Sandy

Leaving the unicorn be, the party left the menagerie with their new ally Hoptet, and headed for the wall behind the Almagesta's palace. The wall was high, but with some rope and agility the party managed to scale over it. They dropped onto some bushes, and once everyone was accounted for, they left the rope hanging as an escape route. From the bushes they saw a tall majestic woman in a long white veil tending to the flowers, guarded by five armoured knights carrying spears. The heroes watched as the veiled woman approached a large blooming flower. "Ah, my sweet Amorella, how much joy you bring to my lonely nights", the woman spoke softly to the flower while caressing its petals. Then the woman started humming a foreign tune, and the flower started to emit a pink radiance. The party realized that in order to get to the flower, they would have to approach the woman and her guards. But what would they say?

The unicorn huffed in fury. "<I've learned better than to trust any humanoid! I'll believe your good will if you just open the gate of this pen and let me dash off free, but I doubt you will. You will just grab my leash and drag me off to be the centrepiece of another collection. I know you humanoids too well. Why don't you just slay me here and now? You'd at least get my horn out of the effort, you pitiful lowlifes.>"

The unicorn droops its head sadly. "<Why would I come with you? Admit it, you are not going to release me in any case. You just want to drag me to some other cage for show. Or is it my horn you want? I'm warning you, I'll only go down kicking and whinnying!>" The unicorn musters up some defiant pride and turns its back on the party. For a short moment the heroes can see the harnessed creature as the majestic being that it once was.

Ellaria wiped the sand off her dress. "Well, if we're all accounted for and fully healed, why not go on an exploration? We need to figure out how to get away from here, after all. Who knows, maybe we'll find the Finegold brothers hiding from this very same island?"

It is Thothwick's turn to approach the guard. Silently the rogue creeps close to the ogre and reaches his hand towards the key that dangles on the guard's belt. Suddenly the guard snorts, and Thothwick flinches. As the Metasimian looks up, he sees drool oozing from the ogre's mouth. He realizes that the guard has been asleep this whole time! Somehow he's developed a skill to sleep with eyes open and at a standing position. Admiring the lenght that the guard has gone through to be able to snooze on the job, Thothwick snatches the menagerie key, sneaks to the gate and opens it. First things first, the group heads to the monkey cage, where Hoptet is waiting for them. Using the guard's key, they release the Metasimian. "<A thousand thanks, my saviours!>", the grateful Hoptet whispers, and Thothwick translates his words to the rest of the party. "<I am at your service until I figure out how to return to my homeland. Please, just lead the way.>" Hoptet the Druid joins the party, but since Thothwick is the only one who can understand him, he will have to convey the druid's actions to the others. Now the party must decide what to do with the unicorn that's staring at them somberly from its pen. 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: 46 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) Hoptet (NPC, controlled by Professor Flitwick) Level 15 Druid Power: 16 Health: 22/22 Ether: 16/16 Gold: 0 Inventory: Stick (WP:1)

Cinna creeps past the guard to the gate, and much to her surprise the guard still does not move. Being so close, Cinna notices that the ogre guard does breathe heavily and steadily, but his eyes are glazed. Gently Cinna tries the lock on the gate, but it's firmly shut. She will need the key from the guard's belt in order to get it open.

