Zepher

Bobby steps into the front row and repeats. "I'm getting my groove now, baby! Turn up for combat, ca-ching what what!"

"You're very generous when it comes to sparing people, Em. I'm glad to see that you're at least cleaning up some of the messes you left behind." Boomingham winks kindly at his friend. "We won't be leaving Iris alive this time around, I promise you. Hand to the Gods. Really, if, as they say, all these things are an extension of the Regret, none of them can be left behind when we're through." "Mortimor wasn't such a long winded talker the last time we saw him," remarks Barty in Boomingham's ear. "Guess he took after you." "What do the books say, Karie? Anything good?" he calls over his shoulder.

OoC: As I said, I'm feeling a little under the weather, but yes, you're right. The battle was won either way - you may revel in the glory of your damage dealt even if the battle description doesn't note it.

Pongcanis Liberation Brigade Battle Round Two Nerwen v. Chief - Hit (Fragile, ([10+30]*2)-5=75) >XX v. Swordsman A - Critical Hit ([([12+10]*2)+34]*2=156 Damage all foes, double damage chief - chief KO'd, spearmen KO'd) >Purpearl v. Spearman B Swordsman A - Critical Hit (88-5=83) >Matthias v. Swordsman A - Aim (0 damage, burning by 2) >Matthias v. Swordsman A - Shield (Triple Shot, No Damage, Swordsman A burning by -4, Swordsman B burning by -2) >Russel v. Swordsman A - Shield (72 Damage, 22 Gold Stolen, KO) >Russel v. Swordsman B - Hide Alexis v. Swordsman B - Critical Hit ([20*2]+46*2*2=KO) The heroes don't even need the angel, it turns out. They make quick work of the remaining Pongcanis. The educated chieftain leans against some crates, bleeding profusely. "I just wanted to be able to feed my daughter," he growls, and then grabs the crates above him and hurls them at a pile nearby. There is a great crashing sound, and the heroes are buffeted by crates from every side. As they stagger to their feet, they find the Chieftain gone. The Party Alexis Fenral, Orc-kin (Party Leader) *Immune to Blinded* *Counterstriking* *Blessed* 22 year old female elven Harlot Level 46.2 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 74/74 Gold: 1509 GP: 9 Equipment: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental) Ring of Sight (protects fromblinded), 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), 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), 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, 9 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 9 Remedies, 7 Grand Potions, Skeleton Decoy, 8x Bone, Deadly Venom, 2 Kraken Fangs (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle. Consumable), Winged Sandals (artifact; footwear; protects from bound and slowed effects), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Mulled Wine, 2 Grating Stones, Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects for the duration of one battle), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Magnar's Smaller Axe (Grants User Dual-Strike, User Cannot Wield a Shield, Handwear), Nostrum, Town Watch Halberd (WP: 6), Red Death Blood (If applied to a weapon the Doomed effect is dealt on first blow) Sir Isaac Shawe (NPC) Male human Mime Level 50.8 Power: 68 (Level 50 + WP: 18 + Power Bonus: 0) Health: 76/76 (Base HP: 7 + Level bonus: 49 + Class bonus: 20) Defense: 4 (SP: 4) Ether: 58/59 (Level bonus: 49 + Class bonus: 10) Gold: 10 Equipment: Backstabber (WP: 18; pierces SP for the first 5 Rounds of each battle; longsword), Scale Armor (SP: 4; bodywear) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP: 5; throwing dagger) • Grand Potion, Smoke Bombs (3) • Bedroll XX Level 34.25 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 50/50 Defense: 0 Gold: 370 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 x6, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x2, Fire Bombs (3), Ice Bombs (3), Lightning Bombs (3), Water Bombs (10), Dirt Bombs (5), Air Bombs (2), Venom (x5), Nostrum Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 31 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 53/53 Ether: 28/36 Gold: 47 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 (3), Remedies (5), 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, Grand potion, Ambrosia (4), Smelling Salts, x2 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 15 Power: 28 Health: 23/23 Ether: 18/21 Gold: 132 (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, 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 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 14.5 Ranger *Blessed* *Hastened* Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 19/19 Gold: 60 Equipment: Peashooter (WP: 2, deals the 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), 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), Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley Level 20.66 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed* Power Bonus: 4 Health: 33/33 Defense: 4 Gold: 241 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 Salt "Impressive work, heroes!" cries Isaac happily. "A true solving of the mystery. Once you're done dividing up the loot, I'm sure Samuel would be more than happy to lead you to the Iron Reaper." Loot 175 gold x2 Potion x2 Remedy Nostrum

