Sandy

"Oh, your father had connections to Xu? That is interesting to hear, especially since my people do not usually take well to foreign people with their foreign ideals. The Council of the Blue Hand makes sure nobody questions the supreme rule of the Aoi. The people of Xu have been led with fear, oppression and tyranny for millennia, and I am not afraid to admit it. The Council itself comprises of five counsellors, each bearing a title referring to a finger. The Thumb is the military leader, acting as the Grand General of the Xuese Army. Forefinger is in charge of functions related to magic and ethertech, such as the country's energy sources. She is currently the only female in the council. The Middlefinger is responsible for upholding justice, culture and other internal matters in the land. As the oldest counsellor, he is also their spokesperson. The Ringfinger's domain are the foreign policies, which often puts him in opposition with the Thumb. And last but certainly not least, the Littlefinger answers for the economy of Xu. It would be best if you simply acted as my very silent bodyguards when we are in Xu, to avoid any conflicts. In general, you should just follow my example and you likely won't offend anyone." "You are right, but Monsignore Legonardo studied under the finest engineers in Xu in his youth, and he still has close ties there. That is why he was able to spread a branch of the Tritech Corporation into Ai Xurong last year. Like I said, the Xuese are careful not to let foreigners into their territory, but Legonardo is one of the few exceptions, due to the great services he has done to the government. But time is running, and we should be going now." "Mother, please take care out there. I will keep things in check here while you are gone, but if you don't return, I don't know what I will do..." "My sweet son, if I don't return, then it is a sign for you to run and hide, for something has then gone very wrong and you won't be safe in this house anymore. Promise me you won't come looking for me in Xu." "What are you talking about, Mother? Of course I..." "No, Jun! Promise me that you will resist the spirits of vengeance and do not come after me should something happen! Promise me! I want to hear it!" Shanxian's passionate tone took everyone in the room by surprise. Jun stared at her mother with his mouth agape for a long while before he finally sighed. "Alright, Mother, I promise." "Good. Then we can go." "Shanxian..." The ambassador turned to face her bodyguard. "Don't make me go through that same debate with you, Lee." "I won't. I just want you to show the Council what you're made of, because it is steel and fire." The ambassador smiled in relief, and rolled herself out of the room. If the party wanted to ask Jun or Lee something, now was their last chance.

"It is up to you to find the suspects and decide how you you wish to approach them. Asking questions is a good way to start, but be covert about it. I already tried the direct route, which only got them silent. Blurting out that you work for me right off the bat will only scare them off of confessing anything to you. I have been looking into this matter day and night ever since I returned here, and this is where my own little inquisition has led. Look, if I thought I could sort this out by myself, I would not have hired you." "This is Eubric - any number of things could get in your way. I've been told of this underground organization calling themselves the Wolfgang gaining a hold of some parts of this city. And there are of course the family of blueskins with their airships. Even in the Eversummer Islands, visits from the Aoi meant nothing but harm. The islands themselves were a paradise, but the lands of Xu were too damn close to my comfort." "Xu only take, give nothing." "I already told you about the reports from Captain Bullsworth's stolen cargo, did I not? I've been through the papers a dozen times already, I did not hire you to do the same thing all over again. I need eyes and ears that are not directly linked to the Bonapartes. And you need to be fast, before any of the suspects catch wind that I hired you for this cause. These walls around us may be thick, but if someone wished to spy on us, I am sure they would find the means to do so. I give you this day time to go to all three suspects and find out what you can. Report to me before midnight. I do not want to risk getting fed with false information. You have my trust, for now." The party can visit the three suspects in any order they wish.

"That is Mr. Thormanil Nihai", Ellaria said, smiling at Hybros's timidness. "Not a man of many words, it seems, but I think he is harmless. His dragon is cute, too, the name's Arx. Just go ahead and talk to him, you silly imp!"

"They all have a house in the city proper, actually. I will provide you with the adresses."

