Zepher

I gave you beautiful shoes once. That's all you're ever getting out of me.

Sandy, another good quest, but I have to admit that from an outsider's perspective at least, it was not my favorite from you. I'll tell you why, but of course, first give you the compliments that are due. The sets were beautiful. The fig barfs were some of my favorites ever. The battles were, actually, pretty grueling, though I'll echo CMP in saying the second one seemed relatively underwhelming. I'm glad to hear you are viewing these as testing, and that someone else can complain that all these power ups are insane. I don't think its fair to balance for heroes being totally powered-up, but I equally feel that it isn't fair to balance for them as if they didn't have those tools. I liked the G.E.M.s too, they were fun and had pretty decent personalities, and I like how you dealt with their deaths. Now, my complaints. Again, you know I respect you greatly as a story-teller: this allows me to be candid with you. I think story-wise, this quest did little. Especially if you are not returning to Xu... I don't know what we were supposed to gain out of it. Jun's character seems mildly developed to me, and Lee did very little in general. The Matriarch of the Ji Pei family equally seems sort of "wedged in". I feel that we know little about the Ji Pei, and I don't think that they have real concrete personalities yet. I think you could do more with them. They don't strike me, yet, as fully fleshed out and realized characters. I'm sorry to be blunt, but they are the house that needs the most work. That's not saying you don't have stuff there, I just want to see more of it. Jun has daddy issues... but that's surface. I want more. Lee is loyal, sure... but that's surface. I want more. You're more than capable of complexity, so show it off. I look forward to your next installment. :wub:

Zelphie, seeing the stout Brienne guarding her target, decides to enchant her weapon instead.

