Zepher

"Sounds like a good time! Kobold's don't live very long lives anyway, so we don't mind dying as much as some of the longer living races do. It's a quick existence." He smiles and shrugs. "Don't know what I did to tick off Guts so much though. I can hardly recall at this point what I even said to the old man hehe! Maybe I will have to make that lady my friend," Gocklo says, eying Alexis. "I like a rough tumble as much as the next guy, and I mean that both ways hehe."

I'm actually very busy myself until Sunday, so no worries.

The little kobold makes his way over to Nerwen. "Hey there, lady! Looks like you're better at being on the sea than the Nord the Orcs hired." He jerks his thumb at Haldor and giggles. "I can't help but notice that you're friends with Guts and the man in dark fabrics who calls himself light and kills Goddesses. Didn't like it when it looked like we'd come to blows, did you." He grins. "Don't worry, I'd never kill a pretty lady's pets. Just skin them and spank them a little, maybe. Fry them over a fire. But not kill them."

"Looks that way. Hopefully the little fellow turns up with my purchases by then... my time in Strivvi will have to be saved for another time. Tomorrow, most likely. I'll meet you there, my little friend. I have another old friend to see, a fellow from Stivvi. He's adjusted to Eubric decently well at this point, but there's no harm in keeping tabs on him. He's still not the happiest of the men I know. And I know he'll at least fume over some of the stuff that's been happening in the city recently. Wonder if he reads the papers."

Sandy! I think this was a highly inventive quest! The puzzles were awesome, and it was very unique to see a completely battle-less quest. I agree story structure wise a few more dropped hints in the beginning could have gone a long way (like Kint said, hat and cherries) and I also agree that it wasn't much of a mystery (there were no real suspects), but I don't really care that it wasn't much of a mystery. It was a puzzle quest, and as a puzzle quest, you greatly succeeded.

I actually disagree with Pie here (a exceedingly rare occurrence). Characters with backstories aren't the worse thing in the world, and placing it in the Hall doesn't interfere with anyone else's fun. If you were trying to wedge it into a quest, that could be rude, but in the Hall it can be read, or not read. I enjoyed them, Kintober.

"What other two do you mean? No one else here knows me," he says with a grin. "That phrase that Orc uses for me is a nickname for my kind, I'd wager. Do you want to wager on it? I love to wager." "Doesn't surprise me that no one knows me. Generally that's the way with us small folk! No one pays us much heed. And I don't want you going up against anyone else, per say, but it's good to know that you're willing to. Heweyrt and the High Kingdoms wants to see the bridge built - and that means befriending the Orcs, not angering them, far as I know."

"I'm encouraged! Heweyrt tells me I'm incorrigible." The nuances of the language clearly are over the kobold's head. "I'm not much for killing Goddesses, though of course if the opportunity arose... but, as I told my lovely party, I'm actually a witch hunter!"

What happens when the QMs start playing with each other?? We'll keep it to a minimum, I swear.

The kobold only winks at the Orc in response. "Another snappy dresser!" he says to Tesni out of the side of his mouth.

"Oh. You are a friend of the Guild? And Guffington's?" The kobold stares up at the raider. "I apologize. I have heard that both have experienced trouble recently, and that they have received help from heroes. If you are among those numbers..." the kobold shrugs. "Doesn't change the flashiness of the rest of your party though." He giggles again. "And such a mouth on you."

Thank you for being careful! I'm aware that we shouldn't assume everyone knows how it was done for Dastan - when there's a link, you can click it, though at the same time (and I know this is challenging) if you could TRY not reading the part of the quest before your entrance, that'd be ideal.

"Just that you're all an easy read already. Big shots, or so you think. Look at all your clanking armor and silly weapons." The kobold smiles sweetly. "Real power comes from within a person, not what they wear. What have you ever done that's so great, Mr...?"

"These are some of the other heroes?" The kobold looks 89's party up and down. "Looks like I made the right choice." The little creature giggles.

"Ah, the lady gets it - a big old mess is what it simmers down to, and we'll have to clean it up. You'll use my blade, and I'll use mine." Suddenly the sun glints off a razor sharp blade, held loosely in the kobold's hand. He smiles fiercely and then, quick as it appears, he stows it away again... somewhere.