"Hmm, Mister Erith is the overseer of our dockworkers, isn't he? I rarely have business down at the harbour, but I'll pass your regards the next time he visits the palace." Lee bows to the little dragon. "Unlike their aggressive brethren in Dastan, the dragons of Xu are revered as guardians of the welfare of our people. It is inconcievable for us Xuese to even dream of riding on the back of a dragon - they are too majestic creatures for such mundane tasks. Indeed, the one we encountered in Chaochao Falls was aggressive, but he, too, was only protecting something he perceived valuable. But Dastan is close to Xu, so dragoons are not entirely foreign to us. Indeed, only an army of dragoons could ever conquer the Citadel in the Clouds... So far, Dastan has had enough trouble of their own to even bother gazing eastward." "As to your second quest, my mistress' accident was an attempt to assassinate her. She was checking the construction of the Baker's guildhouse she designed when someone bombed the whole building down. Many dwarven builders lost their lives, but luck was on Shanxian's side. At the time I was in Xu with Atramor and the other heroes in search of Jun, Shanxian's son. I blamed myself for failing my mistress for a long time, but now I realize there is nothing I could've done. I am strong, but even I cannot hold back collapsing buildings. The culprit has not been identified yet, but both me and Jun won't stop looking until we find him or her. Just the other day, we found a few new leads, actually." "Haha, I thank you for the sentiment, Master Skrall, but I do not want you to throw your lives away, either. In Ai Xurong, you only speak to an Aoi when you are spoken to. Their authority is unquestionable, and even touching one without permission is a capitol crime. I nearly got executed for defending an innocent woman from the advances of an Aoi, but for some reason, Shanxian and Yeong talked to the Council and arranged so that I was only exiled. So please, when you are in front of the Council, hold your tongue." "Yes, the Council is also known as the Hand That Holds Power. The symbolism is quite ridiculous, I agree. I think Shanxian can tell you more about the counsellors herself. She was born and raised in Ai Xurong, after all. I think you are ready to meet her, am I right?" Lee pushed the doors open and led the party inside a spacious chamber with large windows with more golden dragons painted on them. Ambassador Shanxian sat on a large chair with feels in front of the windows, with her son Jun by her side. "So, you are the heroes Lee handpicked as his substitutes. It is a pleasure to see you among them, Mister Gibbin, even though I fear you have a long and tedious trip ahead of you. For some reason, Lee has the notion that I cannot fend for myself against the rats and snakes of the House of the Blue Hand." "Lee is absolutely right, mother. In your current condition, you are an easy prey. These men are able to look after your back, I'm sure of that." Jun nodded at the heroes affirmatively. "Oh, am I glad to get a vacation away from you two, fussing over me like Sisters of Danab all the time. If there is one thing I am good at, it is political scheming. I acquired that skill from my mother's breastmilk. Now, if you are really coming with me, is there something more you need to know, gentlemen? We will be taking the Destiny's Bounty to Ai Xurong. It is the fastest airship in existence, so the trip shouldn't take too long. Apparently Monsignore Legonardo has some business to attend to at the Tritech Laboratories of the Citadel, as well." Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (Flipz) 22 year old male human Dragoon *Party Leader* Level 33 3/4 *Immune to Blind, Confused, Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* *Ignores Free Hits from Beasts* Power: 53 (33+20) Defense: 31 (14+5+1+10+1) Health: 56/56 (5+32+15+4) Gold: 944 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Arm Shield (SP:14, shield), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (SP:5, Protects against Fragile and all Poisons; bodywear, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Shadeaux Cape (SP:5, Immune to Blind and Confused, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Fur Leggings (SP:1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: Weapons: Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning-elemental; spear), Dauntlet Index (WP: 10, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Essence]) Artifacts: Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear, suitable for anyone), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; Backwear, suitable for anyone), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), handwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Zap-Tap Badge (Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Lens of Speed Reading (allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action; accessory, suitable for scroll users), Pointy Hat Spell Items: Opal (Ice), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Weakening Consumables: Potion, Grand Potion x10, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Remedy x10, Elixir x3, Hurricane, Jinxy Juice, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, Grating Stone x2, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), Smoke Bomb x5, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Bone x3, Silver Ore x2 Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 32 year old male human Regulator Level 34.25 *Immune to all elements, poisoned, and doomed* *Negative effects last one round* *Battle Style: Chaotic* Power: 54 (34+20) Defense: 26 (4+6+4+12) Health: 64/64 (7+33+12+6+6*) Gold: 656 Equipment: Pheles Kris (WP: 20, wielder has a 1/2 chance to generate an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, and darkness-elemental dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Amulet of the Court (Negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory, suitable for anyone), Rat's Hide (SP: 4, backwear, suitable for anyone), Galactic Armor (SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire, earth, wind, ice, light, darkness, and doomed, bodywear, suitable for anyone), Helmet of Azzurat (SP: 4, immune to poison, headwear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: - Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, fire- and darkness-elemental, dual strike, daggers), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff A (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging), Healing Staff B (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging) - Bracers of Insatiable Avarice (Power +2; user gains 25 Gold for every enemy he kills, handwear, suitable for hunters, berserkers, battle mages, beast warriors, dragoons, marauders, regulators, and skirmishers), Sylvania's Cowl (Grants Animal Talk, headwear, suitable for anyone) - Scroll of Arc Frailty (50/50 chance to inflict the fragile-effect to all enemies for ether equal to the number of enemies), Scroll of Fire Armor (50/50 chance to conjure a layer of fiery armor over the target, giving them a 50/50 chance to deal the burned by 10-effect when hit by Damage or Special Damage at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Ice Armor (50/50 chance to conjure a layer of ice armor over the target, giving them a 50/50 chance to deal the stunned-effect when hit by Damage or Special Damage at the cost of 5 ether) - 3 Grand Potions, Phoenix Essence, Health Core, Nostrum, Jinxy Juice (Deals the jinxed-effect to the target), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, 3 Bones, Grating Stone - Flint and Steel (Handy for starting fires), Pickaxe, Shovel, Rope Skrall (Waterbrick Down) 81 year old Male Ogre Hunter Level 36 *Natural Respite* *Favors Demons and Humanoid enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, and Confused* *Gains Triple experience* *Encouraged* Power: 50 (36+12+2) Defense: 8 (3+5) Health: 50/50 (6+35+6+3) Gold: 138 Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12/24 vs. Beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from fights, accessory) Inventory: Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP, light, lightning, water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Oversized Greatsword (WP: 16 - Double damage on targets that are clearly smaller than the hero, greatsword), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"; accessory), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy (example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold)), Potion, 1 Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, 5 Phoenix Incenses, 7 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 4 Remedy, 2 Smelling Salts, 6 Venoms, 1 Deadly Venoms, 8 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Minimizing Dust, 4 Bone, Blind Fury, Wolfgang Insignia, Black Goo