OoC: Nyx isn't blasting the door off it's hinges?! I was so prepared to have it slam into someone. Round Four Marsh Battle Docken v. Lord Marsh - Special Damage (Lady Marsh Gains 10 Levels, 54 Max./Current Health, Becomes Hastened) Felix v. Lord Marsh - Shield/Critical Hit (4, No Hit) Hybros v. Lord Marsh - Miss/Critical Hit (6, No Hit) Lady Marsh v. Docken - (76/2/2-23=0) (32/2=16) Lady Marsh v. Lady Felix - (KO) Lord Marsh yells wildly at Lady Marsh, who slams into Docken, and, before being rebuffed, takes down Lady Felix with a bone shattering blow. Nyx, meanwhile, (lamely) bends the door out of the way and she and Guts step forth, entering the battle. Enemies Lady Marsh "Hel- heeeeeelp meeee." Level 76 Humanoid *Immune to Instant Kill* *Hastened* Health: 938/986 Special Damage: Confused Wrath - Lady Marsh lashes around in confusion and hatred, dealing 30 damage to ALL combatants, regardless of row/SP/side. Passive Special: Regretted Devotion - Lady Marsh has a 5/6 chance of blocking and nullifying any blow dealt to Lord Marsh. Drops: 50 Gold NOTE: Lady Marsh will be KO'd should her HP drop below 65, affectively defeating her in battle. If she drops below 0, she will die. Lord Marsh Level 10 Humanoid Health: 50/120 Special Damage: Call of Love! – Lord Marsh encourages his wife's protection of him. Drops: 1200 Gold NOTE: On rounds Lord Marsh is not targetted, he will use his Special Damage instead of damage. The Party Hybros *Party Leader* Level 26 1/3 Assassin *Lucky* Power: 32 Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 30/40 Gold: 1228 Equipment: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it, light- and darkness-elemental; longsword), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up); handwear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Backwear, Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins) Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental; scythe), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Eye-poking Sai (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), 14 Potions, 14 Grand Potions, 22 Health Cores, 12 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 2 Elixirs, 5 Phoenix Essences, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Lightning Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 13 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 5 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Cloak of the Red Assassin, Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, wood-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer Level 32 Warden *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* Power: 42 Defense: 24 Health: 63/63 Gold: 865 GP: 4 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round) Inventory: Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Bedroll, Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear), Chef’s Apron (Bodywear, Immunity to fire and poisons), Pan (WP: 1, +1 Max Health, suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7, deals double damage on ships, club), Nostrum, Mead, Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, Doomshroom Cap, Growshroom Cap, Oneupshroom Cap, Tinyshroom Cap Lady Felix Level 28 Rogue *Hastened* *Lucky* *Genetic Regrowth* *Immune to Instant Kill* Power: 28 Health: 29/29 Equipment: Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Hereditary Genetics (Non-artifact, Immune to Instant Kill, Genetic Regrowth [hero regain 20 health on rounds that are multiples of three], usable by Selkreeths only), Notes of the Master Thief (Starts battles Hastened & Lucky) Nyx Level 28 Battle Mage *Natural Respite* *Immune to Sealed effects* *Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects* Power: 42 Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 3 Health: 39/39 Ether: 40/40 Gold: 61 Equipment: Zee Standard (Staff, WP: 14 Ice and Darkness Elemental, Necromancers Raise Enemies with 2 extra levels), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from sealed-effect), High Heels (+1 Power), Sandman's Parasol (Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects) Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:14, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Explosive Staff – WP: 12 (Does 1/2 damage to all enemies on a successful hit (normal damage to targeted enemy) and 1/2 WP damage to self on a roll of 4 (disregarding SP/row)), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Monkey Bar (all minions, pets, summons etc are Hastened), Ruby (Fire), Diamond (Light), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Aquamarine (Water) Opal (Ice), Scroll of Sleep, 2 Meads, 4 Deadly Venoms, 3 Cosmic Essences (Revives a knocked out ally with full health and ether and gives them the blessed-effect), Potion, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 2 Chaotic Bombs (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Bomb 'X2' (May be combined with a bomb to get it to ignore SP), 2 Bedrolls, 5 Bones, Scroll of Weakening, Smelling Salts, Nostrum Guts Holla Level 27 Raider *Immune to Weakened, Fragile, Asleep, Confused and Blinded**Immune to Darkness, Light, Water, Fire, Air, Earth, Wood, Lightning and Ice Elemental Damage* Power: 57 (37 for ranged attacks) Power Bonus: 1 Health: 41/41 Defense: 4 Gold: 47 Equipment: Lifestealer (WP: 29, Ice, Darkness, attacks restore 3 health, dagger, Deadly Poisoned), Dancing Shoes (Wearer dances well, in the turn after a miss is rolled, the wearer can act twice. +Immunity to Asleep, Confused, Fragile and Blinded, + Immunity to Darkness, Light, Fire, Air, Earth, Wood, Lightningand Ice Elemental Damage, footwear), Crocodile Armour (+4 Defense +Immunity to Water Magic, bodywear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round) Inventory: Stag Antlers (WP:10, Intimidation, halberd), Throwing Knife (WP: 9, Light, Retrievable),1x Ambrosia, 10x Mead, 10x Smelling Salts, 9x Nostrum, 20x Grand Potion, 4x Health Core, 1x Elixir, 1x Grand Tonic, 12x Remedy, 3x Phoenix Essence, 5x Smoke Bomb, 3x Deadly Venom, 3x Neutralizer, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, 4x Mythril Shard, Metasimian Ale, Opal, Grating Stone, Pugilist's Gloves (2+ Power, Immune to Weakened, handwear)

"Hm, you are correct, my beautiful young halfling. I must have been tinkering with my staff at the time. It was no true accusation either way, the wise old man and powerful brutish Porc are almost certainly true heroes. The doughty dwarf was not seen protecting people either, at the end of the day - that is intriguing. Should I perhaps turn my staff against him? Hm." Zelphie shrugs quietly.

"We have only your word to trust. Alternative actions, my grizzled gaunt veteran. You attacked with a cannon day one, then made a bomb night one, attacked with it day two, and then attacked last night as you said. You can understand why we may be skeptical." Zelphie's pale lips twist. "This is not to say I do not trust you. You killed the werelion, and I do not believe any of his attackers are our enemies, but you can understand why we all can have doubts of even the most simple and laid bare actions."

Zelphie shrugs and smiles lightly. "I'm not asking you to trust my ideas of who to kill. I do not require your assistance."

"And when she reveals the dark angel inside her?" Zelphie's glasses gleam as she smiles distantly. "Then shall we know the dark angels as well? I trust no one in this Hall save for myself. When one calls for action, and many obey, I fear them. We will see what becomes of her and all the items she has stolen - if she is indeed true to the Hall, I will gladly offer my gold to return her to life. Now we will know who we can trust and who we cannot with certainty. The magnifying glass you pass around does only good if we trust the one holding it, here we will all know the truth. Many eyes are better than one." "As for my staff, I wished to be ready to act when I needed to be. And now I am."

