Zepher

OoC: Clearly from the wording of Bors' special, I intended for it to take a turn to retrieve the weapon you lost. However, I can see now that it wasn't worded perfectly. I would like to run it assuming you must take the turn to retrieve it, but it DOES say de-equip, whereas re-equipping is a free action, so if you planned that way tell me, and we will roll with that instead. You may of course use another weapon if you don't want to take the time to re-equip the weapon you lost. Shirtless Bandits Battle Round Four Thothwick drinks a Potion - Thothwick gain 10 health >Dyric v. Bors - [6, No Bomb Thrown] Special Damage/Special Damage ([20+44]/2-6=26 Damage) >Karie v. Unarmed Pongcanis - [2, No Bomb Thrown] Critical Hit/Special Damage ([11*2]+18/2=20, Pongcanis loses a level) Free Hits Old Viking v. Thothwick - [3, Bomb Thrown] (Lighting Bomb, 10 Damage Karie and Thothwick, Karie KO'd and Emergency Essence Used) Poisoned: Pongcanis loses 1 health The party gets dragged through the mud. Dyric is violently rebuffed by Bors, and a bomb thrown by the Viking brings Karie to the ground, though she manages to right herself - her fall, it seems, broke a small vial she was carrying. "That's for Grumpy, you a-holes." "It's what he would have wanted." *sniff* The Enemies Strong-Chested Bors *Immune to Instant Death, Poisoned, and Asleep* Level 44 Humanoid SP: 2 Health: 194/270 Special: Strong-Chested – Strong-Chested Bors rips the hero’s weapon out of their hand and throws it at them. The hero takes damage equal to WP+Strong-Armed’s level, and their weapon is de-equipped. Drops: Nothing Unarmed Pongcanis Warrior Level 10 Humanoid Beast *Poisoned* Health: 2/55 Special: Unwise to Upset a Pongcanis - The Pongcanis attempts to rip the targets arms off. 10 Damage ignoring Row is dealt, there is a 50% chance that such Damage ignores SP as well, a 25% chance that the target's weapon, shield, and any Handwear or Accessories are unequipped, and a 12.5% chance that the target is instantly Knocked Out. Drops: 100 Gold Old Viking Level 18 Ice Humanoid *Immune to Ice and Water* Health: 159/159 Special I: Drink Mead – The Viking consumes his last mead and becomes encouraged. Special II: Beserk! – The Viking goes berserk, dealing 18 damage to all party members ignoring row/SP. Drops: 30 gold, Mead (if not consumed), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Nasal Helmet (SP: 1, Headwear) NOTE: All enemies have a 1/6 chance of throwing an elemental military grade bomb at the party in place of having a die rolled. All enemies left untargeted have a 1/2 chance of using one instead of a free hit. Military Grade Bombs are either fire, water or lightning elemental. They deal 10 damage disregarding row/SP. The Party Dyric Rone *Party Leader* Level 21 2/3 Assassin *Immune to Wood, Water, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness* *Lucky* *Steals 50% more gold* *Reinforced* Power: 33 Defense: 3 6 Health: 7/33 Gold: 792 Equipment: Requiem (WP: 20; wood, light and darkness-elemental, ranged), Lucky Die, Tricorne (SP:3, Water, Wood, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness - elemental) Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond, 4 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, Elixir, 2 Remedies, Mead, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Bone, Winged Sandals, Pheonix Essence, Smelling Salt Bedroll, Shovel, Banana (Restores full health to target), Diamond Lamp of Summoning, Tonic Thothwick Level 24 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 38 (34 Ranged) Defense: 10 Health: 7/39 Gold: 104 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP:13, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8), Sabre (WP 10), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 9 Cosmic Essences, 1 Venom, 5 Deadly venoms, Grand Zoot Cookie, Sapphire, Dragon Scale, 6 Meads, 5 Grand Potions, 2 Ambrosias Karie Alderflask Level 18 Witch Power: 29 Defense: 2 Health: 16/32 Ether: 24/24 Gold: 75 Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.) by 1. Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4),Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear) Inventory: Grand Tonic, Mead (1), Remedies (3), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1),Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Grand Tonic (3), Nostrum (1), Smelling Salt (1) Quest Items: Entry 11, Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal Aretefacts/Weapons: Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured effect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) Sexy (WP: 8, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Paper Doll (Accesory, prevents Hexing) Gemstones: Topaz

I meant the second. I sometimes fear throwing in "red herrings" or making it appear like the quest is dragging, but I personally like doing things that way. Glad to hear that people like them as well.

