Zepher

Yeah, Eric has had a lot of awesome outfits.

"You know, for someone who seems so determined to move on from his past you bring that duel up quite a lot." Boomingham cocks an eyebrow. "I said I wanted to go after Seerus. Remember, it was me who's spot you took in that tablet, so the oogly boogly inky chap owes me a duel as well. Maybe it's got nothing to do with you. I think he's a baddie and that he makes excuses for it, and I want him to know he's dying because I don't buy those excuses. If I just kill the Regret, he'll think I believed all that crap he said about being a puppet."

"Yeah, I signed up for one or two, dude! I got some high hopes! What about you, big man? You trying to get chosen for something?" OoC: I'd sign up for Endgame's quest, but I think it'd be a little much to do two quests with him at the same time. He's a great QM though, someone else should sign up!!

"It was Seerus who captured you. He did that, even if he likes to say he's only an extension of his master. I'd like to have a word with him and tell him how much I didn't appreciate it."

OoC: We've been sitting on the first round of combat for two days now. I'm gonna move things along. If Alexis would like to use her compass, she will have to find an actual thing, not just have it "point her in the right direction". Round One Digging Their Own Graves Nerwen v. Keith - Damage (22-16=6 Damage) >XX v. Keith - Craft Bomb (Crafts Lightning Bomb) >Purpearl v. Sam - Hit ([15+16]*2=62, -1 ether) Nerwen blessed by 3 The two odd job doers try to sneak off as the heroes discuss, and XX fires on them again. This time they act swiftly, ducking and launching a counterattack. It does not go over well, with Keith's shovel merely rattling Nerwen's armor and Purpearl sending Sam plummeting backwards in a dark cloud. The Enemies Samantha Level 18 Humanoid Health: 98/160 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 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 (1), Lightning Bombs (3), 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: 50/53 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)

"It is my understanding that Seerus will die when we kill the Regret. I don't want that, though. I want him to die on his own, knowing that we've come for him because of what he's done, not that he's dying because we've killed his master. I say we go through his quarters, see if we can't say hello. What do you say, Masson? Want to go find him?"

With a quick glare at Johon, Boomingham steps behind Em. "Lead on. Onwards and upwards. But next time I'm not leaving the room when a ghost tells me to. Didn't even explain who he was indebted to."

Boomingham looks over at Punni. "I hope you're alright, chap. I was worried about you." He then glances over at Masson and grins. "You're in charge of her, Stealer. Make sure she doesn't make trouble for us." Swishing his sword around a little, he turns to Em: "I agree. Let's not dwell here."

Bobby watches as Benji makes a transaction with a mage and then drifts off to talk to someone with a peg leg. "Alright, check you later, boss man!" he calls after him. Bobby gets up to grab another beer from the bar, smiling merrily.

"Look, I don't know why we're getting so moral all of a sudden. Sure, we can try the compass. But Zelphie knows where to find our man, and these people are grave robbers. If you all want to let them go..." a bit of sweat dribbles down XX's face and he shakes his head. "No. I finish my jobs. This is the best lead I've got." OoC: Would be more than willing to run a round, but don't want to jump the gun!

My finale is still a ways off - I have two quests to host before then, and with my life style right now they might not roll out quite as quickly. I'm hoping to do at least one in the spring. But, that being said, one of those two quests will be going to Dastan! JimBee and Flipz and Khrone have gotten the chance to revisit my favorite continent, I think it's only fair I take another crack at it soon.

She still has a bit more to do, sadly... but think about how much fun it might be when Torc and she meet. I wonder if Vipera will like the new dragon.

"How else are we going to finish this? You know where Aventine is? I sure as hel don't. I've got to trust that Zelphie does. What else have we got to go on? These people were hoping to meet him in a tavern, and unless Chauncey has released him, he doesn't seem likely to show up." XX's brow furrows for a second as if something displeasurable has crossed it, but with a shrug he dismisses it. It is Pigley who follows the logic to its end. "Why would he promise to meet them here?" asks the pig quietly. "And why did he want the bodies here. Weren't we supposed to be sailing with him to Charis?" "I would say he was planning in case we failed, but Russel Ruffers never fails and I'm certain my reputation proceeds me!"

XX fires a shot at the two, which misses only barely. He grimaces. "I'm sorry, Matthias. I'm finishing my job." The two grave robbers quake, but stand their ground. Keith lifts his shovel in preparation to fight for his life. Pigley trots up next to Matthias, Russel on his back. They watch with drawn faces, glancing at Matthias from time to time. Remaining on the side lines as well, Alexis decides what to do. The Enemies Samantha Level 18 Humanoid Health: 160/160 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 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 (1), Lightning Bombs (3), 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: 24/24 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)

"Man everyone is really into my talking." Bobby smiles. "I learned it on the streets, dog. This is the way me and my homies talk to each other. And yeah, I got an older sister and an older brother. He's learning to be a potion master, and she's over at the the academy." Bobby swallows a huge portion of his drink. "Oh, that's the good stuff, man."

