Zepher

Sorry guys, got busy, here we go! "I can hardly remember faces, let alone voices." "I have impeccable memory, on the other hand, and actually... one of those voices sounds vaguely familiar..." The heroes wander into the other room, where three dark figures talk freely on a balcony above them, illuminated only by the moon... "...we'll hand it off to M, and then the both of you are done." "And you get to see the final battle. How come Chauncey likes you so damn much?" "We have similar mentalities." "Can't I at least deal with the heroes? They'll be tracking him down. I'd like a crack at them" "But my mangy Magnar, you are getting a crack at them. They are right below us, after all." The three silhouettes turn to the heroes. They are instantly recognizable - three of the six mercenaries who attacked the heroes at the Albatross. "Hello, humble heroes. Welcome to Chauncey's Mansion. I was assuming you'd be here, sooner or later. I'm sorry to say that I cannot allow your continued efforts in this matter. I have places to be and matters to attend to, but one of my friends here can take care of you, persuade you off your current track." "I'll take the bastards." "Be my guest, maleficent Magnar," the blond woman says, turning to leave. She and the other woman start down the stairs. "I will leave your payment with the Armored Reaper." "Come to R'Klif. I will find you there." "Remember, just rough them up. I have a special spot in my heart for heroes. Good bye, heroes, and good bye, mortifying Magnar. Play nice." And with that she and the Armored Reaper are out the door. The Nord climbs over the railing and looms over the heroes. "I hear from my family up north that you heroes have been . Southerners. There's a rumor going around that you heroes can't die thanks to an artifact that the Norns stole from us Nords. I'm thinking I'll see if it's true." The Norseman lunges at the heroes, landing on the floor heavily, and then rushing at them with his axes. The Enemy Magnar the Barely-Bearded Bearded-Nord Level ?? Icy Humanoid Health: 1100/1100 Special I: A Hairy Situation – Magnar entangles the hero in his not-too-glorious beard, causing them to be Bound and Slowed until Magnar is defeated. Special II: Smaller Axe - Magnar deals two hits - one to the hero targeting him (damage = x2 the targeting hero's level), and one to the hero below them in the battle order (damage = x1 the targeting hero's level). Passive Special I: Bloody Mary Magnar - Free hits/rolls of damage deal with bleeding by 3 effect. Drops: Magnar’s Unreasonably Cruel Axe (WP: 12, Deals the Bleeding -3 Effect), Nordic Chest Plate, Magnar's Smaller Axe Note: Magnar’s level is equal to hero’s level x1.5. Specials decided by a dice roll. The Heroes Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) *Party Leader* 180 Years Old Female Elven Mage *Evasive* *Blessed* Level 11.5 Power: 14 (Level 10 + WP 3) Health: 19/19 (Base 5 + 9 Levels + 4 Bonus) Ether: 16/17 (Base 5 + 9 Levels + 2 Bonus) Gold: 83 (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) 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 44.8 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 72/72 Gold: 1477 GP: 9 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP: 20, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Ring of Sight (protects fromblinded), Counterstrike Gloves, Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental), 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, Smoke Bomb, 4x 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) XX Level 32.5 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 48/48 Defense: 0 Gold: 360 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 x2, Ruby, Military Grade Fire Bomb x6, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x2, Bomb XXX (Causes 250 damage to all enemies and 50 to all allies), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bombs (4), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (4), Water Bombs (10), Dirt Bombs (5), Air Bombs (2), Venom Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 28.66 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 42/47 Ether: 28/33 Gold: 15 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), • 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; backwear) • Topaz • No Scrolls • Phoenix Essence, Grand Tonics (3), Potions (4), Elixirs (3), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom (3), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Carrot (restores 5 HP, 10 to rabbits), Ether Core, Grand potion, Ambrosia (3) • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Matthias the Carnival Crusader (nstickney) Level 11 Ranger *Immune to Bound, Slowed* *Blessed* Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 16/16 Gold: 68 Equipment: Fireball Extraordinaire (Hand Cannon, WP:5, also hits enemies listed above and below target, user is Slowed), Winged Sandals (Footwear, protects from Bound and Slowed effects), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Steel Cutlass (Sword, WP:5, suitable for Knights or Rogues), Sword of the Red Lizard (Longsword, WP:10, fire-elemental), Grimmau's Clothespin (Headwear, prevents the first negative effect inflicted on the wearer during a battle), Grand Potion, Grating Stone, 2x Mead, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Dapper Hat (wearer has a 1/6 chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect, suitable to Rangers), Fang Dagger (WP: 4) Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley Level 17.5 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed* Power: 37 Health: 31/31 Defense: 4 Gold: 291 Equipment: Crabspirator (WP: 16, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), Crab Shell Armor (Body Wear, +4 Max Health, 4 SP), Pigley (+4 Power, +4 Max Health, Hastened, Not an Artifact), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Rebel's Sword (Longsword, WP: 11) OoC: I apologize that Magnar's picture is so out of focus.