"I cannot say how far the treacherous thoughts have spread, but these are the three main suspects I have." Captain Javier "Hooks" Caldera "Captain Caldera was a pirate who was captured by my brother Leo when he was the admiral. He got the nickname "Hooks" when my brother chopped both of his hands off as a punishment for theft. He let Caldera keep his life if he promised to serve our family - after all, the pirate's skills as a captain were famous throughout the Crystalline Sea. But once a pirate, always a pirate. Hooks Caldera has always been the odd duck among the officers, and I wouldn't be surprised if he had waited all these years to take vengeance on us." Captain Geor Bullsworth "The Bullsworth family has been our loyal ally for centuries, and Captain Geor hasn't been an exception. However, lately his cargo has been stolen suspiciously often, despite all efforts to keep the storage building a secret. To make things worse, the cargo his ship carries includes dwarven-forged weapons from Titaan for our troops. If he is planning a revolution inside the Fort, hoarding those weapons to himself will make it too easy for my comfort." Commander Meliodoul Fogfarer "The last of the three is the most suspicious of them all, but also the one I most hope would prove to be innocent. The Fogfarer has been with our family for over a hundred years, and I have memories of him carving me wooden boats when I was just a wee lad. For some reason, the Moon Elf has been speaking vocally against the restrictions and taxes we have imposed on the trading ships - just like my poor nephew Reno did when he still lived, as I've been told. I tried confronting him about his motives, but he refused to talk to me. If I'm any good at judging men by their expressions, I'd say he was ashamed of something." "Lunevani se'yre lokuro. Lokuro somo akava." "Now now, Xsenna. Not all Moon Elves are power-hungry demonologists. But anyway, I need you to go to these three officers and do whatever you can to determine where their loyalties lie." "Unfortunately Nemo is still shaken up from what happened with his twin brother. He refuses to carry out his duties, and with his daughter away and his wife having little authority with the officers, there hasn't been anyone calling the shots in the Fort. Until now. I am calling the shots, but naturally I will inform the admiral should we find strong evidence about one or more of these three officers. There is someone rousing the flames of revolt, and if it isn't one of the three, then I have been severely mislead." "Ven! Aisi mei kalk'asse xi'ama." "Wife, please, I've asked you to speak the common tongue when we have visitors. It is not like I haven't thought you how!" "What if I not want?" Xsenna smiles cheekily. Blackgull sighs deeply. "Not all citizens of Eubric appreciate the peace and order my family has ensured them for over 400 years. That peace comes at a cost. We have to collect toll fees from the traders to maintain our fleet and the Fort, and restrict what may and may not be brought into the city for safety reasons. Some people would like to see Eubric be a true freeport, but it would only make this city a den of smugglers and pirates. There are no laws in this city except those that we Houses in Power impose, and while the other houses may cowardly divert their eyes from the problems in this city, we Bonapartes will stand stalwart and ever-vigilant, never forgetting our duty. Now, are there any more questions or should I send you on your way?"

