Zepher

Please do go on, Flipz! It's extremely interesting to read, though I'd like to see how you'd handle it without webisodes. More of a challenge. The Hide of the Bleeding is INSANELY powerful. Did Sandy okay it? Is there going to be even better loot later? I'm excited to see what you have in store for us, Endgame!

See, this is why we talk as a group. What a fantastic way to include Quest 1 while still keeping it short. The relationships of the heroes would be introduced perfectly right there. What a wonderful intro, Scuba. Whenever drafting, I would always start in a Hall, which isn't a compelling opening. Fantastic. And CMP, just read the hall. 25 pages before anyone carts out... perhaps even more, I don't recall. That's a TON of dialogue, even cut down. You'd need to block it out, and figure out how to introduce important characters while intercutting it with action. Film (and television) are both VISUAL mediums. They do NOT (or at least should not) have an abundance of dialogue, so it would have to be told some how else. Cutting between quests and hall for later heroes was something I thought of for later heroes. While Quest 2 and 3 were being told, you could start to intro the heroes who made their appearances in 6 and 7, etc. Alright, further challenging the great mind of Scubacarrot - how would hero deaths be dealt with? Would the low low low mortality rate carry over into the television series, or would we axe heroes? How would we deal with it, and how would we redistribute their actions later? This is open to everyone. I really do love that opening, Scuba. I would also like to publicly thank Sandy (and everyone who plays) for the engaging game. I can honestly say that this game has made me improve at what I want to do for a career. It has forced me to write in a voice of one character for over a year (something I've never been able to do before, but a great exercise), helped me develop a HUGE cast of characters (the amount of unique NPCs QMs are forced to produce is incredible), and write where I can get feedback on character and plot structure. Also, introducing characters with brevity has become easier. XX had few lines total in the Dastan Trilogy, but received positive reviews and was understood as the character I wanted him to be. I credit all of you for helping me improve, so thank you.

Yes! Sorry if I made it seem like I actually wanted a main character or conflict in the game. I love the way it is: an ensemble cast with an ensemble story. It's awesome. But it ONLY works for this game. I was saying that if someone was to adapt it to another story medium, you'd need to pick a main (or a few) main characters, and then pick a main conflict. The fate of Eubric could serve as a central conflict... but there are so many other things that are great. I put out the challenge of HOW you would adapt the story. I've tried, just as a challenge to myself, and found a number of issues. I want to see how other story-tellers I respect try to over come them! Namely: a lot of important action happens in the hall, but in a movie, it would be boring to sit around and talk so long. Same goes for a book, or a television show. How would you segment the talking there with other cool events? How would you figure out which quests to cut. Story-wise, Quest 1 wouldn't be overly exciting (no offense of course Sandy, the battles are what make it cool, but they wouldn't translate without the mechanics). HOWEVER, it serves to introduce a number of characters and relationships that are important later. How would you rework the story to cut Quest 1 but still have important events. Sorry if I'm boring folks. I want to be a TV/Film writer, so these sort of questions are great practice for me! I like to have a forum to discuss them, but I don't want to hijack the thread too much.

This issue with making Heroica any form of story is WHO ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERS?! If you look at the massive number of beautifully complex player characters, and the NPCs who would, in theory, be no different than the PCs... who's CONFLICT are you following? I love Heroica as a story, it is actually one of my favorites, and it saddens me greatly that more people don't get a chance to experience the epic, but I can't think of a way to share it (even just for the sake of thinking it up, not actually sharing it). For example - as a video game, you'd lose A LOT of the great character twists that come from playing with other people. It's fun to brainstorm fixes for those of us who are interested in story-telling in its various mediums.

"Well, that didn't go as planned," Boomingham grunts as he drops his Frozen Sabre on the ground as well and clutches the side of his face, where blood is trickling down. "Looks like we've only got a few folks capable of swinging hard this round. Here's what's happening. Atramor, Ellaria will get you patched up, and you handle Pain. Skrall, we'll be needing you to take on Suffering. A ranged attack should still be able to hit him full on, even with him further away." Boomingham swallows hard. "Nyx, you can continue your dance with the devil. I'll distract the Ghost for a round while we get back on our feet." Boomingham tosses a bone at the ghost. Battle Order Boomingham Ellaria Nyx Skrall Atramor

I NEED someone to keep me in line with math.