Sorry all, I'm feeling a little under the weather. Probably nothing significant, but updates may be a little slow for the next day or two!

"You're in charge," says Boomingham with a loose smile.

Bobby repeats his attack. "This ain't stuff that's tough, eh man?"

Yes! Balancing is incredibly difficult for partys of different levels, but we've just seen two methods in 109 and 110 (I am also attempting it in 102, but the levels there aren't quite as drastic). The only issue with the current method (everyone being x2) is that all the enemies are pretty equally scary to attack. So really the different healths don't mean anything - its an obvious choice pick off the ones with low health first, since we're in no more danger from the high health ones. In a normal battle, we have to make choices - take down the powerhouse with low health, or pick off the low level high health foes, or so-on and so-forth.

"Yo man, I'm all about sending haters back to Hel, know what I'm saying? Dat's my shiz." Bobby attacks the Evil Monk II from the back row.

I end battles early on occasion too for the same reason. It may be the difference of one bit of ether or two, but really what's more entertaining?

OoC: S'okay, no one is perfect! That's why you check me and I check you! "Ah, come on, if it's happening either way may as well have some fun with it. And I'll be handling the swordsman Nerwen doesn't already have locked down, thank you very much." Pongcanis Liberation Brigade Battle Round One Nerwen v. Swordsman B - Shield (Guardian Angel) >XX (fire bomb loaded) v. Swordsman B - Special Damage (Pongcanis Swordsman to join battle End of Round Three) >Purpearl v. Crossbowman - Critical Hit ([([3*2]+14)*2]-1=39 Damage, -1 ether) >Matthias switches Dapper Hat for Quickdraw Quiver >Matthias v. Spearman B - Aim (3 Damage, burned by 2) >Russel - Crabspirator vs Spearman A - Russel Knocked Back >Russel - Crabspirator vs Crossbowman - Shield (([([16*3]+20+4)*2]/2)-5=72) Alexis v. Chief - Shield (Badly Poisoned) Shawe v. Chief - Special Damage (Purpearl Fragile, Purpearl Weakened) (Spearman A Encouraged, Spearman B Lucky) The battle gets off to a roaring start. The Pongcanis begin to dart at the heroes, running through the tall crates, dipping in and out of view. They clearly are prepared to work as a unit, at a time where our heroes are exhausted and perhaps a little tired of each other. Nerwen centers her mind, and feels the calming glow of her angel as it descends... but descends slowly. XX fires on a Pongcanis, who dodges behind a pile of crates. Bits of wood fill the air as a different crate explodes. Realizing the fight will be a challenging one, the surviving Pongcanis calls for reinforcements. Purpearl singes the crossbow wielding Pongcanis, who beats out his flaming fur wildly. Matthias meanwhile skims another one of their foes with one of his red hot shots. Russel and Pigley are thrown across the room by a particularly strong spear jab, but Russel, maneuvering only as a master crab can, cuts one of their foes even while in mid-air. Alexis and the Chief square off, and she's able to get close enough to slip some poison onto his skin before he dodges away, flinging himself through the boxes, landing before Purpearl and dealing her a blow - not too hard, but jolting all the same - right in the ribcage. She feels her bones rattle and her arms go numb. He chuckles. "I have studied with some of the best. I know your body better than you do, and I can destroy it more easily." The Enemies Chief Chakundra the Educated Pongcanis Humanoid Beast *Immune to Sealed, Blinded, Hexed, Confused, Sleep and Instant Death* *Poisoned -10* Level: 30 Health: 338/420 Defense: 5 Special: Education — Chakundra analyzes the battle, dealing the fragile and weakened effect to one random hero, and encouraging and making lucky one of his warriors. Drops: 100 Gold, Nostrum Pongcanis Swordsman A Humanoid Beast *Immune to Fragile* Level: 22 Health: 280/280 Defense: 5 Special: Cry for Help — The Pongcanis Swordsman lets loose a high-pitched roaring growl for help. Another Pongcanis Swordsman will join the battle after 2 Rounds. Drops: 25 Gold Pongcanis Swordsman B Humanoid Beast *Immune to Weakened* Level: 22 Health: 280/280 Defense: 5 Special: Cry for Help — The Pongcanis Swordsman lets loose a high-pitched roaring growl for help. Another Pongcanis Swordsman will join the battle after 2 Rounds. Drops: 25 Gold Pongcanis Spearman A Humanoid Beast *Encouraged* Level: 20 Health: 75/75 Defense: 10 Special: Spear Thrust — The