Sandy

Ellaria thanked the chief for his time, and then tapped Nur on the shoulder. "Ahem... I have some Alchemist's Acid right here. We got that from that one battle, didn't you remember?"

Have patience, please. There will be new stuff to do after joining a side. You can remain neutral by not choosing a side. Nothing will change for Keliim in that case.

The Rito clenched her spear with both hands. "Are you threatening me, an ordained Sister of Danab? Because unlike that poor wereparrot, I can fight back." "If you are in a hurry, then move along. I already told your comrade here that I know nothing about the novice."

"Psst, Tesni! Can I get one of those Mythril Shards, please?" "Well met, Chief Volaf! I am Ellaria Arbour, an aspiring alchemist. I have had the honor of meeting all three chiefs now. The High Chief has authorized us to investigate the curious case of mythril disappearing en route to the surface. May I ask, what is your opinion about your two colleagues?"

QM Note: You will spend a turn waking up, so I'm afraid there is little you can do... Just to be clear, Monk Pretzel has been a traitor throughout this quest. This was his last chance to act. He has been anti-party all along, he's just been covert about it.

No, they spend the turn waking up. If they are hastened and wake up on the first turn, they can of course use their second turn.

Everything will clear up once the "event" starts. I can say however that once you choose your side, you're going to have to stick with it. Otherwise it would be pointless. This isn't a singular event, but rather a major change in the game, so there will be no new characters introduced. You cannot choose sides until you've gained reputation with a faction. And even then, you might not want to lock down into a side until you've explored your options. In other words, you will keep playing the game as you have been before this. There will be certain perks in joining a side, though, even though you will be locked out of the other factions (except Wolfgang, they're willing to take anyone). But more about that in a few weeks.

QM Note: We will alternate, starting with the heroes acting first on the next round.

Like I said, these are political parties. The Sungold Alliance are traditionalists, while the Crescent Union represents progress.

Very well, since it seems it will be a few weeks until the event (or rather, the final stage of the main storyline) can begin, I will provide you with the main illustrations for the three political parties involved. Let the speculations continue! Oh no, green is totally my color!

"Greetings, Master Smelter. We are from Heroica, inspecting a certain thievery taking place in these cities. Pardon my ignorance about the mining process, but what is it you actually do here?"

