Zepher

Nerwen spends 5 ether to bring XX around. She sees him stagger to his feet and come to rest with his back against the tree, but she can tell, through whatever force in the universe controls ether and grants her the ability to heal, that she can do no more from him. There are dark bags under his eyes, and he heaves and huffs still. By all accounts, it is clear that he was not supposed to live and through only sheer force of will is he still around. "Are we all still alive? That is almost better than I could have hoped for!" "We chose our side, Lady Nerwen. Russel and I are your friends, and always will be, but we chose our side. Do not forget it. We are glad that Chauncey lives." "You have no more right to scold Alexis than she does to scold you," says Chauncey. "Aventine made his choice. I made my choice, she made her choice and you made yours. What will happen now, none of us may know we can only hope for the best, isn't it true?" Chauncey looks at Nerwen and Matthais. "You two are problematic for me. Alexis has saved my life, I must be grateful for that. As for your fellow hero the elf, she hardly deserves the name hero if you were to ask me. She cannot mask her greed. If she did not have the Veteran's curse on her right now I would strike her down right now where she stands." He sighs. "I do not know why you two did what you did. Can I punish you for fighting against me? No, that is not right. Who am I to you, after all? It matters not why you fought me, but why you stood by Aventine. Tell me of your choice, so that I may learn by you and of you."

"All the others..." he hisses through clenched teeth. "Confused. Lost. Weak. They rely on each other - they save their enemies. Who is that crab to them? Who is that pig?" He inhales sharply. "Chauncey and I were friends once. We may have been friends today. What good did it do? None. I will still die shortly. He will mourn. There was no winner." He coughs. "We all are on Olegia for a short while. Nothing for it. What would he tell you? We all do things. Yes. And what else would he tell you. We all assign good and evil to them. This too is true. These are ideas we had together as boys, staying up late, candle out, with our teachers asleep. He is no fool. Look at him. He chose this power too. He decided to die too, if need be. He understands that power is divine." He inhales sharply again. "I made a mistake. Thought too much like him. Should never have hired you heroes. Chauncey is the one who leans on others. That is not true strength. Look what it did to me. I was afraid to die, and that's what killed me." A quiet exhale. "That's that. Probably could have killed him on my own. Shouldn't have been so damn afraid. Damn it!" He tries to push himself upwards, but falters. His arms shake, and then he falls flat on his back again. "Damn it. When we were boys we both saw power, we both saw good and evil. But he thought that power was out there in the universe, some spirit, something we could feed and that would in turn feed us. Foolish notion. Power is within. Friends are nothing, the universe is nothing. When I draw my final breath, I die, and what does that do for the universe and the world and the spirit. Nothing. I can leave only a small portion of my power with you." Aventine taps Purpearls forehead in a sort of comical manner, something you wouldn't imagine would do much of anything, but she feels her veins course all the same. "Damn it," he exhales, and his eyes roll up a little, and all the heroes feel a burning sensation around their neck. OoC: Purpearl gains +4 ether, +4 power. All heroes lose .1 of their max. health. Still a bit more to do before loot, just waiting for responses from people.

Boomingham holds out his hand to Masson. "My sword, Stealer."

Thank you, it did, and I'm back now!

