Sandy

The Zirconia allows the mage to choose a spell of any element. Of course there's no sense in a spell that contains every element, since most of them would nullify each other.

"I don't blame you, Mr. Emorith. The manor has changed quite a bit since you were last here. It does that sometimes. Too much magical energy around makes even buildings anxious. One night I opened a door that used to lead to my bedroom and found myself in the toilet with our butler Schuester inside! Believe me, it was not a pretty sight..." "Altair, please. Mind your manners!"

Yes, that totally was.

The party visited the Luminous Passage first, and almost instantly saw Count Shadeaux walking further ahead. This time he was escorted by two guards and a markswoman. The three rogues jumped into the bushes to plan their approach.

In the evening, the three heroes made their way to the Ziegfried Manor, where the family's matriarch was already waiting for them. "Glad you are here. Heroica has proven to be trustworthy in dealing with our matters, so I have high faith you will sort this irksome issue. Ethereth knows our family has enough on our minds with the kidnapping of one of my greatgrandchildren and the elusive demon residing underneath this house. That Wolfgang troupe has been nothing but a small nuisance to us before this, but they are certainly doing their best to get the six houses riled up." The High Wizardine was joined by her two grandsons, Altair and Goldraum. "Grandmother, it is almost night. We still have to perform the sealing spells." "Oh, excuse the ramblings of an old woman... Right this way, please." The Ziegfried wizards lead the heroes upstairs to a locked door. Zelda opens it, and her two grandsons begin casting protective spells inside and outside of the room. "In this room we keep our secret treasure: a Zirconia, the sacred gem of Ethereth that contains all elements. There is only one of them in Eubric, and it has been in our family's possession from the beginning of the bloodline, so it really is invaluable to us. This is the first time we let an outsider even see it, so I hope you appreciate it." Zelda leads the party inside the room. The only item in it is a brilliant gem sparkling in every color of the rainbow. The gem is locked inside a glass bowl that is protected by humming crystal pillars. "It's a real beauty, ain't it? And that pedestal is inlaid with so many magic spells that nothing can break through it. Now, here's the plan. We will seal you three inside this room for the night while me and my brother stands guard outside. There is only one entrance to that room, and the only way through it will be over our dead bodies. Even if the Wolfgang woman manages to trick her way past us, you will catch her red-handed." "Is there any doubt in your mind that you can't do this? Because we've given you all our trust on this matter, and that is not something us Ziegfrieds tend to do. If you aren't up for the task, just leave and let us handle our own problems." Does the party have any questions?

When the sun goes down, the rogues return to Triad Park. Which of the four locales will they visit first?

The rogues went to the laboratory, but only found the doctor's assistant there. "The Doctor is sleeping and must not be disturbed", said the assistant coolly. "Come back in the evening." The three rogues then spent the night going through all sorts of wacky hijinks that won't be recounted here. Back at the guildhouse, they explained the situation and Madame Ladybug's plan. "Vell, vhat are you vaiting vor? Go tetht it out!"

Looks much better, if I can give my honest opinion. Here's a close-up avatar to commemorate Jess's makeover:

"Hmm, I suspected as much. It feels wrong to bother the man like this, but I put in a considerable sum for our bet. That silly Alphonse believes adamantly that Shadeaux is like him. He must be seeking some sort of justification for his own existence, hmmm... I tried to reason with him, saying that pale skin, black clothes and a bat as an emblem does not make one a vampire, but Alphonse did not listen. Hmm, I have prepared something that should solve this matter once and for all. Please follow me to the greenhouse." The female U'kin lead the party to the back of the guildhouse where her greenhouse was situated. The room had large windows to let the multitude of vegetation bask in sunlight. "Hmm, where did I put it? Ah, here it is!" "This bottle contains Garlic Spray, extracted from the most pungent garlics to grow in Eubric - right here in my greenhouse, as a matter of fact. Hmm, if this doesn't drive Count Shadeaux 'bat-insane', then he is surely a human like I've been telling. You don't even have to feed it to him, just make sure to spray it on him. Does that sound like a plan to you, hmmm?"