Results of Round Two of the Pier Battle: Hybros vs. Pirate Cannoneer - Miss/Hit Hybros vs. Pirate Cannoneer - Hit/Shield (Mug) Eric (Twin Axe) vs. Pirate Cannoneer Tritech Cannon - Damage Maurice vs. Pirate Cannoneer Tritech Cannon - Damage >Ad-Hoh (Darkness) vs. Pirate Seamage - Damage >Erdathcath vs. Tritech Cannon - Special Damage Christopher vs. Pirate Ruffian - Hit As the battle on the pier continues, Hybros gains a hit against the cannoneer, causing 42 damage. Then the hastened rogue returns to mug the cannoneer, but since the doomed pirate only has 15 health left, the rogue gains only 15 gold. The cannoneer's body falls lifeless into the water in any case. Eric hoists his newly gained axe against the cannon, but somehow the cannon nudges him off balance and he misses. The revolving cannon also bumps into Maurice without causing damage, but the cleric takes the turn to recover anyway. The seamage attacks Ad-Hoh with his wand, causing 3 damage. The Tritech Cannon then initiates an Ether Shield that protects it for the remainder of the round. Christopher then attacks the Pirate Ruffian, scoring a hit that causes 19 damage. Three enemies still remain. Enemies: Pirate Seamage Type: Humanoid, Aquatic Level: 6 Health: 52/52 Ether: 2/3 Special: Tsunami – Causes 6 water-damage to all opponents. Costs 1 ether. If ether runs out, causes 6 damage to the target only. Drops: Tonic Note: Addicted to Rum Pirate Ruffian Type: Humanoid Level: 5 Health: 7/45 Special: Steal – The target loses gold according to their level. Drops: Rum Note: Addicted to Rum Tritech Cannon Type: Mechanic Level: 0 Health: 84/100 Ether: 9/10 Special: Ether Shield – Spends one ether to protect itself from all attacks for the rest of the round. If all ether is depleted, nothing happens. Drops: nothing Party: Ad-Hoh (played by ADHO15) Level 12 Mage *resistant to magic* Power: 17 Health: 13/16 Ether: 13/16 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 11 Knight Power: 19 Defence: 4 Health: 14/20 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 11 Ranger Power: 16 Health: 14/17 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 14 Barbarian *encouraged* Power: 22 44 (19 38 for dual strike) Health: 8/22 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 11½ Rogue *encouraged* *hastened* *lucky* Power: 21 42 (16 32 for ranged weapons) Health: 13/19 Gold: 134 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 10½ Cleric Power: 14 Health: 13/19 Ether: 13/14 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, choose the order of action. All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone have acted.

The party walks around the vast menagerie, but find no better way to get into the park than the gate. When they reach the gate, they see that the guard has not moved an inch. He just stares in front of him.

OoC: I just noticed that my inventory in the party listing has two extra scrolls. I should only have the Scroll of Sealing I borrowed from Atramor, unless I've missed something. Ellaria gets up and takes a look around. "I don't think we're in Eubric anymore, Toto... Uh..." The cleric holds her head to clear her thoughts. Who is this Toto she was talking about, anymore? Then she turned to her companions. "Are everyone alright? Oh Namyrra and Nur, you both seem to be wounded. I don't seem to be in a particularly good shape myself, either..." Ellaria heals Namyrra Uq, En Sabah Nur and herself for 3 ether, then gulps down one of her tonics to restore 5 ether.

The party decides to revisit Marmaduc's Menagerie in order to liberate the captured Metasimian and the unicorn. When they arrive to the gate of the park, they find it locked and guarded by a huge ogre. A shiny key dangles on the guard's belt. The guard just stares at the party blankly. What will the party do now?

OoC: If there's only one weak enemy left, the rest of the battle should be played automatically since everyone will target that enemy anyway. As the enemies fell one by one, Ellaria was relieved that this sudden battle would soon be over. She prepared for one final assault, this time against the Criminal Boatswain from the front row.

The description says "for the duration of the next round", so on the round after the Warden has rolled a shield, his/her current health will be double but s/he will also take all DAMAGE, single-target SPECIAL DAMAGE and Free Hits for that round. After the round has ended, s/he will keep all health that does not exceed the maximum amount. It could be risky to have this roll if the Warden has low health to begin with (e.g. 1/20 health will become 2/20 health), but s/he also carries a shield that will absorb some of the damage s/he draws to him/herself, and if s/he also carries a ranged weapon s/he can remain in the back row.

