Zepher

This quest can get done in a week AT MOST if y'all post as much as you have been! I'm right here with ya, and almost done photographing for my next quest (quick easy Hinck v. Shadeaux affair)!

Round Two Kitchen Finale >Docken equips Counterstrike Gloves >Docken v. Clippard - Damage/Critical Hit ([([10*2]+31)*2]-10=92) Shrooms v. Docken - (0 Damage) (31/2=16 Damage All Shrooms) Enemies "Stand back, hero." Clippard the Cook Level 33 Humanoid *Immune to Blinded, Sleep, Sealed, and Poisons * *Immune to Fire* Health: 399/675 SP: 10 Special I: Smoke Screen – Badly poisons and blinds all the heroes. Special II: Noxious Concoction – Badly poisons and weakens all heroes. Special III: Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire – Deals 50 fire elemental damage to target. Drops: 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 NOTE: Specials alternate. Growshroom Level 20 Plant Health: 84/100 Special: Red Spores - The mushrooms unleashes it's spores on the attacker which causes the weakend effect for the next three turns or until remedied or the battle ends. Drops: Growshroom cap. Tinyshroom Level 20 Plant Health: 84/100 Special: Yellow Spores - The mushroom unleashes it's spores on the attacker which cause the cursed effect until remedied or the battle ends. Drops: Tinyshroom cap. Oneupshroom Level 20 Plant Health: 84/100 Special: Green Spores - The mushroom unleashes it's spores on the attacker which siphon the life from the attacker and into the mushroom. The damage to the attacker is constant (mushroom level), but the health gained by the mushroom can not exceed it's maximum health. Drops: Oneupshroom cap. Doomshroom Level 20 Plant Health: 84/100 Special: Black Spores - The mushroom unleashes it's spores on the attacker which causes the sealed effect for the next three rounds or until remedied or the battle ends. Drops: Doomshroom cap. The Party Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer Level 31.75 Warden *Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* *Hastened* *Lucky* *Encouraged* Power: 41 Defense: 23 Health: 61/61 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) Time: 8:07 A smile spreads on the face of Samuel Shawe. "I'll give it a shot," he says smugly and also a little thankfully. "I didn't catch your na..." he says as Guts drifts away. "Tsk tsk, what manners!" says Lady Felix in faux-shock. "Hardly befits a first sword, don't you think, Captain Hellsong?" The blue server follows Lady Nyx out to the courtyard, which Guffington is just now crossing again. He nods respectfully and cheerfully to the duo. "Making friends already?" he says with a chortle and smile. "Keep an eye on that sun, Ms. Nyx, seems sure to set soon! Must be about 7:10 now." "What can I help you with?" asks the waiter impatiently as Guffington steps back inside. His voice is nasally.

Dwarves are actually pretty underdeveloped in Heroica! As of now, I'd say go to town. Dwarves have been portrayed very much in their classical sense (miners, short, beards), but not much else has been done with them, actually.

Well, actually, BD locked the door, not me. I don't care about how you guys get your objectives done, but I'm not going to make it MORE easy on you guys. You can go join any of the other parties in what they're doing. Daneeka will enter the room shortly as well, remember he has always entered at 7:10 with Madame Ladybug.

Guts attempts to enter the kitchen, but finds it locked.

"Thank you, Shawe. We will see you in the morning, and will be sure to rest safely. Besides, it sounds like you know that a hero of Heroica can handle themselves." With an impish grin upon his lips, Boomingham leads his party out into the city.

OoC: Sorry, the damage recorded is actually two critical hits, I just wrote the calculations for hit instead. But yes, your boosts should have survived the jump, I didn't see them way back when you hadn't corrected me since then, the round will be re-rolled right now.

"They will be," Boomingham assures her. "Shawe! We would like a night to think on all the stuff we've learned. I'm sure that you'll understand. We'll find you tomorrow, hopefully. Send out one of your beggars or stable boys, and we'll follow them home with our answer. Sound fair?"