Party: Dak Shadeaux (played by Darth Nihilus) Level 12½ Rogue *Immune to ?* Power: 22 (17 for ranged attacks) Health: 18/18 Gold: 56 Inventory: Mockthril Knife (WP:10, lightning-elemental), Throwing Knife (WP:5, ranged, retrievable), Twin Longswords (WP:3), Trendy Handbag (protects from whichever bad effect that was last inflicted in battle to someone), 2 Venoms, Potion, 2 Meads, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel Dyric Rone (played by The Legonater) Level 13 Rogue *Lucky* Power: 25 (17 for ranged attacks) Health: 20/20 Gold: 436 Inventory: Steel Fan (WP:12), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Longsword (WP: 3), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect), Potion, Venom, Smelling Salts Guts Holla (played by Scubacarrot) *Party Leader* Level 15½ Rogue Power: 27 (23 for ranged attacks) Health: 21/21 Gold: 274 Inventory: Lifestealer (WP:12, ice-elemental, attacks restore 3 health), Throwing Knife (WP:8, ranged, light-elemental, retrievable), Beholder's Eye (allows one round of battle to be replayed per quest), 2 Grand Potions, 5 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2 Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel, Diluted Potion (quest item) The rogues walk back to the alchemist guildhouse through the waking city. They are on their way back to Dr. Cula's laboratory, when Madame Ladybug crosses their path. The herbalist gives them a sarcastic smile. "Good morning, gentlemen. So, did you uncover Count Shadeaux's hidden identity as a 'dreadful vampire', hmmm?"

"Correct. Violetta and the Wolfgang are playing some sort of sick game with the houses. Both the Ziegfrieds and the Ji Pei are practically barricading their valuables right now, but Violetta will no doubt find a way to weasel in, like vermin always do." "Umm, don't you think the Wolfgang would have been caught and demolished by now if they could be traced with simple magical tools like that one? The Wolf's Den is surrounded by a powerful protective aura that messes up any tracking attempts." "The girl speaks the truth, I'm sorry to say. If only catching criminals was that easy..." "...You're all the same."

Are you talking about the shield? Because the knight itself does not bear the emblem anywhere in its armor, so you're free to use him for whatever. It's of course possible that a foreign faction also uses a falcon as a symbol, but I'd appreciate if no Eubrican faction would use the same symbols that already established factions use.

"Shure, I know the guy... Comes here ev'ry night. Always walks in a different part of the park, never in the same place two nights in a row... And I don't do drugs... This bottle is a good enough friend. Let us drink to that!" The orc gulps down the rest of the contents of his bottle, and falls back to sleep. The first light of the morning makes the stars in the sky disappear one by one.

The heroes follow the compass into the dark city, but soon the compass stops working for some reason. Maybe Kayla can shed some light onto why that is later... Not being able to do anything else, the heroes return to Hinckwell Villa to sort out the mess, only to find that Captain Patricia has already arrived to the crime scene. "This isn't starting well for you three. Uh, you're giving me a head-ache... I'm surrounded by sheer incompetence!" "Do not be so harsh on them, Patricia. As I told you, they fended off an assassin that was after me. How could've they known the elf was just a distraction? The Cornucopia was dear to me, but I value my life over it." "Well, if Lord Hinckwell really thinks that, you got off the hook this time. But if you let the bitch slip away, I swear I'll skin your sorry behinds! Now, let's return to the barracks to prepare for the next strike." The captain of the Town Watch storms out of the room, motioning the heroes to follow her. It was the crack of dawn when they reached the barracks. The watchmen brought Kayla back for interrogation. She had some fresh bruises in her tear-smudged face. "P-please, I don't know anything else... Don't hurt me anymore..."

The Artefact Shop will be placed in the existing Marketplace topic. You can trade items with other players there, but the merchants will only take back items that have a predetermined price - the artefacts will not be an exception to this.

The kick makes the orc stir from his sleep and even sober up a bit. "Hey! Don't go around kickin' innoshent people!" the orc slurs. "You haven't even ashked me nuthing... Sheesh..." The party has got the orc's attention.

"I dunno nuthing... I have no life anymore... No job, no home... Jusht me an mah bottle... Zzz..." The orc snoozes again.

The compass points outside into the city.