"What?" asks Sam, her face becoming pale. "What's happening? Someone wants us dead?" "What?!" Keith's eyes water. "The Cold Circles? I think Thistlethorp and Aventine mentioned it." She huffs. "Thistlethorp and Aventine seemed like business associates, not friends. If you are killing us because of Thistlethorp... we were not his employees, we were not working with him. Our employer hardly worked with him. They were just part of the same club." "We're wasting time." XX levels his weapon at them. "Zelphie will check the bodies. If she finds they are still alive, she'll kill them and never lead us to the duel. I don't accept that." XX looks at Purpearl. "What was that thing you said? Do the job and hope we're on the same side next time. So let's do our job." What will the heroes do?

"Yeah, a necromancy. Not sure why there's such a stigma against them - they use already dead people, after all. Not like they're really harming anyone. Our employer's name is Bart Aventine. He and a friend of his approached us in Eubric, offering us the job." "We got paid half up front, when we were given the bodies. Aventine's friend, Thistlethorp, he's the fellow who dug up the bodies and paid us the first half. He's part of the Town Watch, so I imagine he's not a bad guy, overall. We're supposed to meet Aventine here for the second half of our pay, sometime in the next few days. There's a tavern in town, we can get something to drink while we wait." "I think Keith has the right idea. I've had enough of this forest - we were here all last evening burying bodies, and then we slept out here. I'm more than ready for a drink. What do you say, heroes?" She smiles and begins to make her way towards the edge of the clearing. Russel waves his sword around uncertainly. "Um, what do we do, heroes?" he asks. "We can't find the duel if we don't do what Zelphie says." "I'm not so sure Aventine is worth defending. But I'm also not so sure that Chauncey is worthy of winning." XX, oblivious to the animals, draws his weapon. He glances at Purpearl, and the heroes know that he, at least, is more than ready to honor their agreement with Zelphie.

:laugh: That is an awesome idea. I think that the main issue is that we base most of the evolution of society in fantasy off the evolution of our own society, whereas if necromancy had been around for hundreds of years, we would probably do things totally differently... in way more ways than just cremation (though that is an awesome example).

With eyes growing wide, Keith tries to scuttle off, but Sam grabs him by the shirt. Her voice is still light, but she cocks her head, and her eyes certainly narrow a little... "I'm sure if there is any danger in these woods," and Samantha looks around at the woods, illuminated everywhere by the morning sun, "we are most safe near the heroes. Besides, we've been strolling around all morning with no issues! We even slept out here last night." "Oh, that's right." Keith blushes. "But I was scared then too." "Yeah but we ended up being okay." Samantha grins at the heroes and rolls her eyes in appreciation of her traveling companion. "Anyway, like we said, we were busy burying bodies." "I know that the woods is a little bit of a weird place to bury them," admits Keith. "See, I wasn't totally honest with you when we met the first time, Alexis. Oops." She pretends to cringe. "The dead bodies were in need of transporting, and they were already dead... but see, it wasn't the family of the deceased who wanted them moved. Some other organization." "I had some reservations too at first, heroes, but then Sam explained it to me! The bodies were already dead, so they'd hardly know they were moved. And someone else dug them up for us. And then we just transported them, and buried them again! It's all good, and no one is hurt." "Except, of course, the families of the dead. I'm sure they'll be missing the bodies."

"Yo man, thanks for asking. No one has asked me yet! Where are you from, bro? I'm from here in Eubric itself - live on the outskirts of the Hovels. My family does alright - my dad's a cleric, good dude, and my mom makes potions. It ain't half bad, and they bring home the dough and feed me, so I can't complain, ya know? Least I don't live in the hovels, know what I'm saying. I wasn't good at either of those things though, so I told them I'd be a hero for a bit, and they were cool with that. Hel good rents."

"Sure thing, man. If you need a hand, just holla at ya boy!"

Bobby checks the quest board and signs up for Quest #116 and Quest #118. "Yo, boss man!" says Bobby, seeing Benji. He gives a little wave. "How's it hanging, man? Who are all these dudes?" He offers his hand at the general audience around Benji. "Yo, I'm Bobby, awesome to meet you guys."

There was Crimson Crown - one of Pie's NPCs - and I think he actually dressed in similar colors to Heweyrt. There's so many characters, it's easy to confuse them, so I don't worry about it too much anymore. But yes, Gocklo and Heweyrt and Deborah have not announced an allegiance. I will tell you that their organization has appeared in 5 quests total in some shape or form, and two of their other associates have made an appearance. But like I said, maybe I've been getting too subtle recently.

OoC: Sorry, that was not meant to be a 24 hour break, but last night got busy. The heroes push forward through the trees, and come face to face with their foes. "Purpearl!" exclaims Keith happily. "What are you doing out here? Wandering around the woods?" He looks up at the sky. "It is a beautiful day!" "Alexis!" Sam beams. "And other heroes. What does bring you out into the woods? Slaying some evil forest creatures, no doubt?" Keith glances around. "You think there are evil forest creatures around?" "Oh take a joke, would you?"

"Yo yo yo!" exclaims Bobby as he walks back through the doors of Heroica Hall. "How has it been hanging, ya'll?"