AND the NPCs of the month have been updated again! Death Progg has been highlighted as we near the end of the Progg quests! The Proggs deserve to be featured (and if they don't all die an etheral death at the end of the quest, I will certainly be asking to use them personally in future quests ). Byverion the Maginastra may be the NPC I MOST want to see featured again. Don't kid yourself, you still lie awake at night wondering who he works for and what his job is. I love him, and hope to see him again, and will also be referencing him in future quests if Rumble Strike allows it. More talks about that later (much later). Finally, Gurnam is featured. Gurnam is a FANTASTIC character. Creepy, fishy, smart, fair, dangerous... he's an enigma in the best way, and I have no doubt we will continue to see QMs with that head continue to use him. If I had that head, I would, hands down. It stands as a testament to WBD that the first two "beloved NPCs" are characters he's created. Donny, Captain Patricia, Homer Singerson, and Sir Poletad were both considered for this position this month. NOTE: If you want your NPC to be put in this position, create a character that OTHER QMs want to steal.

Quest 28 Doctors Fahad and Falish Jiivni - Lucustoids - No Allegiance Appeared in: Quest 28 The Doctors Jiivni hail from the Deserts of Abra and are considered renowned scientists of the region. They provided some of the technical expertise required by Moranis Szalinski in his creation of his transmogrifier. The heroes investigated them at the Inn of the Winking Gargoyle where they were staying. As Lucustoids they speak in a stuttered style and their motions are often percieved as rather jerky and clumsy. Alive, in Abra Gurnam – Sharkling – No Allegiance Appeared in: Quest 11, 28 Gurnam owns a local secondhand-seafood stall in the Fishmarket of Eubric Freeport. In all actuality however, Gurnam’s stand serves as a front for illegal services and wares on the Eubric black market, additionally Gurnam is something of a “loan shark” and also gives out loans to heroes at moderate interest. As a Sharkling, Gurnam processes the body of a man, the head of a shark, and a cut throat business attitude. He encountered a set of heroes from the hall as they sought out to find a missing assistant from the Guild of Invision. Gurnam was one of the many Eubric merchants to invest in Moranis' machine in Quest 28, and the heroes questioned him as a suspect though he was eventually cleared. Alive, Secondhand-seafood vendor in Eubric Freeport’s Fishmarket Moranis Szalinski - Gnome - No Allegiance Appeared in: Quest 12, 28 Moranis is a gnome inventor who first contacts the Hall for help when his children accidentally activate his shrink ray machine, the Microfigunator 7268 and get lost in their backyard. Due to his many creative contributions to Eubric, the Ji Pei have taken as especially high interest in Moranis and his ability. Other Eubric factions have also noticed Moranis and have funded many of his projects. One such project entailed a sabotaged transmogrifier machine, thankfully heroes from Heroica were able to get to the bottom of the disaster and save the gnome from any further harm. Alive, Building in Eubric Reginald Swisshopper - Human - The Free Market Appeared in: Quest 28 Reginald is an entrepreneur first and foremost. Having tried his hand at many trades, he is currently setup as the owner of one of the top tailors in all of Eubric. While his employee-employer relationships could be considered somewhat lacking, he produces some of the finest garments in the city. He recently made a bad investment in Moranis Szalinski's transmogrifier, failing to have initially secured the funding for a similar project of his own earlier. The heroes of quest 28 paid him a visit during their investigation and subsequently learned of his alias Rodrigo Devega. Alive, in Eubric Tarnash Swifthorn - Minotaur - No Allegiance Appeared in: Quest 28 Tarnsash Swifthorn is the proprieter of Sem's Sensible Investments in Eubric Freeport. The shop is one of the most respectable financial and trade institutions right after the Cathedral of Commerce. Serving the community with loans, statistics on local trade, analysis of prices and investments, Swifthorn's business is run like a tight ship. Swifthorn himself is blind but still has a sharp mind and is a no-nonsense businessman. He has two employees currently, an elf and the U'kin U'Toolen. Alive, in Eubric Trillian & Billian - Werehounds - No Allegiance Appeared in: Quest 28 These two werehound brothers own the Inn of the Winking Gargoyle. The heroes of quest 28 spent an entire night there attempting to track down suspects in a supposed arson case. The brothers are ever at the service of their guests and run one of the best inns available to those of the lower races. Alive, in Eubric Cameos Grogan - See Quest 9 Maa'ri Ranger - See Quest 12, 35

