Zepher

Well, you've already looted Zane, and XX did say he was giving you guys a present, but in all honesty I do have their stats ready if you're intrigued in fighting them!

You may if you so choose! Though I would ask that you wait for me to write a response first (haven't got time for it now, but if you try to murder them I'd like them to at least respond to what you've said first ).

We have the outrageously talented BD to thank for our latest interlude (the third to last one, I believe!!)

Cronk carries Bennetton back towards base with the help of Atramor. Gnash and McColt limp behind them, leaning on the rest of the party. "I've been better. But I'm alive, and I can continue to fight." Vipera's voice rings out in all of their heads. <You must hasten home, heroes. We have discovered the final five spires. Master Arthur has left. The Gray Wizard too has stepped outside and not returned. Felton grumbles this and that about him- he says that we must remember a deal that the Master of Regret struck with him. The Lady Nyx is particularly troublesome. She is certainly not dead, but where she is right now... I could not tell you.> The warnings of the dragon hasten the party back. They reconnect with Skrall's party near the sewer entrance, and dash towards the barracks... The Party Skrall 80 year old Male Ogre Hunter Level 23 2/3 *Party Leader* *Favors Humanoid and Demon Enemies* *Immunity to Fragile* *Natural Respite* Power: 36 Defense: 8 Health: 37/37 Gold: 70 Equipment: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:11, +4 vs. Beasts), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile effect, body wear) Inventory: Smoke Bomb, Mead, Grand Potion, Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"), 2 Potions, Minimizing Dust, Nostrum, Remedy Haldor Skovgaard Level 24 Shaman *Immune to Weakened, Fragile and Blinded* *Natural Respite* Power: 40 Defense: 7 Health: 41/41 Ether: 26/30 Gold: 76 Equipment: Zoot er Isen (WP:14, Ice and Light Elemental) Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether, Blinded Immunity), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity), Heavy Armour (SP:+5, Fragile Immunity). Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12, Water Elemental), Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Shovel, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Scroll of Sealing, Potion (x4), Remedy (x4), Mead , Nostrum (x2), Smelling Salts (x2), Soma (x2), Venom, Mulled Wine Thothwick Level 21 1/3 Black Knight *Damage Undead* *Immune to Stunned* Power: 33 (29 Ranged) Defence: 10 Health: 36/36 Gold: 285 Equipment: Banana Sabre (WP: 12, 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), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, 1 Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 1 Bone, Sabre (WP 10), Venom, Phoenix Essence Phil (Victor) Level 21 Dragon Knight *Immune to Fire, Air and Earth Elemental Attacks* *Natural Respite* Power: 36 Health: 39/39 Defense: 2 Gold: 50 Equipment: Hammer of Dastan (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Helmet of Dastan (SP: 2) Inventory: Meads (x2), Dragon Scale Dyric Rone Level 18 1/2 Assassin Power: 27 Health: 29/29 Gold: 2470 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead) Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP:10), Briar Bow (WP: 11; wood-elemental), Throwing Knife (WP:4, ranged, retrievable), Longsword (WP: 3), , Aquamarine (Water), 3 Potions, 4 Grand Potions, Grand Tonic, Elixir, 3 Remedies, Mead, Smelling Salts, 2 Venoms, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2 Mythril Shards (2/4 of a Mythril), Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold), Winged Sandals, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, Aqua Gear (Adds water-element to physical attacks and protects from water-elemental damage, accessory), Bone, Jester's Hat (Gains one immunity from targeted enemy) Sir Earl Poletad Level 17 1/2 Frog Paladin Power: 17 Health: 17/17 Ether: 15/17 Cronk Level 28 1/3 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* *Immune to Fragile* Power: 40 Defense: 17 Health: 46/46 Ether: 18/29 Gold: 78 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile) Inventory: Amethyst, Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 3 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Remedies, Bennetton's Seal, Topaz, Health Core, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bloody Pointy Stick (WP: 1), Health Core Alexis Fenral Level 27 Assassin *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 41 Health: 36/45 Gold: 1036 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:14, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Lucky Die Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Diamond, Tonic, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Fifty Shades of Bley, 2 Lightning Bomb, Venom, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded), Health Core, Potion Atramor Gibbin Level 23 1/3 *Deals Badly Poisoned* Power: 33 Health: 44/44 Ether: 17/21 Gold: 99 Equipment: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (Deals Cursed Effect on First Successful Hit) Inventory: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect) Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe, Grating Stone, Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether), Amulet of the Court (Negative Effects last one round), Health Core Hoke Ablesword Level 20 2/3 Mystic Knight