Zepher

"Oh, how delightful. I get to tell you a fairy tale. Shall we all sit down? Would you like some warm milk?" Ella smiles and giggles. "My father used to tell me these tales. Strange, to have an Emperor of a people whisper ghost stories in your ear as you go to bed." "I'm sure U'Voros told you of the adventures that the Prophetess and the Warrior went on, and I'm sure he told you that they kept a book of those adventures. The final adventure, in their stories, takes place in old Kingdom that lies below Eubric, and they then set out to Dastan, but never arrived. The story goes that the ship they were on must have sank, and I do not doubt it. It is a shame, of course, that their book went down with them." "Their fabled book," intercuts U'Voros. "Their fabled book sank with them in a fabled crash that they lost their fabled book in." "I've been getting visions of a chest, underwater, sealed by magic. Inside is a book. Now, it is impossible for prophets to look into the past with that much clarity, but in my dreams I also hear a voice, whispering to me, summoning me. My guess is this - suppose that I am not seeing the past, but that the Prophetess in the fable saw the future? Knew she would crash and drown, but wanted her book to be revealed to Olegia. She sees me, now, and asks me to retrieve it for her." Ella blushes. "It is guess work, and it is a fable, but I feel I must give it a chance. That book will have history that we can only dream of. Knowledge long lost to us. And it belonged to another prophet." Ella glances shyly at the heroes. "So what do you think? Worth the adventure?"

Unless it was such a powerful attack, it KO'd him. In the Guardian Knight's Shield "reflect" means that the damage is literally reflected without the heroes taking it.

Wait, important question - does he take the damage as well as reflect it, or just reflect it and take no damage assuming he wouldn't be knocked out? And 20 SP is pocket change to Docken. And with 0 SP, that shield will be easy to upgrade cheaply and quickly.

Now Docken is actually invincible! Run for the hills!

Hybros and Dek'ra both repeat.

"What transgressions? Fighting the Orcs? Sorry, but I think even your white robed pals down in the South would agree with me there. And you're free to the drink, but don't expect a second if you keep walking around whacking people over the head." "I don't. I'm more sympathetic to the Orcs than most, but that doesn't mean that they're sympathetic to me. Valentino would tell you if he were still here - the Orcs are a society. The men forget it when they slaughter them, but they are a developed people with a developed system of politics. Unfortunately, that means it is difficult to tell which clan is doing what. If I knew their armor better, maybe." "As for my son and the General - refuse is the wrong word. I do not know if you heroes keep children, but it is difficult to order them to do anything, particularly once they're grown, particularly if they are to be King. He has not listened to my suggestions, and I suspect that the General has supported him to stay instead of accepting a change of command. He knows I do not like fighting, and he would absolutely refuse, refuse being the right word in this case, to take orders from a Red Lizard commander." "Hm? How the King lost his eye?" It seems that the General is not paying too close conversation, or perhaps assumed that the error was on his hearing and not Jess' vision. "Some Nord poked it out a long while back. I was there for the battle. Rough stuff. I captured the man, some leader of one of the smaller clans - took out both of his eyes and his tongues and cut off his hands. Thought it was appropriate punishment. I maimed him bad, sure, but he maimed a nation." "It's necessary," says Frederick with a shrug. "Have you heard the story of Augustus on this side of the river?" --- "In the Orcish War, during the night, King Augustus had some of his troops on this side of the river, planning to do an ambush or something of the like. They'd left a pretty decent force across the river too, as a distraction or to hold the line or something. But Torakai outsmarted him. Took a huge force and crushed the small force that Augustus had left behind. And Augustus was on this side of the river, watching the carnage and flame, and he couldn't do anything." OoC: Bad focus. "Out of the wind and snow and sleet, as they watched the fire, came two figures to Augustus, some dark God and his witch. And they joined Augustus and the troops he had with him and they watched the flames together. And the dark old God turned to Augustus and told him that if he accepted the dark old God and denounced Ennoc, the young and bright, that the dark God would give Augustus the power to save his troops, and save the day, the crush Torakai." "And Augustus turned to the dark old god and said 'NO' and he didn't denounce Ennoc and his men burned and the war continued." --- "So, heroes, what's the moral? Why the bridge?"