Quest 27 Still waiting for information from DarkDragon.

Speaking of harlot, does anyone know where Jebs is at? All his Heroica information disappeared from his signature. Do we think he rage quit over something as small as not being allowed to steal the scroll of luck? I hope not, it would be quite a loss.

Boomingham stops mid-swing and grumbles. "Right you are. Too many days without a proper drink and the mind starts to go. My wife always tells me to not go more than twenty-four hours without putting some more drink into my blood." Boomingham tosses Scupperer to the floor and instead unsheathes his Frozen Sabre.

Quest 26 Ancient Dragon - Dragon - No Allegiance The Ancient Dragon was the boss monster of the quarry that the heroes had to face. The dragon was using the quarry as a new nesting location. The dragon promptly left after a three phase battle with the heroes and a loss of some of its dragonlings and dragonets. Alive, Dastan Homer Singerson - Human (?) - Bards and Minstrels Singerson was saved from a giant spider by the group of heroes who went to clean up a quarry of monsters. It is not known whether Singerson is male or female and Singerson always evades the question. Singerson has a complete vocal range and the songs the bard sings can have positive or negative effects on heroes and monsters alike. Alive, roaming the world and spreading songs Quarry Owner - Human - No Allegiance The Quarry Owner owns a quarry that was infested with monsters and hired heroes to clean it out. He is very rude and disrespectful, not to mention cheap. He knows a lot about mining and minerals though. Alive, at his quarry

"Again, can't say I'm too thankful to the Town Guard. Ellaria, Rufindel, neither of you are allowed to square off against the Ghost at any point. You've got our remedies, if you are petrified no one can help you. Nyx, you can go ahead and light up whichever of the two statues you want, and Skrall, I wouldn't mind you dealing with the other one." Boomingham reaches steps forward back and unsheaths Scupperer, which is slung across his back. "Come at me, ghosty. I'm not afraid of any of the bumps in the night."

Quest 25 I have no info for this quest, B&P.

Aw, that's alright. Was just wondering, but I should probably upgrade my weapons and not keep buying gems for them anyway. You're probably doing me a favor.

Scuba, any chance we'll return by the end of November? I have yet to be in town the same time as Elphaba.

Quest 24 The Draugr - Undead - Canute Clan Appeared in: Quest 24 The Draugr is brother to Cleric Wulf. When he was not given a proper warrior's burial, his spirit grew angry, and he became an undead Draugr. AKA, a zombie viking. He made an alliance with the Gnorf and Canute viking clans, set on restoring his honor and killing his Cleric brother. Luckily, 5 heroes tracked down the Draugr to it's old castle lair, and killed him with the Canute king. Dead King Canute - Human - Canute Clan Appeared in: Quest 24 King Canute, leader of the Canute clan, was horrified as he heard of Cleric Wulf's brother, perhaps the mightiest of all vikings, buried wrong. When the Draugr rose, he made an alliance with him. They captured prisoners from Cleric Wulf's town, and chained them in Staugh Castle. During diplomatic talk with the Draugr, he died will 5 heroes burst in and fought them. Dead Cleric Wulf - Human - Gnorf Cleric Wulf is a cleric in the debated lands of Canute and Gnorf. His brother came back from the dead and tried to kill him. Cleric Wulf recruited 5 heroes from Heroica hall to slay the undead warrior. Alive