Power: 41 Defense: 4 Health: 32/38 Ether: 14/20 Gold: 125 Equipment: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear) Inventory: Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, 2 Phoenix Essence, 5 Potions, Grand Tonic, 2 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Tonic, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Ether Core, Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Fire Bomb, Scrap Metal, Vintul (Great sword: WP 15), Steel Buckler (Shield: SP 7), Ether Core Hans Level 17 Chaos Regulator *Chaotic* *Sealed* Power: 27 Health: 29/29 Defense: 6 Gold: 56 Equipment: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Armor of the Arena (SP: 4), Cast Iron Haddon Guard Helmet (SP: 2) Inventory: Gnash Level 15 City Watch Guard Power: 23 Health: 11/29 Defense: 1 Gold: 17 Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) McColt (Controlled by PL) Has a 1/2 chance of either encouraging or hastening any given hero. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of inspiring a hero. [iNTERLUDE - BRIC-BAY FORT] The freak rain storm of the previous day had travelled north, and the Lion Knights were feeling soggy. "The number of vermin seems to increase every time we come down here." "They're getting restless. Men may not be aware of the Chaos or choose to ignore it, but the animals are like the elves. We can feel it in the air." "Lewis said the Chaos would come to Eubric." "Do you not think that you perhaps retired too soon?" "Our Skirmishers under Leofard have never been better." "Even with all the experience he has, Lewis is neither a political leader nor a military commander. You knew this. You created him Count of Bric'Bay only because he was a prominent noble that you trusted, not because he displayed exceptional skill in the duties his position would require. "It's not as if you were granted power by anyone for circumstances that have passed. Yours was a right to command given to you by Sir Leavold on his deathbed." "And what of the adventure, Leonard? For over four hundred winters I have walked this earth, and never had I experienced anything quite like what I've done with the heroes." "Lewis has worked with heroes and faced Chaos before, he knows what he's doing and he's not afraid to ask for my help when he needs it. Look at this library and the treasures that it holds. No other leader in our history has done anything to compare with what Lewis has done here. Bric'Bay Castle is stronger than ever. He's prepared us to withstand a siege of longer than six moons." "Sir Loren once thought as you do. You don't know the power of the Chaotic side." "The age of the knight is ending, Luke. The individual knight's role is slowly but surely being reduced. The armies of the future will depend on men like our Skirmishers. *roll* "Two, Critical Hit. "The chaos is always going to exist." *roll* "Four, Meditate. You take a Free Hit from that orc over there." *roll* "Five, Damage. I'm going to have to take a Free Hit from the lead orc, too." "Look at Eubric: The Houses hate each other, the Town Watch is incompetent, the Wolfgang's influence is steadily growing... order is being eroded. The Chaos is growing, and Lady Wren seems to desire for all of Olegaia to be swallowed by it. This is not some unavoidable law of nature we're talking about. This is a harnessed force with a brain behind it and a clear goal. "Skirmishers might be the future, but they need leaders. We are Lion Knights. Knights have been our leaders for as long as we can remember, going back to our exile from Dastan. *roll* "Six, No Healing. You're Knocked Out." "If men such as yourself prefer to give up hope and dismiss the advance of Chaos as inevitable while you stand on the sidelines, I only hope we can rely on the warriors of Heroica. They will keep on fighting when you will not, because of who they are: "Heroes." [iNTERLUDE - CONCLUDED] The heroes arrive in front of the barracks, and are greeted by a surprising sight. Nyx lies on the ground, recovering from something that has left her cloths smoldering but somehow not so much as singed. XX stands proudly above her, staring at the heroes. "She'll be alright. We just went for a little adventure. She can tell you about it later. But first, I've come to say good bye. There is a ship waiting for me at the docks. I have been hired to escort a few good men out of the city, in case things do get a little heated." "Hello again, heroes. Glad to see you snagged Mephisto. That being said, I'm heading on out. I'm not a huge believer in Chaos, but I do know an insane person can cause a lot of damage, and seeing as both you and Wren are insane, and I like life, I've given XX a pretty penny to go with him." "Yeah, and look, heroes, I ain't saying I'm not a fan of you folks- too bad 'bout Benny by the by, I did like that guy- but Wren seems to be cutting up a fair number of your friends and, much as I'd like to help out I ain't aiming to be next- so when Zane showed up here to render-vous with XX, I tossed them both a silver and asked if I could tag along." "To which I said, no skin off my back." "And he gave me a silver. I did, however, tell them that we wouldn't depart until I had completed a few promises. I told Nyx I'd give her a gift if she didn't make me kill her, so she deserves that." "I told him, I didn't mind him paying a debt. But we're on the cloak here, heroes. So fling you insults fast, sling your questions faster, and we're out."

