Zepher

Congrats!! You and Sandy can trade off how active you are! I don't think I've hosted you in a while.

I will keep you in it! You will still get lots of playing time, and there will be about a week remaining at that point at most, so you'll only be missing about 20% of the quest, even assuming you have no internet access!

Sandy, do you wish to be removed from the list for 107? And come on, people, I need sign-ups! I promise Hybros and I won't bite! Well, maybe Hybros will.

Boomingham, seeing his name on the list for Eternal Reaper along with Karie, returns to the bar and orders a tall drink. Current Sign-Ups for Quest 107 Ellaria, level 27 2/3 Druid (?) Grimwald, level 16 Sage Hybros, level 30.75 Chi Monk

Andrew grunts some quiet thanks as Nerwen heals him. He glances at her covertly. "Only recently," says Thistlethorp. "I think he's trying to make a name for himself. I don't know if he's making the right kind of name, of course. In my opinion, it is best to silently do your work as opposed to loudly doing your work. As for the bounty, I would only broach the subject after you are done with the current task. And maybe if Lilith shows up, she's more reasonable." The heroes stop in front of a nondescript house. Andrew produces a key and unlocks it. "This is the safe house." He looks inside. It is muggy and dusty. "I have other matters to attend to, heroes. Your presence has freed me up, and as I'm sure you know, crime does not rest. I will be leaving Bert in charge of the guards here. If Thistlethorp is alive by the morning, you can continue on your way to R'Klif." The guards and the heroes file in. Andrew passes Bert the key to the room. "Lock up." He slams the door shut, and is gone. "Well, this is it, heroes. One of the few safe houses we have scattered around the city." He pauses. "I'm sorry about the mess, both in here and back there. Andrew doesn't trust heroes. I wish Purpearl hadn't stabbed him." He sighs. "I guess make yourselves at home. We have no idea where this attack is coming from, or why, or when. We only believe it will be tonight. Prepare yourselves for combat. I don't understand the situation, or why anyone would want to hurt specifically Thistlethorp, but it seems to be coming. I have not had any run ins with the Crimson Crown, but they are a force to be reckoned with, from what I hear." Crowley and Morrison mill around. The heroes look around the safe house. It is dim with the door closed (Andrew moves to lock it now) though there is a little bit of moonlight pouring in from above. The door seems solid enough, and is pretty heavy. There are no windows. The ground is dirty, and many of the tiles are cracked. Dirt and sand seeps through where it can. The house is made of old cracked stones that have come to rest heavily on top of each other. In a few places the stones are supplemented by tall wooden walls, a more recent addition, from the look of things. Crowley knocks on one. "Seems pretty sound," he says. He then sits down in a corner. "Thistlethorp and I are primarily healers, so we'll be able to help out on that front. I can't speak for the old man, but I'm not afraid of a fight, either. Like I said, some other heroes helped me earn my chops. I'd like to continue to learn." "I haven't been in much combat yet, but that doesn't mean I'm afraid!" chips in Morrison. "Oh please don't let anything bad happen to me, heroes," says Thistlethorp. "I don't understand at all what I've done to get the Crimson Crown on my back." Crowley scoffs and shrugs. "You must have some idea," he says. Thistlethorp shoots him a wounded look. "Sorry. Rundown places get under my skin - reminds me of run down people . I don't understand why we're not holed up somewhere nicer."

I think you put in even more effort than me! I build what I'd call "sets", you know, backdrops for the scene. I think yours are closer to MOCs than mine. And they are, of course, lovely.

Yes, of course we will continue to expand the lands! 102, update coming! Sets have been built. It's insane that we take hours to build sets, and then you only get to see them for a post or two. It's a good thing we like building!