"You are easily swayed, my gorgeous gremlin. I will continue my assault, and should I be proven wrong, I will strive to repair my actions. For now, I seek the truth."

"I agree, the best way to clear all this confusion up is to deal with the source." Zelphie attacks Calcio. "I am sorry, my young beauty, but should you turn up hero we will have a great many people to question. Your blood will be useful either way."

"I've been quiet, I do not deny it. There has been so much yapping and yelling by the young and anxious heroes, I find it difficult to follow everything. So I sit back and observe instead of cluttering the conversation with my own nonsense and postulation. I said yesterday I believed we should focus on rooting foes out of the big groups - I did not think that a Nepheliem would be so bold as to attack the first day, but I was wrong in that - Ezeal was indeed evil, and was part of a group." "I'd like to call into question the other group of heroes who have made themselves vocal. Calcio, Chromeo and their fellows. I do not doubt at all that one of them is a dark angel's vessel. However, it appears we are killing the mages today. Extermination appears to be the only way that we can be sure and safe from them, or so you'd have us believe. I am not sure that I support that theory, but am equally unsure I can oppose it. Radiant Retak in particular seems a strange target to me, beautiful Calcio. We know his actions more than most, and there is little reason to find them evil. Why are you leading us on this purge?"

And thus I say unto you: Job Traits!

Guts and Nyx try to leave the Dining Hall, but find the door locked. It appears that the hallway their allies are fighting in is the one directly outside the dining hall. Guts attempts to kick the door, but only wounds his foot. Perhaps if a member in their party was particularly good at breaking through obstacles, they could get to the other side. Round Three Marsh Battle Docken v. Lord Marsh - Hit (4, No Hit) Felix v. Lord Marsh - Special Damage/Critical Hit (1, No Deflection, [0x2+28=28) Hybros v. Lord Marsh - Damage/Damage (10) Lady Marsh v. Docken - (66/2/2-23=0) (32/2=16) Lady Felix throws a solid punch at Lord Marsh, and Docken bashes Lady Marsh once more. Enemies Lady Marsh Level 66 Humanoid *Immune to Instant Kill* Health: 900/932 Special Damage: Confused Wrath - Lady Marsh lashes around in confusion and hatred, dealing 30 damage to ALL combatants, regardless of row/SP/side. Passive Special: Regretted Devotion - Lady Marsh has a 5/6 chance of blocking and nullifying any blow dealt to Lord Marsh. Drops: 50 Gold NOTE: Lady Marsh will be KO'd should her HP drop below 65, affectively defeating her in battle. If she drops below 0, she will die. Lord Marsh Level 10 Humanoid Health: 50/120 Special Damage: Call of Love! – Lord Marsh encourages his wife's protection of him. Drops: 1200 Gold NOTE: On rounds Lord Marsh is not targetted, he will use his Special Damage instead of damage. The Party Hybros *Party Leader* Level 26 1/3 Assassin *Lucky* Power: 32 Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 30/40 Gold: 1228 Equipment: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it, light- and darkness-elemental; longsword), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up); handwear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Backwear, Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins) Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental; scythe), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Eye-poking Sai (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), 14 Potions, 14 Grand Potions, 22 Health Cores, 12 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 2 Elixirs, 5 Phoenix Essences, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Lightning Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 13 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 5 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Cloak of the Red Assassin, Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, wood-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer Level 32 Warden *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* Power: 42 Defense: 24 Health: 63/63 Gold: 865 GP: 4 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round) Inventory: Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Bedroll, Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear), Chef’s Apron (Bodywear, Immunity to fire and poisons), Pan (WP: 1, +1 Max Health, suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7, deals double damage on ships, club), Nostrum, Mead, Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, Doomshroom Cap, Growshroom Cap, Oneupshroom Cap, Tinyshroom Cap Lady Felix Level 28 Rogue *Hastened* *Lucky* *Genetic Regrowth* *Immune to Instant Kill* Power: 28 Health: 29/29 Equipment: Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Hereditary Genetics (Non-artifact, Immune to Instant Kill, Genetic Regrowth [hero regain 20 health on rounds that are multiples of three], usable by Selkreeths only), Notes of the Master Thief (Starts battles Hastened & Lucky)