Corny and I were just joking about that. We'd like to swap reputations! Agreed. But I also don't plan to help. I've got too many plans in the works. Unfortunately, away from my bricks, I'm relatively powerless to create any quests. So it will be May again by the time I host. I'd predict we'll be concluding around the end of February. I feel that's a pretty quick quest with little drag.

Sorry all, busy time period for me again, you'll all get a big update some time tomorrow probably. This is NEAR the finale... still a short while, but the cards are basically all on the table at this point.

Court of Demons Round Eight Cronk v. Magician - Meditate >Hans v. Mephisto - Special Damage Critical Hit (Sealed) (-1 ether) McColt encourages Alexis - Successful (1) >Alexis v. Mephisto - Damage (42/2=21) >Alexis v. Mephisto - Damage (42/2=21 KO) >Hoke v. Mephisto - Shield (1+5=6 hits) ([41-10]*3=93 KO) Atramor heals Alexis - Heals Alexis (+33 health) (-1 ether) Gnash does nothing Bleeding - Magician (-5) Mephisto beats back Alexis fiercely, but Hoke blasts him back with a blast from his diamond. The Magician shrieks and falls, dead in the body as well as the soul now. The Court of Demons Party Cronk Level 28 1/3 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* *Immune to Fragile* Power: 40 Defense: 17 Health: 46/46 Ether: 18/29 Gold: 20 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile) Inventory: Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 3 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Remedies, Bennetton's Seal, Topaz, Health Core, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bloody Pointy Stick (WP: 1) Alexis Fenral Level 27 Assassin *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 41 Health: 36/45 Gold: 978 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:14, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Lucky Die Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Tonic, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Fifty Shades of Bley, 2 Lightning Bomb, Venom, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded) Atramor Gibbin Level 23 1/3 *Deals Badly Poisoned* Power: 33 Health: 44/44 Ether: 17/21 Gold: 41 Equipment: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (Deals Cursed Effect on First Successful Hit) Inventory: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect)Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe, Grating Stone, Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether) Hoke Ablesword Level 20 2/3 Mystic Knight Power: 41 Defense: 4 Health: 32/38 Ether: 14/20 Gold: 67 Equipment: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear) Inventory: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, Grand Tonic, 2 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Tonic, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Ether Core, Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Fire Bomb, Scrap Metal, Vintul (Great sword: WP 15), Steel Buckler (Shield: SP 7) Hans Level 17 Chaos Regulator *Chaotic* *Sealed* Power: 27 Health: 29/29 Defense: 6 Gold: 56 Equipment: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Armor of the Arena (SP: 4), Cast Iron Haddon Guard Helmet (SP: 2) Inventory: Gnash Level 15 City Watch Guard Power: 23 Health: 11/29 Defense: 1 Gold: 17 Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) McColt (Controlled by PL) Has a 1/2 chance of either encouraging or hastening any given hero. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of inspiring a hero. The (Good) Loot -Amulet of the Court of Demons (Artifact, Accessory, Negative effects last only one round on user) -Amethyst -Diamond -Opal -Ether Core -x3 Health Core -232 Gold -x2 Potions Mephisto lays dying on the floor. "LISTEN TO US HEROES! You must stop WREN. Listen to me, heroes. The Temple is- DO NOT WARN THEM. WE MUST LET WREN SUMMON ZOOT, THEN SHE WILL PERISH AT HIS HANDS. No. Listen, the heroes, the Temple is below the Hall. BELOW THE HALL. WE CANNOT. The entrance to the Temple, the unblocked one that we know of, it is below the- DO NOT TELL THEM- LET HIM SPEAK, BROTHERS- BUT SWEET SISTER it is in the crypts below the city. Wren will be there soon." Mephisto succumbs to his wounds. The heroes stand in a room with Bennetton, Mephisto and the Magician. They are all dead.