Sorry all, leave for school on Monday, so finishing up all the photographs I'll need for the rest of the quests! Might be a slow online day for that reason. 88 is wrapped... I have one set left for 92!

OoC: To credit the guest pictures: a banner has finally been added, done by Cyros, and the upcoming pictures are done, as one may guess, by the ever helpful and invested Sandy. "I can't say that I fully understand the politics of Eubric, but then again I can't say that I fully understand the politics of Dastan or Eubric. We do not know of the Wolfgang, other than that meeting... though I think that Lady Ella did hear of a rally or two of the Wolfgang even though I have not really heard of the Wolfgang. Lady Ella leaves these walls when the Oracle and I are not looking, I am almost sure of it. Lady Ella is allowed out, of course, but I'd be happier if Lady Ella told me when she was going out which she is allowed to do of course. These streets are so dangerous." U'Voros shakes his head. "I don't know any of those names - Hinckwells or Bonapartes or Shadows or Hinckwells. Too many Hinckwells and Shadows and Bonapartes to keep track of. I think the ship that Lady Ella and I arrived on may have met some Bonapartes, but we arrived at a northern port... Loush is the port we arrived at I think." "But enough of that. We are to see Lady Ella." The U'Kin brings the heroes forward into the shrine... and stands at attention next to his beaming Princess. "Well hello there, heroes," she smiles. "It seems fate has once more brought us together for some grand adventure... though this time I may have forced her hand a little." She giggles. "I had already seen Master Thothwick, dear Nyx, and of course the roguishly handsome or handsomely roguish Atramor, I figured I may as well say hello to one or two more old faces." She glances over Arthur, but her eyes land on Tarn and her smile widens. "So, has U'Voros bored you with the details yet? Or do I get to tell you a little bit about my dreams? A little merrier than the ones the Oracle herself is having, thankfully."

Alright fellow QMs (and even aspiring QMs too!) a rare question for the interim in this topic: How do you come up with a quest idea, and then (perhaps more importantly) how do you grow that idea from an egg or seed into a full blown quest?

OoC: Free drinks? "I'm General Hector Mint," he says, accepting the drink. "Four Boulders Kingdom." "Used to serve my father, until my father lost his taste for battle. Some time after a Nord poked out his eye. So now he serves me. General Mint is always hungry for blood." "Only the blood of Nords and Orcs." "Those creatures that vex our country the most. My father has forgotten the hatred we bear those creatures, but General Mint and I have not." "Can't be safe with them nearby. Hard to forget. Enemies you respect are those you should fear most." "I know it. My son has a particular blood lust. He believes Baltar would not have spared us should we have lost, and he feels obligated to return the favor. What is the saying? When you fight monsters, you have to be careful not to become one. My son has been on this side of the river too long, but he refuses to leave and General Mint refuses to let him go." OoC: I understand, and I understand too that you are staff. And have a real life. And I won't bother you about it again, but bear in mind a post every 24 hours would be appreciated, IF possible. "Ah, another hero of the day. Of course I attract all the ladies. Sit down, sit down!"

"You have been to Dastan, Master Tarn you have been to Dastan! You know we are free there too. But who makes sure that the citizens are safe if there is no Emperor? Who trades with Dastan, or fends off invaders if there is no Emperor who fends off invaders?" "And our Knights are rather famed, Monk. The Dragon Knights, but they are few in numbers in high in prestige are Dragon Knights, and I am not a Dragon Knight, just a regular man at arms." The heroes arrive outside the shrine. "Are you ready to see the Lady Ella Septrine?" asks U'Voros of all the heroes, but his eyes wander to Tarn in particular.

OoC: I didn't even think about the fact that I was insulting the QM's PC. Glad to see the random dice gods didn't take a dislike to me because of it. Don't think anyone should be stunned any longer. "Hm, you're leaking," Boomingham observes callously. "Another bout?" Same Battle Order

