Zepher

OoC: It doesn't matter in this particular case, but you didn't count my power bonus. Should be [11+25+5]*4. "Ulric is a leader who spend his men's lives on unworthy causes. The Stealer is just the same." Boomingham steps over the Bomber and walks up to Karie. "Care to dance?" Boomingham swings his sword at Karie from the front. "Nevron, take out that Duelist, but stay back, he packs a punch. Em, chug a potion. Arnulf, Arthur, keep everyone else off our backs. Don't worry about the robotics too much yet." Battle Order Boomingham Arthur Arthur Em Arnulf Nevron

They'll be back, baby! Give the man a cookie. Yes, my final final quest will revolve entirely around the Old Gods.

It's close, and that's a definite thematic theme and VERY close, but there's one STORY element in all of them. Like, something discussed and relevant to all of them. If you figure out who the witches serve, then you've got it!

Boomingham ain't forgiving her. This is probably one of the worst things any hero could do in his eyes.

Boomingham does not say a word to Karie, but there is murder in his eyes.

Thank you all for the kind words! I do a normal Zepher post-quest post tomorrow, but I'm glad you all liked the quest and story! Like I said, I'd agree it was flawed, and I have such trouble hosting battles, but it's always worth it to hear that everyone had fun. And now, with Russel II done and Guffington II underway, can anyone guess the common thread between all the quests? It's been laid out now!

"Save your remedy, Arthur. That is an order. We're on the offense."

Y'all can give notes first. I enjoyed the quest. Not one of my best, but I thought it was pretty tight, fun, and the battles were at least interesting. I like shorter quests when I can offer them. I'll do analysis in a day or two, but would love to hear what you thought!

"Alright chaps, here we go. Nevron, you take on the Cleric from the front. Em, if you wouldn't keeping the Duelist occupied, I'' take on the bomber, hopefully lighten our load or call in Barty. Arthur, deal with Magnus any way you see fit, scroll or attack. If you could possibly manage with the fellow with the rapier as well... I'll get you back up if you go down." Boomingham swings his blade at the Bomb carrying Peon from the front row. Battle Order Arthur Boomingham Arthur Nevron Arnulf Em

"What is the harm of letting it happen again? Didn't you listen to Daneeka? We get two more tries after this one. Right now, it would have been useful to allow events to transpire in a way that we could try to catch all the culprits without alerting them to our presence. Now they'll be on their guard." "As for cleaning up your mess, no thank you. You may be used to ordering people around, but I am not under your employ. I am a thinker, not a janitor." Everstien coughs meekly and slyly. "8:20."