Playing NPCs is the same as playing PCs is the same as living life - everyone wants something. If your character wants something, they'll act a certain way, and from there on in, you have a character who is believable. I might do a write-up one day if people are actually interested, though I'm certain that WBD or CMP could do an equally interesting one (their characters are a little more true than mine, in my personal opinion, or at least more successfully communicated in their honesty). Another question (though maybe we should move this elsewhere...) do people like random encounters in quests, or do you prefer a perfectly stream-lined quest? I prefer a random encounter or two, but people don't always seem to jump at them. I don't mean battle-wise, I mean character and roleplaying wise.

OoC: I forgot to roll for your assassination with that Aim, Legonator, back in Round One. I feel that it would be best to just continue, but I still apologize. Shirtless Bandits Battle Round Three Thothwick v. Bors - [1, Bomb Thrown] (Water Bomb: 10 Damage Thothwick and Karie) >Dyric v. Grumpy - [2, No Bomb Thrown] - Critical Hit/Damage (1, Assassination Successful) >Karie v. Pongcanis - [5, No Bomb Thrown] Damage/Damage ([11/2]-2=4) Free Hits Old Viking v. Thothwick - [6, No Bomb Thrown] ([18/2]-10=0) Poisoned: Pongcanis loses 1 health The Enemies Strong-Chested Bors *Immune to Instant Death, Poisoned, and Asleep* Level 44 Humanoid SP: 2 Health: 194/270 Special: Strong-Chested – Strong-Chested Bors rips the hero’s weapon out of their hand and throws it at them. The hero takes damage equal to WP+Strong-Armed’s level, and their weapon is de-equipped. Drops: Nothing Unarmed Pongcanis Warrior Level 11 Humanoid Beast *Poisoned* Health: 23/55 Special: Unwise to Upset a Pongcanis - The Pongcanis attempts to rip the targets arms off. 10 Damage ignoring Row is dealt, there is a 50% chance that such Damage ignores SP as well, a 25% chance that the target's weapon, shield, and any Handwear or Accessories are unequipped, and a 12.5% chance that the target is instantly Knocked Out. Drops: 100 Gold Old Viking Level 18 Ice Humanoid *Immune to Ice and Water* Health: 159/159 Special I: Drink Mead – The Viking consumes his last mead and becomes encouraged. Special II: Beserk! – The Viking goes berserk, dealing 18 damage to all party members ignoring row/SP. Drops: 30 gold, Mead (if not consumed), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Nasal Helmet (SP: 1, Headwear) NOTE: All enemies have a 1/6 chance of throwing an elemental military grade bomb at the party in place of having a die rolled. All enemies left untargeted have a 1/2 chance of using one instead of a free hit. Military Grade Bombs are either fire, water or lightning elemental. They deal 10 damage disregarding row/SP. The Party Dyric Rone *Party Leader* Level 21 2/3 Assassin *Immune to Wood, Water, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness* *Lucky* *Steals 50% more gold* *Reinforced* Power: 33 Defense: 3 6 Health: 33/33 Gold: 792 Equipment: Requiem (WP: 20; wood, light and darkness-elemental, ranged), Lucky Die, Tricorne (SP:3, Water, Wood, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness - elemental) Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond, 4 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, Elixir, 2 Remedies, Mead, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Bone, Winged Sandals, Pheonix Essence, Smelling Salt Bedroll, Shovel, Banana (Restores full health to target), Diamond Lamp of Summoning, Tonic Thothwick Level 24 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* *Encouraged* Power: 38 (34 Ranged) Defense: 10 Health: 7/39 Gold: 104 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP:13, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8), Sabre (WP 10), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 9 Cosmic Essences, 1 Venom, 5 Deadly venoms, Grand Zoot Cookie, Sapphire, Dragon Scale, 6 Meads, 5 Grand Potions, 2 Ambrosias Karie Alderflask Level 18 Witch *Hilariously and Luckily Drunk* Power: 29 Defense: 2 Health: 8/32 Ether: 24/24 Gold: 75 Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.) by 1. Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4),Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear) Inventory: Grand Tonic, Mead (1), Remedies (3), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1),Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Emergency Essence (1), Grand Tonic (3), Nostrum (1), Smelling Salt (1) Quest Items: Entry 11, Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal Aretefacts/Weapons: Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured effect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) Sexy (WP: 8, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Paper Doll (Accesory, prevents Hexing) Gemstones: Topaz