Round Ten Wizard's Duel Dark Minion does nothing Light Minion v. Aventine - 11 Damage, -1 ether >Alexis uses a titan heart on Chauncey Alexis v. Aventien - Satisfy (Aventine Level 42) >Chauncey v. Aventine - Critical Hit/Critical Hit (20 Damage, -1 ether) >Chauncey v. Aventine - Critical Hit/Special Damage (20 Damage, -1 ether, Aventine KO) Chauncey and Alexis make a final push, closing in on Aventine. The mage fights valiantly, but suddenly he finds Chauncey before him. "I'm sorry," he says, and then with a flash of light, he throws Aventine back. The battle is victorious for the Chauncey party. The light and darkness summons, their work being done, wink out of existence. XX hobbles to his feet, blood dribbling out of his mouth. He glances over at Aventine. "Screw it," he says as the medal around his neck starts to glow. He looks over the heroes quickly. "At least I'm alive. It was nice working with some of you." He hobbles over to the edge of the clearing, and then trips, falling face down in the grass. The Master of Regret shrugs. And this is how the field stands: Aventine, gasping for air, staring off into the morning sky. The dead, all falling apart, Zelphie among them. Ruffers and Pigley still in a pile far off, heaving heavy, breathing slightly. Only the Master of Regret, the heroes and Chauncey stand proud and tall. And the heroes can feel the medals burning their necks. "Purpearl. To me," hisses Aventine from his prone position. The Chauncey Party Lord Chauncey Level 70.2 Evoker *Immune to Blinded, Sealed, Asleep, Stunned, Confused, and Instant Kill* *Immune to darkness and light elemental damage* Health 201/205 SP: 4 Ether: 34/45 Equipment: Hood of the Black Mage (SP: 4, Immunity to Darkness and Light Elemental Damage), Summoning Ring (Summons get +4 levels, suitable for Evokers), Regret's Gloves (Immune to Sealed, Blinded, Asleep, Stunned, Confused and Instant Death, Permits 2 Summons, Suitable to Chauncey) Inventory: 3 Amethyst Lamps of Summoning, Amethyst, Diamond, Tonic Alexis Fenral, Orc-kin (Party Leader) *Counterstriking* *Blessed* *Hastened* 22 year old female elven Harlot Level 47 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 63/75 Gold: 1639 GP: 9 Equipment: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental), Counterstrike Gloves, Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: • Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP: 20, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Death's Whip (WP:11, on successful hits there is a 1/6 chance to cause double damage), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, light-elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4; staff), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Town Watch Halberd (WP: 6), • Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Smelly Hide (Suitable for barbarians and beast warriors, half damage from beasts and humanoids on Damage, bodywear), Winged Sandals (artifact; footwear; protects from bound and slowed effects), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Magnar's Smaller Axe (Grants User Dual-Strike, User Cannot Wield a Shield, Handwear, suitable for classes capable of using axes), Regret's Cape (Backwear, grants immunity to first negative effect afflicted each battle) • Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Topaz (lightning), Fifty Shades of Bley, • Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, • 2 Somas, 5x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, Health Core, 6x Potion, Grand Potion, 9x Meads, Smelling Salts, Nostrum, 9x Remedies, 7x Grand Potions, Skeleton Decoy, 8x Bone, Deadly Venom, Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Mulled Wine, 2x Grating Stones, Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects for the duration of one battle), Red Death Blood (If applied to a weapon the Doomed effect is dealt on first blow), Zoot's Cookie Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley Level 22 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed* *Incapacitated* Power Bonus: 4 Health: 9/35 Defense: 4 Gold: 303 Equipment: Crabspirator (WP: 16, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), Pigley (+4 Power, +4 Max Health, Hastened, Not an Artifact), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed), Crab Shell Armor (Body Wear, +4 Max Health, 4 SP) Inventory: Rebel's Sword (Longsword, WP: 11), Venom, Smelling Salts NOTE: KOing Russel and Pigley will lead to their death. If Russel and Pigley's health drops below 10 they will be 'incapacitated'. OoC: Loot will come shortly - there's still a little bit more to do before then.

As I said last week, I am directing a short film this weekend. I only get this opportunity a few days every year, because it's very expensive. So I may be a little spotty tonight and tomorrow. EDIT: So I am ready to run a round, but if it gets in much later I will have to wait until late tomorrow evening, unfortunately.

