Sandy

Elphaba smiles at the mage wryly. "Sorry, I don't do trades. You should be happy with what you've got, as it can easily be taken away from you. And that was not a threat, just a lesson of life."

Whoa, okay... Munchkining, much? This is a forum-based game that's meant to be played for fun, not for sports. You're talking as if it's unfair that you can't have access to everything in the game. And the thought of changing your race at a whim is just plain ridiculous, sorry. I wasn't planning for races to affect the gameplay when I planned this game, but I'm not oppposed to the idea that they sometimes do.

Why not? After all, the players chose their characters' race just like they chose their class, without knowing what benefits or disadvantages it might bring them. I think it added a clever twist to the battle, although I do wish race-specific stats won't be used too much, or it will indeed become unfair. Taking Jebediahs's idea a step further, I can see for example a quest aimed towards (or denied from) heroes of a specific race. But please, let's discuss the possibilities of actually making the chosen race matter in this game!

"Awesome!" Ellaria cheered. "Keep on going, guys!" Ellaria decided to stick with targetting the Maa'ri Hound from the front row.

Ignoring the nauseuous feeling caused by the poisoning, Ellaria sent a prayer to her goddess. She truly was by their side on this quest. "Phew! By Sylvania that was a wonderful shot, Alexis! Now we just have to get rid of this boasting orc and his scabby dog." Ellaria knew that her fire-elemental Ignis Fatuus would be especially effective against beasts, so she attacked the Ma'ari Hound from the front row.

Of course, why wouldn't you be? There's not much to do in this game besides questing, anyway.

Thanks for the players in my quest for your participation! I hope you enjoyed the varied battles the quest offered. I've now posted two new quests hosted by me to the Quest Board at Heroica Hall. They'll be open until the 20th of November, though, so there's plenty of time to sign up into them.

~Two new open quests (#14 and #15) have been posted on the Quest Board!~

The provost was flabberghasted. "Wait a minute... A wight? A basilisk? A dead student? And here I thought we were merely dealing with persistent hooligans... This is a bit too much to take in for the moment, so if you'll excuse me... Oh, before I forget, here is your reward. I guess you solved the case, nevertheless..." The provost handed each hero 200 gold and a Phoenix Essence as a reward for the completed quest before heading inside to survey the damages of the night. Jensen tipped his cap at the party. "'Twas a pleasure defending the school with you. Now I gotta get some sleep. No offence, but hopefully things will be less eventful during my next shift... See you around!" Tossing the potion he was given back to Maurice, the night guard left the party. The four weary heroes walked down the stairs to meet up with the two youngsters they met during the night. The heroes decided to tell them about Isabeau's fate in more words than they told the provost. "Hi again! We heard what you said to Lector. Did you really have to burden us with those chores?" Lyren Hinckwell moaned. "We just wanted to be heroes like you guys!" "P-poor Isabeau..." Nuitan Shadeaux sighed. "A-at least she's at peace now, t-t-thanks to you. Make no mistake, me and Ly will ch-ch-chase down the ones who did it and make them p-p-pay!" "Whoa, Nute!" Lyren gasped. I've never seen you so determined before! I like it." The young Hinckwell winked at his friend, and the pair bid goodbye to the heroes. After a long, grueling night, the yawning group of champions decided to return to the Heroica Hall. Solving the case of Isabeau Carpenter's murder would have to be left to another quest. THE QUEST IS SUCCESSFUL! Party: Alf Gregory (played by Bricksandparts) Level 9 Barbarian Power: 17 Health: 17/17 Gold: 200 Inventory: Meteor Blade (WP:8, light-elemental), Greatsword (WP:3, unequipped), Helmet (+1 max. health), 2 Potions, Phoenix Essence, Venom, Ice Bomb, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Crystal Ball En Sabah Nur (played by Jebediahs) Level 11½ Mage *Lucky* Power: 16 Health: 16/16 Ether: 16/16 Gold: 200 Inventory: Sangriste Dagger (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect), Thorny Diadem (+3 to power, -6 to max. health, unequipped), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), 4 Potions, 4 Tonics, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Erdathcath Madilinas (played by The_Customizer) Level 9 Ranger Power: 12 Health: 15/15 Gold: 205 Inventory: Longbow (WP:3), Helmet (+1 max. health), Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrify), Potion, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Smoke Bomb, Ice Bomb, Bedroll, Crystal Ball Maurice Ratibor (played by Etzel) Level 9 Cleric Power: 12 Health: 18/18 Ether: 13/13 Gold: 205 Inventory: Steel Mace (WP:3), Helmet (+1 max. health), Helmet (+1 max. health, unequipped), Diamond (Light), 2 Potions, 2 Tonics, Phoenix Essence, Venom OoC: Thank you all for playing so much! You almost didn't make it, but luck was on your side this time.