Clippard runs for his mushrooms, but Docken is ready for this move and fires off an arrow before the battle can even begin. It sinks itself into Clippard's shoulder as he tosses out his little allies (51*2-10=92). Round One Kitchen Finale >Docken v. Clippard - Critical Hit/Hit (51*2-10=92) >Docken v. Clippard - Damage/Special Damage (33/2-23=0) Shrooms v. Docken - ([20*4]/2/2-23=0) Enemies "Damn you! Now I'll never be paid." Clippard the Cook Level 33 Humanoid *Immune to Blinded, Sleep, Sealed, and Poisons * *Immune to Fire* Health: 491/675 SP: 10 Special I: Smoke Screen – Badly poisons and blinds all the heroes. Special II: Noxious Concoction – Badly poisons and weakens all heroes. Special III: Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire – Deals 50 fire elemental damage to target. Drops: 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 NOTE: Specials alternate. Growshroom Level 20 Plant Health: 100/100 Special: Red Spores - The mushrooms unleashes it's spores on the attacker which causes the weakend effect for the next three turns or until remedied or the battle ends. Drops: Growshroom cap. Tinyshroom Level 20 Plant Health: 100/100 Special: Yellow Spores - The mushroom unleashes it's spores on the attacker which cause the cursed effect until remedied or the battle ends. Drops: Tinyshroom cap. Oneupshroom Level 20 Plant Health: 100/100 Special: Green Spores - The mushroom unleashes it's spores on the attacker which siphon the life from the attacker and into the mushroom. The damage to the attacker is constant (mushroom level), but the health gained by the mushroom can not exceed it's maximum health. Drops: Oneupshroom cap. Doomshroom Level 20 Plant Health: 100/100 Special: Black Spores - The mushroom unleashes it's spores on the attacker which causes the sealed effect for the next three rounds or until remedied or the battle ends. Drops: Doomshroom cap. The Party Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer Level 31.75 Warden *Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* *Hastened* *Lucky* *Encouraged* Power: 41 Defense: 23 Health: 61/61 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) Time: 8:06 Guts, exhibiting little to no detective or roleplaying skill, tries really hard to find a man who is simply not in the room. He stares at a door, he looks under the table, he scrutinizes Lady Felix to make sure that she is not Daneeka in disguise, all the common stuff. No matter how underlined and bolded his request, however, he is unable to find the man he is looking for. OoC: Yeah, sorry, you don't get to do that. It's a big house. He's NOT in that room. Which, actually, should not even be a little bit of a shock to you, because he has never been in the room in the beginning.

Everstien silently follows Hybros up the stairs. They are faced, as ever, with four doors - two on the right, two on the left. "Cozy. Where to first, Hybros?" Guts, downstairs, chatters for a while to someone who is not yet in the Dining Hall. Perhaps the time jumps are getting to his brain. In the kitchen, Docken politely asks the ladies to go. "Humph. We'll continue this talk later, Clippard." "Yes, please mi'lady." Avery follows Lady Marsh on her way out. "Your questions?" the chef says snippily.

Not in Heroica.

The Party Hybros *Party Leader* Level 26 1/3 Assassin *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements* *Lucky* *Inspired* *Encouraged* Power: 32 Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 80/80 Gold: 728 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 31.75 Warden *Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Confusion, Blindness, Badly Poisoned, and Fragile* Power: 41 Defense: 23 Health: 61/61 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), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Instant-KO; Backwear) 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) Nyx Level 28 Battle Mage *Natural Respite* *Immune to Sealed effects* *Immune to Asleep and Fast Asleep effects* *Encouraged* 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), Eye of the Beholder Amulet Everstien nods at Guts as he enters, and then breezes by Nyx and Docken as they walk for the door, clearly intent on finding Hybros to go upstairs with. "If they touch any of my stuff," Lady Felix grumbles before trailing off. Guts examines the table but finds no bomb installed - clearly this was not a primary plan, and was only set into motion upon Clippard's death the previous jump. Watters, meanwhile, strolls out of the kitchen just as Docken slips in. The blue waiter begins to make his rounds. How will Nyx approach him? Docken, meanwhile, is greeted with another massive deja vu. "...of course, I have heard great things of Yasmar as well, but your name is not unknown in Gull. But your unique services are what I've come to procure. Perhaps you can cook a private dinner for my husband and I some time." "Anything for the right price," chuckles the old cook. Then he notices Docken and raises an eyebrow. The woman spins around and smiles happily. "Lost?"

