are not yours to keep, since B&P specifically said he would lend you them for the duration of the quest. Case closed!

~Portia's Potion Shack now stocks Dirt Bombs and Air Bombs!~ Pausing his hammering, Anwyl Smokebeard left his forge and walked to the open wall of his store. He gazed at the bustling Marketplace. Still no sign of her... But she should return soon. Any day now, the familiar sound of wagons rolling in without a horse would catch his ear. Letting out a deep sigh, the blacksmith returned to his work.

The Training Room now has a page dedicated to one more Expert Class: The Harlot (created by Jebediahs)! Just keep your eyes out for a book called "Fifty Shades of Bley", and the class can be yours to play. Some of the other expert class related rule pages were edited with new pictures (namely the Infiltrator, the List of Battle Songs and the Undead Army).

Jedi master Brick, it seems your character avatar has stopped showing. Can you fix that, please?

Hmm, so it seems all votes are on Hervi. That means there will be no sense looking at voting patterns tomorrow, but at least we will have the truth about Hervi and what he has told verified.

Ellaria shudders as she hears the word "slave". She hadn't even thought about the option that Elpis could've been captured by slave traders, but now she couldn't get the vision of the baby in dirty slaver hands out of her mind. "Uh, are we really going to the Slave Market? I have a bad feeling the slaves aren't just orcs in this city... But what about that archeologist's house? Weren't we supposed to go there next?"

Results of Round Eight of the Broken Bridge Battle: >Althior heals Xander - Heal More (Xander: +41 health; Althior: -1 ether) >Xander vs. Shy Shell - Aim Hit (Shy Shell: 177 health-(31x3=93 dmg)=84 health) >Docken vs. Silver Carp A - Special Damage (Reflection - Docken: 43 health-24 dmg=19 health) >Dyric vs. Aquaphant - Critical Hit/Shield (Mug - Aquaphant: 1113 health-(45/2=23 dmg)=1090 health; Dyric: +35 gold) Silver Carp B - Free Hit vs. Althior (Althior: 19 health+4 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=15 health) Silver Carp C - Free Hit vs. Xander (Xander: 31 health+5 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=28 health) Tangleweed A - Free Hit vs. Docken (Docken: 19 health+15 SP-(25/2=13 dmg)=19 health) Aquaphant - Poisoned (Aquaphant: 1090 health-1 dmg=1089 health) Shy Shell - Poisoned (Shy Shell: 84 health-1 dmg=83 health) Althior finally manages to restore Xander's health. Having learned the tricks of hunting aquatic monsters well, Xander deals 93 damage to the Shy Shell. A Silver Carp sends a searing reflection at Docken's eyes, cutting his health equal to his level. Dyric mugs the Aquaphant for 23 damage and 35 gold. The Free Hits and poisoning continue to work on the combatants. Six enemies are still left. Enemies: Aquaphant *Poisoned* Type: Beast/Aquatic Level: 41 Health: 1089/1320 Special: Rain On Your Parade – Causes 21 water-elemental damage and jinxed-effect to all opponents Drops: 2 Aquamarines, Aqua Gear (adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory) Silver Carp A Type: Aquatic Level: 16 Health: 80/116 Special: Reflection – Causes damage equal to the target’s level, regardless of row and SP. Drops: Silver Ore (worth 60 gold) Silver Carp B Type: Aquatic Level: 16 Health: 80/116 Special: Reflection – Causes damage equal to the target’s level, regardless of row and SP. Drops: Silver Ore (worth 60 gold) Silver Carp C Type: Aquatic Level: 16 Health: 80/116 Special: Reflection – Causes damage equal to the target’s level, regardless of row and SP. Drops: Silver Ore (worth 60 gold) Shy Shell *Poisoned* Type: Aquatic Level: 17 Health: 83/384 Special: Shelter – The next attack against the Shy Shell will miss. Drops: Black Pearl (worth 75 gold), Smelling Salts Tangleweed A Type: Plant Level: 25 Health: 179/285 Special I: Entangled – Causes the bound-effect to all opponents for the rest of the battle unless the effect is remedied or the Tangleweed is defeated. Used only if none of the opponents are bound. Special II: Absorb – Transfer 10 health from all bound opponents to self, regardless of row or SP. Drops: Health Core Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) 32 years old male human Sage Level 21 Power: 31 (21+10) (36 for spells (21+10+5)) Defense: 4 Health: 15/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 22/27 (5+20+2) Gold: 0 GP: 6 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, Remedy, Nostrum, Venom, Shovel, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) ***Party Leader*** 31-year old human male Warden Level 24 *Scary* *Immune to Enamored* Power: 35 (24+11) Defense: 15 Health: 19/43 (6+23+8+6) Gold: 754 (50 Gold loaned to Flipz) GP: 6 Equipment: Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental; 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: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; stuns enemies; longsword), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5; poisoned), White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of assassination vs. flying monsters; hat), 5 Potions, Grand Tonic, 3 Remedies, Mead, Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Dyric Rone (The Legonater) 20 years old male human Rogue Level 15 *Lucky* Power: 25 (15+10) Health: 13/21 (7+14) Gold: 837 GP: 6 Equipment: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Darksteel Crossbow (WP:8, blinded-effect), 2 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, Smelling Salts, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Xander Unth'or (posades) 24 year-old male human Hunter Level 18 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blindness and Fragile* *Favours Humanoids and Aquatic monsters* Power: 31 (18+11+2) Defense: 5 Health: 28/31 (8+17+6) Gold: 42 GP: 6 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: Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), Pongcanis Club (WP:8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP:3), 2 Potions, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, 2 Venoms, Fire Bomb, Elven Bomb, Skeleton Decoy Party Leader, choose the order of action. Everyone, choose your actions and targets.