Yes, you did. And before you ask, it's because I said so.

The provost looks at the party with an expecting expression.

Of course he doesn't have them, I just forgot to remove them from his inventory. I always copy-paste the party information from the previous battle, you know, so I don't write it all by hand every time. I've removed them now.

My latest quest has gotten me thinking about another change in the class balance, but I want to hear your thoughts about it before doing anything. What do you think about removing Cleric's "Special Guard" altogether? It's not that I think the class is overpowered, but the automatic immunity to negative effects has started to bother me. Especially in the case of "sealing" (the description of which says it prevents spellcasting and healing), there is very few ways it will ever affect a Cleric (well, Jebediahs found one way it could in his quest) and thus prevent them from healing. Would it decrease the attraction of a cleric too much if special guard was replaced with "special damage" like in all the other classes? Could there be some other class-specific skill to replace it? Please share your thoughts!

The battle was over. The heavily wounded basilisk slithered back to the sewers to die. The two colossal statues had returned to their pedestals barely without a scratch. Dawn's first rays illuminated the stained glass window of the Auditorium. The wight created by Isabeau Carpenter's suffering and despair appeared in front of the party again, this time barely visible. "Why did this happen to me?" the ghost moaned weakly. "What did I do to deserve this fate? I just wanted to make my parents proud... They thought I was so smart that I'd do well in this academy... But how wrong they were! This school is not for those who seek wisdom, it is a den of snakes and rats wearing expensive clothes. I... I must not let my anger take over again. All emotions are futile now. I know I should accept my destiny and move on... But there is nobody to avenge me... There is nobody who would punish those who hurt me so... Is there?" The ghost of Isabeau looked straight at the party before she disappeared into the morning's first light. Would these supernatural acts of vandalism now be over and done with? And would the culprit of Isabeau's murder ever be caught? With these questions running through their heads, the party returned to the main doors of the Academy of Enlightenment to wait for Provost Lector's arrival. When the provost finally arrived, two familiar figures from the nightly adventure also sneaked into the scene. The young lads from the Houses of Hinckwell and Shadeaux had no doubt come to hear what the party would tell to the provost about their involvement. Darlavon Lector was anxious to hear the party's report. "So, what did you find out? I'm glad to see the school is still in one piece, at least. Go on, don't beat around the bush!" What will the party tell to the provost?

The Meteor Blade made it impossible for Alf to damage the Colossi, remember?

I believe in a fantasy setting such as this a simple magic portal would be more plausible.

Good catch! Olegaia is the amalgamation of Oleg (anagram of LEGO) and Gaia. It's the planet that these events take place in. Make that three Frenzies in a row. Way to ruin my "super-hard boss battle"...