QM Note: Here it comes, the twist that's been built upon throughout the quest... Prepare to have your minds flayed. Results of Round Three of the Labyrinth Battle: Electrocuted Puppet hits Burned Puppet (Burned Puppet: 31 health-45 dmg=0 health; Namyrra: -1 ether) Thormanil uses Nostrum on Nerwen - (Nerwen: lucky) Thormanil does nothing >Nerwen sings Lucky Chant - (Remaining allies: battle results improved; Nerwen: -4 ether) Johon uses a Mead on Namyrra - (Namyrra: encouraged) Monk Pretzel uses an Agni Bomb on the party - (All heroes (except Namyrra and Thormanil): -100 dmg, knocked out) Monk Pretzel uses a Sleep Bomb on the party - (Namyrra: asleep) >Namyrra (Light) vs. Farfarello attempts to wake up - Failure >Arx does nothing Farfarello - Dance Macabre on Thormanil Everything seems to go well, with the third puppet taken down and the heroes boosting the female power duo. However, when it is Monk Pretzel's turn to act, he screams in agony and holds his head. The others turn to look, and see a green blob-like creature appearing around Pretzel's skull, as the illusion hiding it vanishes. Regaining his composure, Monk Pretzel flings a few choice bombs among his "allies". The fiery blast knocks out Johon, Nerwen and Arx, and the ensuing sleep gas puts Namyrra into sleep. Only Thormanil remains, but his focus is on the treacherous team mate, so he momentarily forgets the demon behind him. Farfarello binds the dragoon with his ethereal strings. "NOW HERE'S SOMEONE WHO WILL DANCE TO MY TUNE! YOU CAN DO A LITTLE JIG AT YOUR FRIENDS' GRAVES! KYAHAHAHA!!!" QM Note: Monk Pretzel can now attack the heroes as if they were enemies, and vice versa. If all heroes besides Monk Pretzel are knocked out, his own secret quest as the traitor will be victorious. He does not need to defeat Farfarello, nor will he get attacked by the demon. Namyrra cannot control her undead for as long as she is asleep. Any questions? Current Weather: Electrified (doubles lightning-damage, halves water-damage) Enemies: Farfarello, the Demon Puppeteer *Absorbs darkness* *Immune to all negative effects and sudden death* Type: Demon Level: 70 Health: 2549/2822 Special I: Dance Macabre – Farfarello ties strings onto the target, making them his puppet and using their skills against the opponents. The target cannot control their own actions during this time. The only way to release the target from the strings is to attack them physically. The demon can only control one hero at a time. If all other opponents are defeated during this time, the battle is lost. Special II: Mist – Negates elemental immunities (not absorption) from all combatants until the end of the next round. Used only if someone is affected by the Dance Macabre. Special III: Demonic Ditty – Causes 70 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents. Used only if someone is affected by the Dance Macabre (that target is not affected) and Mist is in effect. Drops: 5 Ancient Bones, Deluxe Skeleton Decoy (Can be used to absorb enemy Free Hits for up to 100 points of damage before it breaks.), Demonic Ditty (Minstrel’s Battle Song; Causes darkness-elemental damage equal to the minstrel’s level to all enemies instantly. Costs 2 ether per damaged enemy.) Note: Farfarello uses Dance Macabre as a Free Hit if no one is affected by it yet. Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces, the Super Sleuth (Palathadric) 463-year-old male "hermit" Artisan Level 34 1/4 *Immune to Magic and Healing* *Lucky* *Hastened* *Triple Exp* *Soul Linked: *Immune to Darkness, Light, Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, Lightning, and Asleep, Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile,Slowed, and Weakened** Power: 45 (34+9+2) Defense: 12 (10+2) Health: 20/59 (9+33+15+2) Gold: 105 Equipment: Dual Staff (WP:9; Ice, Lightning, Fire, Wind, Light; Dual Strike; Staff), Armour of Dark Arts (SP: 10; Takes up: Bodywear, Handwear, Footwear slots; counts as one artifact; Suitable to Knights, Dragoons, and Skirmishers), Duplovian Helmet (SP:2; Immune to Magic and Healing; Headwear), Soul Link Chain (Allows the user to pair up with another party member, both of them gaining all the effects that the other has. The partner has to equip the chain as well (ie. one chain can be shared by two people); Accessory), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience, accessory) Inventory: Weapons: Splinter Broom (WP: 9; Broomstick; defies SP), Flying Cross (WP: 11; Darkness; Broomstick), , Whip of Savage Overlords (WP: 9; ⅙ chance of inflicting the Slowed effect; Whip), Staff of the Necromancer (WP: 12; damages Undead; +1 Level to raised Undead; Staff), Shadeaux Mace (WP: 9; deals Fragile effect, Mace), Steak (WP: 1, instantly kills vampires on successful hits; suitable for all), Mythril Shield (SP: 20) Artifacts: Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent reinforced effect; Suitable to Marauders; Backwear), Darksteel Armour (SP: 6; Max. Health +3; Bodywear), Strategist's Shako (+5 power while in the front row, +5 SP while in the back; Headwear), Burning Knuckle Helmet (SP: 10; Wearer suffers Burning -3 effect; Suitable for Anyone; Headwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP: 1, Vermin with level less than half of the wearers are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; Bodywear), Order