OoC: Sisco, Peppy, I imagine you're both busy (Peppy in particular, I understand life is busy as you've explained life is busy) but I still do expect you to check in. I'm not trying to be a bad guy, but hosting takes up a lot of time, and I meant for this to be a five person quest, not a three person one. The barkeep looks up as Benji approaches. "Welcome to the Frozen Tear Inn. Are you fellows looking for a drink? Here's what I have," sniffles the barkeep. Mead - Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle. Costs 35 gold. Ambrosia - Causes the reinforced-effect, double the target's defense for the duration of one battle. Costs 77 gold. Flame-distilled Brandy - Causes the encouraged- and the immune to ice-effects for the duration of one battle. Costs 34 gold. Mulled Wine - Causes the inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle. Costs 67 gold. "Your first drink is on me," grunts King Speros as he slaps down the gold for Hoke's mead. "You both fought well today. Wish I could say that blood shed is an improper introduction to this side of the river, but it isn't." "Disdain is a strong word, m'lady. I don't mind the Gods and powers, I just don't know what they've got to do with me. Let them strike me down if I've done wrong." He pauses, glances up at the roof of the inn, and then chuckles. "I assume they're alright with me, and so I suppose I'm alright with them. Sit down, sit down. Have a drink - first one is on me. What's your poison?"

OoC: If there is a mistake, always assume it is on my end. Fixed. OoC: I don't know why Natural Respite is so difficult for me to remember. The Party Tarn Valco *Party Leader* Level 25 Raider *Natural Respite* *Immune to Weakened* *Immune to Magic and Healing* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 6 Health: 41/41 (7+24+7+3) Gold: 2039 Equipment: Great Blade (WP:25, cannot be equipped with a shield, greatsword), Darksteel Armor (SP:6, Max. Health +3, Immunity to Weakened; bodywear), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Amulet of U'Kin Nobility (Grants Diplomacy to wearer when addressing a U'Kin) Inventory: Helbaerend (WP:10; water-, ice- and lightning-elemental; hollow (Great Potion); axe), Lion’s Heart (WP:13, darkness-elemental, stun-effect; greatsword), Bagpipes (WP:8, wind-elemental instrument), Fauxthril Spear (WP:6, spear), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness; suitable to Black Knights only), Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), Potion, Grand Potion, Health Core, Grand Tonic x3, Remedy, Elixir, Phoenix Essence x1, Mead x5, Nostrum x5, Venom x2, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb x2, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bucket, Bone x2, Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding effect; unsuitable), Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon; unsuitable), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear; unsuitable), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves (handwear, after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level) Arthur Justus Regulus VII Level 29 1/3 Mystic Knight *Immune to Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* *Encouraged* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 44/44 Ether: 10/34 Defense: 17 Gold: 413 Equipment: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy. (Example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold.)), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (Protects against Fragile and all Poisons, SP; 5, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators; bodywear), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors; headwear), Arm Shield (SP: 12) Inventory: Weapons: Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [smelling Salts]), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (Nostrum) halberd) Artifacts: Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves (Handwear, wearable by everybody. Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you.), Zap-Tap Badge (Artefact, Accessory. Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level.), Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: 2x Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing (Lent to De'kra), 2x Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Consumables: Grand Potion x10, Potion, Remedy x9, Elixir x4, Nostrum x4, Smelling Salts x2, Mead x4, Jinxy Juice x2, Ether Core, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Tesla Bomb (Deals 20 Lightnng-elemental damage to all enemies when thrown. Can only be used once), Tonic, Grand Tonic x9, Double Rainbow (Causes the Encouraged- and Lucky-effects, but also the Confused- and Poisoned-effects), Bright Polish, Ambrosia, Exterlate, Grating Stone, Smoke Bomb x5, Hurricane, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), 3 Bones, Mulled Wine Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces, the Super Sleuth Level 26 Paladin Power Bonus: +5, (In the Front Row) Defense: 27 (+5, in the Back Row) Health: 47/47 Ether: 33/35 Gold: 361 Equipment: Dual Staff (WP:8, Ice, Lightning, Fire, Wind, Light; dual strike; staff), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Strategist's Shako (+5 power while in the front row, +5 SP while in the back; headwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4; backwear), Heavy Armour (SP:5, Immune to Fragile) Inventory:The Muckraker (WP:13, Earth, Water, Wood; causes weakened; greatsword), Heavy Flail (WP:5, causes fragile; mace), Flying Cross (WP:6; Darkness; broomstick), Steak (WP: 1; instantly kills vampires on successful hits; suitable for all), Impervious Shield (SP: 5; grants immunity to Fire), Duplovian Helmet (SP: 2; Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP: 1; Vermin with level less than half of the wearers are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Soothing Slippers (meditation restores 5 ether; footwear), Magic Viper Skin (heals 1 health to wearer each round of battle unless knocked out; accessory), Shackles of War, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blinding, 2 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, 5 Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 6 Remedies, Neutralizer, Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 4 Phoenix Incenses, 2 Smelling Salts, 5 Venoms, 5 Deadly Venoms, 2 Paralyzing Venoms, 3 Smoke Bombs, Fire Bomb, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magic Shovel (will always find something when used, limited to three uses per quest), Magnificent Magniscope (Magnifying Glass/Telescope), 7 Bones, Raw Meat (+5 max. health upon consumption), Ammit (Greatsword, WP 6, gains 5 Ether for each kill), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Military Grade Fire Bomb U'Voros (Controlled by Rumble Strike) Level 10 1/2 Knight Power Bonus: 0 Health: 19/19 Defense: 7 Gold: 37 Equipment: Dastan Spear (WP: 7), Fashionable Shield (SP: 7) Inventory: Grand Potion "It's not a lack of job I'm worried about. That ruffian sailor - he wouldn't have fought on his own, but now you've shown him that anyone can fight. Suppose he gets poor, loses his job, drinks too much, goes out and loots. Or maybe he tries to stop a looting on his own and gets himself killed. This city is in chaos, and it needs order, and like it or not sell swords fighting in the streets is not any semblance of order." "Thank you for the shield, Monk! I am very grateful for the shield, I've never gotten a shield before! I have been trained with a shield, so I should be able to use it well enough." U'Voros stares into the shield for a few seconds before turning to Arthur. "We're heading to the Oracle's shrine is where we're headed. Just a short walk from here. We can be off to the shrine right away." "I'll see you around, I guess," leers Grady as he stalks down the streets. Andrew grunts at the heroes dismissively as they get on their way. "There seems to be much anger in your city, both in the army men and in the citizens there seems to be much anger. Why does the Emperor of the city not appease them both? Isn't that the Emperor's job?"