Smaragdea is completely mesmerized by Guts' gift. She picks the ring up with her claw. "THIS POWER... IT TRASCENDS TIME AND SPACE! THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE! I CAN HEAR THE ECHOES OF MY ANCESTORS! I CAN SEE THIS CAVE FILLED WITH LIFE AND JOY! IT IS TRULY THE MOST MARVELOUS GIFT I'VE EVER GOTTEN..." The dragon shifts her eyes back to Guts. "YOU ARE A STRANGE ONE, PUNY DANCER. FIRST YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A LOWLY WORM, THEN YOU LIFT ME TO THE HIGHEST HEIGHTS. YOU HUMANS JUST NEVER SEIZE TO SURPRISE ME." "VERY WELL. TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS CASE OF A LOST FRIEND, AND I WILL SEE IF I CAN HELP YOU." "Alright! Thank you, Lady Dragon! And Mr. Holla, that was so noble of you! You're the greatest! Now, Lady Dragon, have you seen Shaun? He's a boy who lives somewhere down here." "HMM... DO YOU MEAN 'STINKY'? I DON'T KNOW HIS NAME, BUT FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS OR SO, A SMALL BOY WHO REEKS HORRIBLY HAS SNEAKED THROUGH MY CAVE, PROBABLY THINKING I WOULDN'T NOTICE HIM. BUT HOW COULD I MISS SUCH A FOUL STENCH? HENCE I NAMED HIM STINKY. HE COMES OUT FROM ONE OF THE AIR DUCTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE WALL. THAT SAME AWFUL SMELL SEEPS FROM THAT VENT, AS WELL. I WOULD'VE SEALED THE AIR DUCT, BUT I FIND STINKY AMUSING. HE HASN'T COME OUT FOR A FEW WEEKS, THOUGH. I WAS ACTUALLY CONTEMPLATING ON SHUTTING DOWN THE VENT TODAY, BUT YOU MIGHT WANT TO SEARCH IT FIRST." Smaragdea then brings her head closer to Sküld. "I HAVE TO SAY YOU HAVE ODD FRIENDS, LITTLE GIRL." "I don't think Shaun is any odder than a dragon as a friend." "HMM... YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH." Is there anything else the party wishes to ask from the dragon, or will they head to the right-side wall to inspect the reeking air duct?

The dragon glares Guts. "THERE IS NOTHING CUSTOMARY IN THIS SITUATION. DO YOU THINK I GET VISITORS DOWN HERE EVERY DAY? YOU HAVE INSULTED ME GREATLY, SO IF YOU WANT TO APOLOGIZE THAT, IT MUST COME FROM YOUR HEART. YOU KNOW MY WEAKNESS FOR GOLD, NOW IT IS UP TO YOU TO EXPLOIT THAT." QM Note: Since I have no way of recounting everything that happened during the battle, all the gained gold and expended items were negated; you lose what you gained, but keep what you lost. Sorry. "YOU OBVIOUSLY KNOW NOTHING OF THE BOND BETWEEN A DRAGOON AND HIS DRAGON. WE FOUGHT TOGETHER IN THE CIVIL WAR OF BILLUNDIA DECADES AGO, AND NOTHING SHORT OF DEATH CAN SEPARATE US AFTER THAT EXPERIENCE. WHAT'S A LITTLE BOREDOM COMPARED TO THE THOUGHT OF LOSING YOUR ONLY FRIEND?"