Let's see what happens, I guess - the only way for me to un-petrify you, ironically, is to have you KO'd and then revive you. So this has to be our plan if we hope to flee. That damn 120 damage free hit over two turns is very difficult to plan around. Boomingham crouches behind Nyx's frozen body. "Sorry dear, but you're going to have to take a hit or two, if you like it or not. Not that you have any say in the matter." Boomingham winks at his friend, but is largely disheartened when she is incapable of winking back.

OoC: Sadly I gave Skrall back his smoke bomb three months ago. Also, I counter strike. Also, my SP is ignored when I am in the back row. "Well, that's not great..." Boomingham glances around. "Hope the others find us before we get turned into meat, because I can't survive another round of this without you. Might as well enjoy go down strong." Boomingham drinks his mulled wine from the back row. Battle Order >Boomingham drinks his Mulled Wine >Nyx does nothing OoC: Sorry Pandy, but as you're petrified I thought I'd take the reigns (petrified heroes usually can't speak, but neither can KO'd heroes and I broke that general rule earlier). If you have a different plan/want to keep part of the conversation, just let me know!! This is the only way I can think to survive the battle - I'll be basically at no health/about to go down the following round, but I'll be able to raise you first, and then I'll go down and then you can maybe raise me before you go down again? I still don't think we can possibly win, but what the hell, might as well try. Unless you have a better idea? Or want to throw the battle?

"Never fear, Matty! I wouldn't hurt a fly unless the fly gave me a very good reason, so I won't hurt you unless you give me a very good reason!" The crab chuckles. The heroes make it through the drain, though it is a little cramped. They come out in a kitchen. The mansion is vast with high ceilings and there are no torches lit. There is even dust settling in some places. Apparently the claim that Chauncey is rarely hope is true. "Looks like a dead end," says Pigley, but surely too hastily as the heroes can hear some voices one room over. It is impossible to say who they belong to, but the heroes are able to make out two distinct female voices and one deep harsh male voice. Would they like to investigate?

The pig shrugs the best a pig can. "All of those things? None of them? What is evil, anyway? A term we mortals have invented. Who are we to define an action is right or wrong? We have only our own compass, and as imperfect being our compasses are also inherently broken. I believe that murder is evil, but who is to say that I'm right? Who has the right? Does the majority always have the final say in such matters - if we all agreed that murder was righteous and peace was evil, would then that be the truth of things? And do we have the right to impose our broken morals on others? Should I have defended the snake? And what if I myself had been harmed in the process? Is it worth it to risk my own life for something that I can never know as right or wrong?" The pig snorts. "But my own passivity is what I mourn. The only person I can call to court to answer to my moral system is myself, for I am the one who created it." "Wow Pigley you sure talk a lot, you should write a book or something, buddy! I'd sure buy it. I don't think about any of that stuff. All I've got is my little crab brain rattling around in my little crab head. But I'm mighty fine with my sword." The crab practices a few swings. "What a sword!"

I absolutely agree! And 102 is just getting kicked off!