Pongcanis Spearman lunges forwards and rams his spear at the target, dealing the Knockback-effect and forcing the target to the Back Row for the next Round. Passive Special: Free Healing - The Pongcanis Spearman, if untargeted and either inflicted with a negative effect or below maximum HP, will use his Free Hit to use the appropriate consumable from his Drops; negative effects taking precedence over lost HP. Drops: Potion, Remedy Pongcanis Spearman B Humanoid Beast *Burning -2* *Lucky* Level: 20 Health: 70/75 Defense: 10 Special: Spear Thrust — The Pongcanis Spearman lunges forwards and rams his spear at the target, dealing the Knockback-effect and forcing the target to the Back Row for the next Round. Passive Special: Free Healing - The Pongcanis Spearman, if untargeted and either inflicted with a negative effect or below maximum HP, will use his Free Hit to use the appropriate consumable from his Drops; negative effects taking precedence over lost HP. Drops: Potion, Remedy Pongcanis Crossbowman Humanoid Beast *Back Row* *Immune to Blinded* Level: 15 Health: 1/75 Defense: 1 Special: Careful Aim — The Pongcanis Crossbowman carefully lines up his shot and will pierce SP the next time he deals Damage. Passive Special: Ranged — Being a ranged enemy, the Pongcanis Crossbowman stands in the Back Row, taking halved Damage from melee attacks and ignoring Row when dealing Damage. Drops: 25 Gold The Party Alexis Fenral, Orc-kin (Party Leader) *Immune to Blinded* *Counterstriking* *Blessed* 22 year old female elven Harlot Level 46 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 74/74 Gold: 1509 GP: 9 Equipment: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental) Ring of Sight (protects fromblinded), 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), 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), 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, 9 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 9 Remedies, 7 Grand Potions, Skeleton Decoy, 8x Bone, Deadly Venom, 2 Kraken Fangs (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle. Consumable), Winged Sandals (artifact; footwear; protects from bound and slowed effects), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Mulled Wine, 2 Grating Stones, Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects for the duration of one battle), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Magnar's Smaller Axe (Grants User Dual-Strike, User Cannot Wield a Shield, Handwear), Nostrum, Town Watch Halberd (WP: 6), Red Death Blood (If applied to a weapon the Doomed effect is dealt on first blow) Sir Isaac Shawe (NPC) Male human Mime Level 50.6 Power: 68 (Level 50 + WP: 18 + Power Bonus: 0) Health: 76/76 (Base HP: 7 + Level bonus: 49 + Class bonus: 20) Defense: 4 (SP: 4) Ether: 58/59 (Level bonus: 49 + Class bonus: 10) Gold: 10 Equipment: Backstabber (WP: 18; pierces SP for the first 5 Rounds of each battle; longsword), Scale Armor (SP: 4; bodywear) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP: 5; throwing dagger) • Grand Potion, Smoke Bombs (3) • Bedroll XX Level 34 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 50/50 Defense: 0 Gold: 370 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 x7, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x2, Fire Bombs (3), Ice Bombs (3), Lightning Bombs (3), Water Bombs (10), Dirt Bombs (5), Air Bombs (2), Venom (x5), Nostrum Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 30.75 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 52/52 Ether: 27/35 Gold: 47 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 (3), Remedies (5), 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, Grand potion, Ambrosia (4), Smelling Salts, x2 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* *Weakened (3 Rounds)* *Fragile (3 Rounds)* Level 14.5 Power: 28 Health: 22/22 Ether: 19/20 Gold: 132 (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, 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 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 14 Ranger *Blessed* *Hastened* Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 19/19 Gold: 60 Equipment: Peashooter (WP: 2, deals the 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), 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), Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley Level 20.33 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed* Power Bonus: 4 Health: 33/33 Defense: 4 Gold: 241 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 Salt