Round Nine Wizard's Duel Undead Horde does nothing >Purpearl throws a Neutralizer >Aventine raises XX - Raise Less (XX raised with 1 health, -1 ether) Nerwen heals Aventine - Heal Less (+32 health, -1 ether) >Matthias v. Chauncey - Special Damage (Light Minion Summoned) >Matthias v. Chauncey - Aim (1 Damage, -2 burning) Alexis v. Purpearl - [57/2]/7=5 Damage (No Dodge) Dark Minion does nothing Light Minion v. Aventine - 11 Damage, -1 ether >Alexis takes a Smelling Salt >Alexis uses a Kraken Fang on Chauncey >Chauncey v. Aventine - Special Damage (No Dead to Raise) >Chauncey v. Aventine - Hit (10 Damage, -1 ether) Purpearl + Matthias v. Chauncey - ([15+22(-1 ether)]-8)/7= 5 Damage, -2 burning Nerwen + Matthias v. Alexis - ([15+42]/7= 9 Damage, -2 burning, Alexis Fragile ([(57-16)/2]/7=3 Damage Nerwen) ([57/2]/7=5 Damage) Chauncey takes 4 from burning, Alexis takes 4 from burning All standing heroes gain 3 health Aventine's party, after intensive internal debate, rally, and the side that seemed only moments ago to barely be clinging on stands firm once more. "You are a fool, Chauncey. These heroes cannot be swayed by talk. Only by power. I had the power to rip their friends from them, but I did not. That is all it takes. What is intention without ability to act? What have you gained in the last seven years?" The Aventine Party Lord Aventine Level 56 Necromancer *Immune to Fire, Darkness, Water, Sealed, Blinded, Asleep, Stunned, Confused and Instant Kill* Health: 32/160 Power Bonus: 10 Defense: 3 Ether: 12/40 Gold: 1000 Equipment: Magical Tricorne (SP:3, Immunity to Fire), Regret's Necklace (Immune to Sealed, Blinded, Asleep, Stunned, and Instant Death, For an additional 2 ether undead can attack with any element [as opposed to darkness], Suitable for Aventine), Aventine's Cape (Immunity to Darkness and Water) Inventory: Ruby, Amethyst Undead Lord Level 10 Undead Element: Darkness Undead Peasant Level 20 Undead Element: Darkness Undead Paladin Level 45 Undead Element: Darkness Undead Pirate Level 50 Undead Element: Darkness Undead Zelphie Level 45 Undead Element: Darkness XX Level 35.2 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* *Incapacitated* Health: 1/51 Defense: 0 Gold: 392 Equipment: XX Hand Cannon (WP: 12, Ignores SP), XX Ammo Belts (As an Alchemist, XX can only receive rolls ending in "Bomb", excluding Bravado Brew and Explosion, as a Cannonner Bomb XX and Bomb XXX are added to possible creations), Cannoneer's Sashes (The damage output of bombs consumed are added to the WP of the Cannoneer's weapon before damage calculation) Inventory: Dangerous Dagger (WP: 20, Fire-Elemental), Mead x3, Ruby, Military Grade Fire Bomb x4, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x2, Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (4), Water Bombs (9), Dirt Bombs (5), Air Bomb, Venom (x5), Nostrum, NOTE: KOing XX will lead to his death. If Aventine is killed, XX will flee the battle. If XX's health drops below 10 he will be 'incapacitated'. Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 32 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 36/54 Ether: 36/37 Gold: 249 Equipment: Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14, Light Elemental, Meditate becomes hits, longsword), Orc Barbed Shield (SP: 11), Heavy Armor (SP:5, Immune to Fragile, bodywear), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed), White Cloak (Max. HP +3, back wear) Inventory: • Sword of the Red Lizard (Longsword, WP:10, fire-elemental), Mourning Star (WP: 10, Inflicts Fragile, Fire-Elemental), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30; user is Slowed and Immune to Hastened; cannot be equipped at the same time as a shield; axe), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2, Immune to Blind) • Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired, Accessory, Suitable for Paladins), Helm of the Lord of Light (Headwear, Immunity to Light and Jinxed, Suitable for Knights), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles, accessory), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to Sealed; body wear) • Topaz • No Scrolls • Grand Tonics (3), Potions (3), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom (4), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Ether Core (2), Grand potion, Ambrosia (4), 2x Red Death Blood (If applied to a weapon the Doomed effect is dealt on first blow) • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) *Party Leader* 180 Years Old Female Elven Mage *Evasive* *Blessed* Level 17 Power: 30 Health: 11/25 Ether: 20/21 Gold: 338 (Owes Karie 25 gold) Equipment: Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3), Tunic of Elven Acrobat (+4 HP, Provides Evasion Effect with 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE and Free Hits, torso wear), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Thorny Rose (WP: 17,wood-elemental, deals the poisoned by 3 effect, mace), Heavy Armour (SP: 5, immune to fragile, suitable for suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Bedroll, Potion (x3), Grand Tonic, Raw Sushi (Consumable, Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether), Tasty Pretzel (x2) (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption), Mead, Ambrosia, Bone, Tinyshroom, Level Up Mushroom, Venom (x2), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory), Remedy (x2), Muddy Bomb (deals blinded and -3 poisoned to all foes), Tiger Balm, Chaotic Whip (WP: 5, Light/Darkness Elemental), Shovel Gemstones: Ruby (Fire), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Opal, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion, Magical Staff (WP: 15; Water-,Darkness-elemental; staff) Matthias the Carnival Crusader (nstickney) Level 16 Ranger *Blessed* *Hastened* Power Bonus: 2 Defense: 0 Health: 3/21 Gold: 176 Equipment: Peashooter (WP: 2, deals burning by 2 effect), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect, suitable to Rangers), Inventory: Steel Cutlass (Sword, WP:5, suitable for Knights or Rogues), Grimmau's Clothespin (Headwear, prevents the first negative effect inflicted on the wearer during a battle), Winged Sandals (Footwear, protects from Bound and Slowed effects), Grating Stone, 2x Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Ball and Chain (Chain, WP: 4), Staff (WP: 4), Elixir, Magnar’s Unreasonably Cruel Axe (WP: 12, Deals the Bleeding -3 Effect, axe), 2x Red Death Blood (When applied to weapon Doomed is dealt on the first blow), Dapper Hat (wearer has a 1/6 chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle), Remedy, Zoot's Cookie The Chauncey Party Lord Chauncey Level 70 Evoker *Immune to Blinded, Sealed, Asleep, Stunned, Confused, and Instant Kill* *Immune to darkness and light elemental damage* *Burning -4* *Hastened* *Reinforced* Health 201/205 SP: 4 8 Ether: 34/45 Equipment: Hood of the Black Mage (SP: 4, Immunity to Darkness and Light Elemental Damage), Summoning Ring (Summons get +4 levels, suitable for Evokers), Regret's Gloves (Immune to Sealed, Blinded, Asleep, Stunned, Confused and Instant Death, Permits 2 Summons, Suitable to Chauncey) Inventory: 3 Amethyst Lamps of Summoning, Amethyst, Diamond, Tonic Darkness Minion Level 74 Darkness Summon Light Minion Level 74 Light Summon Alexis Fenral, Orc-kin (Party Leader) *Counterstriking* *Blessed* *Hastened* *Burning -4* *Fragile* 22 year old female elven Harlot Level 46.8 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 62/74 Gold: 1639 GP: 9 Equipment: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental), Counterstrike Gloves, Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: • Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP: 20, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Death's Whip (WP:11, on successful hits there is a 1/6 chance to cause double damage), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, light-elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4; staff), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Town Watch Halberd (WP: 6), • Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Smelly Hide (Suitable for barbarians and beast warriors, half damage from beasts and humanoids on Damage, bodywear), Winged Sandals (artifact; footwear; protects from bound and slowed effects), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Magnar's Smaller Axe (Grants User Dual-Strike, User Cannot Wield a Shield, Handwear, suitable for classes capable of using axes), Regret's Cape (Backwear, grants immunity to first negative effect afflicted each battle) • Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Topaz (lightning), Fifty Shades of Bley, • Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, • 2 Somas, 5x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, Health Core, 6x Potion, Grand Potion, 9x Meads, Smelling Salts, Nostrum, 9x Remedies, 7x Grand Potions, Skeleton Decoy, 8x Bone, Deadly Venom, Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Mulled Wine, 2x Grating Stones, Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects for the duration of one battle), Red Death Blood (If applied to a weapon the Doomed effect is dealt on first blow), Zoot's Cookie Zelphie Level 45 Artisan *Immune to Lightning* *KO'd* Health: 0/45 SP: 1 Gold: 20 Equipment: Staff (WP: 20), Counterstrike Gloves (Counter Free-Hits), Conductor Helmet (Artefact. SP:1, Immune to Lightning) Inventory: Hammer (WP:6), Scroll of Confusion, Bedroll, Venom, 2 Remedies, Fire Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Telescope, Magnifying Glass Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley Level 21.66 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed* *Incapacitated* Power Bonus: 4 Health: 8/34 Defense: 4 Gold: 303 Equipment: Crabspirator (WP: 16, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), Pigley (+4 Power, +4 Max Health, Hastened, Not an Artifact), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed), Crab Shell Armor (Body Wear, +4 Max Health, 4 SP) Inventory: Rebel's Sword (Longsword, WP: 11), Venom, Smelling Salts NOTE: KOing Russel and Pigley will lead to their death. If Russel and Pigley's health drops below 10 they will be 'incapacitated'.