Johnny smiles impishly and shrugs at Atramor's request, and the heroes are escorted by Russel and Pigley to the edge of the town. Four horses wait for them this time. [That is the deed of plays! Did you hear what Lord Taylor said? The name of Russel Ruffers, immortalized by some bard for eternity! How wonderful would that be?] Russel hands Atramor back his weapons. [Remember, heroes, if you ever need help, just find me. I am a king among crabs, and a crab among men.] [i am certain we'll meet again, heroes. For better or worse.] The heroes say good bye to their animal friends and mount up. They ride until sundown, and then, after making camp, fall into a tired sleep. That night, they are haunted by dreams. -------- "Fair is foul and foul is fair." "Congratulations on your victory, heroes. You've proven the time-tested theory. A kingdom rises, and then it falls." "Don't feel too special. People banish old royalty all the time. Atramor, didn't you do the same in Dastan?" "Even so, this one came with a special reward. Check your satchels, heroes." "Why don't we ever get anything special?" "You are the witches who offered me my power." "Yes. We only offer the power. You mortals choose what to do with it. And in doing so, you serve our gods." "They've once more been fed." And as the heroes slowly wake, they are left with one more whisper, though each of them hears it in a chorus of different voices. "On and on and on it goes." And then there is a chilling, sickly sweet laugh that only a few of the heroes can recognize, and can hardly place. --------------------- The next morning, the heroes do not discuss their disturbing dream, only partially aware on some primal level that they all had it. Instead they continue their journey back to Heroica in silence, enjoying the nice day. At the city limits they each quietly check their bags, and are shocked to see that what they thought may just be a dream is really... something more. A vision? In each of their satchels is one final trinket. The Party Althior Emorith (Party Leader) (And Finnegan) Level 33 2/4 Necromancer *Earns triple XP* Power: 41 (46 for spells) Power Bonus: +5 Spells Defense: 4 Health: 23/42 Ether: 6/43 Gold: 440 Equipment: Dragoro (WP:8), Spellbound Gloves (+5 power when casting Spells, doubled if target is weak to Element), Pointy Hat (+2 maximum ether), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP: 4) Inventory: Twin Sai Blades (WP:10, Dual Strike), Skeleton Decoy, Potion x6, Tonic x10, Grand Potion x4, Grand Tonic, Ether Core x3, Venom x4, Shovel, Bedroll, Remedy x7, Mead, Smelling Salts, Amulet of Elven Horse Rider (Accessory), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Skull Shield (SP: 6, immune to darkness elemental damage), Fire Bomb, Water Bomb x5, Lightning Bomb x3, Bone x3, Smoke Bomb, Elixirs x3, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense x2, Dragon Scales x2, Royal Dagger (WP: 5, can be sold for double its value), Garnet Lamp of Summoning, Health Core, The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches) Tesni Hightribe Level 30 3/4 Beserker *Natural Respite* *Immune to Afraid* Power: 47 Power Bonus: +3 WP Defense: 14 Health: 49/49 Gold: 1158 Equipped: Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, light-elemental; longsword), Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:8, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear), Barbarian's Boots (Changes “Natural Respite” job trait into “Restoration”, restoring full health after every battle) Inventory: Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer), Cryfder (WP:6), Fàelàn (Fiery Sawblade (Fire)(WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, longsword)), Cysgodion (WP:11, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them; accessory), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Sleep, Remedy, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), Samurai Helmet (WP:4, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Cannon Parts, Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Minimizing Dust, Deadly Venom, Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents Fleeing), King's Crown (Headwear, protects against Doom and Petrified, Suitable for all classes) Atramor Gibbin Level 28 Witch *Counterstriking* *Immune to Water, Lightning, and Wood* *Negative Effects Last One Round* Power: 47 Defense: 4 Health: 32/96 Ether: 1/26 Gold: 392 Equipment: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, staff), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear), Amulet of the Court (Suitable for anyone, negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Rat's Hide (Suitable for anyone, SP: 4, backwear) Inventory: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental, dagger), Shovel, Pickaxe, Amethyst, Diamond, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Elixir, Ether Core, 2 Grand Potions, 2 Grand Tonics, 3 Health Cores, Phoenix Essence, 3 Smelling Salts, Guard's Dagger (WP: 4), Guard's Shield (SP: 6), Robust Shield (SP: 8), Deadly Venom, Potion, Rebel's Sword (Longsword, WP: 11), Conspirator (WP: 15, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), General's Dagger (WP: 7, Pierce SP, non-upgradable) Ellaria Arbour Level 22 1/3 Druid *Immune to Sealing* Power: 35 Power Bonus: +3 Health: 37/37 Ether: 2/28 Gold: 105 Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:10, fire-elemental staff), Mage's Muffler (protects from sealing) Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits. Backwear) Inventory: Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:6, wood-elemental crossbow), Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and badly poisoned, handwear), Topaz (Lightning), Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 6 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, Remedy, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Bone, Magnifying Glass, Bone, Wizard's Staff (WP:1, Fire, Wind, Water and Earth elemental), Grating Stone, Tonic, Tiger Balm, Mead, Duke's Coat-of-Arms (Body-wear, Protects against Poisoned and Badly-Poisoned, SP; 5, suitable for Knights, Dragoons, Skirmishers, and Regulators) FIN!

Everstien reads the note hastily. "So we're looking for a back-up plan and a contact. Any idea how to find them? Did you leave a mess in the kitchen? Don't you think that may deter the events as they were supposed to happen? How do you advise we keep this contact and back-up plan on tracks when the first plan has been brutally murdered?" "Guffington hires different servers for every event, and they always come from the hovels. It is a way to give back to the community, I think. I am very thankful to have been selected."