Quest 23 Antiquarian - Dwarf - No Allegiance Appeared in: Quest 23 This Dwarven antiquarian runs his shop in Eubric's Harbour District. He is an expert on everything ancient, and is currently helping Captain Patricia in the investigation of the Strivvian Keystone, an artifact that is said to open vaults containing whatever the holder of the Keystone desires most. His basement is a deathtrap. Alive, in Eubric Christian & Jacob - Human/Half-elf - The Paladin Order Appeared in: Quest 23 These two Paladins were send to Eubric to investigate the levels of corruption the Order had sustained in Eubric, although it is entirely possible they were send to Eubric, just to be rid of them. They were tricked in to believing Eubric's jail was a waiting area, while in fact all their belongings were taken. After the Wolfgang attacked the building, the prisoners, including Christian and Jacob, disappeared. Presumably Alive Donny Dozenhands - Human - The Wolfgang Appeared in: Quest 6, 23, 33, 34 Donny is a master pickpocket, thanks to being raised in the streets of Eubric Freeport ever since he was very young. He formed his own notorious gang of thieves that thrived until Ulric Wolfkin came to town. Over one single night Donny was swearing loyalty to Ulric, as were many other criminal leaders at the time. Donny quickly rose the ranks and is now one of the three master criminals taking orders only from Ulric. At one point even Heroica was after Donny for committing crimes against the Six Houses, but he managed to bribe the champions chasing him and escape. Donny later led the assault on the Town Watch building, his current whereabouts are unknown. He, like other Wolfgang leaders, was revealed to be a werewolf. Alive, the Wolf's Den Grandogsh - Orc - No Allegiance/Steelaxe Clan Appeared in: Quest 23 Formerly the leader of an Orcish clan overseas, he laid down his position and exiled himself, after failing to defend his clan. In Eubric, he killed several guards, and was sequently thrown in jail, his execution to be followed. After the Wolfgang attacked the building, the prisoners, including Grandogsh, disappeared. Presumably Alive The Metasimians - Metasimian - No Allegiance Appeared in: Quest 23 One of the many lesser gangs in Eubric. They are most active and powerful in the Harbour District, which is disputed between them and the Wolfgang, and a gang called The Blood Fist. They employ guerrilla tactics, to deal with the stronger enemy, and are known to leave their victim's bodies in the streets, for everyone to see. Some of them had a run in with Heroica, which did not end too well for them. Active, in Eubric Captain Patricia Cousland - Human - The Town Watch Appeared in: Quest 23, 33 After Ubert Lilly's demotion, Sergeant Patricia was promoted by the Houses to Captain Patricia, at least for the forseeable future. She rules the Town Watch with iron fist, and many of Eubric's lower class citizens fear her. In the Town Watch, her reign is undisputed. Cousland cracked down on the Wolfgang after the attack on a Town Watch building. She helped to lead the hunt of Violetta, and eventually left in disgust after the heroes let Violetta walk. Alive, in Eubric

Quest 22 Chief Gut - Elven - Leader of Maw-Hax village Appeared in: Quest 22 Chief gut is the leader of Maw-Hax village located in a cave near Draida Bay. He is the father of Zike, Heinike, and Kellie. He hired a group of heroes to search, find, and get rid of a group of 'snowy beings'. His wife is not mentioned in the quest and is currently unknown. Alive Heinike - Elven - Leader Scout of Maw-Hax village Appeared in: Quest 22 Heinike, son of Chief Gut, is the leader scout for the Maw-Hax village. He protects the village from any monster that dare enter the surrounding area of the village. Alive

"Nothing else to do, I guess." Boomingham leans against a wall and does not close his eyes. He exhales deeply. "Go to sleep. We're going to the slaver market in the morning." Boomingham's eyes flutter and he sighs again. The day had taken something out of him. He had thought perhaps this mission would finally be something important, but it already appeared to be another search and find, running errands type of deal.

Quest 21 Crozen Porthiar - Unknown - Porthiar Family Appeared in: Quest 5, 21 Almost nothing is known about Crozen Porthiar, or the Porthiar Family in general. Crozen's undead body assaulted some heroes in a quest hosted by Eran Hinckwell, in which the Matriarch was turned to dust. Later, a pair of Zeigfried brothers hired a few more heroes from the hall to go back in time and inspect their family tree. Crozen appeared, but the spell went awry before anything could be revealed, ending the quest. Assumed Dead

Quest 20 MDM - I have no information from you on this.