OoC: Purpearl's health was fixed. I did not roll for encouraged, but I have now and you didn't get it. Finally, I believe Matthias should be at 19 health - I have him listed with 18 max. health when he was 13.5 unless that was wrong as well.

"Yo, man, I'm ready to rock and rumble aight?" says Bobby to Benji with a big grin on his face. "Nothing like a nap to kick you back into top gear."

"Well, then, let's get a move on." The heroes make their way to the outskirts of town, following the Shawes. There stands an impressive, high ceilinged granary. Isaac produces a key and unlocks the door. They all pile in. Around them are crates stacked high, filled with food. There are windows high up on the walls, impossible to get through. A little bit of moonlight filters in and bounces off the sandstone walls. There is a warm glow to the space. "I believe Nerwen would be highly disappointed in me if I did not offer my own sword." He draws his weapon. "I am a warrior myself. I am sure that some people believe that they do not have to lend their support to the heroes they ask for assistance - that it effectively gets them out of combat. I am not that way. Though my brother has no skill in combat." "I make up for it with my charm." Before the party gets a chance to laugh at Samuel's charm, they hear some grunting. Suddenly they catch a glimpse of a figure making its way through the crates. A pongcanis. He turns to look at them. "Guards," he growls. "Of course. It is no shock to me that the Pongcanis cannot leave this town in peace." A strong looking Pongcanis steps forward. He speaks with an ease that is uncommon for Pongcanis. "It is you who cannot leave the Pongcanis in peace. You humans will not let us live on this island. We were here before you, and we will be here after you, if we can be. It is you humans who start wars. We lived off the land freely until you began your attacks on us. But it will be true no longer. The Pongcanis will drive you from this land. And I, Chief Chakundra the Educated Pongcanis will see to it." And then his eyes focus on Isaac. "It is Isaac Shawe. You are one of the worst of them. Do not think that the Pongcanis do not know what you have done to this island. Do not think they have forgotten the war you caused, and the nobility you hide behind." He lets loose a guttural scream, so different than the fluid oration he has just delivered. "Get them! Tear them to bits! But leave the Shawe alive, he will be taken to leaders for judgement!" Pre-Battle Rolls Matthias not encouraged The Enemies Chief Chakundra the Educated Pongcanis Humanoid Beast *Immune to Sealed, Blinded, Hexed, Confused, Sleep and Instant Death* Level: 30 Health: 420/420 Defense: 5 Special: Education — Chakundra analyzes the battle, dealing the fragile and weakened effect to one random hero, and encouraging and making lucky one of his warriors. Drops: 100 Gold, Nostrum Pongcanis Swordsman A Humanoid Beast *Immune to Fragile* Level: 22 Health: 280/280 Defense: 5 Special: Cry for Help — The Pongcanis Swordsman lets loose a high-pitched roaring growl for help. Another Pongcanis Swordsman will join the battle after 2 Rounds. Drops: 25 Gold Pongcanis Swordsman B Humanoid Beast *Immune to Weakened* Level: 22 Health: 280/280 Defense: 5 Special: Cry for Help — The Pongcanis Swordsman lets loose a high-pitched roaring growl for help. Another Pongcanis Swordsman will join the battle after 2 Rounds. Drops: 25 Gold Pongcanis Spearman A Humanoid Beast Level: 20 Health: 75/75 Defense: 10 Special: Spear Thrust — The Pongcanis Spearman lunges forwards and rams his spear at the target, dealing the Knockback-effect and forcing the target to the Back Row for the next Round. Passive Special: Free Healing - The Pongcanis Spearman, if untargeted and either inflicted with a negative effect or below maximum HP, will use his Free Hit to use the appropriate consumable from his Drops; negative effects taking precedence over lost HP. Drops: Potion, Remedy Pongcanis Spearman B Humanoid Beast Level: 20 Health: 75/75 Defense: 10 Special: Spear Thrust — The Pongcanis Spearman lunges forwards and rams his spear at the target, dealing the Knockback-effect