Yeah, somewhat harder! With Xarrzan's class, the QM would have to take into consideration the Engineer's battle skills, his weapons, his artefacts, the Automaton's battle skills, the Rust-effect and the gems' passive abilities. And that's just for one player in one round of the battle. I don't know about you, but I'm certainly not a machine that enjoys solving "little equations" like that. But the class can certainly be worked upon, that's why I asked for streamlining instead of flat out turning it down. This pitch is a bit too... plane. Please elaborate it, either here or in a PM to me.

Yes, they are. The Loaded Die and other "unwearable" artefacts belong to the accessory-category. But what would you do with two of them?

QM Note: Flare, from now on remember to state which weapon you want to use when in a battle. Party: Alexis Fenral (played by Masked Builder) *Party Leader* Level 19½ Evoker *Hastened* Power: 29 (21 for Flute) Defense: 0 Health: 22/25 Ether: 19/20 Gold: 102 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP:10, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Smoke Bomb, Potion, 2 Meads, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Venom, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Bone Spirits: Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine) Althior Emorith (played by K-Nut) Level 18 Sage Power: 26 Defense: 4 Health: 28/28 Ether: 23/24 Gold: 90 Inventory: Dragoro (WP:8), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Skeleton Decoy x2, Potion x2, Tonic, Shovel, Bedroll, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb Benji Carvenhall (played by Flare) Level 16½ Warden Power: 27 (26 for ranged attacks) Defense: 0 Health: 28/31 Gold: 54 Inventory: Wave Sword (WP:11, cursed effect), Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:10, ranged, darkness-elemental, ice-elemental), Armor of the Draugr (max health +2), Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, 2 Grand Potions, 6 Potions, 3 Venoms, 2 Remedies, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, 2 Smoke Bombs, Jo-no Tree Seed "Ah, I see. Fret not, this is what I have to endure almost every week. It is rare that an assassin manages to sneak all the way up to our quarters, though. I must interrogate my guards in the morning to find out who let him slip by." "Oh no, my dear... You better come see this..." Laureline waved everyone to the pedestal that holds the Cornucopia. Or at least it used to hold it. Now it is unfortunately empty. "I cannot believe this! How could you let this happen?" The heroes rush to the open window. They cannot see anyone below, but they hear cats meowing in the distance.

I'm sorry, but that's just way, way, way too complicated for a single class. There's just too many variables and things to consider for a QM to make that class manageable. I really like the idea of a metal construct that the engineer would have to repair, but both the engineer's and the automaton's skill set needs a whole lot of sleeking up. I agree with Flipz that you should definitely get rid of including gems to the class, at least.