Loot Division: Ella​ria: Tower Key, Grating Stone, Emergency Essence, 10 gold Docken: Note, Feather of Lithe, Feather of White, 10 gold Hybros: Pan, Feather of White, Smoke Bomb, 10 gold Thormanil: Feather of Lithe, Smoke Bomb, 10 gold Ellaria smiles and nods to Hybros. "It seems we struck gold by following the golem. We now have access to the Tower, but we should probably search the rest of the village first." Once the basement is searched, Ellaria returns upstairs and investigates the chest and the backpack.

The architecture of Eubric Freeport is known for taking influences from cultures all over Olegaia, but there is one building in particular that stands out: the Palace of the Ji Pei family. Designed by the ambassador herself, it is built in the ornamental Xuese style, with statues and paintings of dragons to protect it from evil spirits. The three heroes ascending the front stairs feasted their eyes on the plethora of details as they approached the entrance guarded by two pikemen. Party: Arthur Justus Regulus VII, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (Flipz) 22 year old male human Dragoon *Party Leader* Level 33 3/4 *Immune to Blind, Confused, Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* *Ignores Free Hits from Beasts* Power: 53 (33+20) Defense: 31 (14+5+1+10+1) Health: 56/56 (5+32+15+4) Gold: 944 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Arm Shield (SP:14, shield), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (SP:5, Protects against Fragile and all Poisons; bodywear, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Shadeaux Cape (SP:5, Immune to Blind and Confused, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Fur Leggings (SP:1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: Weapons: Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning-elemental; spear), Dauntlet Index (WP: 10, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Essence]), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff A (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging), Healing Staff B (WP: 5, staff, heals instead of damaging) Artifacts: Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear, suitable for anyone), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent; Backwear, suitable for anyone), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy (example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold); handwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Zap-Tap Badge (Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Lens of Speed Reading (allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action; accessory, suitable for scroll users), Pointy Hat Spell Items: Opal (Ice), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Weakening Consumables: Potion, Grand Potion x10, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Ether Core, Remedy x10, Elixir x3, Hurricane, Jinxy Juice, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, Grating Stone x2, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), Smoke Bomb x5, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Bone x3, Silver Ore x2 Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 32 year old male human Regulator Level 34.25 *Immune to all elements, poisoned, and doomed* *Negative effects last one round* *Battle Style: Chaotic* Power: 54 (34+20) Defense: 26 (4+6+4+12) Health: 64/64 (7+33+12+6+6*) Gold: 656 Equipment: Pheles Kris (WP: 20, wielder has a 1/2 chance to generate an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, and darkness-elemental dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Amulet of the Court (Negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory, suitable for anyone), Rat's Hide (SP: 4, backwear, suitable for anyone), Galactic Armor (SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire, earth, wind, ice, light, darkness, and doomed, bodywear, suitable for anyone), Helmet of Azzurat (SP: 4, immune to poison, headwear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: - Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, fire- and darkness-elemental, dual strike, daggers) - Bracers of Insatiable Avarice (Power +2; user gains 25 Gold for every enemy he kills, handwear, suitable for hunters, berserkers, battle mages, beast warriors, dragoons, marauders, regulators, and skirmishers), Sylvania's Cowl (Grants Animal Talk, headwear, suitable for anyone) - Scroll of Arc Frailty (50/50 chance to inflict the fragile-effect to all enemies for ether equal to the number of enemies), Scroll of Fire Armor (50/50 chance to conjure a layer of fiery armor over the target, giving them a 50/50 chance to deal the burned by 10-effect when hit by Damage or Special Damage at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Ice Armor (50/50 chance to conjure a layer of ice armor over the target, giving them a 50/50 chance to deal the stunned-effect when hit by Damage or Special Damage at the cost of 5 ether) - 3 Grand Potions, Phoenix Essence, Health Core, Nostrum, Jinxy Juice (Deals the jinxed-effect to the target), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, 3 Bones, Grating Stone - Flint and Steel (Handy for starting fires), Pickaxe, Shovel, Rope Skrall (Waterbrick Down) 81 year old Male Ogre Hunter Level 36 *Natural Respite* *Favors Demons and Humanoid enemies* *Immune to Fragile, Blinded, and Confused* *Gains Triple experience* Power: 50 (36+12+2) Defense: 8 (3+5) Health: 50/50 (6+35+6+3) Gold: 138 Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12/24 vs. Beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from fights, accessory) Inventory: Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP, light, lightning, water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Oversized Greatsword (WP: 16 - Double damage on targets that are clearly smaller than the hero, greatsword), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"; accessory), Potion, 1 Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, 5 Phoenix Incenses, 8 Meads, 2 Nostrums, 4 Remedy, 2 Smelling Salts, 6 Venoms, 1 Deadly Venoms, 8 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Minimizing Dust, 4 Bone, Blind Fury, Wolfgang Insignia, Black Goo As they reach the top of the stairs, the guards let them know they are expected, and open the doors. At the foyer, they are greeted by Lee Long, personal bodyguard to Ambassador Shanxian Ji Pei. "Welcome to the Ji Pei Palace, gentlemen! Atramor, my friend, great to see you answered our call again. Come, let me take you to the ambassador. I'll explain everything as we walk." Lee motioned the men to follow him. "Shanxian has been summoned back to Xu by the Council of the Blue Hand for a hearing. I do not know exactly what they want, but I have a good guess. After Jun's involvement in the rebellious movement and her own accident, those blue-faced bastards must doubt if Shanxian is capable to act as their ambassador in Eubric anymore. I would love to go with her and tell them a few selected truths, but alas, I am an exile and I do not have a death wish. You three are strong and perceptive, I know that for a fact, so I personally chose you to escort Shanxian in my stead. I trust you will keep her safe. Ai Xurong, the floating capital of Xu, might look pretty but it is a viper's nest - especially to those who have fallen out of the favor of the Council." When they arrived to a pair of doors, Lee stopped them. "Before we go in, I want to confide to you. Shanxian has not been her usual self after the incident where she lost both of her legs. And I'm not talking about her disability alone, but she has all these... thoughts and doubts she didn't use to have. As an Aoi, she was born and raised to supremacy, and although she has always been kind to those beneath her, she has always known her place in the pecking order as well. Lately, she has had a lot of time to mull things over, and she seems to have gotten the idea that the Aoi are not fit to rule Xu anymore. I fully agree with that sentiment, you can believe that, but I worry she might speak her mind in front of the Council. So I beg of you, keep her safe from the scheming sycophants in the court, but also from her own self. She already lost her legs, I don't want her to lose her head as well. Now, are you ready to go in, or is there something confidential you still want to ask from me?" QM Note: Welcome to the quest! This quest will have three battles, one of which will be a bit different. Like I said in the Hall, I have a busy week ahead, so updates will be sporadic. My apologies in advance.