and forcing the target to the Back Row for the next Round. Passive Special: Free Healing - The Pongcanis Spearman, if untargeted and either inflicted with a negative effect or below maximum HP, will use his Free Hit to use the appropriate consumable from his Drops; negative effects taking precedence over lost HP. Drops: Potion, Remedy Pongcanis Crossbowman Humanoid Beast *Back Row* *Immune to Blinded* Level: 15 Health: 75/75 Defense: 1 Special: Careful Aim — The Pongcanis Crossbowman carefully lines up his shot and will pierce SP the next time he deals Damage. Passive Special: Ranged — Being a ranged enemy, the Pongcanis Crossbowman stands in the Back Row, taking halved Damage from melee attacks and ignoring Row when dealing Damage. Drops: 25 Gold The Party Alexis Fenral, Orc-kin (Party Leader) *Immune to Blinded* *Counterstriking* *Blessed* 22 year old female elven Harlot Level 46 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 74/74 Gold: 1509 GP: 9 Equipment: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental) Ring of Sight (protects fromblinded), 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), 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), 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, 9 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 9 Remedies, 7 Grand Potions, Skeleton Decoy, 8x Bone, Deadly Venom, 2 Kraken Fangs (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle. Consumable), Winged Sandals (artifact; footwear; protects from bound and slowed effects), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Mulled Wine, 2 Grating Stones, Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects for the duration of one battle), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Magnar's Smaller Axe (Grants User Dual-Strike, User Cannot Wield a Shield, Handwear), Nostrum, Town Watch Halberd (WP: 6), Red Death Blood (If applied to a weapon the Doomed effect is dealt on first blow) Sir Isaac Shawe (NPC) Male human Mime Level 50.6 Power: 68 (Level 50 + WP: 18 + Power Bonus: 0) Health: 76/76 (Base HP: 7 + Level bonus: 49 + Class bonus: 20) Defense: 4 (SP: 4) Ether: 58/59 (Level bonus: 49 + Class bonus: 10) Gold: 10 Equipment: Backstabber (WP: 18; pierces SP for the first 5 Rounds of each battle; longsword), Scale Armor (SP: 4; bodywear) Inventory: Throwing Knife (WP: 5; throwing dagger) • Grand Potion, Smoke Bombs (3) • Bedroll XX Level 34 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 50/50 Defense: 0 Gold: 370 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 x7, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x2, Fire Bombs (3), Ice Bombs (3), Lightning Bombs (3), Water Bombs (10), Dirt Bombs (5), Air Bombs (2), Venom (x5), Nostrum Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 30.75 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 52/52 Ether: 27/35 Gold: 47 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 (3), Remedies (5), 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, Grand potion, Ambrosia (4), Smelling Salts, x2 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 14.5 Power: 28 Health: 22/22 Ether: 20/20 Gold: 132 (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, 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 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 14 Ranger *Blessed* *Hastened* Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 19/19 Gold: 60 Equipment: Peashooter (WP: 2, deals the burning by 2 effect), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed), Dapper Hat (wearer has a 1/6 chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle), 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), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect, suitable to Rangers), Elixir, Magnar’s Unreasonably Cruel Axe (WP: 12, Deals the Bleeding -3 Effect), 2x Red Death Blood (When applied to weapon Doomed is dealt on the first blow) Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley Level 20.33 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed* Power Bonus: 4 Health: 33/33 Defense: 4 Gold: 241 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 Salt