Lord Chauncey laughs lightly. "I hired no Red Assassin. If I knew those attempting to kill Guffington, I would kill them myself." Round Two Marsh Battle Docken equips Counterstrike Gloves Felix v. Lord Marsh - Special Damage/Hit (6, No Hit) Hybros v. Lord Marsh - Hit/Special Damage (3, No Hit) Lady Marsh v. Docken - (66/2/2-23=0) (32/2=16) Lady Marsh repels all attacks, and then lashes out at Docken, who lashes right back. Enemies Lady Marsh Level 66 Humanoid *Immune to Instant Kill* Health: 916/932 Special Damage: Confused Wrath - Lady Marsh lashes around in confusion and hatred, dealing 30 damage to ALL combatants, regardless of row/SP/side. Passive Special: Regretted Devotion - Lady Marsh has a 5/6 chance of blocking and nullifying any blow dealt to Lord Marsh. Drops: 50 Gold NOTE: Lady Marsh will be KO'd should her HP drop below 65, affectively defeating her in battle. If she drops below 0, she will die. Lord Marsh Level 10 Humanoid Health: 78/120 Special Damage: Call of Love! – Lord Marsh encourages his wife's protection of him. Drops: 1200 Gold NOTE: On rounds Lord Marsh is not targetted, he will use his Special Damage instead of damage. The Party Hybros *Party Leader* Level 26 1/3 Assassin *Lucky* Power: 32 Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 40/40 Gold: 1228 Equipment: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it, light- and darkness-elemental; longsword), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up); handwear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Backwear, Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins) Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental; scythe), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Eye-poking Sai (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), 14 Potions, 14 Grand Potions, 22 Health Cores, 12 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 2 Elixirs, 5 Phoenix Essences, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Lightning Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 13 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 5 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Cloak of the Red Assassin, Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, wood-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer Level 32 Warden *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* Power: 42 Defense: 24 Health: 63/63 Gold: 865 GP: 4 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round) Inventory: Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Bedroll, Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear), Chef’s Apron (Bodywear, Immunity to fire and poisons), Pan (WP: 1, +1 Max Health, suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7, deals double damage on ships, club), Nostrum, Mead, Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, Doomshroom Cap, Growshroom Cap, Oneupshroom Cap, Tinyshroom Cap Lady Felix Level 28 Rogue *Hastened* *Lucky* *Genetic Regrowth* *Immune to Instant Kill* Power: 28 Health: 29/29 Equipment: Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Hereditary Genetics (Non-artifact, Immune to Instant Kill, Genetic Regrowth [hero regain 20 health on rounds that are multiples of three], usable by Selkreeths only), Notes of the Master Thief (Starts battles Hastened & Lucky)

"I am ready to defend him with my body. If you wish to be a leader in this world, you must be ready to stand up for yourself. I have considerable power. I do not fear for his life - I am sure I can deal with any threat that should come his way. Or mine." Chauncey answers with cold certainty. Nyx has already seen his power, but she senses that what she has witnessed may only be the beginnings of what he can do. Guts drinks a bit. He gains the mildly tipsy effect, I guess? Some people watch enviously, as the kitchen is still locked. Round One Marsh Battle Docken v. Lord Marsh - Hit (42 Damage, Not Negated) Felix v. Lord Marsh - Miss Hybros uses Nostrum Hybros switches Golden Armor for Cloak of Red Assassin Docken fires a surprisingly quick arrow that Lady Marsh snatches at but misses. It lands in Lord Marsh's shoulder, and he staggers back with shock. Lady Felix rushes forward, but Lord Marsh side steps her blow, and she is forced to retreat as Lady Marsh staggers towards her. Hybros meanwhile prepares himself for combat, donning a cloak he hardly noticed get slipped into his supplies. The Red Assassins were a wily group. Enemies Lady Marsh Level 66 Humanoid *Immune to Instant Kill* Health: 932/932 Special Damage: Confused Wrath - Lady Marsh lashes around in confusion and hatred, dealing 30 damage to ALL combatants, regardless of row/SP/side. Passive Special: Regretted Devotion - Lady Marsh has a 5/6 chance of blocking and nullifying any blow dealt to Lord Marsh. Drops: 50 Gold NOTE: Lady Marsh will be KO'd should her HP drop below 65, affectively defeating her in battle. If she drops below 0, she will die. Lord Marsh "Damn it!" Level 10 Humanoid Health: 78/120 Special Damage: Call of Love! – Lord Marsh encourages his wife's protection of him. Drops: 1200 Gold NOTE: On rounds Lord Marsh is not targetted, he will use his Special Damage instead of damage. The Party Hybros *Party Leader* Level 26 1/3 Assassin *Lucky* Power: 32 Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 40/40 Gold: 1228 Equipment: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it, light- and darkness-elemental; longsword), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up); handwear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Backwear, Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins) Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental; scythe), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Eye-poking Sai (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), 14 Potions, 14 Grand Potions, 22 Health Cores, 12 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 2 Elixirs, 5 Phoenix Essences, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Lightning Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 13 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 5 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Cloak of the Red Assassin, Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, wood-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer Level 32 Warden *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* Power: 42 Defense: 24 Health: 63/63 Gold: 865 GP: 4 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round) Inventory: Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Bedroll, Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear), Chef’s Apron (Bodywear, Immunity to fire and poisons), Pan (WP: 1, +1 Max Health, suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7, deals double damage on ships, club), Nostrum, Mead, Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, Doomshroom Cap, Growshroom Cap, Oneupshroom Cap, Tinyshroom Cap Lady Felix Level 28 Rogue *Hastened* *Lucky* *Genetic Regrowth* *Immune to Instant Kill* Power: 28 Health: 29/29 Equipment: Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Hereditary Genetics (Non-artifact, Immune to Instant Kill, Genetic Regrowth [hero regain 20 health on rounds that are multiples of three], usable by Selkreeths only), Notes of the Master Thief (Starts battles Hastened & Lucky) "Hm, look at Mr. Silence getting a shot in there."