Suppose that's fair. I did ask Thothwick to dole out his winnings in 66, but if he didn't I wouldn't have minded it (don't know fully if he did ever, actually ).

It's just the Black Knights using their trait.

That's the same way I feel about raiders and their gold!

OoC: Thanks Endgame. We'll discuss more at the end of the quest, but never fear, we all still love you. Even if you'd left the enemies as were. Also, should be down a mead and encouraged. "Nevron, hold off that fellow with the Rapier, and stick to the back, would you?" Boomingham twists around and rams his sword hard towards the Duelist from the front row. Battle Order Boomingham Arthur Arthur Nevron Arnulf Em

Yeah, gotta say, there are quite a few across the board immunities/specials. I'll comment more after the quest. It is admittedly something I am working on too.

You should take a drawing class. I have, and I can tell you that you are talented enough that it would be worth it. Besides, you seem to enjoy it. 68ers, just a few more updates, sorry. I still promise to get you out of there within 12 hours of this post!

The Party Althior Emorith (Party Leader) (And Finnegan) Level 33 2/4 Necromancer *Earns triple XP* Power: 41 (46 for spells) Power Bonus: +5 Spells Defense: 4 Health: 23/42 Ether: 6/43 Gold: 440 Equipment: Dragoro (WP:8), Spellbound Gloves (+5 power when casting Spells, doubled if target is weak to Element), Pointy Hat (+2 maximum ether), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP: 4) Inventory: Twin Sai Blades (WP:10, Dual Strike), Skeleton Decoy, Potion x6, Tonic x10, Grand Potion x4, Grand Tonic, Ether Core x3, Venom x4, Shovel, Bedroll, Remedy x7, Mead, Smelling Salts, Amulet of Elven Horse Rider (Accessory), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Skull Shield (SP: 6, immune to darkness elemental damage), Fire Bomb, Water Bomb x5, Lightning Bomb x3, Bone x3, Smoke Bomb, Elixirs x3, Phoenix Essence, Phoenix Incense x2, Dragon Scales x2, Royal Dagger (WP: 5, can be sold for double its value), Garnet Lamp of Summoning, Health Core Tesni Hightribe Level 30 3/4 Beserker *Natural Respite* *Immune to Afraid* Power: 47 Power Bonus: +3 WP Defense: 14 Health: 49/49 Gold: 1158 Equipped: Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, light-elemental; longsword), Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:8, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear), Barbarian's Boots (Changes “Natural Respite” job trait into “Restoration”, restoring full health after every battle) Inventory: Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer), Cryfder (WP:6), Fàelàn (Fiery Sawblade (Fire)(WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, longsword)), Cysgodion (WP:11, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them; accessory), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Sleep, Remedy, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), Samurai Helmet (WP:4, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Cannon Parts, Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Minimizing Dust, Deadly Venom, Shackles of War (Accessory, Prevents Fleeing) Atramor Gibbin Level 28 Witch *Counterstriking* *Immune to Water, Lightning, and Wood* *Negative Effects Last One Round* Power: 47 Defense: 4 Health: 32/96 Ether: 1/26 Gold: 392 Equipment: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, staff), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear), Amulet of the Court (Suitable for anyone, negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Rat's Hide (Suitable for anyone, SP: 4, backwear) Inventory: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental, dagger), Shovel, Pickaxe, Amethyst, Diamond, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Elixir, Ether Core, 2 Grand Potions, 2 Grand Tonics, 3 Health Cores, Phoenix Essence, 3 Smelling Salts, Guard's Dagger (WP: 4), Guard's Shield (SP: 6), Robust Shield (SP: 8), Deadly Venom, Potion Ellaria Arbour Level 22 1/3 Druid *Immune to Sealing* Power: 35 Power Bonus: +3 Health: 37/37 Ether: 2/28 Gold: 105 Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:10, fire-elemental staff), Mage's Muffler (protects from sealing) Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits. Backwear) Inventory: Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:6, wood-elemental crossbow), Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and badly poisoned, handwear), Topaz (Lightning), Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 6 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, Remedy, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Bone, Magnifying Glass, Bone, Wizard's Staff (WP:1, Fire, Wind, Water and Earth elemental), Grating Stone, Tonic, Tiger Balm, Mead Russel Ruffers & Pigley Level 8 Rogue *Hastened* Power: 23 Health: 7/22 Gold: 315 Equipment: Conspirator (WP: 15, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), Crab Shell Armor (+4 Max Health), Pigley (+4 Max Health, Hastened) Inventory: Rebel's Sword (Longsword, WP: 11), Venom The heroes gather up the actors and actress, and suddenly the world is dark around them once more. They hear the chattering of rats, and then the chattering of peoples - some lines they recognize - clearly other, older performances of the same play. Suddenly, as quickly as their evening started, it ends. The actors stand before them, together and safe. Taylor smiles genuinely at the heroes. "Thank you, heroes. I think you are right in saying that the curse is no more. Now people can enjoy this wonderful act of literature. And perhaps some day we will tell the true story of the Rat Queen. That would make a good play." "Ah, before I forget, Lord Chauncey left the reward here with me. 250 gold each, I believe. Is there anything else?"