Imperial Prophet's Armor (SP: 8; Grants Command; Suitable for Prophets; Bodywear), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (SP: 5, Protects against Fragile and all Poisons; Suitable for Knights, Dragoons, Skirmishers and Regulators, Bodywear), Cloak of the Barbaric Runecaster (SP: 3; wearer creates and deploys a Skeleton Decoy at the start of every battle; Suitable for Battle Mages, Necromancers, and Scholars; Backwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP: 2, Max Ether +4; Backwear), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding (SP: 3; Provides Special Guard against Undead enemies; Backwear), Rock Gauntlets (Grants the wearer Iron Fist at no ether cost; Suitable for anyone; Handwear), Counterstrike Gloves (Handwear), Soothing Slippers (Meditation restores 5 ether; Footwear), Shackles of War (Accessory), Lens of Speed Reading (allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action; accessory, suitable for scroll users), Spell Items: 2 Amethysts, 2 Emeralds, Garnet, 2 Aquamarines, Diamond, Ruby, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness x 2, Scroll of Confusion x 2, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Minimizing (Has 1/2 chance of causing the minimized-effect on the target; costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Arc Sleep Consumables: 5 Potions, 15 Grand Potions, Cherry (Restores 1 ether), 2 Tonics, Ether Core, Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 8 Remedies, 3 Neutralizers, Tiger Balm, 5 Phoenix Essences, 2 Phoenix Incenses, 4 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrums, Soma, Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale (lucky & blessed), Titan Heart (encouraged & inspired), 5 Venoms, 5 Deadly Venoms, 2 Paralyzing Venoms, 3 Jinxy Juices, 5 Smoke Bombs, 2 Fire Bombs, Holy Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb, 2 Blind Bombs, 2 Seal Bombs, Sleep Bomb, 6 Bones, Raw Meat (+5 max. health upon consumption), Crimson Haze (Causes a weapon to deal the Poisoned by 7 and Cursed effects permanently), Strong Wasabi (-2 Poisoned permanently), Grating Stone (Increases WP of any weapon by 1.) Tools etc.: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Shovel, Magic Compass, Magic Shovel (1/3 uses) (will always find something when used, limited to three uses per quest) Party: Johon, The Champion of Darkness (Bricksandparts) 26 years old male human Raider Level 33 2/4 *Natural Respite* *Permanently Lucky* *1.5 stealing multiplier* *Hide of The Bleeding* *Knocked Out* Power: 43 (33+10) Defense: 1 Health: 0/47 (32+7+7) Gold: 6962 Equipment: Muckraker (WP:+13, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Beast Warriors/Necromancers/Regulators, *Water, Wood, Earth*, Causes *Weakened*), Satchel of Awesomeness (suit: Anyone, *Permanently Lucky*), Hide of The Bleeding (suit: Anyone, +10HP +5ETH for every enemy user defeats), Sticky Gloves (suit: Rogues/Beast Warriors, 1.5 multiplier for stealing), Dog Statuette (Rover) (suit: Anyone, SP:+1) Inventory: Weapons: Old Whip (WP:+10, suit: Rogues/Artisans/Beast Warriors/Decamon Drafters/Harlots/Marauders/Necromancers, 2X damage vs. Beasts), Sword of Decay (WP:+8, suit: Barbaians/Knights/Mages, Causes *Decayed by X-3 rounds* X=dmg dealt/4, Effect does not stack), Greatsword (WP:+3, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Beast Warriors/Necromancers/Regulators), Focal Staff (WP:+5, suit: Clerics/Mages, Ability: Roll 3 at cost of 5 ether), Gladius (WP:+15, suit: Anyone, Darkness, 1/3 chance of causing *Fragile* on succesful hits), Stalker’s Mallet (WP:+8, suit: Barbarians/Knights/Harlots, 1/2 chance of causing *sealed*), Lullaby Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *asleep*), Lovelorn Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *enamored*), Scaridy Wand (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *afraid*), Wand of Wrath (WP:+6, suit: Mages/Necromancers, Causes *enraged*), Shield (SP:+5, Suit: Knights/Dragoons/Regulators/Skirmishers), Qlice (WP:+8, club, Causes *Poisoned-by-4*), Luminous Bow (WP:+9, suit: Rangers/Beast Warriors/Weather Mages/Winged Warriors, 3X damage vs. Fiery/Dark, 0X damage vs. Plants/Aquatic) Artifacts: Simple Helmet (suit: Anyone, HP:+1), Pseudo's hood (suit: Anyone, Ignores Undead immunity), Quiver of Poisoning (suit: Rangers/Beast Warriors/Infiltrators/Winged Warriors, Causes *Poisoned by 1* using bows/crossbows), Blessed Amulet (suit: Anyone, *Immune to cursed*), Barbarian's Boots (suit: Barbarians/Chi Monks/Beast Warriors, *Restoration*), Counterstrike Gloves (suit: Anyone, deals damage equal to level when hit with free-hit), Sterile Gloves (Suit: Anyone, *Immune to Poisoned/Bleeding*), Bravado Boots (suit: Anyone, 1/6 chance of receiving *Lucky* at start of battle), Scarlet Hood (suit: Anyone, pwr:+4, *immune to stunned*), Steel Core (suit: Anyone, +7 power), Heavy Armour (suit: Barbarians/Knights, SP:+5, *Immune to Fragile*), Tin Helmet (suit: Anyone, *Immune to Hexed/Confused*), Brimstone Armor (SP:6, absorbs fire damage; causes fire damage equal to wearer’s defense to those that hit the wearer with normal attacks; suitable to barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers, regulators and vindicators; bodywear) Spell Items: Aquamarine (2), Emerald (1), Garnet (1), Opal (1), Ruby (1), Sapphire (1), Topaz (1), Diamond (2), Amethyst (2), Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (1), Scroll of Confusion (1), Scroll of Frailty (1), Scroll of Weakening (1), Scroll of Antimagic (1) Consumables: Potion (30), Grand Potion (16), Grand Tonic (1), Health Core (3), Remedy (12), Phoenix Essence (3), Mead (13), Smelling Salts (16), Nostrum (16), Ambrosia (2), Mulled Wine (1), Titan Heart (encouraged & inspired), Venom (10), Deadly Venom (7), Smoke Bomb (1) , Fire Bomb (1), Water Bomb (4), Lightning Bomb (14), Seal Bomb, Bone (14), Skeleton Decoy (2), Trial Brew (1), Ectoplasm (1), Level-Up Mushroom (1), Grating Stone (1), Blind Fury (1), Neutralizer (1), Equilibrium Tonic (1), Oculoid Miasma (1) Tools etc.: Shovels (1), Pick-axes (2), Magic Compasses (1), Water Canteens (2), Lonely Island Magniscope (1), Blue Rose (Invasion of Luosh) (1), Fifty Shades of Bley (1), Mythril Shards (1), Silver Ore (1) Namyrra Uq (Quarryman) *Party Leader* 1337 years old female Fenarian Necromancer Level 51 1/5 *Immune to Sealed, Slowed, Bound, Confused, Fire, Wind, Water, Lightning and Earth* *Gains Triple EXP* *Encouraged* *Asleep* Power: 96 (51+45) Defense: 10 Health: 64/65 (5+50+5+5) Ether: 23/70 (5+50+1+5+4+5) Gold: 698 Equipment: Crystal Mace (WP: 45 (5*gems imbued); Fire-, Ice-, Wind-, Water-, Lightning-, Earth-, Wood-, Light-, and Darkness-elemental; Mace), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Ether:5. immune to Sealing, Fire, Wind, Water, Lightning and Earth, bodywear), Medal of Glory (gain triple XP; accessory), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max. Ether +4, backwear), Fanged Helm (SP:5, headwear), Winged Sandals (Immune to bound and slowed, footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Mythril Empyreal Staff (WP:28), Nocturne Flute (WP: 6; inflicts the Asleep effect; Instrument), Pongcanis Shield (SP: 7; Shield) Artifacts: Gold Dragon Crown (max Ether +6; immune to Stunned; suitable for anyone; Headwear), Desert Cloak (immune to Fire; suitable for anyone; Backwear), Water Canteen (Carries 3 portions of water; Accessory), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Sudden Death; suitable for anyone; Backwear), Winged Sandals (immune to Bound and Slowed; suitable for anyone; Footwear), Paper Doll (immune against Hexed, Accessory) Spell Items: Amethyst, Emerald, Topaz, Garnet, Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Aquamarine, Scroll of Blinding, Scroll of Arc Blinding, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Naamah's Hourglass (Randomly causes either Hastened or Slowed to the target at the cost of 3 Ether), Jade Lamp of Summoning (summons Mediq, restoring health equal to the level of the summoner at the cost of 5 Ether) Consumables: Potions (10), Grand Potions (4), Health Core, Tonics (9), Ether Cores (3), Remedies (12), Phoenix Essences (5), Phoenix Incenses (2), Mead (13), Smelling Salts (4), Nostrum (5), Ambrosia, Dragon Scale (lucky & blessed), Titan Heart (encouraged & inspired) (2), Deadly Venom (3), Smoke Bombs (2), Holy Bomb, Water Bomb (14), Lightning Bomb (14), Dirt Bomb (3), Aeolus Bomb, Rudra Bomb, Flash Bomb, Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons for one battle, unless the user is the last one standing), Soul Cage (Doomed-effect to all combatants), Skeleton Decoys (2), Bones (17) Tools etc.: Pickaxe, Bedroll Undead (14) Rastaban, Level 52 Dark Undead Frozen Puppet, Level 45 Dark Undead Electrocuted Puppet, Level 45 Dark Undead Crystal Titan, Level 94 Dark Undead Rockling Male (Red), Level 30 Dark Undead Rockling Male (Blue), Level 30 Dark Undead Rockling Male (Green), Level 30 Dark Undead Rockling Male (Yellow), Level 30 Dark Undead Rockling Male (Orange), Level 30 Dark Undead Rockling Female, Level 20 Dark Undead Will-o'-the-Wisp A, Level 21 Dark Undead Will-o'-the-Wisp B, Level 21 Dark Undead Will-o'-the-Wisp C, Level 21 Dark Undead Will-o'-the-Wisp D, Level 21 Dark Undead Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight) 264 year old female Elven Minstrel Level 39 *Immune to sealed* *Gains Double EXP* *Permanently Hastened* *Knocked Out* Power: 51 (39+4+8) Defense: 2 (1+1) Health: 0/53 (9+38+11-5) Ether: 32/51 (5+38+4+1+3) Gold: 645 Equipment: Party Maracas (WP:4; user is hastened; instrument), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:1, Max. ether +3, immune to sealed; backwear), Leather armour (SP:1; Bodywear), Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles; accessory) Inventory: Weapons: Elbereth (WP:12, ice-, wind- and light-elemental wand), Mutt's Flute (WP:10; inflicts Weakened-effect; instrument), Nocturne Flute (WP:6; causes asleep-effect; instrument), Battered wooden flute (WP:6; Darkness-elemental; instrument), Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14; Light-Elemental, Meditate becomes hits; longsword), Mourning Star (WP: 10; Fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanical enemies; hammer), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30; user is Slowed and Immune to Hastened, cannot be equipped at the same time as a shield; axe), Shield (SP: 5) Artifacts: Elven Robes (SP:1, Max. ether +2, immune to sealed, slowed and jinxed; suitable to elves only; bodywear), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3; Immunity to Ice and