Oh, my apologies. I thought there had been a change for a reason, sorry. I will go tell my players I was wrong. I remembered a discussion and there being a ruling that it might not force everyone to leave, but I guess that was a exception instead of a new ruling.

"Stick in there," says Boomingham, attacking the Wound from a safe distance.

Sorry, the "they will be sorry they crossed me" was at you and Matthias, not at the animals! That was unclear, my mistake. And he was okay with the plan until the threat of the smoke bomb - while nothing has actually been "run" I'd say a round or two worth of changes has indeed happened. It's tough for me to say exactly what Aventine will do because it too has changed, but the last few times I've tried bolding it. It's a good suggestion, I will work on it for however many rounds remain. Also, apparently smoke bombs do force everyone to flee. Sorry, I was wrong. You may still stick to that if that's the strategy you prefer! But hopefully not - I want to run this round as soon as Purpearl posts. This is also (you may have guessed) the final battle of the quest - I don't want to hold off the inevitable battle and make it any longer than it should be, but it's up to you, not me.

"Damn straight they do. I dunno what to do. Might as well sign up for both, ya hear? Let fate do its thing." Bobby signs up for Quest 119 and Quest 120.

OoC: Aventine does not plan to kill Ruffpig. He is not an ambling headless monster. It will not help him live, and he is not some bizarro god of carnage, just someone trying to survive. Aventine catches Nerwen's gaze. "I am not an unreasonable man, Nerwen. I see you and Matthias fleeing, but only to save the beasts. Stay with me, and I will not slay them. Chauncey is the only man I wish to see die today."

I agree. All four players have delivered to a degree that I previous thought nearly-impossible.

I love Matthias too. I'm sorry you've so vocally hated the quest, Stick - I wish you had told me before this final stretch. I could have done something about it if you'd told me earlier, but now its just sort of demotivating.

OoC: Sandy has changed the rules of smoke bombs so that they don't force everyone to flee. Is that still what you'd like to do? I'm sorry about that, but I think that's the ruling now. I will allow you to preempt the battle order with this action, however. I will wait to run the round only until Nerwen either flees, or commits to her action. Chrome, it is absolutely NOT NECESSARY for you to do this, but if you'd like to, you may switch sides. This will not affect anything except who your AoE effects/which AoEs effect you. You may still of course remain on Aventine's side if you wish to save him, or even if you don't and it makes more sense to you. Aventine's eyes narrow as Matthias prepares to flee and Nerwen swings her sword at Purpearl. "They will be sorry they crossed me." He begins to chant. "Purpearl, neutralize the threat. I will raise the bomber so that we will once more have an even fight on our hands. Those traitors shall not tear me down."

I know, but as threats build on threats everyone keeps changing their actions and I'm afraid we're going to get to 100 conditionals and no round to actually run. Though I'm kidding, of course. I'm equally terrified and ecstatic.

