Zepher

I've been thinking about that a lot, lately, playing as a new character and hosting some newer characters as well. We've generated a lot of content for Heroica, it's probably hard to catch up at this point. I think that's sort of fun, though - some things are left in mystery!

All Guffington Quests use that method of sign-ups.

I'm glad to see CAT characters return - I think we have been missing tapping that well. And I read 99, but not religiously. I did not know that improvements were promised, but even geniuses cannot succeed at all they try. He's been busy with other things. Also, BD, since I see you in thread, I may as well publicly apologize for stealing Isaac for my own use. I didn't realize your next quest with him would be coming up so soon. I almost always ask permission to use an NPC - Isaac is the only one I failed to ask permission for in 102. Hopefully it doesn't screw anything up. Finally - Sandy, I am certain no one minds you taking a 2 week vacation. You have had at least one open quest for over 3 years at this point, with only minor delays ever, so I'm sure everyone understands if you want to take off a week or two.

"Yo man, that's messed up. There ain't no reason that anyone should be hitting you round, know what I'm saying? You just gotta defend yourself, or we'll defend you, since we're heroes you know?" Bobby looks at his party leader. "Hey, boss, what do we do when things are down like this? Do we just make the call or what?"

"Ah, so we are battling for an ideal instead of one man. That changes things, doesn't it?" "The Baron says we must defend his man if we are to drill. The question of morals is negligible in that case. Though if you were to ask for my vote, I am always of the opinion that those who are attacking are rarely in the right. Not never. But rarely." "STATEMENT: I am not useless in combat, heroes. STATEMENT: Here are my schematics as I know them." With a whirring and clicking sound, the Minoid 2.0 prints out some schematics. He hands them to the nearest hero. 1: Dance of Drills: The Minoid does damage to all enemies equal to its Level+it's weapon's WP, plus the SP of its opponents x2 (WP+Level+SPx2). This attack disregards SP. 2: Piercing Hit: The Minoid does damage equal to it's Level + WPx2, disregarding SP. 3: Weathering Hit: The Minoid does damage equal to its Level + WP, reducing the enemy's SP by 2. 4: Miss 5: Damage 6: Special Damage Note: Can use any weapon, but cannot equip any artifacts other than what it starts with. Minoid 2.0 Level 21 Drilling Automaton HP: 33/33 SP: 2 Equipment: Minoid Drill Arm (WP: 10), Iron Shell (SP: 2), Scanning Eye (Allows the Minoid to analyze most foes before battle. If in battle, it can spend a turn to analyze the fight) Inventory: None

The heroes make their way to the Inn, leaving behind Alexis and Pigley. In the past, the Innkeeper was known to stay up and keep a crossbow aimed at the door, but the town has been quieter since Sir Isaac did his work cleaning it up. XX reads the room listing quickly as no one looks on, and he leads the heroes to the second floor, stopping outside an unassuming Inn door. "I can get the lock! After all, what else are Rogues for?" And he hops up and rams his sword into it a few time until the heroes hear a click and the door swings open. The noise, however, seems to have alerted their targets. "En garde, you fools!" "Why are you here? I demand to know why you have broken into our room!" The Enemies Sir Grady the Bold Level 38 Humanoid *Immune to Instant Death, Asleep and Blind* SP: 2 Health: 250/250 Special: Reposte – Sir Grady is encouraged and counterstikes for the remainder of the round. Sir Grady is encouraged and counterstrikes for the following round as well. Drops: Nasal Helmet (Headwear, SP: 1), Hinckwell Sword (WP: 8), Traveller's Cloak (Backwear, SP: 1) The Party XX Level 33.75 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 49/49 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 30.5 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 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 13.5 Ranger *Blessed* *Hastened* Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 18/18 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 Level 20 Rogue *Blessed* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 29/29 Defense: 4 Gold: 241 Equipment: Crabspirator (WP: 16, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), 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

"Holy Hels," says Boomingham as the monstrosity stands before the party. "Well, Automaton, I tell you - I'm glad you're on our side. Barty, why aren't you that big?" "Because you're a heathen, Lawrence." Boomingham turns and finds his own Doppel in front of him. He rushes at him from the front row, dropping his Frozen Sabre with a clatter and draws Scupperer instead.

"Yo, bro, you don't have to worry about any of us hitting up your lady. We ain't like that, you hear? I'm not that kind of guy. We're just saying' maybe you should have a nicer boat know what I'm saying. Besides, if you're dipping because of that whole berry thing we're about to fix that stuff, aight? So stick around and show some faith."

"Yo, my dudes, I don't think that boats gonna be making it anywhere, you know? I mean, if ya'll want to leave the island I'm done with that, free will and all that, but I'm thinking the boat ain't the best way, right? Oh, sorry, bros, my name is Bobby by the way. How are you?"

"Don't worry, darling, as soon as I'm done with this Progg, which should be soon- sorry chap- I'll deal with your evil twin."

Boomingham repeats his attack, boldly ignoring his very recent near-injury.

Some things I want to commend people for, because I've been too busy to write about them recently, but have been following along: Dreamscape is awesome. I love the sets and characters, WBD, and the photography is awesome as always (that bridge is great composition). The story is also superb, and extremely well told, Em. Asphalt, I imagine a lot of praise will be coming your way soon, but let me be the first to commend you on your character. He's awesome, and again unique. It's shocking to me how many unique characters Heroica is still churning out. 102, I know it's been a long haul so far, and I was afraid your roleplaying with flag a little with time, but it has been consistently fantastic, and you are one of my very favorite parties to host so far in this game. Flipz, we'll talk about it shortly because it's almost over, but 104 is an impressive first hosting job, and you've clearly grown as a player and storyteller over the course of your involvement in the game - something everyone can say, hopefully, but your growth is truly impressive. I have lots of specific compliments for you soon!