Water; Bodywear; Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2; Immune to Blind), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired; Accessory; Suitable for Paladins), Trickster's Mask of the Angel, Order Imperial's Assassin Cowl (Immune to Light and Darkness, Wearer is Nimble; headwear; Suitable for Assassins, Chi Monks, Infiltrators, Rogue Thieves, Paragons), Razor (user is Blessed and Immune to Bleeding, Enraged, and Encouraged; May take up any artifact slot; requires a shaved head), Helm of the Lord of Light (Immune to Light and Jinxed; headwear; Suitable for Knights), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Counterstrike Gloves, Zap-Tap Badge (1/2 chance to make lighting-elemental counterstrike an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory), Spell Items: Scroll of Sleep (2), Scrolls of Blindness (2), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Weakening (2), Scroll of Frailty (2), Scroll of Confusion (2), Scroll of Lesser Fire Warding (Enables the user to make the target immune to fire for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), Scroll of Lesser Earth Warding (Enables the user to make the target immune to earth for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), Scroll of Lesser Darkness Warding (Enables the user to make the target immune to darkness for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), Hundred Hero Hymn (Battle Song that doubles the current and maximum health for the rest of the party for the remainder of the round. Stacks with the inspired-effect. Costs 2 ether per ally.) Consumables: Potions (10), Grand Potion (2), Health Core, Tonics (3), Grand Tonic, Ether Core (2), Elixir (2), Remedy (6), Neutralizer (2), Tiger Balm (2), Herbal Infusion (Remove negative effects and cause blessed- and transcended-effects) (3), Phoenix Essence (3), Nostrum (2), Smelling Salts (2), Ambrosia (4), Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale (lucky & blessed) (2), Titan Heart (encouraged & inspired), Venom (4), Fire Bomb, Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bomb, Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bomb, Baldur Bomb, Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Red Death Blood (Once applied to a weapon the first successful hit deals doomed, consumable) (2), Sushi (restores 5 health and ether), Feather of Lithe, Grating Stone Tools etc.: Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Pickaxe Thormanil Nihai, Dragonslayer, Orc-kin (swils) 23 years old male vertically challenged giant Dragoon Level 48 1/5 *Immune to Darkness, Light, Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, Lightning, and Asleep, Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile,Slowed, and Weakened* *Soul Linked: *Immune to Magic and Healing* *Lucky* *Hastened* *Triple Exp** *DANCE MACABRE* Power: 65 (48+16+1) Defense: 13 (10+3) Health: 44/70 (8+47+15) Gold: 2099 Equipment: Shishkebab (WP:16, dual-strike, darkness-elemental, lance),Skirmisher's Shield (SP:10, shield), Bright Armor (SP:3, Wearer is immune to Darkness, bodywear), Winged Sandals (Wearer is immune to Light, Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, and Lightning, and the Asleep, Blinded, Bound, Confused, Fragile, Slowed, and Weakened-effects; footwear), Soul Link Chain (Allows the user to pair up with another party member, both of them gaining all the effects that the other has. The partner has to equip the chain as well (ie. one chain can be shared by two people); Accessory) Inventory: Weapons: Dragonsbane Lance (WP: 20, triple damage to enemies with 'Dragon' in their name, lance), Gladiator Trident (WP:11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Guardian Halberd (WP: 5, target's defense is used as additional WP, halberd), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, deals Stunned, halberd), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss -> "Aim"), Frozen Saber (WP:9, longsword, Stuns enemies), Repeater Crossbow (WP:7, crossbow. Hastened for first round of combat while equipped.), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, +5 gold from stealing; dagger), Composite Bow (WP:11, ignores defense, bow), Crystal Shield (SP:2 multiplied by the amount of gems imbued; cannot be upgraded otherwise; shield) Artifacts:Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Weredog (Accessory), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory), Sticky Gloves (Handwear, Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up)), Aqua Gear (Wearer deals and is immune to water-elemental damage, accessory) Spell Items: 2x Amethyst (Darkness), Emerald (Wood), Opal (Ice) Consumables: 2x Potion, Diluted Arc Tonic, Grand Tonic, 4x Remedy, 3x Phoenix Essence, Neutralizer, Milk, 2x Elixir, Nostrum, 3x Smelling Salts, 3x Mulled Wine, Soma, Dragon Scale (lucky & blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Feather of Lithe, 3x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, 2x Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, 3x Smoke Bomb, Ice Bomb, 4x Water Bomb, Doomsday Bomb (99 damage to all enemies), 2x Grating Stone, Teleportapple Tools etc.: Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Arx the Youngling (Pet Dragon controlled by swils) *Knocked Out* Level: 48 1/5 Health: 0/78 (30+48) Element: Ice