Should I have people PM actions at this point?

:laugh: It'a funny, because that's basically how I feel right now too! Only imagine you're playing five characters and they're all both scum and townie but they all believe they're townie and there's no team win.

"One of us will not live past the day." "I cannot call off this fight. This started long ago. I agreed to participate, as did Aventine. I do not wish to see Russel and Pigley die, but I can do nothing to save them. You are trying to convince the wrong man." The Master of Regret gives a cheeky little wave. "Hi there, Purpearl. I think it's actually me you're looking for. As I explained to Nerwen, I feed on Regret. Eat right on up. And here's a little insider tip, a bit of business savvy for you - if you ever end up in the business of consuming regret - generally if you're trying to weasel your way out of something, you're going to regret that thing." "Aventine and I both understand the law of actions - it is all any of us have. I do that, you do this, so on. I am prepared to step down. That is my action. You are prepared to kill the crab and pig. That is your action. What will Aventine do, though? What of the other heroes? We are now discussing who will live, and who will die. That is all the choice we have left. I asked you to leave sooner, but now it is too late. Now Zelphie will be dead, and either XX and Aventine or myself and the animals. This is the choice it has come to." "Unless there is another thing that can happen. That is also possible. This universe is large. The choices are infinite, but you must act."

Ah, sorry, again not thinking straight, it should go to Nerwen, I was just on auto-pilot. I'd love to have him hit Aventine because he's not targeting heroes, but mechanics are mechanics and we can't go messing with free hits or I'll really lose it. Not that I haven't already lost it. I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but running battles drives me crazy.

I'm really really excited because I have literally no idea how this quest is going to end!!

I should be paying more attention doubly over. Thanks for the catch - that puts Aventine at a nice round 1 health, I believe.

"You listen, but you do not hear. I have spoken many times. That man beside is not evil." He points to Aventine. "Lord Aventine is my friend. But one of us must die today. It is intention, not action, that I kill him for. I do not believe that he wishes evil upon the world, and that alone is no fault. But I wish good for the world. That is better than wishing nothing. Even wishing for the world anything is better than simply wishing for one's self." The Master of Regret, finally truly addressed by the heroes, flares up, shadows wreathing him. "That is not a bad deal, Nerwen Calmcacil. Though you are not such a prize as some others - you do not regret as much as you should, though perhaps I'm just a tad bias. The danger, of course, is that by breaking this contract, you'll know that I'll willing to break yours." The Regret shrugs. "Besides, will Aventine let you go so easily?" And then, with the shadows swirling even higher: "Though I am not immune to temptation, you know. We Old Gods are Gods of hunger. I will eat whatever meal is largest." "You will not leave me to die," says Aventine with conviction. "If you leave his side, who will save XX?"

"I like you the least, Purpearl," says Chauncey. "You remind me of my dead Zelphie, but without her... strength, for lack of a better word I suppose. She believed the world was divided into the weak and the strong, a duality I find hard to grasp." The dead Zelphie stands stock still, unaware that she is being discussed. "But she believed too that the strong must protect the weak if they seek protection, and must eliminate them if they cause decay. It is not something I agree with. Who is weak and who is strong? But this I believe: you think of the weak and the strong, but only as yourself must be strong and that other must be weak. This Zelphie thought too. But this is your failing: when called hero, you answered as mercenary. That is no goodness. I cannot stop you from taking me with your neutralizer, but I can only despair the others are blind to you and that I am not." "I will note too that my power comes not from the great wilderness and chaos. The universe has given it to me through Alexis. She did what she thought good, and so she has helped the good. You do what you do with no regard for good, and so you do not aid the good. It means nothing to you." "You speak in circles," says Aventine with a secretive nod to Purpearl.

OoC: I should have inflicted Bleeding/poisoned on the Bleeding on Round Four, so he should be down 30 extra health. "I've still got some fight left in me," says Boomingham with a curt smile. "Tend to the wounded." Boomingham repeats.