"Well, lady, it didn't win you any friends, and I won't say that it won you my admiration either, but it sure as Hel was a ballsy thing to do," says XX to Purpearl as he pats her on the back. "Hey, maybe we'll get along after all, who knows? We should go blow up that frog when we're done in the mansion, just to make sure we fulfill that thing the snake asked us to do." The animals remain silent, but they follow Matthias. Pigley murmurs something as he walks by the charred corpse. Russel pokes it with his sword, assumedly to assure it is dead, and Sir Pigley mutters something that sounds like a severe scolding. "The greatest sin is seeing evil and doing nothing," Pigley mumbles to himself. OoC: A real update tomorrow, folks! You're trucking along!

Boomingham chuckles. "They do seem pretty prepared for us, same as the boney chap earlier who didn't seem to take up my poison and absolutely refused to bleed, though that may have been his lack of blood. Strange too that these chains Hoke sent me haven't been much help - you'd think the guards might have some armor, but I guess none of the guards here wear armor, since the head guard doesn't. Should make them easy picking when we find them." Boomingham looks at the cooks. "I wonder if all cooks are this combat ready, or only the Strivvian ones. You'd probably be the better bet out of the two of us to take a whack from Mon, seeing as you can resist more." Boomingham swings at Niz from the back row.

OoC: Flipz has kindly pointed out that I totally ran the Alchemist's ability incorrectly. Still learning - it's a good thing I'm starting to practice the Expert Classes now. I will, however, be keeping the battle concluded (it would be over soon enough anyway) - if I ever screw up again, please do tell me, and I will try to not make that mistake a second time!

OoC: Just to let you know, CK, this battle was not meant to burn off the camaraderie effect! I would have liked to see it in practice more, actually, but Purpearl wanted to fight, so you can blame her. "You've got a point there. I happen to be a fan of honoring contracts myself, though I do generally get them in writing." XX and Russel prepare to attack the snake. Only Sir Pigley signs as Russel urges him forward. The Snake! Massacre Round One Nerwen does nothing Alexis does nothing >Purpearl v. Snake! - Miss >Matthias v. Snake - Special Damage (Poisoned -1) Russell and Pigley v. Snake - Hit (37 Damage, Snake Blinded) Russel and Pigley v. Snake - Special Damage (Poisoned -1) XX - Shield (Cluster Bomb, Snake KO'd) The heroes charge forward, and Russel is able to knick the snake as it rushes in to give Matthias and Russel a taste of it's poison, but it is XX who, clapping together some powders, incinerates the snake, ending it's peaceful life. The snake's poison hurts the heroes for a split second before their amulets glow and they feel restored. The Battle is Victorious! The Heroes Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) *Party Leader* 180 Years Old Female Elven Mage *Evasive* *Blessed* Level 11.5 Power: 14 (Level 10 + WP 3) Health: 19/19 (Base 5 + 9 Levels + 4 Bonus) Ether: 16/17 (Base 5 + 9 Levels + 2 Bonus) Gold: 83 (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, Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory) 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), Fang Dagger (WP: 4) Alexis Fenral, Orc-kin (Masked Builder) *Immune to Blinded* *Counterstriking* *Blessed* 22 year old female elven Harlot Level 44.8 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 72/72 Gold: 1477 GP: 9 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP: 20, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Ring of Sight (protects fromblinded), Counterstrike Gloves, Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental), 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, Smoke Bomb, 4x 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) XX Level 32.5 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* Health: 48/48 Defense: 0 Gold: 360 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 x2, Ruby, Military Grade Fire Bomb x6, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x2, Bomb XXX (Causes 250 damage to all enemies and 50 to all allies), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bombs (4), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (4), Water Bombs (10), Dirt Bombs (5), Air Bombs (2), Venom Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 28.66 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 42/47 Ether: 28/33 Gold: 15 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), • 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; backwear) • Topaz • No Scrolls • Phoenix Essence, Grand Tonics (3), Potions (4), Elixirs (3), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom (3), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Carrot (restores 5 HP, 10 to rabbits), Ether Core, Grand potion, Ambrosia (3) • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Matthias the Carnival Crusader (nstickney) Level 11 Ranger *Immune to Bound, Slowed* *Blessed* Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 16/16 Gold: 68 Equipment: Fireball Extraordinaire (Hand Cannon, WP:5, also hits enemies listed above and below target, user is Slowed), Winged Sandals (Footwear, protects from Bound and Slowed effects), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Steel Cutlass (Sword, WP:5, suitable for Knights or Rogues), Sword of the Red Lizard (Longsword, WP:10, fire-elemental), Grimmau's Clothespin (Headwear, prevents the first negative effect inflicted on the wearer during a battle), Grand Potion, Grating Stone, 2x Mead, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Dapper Hat (wearer has a 1/6 chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect, suitable to Rangers), Fang Dagger (WP: 4) Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley Level 17.5 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed* Power: 37 Health: 31/31 Defense: 4 Gold: 291 Equipment: Crabspirator (WP: 16, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), Crab Shell Armor (Body Wear, +4 Max Health, 4 SP), Pigley (+4 Power, +4 Max Health, Hastened, Not an Artifact), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Rebel's Sword (Longsword, WP: 11) Loot -Venom "What a blast. Into the mansion then?"

