Sandy

"MORNING! Great to see you again, Sir Lawrence! So you've made progress with my beautiful rhododendron, then? Flowers, jewels, dinners... DUH! I've been neglecting her womanly needs without even realizing it! But your help will be much appreciated, sir, for I am a total rookie when it comes to buying gifts. Come with me and instruct me what to buy, please! You seem to have a plan about where we should start. GREAT!"

My point exactly. That's why I'm stalling with Sarge and Eric - because it might just be that Heckz and Peri are behind a bush near them.

"Umm, okay... Writing stuphph is not cool, though." Results of Round Five of the Dune Ghoul Battle: >Heckz uses Lovely Perfume - (All enemies: enamored with Heckz) >Heckz (Water) vs. Dune Ghoul A - Spell/Spell (Dune Ghoul A: 340 health-(47x4=188 dmg)=152 health; Heckz: -1 ether) >Periwinkle heals Dune Ghoul A - Heal Less/Special Damage (Dune Ghoul A: 152 health-31 dmg=121 health; Periwinkle: -1 ether) >Phred writes a message Dune Ghoul C - Free Hit vs. Heckz (recovers from stunned) Heckz sprays more perfume on the enemies and blasts one of them with more water. Periwinkle also damages the same ghoul with healing. Phred writes a message in the sand as the unattended ghoul recovers from being stunned. Two enemies still stand. Current Weather: Dry (doubles earth damage, halves lightning damage) Enemies: Dune Ghoul A *Immune to sudden death* *Jinxed* *Enamored with Heckz for 3 rounds* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 121/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Dune Ghoul C *Immune to sudden death* *Jinxed* *Enamored with Heckz for 3 rounds* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 340/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Party at the Scrubby Sands: John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 25 2/3 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 37 (25+12) (Spellpower: 47 (25+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 33/33 (5+24+4) Ether: 16/36 (5+24+1+5+1) Gold: 605 Equipment: Solemn Scythe (WP: 12, darkness-elemental scythe, 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), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), 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, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Mead, Demeter Bomb, 2x 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, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, Old Teddy (quest item), Abran Firefox (quest item), Cactoid Flower (quest item) Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Cleric Level 31 1/4 *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 32 (31+1) Health: 39/39 (9+30) Ether: 31/35 (5+30) Gold: 18 Equipment: Jaws' Mop (WP:1, double damage against aquatic enemies; broomstick), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear) Inventory: Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence Phred Mimphish (NPC, controlled by Cutcobra) 12 years old male Pharpharian Rogue Level 1 Power: 3 (1+2) Health: 7/ 7 Gold: 7 Equipment: Stone (WP:2, causes stunned; earth-elemental throwing weapon) Inventory: Eric's kick inadvertedly covered up Phred's message, since it was too dark for him to spot it on the sand. Dawn broke as Boomingham arrived back to the Golden Square by the Port. "Apples! Fresh, juicy, red apples! ...Phew, it's going to be a hot day! If only I had a hat or something..." Location: Golden Square, The Port Time: Morning of the Second Day Influence: 2 Subquests:

Meh! The cops' union sucks. Mine is much better. Oh look! It's time for another coffee break!