OoC: AH! This one is on me, carry on. I must have missed the action. We're good to go as soon as big bad Docken posts.

OoC: You actually don't have to cloak, you never asked Avery for it this jump. I've listed your stats many time this jump, so I feel you should have noticed, and I'm not going to be lenient on this one. Sorry. You still have the chance to get it! Just don't have it for this battle.

How dare anyone say anything to you in an interactive game!

That's really up to you! If you guys hadn't ever split up, you would have all gotten to be in EVERY battle this quest - its just not how you played it. EDIT: BD, JimBee, there isn't a whole lot of choice in this battle (a decent amount, but not a TON) so if you want to post actions for each other so I can update more regularly, that's okay by me! Just agree on it yourselves. It's up to you, just offering the possibility.

"I put him to sleep," explains Thomas shortly. "What do you say, Master Guffington?" "Give it time, young faun. Sometimes conversation is helped on by wine, sometimes it is stopped by it." Guffington smiles appeasingly and shrugs. "Perhaps it is time for some of my guests to sober up and face reality." "The smart always have a sense of that," says Chauncey with a wry smile. "The world is a dangerous place. I like to keep on my toes, m'lady." As the Marshes step out of the Dining Hall, and Hybros and Docken follow quickly behind. They step into the now near dark hallway. Hybros turns to lock the door, but one more figure slips through even as he closes it. "I didn't want to miss the exciting conclusion," she hisses as she helps to close and lock the door. Any objections Hybros or Docken may have wanted to raise are cut short as a cold voice greets them. "Not content to let my wife and I leave in peace?" asks Marsh. "I assume you've figured a thing or two out, seeing as Clippard and Watters are gone, and the old man who came with you knew of my wife's sleeping medication. I don't know if you're used to dealing with foes with intellect, heroes, but generally you don't play your hand that freely. I know I wouldn't." Lord Marsh smiles. His wife sways strangely next to him. "I have been promised much gold to arrange Guffington's death. I was hoping to leave with my reputation untainted, but if you're bent on murdering me in turn... I suppose Olegia is a big place. Darling wife, would you mind killing them?" "I... I..." Lady Marsh sways some more. "I hate you," she says, but her voice is coming from far away. "You've.... you've... poisoned my body and... my mind...." "Just as a safety measure. Now dear, protect your husband!" These last words ring out as a command. Lady Marsh jerks back and screeches, her eyes glowing red. It appears that, as many had predicted, the potion her husband has been using on her is more than just a love one. She lurches towards the heroes. Enemies Lady Marsh Level 66 Humanoid *Immune to Instant Kill* Health: 932/932 Special Damage: Confused Wrath - Lady Marsh lashes around in confusion and hatred, dealing 30 damage to ALL combatants, regardless of row/SP/side. Passive Special: Regretted Devotion - Lady Marsh has a 5/6 chance of blocking and nullifying any blow dealt to Lord Marsh. Drops: 50 Gold NOTE: Lady Marsh will be KO'd should her HP drop below 65, affectively defeating her in battle. If she drops below 0, she will die. Lord Marsh Level 10 Humanoid Health: 120/120 Special Damage: Call of Love! – Lord Marsh encourages his wife's protection of him. Drops: 1200 Gold NOTE: On rounds Lord Marsh is not targetted, he will use his Special Damage instead of damage. The Party Hybros *Party Leader* Level 26 1/3 Assassin *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements* Power: 32 Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 40/40 Gold: 1228 Equipment: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it, light- and darkness-elemental; longsword), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, wood-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), Sticky Gloves (Increases the amount of gold stolen by 50% (rounded up); handwear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round) Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental; scythe), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Eye-poking