I'll also talk about the Regret for a bit because I'd like to (before I try to take him down). I don't have as much to say as Flipz, mostly because I agree with 80% of what he said, and also because who ever has as much to say as Flipz? I have spoken about my issues with the Regret before, but they're actually not about his evilness, or the lack of ability to "do anything". The Regret is indeed unbeatable up until the finale, we as players all know that (or assume we know that, could be cool to subvert that some time with a "Big Bad" who dies before the finale, but tut's tangential). His smugness doesn't bother me. His dismissiveness of heroes doesn't bother me, and though Flipz hates it, if he really does view heroes as fleas (which I think is dope) his non-varied interactions are actually a strong character point. My main issue, as I've pointed out before, is two-fold. For creatures he (apparently rightly, what with his immeasurable power) believes are fleas, he sure talks to them a lot. He seems to really want heroes to think he's bad @ss, when really, I personally try very hard to impress ants I find on the side of the road. I think it would have fixed a lot of the issues (the most recent example, why the hell did he visit the Hall if he doesn't give a rat's big behind about us) if he treated us with as much disinterest as we treat ants. He's aware the heroes exist, sure, but he's aware that cheese is around too. I think this would have served to keep him in the background, so we wouldn't run into him so often and know we couldn't beat him, and would also serve so that he didn't always plan for the heroes arrival and actions. It's really like Flipz's final link - why'd he plan for the heroes to complete things if he has such a low opinion of them? Wouldn't it be easier to plan for their failure? I think that it may all be mote coming from me, because I followed a similar structure with Wren (the game necessitates it, in many ways), but I think there are better ways to hide it, that's all. The Regret as a character doesn't bother me in the least - I think of Aaron the Moor or Iago or Voldemort or Betty Draper, characters who are evil (okay, Betty Draper's not flat out evil) or off not because of one thing, but because of so many indefinable slightly askew things in their DNA or their fated path. I think those characters are awesome. But I think the Regret walks a weird line between that and Loki from Avengers who was a weirdly powerless super villain who craved the creatures who he called ants to look up to him. He can't be both. Also, like I said earlier, the Regret's immense power undermines a large other number of characters. If Karie kills him, can we assume she is better than the Sand Queen? Hopefully not. The Veterans (and the foes they eventually are up against) should be mythical. Not because the Regret shouldn't be awesome, but because we all have the share the playground so no one should hog the coolest and best toys for themselves. So it looks like I do have a lot to say. And this isn't just dishing on the Regret, even though it looks like that. We're all trying to learn together. These are more general thoughts on character in general. I love Joss Whedon, and I love the character of Loki, and I even love Tom Hiddleston, but if I ever met them I would tell them Loki was the part of the movie that really dragged Avengers down - again not because of the character, but because of the way he interacted with the other characters and the story itself. Also, why were there Aliens? Why weren't they further explained? Why'd they need Loki? How were we to think Loki was a real threat? I have a lot of issues with Avengers.

I'm home all! So updates will be coming tomorrow, and no more fun in the sun for Zepher. Only work and Heroica!

I have to agree. It also depreciates the Hall, which is, in my mind, a sort of magical fortress for the heroes, and in particular takes the Veterans down a rung. But to each their own. I also like the occasional friendly NPC in the Hall, but the very occasional.

Hi all, on the phone so can't update the quest, but, huzzah, Dyric is back! And JimBee, Skrall hasn't come back to the Hall, I don't think.

I believe so! I would probably be fun to do! Maybe that will be my next project.

For those curious (or willing to work) the Wiki has continued to expand! Nothing beats reading quests, but a great way to read quests and help out is to read them and then convert the important information from them into a simpler form! Even transferring over the NPC index (something I am in the process of) would help a ton!

The back has a nice "fin-like" feel, and I like the chain as a way to guide it. I think that a bit more shape and bulk might have gone a long way - it reads as very flat, in particular on the bottom.

"Karie?" asks Barty, his eyes narrowing. "That is one matter that Boomingham and I agree on. She will not do any more evil on our watch." "I respect him as much as he deserves it," says Boomingham with a wink.