Was waiting for the rerolls. Battle Order Boomingham Hybros Hybros Dek'ra Ellaria

"I think someone may have mentioned it to me, once..." Boomingham scratches his head and then shakes it. "Maybe I'm making it up. Ah well. And we'll talk about the Stealer sooner rather than later. Have you ever met the little lady named Karie? Wears a mask, stabs backs? Or the confused chap Arthur. Conspirators. You know, Atramor is right in one thing - you have to find friends you can trust to hate the same things as you. But enough of that - I'll toss a heal your way if you let me wet my throat with one of those nostrums you're lugging around." Boomingham swings again at the Yeti.

I can't wait until a Dragoon gets trapped in a building where the lower floors are being stormed and has to burst out of a particularly resilient roof!

OoC: Fixed! "The men of the bridge won't fight you. Prince Speros is not their sole commander - they are men from both armies who serve their kingdoms. Heweyrt has been in our land long enough that his hired hands will be respected in their wishes." "My son has been in charge over here for the longest stretch, I will give him that. He sometimes forget that because the men follow his orders, it doesn't mean they serve him. He serves the kingdoms, they serve the kingdoms." King Speros shakes his head. "To the inn then, heroes. You can finish your divisions there." King Speros and General Hamilton lead the heroes a short walk away from the base of the bridge and to a rickety lodge nearby. They step inside and find that General Mint and Prince Speros have already started boozing and telling tales of the fight. General Hamilton, welcomed with a gesture from Prince Speros, makes his way towards them, but King Speros pointedly makes his way to the bar. Which party will the heroes pick - King Speros, or his son's table? OoC: Roleplaying for a tad. Some people have stories to tell - you don't all have to sit with the same folk. MDM, if you are happy with your loot distribution (I know you were hoping for commentary) just post something along the lines of "I distribute the loot as planned" in your next post, and I'll post updated stats with that loot distribution.

I was using them the new way. I argued against the nerf, but then in practice I found it fair... but since I was wrong last time around, I may as well see what happens this time.

Darkness against the humanoid would be a x2 multiplier, fire and ice both don't interact with "watery" in any way... unless you mean icy, in which case, yes, they cancel each other out.

They were nerfed recently to be more appropriate.

