Zepher

The way I understand it - Strivvi has slightly different terminology. I'm guessing the Gray Plague is some "lesser version" of the Gray Plague from WBD's debut quest, and the distinction between werewolf and werejackal seems to be Strivvi only, as they are clearly treated both as werewolves in Eubric on a few occasions (though perhaps the werewolves in Eubric are really werejackals, which don't transform I'm guessing?).

"How would you have me explain that? We found the Orc and did not return him, yet we did not assist in his escape. We have also received our King Valentino back, through no actions of our own. You think they will trust that message? That is more insulting than no message at all." "You underestimate the Nords." "You underestimate the Nords." Mint glares at Hoke. "You did not strike me as foolish. Who do you think this Circus troupe was hired by?"

Boomingham rolls his eyes. "Ogres. Can't live with them..."

"Uh..." Boomingham stares at Ellaria, unable to recall exactly what name she used last time. "Dear, daughter dear, come here, would you?" Boomingham turns to the werewolf. "She'll fix you up great. I promise. I have full faith in her skill. And once she does, perhaps you can direct me to the Wolfgang, or any rumblings you've heard about them." Boomingham turns to Ellaria as she approaches. "Fix this wolf, would you, darling daughter?"

"They would know that the Four Boulder Kingdom and Fire Lizard had nothing to do with taking the Orc. Our treaty would stand."

Yeah, Strivvi has such a good feel to it. It has an atmosphere. I think very few other places (outside Eubric) have been so well established feeling-wise, especially by one QM. The narrow streets, the poor, the politics, the species, the general rough-ness, the fact that it's between a bay and a desert... it's really very impressive, Scuba. And it's a BEAUTIFUL way to expand on Guts. It's not at all show stealing that he's from there. It's in fact in NO WAY show stealing that he came from there, and yet at the same time it informs us on SO MUCH about him.

"Call it what you like, the results will be the same. I don't have any love for the Nords, I've been watching them kill and killing them back for too many years. But I can tell you what they'll do if we return the Orc, and what they'll do if we don't."

Kint, same as everyone else. Punctuality. But it's already been said, so that's all I'll say on that. I felt a better structure could have helped the quest - I liked the Wolfgang fight a lot, but the Hinckwell one seemed unnecessary story-wise and didn't add nearly as much RP. My other big complaint was the Shadow Sister... why was she there? What purpose did she serve? It's a danger with those of us with bigger stories to tell, and it's something I struggle with also, but it's my belief that behind a rare hint and poke, every event in a quest should serve THAT quest, not some other one. It felt like it was setting something up, but never came back, so it was a day or two of cameo with no pay-off. Some sort of "Boss Fight" would have helped a lot too. I feel like we didn't really accomplish much of anything, truth be told. Get mcguffin A from Point B to Point C and fight random group of mercenaries D and E? Random events are good, but they generally should have some structure mixed in. I'd look at WBD's 54 - we had a randomish fight at the docks, but only because we needed to GO to the docks for the bigger story. We had a fight outside the tailors, but that's because the tailor itself was a goal. There was more than Point B and C, you know? BUT, as always you served up a nice quest and I'm very thankful. I greatly enjoyed the Wolfgang fight, and I really love when Boomingham runs into the Wolfgang as a whole because I don't think he knows exactly how he feels about them or how to deal with them. I'm glad you let me severe an arm, and I hope it comes back later. The characters in the first fight were great, the characters in the second fight seemed great but never got the chance to shine. It was a fun time, and hopefully I'll be back some time!!

"Hm. Might be that I can help you with that. See that girl over there?" Boomingham points to Ellaria. "That's my daughter. She's quite a healer, and she can mix a powerful remedy as well. We're mercenaries from the High Kingdoms. But that doesn't mean we can't help the small folk here while we wait for our contact. Looking for a certain gang, hired by their leader in Eubric to come and give them a hand here. Think you might be able to be fixed up? A healthy guide certainly wouldn't go amiss." Boomingham scratches his neck. His eyes keep wandering away from the werewolf, unable entirely to meet his gaze.

"And yet the past - the Prophetess of old - is in my vision of the future. How strange is that?" Ella smiles wanly. "Arthur has never struck me as the shy type. I'm sure he'll talk to me if he wishes to."

OoC: Come on guys, they aren't Scuba NPCs if they aren't unnecessarily rude to heroes. Beautiful set by the way, Scuba. That winding staircase... and the colored lighting. :wub: :wub: Seriously impressive! Boomingham glances around. His questmates are busy being turned down by just about everyone in the square. Boomingham's eyes narrow on a gray fur covered werewolf. He makes his way over casually. "Greetings there, chappo. How are you doing on this fine evening?"

“I can’t speak as long or pretty as you, but it sounds to me that you’re trying to justify your murder of my people. Let the rocks and birds and trees hear that I’ll kill you. I’m glad that Oleg hears that I am willing to fight for my people’s lives. Your vanity in your so-called righteousness, your blindness, its killing people. You say that my malice will send waves of uncertainty through the High Kingdoms. Your actions will spread death. You are not from this land. How can you claim to know more than me about the consequences here? Vanity.” “It does not surprise me that the Paladin wants bloodshed,” spits Mint. “If you do not hand over the Orc, I will have no deaths on my hand. You will.” “Carn is well defended. The Nords there will not be a problem.” “You think only of your people, Hamilton. Your capitol may be well defended, but our coastal cities are not. We have just stopped the raids there. Is your King’s freedom worth the lives of the common seafolk and farmers of my Kingdom? You disgust me. You are selfish and a coward.”

"They won't be my failings, you stupid child. I will take the Orc through force if you do not give him to me. I have no qualm killing a idiotic pompous megablocks to save thousands of my people. The common ground I'd hope for is that you and I both don't want to see massacres. If that ain't common ground for you, my sword will gladly slide into your gut."

"You're a foolish foolish girl. We are considering more viable options, and you are ruining them. We are close to a treaty with the Nords, and this will be taken as an attack on them from us. The treaty will fail. You are murdering countless people in countless towns in cities along the coast of the country I serve." Mint speaks as if his throat is closing.

Repeated villains and allies are okay to me! It's only repeated Big Bads that I personally have a distaste for.

I know, I know, strike me down and I'm more powerful than ever before. I'm just saying my personal taste - not just in this case, but media in general.

Eh, I always have second round enemies to be way less scary and a little more goofy. They already beat him, when he's like "oh, that was all part of the plan," I'm always inclined to call "BS". But maybe that's just me. The Regret in particular seems silly to me. His other plan took... thousands of years? And now this new one took about a year and seems better in just about every way. Why didn't he just do this first?! That's always my question. And he's so smug about dying and failing the first time. Compensating much?

"That is no explanation. What rationale could we offer for that? The Orc King happens to have escaped, and we happen to have traded something for the Fire Lizard King at the same time. You are acting as if they Nords are thick." "You have been in their camp for a day? I didn't realize. You are clearly the authority on them, as opposed to a General who has fought their raiding party for thirty odd years. King Valentino is not my King. My King is King Speros, and allowing this Orc to go would undo all the work he has done trying to make peace with the Nords. I also question the motives of anyone involved with this - namely the circus troupe." Mint looks at the circus, and then at Hamilton. "Who hired them? Who has a vested interest in getting Valentino back, but has to do it shadily, behind the back of Four Boulder? Did Prince David want his father back, but he knew we'd never allow him to ruin the relationship we'd been building with the Nords, so he kept it quiet? Hired out a circus?" "Our Prince has more honor than that." "Then who orchestrated this plan to get your King back?" growls Mint, and Hamilton falls quiet and pale. "Why would they? What does it matter to them if Grishnod is in charge of his Orcs, or Valentino in charge of the Red Lizard Kingdom?"

"Yes, the Grogmas night," rasps Daneeka metallically . "There was much happening in the city. My studies have never focused on Chaos, though it does not shock me that the Manor is built on a spire to an old Temple of Chaos. It is in Guffington's character to build his Manor there. My own studies came to an interesting head that night as well. Much power in the city, much energy. Ancient old energies. But that is a tale for some other time." "I owe you much too, Tarn. I do not know how to phrase this without sounding offensive either - it is strange, I can deal well with the royalty of neighboring countries, but give me a hero of Valco and I hardly know what to say without sounding a fool - I did not ever know, for sure, that there was goodness in the common man or woman before I met you. I don't mean common as an insult, or as a reference to your upbringing, but rather just as us mortals overall. But you believe that the world is, as a whole, good, and that you are good within it. I never knew that before, I don't think." "As for burdens of the past..." Ella sighs. "It is a question for someone older and wiser than me. Do we forget the past, do we live in it, is there a place between those two extremes?" "Perhaps, but you're just as likely to run into any sort of sea beast. There have been weird rumblings, recently, among sea folk from all over - Strivvi, the coasts of Dastan, the High Kingdoms. I heard tell that the Dragons of Dastan are once more growing in numbers- sea monsters are doing the same, so I hear."

"We'd be highly appreciative to have Valentino back, truth be told," says Hamilton, but Mint snorts. "You know I'd like him back as much as you, Hamilton. Better than his Ennoc worshipping son, locked up in that Temple all day. But not like this." "Why the Hel not?" "You say you took Grisnod here from the Fire Nords?" Mint asks the vampire and mage. "That means I have to return him." "What are you talking about, Mint?" "Think about it, Hamilton. The Fire Nords lose Grisnod, and he's used in an exchange for Valentino? Who do you think they'll think took him? Your Kingdom. My Kingdom. We're trying to make peace with the Nords, not war. They're in your capitol, for Oleg's sake. They'll ransack the place and pillage our shores." Mint's troops draw their blades. "I'm not letting these megablocks past." "The Chief is a reasonable man. If we explain we had nothing to do with it-" "We did have something to do with it, and Chief Byrne is not a reasonable man. He is an honorable man. And he will gladly kill your citizens and my citizens to defend his honor." "We need King Valentino back." Hamilton also draws his sword. "My Kingdom is faltering without his guidance. With him we can make peace with the Fire Nords, with the Orcs. Without him this has all been for nothing. You underestimate the Fire Nords' kindness and King Valentino's dedication to peace. This will be a olive branch to the Orcs, and the bridge can continue under Valentino's guidance. Heroes?" Hamilton looks at both sets of heroes with expectant nervous eyes. "Looks like it's time to see where you stand. Are you noble warriors, or cut throats?" Mint turns to the circus heroes. "Will you damn a whole nation for gold?" "They'd be Fire Lizard if they didn't complete their mission," wails Hamilton passionately. Will the heroes go to stand by Mint, or Hamilton? OoC: This does not have to be unanimous. As always, please bold your final choice. You have about 24 hours!

"I judge men on an individual basis. The Bonapartes? The Hinckwells? They are just names that represent a number of individuals." "As for your visions - we all have dreams. Until you see something that comes true, I would not put any credence in them. But I am not the sort to consult on matters of magic. Do not allow me to prevent you speaking from the Princess Ella if you wish to. I am not one for royalty anyway." "I work for Master Guffington. He is much younger than I, though old for you humans. He is my favorite of my employers thus far. I do not know what I will do without him." OoC: I remember it! Don't worry! "That is a tragedy I can't relate to, can't imagine. I am deeply sorry for your lose." Ella is quiet. "I- I have had a privileged life in that regard, I know. My common people suffer, and I wish to save them. But I do not know what they go through. The only thing I can equate it to is the sack of Drakencourt, and I never felt truly unsafe during that." A pause. "I'm sorry to turn it to myself. That was unfair. I believe you do repay him every day with the noble deeds you do." To Pretzel "A while ago. A year or so." "Well, I'm glad to have met an honest hero then." Captain Lane concentrates on steering. It appears he needs to concentrate on the sea - perhaps the Monk can talk to U'Voros or join one of the other conversations?

OoC: There is no such item as a "healing wand", so I don't know exactly what DarkDragon is referring to. There is a Healing Staff, but they may not be used outside of battle. Hopefully DarkDragon will clarify for us!

OoC: Should reflect overkill gold and Benji's generosity! Also the spoils and Hoke's apparent lesser inventory. The Party Hoke Ablesword The Krakenwhacker and Titan Smiter (UsernameMDM) *Party Leader* Level 30 Mystic Knight *Immune to Darkness, Fragile, Weakened, Sealed, and Confused* *+3 Defense* *+2 Defense* Power Bonus: 4 (+4 WP) Defense: 25 30 Health: 49/49 Ether: 19/30 Gold: 348 Equipment: Flagpole (WP:6, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance), Steel Buckler (SP: 20, immune to darkness), Samurai Helmet (WP: 4, immune to sealed and confused, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immune Fragile) Inventory: Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding effect; spear), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep, 4x Potions, 4x Grand Potions, Remedy, 3x Phoenix Essences, Phoenix Incense, 4x Mead, 4x Ether Core, x4 Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), Grating Stone, Zoot's Plaything (Special 3/4 Edition), Water Bomb, Dirt Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, 3x Venom, 3x Deadly Venom, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Kraken Fang (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Level Up Mushroom, Pumpkin Bomb, Mulled Wine, Tonic, 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy, Smelling Salts Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer Level 36.5 Beastwarrior *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects* *+3 Defense* Power: 52 (36+16) Defense: 9 12 (3+6) Health: 51/62 (6+34+15+6) Gold: 716 (owes 500 to Alexis Fenral) Equipment: Meduiak (Precision Bow; WP:16; AIM's become HIT's; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind- elemental), Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to asleep, blinded, confused, fragile, and weakened effects), Tricorne (headwear, SP:3), Overkill Gloves [borrowed from Galen] (handwear, +1 gold for every point of damage done extra when defeating an enemy), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors) Inventory: Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15; earth-, wood-, water-, lightning-, light-elemental), Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (artefact, accessory), Health Core (5), Grand Potion (6), Potion (2), Remedy (6), Phoenix Essence (5), Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (4), Smelling Salts (4), Mead (5), Mulled Wine (4), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3), Skeleton Decoy, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Bone, Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel, Puglist's Gloves (Handwear, +2 Power, Immune to Weakened Effect), Chaotic Bomb, Cosmic Essence, Flame-Distilled Brandy (4), Ambrosia Tesni Hightribe, Level 33.25 Beserker *Restoration* *Immune to Afraid* *+3 Defense* Power: 60 Power Bonus: 0 (+3 WP) Defense: 14 20 Health: 52/52 Gold: 1456 Equipment: Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer),Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:11, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear), Barbarian's Boots (Changes “Natural Respite” job trait into “Restoration”, restoring full health after every battle; suitable for barbarians, chi monks and beast warriors). Inventory: Fàelàn (WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, fire-elemental longsword)), Qilin Blade (WP:15, damages undead, ignores row and SP; longsword), Cysgodion (WP:14, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, light-elemental; longsword), Cryfder (WP:6),Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), 2 Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), King's Crown (Headwear, protects against Doom and Petrified, Suitable for all classes), Scroll of Sleep, Tiger Balm, Elixir, 2 Phoenix Essences, 5 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 4 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bright Polish, Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Mod Rod (WP:10, causes the afraid-effect; lightning-elemental staff suitable for staff members only). Mulled Wine, 3 Potions, 3 Remedies Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) Level 24.33 Paladin *Immune to Sealed* *+3 Defense* Power bonus: 0 Defense: 17 Health: 45/45 Ether: 35/35 Gold: 218 Equipment: Magical Staff (WP: 15; Water-, Darkness-elemental; staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to Sealed; bodywear), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (Accessory, Suitable for Paladins, 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), White Cloak (Max HP +3; backwear), Orc Barbed Shield (SP: 11) Inventory: 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), • Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; Immune to Water; accessory) • Opal, Topaz, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald • Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion • Grand Tonics (4), Potions (3), Elixirs (3), Remedies (7), Potion, Phoenix Essences (2), Phoenix Incense, Tiger Balm, Neutralizers (2), Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom, Fire Bombs (2), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (2), Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bombs (2), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Carrot (restores 5 HP, 10 to rabbits), Bright Polish, Double Rainbow, Ether Core, Copy of Eubric herald (inspired and transcended, one battle), Grand potion, Phoenix Essence, Venom, Ambrosia, Smelling Salts • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Jess Islanti (Sisco) Level 21 Assassin *Immune to Weakened Effect* *+3 SP* Power Bonus: 2 Health: 33/33 Defense: 3 Gold: 201 Equipment: Blohdhurm (WP: 14)(Fire elemental, Permanently Poisoned), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 to Power, immune to the Weakened Effect), Medal of Honor (Accessory, User Gains Triple Experience) Inventory: 2 Venoms, 3 Meads, 3 Grand Potions, Dragonfire Stew (Gives the consumer the encouraged and inspired effects for the duration of one battle), Mulled Wine, 11 Potions, 11 Remedies, 4 Phoenix Essences, 5 Flame-Distilled Brandy, Smelling Salts General Mint Level 55.4 Beserker *Immune to Fragile* *+3 Defense* Power: 67 Health: 72/72 Defense: 5 8 Gold: 70 Equipment: Mourning Star (WP: 10; Fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile) Inventory: x6 Mead, The Steel Stone (WP: 12, Earth Elemental, Greatsword) General Hamilton Level 42.5 Guardian Knight *Immune to Fire, Ice and Blinded* *Reinforced* *+3 Defense* Power: 55 Health: 64/69 Defense: 7 20 Gold: 20 Equipment: Lizard's Tongue (WP: 13, Fire-Elemental, Longsword), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2, Immune to Blind), Armor of the Red Lizard (SP: 3, Immune to Fire and Ice) Inventory: x1 Nostrum, Cinna the Dark (darkdragon) *Party Leader* Level 26.33 Mystic Knight *Immune to Stunned, Lightning and Earth* *+3 Defense* Power Bonus: 2 Defense: 16 Health: 39/45 Ether: 26/39 Gold: 135 Equipment: Mauryl (WP:19 + Darkness, broomstick), Turtleshell Shield (SP:13), Black Dragon Robe (Max. Health +6; immunity to earth; suitable to mages, rogues and chi monks; bodywear), Anniversary Medal:Y2 (+2 to all stats per year; accessory) Inventory: Healing Staff (WP:9, heals target; staff), Naginata (WP:10; halberd), Lumber Axe (WP: 8, wood-elemental axe), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Pointy Hat (Max. Ether +2, suitable for mages and clerics; headwear), Blue Dragon Cape (Immunity to slowed and water; suitable to knights, rangers and dragoons; backwear), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Emerald (Wood), Diamond(Light), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Disenchantment (Removes all positive effects from all opponents at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Sealing, Ether Core, 5 Grand Potions, 5 Remedies, Elixir, Phoenix Essence, 5 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Soma, Tiger Balm (Grants immunity to all effects for one battle), 3 Deadly Venoms, Fire Bomb, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Aeolus Bomb (100 wind-elemental damage to all enemies), Bedroll, 2 Pumpkin Bombs, Raw Sushi (Consumable, Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether), Ambrosia Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede) Level 20.66 Black Knight *Immune to Stunned, Water, Wind, and Fire* *+3 Defense* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 24/39 Gold: 195 Equipment: Sharkjaw Scythe (WP:15, WP x2 against Aquatic type enemies, Darkness,Ice), Gloves of the Undead Assassin (For every enemy the wearer kills, it gains 5 HP, Immunity to Water, Usable by anyone, Handgear), Dragonbrand Shield (SP: 8, immune to wind and fire, shield), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1, backwear, suitable for anyone) Inventory: Venom x3, Bedroll, Remedy, 6x Smelling Salts, Mead x3, Net (if used in combat, 1/3 chance to slow enemy, 1/3 chance to be useless, 1/3 chance slow self, lasts 3 rounds, retrievable), Nostrum x2, Throwing Dagger (WP:3), Fauxthril Scythe (WP:5), 5 Bones, Bow (WP: 4), Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence x2, Soma, Mulled Wine, Crow-Claw Dagger (WP: 6, 50/50 chance to stun enemy on successful attack), Shuriken (WP:5, Wind), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Pseudos