"Well, I guess we will go to the upper tier, then. Thank you for your cooperation. You do not happen to have any spare mythril shards lying around, would you?" Ellaria felt greedy just asking, but her gainings had been so scarce in the last couple of quests that she wanted to get at least something out of this prolonged journey through the suffocating caverns. She had been fine with her claustrophobia in the cities where there was plenty of light and houses and people, but down here in the mines she could feel the pressure of tons upon tons of stone everywhere around her. She had to keep her composure, though, if she wanted to emerge from these caves with the promised reward.

"No, I have not seen any such novice." Aunt Kree stared Eric defiantly in the eye. At that moment, Boomingham and Rex happened upon the site, having followed the Azure Eagle Knight's trail through the Holy District but losing it at the winding alleyways of the Slums. "HI THERE! The big boys are back together again, eh?" Party at the Slums: Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 48 years old human Paladin Level 35 *Immune to Darkness, Fire, Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* Power: 54 (35+14+4+1) Defense: 19 (7+12) Health: 58/58 (10+34+11+2+1) Ether: 31/35 Gold: 110 Equipment: Frozen Saber (WP: 14; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear), Inventory: Weapons: Scupperer (WP: 17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Artifacts: Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), Crystal Skull (Makes healing with ether guaranteed, but doubles the ether cost per healed target; suitable to clerics and chi monks; accessory) Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Health Core, x2 Remedy, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, x3 Mead, x4 Nostrum, Ambrosia, x2 Smelling Salts, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, x2 Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Mythril Shard, Bone Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 2 Meat Lumps (quest item), "Key To Riches" (quest item) Rex the Rhinotaur, the Mighty Mercenary (NPC, controlled by Zepher) 35 years old male wererhino Paragon Level 60 4/5 *Initiative* *Restoration* *Aura of Honor* *Gamble* *No Escape* Power: 95 (60+30+5) Defense: 12 Health: 71/92 (8+59+25) Gold: 655 Equipment: Grindoceros (WP:30; halves target's defense with every successful hit; hammer), Mighty Cuirass (SP:12, suitable to paragons only; bodywear), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory.) Inventory: Greater Tonic (Restores 30 ether), Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts, Soma, Deadly Venom, Meat Lump (quest item) Eric (Khorne) 30 year old norseman Raider *Party Second-in-Command* Level 28 2/3 *Natural Respite* *Evasion* *Immune to Fragile, Weakened, Blinded, Asleep, Water and Earth* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 52 (28+22+2) Defense: 5 Health: 51/51 (8+27+7+4+5) Gold: 12 Equipment: Godricsleif (WP: 22; ice-, lightning-, darkness-elemental; greatsword),Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened; handwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile; bodywear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row + Immunity to water, earth, blinded and asleep; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Conspirator (WP:18, causes blinded and has 1/2 chance to cause confused with each hit; darkness-elemental longsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon) Artifacts: Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Consumables: Potion, 9 Grand Potions, Health Core, 3 Elixirs, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, 5 Meads, 5 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 5 Mulled Wine, Ambrosia, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, 2 Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Floral Bomb, Aeolus Bomb, Agni Bomb, Seal Bomb, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.) Tools etc.: Location: Winding Alleys, the Slums Time: Small Hours of the Fifth Day Influence: 10 Subquests:

Hahaha! I'm still embarrassed for posing as a female for so long. It was fun while it lasted, though. I usually do dye my hair blonde every summer, this one being no exception. That's totally not my bike, by the way.

Thanks for notifying me, everything should be up to date now.

Game Manager Note: Please notify me when you use your Letter of Recommendations, otherwise I cannot know which faction you want increased reputation with.

Whoa... I hope I at least looked good in your dream. PS. I haven't really invested any money into this game directly, except when I sent the physical prizes for the building contest to the winners.

DAMN IT! It turns out the maintenance didn't get my computer fixed by today after all (I went in and asked), so launching the events tonight seems unlikely. I can try with my friend's computer, since I have allthe pictures uploaded to Photobucket, but I kinda need my files for the event too... I'll keep you up to date.

GOOD NEWS, EVERYONE! I should be getting my computer out of maintenance today, so tonight should be very eventful...

Why would enamored stop the attack or block confusion? It only prevents the enamored person from damaging the one who caused it. So of course confused-effect is applied as well! What comes to marauders wielding dual strike weapons with another weapon, in my opinion it should be banned. They don't have three hands, after all...

"You GOT IT! But wait... We don't actually have any proof about the blue knight yet other than his words, do we? Shouldn't we follow him to catch him red-handed or something?" Glancing through the gates, Boomingham saw more guards stationed at the entrance of the palace as well as patrolling the palace grounds. At some point he would have to take off his helmet, and get caught impersonating a royal knight. Sarge's compass lead Eric back to the magic shop, where the Rito, Aunt Kree, was still standing in place at the foot of the staircase. It was now the small hours of the heroes' fifth day in Salmanda. "Back to slaughter more royal officers? One donning a blue armor passed by here earlier."

"Pardon my ignorance, but I didn't know dwarves used ether tech... I am Ellaria Arbour of Heroica, like my comrades, and we have come here to investigate the acclaimed mythril shortage. I have here a document from the High Chief himself, giving his blessing on our research. Upon arriving to Frumpknob, it has been brought to our attention that the mythril is nowhere near of running out of the mines, yet precious little of it make it to the other cities. What are your thoughts about this matter?"

An update about the upcoming event: if I get my own computer out of maintenance tomorrow or Thursday, I can launch it then, but if I don't, you will have to wait until I get back from my trip (on the 17th of September). Sorry for the inconvenience, but this situation is out of my hands.