"Look, you don't have to convince me of anything. I'm a murderer too." Midge shrugs. "You think killing bad people makes you not a murderer? They're still alive. That dwarf tried to lay down arms, and we killed him just the same. Murder is murder. It doesn't bother me, but it is what it is." Thistlethorp and Bert gather around the body and flip it over. "Bors," says Bert remorsefully. "I know him. There's a bounty on his head, even." Bert sighs. "I wish that elf had let me talk to Andrew. If you had simply submitted... if we had time to look at the bodies, to assess the situation. Andrew can get his head all in a fury... but he and I go back a long ways. He listens to me." Bert shakes his head. "But if there are more guards outside, then the situation is out of my control. Out of Andrew's too, most likely." "Oh dear. Is there nothing we can do? Matthias is a friend of mine!" "Nerwen is a friend of mine," counters Bert. "We will see what we can do. Matthias, Russel, Pigley, halfling-" "Midge." "Midge. Collect your things. Let's see what's happening outside." "I'm no Lord, just a Lieutenant." Serevan lowers his weapon slightly as Nerwen and Purpearl lower theirs. "I am not against a peaceful surrender. The Watch is not infallible. If there was indeed a mistake made-" Andrew stumbles out of the building, weapon drawn, sleeve soaked in blood. "That one there," he says, pointing to Purpearl, "is responsible for this." He holds up his bloody sleeve. "The others resisted arrest alongside her." Serevan scowls, and raises his weapon again. Andrew walks out confidently, but his hopeful if faint smile falls upon seeing Serevan. "Andrew..." he starts. "I won't hear it, Bert! These heroes have made a mistake." "The orc inside is Bors." It is now Andrew's turn to look a little pale. He turns to Serevan. "This means nothing. Mercenaries kill mercenaries all the time." "This is your case, Andrew. You were the one to apprehend them. Show your worth. I asked for you to be made Lieutenant, it is up to you to deal with this situation." Serevan turns to the heroes. "It would have been easier on you if you had submitted to us immediately. As for the wound that was inflicted on Andrew - that cannot be allowed to go. Purpearl, you are to come with me. Andrew, you may do with the rest as you please." Severan does not handcuff Purpearl, but does lead her down the street. The rest of the guards stand awkwardly with the heroes. "That was your leader, wasn't it? How do you pick who to follow, heroes?" growls Andrew. "I imagine she'll be thrown in the clink for the night, maybe longer. I'd like to do the same to you-" "Andrew!" Bert beckons to his commanding officer to step aside with him. The two speak in hushed voices for only a few seconds before returning to the heroes. "Bert has proposed a solution that I find acceptable," states Andrew flatly. "I know you are good, heroes, and I believe that a chance to prove that to the rest of the Watch would benefit you. It will take only the evening. That is time you will have to sacrifice." "Matthias, I believe you are aware that an attempt was made on Private Thistlethorp only a few days ago. We have reason to believe that a second attack will come tonight. We have a man who's job it is to collect rumors. I trust him. We could use with the extra assistance. If you accept, you will be free to continue on your quest in the morning." "It's the best I could do," hisses Bert to Nerwen. "Sounds fair enough to me." Midge shrugs. "Wasn't there another man with them?" asks Andrew, surveying the heroes. As if in response, the second floor of the building explodes outwards, showering everyone in dirt and debris. Smoke spills forward. In an alley, there is the sound of a heavy body falling. Morrison and Crowley run towards it, but even as they arrive, the look on Morrison's face conveys that it is too late. XX is gone. "Damn!" howls Andrew. "You five, come with me. Bring your pets." OoC: The party as stands is Alexis, Nerwen, Matthias, Samuel, Midge, Pigley and Russel. Purpearl, you can expect a PM shortly. There may be a slight delay with the next spot, as I will be returning home tomorrow from vacation, so Sunday will be the continuation (I will need a little bit of time to construct sets on Sunday, you have all taken the quest quite a bit off the rails). Feel free to role play for the time being. You are about half way through the quest right now... perhaps a little less, but just about. None of you have expressed tiring at this point, but please do feel free to communicate with me if anything seems to be dragging ever!