It's generally up to the QMs to read previous quests set in that area, or ask an authority on the area (Scuba, for example, would be asked questions about Strivvi, CJP/Sandy about Charis, Scorpiox/Khrone about the North). So far everyone has been super respectful of what the other QMs have set up (WBD even contacted me for lessons on how the U'Kin spokes because he hadn't really run into them yet in Dastan when he was going to put one in 28). I agree, perhaps someday we can put that list together, but for now people should look it up. Even the architecture of certain places feel a certain way - I know JimBee, BD and I worked hard to make Dastan look like a unified place building wise, and I ALWAYS had open a Sandy picture or WBD picture while building Eubric MOCs in hopes that they'd look alike.

"Never've claimed to be anything else. It interests me to hear what taught you to apply pressure the way you do, Raider." Boomingham finishes off another glass of wine before waving down the bar maid. He sees the look on Sarge's face when he introduces Guts and pats his fellow elder on the shoulder. "Give Guts a fighting chance in your heart, he isn't that bad of a chap once you get over the fact that he's a little screwy in the head." Boomingham chortles. "I wish I made a bit of gold myself, but my wife tells me I won't make it to an old age, so I won't be needing to support myself. If my sword arm doesn't give out, my liver sure will. The kingdom was about mid-way between the tip of the high kingdoms and Ennon. It was burned down- not in the war, but later, by some traveling band of Orcs. Can't say I was too pleased to hear about it."

Actually......... Wren stabbed Draco in the back literally........ but you're right, I've got a bad habit it turns out. Pinky promise, you've got a few kills coming up! XX DOES survive you heroes a LOT. Of the two evil NPCs who weren't "slated to live" or "slated to die" you've spared both of them. But again, NPC deaths, both friend and foe, are still on the way.

Boomingham laughs again. "And how would they come into power at a time of peace. You seem worldly enough, Raider. Optimism is nice, but it isn't always realistic. You think you'd win over the six houses without a sword in hand. No. You're not foolish." Boomingham swigs his wine. "It isn't a question of who would be good for the job. When does power go to who would be good? Power belongs to those that have earned it. We can only hope and pray that those who earn it are good at the job- or better yet, engineer it so that those who earn it are good at the job by helping those who would be good at the job earn it." The wine has made the Paladin's tongue begin to fly more freely. He is amused by his own poetic sentence structure and chuckles quietly at it to himself.

