Sandy

Hearing coins raining down on her pile of gold, Smaragdea turns her head to take a peek. The glint of gold reflects in her yellow eye. But she's still not appeased. "YOU COME HERE AND INSULT ME, THEN EXPECT ME TO HELP YOU. I KNOW HUMANS HAVE AN ODD WAY OF THINKING, BUT I FAIL TO SEE ANY LOGIC BEHIND YOUR ACTIONS." The dragon takes a dramatic pause, before going on. "I'M NOT UNREASONABLE. GOLD IS JUST MY ONLY JOY NOW THAT ME AND CAIN HAVE RETIRED FROM WARFARE. I'M STILL YOUNG, BUT I CAN'T LEAVE CAIN BEHIND. YOU HUMANS ARE SO FRAIL AND PUNY WITH YOUR SOFT SKIN AND SHORT LIFESPANS. I DON'T MEAN TO SOUND PROUD OR GREEDY, BUT MY LIFE IS JUST SO DULL, LYING IN THIS CAVE ALL DAY LONG. ONCE UPON A TIME I HAD COMPANY, A FAMILY... BUT ALL OF THEM LEFT WHEN THEIR HUMAN PARTNERS DIED. NOW THERE'S ONLY ME AND CAIN LEFT, AND THIS MEAGRE AMOUNT OF GOLD HE LEFT ME TO BRING ME AT LEAST SOME JOY..." Smaragdea continues her lament. "I HEAR YOUR WORDS OF PRAISE, BUT THEY SEEM HOLLOW AFTER THE THREATS OF THE PUNY DANCER. HOW CAN I KNOW THAT YOU TRULY MEAN WHAT YOU SAY... UNLESS YOU SOMEHOW PROVE IT TO ME?" What will the party do to make the dragon feel better? Or will they leave the dragon alone to search the cave on their own? 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, Beholder's Eye (allows one round per quest to be replayed), 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

Anything related to the gods and their private parts usually works. Like "By Sem's balls!" Or "By Danab's teats!". If you want to avoid profanities, just shouting "Zoot!" suffices, though. If you want to call someone names, common fantasy slurs can be used, like "stump" or "midget" for a dwarf, "pointy-eared fairy" for an elf, "greasy greenskin" for an orc, "apeman" or "gorilla" for a Metasimian, etc.

There's just too many holes in Hervi's case for me to not vote for him, so... vote: Hervi Pudding-Head (Hinckley) No matter what the outcome of his lynch is, I think we will have a much clearer start tomorrow.

Those animals are just too cute! On an additional note, after noticing the snack bar on the background, I think the pool set could've used at least one more fig. It's supposed to be the largest set of the wave, so two figs does not seem enough. :/

I agree, the Pet Salon looks the best out of the bunch - it even contains a new hairpiece and a poodle! The lack of male Friends still bothers me, though. The world of the theme seems incomplete with just one male figure in it...

The baffled dragon looks at the other party members. Fume rises from her nostrils. "IS THIS MAN SERIOUS? DO ALL OF YOU THINK THAT HE'S IN HIS RIGHT MIND TO BARGE INTO MY LAIR AND THINK HE CAN CALL THE SHOTS?" Smaragdea then turns to Guts. Her voice has lost all softness, and is now cold and grim. "YOU CAN THANK YOUR LUCK THAT I'M ACCUSTOMED TO YOU HUMANS. OTHERWISE YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS WOULD BE TOAST BY NOW." "Please, Lady Dragon! We only want to find my friend Shaun!" "I AM NOT IN THE MOOD TO HELP YOU." The dragon turns her back to the party and lays down on top of the pile of gold.

"THANK YOU. YOU MAY CALL ME SMARAGDEA. OH, HOW I LONG FOR THE GLORIOUS DAYS WHEN I COULD LITERALLY SWIM IN GOLD..." The dragon seems to indicate that the 137 gold given is still not enough. The dragon's eyes narrow into slits. "IS THAT... A THREAT? YOU DO REALIZE THAT I COULD SWALLOW YOU AND YOUR "SIR" OF A FRIEND IN ONE GULP, DON'T YOU?" The party's stance with the dragon has taken a step back.