"Maybe we'll quest together some day, Monk, but not today." Boomingham looks at Atramor sincerely. "Stay safe, boy-o."

OoC: The smoke bomb didn't work, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try things! I hate to comment on the quest too much, but I can tell you that already a huge number of things have happened that I was utterly not expecting, both in this encounter and a lot of the encounters leading up to it, and the course of the quest has changed since we started it! Russel and Pigley continue to mill around in anguish. Midge climbs into a chair next to Matthias. Justin Featherhead pokes his head up from behind the bar, but, finding no where to go, ducks back behind it. "We did murder people," observes Midge cooly. "Right? They're right there." He points to Sneezy and Bors. "I watched XX stab them both in the chest. And this Smelling Salt..." he holds it out covertly under the table, "I didn't walk in with it." He shrugs. "Not that I'm complaining." "Fine!" bellows Andrew. "Bert, Thistlethorp, watch these four! I'm going to go stop those vagrants! That ignorant stuck up elf!"

OoC: Smoke bombs may be used to flee a battle, not a situation. Nice try, though! Alexis hurls a smoke bomb, leaving behind Matthias, Russel, Pigley, and Midge. The heroes stumble out into the street, past the stunned and probably very disappointed guards. They glance around wildly... and find that one of their numbers is missing. XX has disappeared entirely. Outside, the situation isn't much better. The heroes find their path blocked by a startled looking Morrison, a grim Crowley, and Serevan, standing, blade drawn. "I heard that there were heroes misbehaving," he says with a sneer. "Crowley, hop to. I don't want to regret Lilith pardoning your little crew. Morrison, prepare to fight." Severen brandishes his blade at the heroes. "I rarely get to fight, but don't think that means I'm out of practice." "I'm sorry, heroes. You shouldn't cross the law. Even the Syndicate knows that." "Lady Nerwen. I cannot continue to fight the members of a group meant to protect this town. The Paladin Order is also protected by the Watch. I cannot bear to see harm done to you, and I will heal you if you are injured, but I will not take up my blade against these men." The Enemies Serevan Level 55 65 Humanoid *Immune to Blinded, Sealed, Sleep, Fragile, Weakened, Confused, and Instant Death* Health: 800/800 Special I: Leader of the Guards - Encourages his fellow guards. Special II: Swordsman - With great grace, Serevan disarms his foe, knocking their health down to 1 and removing their weapon. They must spend a turn retrieving it. Used only if all fellow guards are encouraged. Drops: Serevan's Blade (Longsword, WP: 15), Guard's Epaulets (Immune to Blinded, Sealed, Sleep, Fragile, Weakened, Confused, Instant Death, Suitable for Guards) Morrison Level 10 20 Humanoid Health: 150/150 SP: 1 Special: Guarding the Guards - Deals damage equal to his level, and all attacks directed at him the remainder of the round, and the next one, are nullified. Drops: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) Crowley Level 6 16 Humanoid Health: 110/110 Ether: 7/7 Special: Healing - Crowley heals his ally with the lowest health for 30 points. Costs one ether. If no ether remains, attack normally. Drops: Tonic Note: Special used on free hits NOTE: Guards give each other a +5 level boost. The Heroes Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) *Party Leader* 180 Years Old Female Elven Mage *Evasive* *Blessed* Level 13 Power: 28 Health: 21/21 Ether: 15/19 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 (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), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Ball and Chain (Chain, WP: 4) 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) Alexis Fenral, Orc-kin (Masked Builder) *Immune to Blinded* *Counterstriking* *Blessed* 22 year old female elven Harlot Level 45.4 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 73/73 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, Remedy, 2 Somas, 5x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, Health Core, 4x 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 Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 29.6 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 48/48 Ether: 28/34 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) Inventory: Mourning Star (WP: 10; Fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), 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), Helm of the Lord of Light (Headwear, Immunity to Light and Jinxed, Suitable for Knights), 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), 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; bodywear), White Cloak (Max HP +3; back wear) • Topaz • No Scrolls • Grand Tonics (3), Potions (4), Elixirs (3), 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, Grand potion, Ambrosia (4), Smelling Salts • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Samuel the Doubly Blessed Level 15.5 Paladin *Immune to Light, Darkness, Blinded, Asleep, Confused, and Jinxed* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 22/22 Ether: 15/16 SP: 1 Gold: 0 Equipment: Sword of the Red Lizard (Longsword, WP:10, fire-elemental), Armor of the Warrior Priest (SP: 1, Immune to Light and Darkness Elementals, Immune to Blinded, Asleep, Confused, Jinxed) Inventory: Phoenix Essence, Sword of the Warrior Priest (WP: 5, Meditates become hits) Inside, Matthias is left with the coughing guards. "Well! What are you waiting for! After them!" cries Andrew. He wheels on Midge, Matthias, and Russel and Pigley. "The previous charges are now inconsequential. These heroes have assaulted the guards. If you help us apprehend them, it will look good on you."