Round Six "Donny Five-Finger" Showdown Pretzel digs with his Magic Shovel - Find a Military Grade Fire Bomb Arthur v. Donny - Enchant (Not Enough Ether) Tarn v. Donny - Special Damage (24 Health and gold stolen) Grady v. "Donny" - Critical Hit ([8*2]+30=46, KO) Grady loses 3 health due to burning The heroes attempt to finish the battle, but it is Grady who delivers the final blow. Pretzel, meanwhile, while leaning down with his shovel discovers a military grade fire bomb wedged up against the building, covered in a bit of dust. The battle is victorious, everyone gains the appropriate levels. The Party Tarn Valco *Party Leader* Level 25 Raider *Natural Respite* *Immune to Weakened* *Immune to Magic and Healing* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 6 Health: 17/41 (7+24+7+3) Gold: 2063 Equipment: Great Blade (WP:25, cannot be equipped with a shield, greatsword), Darksteel Armor (SP:6, Max. Health +3, Immunity to Weakened; bodywear), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Amulet of U'Kin Nobility (Grants Diplomacy to wearer when addressing a U'Kin) Inventory: Helbaerend (WP:10; water-, ice- and lightning-elemental; hollow (Great Potion); axe), Lion’s Heart (WP:13, darkness-elemental, stun-effect; greatsword), Bagpipes (WP:8, wind-elemental instrument), Fauxthril Spear (WP:6, spear), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness; suitable to Black Knights only), Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), Potion, Grand Potion x2, Health Core, Grand Tonic x3, Remedy, Elixir, Phoenix Essence x2,Mead x5, Nostrum x5, Venom x2, Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb x2, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bucket, Bone x2, Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding effect; unsuitable), Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable, causes Jinxed-effect; throwing weapon; unsuitable), Spider Leg (WP:8, doubled against flying enemies; spear; unsuitable), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves (handwear, after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level) Arthur Justus Regulus VII Level 29 1/3 Mystic Knight *Immune to Fragile and all Poisons* *Only Receives One Negative Effect At A Time* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 44/44 Ether: 10/34 Defense: 17 Gold: 413 Equipment: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Overkill Gloves (Gives the wearer 1 gold for every point of damage they do extra when they defeat an enemy. (Example: Enemy has 50 HP left, you do 75 damage, you earn 25 gold.)), Duke's Coat-of-Arms (Protects against Fragile and all Poisons, SP; 5, suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators; bodywear), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors; headwear), Arm Shield (SP: 12) Inventory: Weapons: Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Hollow Blade Dagger (WP:6, dagger, hollow-blade [Mulled Wine]), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, stuns on successful hits, Hollow (Elixer) halberd) Artifacts: Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.), Scarf of Misfortune (Accessory, Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round), Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents anyone from fleeing battles), Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent), Jester's Hat (Headwear, Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy), Stingy Gloves (Handwear, wearable by everybody. Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you.), Zap-Tap Badge (Artefact, Accessory. Has a 1/2 chance to deal Electric damage to an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level.), Gems: Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass Scrolls: 2x Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing (Lent to De'kra), 2x Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the Poisoned 10 effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Scroll of Weakening, Consumables: Grand Potion x11, Potion, Remedy x9, Elixir x3, Nostrum x4, Smelling Salts x 3, Mead x4, Jinxy Juice x2, Ether