Zepher

XX stares at Matthias and his sudden anger. "You don't have to finish this quest if you don't have the stomach for it, Matthias. I have grown to respect you man to man these last few days, but sometimes things have to be done. Just remember, you still owe me something, whenever we part ways. Either that gun, or the gold." XX breaks open the bomb carefully, and surrounds the bodies in powder. He then lights a match and tosses it - the bodies go up in flames instantly. Zelphie smiles quietly to herself and leads the heroes back to the tavern. ​There they find Matthias, lounging in one of the chairs. In his hand is a crystal ball. "A little old school if you ask me," says Matthias as he shifts into Purpearl. "But I'm hardly one to judge how mages play their games. Gather round, heroes. Once this conversation is over, I get paid, and I'm out of here. So make it snappy." She places the orb on the table and shifts back down to being Midge. The heroes gather round the orb. In it, they see two figures swimming to the surface. Aventine and Chauncey, staring ahead at them. "Hello heroes. I'm sorry that the road was so long for you. But that's all in the past now. My name is Lord Chauncey, as I'm sure you know. I am a friend or former employer of a great number of your peers - Nyx, Hybros, Guts, Docken, Atramor, Ellaria, Tesni, Althior, even Russel and Pigley. Hello, my little friends. I am certain you have a great many questions. There have been many moving parts over the week. Such is the way of the world, and we are but small players in it. All the world's a stage, as Stirlance said - do you know his works? I myself am obsessed with them. But this is neither the time or place for that. I may be able to peel back the curtains a little, show you backstage. What has been happening for the last week?" "I would leave it open to you. You may demand any question of me, or of Aventine. I will answer honestly. I can not speak for my former peer." He looks over at Aventine. "I will spare you one question, however, and answer it now. Because it is the reason I invite you to the duel tomorrow. I am certain Zelphie has told you that I think you will aid me, and not your employer. That is a gamble I take. And I will tell you why, now, I believe this." "Aventine is an evil man. He is your employer. Helping him would be good for you. I know about those amulets that you wear around your necks." Aventine chuckles coldly then. "Aventine is certain that those amulets, and the fear they govern you with, will prevent you from helping me. I will not lie. Harm will befall you if you come to my side heroes. But the world, the entirety of Olegia, will be a better place. I believe that we as mortals are greater than just the self. I believe that we are one spirit, one living organism, all of us together. And while harm may befall you, you would be helping the greater spirit. That is what heroes do, after all. They do not think of themselves. They are not a "self" they are a symbol. They are the people, all the people. They are more than selfless, because selfless requires still an opinion of the self. Heroes are not that. When Orcs swarmed down the mainland years ago, one hundred heroes defended the spirit of mortals. Of those, ninth-four died and are forgotten. Great harm fell on them, on their self, but they are heroes because they saved the mortal spirit. And the six that we know are heroes too, but they could not have done it on their own." "Both Aventine and I were given power seven years ago. He has used it to terrorize, to murder, to raise the dead and form unholy alliances. I have used it for what I believe to be the good of the mortal spirit. If I have succeeded, I do not know, but I believe the trying alone makes my life more valuable than his." "This blabbering does not matter. They are heroes because they wish to be strong, and they can be heroes because they are strong. They can only "aid the mortal spirit" - hogwash - if they grow stronger, not if they grow weaker." "He does not know what real strength is," murmurs Zelphie. "See his fear." "The floor is your's, heroes." "But make it quick. I'm bored as shit of all this high mind spirit and morality blathering."

OoC: Oh, wow, I'm very sorry! I can roll for that now. Special Damage, but you're right, that could have been cool. My bad. "It's really up to you all. I didn't really know them, and if this week has taught me anything it's that I'm tired of conspiracy, liars, and cheats and that's apparently what these two have been up to... but Hels, I don't see any reason to let them be ripped apart by the dire wolves. Probably most everyone deserves a better send off than that."