Boomingham nods at Shawe. "Sounds straightforward enough. If you'd allow me a moment." Boomingham pulls his two allies aside. "So, let's hear it, boy, Ellaria. What do you think of Shawe?" "He's an evil man," pipes up Barty, bursting radiantly into vision. "There are many evil men. It's the question of his actions being beneficial or not. I haven't seen anyone but the elves, and they seem to being doing little to nothing. The furry fellows obviously can't have the city, so it's between these folks and the Mopags. The Knights of Pataqun appear decent enough, and if the citizens here support Shawe..." he shrugs. "What say you?"

"I can't fault you for helping out the town, especially if you plan to keep a hand in it. Having a strong presence that respects the town would be pretty swell for the folks, seems to me," Boomingham says cordially. "So, let's hear it, Shawe. How are you actually helping these townies. Words are words, sure, but I am a man of action. We know the troubles by now, what are your solutions?"

"You'll excuse me, Guffington. Captain Holla and I are friends from a long time ago. I didn't know he was coming, and I'll of course have to catch up," she kisses Guffington lightly on the cheek. "Watch yourself. You have more guests, by the way." "Ah, hello, Docken, Hybros. And you must be the lovely Nyx! It's a pleasure to meet you, finally. I saw you at the Founder's Day Ball. Quite an evening." Guffington turns to all the others. "How have you been? I'm very happy you were able to make my party. I'm afraid that most of these people don't see many rough and tumble adventurers, should do their blood some good." Lady Felix and Guts walk down the hall towards the Dining Hall. If they wish to branch off elsewhere, now is their chance.

Boomingham rests his hands on his hilts and waits for Shawe's answer.

Yeah, I have to get some photography done for a quest first, but then I think I'll be good to MOC something up.

Guts checks his pockets for the amulet, but sees it glittering around Lady Felix's neck instead. She smiles sheepishly. "Just in case," she explains warmly. "And I've been invited along for the ride this time, little Hybros." "I will accompany whoever heads to the rooms this time. Or I will go on my own. There is something I wish to investigate. Do not be fooled, heroes. No one is cleared until there is no shadow of a doubt." The wereraven looks at Hybros. "You say that Avery is a Red Assassin? Is she a third strike against Guffington? Or something else?" "You will have to remind me of the book, Guts. I do not have one of your amulets." The heroes tumble into the study of Daneeka. All but one flower has wilted. "Lady Felix, you will not be able to physically jump back. There is not enough serum for you. Your amulets should retain any memories you have gained while wearing it, but nothing before then. When did you put it on?" "I lifted it off our handsome friend as we entered into the Dining Hall. I should be able to figure out what is happening with just those memories. I am allied with the heroes. Trying to save old Gerald," she says to herself, to be certain she will remember. "This is my advice. Do what you must do. Do no more and no less." The were-raven coughs loudly. "Remember, we are to save Guffington, which means finding the two threats to his life and neutralizing them. We are then to figure out which of his friends betrayed his trust. Use your heads. Pay attention. Isolate the problem and deal with it." Daneeka holds the syringe at the ready. The were-raven coughs violently again and then sneers. "Are you ready for ramifications?" "You will not be paid if you kill an innocent. Good luck." ...as the eighth bell rings, he flings the doors open ceremoniously. The heroes see five figures, one of which quickly disappears into the house, leaving the beautifully graveled courtyard behind. The heroes glance around at the remaining four figures. "...and of course, thank Mercutio the marriage was called off. A mere folly, I assure you!" "No trouble, Gerald. It will of course be the normal deal, and I'll be staying for the party. A Selkreeth never refuses good drinks." "Of course, you'll stay, Zora. I'll just make sure that U'Or keeps an eye on you." "Won't both his eyes be glued to the Ladybug?" What would the heroes like to do?