"Mine's easier to whack, so I guess that makes him more likable." Barty bows to the Monk. "Bartholomew, angel of Ennoc, at your service." The angel twists up his little face. "I suspect if your angel has ever embarrassed you, if is because you are doing something to be embarrassed by, which I suspect is more your fault than hers." "He goes on and on like that, don't mind him." Boomingham leans forward and whispers to Barty. "What the Hel happened in Strivvi? Where the Hel is Nyx?" The little angel's face darkens, but he keeps his mouth shut and shakes his head.

My Best Friend and Brothers and Arms is the only one I'd really rival it with! Though a majority of his quests have been just awesome.

The dagger catches Andrew on the wrist, drawing blood. "Can't say I'm surprised," he says through gritted teeth, taking a step back and leveling his spear at Purpearl. Midge holds up his hands and drops Magnar's axe. "I surrender to the guard," he says simply. "Stupid woman." Russel throws down his sword too. XX watches the other heroes, and Samuel watches Nerwen alone. "I don't think I need to tell you," XX says to Alexis, "it would go poorly for me if the guard were to catch me and be angry at me. If you think we can muscle through... Hel, I'm not the one who needs to come back to Eubric. That Bert thinks he can get us off pat free... though I don't know about Purpearl. Maybe we'll be having a new party leader." The sides are drawn. Alexis, Nerwen and Matthias, what will you do?

Andrew moves to handcuff Purpearl. Thistlethorp and Bert stand stock still, weapons still raised. Samuel casts a distressed look at Nerwen, Midge keeps his hand near his weapon, but does not draw it. Pigley trots in a distressed circle. "Nerwen, Matthias, we must cut our loses and give in. Purpearl has dug her own grave, let her rest in it."

"Blah blah blah, same as always. I don't care what your excuse is. You murdered two men, and stole from this store. Should I let you go? Then, should I let the next person to steal go, as long as they talk about demons and men I know nothing about?" Bert's eyes water with conviction and worry. "If your story is true, you will be on your way soon enough. I trust you, but Andrew is my commanding officer. We are here to put some order in Eubric. We must follow orders." "She's a lying b*tch, just like the rest of Heroica. What makes you so important? You wandered into a Hall? So now you have a license to do as you please? I think not. Why should I excuse you?" "Your friend is digging a hole," whimpers Thistlethorp to Matthias. "Even if Andrew lets the rest of you go, assuming Bert can get him to, I am not so sure of what he will do to her..." "Private Thistlethorp! Stop taking to these murderers. Fall in line." Thistlethorp beats a hasty retreat. "Morrison, go find some more men. This may come to blows." Morrison rushes out of the building. Justin hides back behind the bar. Andrew raises some handcuffs. "You have one more offer. Come with us peacefully, or come with us after a fight."

100 is my favorite Sandy quest so far. I'll just come out and say it.