"Hmpf, why aren't these two going down with the rest of their family?" Ellaria murmured. She then repeated her actions. Battle Order: Docken Thormanil Hybros Hybros Ellaria Ellaria

Quest#119 is now up! I'm sorry, players of Quest#120, but you will have to wait until tomorrow, because I simply ran out of time to post your quest up tonight (I have about 5 hours to sleep before I have to get up to go to work). Reorganizing those monstrous statistics of yours to my liking isn't a fast task...

Early one morning, three heroes took a shuttle boat to Fort Bonaparte, where they had a scheduled appointment with a member of the Bonaparte they had never heard of before. Nevertheless, the name had a sinister ring to it: Blackgull... Party: Annienal Anavir (Kintobor) "19" year old elven female Knight *Party Leader* Level 5 Power: 9 (5+4) Health: 14/14 (10+4) Defense: 4 (2+2) Equipment: Training Sword (WP:4), College Shield (SP: 2), Pauldrons (SP: 2, suitable for knights, dragoons, and skirmishers; accessory) Gold: 13 Inventory: Wicked Javelin (WP: 7, throwing weapon, retreivable, 1/6 chance to slow), Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP: 4, Hits doubled against flying enemies, longsword), Ammit (WP: 6; greatsword, user gains 5 ether for every kill); 2 Potions, 2 Phoenix Essences, Mead, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Field Rations (Restore 15 health) Miderun (CallMePie) 18 year old female orc Barbarian Level 5 Power: 19 (5+13+1) Health: 12/12 (8+4) Gold: 92 Equipment: Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, 1/6 chance of dealing the infected-effect, causing an enemy to lose health equal to 1/3 of their level rounded down at the end of each round, club), Seductive Perfume (Holder deals the enamored-effect, suitable for women; accessory) Inventory: Serstyral (WP: 3, axe), High Heels (Power +1; suitable for women; footwear.), 3 Potions, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb Warlen Melimane (The Chosen Minifigure) 23 year old male half-elven Mage Level 6 Power: 11 (6+5) (Spellpower: 16 (6+5+5)) Health: 10/10 (5+5) Ether: 10/10 (5+5) Gold: 30 Equipment: Gold-coated Bat Staff (WP:5, staff), Spellbound Gloves (Power +5 to spells) Inventory: Robe of the Magi (SP:1; suitable to mages; bodywear), Amethyst (Darkness), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, Tonic, Remedy, Nostrum, Mead, Dragon Scale, Smoke bomb, Fire Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope The trio was directed to the Admiral's Office, where they met an uniformed man with bushy moustache and a dark-skinned elven woman. "Greetings. I am Commodore Obero Bonaparte, but I am better known as Blackgull. This here is my wife, Xsenna of the Huravani." "Lyu hura sa'esse indi ahor utu el'esse umuhor." "It means: May the Sun set upon this day to rise tomorrow. Xsenna is a Sun Elf, they all have an odd fixation with the big bright orb that floats in the sky. But that it basically their greeting. If you don't mind, we should go straight into business. I was summoned from my retirement at the Eversummer Islands to smack some sense to my catatonic nephew, but to my horror I found the entire Fort Bonaparte in turmoil upon my arrival. The rumour tells of an uprising to overthrow my family altogether. We Bonapartes have been the Wardens of the Crystalline Sea for generations - to give up that title to some upstart is unfathomable! The insurgents among the high-ranking officers must be uncovered and dealt with fast before it is too late. Of course, none of them are dumb enough to confess their rebellious intentions to me voluntarily, so that is why I require your help." "Ei se'yre lokuro", muttered the Sun Elf, sizing the party up. "They look competent enough, my wife", Blackgull retorted with a shrug. A hint of smile could be detected behind the moustache. "I have narrowed down the prime suspects to three officers. I want you to seek them out and find out if they are loyal to the Bonaparte or not, and then report back to me. Understood?" QM Note: Welcome to the quest! This quest will be on the short side, with three battles at most, depending on your choices. Like I said in the Hall, I have a busy week ahead, so updates will be sporadic. My apologies in advance.