Sai (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Blessed Amulet (protects from cursed-effect; accessory), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), 14 Potions, 14 Grand Potions, 22 Health Cores, 12 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 2 Elixirs, 5 Phoenix Essences, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, 3 Lightning Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 14 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 5 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Certificate for a Cloak of a Red Assassin (The next red assassin met is forced to give up his cloak), Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer Level 32 Warden *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* Power: 42 Defense: 24 Health: 63/63 Gold: 865 GP: 4 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round) Inventory: Health Cores (3), Grand Potions (5), Remedies (5), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essences (2), Bones (7), Smoke Bombs (3), Teleportapple, Bedroll, Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear), Chef’s Apron (Bodywear, Immunity to fire and poisons), Pan (WP: 1, +1 Max Health, suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7, deals double damage on ships, club), Nostrum, Mead, Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, Doomshroom Cap, Growshroom Cap, Oneupshroom Cap, Tinyshroom Cap Lady Felix Level 28 Rogue *Hastened* *Lucky* *Genetic Regrowth* *Immune to Instant Kill* Power: 28 Health: 29/29 Equipment: Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Hereditary Genetics (Non-artifact, Immune to Instant Kill, Genetic Regrowth [hero regain 20 health on rounds that are multiples of three], usable by Selkreeths only), Notes of the Master Thief (Starts battles Hastened & Lucky)

The Dastan quest should be next Summer, unfortunately. Sorry. It's likely to be the last quest before my big finale. That being said, without giving too much away, many of my NPCs are not where you left them. So you may see them sooner than you think.

"I must confess, Lady Nyx, I have heard a thing or two about you as well. You and I have an interest in common, I believe, beyond our interest in the friendship of Gerald Guffington." Lord Chauncey kisses Nyx's hand. Behind Guffington, Thomas approaches. He complains quite loudly. "Excuse me, sirs, but it appears that the kitchen door has been locked. Is there a reason for that? I am fresh out of wine, and the other servers have gone and disappeared." "A private word?" says Lady Marsh with obvious distaste. "Perhaps... I may have use of you heroes, if the cook-" "My dear," says Marsh harshly, appearing behind her. "Perhaps it would be a good time to retire for the evening. I'm very tired." He glares at the Imp. "Besides, the cook seems to no longer be serving wine, and I have a foul taste in my mouth I can't seem to wash out."

"Are you in league with that gnarled man over there? I asked him for a private word, and he said no. I think I'll offer you the same response." Lord Marsh turns away from the little man without so much as another glance.

"Ah, but my Duke, by throwing any military assistance any which way, you ARE having a role in the course that this city takes. You back the resistance, for whatever reason - but you back it, and that makes you have a decisive effect on the fate of this village, and, quite possibly, Uland, Olegia. You know."

"You have my support, Duke, provided that you are a man of your word," Boomingham affirms sternly, and then bursts into laughter. "Of course, I have no reason to believe that you are not, so I don't foresee a problem. If you value the opinion of the citizens and offer your protection to them, I will treat you in the same way. Should you terrorize them," Boomingham shrugs, "I'll treat you in the same way." Boomingham then turns to Shawe. "For a man who is not a warmonger, you talk about how you started a war quite a bit. I hadn't heard a thing about it until I met you, and now it seems to be about all I hear. As for dealing with the Pogs... as I said, that is Lady Nerwen's idea, not mine." Boomingham eyes the inn keeper. "We should have met in the tavern, I'm sure House Shadeaux would have treated us to drinks as we entreated."