"I don't think I need a care taker, but he certainly thinks I do." Boomingham pauses briefly. "Perhaps I ought to go check on the man I mean to look after. Have I ever told you of my time in Strivvi? It's an interesting city, and I do hope to return there some day. As for the quest... I'd be happy to quest with you again, and as much as I generally lament running errands, it would do me good to change my pace after saving that city. I'll go if you do." Boomingham signs up for Quest #91. "I met the Ji Pei matron, she strikes me as a sharp one. Might as well help her out."

"Ah, here he is in all of his glory. Hoke Abelsword, right?" The Kobold smiles at the tardy party leader. "Good to see you! The Orcs... are none to happy about it, from what I can tell. Seems they're having trouble forgetting that time that they and the High Kingdoms decimated each other. That's the problem with them. The High Kingdoms rebuilt, and they're still fighting and kicking... but the Orcs have had a rougher time of things since the War. Apparently some of them view the bridge as a threat. I don't know much about that side of the river, though, and Heweyrt doesn't pay them much mind." The Kobold looks at the sky. The sun has only barely moved since the heroes arrived, but enough that the kobold can tell that it's time, apparently. "Ah, Eubric, the ever changing city. It was good to be here again, if ever so briefly. You know, there's a tale about the last King of Ennon, Augustus, stopping here. Do you heroes know it?" --- "Augustus sailed north when the Orcs began their rampaging, hoping to assist the Kingdoms up there. But he grew depressed as news of the war continuously reached his ship. The High Kingdoms and Orcs both seemed to be the monsters. Eventually, he fell into a depression. Apparently he couldn't tell if there was anything worth fighting for, worth saving. He didn't know if there was a future for mortals on Olegia." "Some storms hit and knocked him off his path, and eventually he found himself near Eubric. He decided to set down, restock, and then be on his way. He was greeted by the Bonaparte and Hinckwells of that era. They were building a new port, near what is now Crescent Hill. Augustus met them and saw the city. He saw the hope in the people's eyes, and saw the awe of enterprise. He felt good. He felt refreshed. He saw that there was something worth saving, and he knew that he was the one to do it." --- "But, that's the past, and this is now," says the little creature. "Best go find our ship. The Captain was very specific with me. She said she was going up north anyway, and she'd leave whether or not we made it on board. So, best be off!"

They're from German myth, according to wikipedia. Gocklo was planned to be introduced even before Sandy had her little fellow, so afterwards I just took the ball she tossed and ran with it.

Boomingham waves farewell to Hoke and turns back to Hybros. "They've got the witch Baba on their side now. She can make your mind go all wonky. Even got to little Barty." Boomingham glances around, concerned. "Wonder where he is, I thought he was just shopping. Such a trouble maker. Though I guess it's best that he's not here to tell you off for calling me wise." Boomingham laughs. "Perhaps we'll find a quest together some time soon, my little friend. I've had it up to here with new heroes. They're all too uppity and wishy washy. I need some solid fellows again."

"Yes, he's not making the best first impression. Or perhaps he's waiting for a grand entrance. Some people have such a flair for dramatics!"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Lynch

"I can sort of tell you what's happening in Baltarok, but I'm a busy little fellow so in all honesty I've only got the bits and pieces that Heweyrt sent me in a few of his letters. Essentially the situation is this: there's this bridge being built named after the last King of Ennon. The Augustus Bridge. The bridge is meant to span the High Kingdoms and Baltarok. Apparently they're looking to get past their past by stimulating trade. This big old river divides the two pretty perfectly, and so they decided that it should stop doing that, and here we are." "That's what Heweyrt was called in for. See, Heweyrt has an interest in the new and the improved. And he's got a mind like a whip. So when he heard that the bridge was being built, he marched on up north and offered to help get her done." "This is when things get a little idiotic and complicated. See, the bridge is being built by two kingdoms - the Red Lizard and the Four Boulders. The bridge is on Red Lizard land, but the Four Boulders are funding most of the project. But, well, you know how much people love political intrigue." The little creature rolls it's eyes. "Seems the Orcs are irked by the imposing bridge, and then they went and captured the Red Lizard's King: King Valentino Lynch. So now Prince David Lynch is in charge, and apparently he's quite a nut for Ennoc and not such a nut for Orcs." "Add to that the fact that there are Vikings raiding the coast, and you've got quite a situation on your hands. I don't know exactly what's going on right now - Heweyrt's most recent letter was pretty short and just gave instructions to meet you and go find him. So we'll have to see what's happening now."