"You keep saying that. I keep explaining that stealing someone's actions from them is murder. That's exactly murder. So hopefully she's still alive by my standards." Boomingham smiles grimly. "Only one way to find out." He rushes towards the enemies, sword drawn.

Boomingham sighs. "I used to admire technology, but its the same damn thing as magic. Too much power, too easily in the wrong hands. Maybe I should go be a private defender of the Ji Pei warehouses." "Now listen, I'm not usually one for talking before we fight, but you've got a lady that belongs to my organization. If there is any way that one of you can assure me she is still alive, and lead me to her, I'll spare you when the fighting is done here." Boomingham downs a mead and tosses the bottle at the enemy where it shatters at their feet. "If not, let the dance begin. I'll cut you down and find her myself." There is a lazy ease to Boomingham's stance and voice, no menace, just hard facts.

Everstien glides over to Guts and smiles cruelly. "Excitement in the kitchen?" he asks. Meanwhile, Madame Ladybug walks angrily away from Samuel Shawe. "I am from just outside Loush originally, though I have lived here in the Hovels for quite some years now. There aren't that many of us around, sadly. I believe some live in the Hinckwell Gardens somewhere outside the city, and there are a few others around the area." "I was doing anything but talking to the chef. Clippard is well travelled, he was telling me of other parts of Uland. Then some rude man came into the room and got him all riled up. We didn't get to finish our discussion." "Eubric is beautiful. Much larger and nicer houses. Gull is nearly all a port. We know of the Bonapartes, but other than that we pay little heed to the comings and goings here. I think Eubric is far more exciting. I have been asking Lord Marsh to take me for a long time, but he has always refused. This journey he insisted I come. I'm very excited!"

OoC: All in good time. I haven't forgotten it, it's coming to you! Just after you divide this batch. The actors all seem very much alive. Russel hops off Pigley and pokes the bodies tentatively. [Yet another ghost slain thanks to good ol' Russel Ruffers!] brags the Crab.

Required reading: while I know this is a "dodgey" answer, I really advise people to READ (or watch or play) WHAT THEY FIND INSPIRING. You already have a style of story. BD quests are different than WBD quests are different than Sandy Quests. You have a type of story you tell, and chances are you read stories similar to that. So if you read GOOD stories within the type of stories you like, you will be even better at telling the stories you want to tell. That being said, if you want to be fantasy literate (which is sort of required to a degree in this game): Lord of the Rings would be a good idea (sort of created classical fantasy), Game of Thrones is the new pop-ciulture fantasy, Harry Potter, while not as classical as we are here, is probably another sort of requirement. I would also personally add Discworld, but that's just me. We pull from lots of sources. My stories all pull from my favorite books, very few of which are actually fantasy.

OoC: This is what happens when you quest with a pig. Boomingham unsheathes Scupperer. "Lead the way, Arnulf. Onwards and downwards we go."