"Pipe dream. A King during peace won't change over. Change isn't going to happen in peace. Why would it?" Boomingham laughs merrily.

Maybe someone already has a little something in the works that will make bombs more powerful. Maybe someone who employs bombsters and does stuff like that. :look:

Pongcanis are like monks. They've given up all their worldly possessions to go live a life of service killing. Anywho, keep those votes rolling in people. We still have about a week and a half, but I only have votes from 8 players out of our 50 plus active players!! I want to hear more of what people have to say. There are some categories I wish there was more diversity in, and some with no clear leaders right now, so it's anyone's game! Keep them coming, keep them honest, and think back to all the 50+ awesome quests we've had so far!

Well, he gets revived at double health after this, and becomes immune to damage, but if you think that's not too bad you'll probably be okay!

Court of Demons Round Eight McColt encourages Hoke - Failure (4) >Hoke does nothing Hans v. Mephisto - Shield (Halved Health) (Chaotic) Atramor heals Alexis - Heal More ([10*2]+23=43) Cronk heals Alexis - No Heal (5) >Alexis v. Mephisto - Critical Hit Aim - (([14*2]+26)-10=44) >Alexis v. Mephisto - Aim Hit - (40-10=30) Gnash does nothing Magician v. Hoke - ([10/2]-4=1) (20/2=10) Bleeding - Magician (-5) Blessed - Mephisto (+3) The heroes continue their assault. Hans slashes Mephisto's legs and knocks him off his balance, and Alexis fires two arrows into his skull, but the arrows burst into flames nearly immediately. Fire streams shoot out of his eyes and he opens his mouth wide, showing his insides burning. He stumbles forward. "I am the KING OF- I AM- I am the King, OF DeMONS! You must FEAR ME!! I WILL not die like this... I will not die... The Master of Regret promised me more- YOU ARE WEAK, FIGHT THESE HEROES AND THEN BRING OUR MASTER TO YOUR PUNY WORLD- hello, it's very cold and hot over here, Nestor-- Jonah, are you there already?! Is the Magician with you?! Has she died yet? Is Zane there? Beatrice?! BE QUIET YOU MORTALS. WE HAVE CONSUMED THE ONE NAMED JONAH, NAMED ZANDER, WE WILL CONSUME YOU TOO, AND YOUR WORLD, AND THE DARK LADY. KILL THESE HEROES." The Court of Demons Party Cronk Level 28 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* *Immune to Fragile* Power: 40 Defense: 17 Health: 46/46 Ether: 18/29 Gold: 20 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile) Inventory: Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 3 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Remedies, Bennetton's Seal, Topaz, Health Core, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bloody Pointy Stick (WP: 1) Alexis Fenral Level 26 2/3 Assassin *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 40 Health: 44/44 Gold: 978 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:14, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Lucky Die Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Tonic, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Fifty Shades of Bley, 2 Lightning Bomb, Venom, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded) Atramor Gibbin Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned* Power: 33 Health: 44/44 Ether: 17/21 Gold: 41 Equipment: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (Deals Cursed Effect on First Successful Hit) Inventory: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect)Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe, Grating Stone, Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether) Hoke Ablesword Level 20 1/3 Mystic Knight *Lucky* Power: 41 Defense: 4 Health: 32/38 Ether: 14/20 Gold: 67 Equipment: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear) Inventory: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, Grand Tonic, 2 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Tonic, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Ether Core, Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Fire Bomb, Scrap Metal, Vintul (Great sword: WP 15), Steel Buckler (Shield: SP 7) Hans Level 16 1/2 Chaos Regulator *Chaotic* Power: 26 Health: 28/28 Defense: 6 Gold: 56 Equipment: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Armor of the Arena (SP: 4), Cast Iron Haddon Guard Helmet (SP: 2) Inventory: Gnash Level 14 1/2 City Watch Guard Power: 22 Health: 10/28 Defense: 1 Gold: 17 Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) McColt (Controlled by PL) Has a 1/2 chance of either encouraging or hastening any given hero. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of inspiring a hero. The Court of Demons Enemies Mephisto, King of Demons Level 42 Ancient *Immune to Instant Kills* *Blessed* *Lucky* Health: 70/980 SP: 10 Ether: 3/3 Special I: Soul Eater – Mephisto eats the hero’s soul. The hero is sealed until the end of the quest. Cannot be remedied. Uses one ether. Special II: Mind Eater – Mephisto eats the hero’s mind, instantly KOing them. Used if no ether remains. Passive Special I: Miracle of the Court – Negative effects inflicted on Mephisto last only one round. Passive Special II: Soul Sucker – All heroes targeting Mephisto lose one positive effect of their choice at the end of the round (excluding perma-effects). Passive Special III: Demons' Blessing - The Demons of Zoot have blessed Mephisto. Passive Special IV: Electrical Speed - On rounds that are multiples of three, Mephisto is hastened. Passive Special V: Sound and the Fury - Mephisto is now Lucky. On even rounds, Mephisto is Encouraged. Drops: Amulet of the Court of Demons (Artifact, Accessory, Negative effects last only one round on user), Amethyst, Diamond, Opal Magician of the Court of Demons Level 10 Soulless *Immune to further Negative Effects and Instant Kill* *Bleeding* Health: 58/800 Special: Ravenous Hunger – Drains 10 ether and 10 health from the hero, disregarding row/SP. Passive Special: All AoE attacks/effects only effect the person the hero is targeting. Drops: Ether Core, Health Core, 200 Gold The other party still stares into the gates of the void, apparently overwhelmed.