We can discuss it more after the quest, but while I've certainly prodded you in directions I've tried to be flexible over all with the quest! There have been quite a number of things that weren't really supposed to develop that did because of the players, and I certainly wouldn't have been opposed to it there! I know XX seemed like me trying to force the fight, and it's something I really debated about over the last week, actually, but I felt it was more true to have him fight than have him follow whatever the heroes wanted, and I opted for character truth. But again, we've been pretty quiet over all so far, and we're so near the end, maybe we should just save it for the QM Lounge.

"Yeah, how far back does this contraption go? Can we just pull more levers down? Does anyone want to give it a little test with me?"

Boomingham stares at the contraption. "What do you think time travel in the past is like?" he asks. "Do you think if we kill the Regret here he'll have been dead for five hundred years?"

Sorry that fight took so long, 102! Wasn't expecting it to! You guys have been great about never complaining about how long the quest is, so I am extremely happy to tell you that you only have one fight left!!

XX strides forward and raises his knife. "I will make this quick, at least." Round Six Digging Their Own Graves Nerwen v. Keith - Special Damage XX v. Keith - Hit (20+33=53, KO) >Purpearl looks away Purpearl regains 3 health XX regains 3 health XX walks calmly up to Keith and slits his throat. Keith's eyes go wide, but be slumps to the ground quickly. The battle is Victorious. The Party XX Level 35.2 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 38/51 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), Phoenix Essence, 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 Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 32 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 54/54 Ether: 37/37 Gold: 109 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 (4), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, 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), Smelling Salts, 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: 8/25 Ether: 20/21 Gold: 198 (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 (x2), 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, Neutralizer, Chaotic Whip (WP: 5, Light/Darkness Elemental) 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) Loot 280 Gold Shovel Before the heroes can even react to the quiet death, Zelphie is behind them, as if she had been there the whole time. "Thank you, honorable heroes. These two were a great evil on the earth. They were weak. Those who are strong leave the dead alone. That is the respect the strong give, because that is the respect the strong expect. I could not let them walk free." "Alright, lady. We did your work, let's see the spot of the duel." "That will come tomorrow. We must first return to the tavern to rest. Besides, there are people there who wish to speak with you. Charming Chauncey does not want you to go in blind tomorrow. He wishes to speak with you, and allow you to answer any questions you may have. You will also, of course, be allowed to speak to abhorrent Aventine. Charismatic Chauncey wants all the cards on the table when the next day dawns." "Alexis, Matthais." XX calls over the heroes. "These two were your friends, right? We can't carry them all the way back to Eubric. They'll start to smell. But there's a shovel here. You can bury them, if you want. Or-" he pulls out a Fire Bomb- "I know that not all people think it's the best way to go out, but a flame is a flame. What's that thing that dragons say? Fire to the soul, and the soul takes flight. I don't know. Heard it once or twice in Dastan." He shrugs. "When I die, I'd like to be burned. So I'm offering it to them.

"If it counts for anything, I'm still going with the Fairy." Round Five Digging Their Own Graves Nerwen chitchats >XX v. Keith - Hit (35+12=47) >Purpearl v. Keith - Damage (22*2/2=22 Damage) Purpearl regains 3 health XX regains 3 health "You're talking like you're giving me a shot to fix a cold, not like you're killing me," cowers Keith. "If its 'unpleasant' for you..." he grimaces, and some tears start to roll - he's unable to finish the thought. The Enemies Keith Level 22 Humanoid *Encouraged* *Sealed* Health: 43/140 Special: Scared, But Brave - Encourages himself and Samantha. Heals himself and Samantha by 40 health. Drops: 140 Gold, Shovel The Party XX Level 35 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 35/51 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), Phoenix Essence, 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 Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 31.75 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 53/53 Ether: 36/36 Gold: 109 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 (4), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, 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), Smelling Salts, 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 16.5 Power: 30 Health: 4/24 Ether: 19/22 Gold: 198 (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 (x2), 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, Neutralizer, Chaotic Whip (WP: 5, Light/Darkness Elemental) 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)

Boomingham watches the exchange. "Looks like we did better than some of the others," he says with a sly grin. He shakes his head and sighs heavily. "Ah well. I don't want to go anywhere without Karie and Masson, be it time or place." But he rests his eyes on the time machine. "A little silly, that he explains how to time travel but not what it really does." "Do not meddle with this. It is dark dark magic."