Results of Round Four of the Dune Ghoul Battle: >Heckz (Water) vs. Dune Ghoul B - Shield/Spell (Razzmatazz of Water - Dune Ghoul A: 749 health-(47x4=188 dmg)=561 health; Dune Ghoul B: 373 health-(47x4=188 dmg)=185 health+stunned; Dune Ghoul C: 749 health-(47x4=188 dmg)=561 health+stunned+jinxed; Heckz: -4 ether) >Heckz (Water) vs. Dune Ghoul C - Special Damage/Shield (Razzmatazz of Water - Dune Ghoul A: 561 health-(47x4=188 dmg)=373 health; Dune Ghoul B: 185 health-(47x4=188 dmg)=0 health; Dune Ghoul C: 749 health-(47x4=188 dmg)=373 health; Heckz: -3 ether) >Periwinkle heals Dune Ghoul B C - Shield/Damage (Miracle - Dune Ghoul A: 373 health-33 dmg=340 health; Dune Ghoul C: 373 health-33 dmg=340 health; Periwinkle: -2 ether) >Phred retrieves Stone Dune Ghoul A - Free Hit vs. Heckz (recovers from stunned) Heckz's water spells start to work their magic, and one of the dusty ghouls is defeated by them. Periwinkle calls upon the ire of the Mother to damage the remaining revenants. Phred fetches his stone again. Two more enemies remain, neither of them enamored with Heckz anymore. Current Weather: Dry (doubles earth damage, halves lightning damage) Enemies: Dune Ghoul A *Immune to sudden death* *Jinxed* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 340/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate.. Dune Ghoul C *Immune to sudden death* *Jinxed* *Stunned* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 340/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Party at the Scrubby Sands: John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 25 2/3 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 37 (25+12) (Spellpower: 47 (25+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 33/33 (5+24+4) Ether: 17/36 (5+24+1+5+1) Gold: 605 Equipment: Solemn Scythe (WP: 12, darkness-elemental scythe, 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), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), 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, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Mead, Demeter Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, Lovely Perfume (Makes all opponents enamored with the user for 3 rounds when used; consumable), 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, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, Old Teddy (quest item), Abran Firefox (quest item), Cactoid Flower (quest item) Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Cleric Level 31 1/4 *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 32 (31+1) Health: 39/39 (9+30) Ether: 32/35 (5+30) Gold: 18 Equipment: Jaws' Mop (WP:1, double damage against aquatic enemies; broomstick), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear) Inventory: Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence Phred Mimphish (NPC, controlled by Cutcobra) 12 years old male Pharpharian Rogue Level 1 Power: 3 (1+2) Health: 7/ 7 Gold: 7 Equipment: Stone (WP:2, causes stunned; earth-elemental throwing weapon) Inventory: Location: Scrubby Sands, Luxor Dunes Time: Evening of the First Day Influence: 2 Subquests:

"Thank you very much, Chief Kulbin. Just one more inquiry: what horrible accident happened to you, and how did you manage to get your bodyparts replaced by metal? I have never seen such craftsmanship outside the Tritech Corporation. Apparently your people are more skilled than we surface-dwellers ever knew!"

Sure thing! There's plenty of donuts for everyone - whose a member of the union, that is. Are you?

GM Note: The "War" challenge has been removed from the Fields of Glory, due to heavy overuse. On retrospect, it wasn't a particularly challenging challenge to begin with. The challenge will of course be active in the on-going battle, but it cannot be chosen after that.