The dragon sniffs the coins as they hit the pile. "THAT'S... A START."

"STOP THAT. IT'S IRRITATING."

"I LIKE THE WAY YOU THINK. ONCE THIS ENTIRE CAVE WAS FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH GOLD, BUT NOW ALL THAT REMAINS IS THIS MEASLY PILE..." The dragon purrs again as she talks about her favorite subject. The dragon ignored the Metasimian and the others. The party had not won her to their side, yet.

I'm loving the figs, and I think we're going to see more variety of "animal tribes" in the future, if this theme continues. Out of these five tribes, only the lions look a bit wonky to me. All the others are great. Of course, with so many figures I'd like to see a few females thrown in there as well. I'm unsure of it, but Eris the Eagle seems to be a girl - the name certainly points to that, and the fig's eyes look different from the other eagles' eyes. It's disappointing to see that all the sets only contain vehicles and no buildings (except the odd constructions that come with the Speedorz). But maybe this will change in the future, as well.

The glowing eyes detach themselves from the darkened ceiling, and in one loud swoop the dragon lands on the heap of gold in front of the party. "I'M GLAD TO HEAR YOU'RE NOT THIEVES", the dragon booms. "BUT A BIT DISAPPOINTED AS WELL. I'M BORED, AND A GAME OF "ROAST THE ROBBER" WOULD HAVE CHEERED ME UP. THERE'S ONLY ONE OTHER THING THAT COULD MAKE ME FEEL LIKE TALKING TO YOU... CAN YOU GUESS WHAT IT IS?" The dragon lets out a sound that resembles purring. She runs her claws through the treasures, making them clatter and ching.

Uh oh, Hervi feels threatened... It seems Dragmall is on the right tracks. I don't think we have any other way of really knowing whether Hervi lies or not but to swiftly lynch him. If he is scum and we let him live to "confirm himself", he will have time to do a lot of damage. I reckon he knows most of the power roles by now, so no matter what his allegiance is, he holds the reins (as usual). So far, Hervi has come across as very helpful, but somehow I don't feel "helped" at all. The whole Dragmall-vote-shebang yesterday was confusing as hell, and it's true that Hervi seems to have taken the credit for Gerrid's lynch, even though he did not initiate it. This doesn't mean that Dragmall couldn't be lying, or mislead us, but he's certainly making a bold statement. It's either him or Hervi today, I think.

Glad that you agree with me! I don't think all of the other toy manufacturers are limiting themselves in such a manner, for example Playmobil offers a great variety of sets from all walks of life and history. When I look at the young boys playing in the kindergarten (or when I reminisce what I used to play as a kid myself), it is not necessary for the playing to have vehicles involved. Sure, technology appeals to most boys, but so do other things: adventure, mystery, action, construction etc. It's not that I don't believe conflict-based themes are important for LEGO, but lately it seems that all the new themes aimed for prepubescent boys (save for licenses) are cut from the same tree: a group of good guys beat up monsters. Only the environments change. Has creativity died even for LEGO?

QM Note: True you are. Just forgot.

The imp's keen eyes spotted two gleaming dots high up against the ceiling of the cave, staring down at the party. The dragon was hiding in the shadows. "I WOULD NOT ATTEMPT THAT, WERE I YOU", echoed a breathy, deep voice around the cave. "THE OWNER OF THAT GOLD WOULD GET SSSIZZZLING MAD..." The heroes looked around, hands at their weapons, but the dragon did not show herself. She just observed the intruders.