"See if it mentions this bad boy," says Boomingham, pointing towards the green thing. "I like books, but I'm not sure that the Regret is the sort of author I'd enjoy. I prefer the Comedies of Molter, or the History of the Plantagenet Family. I knew one of King Boris' grandchildren, you know- fellow general in the war. Had Boris' fabled bad breath, and the crazy eyes, but that boy could not command like Boris was said to."

"You can always do something, Matthias. We could have defended them." Pigley looks at the dead body slumped against a tree. "But I guess I am just a pig, Russel just a crab, and you just a halfling. What could we have done against three other mortals?"

Round Four Digging Their Own Graves Purpearl uses Scroll of Sealing - Success (Roll of 1, Keith Sealed, -1 ether) Nerwen v. Keith - Critical Hit ([14*2]+31=55) >XX v. Keith - Damage (22*[2/2]=22 Damage) XX regains 3 health The heroes continue to beat down Keith. "Are we any better standing here and watching it?" The Enemies Keith Level 22 Humanoid *Encouraged* *Sealed* Health: 80/140 Special: Scared, But Brave - Encourages himself and Samantha. Heals himself and Samantha by 40 health. Drops: 140 Gold, Shovel The Party XX Level 35 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 32/51 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), Phoenix Essence, 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 Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 31.75 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 53/53 Ether: 36/36 Gold: 109 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 (4), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, 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), Smelling Salts, 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 16.5 Power: 30 Health: 23/24 Ether: 19/22 Gold: 198 (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 (x2), 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, Neutralizer, Chaotic Whip (WP: 5, Light/Darkness Elemental) 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)

"What's the worse it could do?" says Boomingham, poking the big green portion of the device with Scupperer.

The compass spins just as wildly this time, but eventually points in a specific direction... back to the town where they'd just come from. Apparently Aventine is somewhere in Ve'er itself, or at least in the closely surrounding area. Not too shocking, considering that he should be at a duel tomorrow somewhere in the nearby forest. Of course, there's no guarantee that he will be easy to get to in Ve'er.

Alexis wills her compass to point her in the direction of the duel. The needle starts to spin, but as it begins to shudder to a stop the face of the compass becomes a cloudy, inky, dark. Alexis glares at it, and it suddenly becomes a distinctive face, two glowing eyes, and a voice that she remembers from some time far in her past, a darker time. "Ha ha ha," says the face on the compass. "Not yet Mistress of Lost Lust. What a mouthful. You'll be seeing the duel tomorrow - don't want to rush into it, do you? Besides, your friends have things to finish." Then the compass clears up, but the needle keeps spinning. OoC: If you would like to try to ask the compass to point you towards something else, try it by all means! Round Three Digging Their Own Graves Nerwen v. Keith - Hit ([14+31]=45 Damage) >XX v. Keith - Special Damage (Healed by 40, Already Encouraged) >Purpearl v. Sam - Critical Hit ([15*2+16]*2=92, -1 ether, KO) Nerwen blessed by 3 Nerwen scratches Keith, but he quickly covers the wound. Purpearl meanwhile catches sight of Samantha trying to flank the heroes, and fires a cloud of darkness at her again. The darkness rams her into a tree and gushes down her throat. Her eyes roll back. She slumps to the ground, dead. Keith's mouth drops open. "Sam! No!!" The Enemies Keith Level 22 Humanoid *Encouraged* Health: 135/140 Special: Scared, But Brave - Encourages himself and Samantha. Heals himself and Samantha by 40 health. Drops: 140 Gold, Shovel The Party XX Level 35 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 51/51 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), Phoenix Essence, 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 Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 31.75 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 53/53 Ether: 36/36 Gold: 109 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 (4), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, 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), Smelling Salts, 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 16.5 Power: 30 Health: 23/24 Ether: 20/22 Gold: 198 (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 (x2), 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, Neutralizer, Chaotic Whip (WP: 5, Light/Darkness Elemental) 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)

OoC: I am leaving for the next ~24 hours. I may have internet, may not. There aren't enough actions in for me to run a round, sorry.