QM Note: You can't, unfortunately. Heckz's battle took place hours ago, in the evening. Sarge only saw the signs of a struggle in the sand, hours later. "Just minding my own business. As should you, old man."

Russell Price, reporting for duty! But only if the Union's regulations are followed to the tee. Oh, look! It's coffee break time already!

I fear that the party splitting up in Quest#130 and moving at different paces will soon cause a time paradox...

Results of Round Three of the Dune Ghoul Battle: >Heckz (Water) vs. Dune Ghoul B - Spell/Sleight of Hand (Dune Ghoul B: 561 health-(47x4=188 dmg)=373 health; Heckz: -1 ether) >Heckz (Water) vs. Dune Ghoul C - Special Damage (Dune Ghoul C: enamored, does not attack) >Periwinkle does nothing >Phred vs. Dune Ghoul A - Special Damage/Critical Hit (Dune Ghoul A: no damage, stunned) Heckz keeps blasting the ghouls with water, but they prove to be more resilient than anticipated. Phred stuns one of them with his mighty stone. "Heckz, I don't think we can win them without Eric and the others. I can hurt them with my healing, but not by much..." Current Weather: Dry (doubles earth damage, halves lightning damage) Enemies: Dune Ghoul A *Immune to sudden death* *Enamored with Heckz for 1 round* *Jinxed* *Confused for 1 round* *Stunned* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 749/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Dune Ghoul B *Immune to sudden death* *Enamored with Heckz for 1 round* *Jinxed* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 373/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Dune Ghoul C *Immune to sudden death* *Enamored with Heckz for 1 round* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 749/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Party at the Scrubby Sands: John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 25 2/3 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 37 (25+12) (Spellpower: 47 (25+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 33/33 (5+24+4) Ether: 24/36 (5+24+1+5+1) Gold: 605 Equipment: Solemn Scythe (WP: 12, darkness-elemental scythe, 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), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), 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, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Mead, Demeter Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, Lovely Perfume (Makes all opponents enamored with the user for 3 rounds when used; consumable), 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, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, Old Teddy (quest item), Abran Firefox (quest item), Cactoid Flower (quest item) Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Cleric Level 31 1/4 *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 32 (31+1) Health: 39/39 (9+30) Ether: 34/35 (5+30) Gold: 18 Equipment: Jaws' Mop (WP:1, double damage against aquatic enemies; broomstick), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear) Inventory: Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence Phred Mimphish (NPC, controlled by Cutcobra) 12 years old male Pharpharian Rogue Level 1 Power: 3 (1+2) Health: 7/ 7 Gold: 7 Equipment: Stone (WP:2, causes stunned; earth-elemental throwing weapon) Inventory: Sarge and Eric walked through the nightly city into the scrubby sands of the Luxor Dunes. Despite the darkness, they could see signs of a battle lingering on the sand. It was now the second day after their arrival to Salmanda, and the clock had moved onto the small hours. Boomingham catched a glimpse of Sarge and Eric leaving the Souk as he arrived. He saw the same skull-masked man lurking about that the other two had met previously. Location: The Souk Time: Small Hours of the Second Day Influence: 2 Subquests:

"I shall speak with the Head Chief, then. He lives down at Brumpknob, isn't that right? Is there any way I could get some sort of writ of approval from you, to make it easier for a surface-dweller such as me to approach him?" Ellaria was a little frustrated that her little ruse was not giving much in the way of results. At least it could get them to the right places.

"Actually, I am here to establish new trading contracts with the local merchants to sell the alchemical products of my guild. I already talked to Madam Meladonna, and she seemed eager. What I wanted to ask you, as the chief, is whether you approve such contracts. I am aware the good people of the three cities like to keep to themselves."

Results of Round Two of the Dune Ghoul Battle: >Heckz (Water) vs. Dune Ghoul A - Mirror Damage/Special Damage (Dune Ghoul A: not confused, no effect) >Heckz (Water) vs. Dune Ghoul B - Great Spell (Dune Ghoul B: 749 health-(47x4=188 dmg)=561 health+jinxed; Heckz: -2 ether) >Periwinkle does nothing >Phred retrieves Stone Dune Ghoul C - Free Hit on Heckz (recovers from stunned) Heckz's first spell fails, but the second hits home, jinxing the ghoul in the process. The exhilarated Phred runs to pick up the stone he threw. "I can't wait to tell phather about this!!!" Current Weather: Dry (doubles earth damage, halves lightning damage) Enemies: Dune Ghoul A *Immune to sudden death* *Enamored with Heckz for 2 rounds* *Jinxed* *Confused for 2 rounds* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 749/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Dune Ghoul B *Immune to sudden death* *Enamored with Heckz for 2 rounds* *Jinxed* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 561/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Dune Ghoul C *Immune to sudden death* *Enamored with Heckz for 2 rounds* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 749/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Party at the Scrubby Sands: John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 25 2/3 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 37 (25+12) (Spellpower: 47 (25+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 33/33 (5+24+4) Ether: 25/36 (5+24+1+5+1) Gold: 605 Equipment: Solemn Scythe (WP: 12, darkness-elemental scythe, 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), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), 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, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Mead, Demeter Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, Lovely Perfume (Makes all opponents enamored with the user for 3 rounds when used; consumable), 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, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, Old Teddy (quest item), Abran Firefox (quest item), Cactoid Flower (quest item) Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Cleric Level 31 1/4 *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 32 (31+1) Health: 39/39 (9+30) Ether: 34/35 (5+30) Gold: 18 Equipment: Jaws' Mop (WP:1, double damage against aquatic enemies; broomstick), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear) Inventory: Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence Phred Mimphish (NPC, controlled by Cutcobra) 12 years old male Pharpharian Rogue Level 1 Power: 3 (1+2) Health: 7/ 7 Gold: 7 Equipment: Stone (WP:2, causes stunned; earth-elemental throwing weapon) Inventory: The musicians turned to Boomingham. They did not seem particularly chipper. "Greetings, sir. If you are here to listen to us, you have come a little late. We only perform in the evenings. Although we feel we should probably quit, because nobody wants to listen to us. In our homeland, everyone flocked to listen to the Awareness of Ul'damahr, but here we are nobodies. Our music is perhaps just too strange to the local audience." Discovered a new subquest! Missing a Beat Assignment: “We have arrived to Salmanda to make our music known to the rich and the powerful, but for some reason we have so far not left the impression we wanted. We are tired of playing to a scarce audience evening after evening, so we wonder if someone could help us find the right groove. Do you know any musical experts?” ~Awareness of Ul’damahr Reward: “We will give you this Encore Plectrum to you as a token of our gratitude.”