Results of Round Six of the Broken Bridge Battle: >Xander vs. Tangleweed B - Critical Hit (Tanglewed: 28 health-(44x3=132 dmg)=0 health) >Althior heals Dyric - Heal More (Dyric: +41 health; Althior: -1 ether) >Dyric (Throwing Knife) vs. Aquaphant - Damage/Miss >Docken vs. Shy Shell - Aim (Shy Shell: 232 health-(11x2=22 dmg)=210 health+poisoned) Silver Carp A - Free Hit vs. Xander (Xander: 19 health+5 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=16 health) Silver Carp B - Free Hit vs. Althior (Althior: 27 health+4 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=23 health) Silver Carp C - Free Hit vs. Dyric (Dyric: 21 health-(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: 1128 health-1 dmg=1127 health) Shy Shell - Poisoned (Shy Shell: 210 health-1 dmg=209 health) Xander takes out the targetted Tangleweed, releasing the party from being bound. Althior manages to restore full health to Dyric. The rogue's throwing knife misses the Aquaphant despite the size of the beast. Docken aims well at the Shy Shell, dealing 22 damage and poisoning the clam. The remaining enemies shave more damage from the party. The Aquaphant and the Shy Shell succumb to the effects of poison. There are now six enemies remaining. Enemies: Aquaphant *Poisoned* Type: Beast/Aquatic Level: 41 Health: 1127/1320 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: 209/384 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: 23/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 24/27 (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), 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: 16/31 (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 resent the idea that a play theme has to revolve around the idea of "good guys fighting bad guys". I am very aware that it appeals to the targeted age group, but certainly there's been enough of conflict-based themes around every year, so is it totally impossible for boys to be interested in something other than conflict? As a kindergarten teacher, I'd really like for boys to learn other values besides just "beating up bad guys" through playing with toys. Aren't the construction site sets pretty popular among boys, as well? There's no conflict there (unless you count builders fighting a tight schedule to get the construction done as one ). So what if there would a fiction-based themed about a group of figs trying to build something together, so that each set would fit together to create some large construction (eg. a castle or a ship or a tower). The modularity would probably appeal to AFOLs as well. Would this be a good idea to work upon, to you guys? Or do you agree with TLG that there has to be bad guys for a theme to sell to young boys?

"It is not only us Orckin that are rising to oppose the current status quo in Eubric. The poor and the oppressed have had enough, they want some order and justice to this city. And of course the Wolfgang have seized the opportunity and promised them just that. But does anyone really want to see a criminal organization leading Eubric? Even if the Wolfgang have done some good, it is not nearly enough to outdo the turmoil they've caused. Of course the same thing could be said from any of the six houses in power... " "You already know he owns the house that you came through, as well as these tunnels. I won't tell you anything else - if you run into him down here, you're free to ask him yourself." With that, the heroes continue their way further into the depths below the city. A wide tunnel lead down from the back of the foodstock, and there were old bloodstains and broken bones scattered around the tunnel as a sign from the dragon's numerous feasts. Eventually the tunnel ended into a great cave that could easily hold dozens of dragons. There was even a huge head of a dragon carved on the opposing end of the cave. But the heroes' attention was mostly drawn towards the golden hoard splattered across the cave floor. Amidst coins, plates and cups were crowns, ornamental helmets and wondrous weapons - all gleaming and glittering in gold. What will the party do now? Party: Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) 99 years old elven Ranger Level 2 Power: 5 (2+3) Health: 7/7 (6+1) Gold: 10 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: 143 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, Beholder's Eye (allows one round per quest to be replayed), 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: 1250 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: 29 (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: 287 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

I'm honestly pleasantly surprised to see that a Servant was lynched - I really didn't think the case against Gerrid was that strong, and people seemed a bit too eager to vote for her. But I'm glad we Einherjar did not lose our momentum - although I admit I've had no part in these successes. I'm more of the type to show up at the celebration party when all the hard work has been done, hehe. But on another note, it seems Hervi lost two of his contacts in a row. It is obvious that the Servants have been closely watching Hervi, maybe even tried to get into contact with him. This is probably the Servant's way to break up any alliances being formed - or a more worrying option, Hervi's way to make himself look innocent and trustworthy. It will be very interesting to see how this day advances. I promise to make a more reasonable vote today.