Stress creates some of the best performances. Worth the costs. This conversation is veering into role-playing NPC territory. Maybe better in the theater, but Flipz has a pretty serious nugget of wisdom in there - your NPCs should absolutely have a life of their own. Its hard to keep track of ( trust me ) but well worth it. They don't have to have perfect memory or perfect ideals or a perfect past (which PC does?) but the important thing is ALWAYS have them follow their motivation, even if it means betraying the party, even if it means betraying the enemy, even if it means hopping on a boat and sailing away in the middle of the battle. It's the thing that separates drama from melodrama (literally, this is the rule): melodrama is PLOT driven, and conforms the characters so the plot will advance while drama is CHARACTER driven and they form the plot. Final note: Flipz, I know you think that everyone should have characters that talk all the time and also sub-quests ready for everyone. But that's difficult too. I know you say your quest will have it... but we have yet to see it. Come talk to us about letting the PCs do whatever they want and the NPCs talking to everyone every time they speak AFTER you get home from an 8 hour shift and see that one of your characters has heroically gone underground which you didn't think was an option but you've got to build them a set anyway.

OoC: I understand busyness, but it would still be nice if you read the posts in the quest you're hosting. And if you're willing to post a line or two when we talk to the characters, I certainly think it would help the pace along a little - posting a quick sentence or two is certainly easier for me than posting a whole round of combat, and it gives us players something to do while we wait. Boomingham's head swims a little at all the foreign names. "Hel, chaps, you've got some funny sounds in there that I hardly recognize at all, but you can be sure I'll learn them. I want to let you know I appreciate what you're doing, helping us out. I understand its politics and all, but when it comes down to it, soldiers still put their lives on the line. I'v been there before. And as I'm sure Kadarphazân would tell you, it isn't right for a commander to not know his men. So, seeing as you're under me, it gives me a little bit of heart to know who I'm risking. Doesn't make it less of a risk, but I like to know all the same." Boomingham calls out to them as they ride along on their horses (that apparently they have). Boomingham's horse froths at the mouth a little. "Bur'dazgar, you're the tight-lipped fellow I met at the bar. Glad to have you at my side, seemed like you had a good head on those shoulders. Kadarphazân, met you at the inn, but you've of course already more than proven yourself in combat. Sorry that I've barged in and taken your men from you. Abârlômi and... his squire, nice to meet the two of you. You seem to have kept Ellaria safe, so my trust lies in you as well for the time being. Now, a word if you don't mind, Kadarphazân." Boomingham leads his horse alongside the leader of the troop. "I have no doubt that you are aware of the large Mopag force to the south of the city. You'd hardly be a good commander if you weren't, and I have no doubts that you are a good commander. So, in confidence, tell me your thoughts. Will they attempt to combat us, and are we prepared to liberate the city from them if need be?"

I was happy I did it for 53, in all honesty. I know there were mixed feelings about it, but it gave the quest the weight it needed, in my opinion. It is something to discuss with your players, though - 53 was unique in that I knew before-hand, for quite a while, a number of the people who'd be coming and was able to discuss with them.

OoC: I understand that you're the largest fan of role playing, but I have attempted to address my troops three times now. A response, however brief, would be highly appreciated. Boomingham leads his sadly silent troops south twice.