"Busy can be a good thing - keeps the business going, if you pardon my pun. How is the trade here in Krumpknob?"

Are you kidding me? I think it's the most obvious case! Have you ever been thrown with a rock? Or tripped and hit your head on the ground? It HURTS! It would have to be pretty damn windy for it to hurt anyone, and I'm not even starting with how light or darkness cause damage...

Results of Round One of the Dune Ghoul Battle: >Heckz uses Lovely Perfume - (All enemies: enamored with Heckz) >Heckz (Water) vs. Dune Ghoul A - Sleight of Hand (Ghoul A: confused+jinxed; Heckz: -2 ether) >Periwinkle vs. Dune Ghoul B - Miss >Phred vs. Dune Ghoul C - Shield (Mug - Ghoul C: no damage, stunned) Heckz piles ailments on the enemies, but Periwinkle and Phred are both useless against them. All three enemies stand with full health. Current Weather: Dry (doubles earth damage, halves lightning damage) Enemies: Dune Ghoul A *Immune to sudden death* *Enamored with Heckz for 3 rounds* *Jinxed* *Confused for 3 rounds* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 749/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Dune Ghoul B *Immune to sudden death* *Enamored with Heckz for 3 rounds* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 749/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Dune Ghoul C *Immune to sudden death* *Enamored with Heckz for 3 rounds* *Stunned* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 749/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Party at the Scrubby Sands: John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 25 2/3 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 37 (25+12) (Spellpower: 47 (25+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 33/33 (5+24+4) Ether: 27/36 (5+24+1+5+1) Gold: 605 Equipment: Solemn Scythe (WP: 12, darkness-elemental scythe, 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), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), 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, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Mead, Demeter Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, Lovely Perfume (Makes all opponents enamored with the user for 3 rounds when used; consumable), 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, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, Old Teddy (quest item), Abran Firefox (quest item), Cactoid Flower (quest item) Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Cleric Level 31 1/4 *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 32 (31+1) Health: 39/39 (9+30) Ether: 34/35 (5+30) Gold: 18 Equipment: Jaws' Mop (WP:1, double damage against aquatic enemies; broomstick), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear) Inventory: Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence Phred Mimphish (NPC, controlled by Cutcobra) 12 years old male Pharpharian Rogue Level 1 Power: 3 (1+2) Health: 7/ 7 Gold: 7 Equipment: Stone (WP:2, causes stunned; earth-elemental throwing weapon) Inventory: The dealer took Eric's gold. "If that's all, come by tomorrow night and I'll give you the stuff you ordered. I'll be hanging around from midnight to the smallhours. And no, I don't need any oversized hats that would make me stick out in any crowd, thanks." Party at the Souk: Eric (Khorne) *Party Second-in-Command* 30 year old norseman Raider Level 27 *Natural Respite* *Evasion* *Immune to Fragile, Weakened, Asleep, Water and Earth* *Encouraged* Power: 51 (27+22+2) Defense: 5 Health: 50/50 (8+7+26+4+5) Gold: 57 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 and Asleep; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Conspirator (WP:18, causes Blinded; longsword), Drengazuli Grom'az (WP:6; Dual Strike; axe), 6 Silverfish Wings (WP:8, retrievable, throwing dagger), 2 Diseased Silverfish Wings (WP:8, causes cursed-effect, retrievable, throwing weapon) Spell Items: Garnet (Earth) Consumables: Potion, 10 Grand Potions, Health Core, 3 Elixirs, 3 Remedies, Neutralizer, 7 Meads, 6 Smelling Salts, 3 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, Aeolus 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.), Bone Tools etc.: Straw Hat (quest item) Sgt. Jon McEncy (Pyrovisionary) *Party Leader* 54 year old male human Black Knight Level 23 *Immune to Blinded and Stunned* *Poisonous Defense* *Permanently Hastened* *Encouraged* Power: 48 (23+21+2+2) Defense: 20 (16+4) Health: 47/47 (7+22+9+3+3+3) Gold: 326 Equipment: Demonic Scissors (WP:21, dual strike, Light and Darkness elemental, Hollow [Potion], dagger), Serpenthead Shield (SP:16, causes poisoned by 2-effect to anyone physically attacking the user, shield), Pegleg of Hastening (Permanent Hastened effect to the user; Immune to Blinded, suitable to Sarge only; footwear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect; suitable for black knights; bodywear), Swift boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to steal gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold in addition to hiding) Inventory: Weapons Wooden Spear (WP:4, wood-elemental spear) Artifacts Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable to knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear), Ranger’s Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows, suitable for rangers, beast warriors, infiltrators and winged warriors; backwear), Sterope’s Headdress (Grants the ability to spend a turn to fly out of a battle and return to it later if it is still going; the wearer cannot affect the battle in any way when they are away from it; suitable to winged warriors only; headwear) Spell Items: Garnet (Earth), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: 3 Potions, 2 Grand potions, Health Core, 4 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, 4 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 3 Smoke Bombs, Sleep Bomb, Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), 2 Bones, 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.: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Business Card, Angel-crested Cockatoo (quest item), Meat Lump (quest item) "The midnight is not a good time for a walk around the city, unfortunately. Besides, I have quarters at the Palace. I just like to come out to meet my friends here at the hotel's terrace over a drink or two. But I can help you with your souvenirs, of course. You can buy flowers from this nice elven girl that sells them here at Floral Square during the daytime. And Vipersace sells many luxurious things over at his boutique, but he is rather choosy about his clients, as you heard. May I ask, what brings you this city? I am in need of a bit of help, myself..." Discovered a new subquest! Pick Your Poison Assignment: “I pay well for any rare venoms you bring my way. I would search for them myself, but my poor back is not what it used to be…” ~Cobra Priest Djuvali Reward: “Gold depending on what venom I receive.” Ouroboros Venom – Luxor Dunes – 100 gold Golden Scorpion Venom – Shipwreck Shore – 500 gold Enki Venom – Kalakita Bog – 1000 gold