Core, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Badly Poisoned effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Zoot's Plaything, Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Tesla Bomb (Deals 20 Lightnng-elemental damage to all enemies when thrown. Can only be used once), Tonic, Grand Tonic x9, Double Rainbow (Causes the Encouraged- and Lucky-effects, but also the Confused- and Poisoned-effects), Bright Polish, Ambrosia, Exterlate, Grating Stone, Smoke Bomb x5, Hurricane, Pumpkin Bomb (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), 3 Bones Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces, the Super Sleuth Level 26 Paladin Power Bonus: +5, (In the Front Row) Defense: 27 (+5, in the Back Row) Health: 47/47 Ether: 35/35 Gold: 331 Equipment: Dual Staff (WP:8, Ice, Lightning, Fire, Wind, Light; dual strike; staff), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Strategist's Shako (+5 power while in the front row, +5 SP while in the back; headwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4; backwear), Heavy Armour (SP:5, Immune to Fragile) Inventory:The Muckraker (WP:13, Earth, Water, Wood; causes weakened; greatsword), Heavy Flail (WP:5, causes fragile; mace), Flying Cross (WP:6; Darkness; broomstick), Steak (WP: 1; instantly kills vampires on successful hits; suitable for all), Fashionable Shield (SP: 7), Impervious Shield (SP: 5; grants immunity to Fire), Duplovian Helmet (SP: 2; Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP: 1; Vermin with level less than half of the wearers are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Soothing Slippers (meditation restores 5 ether; footwear), Magic Viper Skin (heals 1 health to wearer each round of battle unless knocked out; accessory), Shackles of War, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blinding, 2 Potions, 4 Grand Potions, 5 Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 5 Remedies, Neutralizer, Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 3 Phoenix Incenses, 2 Smelling Salts, 5 Venoms, 5 Deadly Venoms, 2 Paralyzing Venoms, 3 Smoke Bombs, Fire Bomb, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magic Shovel (will always find something when used, limited to three uses per quest), Magnificent Magniscope (Magnifying Glass/Telescope), 7 Bones, Raw Meat (+5 max. health upon consumption), Ammit (Greatsword, WP 6, gains 5 Ether for each kill), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging) U'Voros (Controlled by Rumble Strike) Level 10 1/2 Knight Power Bonus: 0 Health: 19/19 Defense: 0 Gold: 37 Equipment: Dastan Spear (WP: 7) Inventory: Friendly Sailor (NPC, Takes Suggestions) Level 14 1/2 Rogue Power Bonus: 0 Health: 10/20 Defense: 0 Gold: 12 Equipment: Fightin' Telescope (WP: 1, Helps to see long distances) Inventory: Mead Guard Andrew (NPC) Level 14 1/2 Town Watch Footman Power: 23 Health: 4/28 Defense: 1 Gold: 19 Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 7), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) Sir Grady the Bold (Uncooperative NPC) Level 30.25 Black Knight Power Bonus: 0 Health: 1/45 Defense: 10 Gold: 195 Equipment: Hinckwell Sword (WP:8, Longsword), Hinckwell Shield (SP:8) Nasal Helmet (Headwear, SP: 1), Traveller's Cloak (Backwear, SP: 1), Hinckwell Sigil (Accessory, Immunity to Asleep, Blinded, and Instant Kill) Inventory: Mead NOTE: Grady is not near the heroes - they cannot interact with him in any way (exchange items, heal him, etc.) Loot 30 Gold Mead Nostrum Remedy "Get out of here!" barks the Guard at the Sailor, who scampers away. "You have no more right to patrol these streets than the heroes! Joining fights only promotes further conflict!" he cries after the poor fellow. "Well I guess I owe you a thank you," says Grady curtly. "Thanks. Though I did kill two of them on my own." He wipes his sword on his thigh. "Is that all you have to do here, heroes? Get on your way, I'm sure you have some grand adventure that doesn't involve nosing up to the houses. We know what you do. You know the Houses fund us. They're never going to replace us with you, no matter what kind of sh*t you try to pull."