Yeah, I have to agree, how? You're the QM, you call the shots!

Why? I'm hoping to model, with 102, my new belief that there should be a mix. There should be easy and hard and in-between battles. That way, sometimes you level up quickly, sometimes you don't. What's the harm in that? EDIT: Players have been clamoring for shorter battles mixed in with the longer, and as QMs I think part of our job is to listen to what everyone thinks will make a good game.

XX watches Purpearl's display. "So that wasn't really a vote, was it?" The snake launches into combat, preparing to defend itself. The Enemies Snake! Level 6 Vermin Health: 41/41 Special: Poisonous Bite - Causes the poisoned by 1 effect. Drops: Venom The Heroes Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) *Party Leader* 180 Years Old Female Elven Mage *Evasive* *Blessed* *Inspired* *Camaraderie* Level 11 Power: 14 (Level 10 + WP 3) Health: 38/38 (Base 5 + 9 Levels + 4 Bonus) Ether: 16/17 (Base 5 + 9 Levels + 2 Bonus) Gold: 83 (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, Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory) 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), Fang Dagger (WP: 4) Alexis Fenral, Orc-kin (Masked Builder) *Immune to Blinded* *Counterstriking* *Blessed* *Camaraderie* 22 year old female elven Harlot Level 44.6 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 72/72 Gold: 1477 GP: 9 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP: 20, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Ring of Sight (protects fromblinded), Counterstrike Gloves, Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental), 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, Smoke Bomb, 4x 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) XX Level 32.25 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* *Camaraderie* Health: 48/48 Defense: 0 Gold: 360 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 x2, Ruby, Military Grade Fire Bomb x6, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x2, Bomb XXX (Causes 250 damage to all enemies and 50 to all allies), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bombs (4), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (4), Water Bombs (10), Dirt Bombs (5), Air Bombs (2), Venom Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* *Camaraderie* Level 28.33 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 42/47 Ether: 28/33 Gold: 15 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), • 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; backwear) • Topaz • No Scrolls • Phoenix Essence, Grand Tonics (3), Potions (4), Elixirs (3), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom (3), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Carrot (restores 5 HP, 10 to rabbits), Ether Core, Grand potion, Ambrosia (3) • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Matthias the Carnival Crusader (nstickney) Level 10.5 Ranger *Immune to Bound, Slowed* *Blessed* *Camaraderie* Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 15/15 Gold: 68 Equipment: Fireball Extraordinaire (Hand Cannon, WP:5, also hits enemies listed above and below target, user is Slowed), Winged Sandals (Footwear, protects from Bound and Slowed effects), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Steel Cutlass (Sword, WP:5, suitable for Knights or Rogues), Sword of the Red Lizard (Longsword, WP:10, fire-elemental), Grimmau's Clothespin (Headwear, prevents the first negative effect inflicted on the wearer during a battle), Grand Potion, Grating Stone, 2x Mead, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Dapper Hat (wearer has a 1/6 chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect, suitable to Rangers), Fang Dagger (WP: 4) Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley Level 17 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed* Power: 43 Health: 31/31 Defense: 4 Gold: 291 Equipment: Crabspirator (WP: 16, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), Crab Shell Armor (Body Wear, +4 Max Health, 4 SP), Pigley (+4 Power, +4 Max Health, Hastened, Not an Artifact), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Rebel's Sword (Longsword, WP: 11)

Well I figured that was it, I just don't know why now all of a sudden we're making a commentary on it.