Results of Round One of the Pier Battle: Eric vs. Pirate Cannoneer - Damage Hybros vs. Pirate Cannoneer - Damage/Hit Hybros vs. Pirate Cannoneer - Miss/Special Damage >Ad-Hoh (Darkness) vs. Pirate Seamage - Special Damage Christopher vs. Pirate Ruffian - Critical Hit >Erdathcath vs. Tritech Cannon - Critical Hit Maurice vs. Pirate Cannoneer - Miss The battle at the pier commences. The house-elven Pirate Cannoneer is immediately targetted by many attacks. Eric is damaged by the Cannoneer, and loses 10 health. The quickened Hybros hits the Cannoneer for 42 damage on his first strike, but misses with his second strike. The Pirate Seamage casts a Tsunami on the party of heroes, causing 6 damage to Eric, Hybros, Christopher and Maurice, and 3 damage to Erdathcath. Only Ad-Hoh is protected by from the attack because of his robe. Christopher gains a good hit on the Pirate Ruffian, dealing 19 damage to it. Erdathcath also unleashes a powerful shot at the Tritech Cannon, reducing 16 health from the strange machine. Maurice's attack misses. All four enemies still remain. Enemies: Pirate Seamage Type: Humanoid, Aquatic Level: 6 Health: 52/52 Ether: 2/3 Special: Tsunami – Causes 6 water-damage to all opponents. Costs 1 ether. If ether runs out, causes 6 damage to the target only. Drops: Tonic Note: Addicted to Rum Pirate Ruffian Type: Humanoid Level: 5 Health: 26/45 Special: Steal – The target loses gold according to their level. Drops: Rum Note: Addicted to Rum Pirate Cannoneer Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 57/99 Special I: Fire! – The Pirate Cannoneer fires the Tritech Cannon to cause 10 damage to all opponents. The cannon spends one ether, so if the ether is depleted, nothing happens. Used only if the Tritech Cannon is in operation. Special II: Repair – Restore the Tritech Cannon’s health and ether completely. Used only if the Tritech Cannon has been destroyed. Drops: Fire Bomb Tritech Cannon Type: Mechanic Level: 0 Health: 84/100 Ether: 10/10 Special: Ether Shield – Spends one ether to protect itself from all attacks for the rest of the round. If all ether is depleted, nothing happens. Drops: nothing Party: Ad-Hoh (played by ADHO15) Level 12 Mage *resistant to magic* Power: 17 Health: 16/16 Ether: 13/16 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 11 Knight Power: 19 Defence: 4 Health: 14/20 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 11 Ranger Power: 16 Health: 14/17 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 14 Barbarian *encouraged* Power: 22 44 (19 38 for dual strike) Health: 8/22 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 11½ Rogue *encouraged* *hastened* *lucky* Power: 21 42 (16 32 for ranged weapons) Health: 13/19 Gold: 119 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 10½ Cleric Power: 14 Health: 13/19 Ether: 13/14 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, choose the order of action. All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone have acted.

In Finland we exchange gifts on the Christmas Eve, so I already have a freshly built Kingdoms castle right by my side.

"Hmpf! I'm a necromancer, not a demonologist, so if you want demonic dust, you better go ask from someone with a knack for summoning demons, such as old Baba down at the bogs. One Nocturne Amorella grows in the gardens of the Almagesta, but it only blooms at nights. Although I don't see any way you get it in any case. As for turning an unicorn undead, I might have a solution for it. You know that there's an unicorn at display at Marmaduc's Menagerie, right? If you feed the unicorn some Last Wish Powder and then kill it, it will be raised as an undead. I have no use for gold, but I'd be willing to trade you some of the powder for a Black Pearl. I really need one to finish the pearl necklace I'm making for my mother as a Danab's Day present. You can get some from the large seashells living on the Shipwreck Shore, but I'm too busy to go digging sand right now. So if you want the power to turn something undead, one black pearl is the price." With that, Nemeshtar returned inside and slammed the door shut. Where would the party head next?

With the swashbuckler she originally fought against gone, Ellaria turned her attention to Criminal Swashbuckler A and attacked him from the front row.

The dual strike hits the intended target and the enemy listed after it, just like Jebediahs anticipated. It does not make you succeptible to two enemy attacks, like the hastened-effect would. Oh, and I'll take this opportunity to wish Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to everyone! Hope you have enjoyed the game thus far, so it can continue all the way through 2012 and beyond! Sorry I did not have time to come up with anything special to celebrate the holidays in-game, but maybe next year I'll be more prepared.