Boomingham looks the figure up and down, an eyebrow raised, but eventually he just shrugs and offers his hand. "Lord Lawrence Boomingham, King of the Lost Kingdom and the Desert, Champion of the Weak and Strong, Slayer of the Bluehood. How do you do? Pull up a chair, would you? This here is Guts the Raider, and that beautiful eld maiden is named Nerwen." Boomingham waits until Sarge sits before continuing. "That's going to be the way of it, I'm afraid, chap. Theres always young blood, but the old friendly faces are prone to disappear for long stretches of time or just all together. Heroing sometimes is a lonely life. What brought you to it?"

I shall respond, then! I wasn't sure- Boomingham thinks he looks tough, but I'm not sure how many other people would think that. No. CMP, you've clearly never fought one of my "God-piece locked in a mortal" type monsters before!

Hoke... Zane is going to kill all the heroes if they keep referring to him as a Chaos User. He's said, every time they bring it up, that he doesn't believe in such things. And that's actually exactly how I viewed the generations too (though I bounce Guts and Nerwen and their gang up a generation - into the second one, and have the likes of Pretzel and folks rom the first Progg quest/second Rumble Strike quest in that third generation instead). It's an interesting thought- you can see it when people talk in the hall, and it would actually be natural. I didn't bring it up at all in hopes of "categorizing people" and preventing interaction, I just wanted to know if anyone else thought that way, and if anyone else had noticed it in the hall. Its just another cool RPG aspect that could be played up. Scuba, I'm waiting for a response from you in the Hall, by the way. Boomingham just challenged your claim to the throne!

Question for the interim: Do you feel that there are "generations" of heroes in the Hall? I feel a little bit like there are, and that often times the generations stick together, with a little cross-over (which is always exciting). What are your thoughts? "Generations", or no, and if so, when do you think the different generations are? I think that I think about it as about 4 to 5 generations of heroes who have joined, but before I share my thoughts, I want to hear everyone else's!