Round Seventeen Bridge Base Skirmish >Hoke v. Dyra B - Special Damage (Dyra C safe from Damage following round) >Nerwen heals King Speros - Shield (Guardian Angel) >King Speros v. Dyra C - Hit ([76*2]-3=149) >King Speros v. Dyra C - Hit (149, KO) >Hamilton v. Dyra B - Damage (Negated) Jess v. Dyra B - Special Damage (Dyra B Protected Following Round) Tesni v. Dyra B - Critical Hit (([20*3]+32)*2-3=181, KO'd) King Speros and Tesni finish the battle with aplomb. Everyone gains the appropriate amount of experience. 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* *+5 Defense* Power Bonus: 4 (+4 WP) Defense: 25 30 Health: 43/48 Ether: 17/29 Gold: 328 Equipment: Flagpole (WP:4, +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, 2x 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* Power: 51 (35+16) Defense: 9 12 (3+6) Health: 61/61 (6+34+15+6) Gold: 436 (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, Remedy (5), Phoenix Essence (5), Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (4), Smelling Salts (4), Mead (4), 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* Power: 60 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 14 20 Health: 52/52 Gold: 1436 Equipment: Fàelàn (WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, fire-elemental longsword)),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: Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer), 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, 2 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* Power bonus: 0 Defense: 5 8 Health: 21/45 Ether: 34/35 Gold: 295 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), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2, Immune to Blind), White Cloak (Max HP +3; backwear) 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) • 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 (5), 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 • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Jess Islanti (Sisco) Level 20.66 Assassin *Immune to Weakened Effect* *+3 Defense* 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, 2 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 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, King Speros Level 51.2 Paragon *Immune to Fragile* *+5 Defense* Power: 76 Power Bonus: 5 Health: 4/85 Defense: 5 10 Gold: 0 Equipment: Axe of the Four Boulders (WP: 20, Duel Strike, User cannot wield a shield), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile) Inventory: x1 Fire-Distilled Brandy Prince Frederick Speros Level 24.33 Black Knight *Immune to Ice, Darkness, Poisoned and Instant Kill* *+3 Defense* Power: 38 Health: 29/39 Defense: 3 Gold: 528 Equipment: Dirk (WP: 14, Dagger/Longsword), Prince's Cape (Immune to Ice and Darkness Elemental Damage, Immune to Poisoned and Instant Kill) Inventory: x2 Mead, x2 Flame-Distilled Brandy, x1 Remedy Grizzly Armored Man Level 55.2 Beserker *Immune to Fragile* *+3 Defense* Power: 67 Health: 72/72 Defense: 5 8 Gold: 70 Equipment: The Steel Stone (WP: 12, Earth Elemental, Greatsword), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile) Inventory: x5 Mead A few armored men and dogs bound forward, dragging with them the severely wounded Baltar, the only survivor of the attacking raid party. Hey force him to his knees before the young Prince Speros and stand back. King Speros glances between his son, the Orc, and the heroes, but his unmoving stern expression gives little of his thoughts away. "Don't you want to beg for your life, Suuln?" Prince Speros spits out as he holds his sword to Baltar's neck. "All that is done is done correctly by Tarok," growls back the Orc leader. "You measly humans will die, by my hand or by another's. This bridge is a geltz." "What is right by Tarok. Funny, we've got someone like that too, across the river, only they swear Ennoc has got a handle on everything. Can't say I like him any better. Course, that being said... what do we do to Orcs, General Mint?" "Behead them." "Don't think you would have taken me prisoner if you had the chance. I'm more than certain that my head would be on a spike. So, you know, think of it as me just returning the favor." And with one swift motion, Baltar's head slams to the ground and blood paints the snow. There are whoops and hollers from many of the armored men. The heroes note, however, that King Speros remains stone faced, and Hamilton, courageous and bold in combat, has turned a little pale. "Clear this body away. Place the head on a spike at the foot of the bridge. That will prevent some raiders... and the rest, we'll kill," Prince Speros turns to the heroes. "You must be the heroes that Heweyrt kept talking about. He's such an Orc lover, I was afraid you might be here to assist them, but that doesn't look to be the case. Glad to see you're not afraid of getting your hands dirty. Listen, there's an inn, little ways from here that we had some of the boys put up. Serves as a place for the officers to rest up, have a drink, and plan. Once you've finished scavenging, join Mint and I there." Speros turns to his father and Hamilton. "Father, I hope you'll join us for at least one drink. General Hamilton, glad to see that Red Lizard has sent some reinforcements. I'd like a drink with you too, if you don't mind." Prince Speros sweeps around and General Mint falls into line behind him. King Speros watches him go. "My son," he repeats, almost to himself. "Well, loot, and then I'll show you the way to the inn for the night." The Loot Orcish Barbed Shield (SP: 10) x6 Mead 40 Gold x3 Potion x3 Remedies

"I'd blame it on the booze if I had any," he mumbles. "Don't get cheeky with me, dearest, I am your o' noble leader until someone says otherwise." He grins slightly, but shakes his head at himself. Battle Order Boomingham Hybros Hybros Dek'ra Ellaria OoC: :wacko: Also, I BELIEVE JimBee said he's be back today, but if he doesn't post eventually, I'll post his actions.

Now whenever I split up heroes, everyone will always be suspect. Though I do like Endgame's idea. Sorry 88 and 92, you both probably deserve auto-roll rounds right now, but stuff has to happen directly following the battle and I don't have time for that right now! So you'll get updates in ~6 hours - hopefully you both feel that we're back on track after that two/three day gap earlier in the week!