Results of Round Five of the Broken Bridge Battle: >Xander vs. Shy Shell - Critical Hit (Shy Shell: 276 health-44 dmg=232 health) >Dyric vs. Aquaphant - Critical Hit/Special Damage (Aquaphant: no effect) >Althior heals himself - Heal More (Althior: +41 health, -1 ether) >Docken (Mockthril Longbow) vs. Tangleweed B - Hit (Tangleweed: 58 health-29 dmg=29 health+poisoned) Silver Carp A - Free Hit vs. Xander (Xander: 22 health+5 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=19 health) Silver Carp B - Free Hit vs. Dyric (Dyric: 13 health-(16/2=8 dmg)=5 health) Silver Carp C - Free Hit vs. Althior (Althior: 31 health+4 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=27 health) Tangleweed A - Free Hit vs. Docken (Docken: 43 health+15 SP-(25/2=13 dmg)=43 health) Aquaphant - Poisoned (Aquaphant: 1129 health-1 dmg=1128 health) Tangleweed B - Poisoned (Tangleweed: 29 health-1 dmg=28 health) Xander takes the first strike this round, hitting the Shy Shell for 44 damage. Dyric tries to attack the Aquaphant, but he's still bound. Althior restores full health to himself. Docken's arrow halves the health of an Tangleweed and poisons it. The carps take 3 health from Xander, 8 from Dyric and 4 from Althior. Docken blocks the other Tangleweed's strike. Aquaphant and the second Tangleweed both lose 1 health due to the poisoning. Seven enemies remain. Enemies: Aquaphant *Poisoned* Type: Beast/Aquatic Level: 41 Health: 1128/1320 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 Type: Aquatic Level: 17 Health: 232/384 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 Tangleweed B *Poisoned* Type: Plant Level: 25 Health: 28/285 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 *Bound* Power: 31 (21+10) (36 for spells (21+10+5)) Defense: 4 Health: 27/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 25/27 (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* *Bound* 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), 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* *Bound* Power: 25 (15+10) Health: 5/21 (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* *Bound* Power: 31 (18+11+2) Defense: 5 Health: 19/31 (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.

From the FAQ: Q: How do weapons with a "dual strike" effect work, exactly? And can a shield be carried with "twin weapons"? A: "Dual strike" deals damage to the targetted enemy and the enemy next in the order upon a successful hit. If there is only one enemy in the battle, dual strike deals double damage to it. A shield can be wielded with any weapon that doesn't specifically negate its use.

You're right, thanks for noticing! I sometimes have to tally the results in a rush in the morning before work, so I might well omit something.

Results of Round Four of the Broken Bridge Battle: >Docken (Mockthril Longbow) vs. Tangleweed A - Damage (Docken: 43 health+15 SP-(25/2=13 dmg)=43 health) >Xander vs. Tangleweed B - Special Damage (Entangled - All party members: bound for the rest of the battle) >Althior (Wood) vs. Shy Shell - Spell (Shy Shell: 348 health-(36x2=72 dmg)=276 health; Althior: -1 ether) >Dyric vs. Aquaphant - Miss/Critical Hit (Aquaphant: no effect) Silver Carp A - Free Hit vs. Docken (Docken: 43 health+15 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=43 health) Silver Carp B - Free Hit vs. Xander (Xander: 25 health+5 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=22 health) Silver Carp C - Free Hit vs. Althior (Althior: 17 health+4 SP-(16/2=8 dmg)=13 health) Aquaphant - Poisoned (Aquaphant: 1130 health-1 dmg=1129 health) A Tangleweed tries to damage Docken, but his shield blocks the attack. The other Tangleweed entangles the entire party for the rest of the battle, making them unable to switch rows or attack with melee weapons. Althior's spell of wood hits the aquatic Shy Shell for 72 damage. Dyric is unable to reach the aquaphant with his whip since his feet are bound. The carps assault the party, dealing 3 damage to Xander and 4 to Althior. Aquaphant loses another health point to the poisoning. Seven enemies are still left. Enemies: Aquaphant *Poisoned* Type: Beast/Aquatic Level: 41 Health: 1129/1320 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 Type: Aquatic Level: 17 Health: 276/384 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 Tangleweed B Type: Plant Level: 25 Health: 58/285 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 *Bound* Power: 31 (21+10) (36 for spells (21+10+5)) Defense: 4 Health: 13/31 (5+20+6) Ether: 26/27 (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* *Bound* 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), 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* *Bound* 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* *Bound* Power: 31 (18+11+2) Defense: 5 Health: 22/31 (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.

Ellaria shrugs. She hasn't been able to deduce a connection between their mission and what the locals are talking about. "I still say the wisest choice is to stay away from the local politics. But if we end up getting mixed into them, we might have to choose a side. And I would like that we stick together if it comes down to that. This is a big city, I would hate to get lost here."