Sandy

Sure, let's leave all the epic battles to the NPCs. You guys can just continue killing scorpions and monkeys.

Nothing but sand comes up. Looking at all the holes on the sand and remembering where they actually found something, the heroes are starting to see some sort of a pattern... Digged locations: A11 - nothing A12 - nothing A13 - Treasure Chest B3 - nothing B4 - nothing B11 - Scorpions B12 - nothing B13 - nothing B14 - nothing C2 - nothing C3 - Anchor C4 - nothing C11 - nothing C14 - nothing C15 - Scarabs C16 - nothing

The man in the skeleton suit takes the coin. "Very well, you've got yourself a brand new - albeit slightly used - shovel in just two nights!" Party: Bartholomew Docken (played by Brickdoctor) Level 14½ Ranger *scary* Power: 19 Health: 18/20 Gold: 289 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP:5), Dread Hat (lower level enemies won't attack directly), Scarab Shield (SP:5), Potion, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Crystal Chalice Cinna the Dark (played by darkdragon) *Party Leader* Level 12 Mage Power: 17 Health: 12/16 Ether: 14/16 Gold: 120 Inventory: Nimbus Broomstick (WP:5, ranged), Pongcanis Mage Staff (WP:5), Shadeaux Staff (WP:4), Quarterstaff (WP:3), Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2 Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel, Gold Ore, Golden Scorpion Venom Thormanil Nihai (played by swils) Level 12½ Barbarian Power: 19 Health: 15/19 Gold: 45 Inventory: Thundering Shadeaux Axes (WP:6, lightning-elemental), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss>Aim), Dull Greataxe (WP:3), Sabre (WP:8, unequippable), 2 Potions, Pickaxe, Gold Bar Thothwick (played by Professor Flitwick) Level 7 Rogue Power: 15 (12 for ranged attacks) Health: 11/13 Gold: 126 Inventory: Sabre (WP:8), Whip Chain (WP:6), Shuriken (WP:5, ranged, retrievable), Potion, Remedy, 2 Venoms, 2 Fire Bombs, Bedroll Bluto Ziegfried (NPC, controlled by darkdragon) Level 8 Dream Sailor Power: 14 (11 for ranged attacks) Health: 6/8 Ether: 8/8 Gold: 0 Inventory: Anchor (WP:6), Harpoon (WP:3, ranged), Aquamarine (Water), Nocturne Amorella Hoptet (NPC, controlled by Professor Flitwick) Level 15 Druid Power: 16 Health: 22/22 Ether: 16/16 Gold: 0 Inventory: Stick (WP:1) As the party returns to the Shipwreck Shore, they find that another dawn has cracked upon them. ~THIRD DAY IN SALMANDA~ With an exasperated sigh, Cinna returns to her digging duty. Digged locations: A12 - nothing A13 - Treasure Chest B3 - nothing B4 - nothing B11 - Scorpions B12 - nothing B13 - nothing B14 - nothing C2 - nothing C3 - Anchor C4 - nothing C11 - nothing C14 - nothing C15 - Scarabs C16 - nothing

"Alright, time for me to join in on the action...", Ellaria muttered to herself, and then proceeded to attack the Pongcanis Warrior from the front row.

The shady man is obviously disappointed. "I can get you a good shovel for 2 gold, but you'll have to wait two nights. But if you ever need me again, you'll find me here every other night. Just don't go telling the city guards..."

Ellaria whispers a thanks to Sylvania and rushes to Namyrra next. "Let me help you there", she says to the eccentric mage, as she attempts to heal her from the back row.

Yes. The summoned spirits were never meant to be meat shields, that's why there's skeleton decoys.

For some reason, Ellaria's prayer was not answered. Her heart sunk, but then she braced herself for another round of combat. "I apologize, Alf! I'll try to do better this time around!" she shouted tensely. Ellaria attempts to heal Alf again from the back row.

"Ah, so you are interested! It wasn't a mere coincidence that we met, after all..." the man in the skeleton mask mused. "Those are ominous items you seek, but not impossible to gain a hold of. I can get you a Last Wish Powder for 100 gold, and some Demonic Dust for 200 gold. It takes me a full night to get a hold of one item, so you can retrieve whichever item you choose here in two nights. Saves you the trouble of seeking them out for yourself, though. Naturally I require half of the price in advance, so that I don't waste my time getting you an item that you never come to collect. Now, how would a deal like this sound to you?" Will the party take on the skeletal man's offer?