The determined group of heroes marched onto the pier, and faced the three pirates standing around the cannon at the end. The pirates were surprised to see intruders behind their backs, but they quickly recovered and attacked. PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Enemies: Pirate Seamage Type: Humanoid, Aquatic Level: 6 Health: 52/52 Ether: 3/3 Special: Tsunami – Causes 6 water-damage to all opponents. Costs 1 ether. If ether runs out, causes 6 damage to the target only. Drops: Tonic Note: Addicted to Rum Pirate Ruffian Type: Humanoid Level: 5 Health: 45/45 Special: Steal – The target loses gold according to their level. Drops: Rum Note: Addicted to Rum Pirate Cannoneer Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 99/99 Special I: Fire! – The Pirate Cannoneer fires the Tritech Cannon to cause 10 damage to all opponents. The cannon spends one ether, so if the ether is depleted, nothing happens. Used only if the Tritech Cannon is in operation. Special II: Repair – Restore the Tritech Cannon’s health and ether completely. Used only if the Tritech Cannon has been destroyed. Drops: Fire Bomb Tritech Cannon Type: Mechanic Level: 0 Health: 100/100 Ether: 10/10 Special: Ether Shield – Spends one ether to protect itself from all attacks for the rest of the round. If all ether is depleted, nothing happens. Drops: nothing Party: Ad-Hoh (played by ADHO15) Level 12 Mage *resistant to magic* Power: 17 Health: 16/16 Ether: 13/16 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 11 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 11 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 14 Barbarian *encouraged* Power: 22 44 (19 38 for dual strike) Health: 22/22 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 11½ Rogue *encouraged* *hastened* *lucky* Power: 21 42 (16 32 for ranged weapons) Health: 19/19 Gold: 119 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 10½ Cleric Power: 14 Health: 19/19 Ether: 13/14 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, choose the order of action. All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone have acted.

"Haha, you won't believe it! *hick* The other patrons at the bar said that there's an owl-eyed witch living in the bog. But that's not the best part, no sirree! *hick* They said she lives in a house that walks on bird feet! So if you want to meet her, you have to catch her first! Hahaha! *hick*" With that last hickup, Jaws passed out on the ground. The party decided to carry the first mate under the awning of the fish stall, and then continued to the dark alley. There they knocked on the door of the necromancer's shop, which now had an "OPEN" sign on it but was locked nevertheless. It took a while before a black-clad figure came to open the door. "What do you want? I'm right in the middle of a spiritist meeting, so make it quick!" The party had obviously met Nemeshtar the Necromancer. What would they ask from him?

Ellaria was pleased that she had gotten such a good hit on the pirate, so she repeated her attack against the Criminal Swashbuckler B from the front row.

The party moved closer to the bars of the jail, and saw that it was empty aside from a heavy chest lying in one corner. Trying the door, the heroes found it locked tight. They also tried to reach for the chest in between the bars, but it was too far away. Will the party face the pirates on the pier now, or return to the hallways?

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 Bar, Gold Ore, Golden Scorpion Venom Thormanil Nihai (played by swils) Level 12½ Barbarian Power: 19 Health: 15/19 Gold: 46 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 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) 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) The party left the Shipwreck Shore behind, but they had spent so much time there that the night fell upon them before they made it back to the city. ~SECOND NIGHT IN SALMANDA~ The party arrived to the port, determined to head back to the dark alley to meet the necromancer they heard about, but on the square they ran into a familiar figure. "Ohoy, mateys! *hick* It's me, Jaws! The cap'n gave me the night off, so of course I headed to the bar - what kind of a sailor would I be if I hadn't? *hick* I know I'm not normally this talkative, but this rum gets me a-talking! For sure... Hey, do you want to hear the latest rumour I heard from the bar? It's crazy as a calamari, I can tell you that much! *hick*" The fishman looks at the party with hazed eyes, waiting for their reply.

OoC: If you look at the picture I provided again, you'll see another group of pirates that you can battle, and you have not even checked the jail yet.