"Fine. If we don't catch the Hinckwells, we'll catch someone else." Isaac smiles sharply. OoC: I want to wait for Matthias' decision, but if he doesn't respond within four hours, I'll move things along anyway!

"Listen, automaton, this isn't the time for all that mumbo jumbo no heart or soul sort of thing." Boomingham draws closer. "Little trick about humans - they're generally more helpful when they think what they're doing matters. So if she believes she will make or break this team, she might end up helping make this team, got it?" Upon turning away, Boomingham shoots Em a concerned look and jerks his thumb at the automaton before rolling his eyes.

Boomingham chews on his lower lip. "If Seerus means to use Masson... he'll be released from the canvas. I guess he must have made sure that he'd be where he needed to be by the time the ink dried. I am sorry for your lose. You know a lot about this canvas curse, but Seerus knows more. If we can force him, perhaps he has a way to break it. Perhaps not. Best you can do is give him Hel, and we can help you with that."

Already gorgeous and evocative sets, Khrone!

"I patched him up good enough," grunts Boomingham. "Hi Alice. My name is Lawrence Boomingham. I'm sorry about what happened to your sister. If we can, we will save her. We've got a man named Masson who met a similar fate, and we're not leaving this Citadel until we get him back. So we can save your sister as well."

"Yeah, brah, when you gotta sleep you gotta sleep, ain't two ways about it, know what I'm saying?" Bobby winces, but smiles at Benji. "We ain't all as uppity and go getting as you, boss man. Give us some time and we'll get there though!"

Em, I just wanted to pop in and say that I was thoroughly impressed by your first quest! I thought everything was well done, with the exceptions already noted (repetitive fights... sort of, not a glaring issue, and the fights seemed to easy, but a mixed party is tough). I would have also attempted to vary the way that you balanced for opponents. I'd also like to commend the world you built (WBD helped a lot, I think, but it was your world). It is very cool to meet a character through his dreams. It is interesting that though Marquis does not want to rule, in his dream that is exactly what he does. What does that say about him? The bit with the Witch was awesome as well. Really resonant - it WAS his fault, but it was already too late to fix. Really cool, very sad. Well done, and I'm excited to see where you go with all this. Docken, I like that you have convinced two people to come out of their dreams now.

"Hel, for their sakes. Might as well let them contribute something to humanity with their deaths."

"Listen, elf," says Shawe, turning to Purpearl. "I don't want to put too fine of a point on it-" "So I will. You can't find the Armored Reaper without us. So if you want to get to her, you'd best go to our granary." "We'll see if those Hinckwells are telling the truth or not." Shawe turns to Nerwen. "How'd she get chosen to lead? I like it much better when you do." "If you're too tired to keep going, however, we can allow some of you to rest. It's your call." "You know my answer, heroes. I'm gonna keep trucking, and I imagine the crab will be doing the same." OoC: Sorry, I know it's kind of a weird choice to offer again, but I don't want to force you guys along. I am free tonight, so the next update will come in something like 12 hours instead of 24, to make up for the weird pacing.

"Might be one of the treasure hunters." Boomingham edges in towards Em. "You're leading us now, huh? Listen, if we get the chance, I think it'd be a smart move to let in those others at the gate. The Regret seems pretty certain that numbers don't matter, but I think it'd be worth a shot, at least."

Heroica is pretty much the only reason I'm even in college.