OoC: IN CHARACTER!! Hoke stares into the Magician's eyes, trying to discern what is there, but they are as they were in the beginning of the battle- more dead than those of the Demon King's. He shudders a little. Whatever ritual she and Zane performed- it has left her without voice, without mind, without personality, and certainly without soul. Even as she stands waiting for the next series of attacks there is a stillness in her- she does not fidget or tend to her wounds-

Vipera's voice whispers in their heads. <The spires in the sewers are closer to the buried temple. When these doors are opened, they scream in a way that the others do not. Nyx was near here, not too long ago, but her mind was muddled and I lost contact with her as she walked through the sewers. There is, as I've said, much noise in your city. I felt her presence until she arrived here with the man called XX, but now they are both gone. I do not know what happened to them, but even as you stand near the door, I hear much screaming, not their's, but much. A howl, not unlike those that the Chaos Beast emit when they die- a crossing of the planes.>

Court of Demons Round Seven >Alexis v. Mephisto - Damage Damage (42/2=21) >Alexis v. Mephisto - Damage Shield (+42 gold) Hans v. Magician - Hit (26*2=52) >Hoke v. Mephisto - Damage Shield (6+4=10 hits, 5 directed to Mephisto, 5 null by Magician's special) (41*2-10=72*5=360) 155 >Atramor heals Gnash - Failure >Cronk heals self - Heal Less (+27 health) (-1 ether) Gnash does nothing McColt inspires Cronk - Failure (6) Bleeding - Magician (-5) The heroes continue their assault. Alexis is beat back by the demon and feels a coldness running up the inside of her body. Cronk is able to heal himself, and Hoke, with all the bravery his heroes have come to expect of him, wheels his two blades at the Demon King who is hardly able to hold them off. Bone chips go flying, but an electrical blast makes Hoke stop his assault. Now electricity dances across the armor of the King, and his eyes sparkle and crack glowing a shimmer green. The Court of Demons Party Cronk Level 28 Paladin *Party Leader* *Counterstriking* *Immune to Fragile* Power: 40 Defense: 17 Health: 46/46 Ether: 18/29 Gold: 20 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 9), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +5 SP, +2 Max Ether), Counterstirke Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile) Inventory: Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12), Ennoc's Gratitude (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Bedroll, Shovel, Holy Bomb, 3 Stakes (WP:1 to each of them), 2 Remedies, Bennetton's Seal, Topaz, Health Core, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bloody Pointy Stick (WP: 1) Alexis Fenral Level 26 2/3 Assassin *Hastened* *Lucky* Power: 40 Health: 9/44 Gold: 978 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:14, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Sticky Gloves (Increases amount of gold stolen by 50%; handwear), Lucky Die Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Tonic, 2 Meads, 2 Nostrums, Venom, Fire Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, 3 Somas, Phoenix Essence, 3 Grand Potions, Carrot, Fifty Shades of Bley, 2 Lightning Bomb, Venom, Ring of Sight (protects from blinded) Atramor Gibbin Level 23 *Deals Badly Poisoned* Power: 33 Health: 44/44 Ether: 18/21 Gold: 41 Equipment: Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental), Witch's Talisman (Suitable for witches, Posioned Hits become Badly Poisoned Hits, accessory), White Cloak (Suitable for clerics, +3 maximum health, backwear), Ancient Crown (Deals Cursed Effect on First Successful Hit) Inventory: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 6, gains 1 WP every kill made with it) Staff of the Elven Warlock (WP: 5, wood elemental), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect)Topaz, Amethyst (Loaned to Mallelio), Fire Bomb, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Shovel, Pickaxe, Grating Stone, Scroll of Luck (Grants target the Lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether) Hoke Ablesword Level 20 1/3 Mystic Knight *Lucky* Power: 41 Defense: 4 Health: 33/38 Ether: 14/20 Gold: 67 Equipment: Twin Broadswords (WP:21, user can attacks 2 enemies in the same turn, user is unable to use a