I'm planning the Tournament to become an annual event, depending on how well it is welcomed.

Ellaria attacks the Small Golem from the front row on both of her turns, except if she is damaged, in which case she will heal herself on her second turn. Battle Order: Docken Thormanil Hybros Hybros Ellaria Ellaria

"Even though the female golem draws the damage, we should keep the others occupied as well to avoid getting pummeled by them." Ellaria attacks Feminine Golem from the front row on her first turn, and if she is not damaged, Small Golem on her second turn. If she is damaged, she will nurture herself instead. Battle Order: Docken Thormanil Hybros Hybros Ellaria Ellaria

The chosen participants to the two open quests were posted on the Quest Board, causing a crowd to form in front of it. Only six heroes turned away from the board satisfied, all the others disappointed. Quest#119: The Blackgull Inquisition ~ Annienal Anavir, Level 5 Knight (Kintobor) *Party Leader* ~ Miderun, Level 5 Barbarian (CallMePie) ~ Warlen Melimane, Level 6 Mage (The Chosen Minifigure) Quest#120: Hand of Blue ~ Atramor Gibbin, Level 34 1/4 Regulator (CallMePie) ~ Skrall, Level 36 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) ~ Arthur Justus Regulus VII, Level 33 3/4 Dragoon (Flipz) *Party Leader* QM Note: Both quests will launch tomorrow. Just a forewarning, I have a very busy week ahead with the movie premiere of Mockingjay, my fiancé's birthday and a couple of "pre-Christmas parties", so updates will be spotty until next Sunday. Apologies in advance!

It is done. Oh, and there's about 10 available players at the Hall eager to go on a quest, so send me those quest pitches, guys!

I can easily raise their price, if that's a concern.

Looks like we have a new shop at the Marketplace! Dain Almight's Bomb Shelter is open to business! Also note that Fabian sells new artifacts (familiar from Quest#93). Have fun shopping!