Round Two of the Auditorium Battle: Alf Gregory vs. Wight - Shield: Frenzy >En Sabah Nur (Earth) vs. Wight Basilisk - Miss >Erdathcath Madilinas vs. Basilisk - Critical Hit >Jensen vs. Melodion's Colossus Basilisk - Damage >Maurice Ratibor vs. Amadea's Colossus Basilisk - Special Guard The battle continues. Bolstered by his success in battle, Alf goes into a Frenzy again, defeating the Wight and causing 16 damage to the basilisk. With the Wight out of the battle, the two colossi cease to move. The Basilisk is furious, though. Nur misses with his spell, but Erdathcath gains a critical hit on the serpent, dealing 14 damage. Then the basilisk attacks Jensen, causing 4 damage, and tries to petrify Maurice, but he is protected by his innate resistance to negative effects. Only one enemy remains. Enemies: Basilisk Type: Vermin Level: 8 Health: 17/74 Special: Petrifying Glare – Causes the petrified-effect, making the target turn into solid rock and become unable to take a turn until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified-effect) Party: Alf Gregory (played by Bricksandparts) Level 8 Barbarian Power: 16 Health: 16/16 Gold: 0 Inventory: Meteor Blade (WP:8, light-elemental), Greatsword (WP:3, unequipped), Helmet (+1 max. health), 2 Potions, Venom, Ice Bomb, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Crystal Ball En Sabah Nur (played by Jebediahs) Level 11 Mage *Lucky* Power: 16 Health: 12/16 Ether: 9/16 Gold: 0 Inventory: Sangriste Dagger (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect), Garnet (Earth), Diamond (Light), Aquamarine (Water), 4 Potions, 4 Tonics, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Erdathcath Madilinas (played by The_Customizer) Level 8 Ranger Power: 11 Health: 14/14 Gold: 5 Inventory: Longbow (WP:3), Helmet (+1 max. health), Potion, Grand Potion, Smoke Bomb, Ice Bomb, Bedroll, Crystal Ball Maurice Ratibor (played by Etzel) Level 8 Cleric Power: 11 Health: 17/17 Ether: 12/12 Gold: 5 Inventory: Steel Mace (WP:3), Helmet (+1 max. health), Helmet (+1 max. health, unequipped), Potion, 2 Tonics, Venom Jensen (NPC) Level 10½ Night Guard Power: 14 (18 against rock monsters) Health: 16/20 Gold: 0 Inventory: Security Bat (WP:4/8 against rock monsters), Helmet (+1 max. health), Potion Note! Since only one enemy is left, the battle will continue automatically. Round Three of the Auditorium Battle: Alf Gregory vs. Basilisk - Shield: Frenzy >En Sabah Nur (Earth) vs. Basilisk - Shield: Magic Burst (Water) >Erdathcath Madilinas vs. Basilisk - Special Damage >Jensen vs. Basilisk - Special Damage >Maurice Ratibor vs. Basilisk - Critical Hit The battle against the raging snake continues. Alf is on a roll as he goes into yet another Frenzy that deals 16 damage to the snake. Nur's Magic Burst of the water-element ends it all as the Basilisk goes down. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! All party members gain a level of experience except Nur, who gains half of a level. The enemies drop the Thorny Diadem and the Snake Eye Charm. Party: Alf Gregory (played by Bricksandparts) Level 9 Barbarian Power: 17 Health: 17/17 Gold: 0 Inventory: Meteor Blade (WP:8, light-elemental), Greatsword (WP:3, unequipped), Helmet (+1 max. health), 2 Potions, Venom, Ice Bomb, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Crystal Ball En Sabah Nur (played by Jebediahs) Level 11½ Mage *Lucky* Power: 16 Health: 12/16 Ether: 9/16 Gold: 0 Inventory: Sangriste Dagger (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect), Garnet (Earth), Diamond (Light), Aquamarine (Water), 4 Potions, 4 Tonics, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Erdathcath Madilinas (played by The_Customizer) Level 9 Ranger Power: 12 Health: 15/15 Gold: 5 Inventory: Longbow (WP:3), Helmet (+1 max. health), Potion, Grand Potion, Smoke Bomb, Ice Bomb, Bedroll, Crystal Ball Maurice Ratibor (played by Etzel) Level 9 Cleric Power: 12 Health: 18/18 Ether: 13/13 Gold: 5 Inventory: Steel Mace (WP:3), Helmet (+1 max. health), Helmet (+1 max. health, unequipped), Potion, 2 Tonics, Venom Jensen (NPC) Level 11 Night Guard Power: 15 (19 against rock monsters) Health: 17/21 Gold: 0 Inventory: Security Bat (WP:4/8 against rock monsters), Helmet (+1 max. health), Potion Party Leader, how will the spoils of the battle be divided? 1x Thorny Diadem - a hair ornament that gives +3 to power, but -6 to maximum health 1x Snake Eye Charm - an accessory that protects from petrified-effect

"Oh my goddess, people! Just make up your minds already! This tension is killing me..."

Well, since I apparently won't be able to post their pics to the quest topic, I'll post them here: They match with the Meteor Blade quite nicely, don't they?

Ellaria covered her face. She couldn't bear to watch! Poor boy...

During his routine browse through the shelves, Byblos spotted a heavy book about the stars, the planets and the solar system. It was considered heretic material in some religious circles, but Eubric wasn't called a Freeport for nothing. A wry smile spread on the Librarian's face as he leafed through the tome: it still spoke of Exofors as the outer-most planet in the system, when contemporary astronomers considered it a nearby star. In Byblos's eyes, this made the book outdated, so he made a mental note to get a new book about the subject. This incident made him put up basic information about the planets for the heroes of Heroica to see. Byblos reminded himself that not all of the heroes even knew they lived on a globe floating through the air. Byblos was sure that the organization would surely collapse from sheer ignorance if it wasn't for him... ~The picture below has been added to the first post of this topic.~