"Ah, my apologies. I thought you were looking for a Circle to join, judging by your earlier questions. The Circle of Tempestas is one of the few global Circles of Magi, dedicated to keeping track of the weather and holding extreme weather phenomena at bay. Alas, if you are not interested, I will not hold you longer." Heckz climbed down the Daystar Tower and into the Lodestar Inn. "A fine day to you, mage! Are you here to drink or rest? We rent beds for 50 gold, with a complimentary drink." If Heckz would rest, it would be evening when he woke up. Drink List at the Lodestar Inn: Mead (Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle.) Costs 20 gold. Smelling Salts (Causes the hastened-effect, allowing the target to act twice in one round for the duration of one battle.) Costs 30 gold. Nostrum (Causes the lucky-effect, allowing the target to roll the battle die twice and get the better result of the two for the duration of one battle.) Costs 40 gold. Soma (Causes the blessed-effect, allowing the target to recover a tenth of their maximum health at the end of each round for the duration of one battle.) Costs 50 gold. Mulled Wine (Causes the inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle.) Costs 60 gold. Party at the Docks: John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 26 1/3 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* *Immune to Magic for one battle* *Lucky* Power: 38 (26+12) (Spellpower: 48 (26+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 1/34 (5+25+4) Ether: 13/37 (5+25+1+5+1) Gold: 566 Equipment: Solemn Dagger (WP: 12, darkness-elemental dagger, 1/2 chance of causing sealed), Magician's Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable for mages; handwear), Cloak of Blood Magic (+5 ether, attacks made with darkness magic cause weakened; suitable for mages, necromancers and chi monks; bodywear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Inventory: Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear), Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Ether Core, Demeter Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, Heady Perfume (Makes non-humanoid monsters avoid attacking the party unless provoked. Effect lasts for one section of the day before wearing out.), 7 Bones, Bright Polish, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, "Fifty Shades of Bley" (Grants access to Harlot), "Begone With the Winds" (Grants access to Weather Mage), Old Teddy (quest item), Flower-tailed Flying Squirrel (quest item), 2x Meat Lump (quest item), Borrowed All Scrolls "Yes, that would be wisest. I will go talk to my sister Ashanti straight away. Keep the gates closed while I'm gone, don't want the Almagesta hear about me abandoning my post. I will return by the small hours." ​Seeing the Azure Eagle Knight stroll away, Rex dared to approach Boomingham. "HEY! What's the big plan?" Party at the Palace District: Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) 48 years old human Paladin Level 35 *Immune to Darkness, Fire, Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* Power: 54 (35+14+4+1) Defense: 19 (7+12) Health: 58/58 (10+34+11+2+1) Ether: 31/35 Gold: 110 Equipment: Frozen Saber (WP: 14; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear), Inventory: Weapons: Scupperer (WP: 17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Artifacts: Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), Crystal Skull (Makes healing with ether guaranteed, but doubles the ether cost per healed target; suitable to clerics and chi monks; accessory) Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, Health Core, x2 Remedy, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, x3 Mead, x4 Nostrum, Ambrosia, x2 Smelling Salts, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, x2 Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Mythril Shard, Bone Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, 2 Meat Lumps (quest item), "Key To Riches" (quest item) Rex the Rhinotaur, the Mighty Mercenary (NPC, controlled by Zepher) 35 years old male wererhino Paragon Level 60 4/5 *Initiative* *Restoration* *Aura of Honor* *Gamble* *No Escape* Power: 95 (60+30+5) Defense: 12 Health: 71/92 (8+59+25) Gold: 655 Equipment: Grindoceros (WP:30; halves target's defense with every successful hit; hammer), Mighty Cuirass (SP:12, suitable to paragons only; bodywear), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory.) Inventory: Greater Tonic (Restores 30 ether), Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts, Soma, Deadly Venom, Meat Lump (quest item) Boosted up by the drinks, Eric had to decide what he would do next. Party at the Holy District: Eric (Khorne) 30 year old norseman Raider *Party Second-in-Command* Level 28 2/3 *Natural Respite* *Evasion* *Immune to Fragile, Weakened, Blinded, Asleep, Water and Earth* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 52 (28+22+2) Defense: 5 Health: 51/51 (8+27+7+4+5) Gold: 12 Equipment: Godricsleif (WP: 22; ice-, lightning-, darkness-elemental; greatsword),Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from weakened; handwear), Heavy Armor (SP:5, protects from fragile; bodywear), Boots of Evasion (Wearer takes half damage in front row + Immunity to water, earth, blinded and asleep; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Conspirator (WP:18, causes blinded and has 1/2 chance to cause confused with each hit; darkness-elemental longsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon) Artifacts: Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.) Consumables: Potion, 9 Grand Potions, Health Core, 3 Elixirs, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, 5 Meads, 5 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 5 Mulled Wine, Ambrosia, Dragon Scale, Venom, Deadly Venom, 2 Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Floral Bomb, Aeolus Bomb, Agni Bomb, Seal Bomb, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.) Tools etc.: Location: Temple of Danab, the Holy District Time: Midnight of the Fourth Day Influence: 10 Subquests: