Zepher

An easier solution would be to keep the levels of heroes on a quest about the same, or carefully design quests that are meant for mismatched parties. I have to agree 100% with Sandy here, this is a convention (in pretty much EVERY RPG I've ever heard of) and therefore must be there for a reason.

"I'll be Blackhood. Sellsword from the High Kingdoms. Basically the truth of the matter." Boomingham lowers his voice so only Ellaria can hear. "I'm sure Purple will know more about the situation with those troublesome brothers, but, well, as for the slave trade, I've made a promise to a friend that I'd look into it."

"Nyx, you may want to make nice with the one-eyed chap. You know, since we're all stepping into his magic star and what not." Boomingham turns to Patricia. "Captain, dearest, would you mind helping an old friend out? I find, generally, that my sword is sharper than my mind, and I've been to a few places since we made our little trip to Strivvi. What exactly do you want us to do? I recall some guards missing, and some Wolfgang involvement. Now, I don't want to be a downer, but the guards, unless they deserted instead of being abducted, are probably not in the best of shape..." Boomingham glances at the Keystone, "and what the Hel is that thing again?"

That kind of takes away the whole point of not being KO'd. I've done it ONCE, at the end of the Wren cycle, because that was a two tiered battle and was meant to wipe out the whole party. But really I don't think it makes much sense, or else being KO'd is the same as not being KO'd.

It also makes sense as the game goes on - the heroes have opinions of each other. They know who good leaders might be. It allows for interesting role play. I know for a fact that while Boomingham is "sacrificing" his party leadership, that doesn't mean that he won't be bossy, which may lead to a situation with him and the other heroes. It's a different situation than if Ellaria was just "picked". I agree, it works sometimes and doesn't work other times. I think in this situation it will lead to a more fruitful quest for everyone.

OoC: This is just RP for a bit. When y'all get done with it, just say so in an OoC comment and we'll continue the story - but again I'm not in a rush and we're almost done anyway and we've got a bunch of fun heroes and NPCs on a boat, so why not! To Arthur "I apologize. I did indeed mean to ask your Monk's issue with the Ji Pei. I do not represent the company, nor am I employed by them, but we have a dialogue. I believe that many people misread the Ji Pei. They are not against helping other researchers, in my experience, they just wish to recieve help in return." "I do not distaste for the Bonapartes or Hinckwells. My fellow employee Captain Elba worked for the Bonapartes, and I respect his character greatly. The Bonapartes and the way that they behave as a family has a profound impact on them. And Captain Lane is a kind and direct man thus far. The Hinckwells, both Heinrich and Henry, are friends of my employer. They are tight-lipped and proud men. They come from an old family. It makes sense to me. They behave as I'd expect." "The Shadeaux are a young family. We do not know what they have in store for the city yet. I appreciate your respect for the Dragons. The old races have much to teach the younger ones." The Sayyip looks at the waters. "Do you wish to find this book of the Princess'?" To Tarn "It is a strength that comes from the vision, not a vision that comes with strength, if you understand what I mean." She smiles wanly. "Mallelio, when he began being my teacher, didn't know what to tell me about my visions. I was very distraught, very young. One time, while my father was holding court, I had a vision that terrified me so much I can't remember it any longer. I forgot the future-" she muses and smiles slightly again before returning to her tale. "Victor, before he was an Ambassador or Emperor, was an advisor to my father. I was wide-eyed, frothing at the mouth. He took me out of the room. He told me that I had two options. I could be weak and allow the visions to rule me, or I could be strong and rule the visions. He presented it as a choice. A true Dastan man." Ella rubs Tarn's hand. "I think you too would choose to be strong, Tarn. You always do choose to be strong. This would just be a different challenge. Maybe you'll get a vision one day. We don't know how the world works, really. Even I, who can see so much, knows so little." To Monk Pretzel "A ship is more like your Hall then the Houses. The Bonapartes hire men. We are all here for differing reasons too. Hel, look at this ship! But I thank you for your honesty." The Bonaparte spits over the railing. "Most heroes- most men- wouldn't be brave enough. I respect that." "The Wolfgang haven't taken to the seas yet, so they're not so much domain, but that doesn't mean I don't hate them. The Bonapartes were assaulted in the Hovels - I know it was the Wolfgang behind it, even if they decapitated some other folks. I meant what I said - the Bonapartes aren't a damn family, but that doesn't mean that we are disloyal to our employers. I work for the Bonapartes because they're a good family. If they got to Nemo, they'd be hearing from me, I can promise you that." "Have you ever thought of cleaning house in your Hall? Would those Veterans of your's listen to you if you asked them to consider it? Seems to me that having demons wandering around casts you all in a poor light."

"Just remember everything I taught you, little lady," says Boomingham with a smile as he pats Ellaria on the shoulder. "I think that's a majority, Patricia, dear. How about you explain your wooden star now?" Boomingham glances at the pretzel that Ellaria founds enviously.

"Let Ellaria have it. I think she's more than ready."

"Well, this is certainly interesting." Boomingham bows to the Captain of the Guards. "It's good to see you again, Captain! That's a nice star you've lain out on the ground there."

OoC: Darkdragon, it strangely does not list your class anywhere in your stats! Are you a Battle Mage? Are you a Mystic Knight? Where would you like your enchantment to go? Cliffside Combat Round Nine Hoke v. Harpy E - Special Damage (Stunned) Nerwen heals Benji - Failure (Roll of 5) Mint v. Harpy F - Damage (21-8=13) Hamilton v. Harpy E - Critical Hit ([13*2]+42=68) Tesni v. Harpy L - Critical Hit ([([10+3]*3)+33]*2*2=288) Benji v. Harpy F - Steal (No Effect) Jess v. Harpy E - Lethal Aim (Assassination Successful) Nagure v. Harpy F - Damage (No Effect) Cinna v. Harpy F - Miss (Enchantment??) Nelvyn v. Harpy F - Shield (5421, Harpy L Assassinated) Dreyrugr v. Harpy E - Damage (21-16=5) The heroes hack away at their enemies. The flock, apparently seeing how the battle is shaking out, hops away a little and some take to the skies. No harpies join the combat. The Enemies Harpy F (Cliff Face) Level 21 Flying Health: 186/354 Special: Feral Strike – Attacks members of the opposing party 1-6 times, dividing the hits as equally as possible. Drops: Smelling Salts Harpy K (South) Level 21 Flying Health: 354/354 Special: Feral Strike – Attacks members of the opposing party 1-6 times, dividing the hits as equally as possible. Drops: Smelling Salts The Party Hoke Ablesword The Krakenwhacker and Titan Smiter (UsernameMDM) *Party Leader* Level 29.66 Mystic Knight *Immune to Darkness, Fragile, Weakened, Sealed, and Confused* *+3 Defense* *Encouraged* *+2 Defense* Power Bonus: 4 (+4 WP) Defense: 25 30 Health: 48/48 Ether: 18/29 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), Counterstrike Gloves, Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), 2x 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 Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer Level 35.75 Beastwarrior *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects* *+3 Defense* *Inspired* *Encouraged* Power: 51 (35+16) Defense: 9 12 (3+6) Health: 50/122 (6+34+15+6) Gold: 502 (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 (9), 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 Beserker *Restoration* *Immune to Afraid* *+3 Defense* *Encouraged* Power: 60 Power Bonus: 0 (+3 WP) Defense: 14 20 Health: 45/52 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, 2 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 Paladin *Immune to Sealed* *+3 Defense* *Reinforced* *Transcended* *Inspired* *Encouraged* Power bonus: 0 Defense: 17 34 Health: 45/45 90/90 Ether: 35/35 70/70 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 • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Jess Islanti (Sisco) Level 20.66 Assassin *Immune to Weakened Effect* *+3 SP* Power Bonus: 2 Health: 32/32 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 General Mint Level 55.2 Beserker *Immune to Fragile* *+3 Defense* *Encouraged* Power: 67 Health: 33/72 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 42.25 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 Mystic Knight *Immune to Stunned, Lightning and Earth* *+3 Defense* *Encouraged* 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, Smelling Salt, 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 1/3 Black Knight *Immune to Stunned, Water, Wind, and Fire* *+3 Defense* *Encouraged* 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, 5x 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 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, Venom, Phoenix Incense x2, Teleportapple, Ambrosia Purpearl Berthadhiell (Purpearljellyblob) Level 5 Mage *KO'd* Power Bonus: 1 Health: 0/9 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 Baradok Segul Cannari (Cryos) Level 6 Barbarian *KO'd* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 5 Health: 0/12 Gold: 293 Equipment: Calcified Club (WP: 5, Earth-Elemental) Light Armor (SP:2) Inventory: Potion x2, Remedy, Phenoix Essence, Smelling Salts, Starter Halberd (WP:3), Doppel Vial, 2x Pumpkin Bombs, Raw Sushi (Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether), Mead Matthias (nstickney) Level 3 Ranger *KO'd* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 7 Health: 0/8 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 Nelvyn *Dodgy (1/3 chance to avoid rolls of Damage)* *Controlled by Darkdragon* Level 15 1/2 Assassin Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 30/30 Gold: 128 Equipment:Unobtrusive Dagger (WP 5), Tunic of the Elvin Acrobat (+4 HP, Provides Dodgy effect, Torsowear) Inventory: Smelling Salt, Smoke Bomb

"Nyx, glad you could join us, I was getting worried that you may have gotten lost. I apologize that I bustled out of the Hall without telling you my stories - I had a friend to check on before coming here." Boomingham turns to Atramor. "Good to see you, boy. It's been too long since we've quested together."

OoC: Sometimes I make up sayings and assume everyone will understand them. "I'm out on the seas very often, but I'm not blind to Eubric. Your Hall holds a great deal of power. I want to know how you and other folks feel about my employer. Believe it or not, Nemo and Hestia are good people who I care for, and also who pay me and allow me to sail. I know that Heroica has saved them from danger more than once, but I want to know what would happen if push came to shove." Captain Lane turns the wheel slightly. "Eubric is the ever changing city, and I can feel a new wind coming in. The houses aren't all friendly with one another. We all have our loyalties."

"You'll forgive me heroes," calls Hinckwell from the shore, "but I don't like talking about it." And then the ship is off and out in the water. Captain Lane steers with a certainty and Doc Daneeka fiddles with his device. "Monk, it seems like you're a man who knows a ship and of the Bonaparte fleet," says Lane as he navigates. "I know that your organization has been tied up with us before. Tell me about the rumblings in the ranks." "Visions are strange, dear Tarn. They aren't like normal sight. You feel energy, you catch glimpses. It is strange and terrifying to wield that much power. I have conversations with people twice, and sometimes I see something that doesn't come to pass, and yet for me it did." She looks at the warped old wood: "I'm not explaining well, I apologize. It is impossible to explain until it happens to you, I suppose. I wish I could help you understand. Talking to the Oracle is quite an experience - until then I had never met anyone else with the gift of sight." "Mage, come here." Daneeka turns towards Arthur. "I have heard your dislike for the Ji Pei. May I inquire why?"

I steal from other QMs as often as I can.

Boomingham looks at the warehouse, and then at the guard. He raises an eyebrow and chews on his lip. "This is awful familiar." He looks at his fellow heroes. "As are all of you. Can say that its more of a pleasure to see you again than it is to see any of this." OoC: Like I said in my own quests/R&D, it's a very busy weekend for me, but I'll be back in it full force tomorrow evening or Monday! I apologize for the inconvenience!

It will probably be a slow update weekend for me, folks. I'm very busy. I'll still try to check in daily, but I may not make it here on Saturday! 92, you're pretty close, and 88... well, hopefully the pace isn't too painful.

"We haven't had the best relationship with Heroica. It makes me glad to see heroes doing what they're supposed to do - helping those in danger. I had a son who joined your organization. He lost his life there. I am glad to see that it wasn't all for naught and that there are at least some noble heroes left. I will tell Grady that his debt to you has been repaid." "Aye I still work for them. Wouldn't have access to the ship if I didn't. I've been all over - the Free Isles, Moone, High Kingdoms, Lower Kingdoms, even to Charis and Dastan a few times. We handle shipping all over Olegia. Can't say I've transported many explorers before." "It wouldn't be a favor if I asked for gold back. Smooth sailing, heroes, Captain Lane, Daneeka." Henry Hinckwell gives an awkward stiff bow and steps off the ship. "Best not be. Ready to set sail?"

OoC: Yes, he should have. I can't edit the post because WBD did it, but assume that he has joined! Hamilton bursts forward through the Harpies and gives a smart salute. "Hello there, heroes! Glad to see you're doing well." General Hamilton Level 42.25 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,