Hood (can damage undead with normal attacks), Deadly Venom, Scroll of Ice Armour, Neutralizer Nagure (Costy) Level 22.33 Berserker *Natural Respite* *Trap Evasion* *Immune to Ice,Fire, Earth,Petrified, Fragile, Blinded, Confused and Asleep* *Counterstrike* *+3 Defense* *Encouraged* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 28 Health: 44/44 Gold: 48 GP: 4 Equipment: Xiaolin's Bident (WP:16; instantly kills Aoi; ice- and lightning-elemental spear), Yeti Fur Coat (SP:12, immunity to Ice, Fire, FragileBlinded, Confused and Asleep; suitable for yetis only, bodywear), Counterstrike Gloves; handwear), White Dragon's Greaves (SP:3, avoid traps on the ground, immunity to earth and petrified; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; footwear), Shield (SP:10) Inventory: Stone Hammer (WP: 15, Earth & Darkness-elemental, hammer), Tiger Slayer (WP:10/20 against enemies with “tiger” in their name; spear), Axe of the Croise (WP: 10, Light-elemental axe),Helmet (SP:1), Potion x2, Grand Potion x8, Remedy x4, Elixir, Phoenix Essences x2, Mead x3, Deadly Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x5, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pickaxe, Lightning Bomb x2, Smelling Salts x2, Venom, Phoenix Incense x2, Teleportapple, Ambrosia Purpearl Berthadhiell (Purpearljellyblob) Level 5 Mage *+3 SP* Power Bonus: 1 Health: 1/9 Defense: 3 Ether: 8/9 Gold: 43 Equipment: Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3), High Heels (Power +1, suitable for women; footwear) Inventory: Bedroll, Potion, Party Bomb (x2) (20 damage to all enemies, 1/3 chance to stun every enemy), Ruby (Fire), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Opal (Ice), Scroll of Weakening, Raw Sushi (Consumable, Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether), 2x Tasty Pretzels, Grand Tonic, Mead, Ambrosia, Smelling Salts, Grand Potion Baradok Segul Cannari (Cryos) Level 6 Barbarian *+3 SP* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 5 Health: 1/12 Gold: 293 Equipment: Calcified Club (WP: 5, Earth-Elemental) Light Armor (SP:2) Inventory: Potion x2, Remedy, Phenoix Essence, Smelling Salts x2, Starter Halberd (WP:3), Doppel Vial, 2x Pumpkin Bombs, Raw Sushi (Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether), Mead, Grand Potion Matthias (nstickney) Level 3 Ranger *+3 SP* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 7 Health: 1/8 Gold: 43 Equipment: Tinker's Crossbow (WP: 3), Hunter's Plate (SP: 4, wearer gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed, suitable for rogues, rangers, barbarians, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators, and winged warriors) Inventory: Potion, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Grimmau's Clothespin (Prevents the first negative effect inflicted on the wearer during a battle, headware), Mead, Smelling Salts x2, Grand Potion The heroes introductions to each other are cut short as General Mint howls out. "Who the Hel is that?" growls the General, pointing his blade towards an Orc hovering around the circus troupe. "What the hell is he doing here with the heroes." Hamilton looks at the Orc, and then at the circus troupe, and finally at Mint. "Now, let's not be hasty, Mint. We don't know what he's doing here." Hamilton glances at the other party again, and then at the High Kingdom's heroes. His brow is furrowed. "What is going on here?" "You know damn well what's going on here, Hamilton. Don't be pussy footed about it. We know the Orcs hired some heroes as well. These are those heroes. Come to sabotage our bridge?" General Mint puffs himself up, and the troops behind him place their hands on their swords. "Not going to happen." "We don't know what they're here for," insists Hamilton. "Can't be too many explanations. Just because your King is a lilly-livered greenskin lover doesn't mean you have to be, Hamilton. You're a General for Hel's sake." "Do not insult King Valentino. He has the best of the nation at heart. If only he were back. Tell us what's happening here, heroes." What will the heroes say?

They also, in fairness, only missed about three or four rounds of combat in this case - it should probably be viewed as free experience to the heroes that survived rather than missed experience to those who didn't make it.

I really think that making the general levels for a quest similar is really the only solution that we need. My heroes are a little under a 15 level range, and they still can essentially function well together. It's only when the gap becomes 20 or 25 levels that it becomes an issue. Quests have always had a "level window". This is the reason why.