Yeah, I guess I didn't make that clear enough, but you found the witch in one cavern, and then went on the side quests. When you returned you were outside the city... but not where you were previously. I should have written that more clearly, I suppose. So yes, the tunnel you dug ends in a Cavern A, and you were in Cavern B after the side quests. Maybe they're the same cavern, maybe they're different ones, maybe they're adjacent and maybe their worlds apart. You can go back to Cavern A if you want - at the very least you can go deep into Olegia still.

"Good luck, man!" Bobby calls after Vind, and then continues to listen to Ann and Mideran discuss politics and books. "I've never been too good at history," Bobby admits, "I always confuse it and fantasy, know what I mean. Because of the stuff that people did in the past is pretty friggin' rad, and some of the stuff people do in fantasy is boring as whiz. Anyway, Annienal, like I said I'm pretty into books, and I'm looking for a new one. What should I be reading? I like to stay up to date on what's going down in the city and stuff. I read the Eubric Herald like all the time. Probably not as much as I should, but you know, when I get a copy."

"Punii, chap, when we get out of here we got to work on boosting your morale."

"This is a very empty gallery," laughs Boomingham. "Big boasting, but looks like he hasn't delivered yet."

"I'm not waiting around for some compass. Let's get this over with, already. A fight to the death doesn't stop - once you decide to kill someone you kill them or they kill you." Round Two Digging Their Own Graves Nerwen v. Keith - Special Damage (Samantha and Keith Encouraged, Healed by 40) >XX v. Sam - Craft Bomb (Ice Bomb) >Purpearl v. Sam - Critical Hit ([15*2+16]*2=92, -1 ether) Nerwen blessed by 3 And it seems XX is right. Keith helps Sam to her feet, and the two glare at the heroes. It would be difficult to placid them after trying to kill them. Purpearl fires another blast at Sam, but the grave diggers aren't done yet. The Enemies Samantha Level 18 Humanoid *Encouraged* Health: 56/160 Special: Fighting for Life - Samantha makes herself lucky. If she is already lucky, she encourages herself. If she is already encouraged and lucky, she attacks all heroes. Drops: 140 Gold Keith Level 22 Humanoid *Encouraged* Health: 140/140 Special: Scared, But Brave - Encourages himself and Samantha. Heals himself and Samantha by 40 health. Drops: 140 Gold, Shovel The Party XX Level 35 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 51/51 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), Phoenix Essence, 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 Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 31.75 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 53/53 Ether: 36/36 Gold: 109 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 (4), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, 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), Smelling Salts, 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 16.5 Power: 30 Health: 23/24 Ether: 22/22 Gold: 198 (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 (x2), 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, Neutralizer, Chaotic Whip (WP: 5, Light/Darkness Elemental) 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)

"Yo, man, pleasure to meet you." Bobby offers his hand to Lind. "And yo, I love books. They're dope. I'm always looking for some new good books- whatta ya think I should be reading, playa?" he asks Annienal.

"Yo! What's good in the hood?"

"I'm a man of my word, Masson. Until we get out of this Citadel, you're not dying, alright?"

"Oh, yo, what's up! How's it hanging? Yo, if I'm being real with you, I'm just here to see the world and help some dudes out. I think you gotta be the hero, you know? You do you, that sort of shiz. It doesn't matter what other people are doing as long as you do you, know what I'm saying?"