Okay, answer time! 1) The Evoker's spirit cannot be attacked by monsters, since it doesn't even have a health stat. Free Hits should not be aimed at the spirit, either. 2) If the QM wants an enemy's attack to deal normal damage to back row as well, it should be mentioned out of fairness to the players. 3) I will move the on-going quests from Heroica Hall to the archives of the Library topic when I have time. Patience, please! (Edit: Done!)

Hilarious review (even though it was a bit ranty at times). It really made me want this set all the more! I hope the whole "controversy debacle" has died down by now, since this theme well makes up its few flaws for the increbible amount of new parts and fresh set ideas. I for one never thought these sets were overly girly or demeaning (Belville and Scala were much more so, in my opinion). It is clear they are aimed for females, but just like some girls like the boyish LEGO themes, some boys will love these sets all the same. I know this boy does, even though I haven't even gotten my hands on any of them. Sure, it still irks me that these mini-dolls aren't minifigures, but there's no use crying over spilled milk. Creative MOCers will no doubt find many uses for these mini-dolls just like they have for Fabuland and Belville figs. Friends Mafia, anyone? I have a hunch we might see Disney Princesses produced in this same mini-doll-style in the future, but if the part selection remains as ample in those sets as well, I don't think I would mind that.

Thanks for the awesome review! This set is definitely a must-have for me, even though I don't like the fact that the mini-dolls are not compatible with my minifigs aside from the hair. But I've kinda gotten over that already, and like Fabuland figures, the mini-dolls can be used for many wacky hijinks (such as a Friends-themed Mafia) in the future. This really is the most complete LEGO house to date. Even though the actual building is rather simplistic, it's the plentitude of furniture and accessories that really make the set. They are really my main incentive to get this set, too, since I always buy sets for parts. I noticed that too. It's a welcome addition to my overflowing collection of hairpieces, as are the new female hairpieces.

I think I've rested enough during the holidays to get back on Mafia business as well. So count me in if you want to take me! 1) A brief summary of your previous mafia experiences on EB In short, lots. A longer version can be found on my profile page. 2) Indicate your availability for frequent posting for the next 6 weeks I won't be going anywhere. 3) Please tell us what you consider to be the best or worst EB Mafia moment. I think the best experience I've had with EB Mafia would have to be my win with the other "wieners" in Quarryman's Infection. The whole game was just a blast to play as a scum, with all the bamboozling and arguing going on. My worst experience was Zepher's Eurodina because everything seemed to go wrong for me in that game, and most of it was my very own fault. Definitely looking forward to some mummy (?) action! Like I said earlier, I had a very similar concept for a Mafia game in my head, but with Heroica RPG going on, I doubt I would've had time to host it anytime soon, so it's great that the theme gets realized anyway.

I'm really sorry for your loss, guys. My condolences, and do take your time to grief if you feel like it. I've lost a parent myself as well, so I know how it can feel. Well, since this is the first time I heard of it, of course there is no plans yet. I can't even plan anything until I learn what the job class is and how it works.

OoC: Moving the quest on without Etzel's input, sorry! Maurice heals the entire party back to full health at the cost of 6 ether, but his clerical power does not work on the Tritech Cannon due to its mechanical nature. Something a bit more striking should do the trick, though... The party can also just leave the pier and go explore the other parts of the fortress. In that case they might run into the group of pirates on the opposite pier later, though. Party: Ad-Hoh (played by ADHO15) Level 12½ Mage *resistant to magic* Power: 17 Health: 16/16 Ether: 12/16 Gold: 10 Inventory: Rhabdomance Staff (WP:5), Robe of Spell Resistance, Emerald (Wood), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire) 4 Potions, 3 Tonics, Mead, 2 Rums, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares Sir Christopher Daggerfall (Fred Fred Burger) Level 11½ Knight Power: 19 Defence: 4 Health: 20/20 Gold: 19 Inventory: Great Sword (WP:7), Mockthril Shield (WP:4), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, Remedy, Mead, 2 Rums, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bone, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares Erdathcath Madilinas (played by The_Customizer) Level 11½ Ranger Power: 16 Health: 17/17 Gold: 92 Inventory: Longbow (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrify), Potion, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, 2 Rums, 2 Smoke Bombs, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares, Greasy Sausage Eric (played by Khorne) *Party Leader* Level 14½ Barbarian Power: 22 (19 for dual strike) Health: 22/22 Gold: 22 Inventory: Godricsleif (WP:8, ice-elemental), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:5, dual strike), Potion, Mead, 3 Rums, Venom, Bedroll, Bone, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares Hybros (played by JimButcher) Level 12 Rogue Power: 22 (17 for ranged weapons) Health: 20/20 Gold: 186 Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:10), Shuriken of Mercutio (WP:5), Throwing Knife (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, 2 Remedies, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Rums, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Shovel, Bone, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares Maurice Ratibor (played by Etzel) Level 11 Cleric Power: 15 Health: 20/20 Ether: 7/15 Gold: 32 Inventory: Diamond Mace (WP:4, light-elemental), Helmet (+1 max. health), Scroll of Sleep, 2 Potions, 3 Tonics, Phoenix Essence, Venom, Mead, 2 Nostrum, Rum, Lightning Bomb, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares

The party decides to visit the souk area to see if there are any merchants there during the night, but they find the place empty. Suddenly a dark figure in a skeleton mask approaches them. "You are looking for something special, yes?" the masked man whispers. "Just name what you desire, and I can get it for you - for a low price, of course. I am no genie, though, so do not ask for the impossible." What will the party answer to the shady man?

Having felt somewhat absent-minded lately, Ellaria is pulled back to the moment in the heat of a battle against simian creatures. She then notices how much Alf is bleeding. The frenzied barbarian still raises his sword. "Wait, Alf, you're hurt! Let me heal you!" Ellaria sends her prayers to Sylvania to be able to heal Alf from the back row.

The Almagesta looks flustered. "Zelda Ziegfried? My Zelda, in a poor condition? Pray tell me, what is wrong with her? I have not heard of her in a long while, but she was my closest friend back when we were just little girls playing in this same garden. If Zelda's life depends on it, of course I will give up the petals of any or all of the flowers here for her." "Actually, ma'am, it's just the petals of the Nocturne Amorella that we are looking for. See, my great granny's got her soul drained out of her by this nasty demon called Abraxas - or that's at least what the grown-ups all think - and we need the flower for this mysterical recipe that can restore her soul. So can you help us, pretty please?" "Your great granny... So you are Zelda's offspring, then?" "Yes ma'am, Bluto is my name!" The queen nods and walks to the great pink flower. She hums a few last notes to it, and then cuts the flower. The large veil hides the queen's tears. She then hands the flower to Bluto. "Here, you bring it safely to your great granny, alright?" the Almagesta says to the boy. "And when she wakes up, tell her that Salome sent her love." Nocturne Amorella - The flower of a magical flower that only blooms during the night. The Almagesta then tells one of her guards to escort the party outside the palace. The moon still shines on the sky and the night continues. The party has now gathered two out of the five ingredients and a crystal chalice. Where will the party go next?

I'M BACK! What a wonderful New Year's celebration Venice had! The fireworks were something spectacular, and the whole place was crowded. But now it's time to get back to the everyday life, so you can expect the quests to continue full speed. I also have no plans to be absent for at least half a year, so there shouldn't be breaks like this until the summer on my behalf. I tried to tell you that over and over again, but you really have to learn it the hard way. But no worries, even I screw up the battles sometimes - and I created the system in the first place. Luckily we have observant players to keep us in check.

The guards round up the party. "Intruding Her Majesty the Almagesta's private garden is a crime punishable by death! Bend knee!", one of the guard barks. The Almagesta raises her hand to silence the guards. "Calm down. Did you not hear that these foreigners have come to seek help?" The queen of Salmanda then turns to the party. "State your case, but be reminded that if I find your words untruthful or your cause unworthy, my guards will serve a swift end to your insolence. Speak now."

As the party moved places, they couldn't help but to cause the bushes to shuffle and sticks to crack. This caught the attention of the woman's guards. "Your Majesty, there is something moving on the bushes over there", one of the guards told the woman as the other four started to approach the party's hiding place. "Well, go see what it is about, then!" the woman said with a gentle smile. "It is probably just a stray cat, anyway. Try not to spook the poor creature too badly, alright?" The guards pointed their spears as they approached the bushes where the party was hiding. What would the party do?

I'd like to believe so, but the last time I was away for a longer period of time, you guys started to fight each other in the Heroica Hall. So I really hope I don't see this game wrecked by the time I get back.

"It looks like our first order of business should be getting rid of those Mother Scorpions. We can easily find ourselves overwhelmed by scorpions if we don't act fast." Ellaria promptly attacks the Mother Scorpion A from the front row.

Some quests also offer level-ups as rewards upon completing them, but so far yes, this game is built upon battles. I'm open to creative suggestions, though. I'd also like to make an announcement: I will be away on a travel from Friday to Monday with little to no access to internet, so my quests will be on (another) break during that time. In case you're interested, me and my boyfriend are spending the New Year in the romantic Venice. But I will be online as much as possible tomorrow to get the quests moving on. They will return to full swing on January, in any case.

Results of Round Three of the Pier Battle: Hybros vs. Pirate Seamage - Special Damage/Special Damage Hybros vs. Pirate Seamage - Critical Hit/Shield (Mug) Eric (Twin Axe) vs. Pirate Ruffian - Extra Critical Hit Christopher vs. Tritech Cannon - Miss >Ad-Hoh (Darkness) vs. Pirate Seamage Tritech Cannon - Great Spell >Erdathcath vs. Pirate Ruffian Tritech Cannon - Shield (Triple Shot) Maurice vs. Pirate Ruffian - Special Damage As the battle goes on, the Pirate Seamage unleashes another Tsunami upon the party, causing 6 damage to Hybros, Eric, Christopher and Maurice, and 3 damage to Erdathcath. Hybros avenges this by mugging the remaining health out of the seamage, while gaining 52 gold for himself. Eric's extra critical hit with his new axe kills the pirate ruffian and causes 58 damage to the cannon. Cristopher's attack against the cannon misses, but Ad-Hoh's great spell of darkness hits it for 22 damage. Erdathcath ends the battle by sending three arrows to destroy the cannon. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! All party members gain half of a level. The enemies drop a Tonic, a bottle of Rum and a Fire Bomb. Party: Ad-Hoh (played by ADHO15) Level 12½ Mage *resistant to magic* Power: 17 Health: 13/16 Ether: 12/16 Gold: 10 Inventory: Rhabdomance Staff (WP:5), Robe of Spell Resistance, Emerald (Wood), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire) 4 Potions, 3 Tonics, Mead, 2 Rums, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares Sir Christopher Daggerfall (Fred Fred Burger) Level 11½ Knight Power: 19 Defence: 4 Health: 8/20 Gold: 19 Inventory: Great Sword (WP:7), Mockthril Shield (WP:4), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, Remedy, Mead, 2 Rums, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bone, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares Erdathcath Madilinas (played by The_Customizer) Level 11½ Ranger Power: 16 Health: 11/17 Gold: 92 Inventory: Longbow (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrify), Potion, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, 2 Rums, 2 Smoke Bombs, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares, Greasy Sausage Eric (played by Khorne) *Party Leader* Level 14½ Barbarian Power: 22 (19 for dual strike) Health: 16/22 Gold: 22 Inventory: Godricsleif (WP:8, ice-elemental), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:5, dual strike), Potion, Mead, 2 Rums, Venom, Bedroll, Bone, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares Hybros (played by JimButcher) Level 12 Rogue Power: 22 (17 for ranged weapons) Health: 8/20 Gold: 186 Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:10), Shuriken of Mercutio (WP:5), Throwing Knife (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, 2 Remedies, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Rums, Smoke Bomb,Shovel, Bone, Bedroll, Skeleton Decoy, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares Maurice Ratibor (played by Etzel) Level 11 Cleric Power: 15 Health: 8/20 Ether: 14/15 Gold: 32 Inventory: Diamond Mace (WP:4, light-elemental), Helmet (+1 max. health), Scroll of Sleep, 2 Potions, 2 Tonics, Phoenix Essence, Venom, Mead, 2 Nostrum, Rum, Lightning Bomb, 1/6 of the Hinckwell Wares Party Leader, how will the spoils of the battle be divided? Tonic – Restores 5 ether to the target. Rum - The favorite drink of any common pirate, giving it to them makes them your friend. Does not work on pirate leaders, though. Fire Bomb – Causes 5 points of fire-elemental damage to all enemies, doubled if the target is weak to fire. With the pirates out of the way, the party can now see that there is another pier on the opposite side of the water-filled cave. There is another group of pirates standing on the other pier, and there is also a second cannon similar to the ones that the heroes broke. As the heroes watch, the pirates turn the cannon against them and prepare to shoot. The heroes could engage in a cannon duel with the pirates on the opposite pier, but the Tritech Cannon is badly damaged by the battle. Maybe a jolt of magic could fix it, since it works on ether, though...? Alternatively, the heroes can just run away from the pier to escape the cannonballs.