shield), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear) Inventory: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Diamond, Topaz, 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, Grand Tonic, 2 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Hollow Blade (Dagger: WP 6), Tonic, Grating Stone, Nostrum, Ether Core, Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Fire Bomb, Scrap Metal, Vintul (Great sword: WP 15), Steel Buckler (Shield: SP 7) Hans Level 16 1/2 Chaos Regulator *Orderly* *Encouraged* Power: 26 Health: 28/28 Defense: 6 Gold: 56 Equipment: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Armor of the Arena (SP: 4), Cast Iron Haddon Guard Helmet (SP: 2) Inventory: Gnash Level 14 1/2 City Watch Guard Power: 22 Health: 10/28 Defense: 1 Gold: 17 Equipment: City Watch Halberd (WP: 6), City Watch Helmet (SP: 1) McColt (Controlled by PL) Has a 1/2 chance of either encouraging or hastening any given hero. Alternatively, has a 1/6 chance of inspiring a hero. The Court of Demons Enemies Mephisto, King of Demons Level 42 Ancient *Immune to Instant Kills* *Blessed* Health: 275/980 SP: 10 Ether: 3/3 Special I: Soul Eater – Mephisto eats the hero’s soul. The hero is sealed until the end of the quest. Cannot be remedied. Uses one ether. Special II: Mind Eater – Mephisto eats the hero’s mind, instantly KOing them. Used if no ether remains. Passive Special I: Miracle of the Court – Negative effects inflicted on Mephisto last only one round. Passive Special II: Soul Sucker – All heroes targeting Mephisto lose one positive effect of their choice at the end of the round (excluding perma-effects). Passive Special III: Demons' Blessing - The Demons of Zoot have blessed Mephisto. Passive Special IV: Electrical Speed - On rounds that are multiples of three, Mephisto is hastened. Drops: Amulet of the Court of Demons (Artifact, Accessory, Negative effects last only one round on user), Amethyst, Diamond, Opal Magician of the Court of Demons Level 10 Soulless *Immune to further Negative Effects and Instant Kill* *Bleeding* Health: 73/800 Special: Ravenous Hunger – Drains 10 ether and 10 health from the hero, disregarding row/SP. Passive Special: All AoE attacks/effects only effect the person the hero is targeting. Drops: Ether Core, Health Core, 200 Gold The other party keeps walking. Poletad listens to Dyric and Skrall intently. <I do not fear death myself!> The little frog assures them. <I know that I must die sometime, long before you do, we frogs have short lives, but I will die protecting the weak and fighting the just cause, and there will be a place for me next to Amphibiannoc! It is others I worry about! I know I will die some day, but I hope it is before I see a friend go.> The heroes hear a bang down the tunnel and rush forward. Eventually they reach a more open area. From one of the walls, dark flames (true darkness, the kind you can't see) leap forth. The area is empty save for that. <Do you think that's the void?! Spilling forth?! Where is Nyx?!>

Boomingham has a fairly tragic past if you choose to believe his past! Guts doesn't, so maybe Boomingham is just an bat-shit insane old man who believes things/is a pathological liar. Only he knows! I love that Guts doesn't believe him, by the way, Scuba. It's a GREAT way to role-play - it really proves that different people can feel different ways about things, even if those things are "fact".

Flare- Quest 42 was one of the most inventive quests I think we've seen. I loved it- Heroica is exciting because it feels magical in many different ways (my magical contributions feel a little more like old high magic, whereas Sandy's are more of a mix of high magic and pop-culture reference magic) and your's was a whimsical magic I absolutely loved reading about. The sets were beautiful, the battles funny and inventive, the characters fantastic. The quest was long. Quite simply, too long. If I had been on it, I would have been frustrated by the end I think. Perhaps the others have more patience than me. I believe very strongly in the 24 hour update window, and I feel there were many times that was not adhered to. Once or twice if you get busy that's understandable, but there were just so many times. Again, that being said, this quest was clever, enjoyable, very sweet and very smart at different points- a real pleasure to read! Congrats Flare, 42 will always have a special place in my heart.