Round One of the Auditorium Battle: >En Sabah Nur (Light) vs. Wight - Damage/Special Damage Alf Gregory vs. Wight - Shield: Frenzy >Erdathcath Madilinas vs. Basilisk - Hit >Jensen vs. Melodion's Colossus - Special Damage >Maurice Ratibor vs. Amadea's Colossus - Hit The decisive battle against the Wight and her consorts begins. En Sabah Nur tries to use a light-elemental spell against the Wight, but she manages to damage him for 4 points instead. Alf goes into another one of his Frenzies, and deals 32 damage to the Wight and 16 damage to the Basilisk, but the Meteor Blade doesn't seem to work on the colossi. Erdathcath hits the snake for another 11 damage. Jensen triggers the Galactic Harmony skill of Melodion's Colossus, and suddenly Nur feels sripped of the luck that had gotten them so far. It seems the power of the statue overcame the effect of the enchanted die, if only for this battle. Maurice hits Amadea's Colossus, but the measly 6 damage caused doesn't seem to slow the hulking statue at all. All four enemies still remain, and the battle against them continues. Enemies: Wight Type: Undead Level: 7 Health: 17/49 Special: Forsaken Sign – Causes the sealed-effect, making the target unable to cast spells or use healing abilities for the next three turns or until the effect is remedied. Drops: Thorny Diadem (+3 to power, -6 to maximum health) Basilisk Type: Vermin Level: 8 Health: 47/74 Special: Petrifying Glare – Causes the petrified-effect, making the target turn into solid rock and become unable to take a turn until the effect is remedied or the battle is over. Drops: Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrified-effect) Amadea’s Colossus Type: Rock, Holy Level: 10 (will automatically leave the battle once the Wight is defeated) Health: 244/250 Special: Universal Love – Restores the weakest ally to full health, including undead allies. Drops: Pulsar Sceptre (WP:10, healing effect, suitable for mages and clerics) Melodion’s Colossus Type: Rock, Holy Level: 10 (will automatically leave the battle once the Wight is defeated) Health: 250/250 Special: Galactic Harmony – Removes all effects from all combatants. Drops: Wishing Star (WP:10, retrievable, suitable for rangers and rogues) Party: Alf Gregory (played by Bricksandparts) Level 8 Barbarian Power: 16 Health: 16/16 Gold: 0 Inventory: Meteor Blade (WP:8, light-elemental), Greatsword (WP:3, unequipped), Helmet (+1 max. health), 2 Potions, Venom, Ice Bomb, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Crystal Ball En Sabah Nur (played by Jebediahs) Level 11 Mage *Lucky* Power: 16 Health: 12/16 Ether: 9/16 Gold: 0 Inventory: Sangriste Dagger (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), Loaded Die (permanent lucky-effect), Garnet (Earth), Diamond (Light), Aquamarine (Water), 4 Potions, 4 Tonics, Grand Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Erdathcath Madilinas (played by The_Customizer) Level 8 Ranger Power: 11 Health: 14/14 Gold: 5 Inventory: Longbow (WP:3), Helmet (+1 max. health), Potion, Grand Potion, Smoke Bomb, Ice Bomb, Bedroll, Crystal Ball Maurice Ratibor (played by Etzel) Level 8 Cleric Power: 11 Health: 17/17 Ether: 12/12 Gold: 5 Inventory: Steel Mace (WP:3), Helmet (+1 max. health), Helmet (+1 max. health, unequipped), Potion, 2 Tonics, Venom Jensen (NPC) Level 10½ Night Guard Power: 14 (18 against rock monsters) Health: 20/20 Gold: 0 Inventory: Security Bat (WP:4/8 against rock monsters), Helmet (+1 max. health), Potion Party Leader, please post the order of action. All of you, please post your targets and the row you want to fight from. Also state if you want to heal, cast a spell, flee or use an item instead. Any enemy not targetted will get a Free Hit against a party member. Note! If the Wight falls before the colossi, the two statues will become inactive again and thus leave the battle. You will not gain their item drops if this happens.

Well, I actually got the Chamber of Secrets set pretty cheap off of Ebay some years ago when I first started collecting the Harry Potter -sets. It was a used set, anyway, but I'm glad I got it then.

Oh, sorry... It's meant to be more of a homage than direct rip-off, anyway. I'm aware that the school-setting, the "Myrtle"-like character and the basilisk are very HP-influenced, but it was deliberate, trust me.