I know you will! Again, I happily to give you credit 95% of the time in being inclusive, but I think you can go that extra 5% too. My advice is just don't get TOO set it the rut you've already thought out! Heroica is great because if you plan a quest a month or two in advance, you will probably HAVE to tweak it, because someone else has already changed the world slightly. That makes us grow as thinkers, writers and story-tellers, not make us shrink.

OoC: The picture I took of Chauncey somehow disappeared between the time I took it, and the time I uploaded the pictures... so... that's why there's no picture of him, sorry. No clue intended there. The heroes all stare at their individual targets... Docken keeps (one) eye on Lord Chauncey, milling around the table... Hybros watches as Thomas and Watters discuss quietly the closed kitchen door... And Nyx watches as Elba and Shawe discuss trade and general distaste for the Bonapartes... The room seems quiet and serene, and then suddenly - BANG. The table splinters with a terrifying crash and smoke fills the room, obscuring everyone's vision. Docken sees Lord Chauncey get thrown back by the blast, but a familiar incantation starts moments later and the heroes know he is summoning his companions. Guts hears the shriek of a knife in the air, and feels Guffington slump down next to him. A blue hilt sprouts from his chest, and his eyes are sharp for only a second before they glaze over with death. "Time to go, heroes," says Everstien, and then, in a rush, he and Daneeka and Lady Felix are with the heroes on the stairs leading down to the lab. The heroes have moments to discuss theories before their final jump.

ON WREN: Events would have been slightly different, yes, but most things would have ended up the same. It would have certainly shaped my later quests, though. I will add my voice to the question of other stories v. main story - Sandy has invented this game. He does have final say. On very rare occasion, he has told me "no" to a plot point I was hoping to do. It is VERY RARE that he does that, however. I have felt stifled from time to time, but, for the most part, Sandy is VERY accepting of other ideas, and even willing to tie plot points into the quests he hosts. My ONE suggestion would be this - Sandy, everyone in the game looks for ways to include your stories in theirs. It may go a long way if you were to do the same. If you think the Syndicate took some of your thunder, why not include them in some small way in one of your quests, showing another side of them? Work with Endgame to develop it! You have been very willing to do it with me, but I think it wouldn't be bad if we saw it a little more from time to time. Sometimes it feels like "my word is law" as opposed to "let's find a nice compromise". That's just my thoughts on the whole debate. EDIT: Interesting new quest!!

Wonderful entries so far, everyone! Etzel, got to love your Paladins. I have a week before I head back to school, so I'm hoping to work on something. It's been years since I built and photographed a MOC, but I'm hoping to get it done.

Boomingham shrugs. "What he said. I'm keen on giving the city to the people who live here, but I'd need to be sure I wouldn't just be bring death down upon you."

Donny was going to help the heroes of 53 at some point, but I sadly cut the plot point from the story due to time constraints. Updates later, folks! Got to head to work now, sorry. It is my last day, however, and then I have a week to move you guys along at a clipping pace! Sandy, I've started to work on what you've been egging me on about too.

"Yes, we must observe. I hear that your Guts wishes to become an alchemist. It may serve him well. When you are conducting an experiment, it is always by moving around variables. Your Guts has moved our variables around quite gallantly. Look here. Avery and the chef are dead. Guts has sent the Marshes out of the room, and Lord Hinckwell has done us the kindness of following them. Everyone has, at some point, glanced over at my locked kitchen. Everyone in the room knows that no poison is coming from the chef by now." Everstien smiles cruelly. "Either something will happen, or it won't, but either way, Guts have limited our suspects significantly."