Results of Round Two of the Scorpion Battle: >Cinna (Darkness) vs. Golden Scorpion - Shield (Magic Burst of Darkness) >Bartholomew vs. Golden Scorpion - Critical Hit >Thothwick vs. Golden Scorpion - Critical Hit >Thormanil vs. Crimson Scorpion - Shield (Frenzy) >Bluto (Harpoon) vs. Crimson Scorpion - Shield (Bedtime Story) Just as things start to look dire, Cinna ends the battle with a darkness-elemental Magic Burst that destroys the remaining scorpions. All party members lose one more point of health because of the poisoning before it goes away. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! Thothwick and Bluto gain a level of experience, while Bartholomew, Cinna and Thormanil gain half a level. The enemies drop a Venom, a Golden Scorpion Venom and a Gold Ore. 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 Bar Thormanil Nihai (played by swils) Level 12½ Barbarian Power: 19 Health: 15/19 Gold: 46 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 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 Venom, 2 Fire Bombs, Bedroll Bluto Ziegfried (NPC) 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) Party Leader, how will the spoils of the battle be divided? Venom – Use on a weapon to make it cause a poisoned-effect on any enemy it hits for the duration of one battle. A poisoned enemy loses 1 health each turn. Golden Scorpion Venom - Poison extracted from a rare breed of scorpion (quest item). Gold Ore - Worth 80 gold. With one of the ingredients for the recipe in their pocket, the party needs to figure out what to do next. Will they keep digging, return to the city or go to the Kalakita bog? It will soon be night again...

Results of Round Two of the Scorpion Battle: >Cinna (Darkness) vs. Golden Scorpion - Great Spell Thothwick vs. Golden Scorpion - Hit Thormanil vs. Golden Scorpion - Special Damage >Bartholomew vs. Ebony Scorpion C - Critical Hit >Bluto (Harpoon) vs. Crimson Scorpion - Special Damage Cinna casts a great spell of darkness upon the Golden Scorpion, causing 42 damage to it. Thothwick hits the Golden Scorpion as well for 14 damage, but the scorpion uses its Fusion Tail on Thormanil to transfer that amount of health from the barbarian. Bartholomew takes out the remaining Ebony Scorpion. Unfortunately the Crimson Scorpion is able to use its Poison Spray on the party, poisoning everyone. All party members lose one health because of this, and are now susceptible to Golden Scorpion's Deadly Dose. Two enemies remain. Enemies: Crimson Scorpion Type: Vermin Level: 7 Health: 1/42 Special: Poison Spray – Causes poisoned-effect to all opponents, making them lose 1 health each turn until remedied. Drops: Venom Golden Scorpion Type: Vermin, Holy Level: 14 Health: 19/93 Special I: Deadly Dose – Instantly knocks out the target. Used if the target is poisoned. Special II: Fusion Tail – Transfers 14 health from the target to self. Used if the target is not poisoned. Drops: Golden Scorpion Venom (quest item), Gold Ore Party: Bartholomew Docken (played by Brickdoctor) Level 14 Ranger *scary* *poisoned* Power: 19 Health: 19/20 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 11½ Mage *poisoned* Power: 16 Health: 12/15 Ether: 13/15 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 Bar Thormanil Nihai (played by swils) Level 12 Barbarian *poisoned* Power: 19 Health: 4/19 Gold: 46 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 Thothwick (played by Professor Flitwick) Level 6 Rogue *poisoned* Power: 14 (11 for ranged attacks) Health: 11/12 Gold: 126 Inventory: Sabre (WP:8), Whip Chain (WP:6), Shuriken (WP:5, ranged, retrievable), Potion, Remedy Venom, 2 Fire Bombs, Bedroll Bluto Ziegfried (NPC) Level 7 Dream Sailor *poisoned* Power: 13 (10 for ranged attacks) Health: 6/7 Ether: 7/7 Gold: 0 Inventory: Anchor (WP:6), Harpoon (WP:3, ranged), Aquamarine (Water) Party Leader, choose the order of action. All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone have acted.