QM Note: As you wish. This is my first time hosting for advanced classes, so I guess I'm just being overly cautious with them. Results of Round Three of the Assassin Battle: >Benji vs. The Crimson Reaper - Shield (Aura) >Alexis vs. The Crimson Reaper - Shield (Summon Ocven the Ice Dragon) >Althior (Darkness) vs. The Crimson Reaper - Spell >Alexis vs. The Crimson Reaper - Hit Once again Benji is surrounded by an aura that doubles his health and draws all attacks on him. Alexis proceeds by summoning Ocven, the Ice Dragon by her side. Althior casts a spell of darkness that hits The Crimson Reaper for 50 damage. Alexis also hits the assassin with her longbow, dealing 29 damage. The assassin grows weary and weakened by the continuous attacks. Enemy: The Crimson Reaper Type: Humanoid Level: 20 Health: 49/294 Special I: Crimson Wave – Causes cursed-effect to all opponents, reducing their max. health by 3 every turn until only 1 health remains or the effect is remedied. Special II: Assassination – Instantly knocks out the target. Used only if the target is cursed. Drops: Wave Sword (WP:11, cursed-effect, suitable to knights and rogues) Party: Alexis Fenral (played by Masked Builder) *Party Leader* Level 19 Evoker *Hastened* Power: 29 (21 for Flute) Defense: 0 Health: 25/25 Ether: 20/20 Gold: 102 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP:10, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Smoke Bomb, Potion, 2 Meads, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Venom, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Bone Spirits: Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine) Ocven the Ice Dragon (controlled by Masked Builder) Element: Ice Power: 19 Althior Emorith (played by K-Nut) Level 17½ Sage Power: 25 Defense: 4 Health: 27/27 Ether: 22/23 Gold: 90 Inventory: Dragoro (WP:8), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Skeleton Decoy x2, Potion x2, Tonic, Shovel, Bedroll, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb Benji Carvenhall (played by Flare) Level 16 Warden *Aura* Power: 26 Defense: 0 Health: 62/31 Gold: 54 Inventory: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:10, ranged, darkness-elemental, ice-elemental), Armor of the Draugr (max health +2), Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, 2 Grand Potions, 6 Potions, 3 Venoms, 2 Remedies, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, 2 Smoke Bombs, Jo-no Tree Seed Results of Round Four of the Assassin Battle: >Benji vs. The Crimson Reaper - Aim >Alexis vs. The Crimson Reaper - Damage (redirected at Benji) >Althior (Darkness) vs. The Crimson Reaper - Special Guard (Crimson Wave) - Success >Alexis vs. The Crimson Reaper - Damage (redirected at Benji) Ocven - Hit against The Crimson Reaper Benji carefully aims at the assassin, dealing 32 damage. The Crimson Reaper attacks Alexis, but Benji takes the hit and loses 10 health. The Crimson Reaper then unleashes a Crimson Wave at the heroes. Alexis and Benji are cursed, but Althior manages to dodge the effect. The assassin then tries to attack Alexis again, but strikes the warden instead for the second time for 10 damage. Ocven then interferes with his freezing breath that deals 19 damage to The Crimson Reaper at the cost of 1 ether for Alexis, bringing the assassin down. Alexis and Benji suffer the effect of being cursed, both losing 3 points from their current and maximum health, but after the battle the maximum health is restored to normal. Benji's Aura fades as does Ocven. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! All heroes gain half of a level of experience. The enemy drops a Wave Sword. Party: Alexis Fenral (played by Masked Builder) *Party Leader* Level 19½ Evoker *Hastened* Power: 29 (21 for Flute) Defense: 0 Health: 22/25 Ether: 19/20 Gold: 102 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP:10, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Smoke Bomb, Potion, 2 Meads, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Venom, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Bone Spirits: Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine) Althior Emorith (played by K-Nut) Level 18 Sage Power: 26 Defense: 4 Health: 28/28 Ether: 23/24 Gold: 90 Inventory: Dragoro (WP:8), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Skeleton Decoy x2, Potion x2, Tonic, Shovel, Bedroll, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb Benji Carvenhall (played by Flare) Level 16½ Warden Power: 26 Defense: 0 Health: 28/31 Gold: 54 Inventory: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:10, ranged, darkness-elemental, ice-elemental), Armor of the Draugr (max health +2), Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, 2 Grand Potions, 6 Potions, 3 Venoms, 2 Remedies, 2 Meads, Smelling Salts, 2 Smoke Bombs, Jo-no Tree Seed Party Leader, who will get the dropped item? Wave Sword - WP:11, cursed-effect, suitable to knights and rogues. "What is this ruckus?" said Heinrich Hinckwell as he dashed into the anteroom in his pajamas, holding a mighty greatsword. His wife followed at his heels, and gasped at the sight of the dead assassin bleeding all over her prized rug. "Can one of you explain what just happened here?" Heinrich demanded, giving a stern look at the heroes.

Dak shakes the orc awake. "Zzz... Huh? Wha? Whaddaya want? If you gonna mug me, then be quick 'bout it..." The orc then slumps back against the obelisk, peering into his bottle to see if there's anything in it.

Nice to see some Serious discussion about this issue. The truth is though that artefacts are still very rare in this game. I do agree that having too many complex items can make the game unbalanced and harder to manage, but there should be simpler artefacts in play as well. That's why I've decided that the upcoming artefact shop will only contain simple artefacts that either raise statistics, protect from a bad effect or give some sort of bonus to certain classes (making them more distinct). Highly powerful artefacts like the Dread Hat, the Lucky Die, the Quickdraw Quiver and the Eye of the Beholder will not be sold. Also, currently the only artefacts I'm thinking of including that were created by other QMs are the Robe of the Magi and the Counterstrike Gloves. Although I highly appreciate your ideas, the vast majority of the suggested artefacts are too complex to be sold in the shop, so they should be saved for the quests.