No, Kintobor is right. Don't do it. Like, at all. It is not your place to dictate what others would respond. You may assume you know what they would reply, but in reality you are just saying what you want them to reply. "Knock-knock" jokes do not fit roleplaying games, in any case.

Ellaria was stunned for a moment, before realizing the dwarf must be hearing impaired. "Oh dear..." She then shouted at the dwarf's ear. "NO, I AM DOCTOR ELLARIA, FROM THE ALCHEMIST'S GUILD IN EUBRIC! ARE YOU CHIEF KULBIN?"

Zepher just made an educated guess. Borderlining on metagaming, but still plausible.

Levelling up adds 1 point to both current and maximum health and ether. Check Quest#1, it's been done that way since the beginning of this game.

"Someone go talk to the Teuthisal, I'll handle the dwarf." Ellaria approached the dwarf in the chair, donning back the upper class aura. "Are you Chief Kulbin, perchance? I am Doctor Arbour, representative of Eubric's guild of alchemists. I wish to talk business with the fine folk of the three dwarven cities."

The trio moved away from the pyramid-like resort and back into the scrubby sands. Periwinkle looked wide-eyed at Heckz's stunt with the teddy bear. She then turned to the little Pharpharian. "Listen, Phred. Mister Brutenhal isn't feeling very well, so why don't I take you to your mother now..." "But he promised me monsters! I WANT MONSTERS!!!" The dunes began shifting from the boy's voice. Heckz fumbled to open the potions and tossed a Phoenix Essence to Periwinkle just in time before three ghouls rose from the sand. Phred picked up a stone from his feet and flailed it with an excited grin on his face. "Phinally some action!" Phred Mimphish joined the party! PREPARE FOR BATTLE! QM Note: I totally forgot to add weather for the last battle, but I plan to have one in every battle outside the city. Note that if Phred is knocked out at the end of the battle, both his and his mother's subquests will fail. Current Weather: Dry (doubles earth damage, halves lightning damage) Enemies: Dune Ghoul A *Immune to sudden death* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 749/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Dune Ghoul B *Immune to sudden death* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 749/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Dune Ghoul C *Immune to sudden death* Type: Undead/Rock Level: 38 Health: 749/749 Special I: Bury in the Sand – Cause 38 earth-elemental damage, stunned- and bound-effects to the target regardless of row. Special II: Rise from the Sand – Another Dune Ghoul is called to the battle. Drops (varies by roll): 1: Garnet (Earth) 2-3: Scrap Metal (Worth 25 gold.) 4-6: nothing Note: Specials alternate. Party at the Scrubby Sands: John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level 25 2/3 *Jinxed Spells at Double Cost* *Darkness Spells Cause Weakened* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power: 37 (25+12) (Spellpower: 47 (25+12+10)) Defense: 0 Health: 33/33 (5+24+4) Ether: 29/36 (5+24+1+5+1) Gold: 605 Equipment: Solemn Scythe (WP: 12, darkness-elemental scythe, 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), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), 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, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Mead, Demeter Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, 2x Deadly Venom, 2x Lovely Perfume (Makes all opponents enamored with the user for 3 rounds when used; consumable), 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, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Blue Jelly, Old Teddy (quest item), Abran Firefox (quest item), Cactoid Flower (quest item) Periwinkle (NPC, controlled by Khorne) 19 years old female human Cleric Level 31 1/4 *Divert Attacks* *Immune to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed* Power: 32 (31+1) Health: 39/39 (9+30) Ether: 34/35 (5+30) Gold: 18 Equipment: Jaws' Mop (WP:1, double damage against aquatic enemies; broomstick), Narcissus Mirror (User has 1/2 chance to divert all attacks to the next ally in turn; accessory), Periwinkle Ribbon (Grants immunity to stunned, poisoned, bleeding, cursed, asleep, fast asleep, confused and hexed; suitable for Periwinkle only; headwear) Inventory: Remedy, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence Phred Mimphish (NPC, controlled by Cutcobra) 12 years old male Pharpharian Rogue Level 1 Power: 3 (1+2) Health: 7/ 7 Gold: 7 Equipment: Stone (WP:2, causes stunned; earth-elemental throwing weapon) Inventory: As Boomingham approached the hotel, he saw that the person he thought was a woman was actually snakeman. His sex was not apparent at first, though, but when he spoke his voice was lispy but deep. "Are you talking to me, sssir? I am neither, really, jussst a neighbour popping in to visssit an old friend. Vipersssace issss my name, I run the fashion boutique across the square." Vipersace gave a measuring glance with his four eyes. "I do not believe I have anything for the likesss of you, though." Vipersace's Boutique requires 5 influence to get serviced in. "Now don't be rude to a guest of this city, my friend", said the man in the company of the snakeman. "Surely this man is only weary from travel, and with your magic touch he could easily turn into a dashing socialite." "I will not touch jussst anyone, Djuvali. And I do not practice charity, either. But perhapsss there isss a gentleman hiding under that layer of dirt. We will have to sssee.... Good night, priessst." The snakeman sashayed away, careful to avoid touching Boomingham's cape when he passed him. "My apologies, sir. Salmanda sees so many travellers that the locals have become somewhat uptight towards them. Only the rich and famous get good treatment around here. Trust me, I know it first hand. I only moved to this city a couple of years ago, as the representative of Addis Vipara, the largest city in Kalma Badlands, and had to take my place among the Almagesta's court. I am Cobra Priest Djuvali, pleased to meet you." The priest reached out a hand to Boomingham. "I've got one word for you: networking. There are a lot of rich people here in this city, and a lot of desperate people as well. You do the math."

"Hey! Where are you going, mister! I'm not going back to the city until I see some monsters!" "Heckz! We can't just leave this child out in the desert in the middle of the night! Besides, we only need a little more influence to get into the resort, so why don't we just do what he asks?"