It was always an exciting event when a new stall was erected to the Marketplace. The early crowd gave interested glances at Portia and Dain Almight when they carried crates under the awning of what would be Dain's new workplace. "You don't know what a relief this is to me, Master Almight! To finally get rid of these nasty explosives that could blow up me and my stall to smithereens. And the clients that purchase them are always so sleazy and suspicious... You're a lifesaver!" "Don't mention it, Miss Portia. I am merely relocating my old business here from Port Taboo. Hehe, I can't even count the times I had to rebuild my laboratory back there... The village was made entirely from wood, so you can imagine I was not the most appreciated citizen." "Hope you understand that it is the reason why your stall was positioned on the opposite side of the square from mine. No offense, I just don't want you to take me with you if your place blows up. All these bombs, gathered in one place... And I hear you combine them too! Doesn't that require, like, opening the bombs?" "Why yes, but that is an easy process. Did they not teach you that at the guildhouse?" "Ha ha ha! What do you take me for, a smelly alchemist?! Not with looks like mine, honey. Now, I see you have a line forming up. Have fun, and try not to visit me too often. I don't want people start to think we're friends or something silly like that. Ta!" "Oh..." Shrugging at his ditzy colleague, the dwarven bombcrafter stepped behind the counter of his shop, returning to his profession as a bomb merchant. ~Dain Almight's Bomb Shelter has opened to business at the Marketplace! Fabian's Fabulous Fashion Boutique also stocks new artifacts!~

CURRENT SIGN-UPS: Quest#119: The Blackgull Inquisition 1. Annienal Anavir, Level 5 Knight (Kintobor) 2. The Demon Germ, Level 5 Rogue (samuraiturtle) 3. Miderun, Level 5 Barbarian (CallMePie) 4. Warlen Melimane, Level 6 Mage (The Chosen Minifigure) 5. Bobby “Young” Bucks Jr., Level 4 Rogue (Zepher) 6. Namyrra Uq, Level 49 2/5 Archmage (Quarryman) 7. Monk Pretzel, Level 31 2/4 Artisan (Palathadric) 8. Skrall, Level 36 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) 9. Dyric Rone, Level 28 1/3 Assassin (The Legonater) 10. Guts Holla, Level 33 Alchemist (Scubacarrot) 11. Alexis Fenral, Level 43 4/5 Harlot (Masked Builder) 12. Matthias, Level 16 Druid (StickFig) Quest#120: Hand of Blue 1. Annienal Anavir, Level 5 Knight (Kintobor) 2. The Demon Germ, Level 5 Rogue (samuraiturtle) 3. Miderun, Level 5 Barbarian (CallMePie) 4. Warlen Melimane, Level 6 Mage (The Chosen Minifigure) 5. Bobby “Young” Bucks Jr., Level 4 Rogue (Zepher) 6. Atramor Gibbin, Level 34 1/4 Regulator (CallMePie) 7. Dyric Rone, Level 28 1/3 Assassin (The Legonater) 8. Skrall, Level 36 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) 9. Purpearl Berthadhiell, Level 17 Mystic Knight (Purpearljellyblob) 10. Arthur Justus Regulus VII, Level 33 3/4 Dragoon (Flipz) 11. Matthias, Level 16 Druid (StickFig) 12. Namyrra Uq, Level 49 2/5 Archmage (Quarryman) QM Note: The sign-ups end later today.

"We have this one in the bag", Ellaria says. She then sees Thormanil's wounds. "Let me take care of that." Ellaria nurtures Thormanil from the back row. Should she fail, she tries again on the second turn. If she succeeds, she attacks the Small Golem A from the back row. Battle Order: Docken Hybros Hybros Ellaria Ellaria Thormanil

Hehe! You should make the Cloak available to Weather Mages, too, now that they've been officially added to the game.

OoC: Care to clarify what the *Evasive*-effect is, please? "Oh, there is a whole family of them!" Ellaria noted. She had a bad feeling about this. "What if this is what has become of the villagers...?" Sticking to back row, Ellaria consumes Smelling Salts and casts a spell from the Scroll of Weakening on the Feminine Golem. Battle Order: Docken Thormanil Ellaria Ellaria Hybros Hybros

Good to know, should the situation arise that I will talk about Arthur's pet dragon with my family and friends.

I am, actually. I joined Kaliphlin back when GoH started, but soon found out that I sadly don't have time for it because of Heroica.