Results of Round Seven of the Broken Bridge Battle: >Althior heals Xander - No Healing (Althior: -1 ether) >Xander vs. Shy Shell - Shield (Marking the Favoured - Shy Shell: 209 health-31 dmg=178 health; Xander: favour aquatic?) >Docken vs. Silver Carp A - Damage (Docken: 43 health+15 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=43 health) >Dyric vs. Aquaphant - Damage/Hit (Aquaphant: 1127 health-(25/2=13 dmg)=1114 health) Silver Carp B - Free Hit vs. Althior (Althior: 23 health+4 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=19 health) Silver Carp C - Free Hit vs. Xander (Xander: 16 health+5 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=13 health) Tangleweed A - Free Hit vs. Docken (Docken: 43 health+15 SP-(25/2=13 dmg)=43 health) Aquaphant - Poisoned (Aquaphant: 1114 health-1 dmg=1113 health) Shy Shell - Poisoned (Shy Shell: 178 health-1 dmg=177 health) Althior tries to heal Xander, but fails. The hunter damages Shy Shell, with an option to mark aquatic monsters as favoured. Docken is struck by a Silver Carp, but he blocks the attack. Dyric shaves 25 damage from the Aquaphant. The other enemies take another 4 health from Althior and 3 health from Xander. Both the Aquaphant and the Shy Shell lose 1 more health. Six enemies are left. Enemies: Aquaphant *Poisoned* Type: Beast/Aquatic Level: 41 Health: 1113/1320 Special: Rain On Your Parade – Causes 21 water-elemental damage and jinxed-effect to all opponents Drops: 2 Aquamarines, Aqua Gear (adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory) Silver Carp A Type: Aquatic Level: 16 Health: 80/116 Special: Reflection – Causes damage equal to the target’s level, regardless of row and SP. Drops: Silver Ore (worth 60 gold) Silver Carp B Type: Aquatic Level: 16 Health: 80/116 Special: Reflection – Causes damage equal to the target’s level, regardless of row and SP. Drops: Silver Ore (worth 60 gold) Silver Carp C Type: Aquatic Level: 16 Health: 80/116 Special: Reflection – Causes damage equal to the target’s level, regardless of row and SP. Drops: Silver Ore (worth 60 gold) Shy Shell *Poisoned* Type: Aquatic Level: 17 Health: 177/384 Special: Shelter – The next attack against the Shy Shell will miss. Drops: Black Pearl (worth 75 gold), Smelling Salts Tangleweed A Type: Plant Level: 25 Health: 179/285 Special I: Entangled – Causes the bound-effect to all opponents for the rest of the battle unless the effect is remedied or the Tangleweed is defeated. Used only if none of the opponents are bound. Special II: Absorb – Transfer 10 health from all bound opponents to self, regardless of row or SP. Drops: Health Core Party: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) 32 years old male human Sage Level 21 Power: 31 (21+10) (36 for spells (21+10+5)) Defense: 4 Health: 19/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 23/27 (5+20+2) Gold: 0 GP: 6 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, Remedy, Nostrum, Venom, Shovel, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) ***Party Leader*** 31-year old human male Warden Level 24 *Scary* *Immune to Enamored* Power: 35 (24+11) Defense: 15 Health: 43/43 (6+23+8+6) Gold: 754 (50 Gold loaned to Flipz) GP: 6 Equipment: Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental; 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: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; stuns enemies; longsword), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5; poisoned), White Marksman's Hat (⅙ chance of assassination vs. flying monsters; hat), 5 Potions, Grand Tonic, 3 Remedies, Mead, Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Dyric Rone (The Legonater) 20 years old male human Rogue Level 15 *Lucky* Power: 25 (15+10) Health: 13/21 (7+14) Gold: 802 GP: 6 Equipment: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect; accessory), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Darksteel Crossbow (WP:8, blinded-effect), 2 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, Smelling Salts, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, Mythril Shard (1/4 of a Mythril) Xander Unth'or (posades) 24 year-old male human Hunter Level 18 *Natural Respite* *Immune to Blindness and Fragile* *Favours Humanoids and Plants* Power: 31 (18+11+2) Defense: 5 Health: 13/31 (8+17+6) Gold: 42 GP: 6 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: Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider (WP +1 from the front row, grants speed within quests; accessory), Pongcanis Club (WP:8), Enigmatic Hammer (WP:3), 2 Potions, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, 2 Venoms, Fire Bomb, Elven Bomb, Skeleton Decoy Party Leader, choose the order of action. Everyone, choose your actions and targets.