OoC: Karie should have poisoned the Pog last round, so he's down one health from that and then one more this round. Shirtless Bandits Battle Round Two Thothwick v. Bors - [3, No Bomb Thrown] Shield/Special Damage ([13*4]+24=76) >Dyric v. Grumpy - [1, Bomb Thrown] (Lightning Bomb: 10 Damage Thothwick and Karie) >Karie v. Pongcanis - [2, No Bomb Thrown] Poison/Poison Free Hits Old Viking v. Thothwick - [4, No Bomb Thrown] ([18/2]-10=0) The party keeps its head up. Thothwick retaliates with a fierce blow while swiping all of Bors' equipment. A bomb is tossed - Dyric is spared the blast as his Tricorne soaks it up, and everyone else holds their ground if just barely. The Pongcanis and Karie play a game of hit or be hit, but neither of them wins or loses. The Enemies Grumpy Level 21 Humanoid *Immune to Afraid* *Immune to Fire* Health: 85/125 Ether: 2/2 Special I: Magical Vortex – Deals 46 fire damage ignoring SP and row. This attack uses 1 ether. Special II (used if ether is depleted): Staff Whack – Whacks the hero with his staff, dealing 23 damage, ignoring row. Drops: Potion x2, Grumpy’s Staff (WP: 10, Fire-Elemental) Strong-Chested Bors *Immune to Instant Death, Poisoned, and Asleep* Level 44 Humanoid SP: 2 Health: 194/270 Special: Strong-Chested – Strong-Chested Bors rips the hero’s weapon out of their hand and throws it at them. The hero takes damage equal to WP+Strong-Armed’s level, and their weapon is de-equipped. Drops: Nothing Unarmed Pongcanis Warrior Level 11 Humanoid Beast *Poisoned* Health: 24/55 Special: Unwise to Upset a Pongcanis - The Pongcanis attempts to rip the targets arms off. 10 Damage ignoring Row is dealt, there is a 50% chance that such Damage ignores SP as well, a 25% chance that the target's weapon, shield, and any Handwear or Accessories are unequipped, and a 12.5% chance that the target is instantly Knocked Out. Drops: 100 Gold Old Viking Level 18 Ice Humanoid *Immune to Ice and Water* Health: 159/159 Special I: Drink Mead – The Viking consumes his last mead and becomes encouraged. Special II: Beserk! – The Viking goes berserk, dealing 18 damage to all party members ignoring row/SP. Drops: 30 gold, Mead (if not consumed), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Nasal Helmet (SP: 1, Headwear) NOTE: All enemies have a 1/6 chance of throwing an elemental military grade bomb at the party in place of having a die rolled. All enemies left untargeted have a 1/2 chance of using one instead of a free hit. Military Grade Bombs are either fire, water or lightning elemental. They deal 10 damage disregarding row/SP. The Party Dyric Rone *Party Leader* Level 21 2/3 Assassin *Immune to Wood, Water, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness* *Lucky* *Steals 50% more gold* *Reinforced* Power: 33 Defense: 3 6 Health: 33/33 Gold: 792 Equipment: Requiem (WP: 20; wood, light and darkness-elemental, ranged), Lucky Die, Tricorne (SP:3, Water, Wood, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness - elemental) Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond, 4 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, Elixir, 2 Remedies, Mead, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Bone, Winged Sandals, Pheonix Essence, Smelling Salt Bedroll, Shovel, Banana (Restores full health to target), Diamond Lamp of Summoning, Tonic Thothwick Level 24 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* *Encouraged* Power: 38 (34 Ranged) Defense: 10 Health: 17/39 Gold: 104 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP:13, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8), Sabre (WP 10), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 9 Cosmic Essences, 1 Venom, 5 Deadly venoms, Grand Zoot Cookie, Sapphire, Dragon Scale, 6 Meads, 5 Grand Potions, 2 Ambrosias Karie Alderflask Level 18 Witch *Hilariously and Luckily Drunk* Power: 29 Defense: 2 Health: 22/32 Ether: 24/24 Gold: 75 Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.) by 1. Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4),Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear) Inventory: Grand Tonic, Mead (1), Remedies (3), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1),Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Emergency Essence (1), Grand Tonic (3), Nostrum (1), Smelling Salt (1) Quest Items: Entry 11, Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal Aretefacts/Weapons: Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured effect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) Sexy (WP: 8, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Paper Doll (Accesory, prevents Hexing) Gemstones: Topaz

Fixed.

Shirtless Bandits Battle Round One Thothwick v. Bors - [2, No Bomb Thrown] Damage ([44/2]-10=12) Dyric v. Grumpy - [6, No Bomb Thrown] Aim Special Damage (20*2=40 Damage) Karie v. Pongcanis - [5, No Bomb Thrown] Hit Special Damage (18+11=29, Pongcanis loses a level) Free Hits Old Viking v. Thothwick - [4, No Bomb Thrown] ([18/2]-10=0) The party starts of relatively strong. Bors leads his bandits by landing a powerful blow against Thothwick, but his fellows can't seem to follow his form and Karie and Dyric both open some skin. The Enemies Grumpy Level 21 Humanoid *Immune to Afraid* *Immune to Fire* Health: 85/125 Ether: 2/2 Special I: Magical Vortex – Deals 46 fire damage ignoring SP and row. This attack uses 1 ether. Special II (used if ether is depleted): Staff Whack – Whacks the hero with his staff, dealing 23 damage, ignoring row. Drops: Potion x2, Grumpy’s Staff (WP: 10, Fire-Elemental) Strong-Chested Bors *Immune to Instant Death, Poisoned, and Asleep* Level 44 Humanoid SP: 2 Health: 270/270 Special: Strong-Chested – Strong-Chested Bors rips the hero’s weapon out of their hand and throws it at them. The hero takes damage equal to WP+Strong-Armed’s level, and their weapon is de-equipped. Drops: Mead x3, Ambrosia x1 Unarmed Pongcanis Warrior Level 12 Humanoid Beast Health: 26/55 Special: Unwise to Upset a Pongcanis - The Pongcanis attempts to rip the targets arms off. 10 Damage ignoring Row is dealt, there is a 50% chance that such Damage ignores SP as well, a 25% chance that the target's weapon, shield, and any Handwear or Accessories are unequipped, and a 12.5% chance that the target is instantly Knocked Out. Drops: 100 Gold Old Viking Level 18 Ice Humanoid *Immune to Ice and Water* Health: 159/159 Special I: Drink Mead – The Viking consumes his last mead and becomes encouraged. Special II: Beserk! – The Viking goes berserk, dealing 18 damage to all party members ignoring row/SP. Drops: 30 gold, Mead (if not consumed), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Nasal Helmet (SP: 1, Headwear) NOTE: All enemies have a 1/6 chance of throwing an elemental military grade bomb at the party in place of having a die rolled. All enemies left untargeted have a 1/2 chance of using one instead of a free hit. Military Grade Bombs are either fire, water or lightning elemental. They deal 10 damage disregarding row/SP. The Party Dyric Rone *Party Leader* Level 21 2/3 Assassin *Immune to Wood, Water, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness* *Lucky* *Steals 50% more gold* *Reinforced* Power: 33 Defense: 3 6 Health: 33/33 Gold: 792 Equipment: Requiem (WP: 20; wood, light and darkness-elemental, ranged), Lucky Die, Tricorne (SP:3, Water, Wood, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness - elemental) Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond, 4 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, Elixir, 2 Remedies, Mead, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Bone, Winged Sandals, Pheonix Essence, Smelling Salt Bedroll, Shovel, Banana (Restores full health to target), Diamond Lamp of Summoning, Tonic Thothwick Level 24 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* *Encouraged* Power: 38 (34 Ranged) Defense: 10 Health: 27/39 Gold: 104 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP:13, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8), Sabre (WP 10), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 9 Cosmic Essences, 1 Venom, 5 Deadly venoms, Grand Zoot Cookie, Sapphire, Dragon Scale, 4 Meads, 5 Grand Potions, Ambrosia Karie Alderflask Level 18 Witch *Hilariously and Luckily Drunk* Power: 29 Defense: 2 Health: 32/32 Ether: 24/24 Gold: 75 Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.) by 1. Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4),Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear) Inventory: Grand Tonic, Mead (1), Remedies (3), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1),Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Emergency Essence (1), Grand Tonic (3), Nostrum (1), Smelling Salt (1) Quest Items: Entry 11, Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal Aretefacts/Weapons: Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured effect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) Sexy (WP: 8, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Paper Doll (Accesory, prevents Hexing) Gemstones: Topaz

OoC: I believe you mean encouraged... but you're right on that count!

OoC: Look again. Note the NOTE at the end of the enemy party. It doesn't significantly change your battle strategy, I don't think.

OoC: I'm sorry, I TOTALLY forgot to add the important component of the battle. It's in there now.

"What the Hel is a Hinckwell station? Get lost." "Just a theatre troupe, huh? And a poor one at that..." "It does my honor no good to stand here and yip yap with them," growls the Norseman. "If we're to fight them, let's kill them and get it done with." "Normally I'd only kill you if you had some gold on you, but you may know too much. See, there are some fellows looking for us - probably some Shadeaux, and certainly some Hinckwells. I can't have anyone running to either of them to tell them that they ran into Bors." The Enemies Grumpy Level 21 Humanoid *Immune to Afraid* *Immune to Fire* Health: 125/125 Ether: 2/2 Special I: Magical Vortex – Deals 46 fire damage ignoring SP and row. This attack uses 1 ether. Special II (used if ether is depleted): Staff Whack – Whacks the hero with his staff, dealing 23 damage, ignoring row. Drops: Potion x2, Grumpy’s Staff (WP: 10, Fire-Elemental) Strong-Chested Bors *Immune to Instant Death, Poisoned, and Asleep* Level 44 Humanoid SP: 2 Health: 270/270 Special: Strong-Chested – Strong-Chested Bors rips the hero’s weapon out of their hand and throws it at them. The hero takes damage equal to WP+Strong-Armed’s level, and their weapon is de-equipped. Drops: Mead x3, Ambrosia x1 Unarmed Pongcanis Warrior Level 12 Humanoid Beast Health: 55/55 Special: Unwise to Upset a Pongcanis - The Pongcanis attempts to rip the targets arms off. 10 Damage ignoring Row is dealt, there is a 50% chance that such Damage ignores SP as well, a 25% chance that the target's weapon, shield, and any Handwear or Accessories are unequipped, and a 12.5% chance that the target is instantly Knocked Out. Drops: 100 Gold Old Viking Level 18 Ice Humanoid *Immune to Ice and Water* Health: 159/159 Special I: Drink Mead – The Viking consumes his last mead and becomes encouraged. Special II: Beserk! – The Viking goes berserk, dealing 18 damage to all party members ignoring row/SP. Drops: 30 gold, Mead (if not consumed), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Nasal Helmet (SP: 1, Headwear) NOTE: All enemies have a 1/6 chance of throwing an elemental military grade bomb at the party in place of having a die rolled. All enemies left untargeted have a 1/2 chance of using one instead of a free hit. Military Grade Bombs are either fire, water or lightning elemental. They deal 10 damage disregarding row/SP. The Party Dyric Rone *Party Leader* Level 21 2/3 Assassin *Immune to Wood, Water, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness* *Lucky* *Steals 50% more gold* *Reinforced* Power: 33 Defense: 3 6 Health: 33/33 Gold: 792 Equipment: Requiem (WP: 20; wood, light and darkness-elemental, ranged), Lucky Die, Tricorne (SP:3, Water, Wood, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness - elemental) Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear) Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond, 4 Potions, 5 Grand Potions, Elixir, 2 Remedies, Mead, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 3 Mythril Shards (3/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Bone, Winged Sandals, Pheonix Essence, Smelling Salt Bedroll, Shovel, Banana (Restores full health to target), Diamond Lamp of Summoning, Tonic Thothwick Level 24 2/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* *Encouraged* Power: 38 (34 Ranged) Defense: 10 Health: 39/39 Gold: 104 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP:13, Heals Metasimians when used on them), Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to darkness-elemental damage; suitable to Black Knights only), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Cultist's Hat (regular attacks do Damage to Undead) Inventory: Shuriken (WP 8), Sabre (WP 10), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 9 Cosmic Essences, 1 Venom, 5 Deadly venoms, Grand Zoot Cookie, Sapphire, Dragon Scale, 4 Meads, 5 Grand Potions, Ambrosia Karie Alderflask Level 18 Witch *Hilariously and Luckily Drunk* Power: 25 Defense: 2 Health: 32/32 Ether: 24/24 Gold: 75 Equipment: Oculoid Palm (WP: 11, Whip, successful hits lowers the target's level. Coils around the user's arm and mimics a tattoo outside of battle.) by 1. Ethereal Cloak (SP +2, Max. Ether +4),Catsuit (Wearer has 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits; suitable to women only; bodywear) Inventory: Grand Tonic, Mead (1), Remedies (3), Venom (7), Smoke bomb (1), Pixie Dust (1),Telescope (1), Bedroll (1), Emergency Essence (1), Grand Tonic (3), Nostrum (1), Smelling Salt (1) Quest Items: Entry 11, Map of Brendenton (1), Spider Coin (worth 1 gp), Forest Journal Aretefacts/Weapons: Heirloom Dagger (WP: 3), Scroll of Newtity (costs 10 ether)(usable by ex-Amphibians only), Lover's Locket (Accessory, Protects from enamoured effect), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (Accessory, changes user's appearance into an Elf) Sexy (WP: 8, Rapier, Disregards SP, usable by Knights and Rogues), Paper Doll (Accesory, prevents Hexing) Gemstones: Topaz

"Well, assuming of course that the second Pongcanis force is anything like the first, I think we'll probably be a-okay." Boomingham waves his troops forward, taking them south east and then north east from there. "You heard the lovely lady. I want a report from you fellows. I asked for it before, but the battle started so I let it slide. Tell me a little bit about yourselves. It's unfair for me to lead men I don't know into battle."

Sir Lawrence Boomingha Level 43 Humanoid *Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* SP: 12 Health: 500/500 Ether: 6/6 Special I: Getting Tipsy - Boomingham takes a sip from his mead and becomes encouraged. Used whenever Boomingham is no encouraged and while he still has a mead in his inventory. Special II: Stunning Strike - Boomingham deals 40 damage to the hero and stuns them the next round. Special III: Barty's Return - Boomingham calls on his guardian angel, healing himself for 43 health and gaining immunity to attacks the following round. Passive Special: Messy Fighter - Rolls of damage deal the badly poisoned and bleeding effects. Drops: Scupperer (WP: 11, Fire and Darkness Elemental, Deals Badly Poisoned and Bleeding, Greatsword), 3 Meads, 1 Mulled Wine

Sorry y'all, I had a busy weekend! Update tomorrow!

Decaying Grumpkin on stilts.

"We're just travelers," the Orc says unconvincingly, though its clear he doesn't care very much either way if the heroes believe him. "What are men and women like you doing wandering the woods?" "It doesn't matter what they were doing. Tell them to go away, we've got things to do."

Still not bold. The heroes round the tree, ready to be diplomatic. "Hey! Look, Bors, its some travelers!" "Let's kill them." "Hold on there." Bors turns to the heroes. "Don't you know the woods are a dangerous place, especially for some young lads and a lady? I think that you should be on your way." He eyes their satchels and pockets hungrily.

"Follow Nerwen's commands, chappos."

OoC: Party leader, just waiting for a bold statement from you.

I'm sorry, I should amend that. When the chance is OFFERED to the party to receive rep, then of course the option should be there (Ji Pei in this case) but the Guild should not have been able to be opted out of. I think this allows for more complex moral decisions - do you aid the person in front of you, or the house that you wish to support? Otherwise there's no point to that whole "if you gain rep with one house, you lose it with the other" clause, because that case would never come up. I understand it here, and wasn't seeking to criticize you or Obelix, but I'm warning that I generally wouldn't allow it myself.

I strongly dislike the idea of being able to opt out of reputation. Just tossing it out there.