"Times a-wasting, know what I'm saying? I can't buy any of that stuff now, but just you wait for me to make some shiny-megablocks gold, brah, and I'll be back. 'Sides we gotta save those people, yo!"

"They threatened an innocent man. What more information do we need?" "But you must think long term, Deborah. Hybros is right: surely if they are here threatening Posco, they will return if defeated. The Blue Assassins are not a small organization." "Blah blah blah. Flap your lips somewhere else, Heweyrt." "I'm not saying I love the Blue Assassins, and maybe these ones here deserve to die, it's just something to consider," says Heweyrt with a shrug. "Never hurts to point out a good point." "We cannot start digging with this commotion going on." Daneeka stands behind the heroes, his eyes masked as always by his goggles. "We must put an end to it swiftly, one way or another." "STATEMENT: I have the ability to scan these Blue Assassins and tell you what we are up against. QUERY: Why do you not just give them what they want? STATEMENT: This Posco Padfoot is not related to our mission. STATEMENT: Our eventually success or failure is not dependent upon his fate ether way. QUERY: Why does he matter to us?"

OoC: I attacked from the front row. Boomingham repeats his attack.

OoC: Like Shah. Isaac Shawe shrugs. "We only ask that the Hinckwells be confronted. I believe I have only seen them with one guard as they wander around the town." "That's right. It's their servant Grady." Samuel snickers. "A bit of a blowhard. He shouldn't be difficult to deal with." "Right, point being, if you all don't want to go, you don't have to. If this lovely lady," Isaac indicates Alexis, "wishes to stay out of it, she is more than welcome to stay with us until you get answers from the Hinckwells. The same goes for everyone. As long as we still get those answers." "I'll go with you, Purpearl." XX smiles. "I don't need sleep yet. I can sleep when I'm dead." "And you know that I am willing to fight until I absolutely drop! Russel Ruffers is no quitter!" "Speak for yourself. I could use a nap."

"Bro, I'm with the Orc. We gotta save the people before the berries, because like people are more important than berries, know what I'm saying?"

OoC: Lawrence used the head first, though it is fitting for both him and Shawe. Also, the Blood has been added. ​"They haven't attacked us yet, so that at least bodes well." "Ain't that easy. We're just following the Armored Reaper, and if we can find her, she might be able to tell us where her boss is. All we know is that Magnar was supposed to meet her here to collect his payment. Should have brought him along so she'd come out of wherever she hides out, don't know if she'll be as welcoming to us." "This is my little brother, Samuel Shawe. He's in town to give things a look over, see how good work is done! R'Klif has been thriving since we got rid of the Mopag and the Pongcanis. As for a well armored lady... quite a few. There is one in front of me right now!" "Though perhaps you're looking for the Armored Reaper-" "Ah, yes, I actually can be of assistance in that case. I have met both the Armored Reaper and Chauncey before. I don't know where Chauncey is, but I can find the Armored Reaper, assuming she is at her base of operations and not hired out right now." He looks scornfully at Alexis' magic compass. "I'll save you the time - it won't work. The Armored Reaper is a powerful little lady, and she cannot be found except by those who already know where to look. There is no way to 'meet her', she must meet you, or you must have already met. I've luckily been found by her before, so I can find her again." "Yes, but we don't do favors for nothing." Isaac winks at Nerwen. "Not the Shawe way, even for a friend." "Yes. We actually have a problem of our own. We were considering hiring heroes, but this saves us the time. One of our granaries at the edge of the city has been robbed the last few evenings." "And, in a remarkable coincidence, there happen to be some Hinckwells staying at the Inn for the last few nights." "You know it's the policy of our two families to never outwardly attack each other. Public relations and all that crap." "But, if you wouldn't mind paying them a visit and asking them what's happening with our storehouse, I'm sure that they'd be willing to give you answers. And you're not only doing it for us, by the way - you know, if that makes you feel any better. This granary feeds many citizens of R'Klif who may starve this winter if we don't get to the root of this problem." "So, what do you say? Do some light heroing for us, and we'll take you to the Armored Reaper when it's all done."

"Let's get sailing, yo!"

"Doesn't much matter how powerful you might be if you're dead. Do you chaps have any sense of self?" Boomingham slides Scupperer smoothly back into its sheath and takes out his Frozen Sabre instead, swinging at the first Progg Executioner from the front row.

"You can't be someone else," says Boomingham with a shrug. "You can try, but Karie is still Karie and you're still you. See, she's done a bunch of stuff and you haven't done those things. So you're very different, no matter how much you two look alike." An aside to Karie: "Thank you, I find my humor droll as well."

"These things can read our minds?" asks a shocked Boomingham. "What an utterly unpleasant place." Boomingham watches as one of the creatures becomes Karie. "Hm. I fought something that did that before. This will be fun." A quick wink at Karie: "Perhaps if you're lucky the other one will become me and we can each take a stab at each other."

"What is this? The heating for the Citadel, or something like that?" Boomingham unsheathes Scupperer. "Alright, let's do this. I'm Lawrence Boomingham, by the way, long list of titles, but I feel we're probably going to end up in combat regardless of if we identify ourselves or not." Boomingham turns to Em. "Those little inky floating chaps the children of Severus or what?"

"Yo I'll be anyone's pal as long as they aren't a total dick, you know what I'm saying? I guess I respect everything too, that's a pretty dope way to put it, my man! I'm gonna say that now 'I respect all things' just like that." Bobby offers his hand. "Sorry man I totally forgot my manners I'm Bobby by the way, what's your name?"

"You know it, boss!"