This is like playing mafia outside of the thread. It's a strange thing I've noticed. Endgame and Flipz, why do you do these outside commentary on your own actions? Can't your actions just stand on their own? Whenever your quest moves forward, you always comment on it, Endgame. It's very strange to me, it's a a critique so much as curiosity (though it does sometimes get a little bit on my nerves ). Just play the game! No need to comment on your own choices! And any idea on my new title? I imagine it's from here (I sadly don't post too much in other places on the site) but I can't tell what from? Perhaps people have finally noticed I use too many exclamation points? It's true in my other social media presences and texting. I don't know why I do it, I think I'm just excitable.

"I can take any of these fellows down with a blow, I think, pretty damn easily. Though that chef looks pretty muscular. Maybe he should have been the guard, and that creepy critter the chef. It's your call, my dearest - but remember we'll be getting roughed up a bit, so I may fair better hanging back until their numbers decrease a little, and not risking too much of myself while I'm doing that."

Boomingham glances over at Nyx. "Sorry, dear. I'm never very good at covering. Besides, I'm sure they found it hard believing a beauty like you was with a man like me." Boomingham saunters forward a little. "Alright, chap, here's the deal. We're here for our friend. We're almost absolutely positive that she's working here and doing it against her will, because it really doesn't fit in with her last profession. Now, you don't know me, but if you did you'd know that making people do things against their will is an enormous no-no for me. So, I'm here to stop it, and save her. If you know anything about it, and help us out, then you'll live. If you didn't know anything about it, and help us out, you'll also live. But, if you did know something about it, and don't help us out, you'll die. Understandable, right? Or, you can just follow the chef's orders and we can dance with our swords for a bit, but I'll warn you, I'm very good with mine."

"In fairness I'm pissed at the great cook right now, but, Hel, we tried our best to be friends." Boomingham pulls out Scupperer. "You chaps don't want to go for a go before the guards arrive, do you? I've always had a fondness for your species, but I'm more than willing to make an exception for folks who call the guards on me!"

"I don't remember all the twists and turns of the place. I haven't got the head for it. Last thing I remember she led me down some stairs, through a Hallway - I said I was hungry, and she told me exactly where I could get a snack that was right near by, thank the Gods."

Boomingham chuckles. "You know, you people lack hospitality in the worse kind of way. Is there a better answer than the truth?" Boomingham lies. "I do have quite the appetite. Got to keep up my energy! Now, are you going to call your guards, or will we be fed something? I mean, we'll be fed either way, but one way a bunch of guards will be pissed as Hel that you bothered them just to call them down on such a high paying costumer."

Boomingham winces in shame. "I told you, my head is going," he whispers to Nyx. "We are very thirsty for booze of course too," he declares, tripping over his own words. "How could I forget the booze," he grumbles.

I believe that's the case - I'm in the JimBee camp.

I agree with JimBee. Letting them stack will add more variety to QM balancing and Hero strategizing, regardless of if it fits in nicely with the words.

I have to agree. Sometimes I forget I'm on a quest at all. This is probably why we had the 24 hour rule to begin with. It really takes you out of the experience, in my opinion, which is a bummer because everything else Scuba does about his quest is pretty damn immersive. Long quests are rad once in a blue moon too, as long as they update occasionally.

If I had to guess, 98 is on it's last leg. I believe 93 is almost there too (after 6 months!) and though Scuba won't answer us as to how far we are, after 4 months I'd assume we're starting to get close!