"Hello Monk Pretzel and fellow escorts," says the Bonaparte man. "My name is Captain Pierce Lane. Glad to hear you're not with the Ji Pei." The captain glances again at the device. "Alright, Hinckwell, I've got a ship I can put them on. Follow me." The heroes follow the captain down the docks a short way as he speaks. "See, thing is, I can't take out a ship just any old time. Bonapartes keep tabs on everything. But some of their older ships, and I mean real old - some of the smaller ones that don't make sense to run anymore but they haven't bothered to deconstruct yet, those I can get my hands on. And between you and me, I like them better. Creak in the wood means the ship has proven it's worth. Hasn't sunk yet means it won't start now. Besides, we'll be needing a small ship. Not likely any of you know how to sail, is it?" The captain stops, turns onto a gangplank, and faces the heroes. The ship he's on is small, but it looks sturdy, and is spacious enough for all of them to fit more than comfortably. "Welcome aboard the Old Kraken. First ship I ever sailed aboard as a cadet. How's she look to you?" The Hinckwell looks at the warped old wood, discolored with age and years of salt. He turns to Ella. "Will she do?" "Oh, she'll do." "You know how I pay, Captain. Half now, half upon a safe return." "Climb aboard, heroes." "Oh how I hate the sea," moans U'Voros quietly as he helps Daneeka get the device on board.

"If you want something dependable, let it be my inability to remember much of anything. When was it we saw each other last? Surely since Steerpike? Ah, and speaking of music-" Boomingham puts the Bolero of Fire on the bar- "I got you something. I'll let you find someone else to sing it to you. It's about fire and all that, so I figured you may like it." "Ellaria and I have been out adventuring. Saved a town from going to Hel with a little help from Nerwen and the boy mage. Then we just ran a device back and forth, fought of some mercenaries. Normal stuff, you know." Boomingham glances around the Hall. "I'm glad to be going back to Strivvi. Got some scores to settle, and Strivvi is the first of many. What about yourself? I hear you and Atramor were in the desert?" Boomingham holds up his fingers indicating to the bar maid that he too would like a drink.

Oh we'll look after you, don't worry! You should come along!

Boomingham breezes into the Hall and glances around. He darts over to the quest board and signs his name to Quest #96 before heading up the stairs to the bar. He sits down to the first lady he sees. I was once a King," he tells her, "of a very old kingdom. Sadly, I ran into a little trouble with a young mage. They locked me away for a few hundred years - to me it seemed like a quick nap in another dimension. When I hopped on out, my kingdom was gone, the people had gone on a quick exodus or something, and all they left behind was a few ruins, and all the treasure." Boomingham glances over and raises an eyebrow. "Stop me if you'd heard tihs one... Nyx, is it?"

Boomingham sways into the marketplace after a night out at a tavern. The last few days and weeks had been strange, and he had needed a break. He marches up to Fabian first. "Hello there, chappo. I'm done with this, thank you. It's a little more worn and torn, but I don't doubt you can fix it up." Boomingham drops his Heavy Armor on the counter. "Now, if you'd be so kind as to tear up this scroll and put it in my book... not that I don't think I could do it myself - don't know why I pay you for it, but what the Hel, you're the professional and I want that book well bound." Boomingham hands his scroll of Fraility and his Tome of Affluence to Fabian. "I'll be back shortly." (171+135-50=256). He next makes his way over to Portia. The woman stands back and lets him shop, by now used to his spending habits, knowing he's good for it. He picks up 3 Meads and 1 Nostrum, banging some gold down on the counter. (256-[(15*3)+35]=176). Done with shopping, Boomingham scoops up his haul and returns to the Hall.

"Only a day or three." "Hm, a ship that won't run into trouble with the Bonapartes..." Henry smiles slyly. "I think I can do that for you. Follow me." The Hinckwell leads the heroes towards the docks, and once they're there he makes a beeline for a specific dock. A man stands there, smelly and salty and stern looking. "What can I do you for, Hinckwell?" asks the man, chewing on something or other. "Got another shipment that ain't gonna show up?" "Don't get short with me." Hinckwell glares at the Bonaparte, but the Bonapartes stone-like face doesn't waver, and soon both men are smiling at each other again. "I've a favor to ask for some... friends, actually." The Bonapartes appraises the heroes. "Oh yeah?" "I owe them. I'll pay for the ship." "What you got there?" asks the Bonaparte, glancing at the device. "Don't seem like something I'd want on one of my ships. Is it going to explode? I've seen some stuff explode before." "I should hope not." "Who the Hel are these people, anyway? They from the Ji Pei? You know I'd get in trouble transporting any Ji Pei." "The Ji Pei don't need your ships," scoffs Hinckwell, "so clearly not. These are..." he turns to Ella. "Explorers." The Bonaparte looks at Ella hard for a second. "Hm. And who are you?" he asks, turning to the heroes.

Nerwen rolled Shield last round, which granted the party safety! Paladins are a handy-dandy class to have around, and everyone should always take them on the most exciting and rewarding quests in my opinion.