Just a reminder in case Pie forgets to mention it - all Baltarok questers, we have no way to enforce it, but the quests will probably be more fun if you don't read ones that you aren't on until the end.

OoC: I'm sorry, I copy and pasted from 77 because I knew your stats were outdated, but Hoke is actually meant to be party leader. All stats should be fixed for you two. "I'm a kobold! We're funny little fellows, I know it. There's a few of us floating around, and if you live long enough you'll find one of us. We generally go pretty unnoticed because of the whole size thing, you know?" Gocklo smiles and shows off his pointy teeth. "But we're fierce. Not to be trifled with. So don't trifle." The little creature flashes another grin to show he's teasing. "I've never been to Haddon, but we're going even further north than that. Though I'm sure that the village would be able to regal us with many tales of your heroism, Tesni!"

Five heroes make their way down to the docks. They are... The Party Hoke Ablesword The Krakenwhacker and Titan Smiter (UsernameMDM) *Party Leader* Level 29 Mystic Knight *Immune Fragile, Weakened* Power Bonus: 8 Defense: 29 Health: 48/48 Ether: 29/29 Gold: 528 Equipment: Flagpole (WP:3, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance), Steel Buckler (SP: 20), Samurai Helmet (WP:4, 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), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), 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, Mead, 4x Ether Core, 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 Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer Level 35 Beastwarrior *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects* Power: 51 (35+16) Defense: 9 (3+6) Health: 61/61 (6+34+15+6) Gold: 227 (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), Kusarigama (WP:10, whip), 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 (8), Grand Potion (14), Potion (2), Remedy (6), Phoenix Essence (5), Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (3), Mead (5), Mulled Wine (3), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3), Skeleton Decoy, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb, Bone, Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel Tesni Hightribe, Level 32 2/4 Beserker *Restoration* *Immune to Afraid* Power: 59 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 14 Health: 51/51 Gold: 1426 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, Remedy, 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) -Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) Level 23.33 Shaman *Immune to Sealed* *Immunity to water**Restoration* Power bonus: 0 Defense: 3 (3(Robe of the Archmage) Health: 42 (Base Cleric 9 +Level bonus 22 +Shaman Bonus 9 +3(White Cloak)) Ether: 34 (Base Cleric 5 +Level bonus 22 +Shaman Bonus 1 +5(Robe of the Archmage)) Gold: 245 Equipment: Magical Staff (WP: 15; Water-, Darkness-elemental; staff), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to Sealed; bodywear), Barbarian’s Boots (Restoration; footwear) Inventory: Mourning Star (WP: 10; Fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), Grogmas Handcannon (WP:12 + the number of the round of battle), 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) • White Cloak (Max HP +3; backwear), 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 (3), Potions (3), Elixirs (3), Remedies (5), Potion, Phoenix Essences (3), 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, Dragon Scales (2), Mead • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Jess Islanti (Sisco) Level 19 Assassin *Immune to Weakened Effect* Power: 37 (+4) (19+14+2+2) Health: 31/31(+1) (7+18+5+1) Gold: 176 Equipment: Blohdhurm (WP: 14)(Fire elemental, Permanently Poisoned), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 to Power, immune to the Weakened Effect) Inventory: Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, Mug Ability +5), Diamond of Thoric, 2 Venoms, Mead, Smelling Salts, Remedy, 4 Grand Potions They find a horrifying little creature waiting for them, waving. "Heroes of Heroica, I assume? My name is Gocklo. I'm a professional witch hunter, and also you're contact." The little creature bobbles forward. "Heweyrt hired you, yes? He and I are friends, go way back. I was swinging round Eubric to tie up some loose ends for a different friend and Heweyrt asked me if I wouldn't greet you all and make sure you got to him okay. I'll be coming with you to Baltarok, too, so it's nice for us to meet beforehand, of course! Seems things are getting a little tense up there. So, are we all here? Got any questions for me? Probably. I've got us a ship, but there's time to kill before it heads out." OoC: Check stats, happy to have y'all along. Should be fun! Oh, and like the Dastan Trilogy - though we of course have no way to enforce it, you will probably enjoy these quests more if you show discipline and don't read the other two.