Quest 19 Sir Earl Poletad - Frog - Frog Paladins Appeared in: Quest 19, Dastan Trilogy, 38 Sir Poletad was saved by the heroes in a factory in Haddon. Afterwards, he fought alongside the heroes. He is extremely brave and proud of himself, though he often times over-estimates his ability, and is sheepish about how brave he is. In Dastan, Poletad proved himself to care more about doing what he found morally right, as opposed to fighting Wren. He helped to protect all members of Dastan, including helping the heroes save Mallelio instead of chasing Wren. Mallelio returned the favor by going to save Hans and Poletad in the Battle of Dastan. Poletad has promised to be in Eubric when Wren arrives. Alive, Whereabouts Unknown Felton - Human – High Kingdoms Town/Wren Hunters Appeared in: Quest 7, 19, Dastan Trilogy, 38 Felton is darkly practical and cynical at times, though these two traits help him see through trickery easily, and his grasp of good and evil is extremely sound. He is good friends with Hans. Felton hails from a small town in the High Kingdoms, but has now devoted his life to catching Wren. After she kidnapped him for the Arena, where he first met the heroes, he helped them break out, and swore to eradicate her. Later, in Haddon, he was separated from Hans and the heroes, realized that they are backing the wrong side of the war, and joined the guards. His double sided with the Rebels, but was eventually figured out, and his copy was killed. He assisted the guards in winning the war. He then left Haddon to track down Wren. In Dastan, Felton once more met the heroes. His friend, Hans, told the heroes that Felton had been scarred by his experience in Haddon, and was now incredibly paranoid. He assisted them in a number of tasks, though his main objective remained stopping Wren. After he convinced a group of heroes to kill Constance, the Leader of the Dragon Knights whom Felton mistakenly believed to be a Cultist and traitor, Felton was thrown in jail. He later redeemed himself by figuring out the enemy was using a tunnel system to travel the city. In the Battle of Dastan he survived a fight in the prison. Felton arrived in the Valley of Peace after the heroes have fought the Last General. He swore that he and his gang will be there to assist the heroes when they fight Wren next. Alive, Whereabouts Unknown Hans - Human – High Kingdoms Town/Wren Hunters Appeared in: Quest 7, 19, Dastan Trilogy, 38 Hans is a simple man who is aware that he is simple. He is occasionally a pessimist, and often times cuts directly to the chase. He is a little violent and hot headed, but seems to have a good heart. He’s good friends with Felton. Hans hails from a small town in the High Kingdoms, but has now devoted his life to catching Wren. After she kidnapped him for the Arena, where he first met the heroes, he helped them break out, and swore to eradicate her. Later, in Haddon, he fought alongside the Rebels and the heroes until they meet the real Felton. After that, Hans assisted the guards in winning the war. He then left Haddon to track down Wren. In Dastan, Hans told the heroes his primary objective was to stop Wren, though he is more receptive than Felton to helping protect the nobles. He fought alongside a number of heroes in various battles while trying to track down the Dark Lady. During the Battle of Dastan, he was pinned down somewhere in the city alongside Poletad. Mallelio went to his rescue. Hans arrived in the Valley of Peace after the heroes had fought the Last General. He swore that he and his gang will be there to assist the heroes when they fight Wren next. Alive, Whereabouts Unknown McColt - Human - Haddon Guard Appeared in: Quest 19, 38 McColt is the Head Guard of the city of Haddon, and the third member of his family to serve (his grandfather and father served before him). He is a practical, straight-forward, honest man who doesn't understand magic or trickery. His view of the world is simple - there is the right thing to do, and there is the wrong thing to do. McColt fought against the heroes and with the true Felton until Wren's clone was revealed, and he then recruited the heroes to help crush the rebellion. He led the heroes out of the city and thanked them on behalf of the Guard. After the events of Haddon, McColt decided to see the world. He eventually ran into a man who told him the tale of the Lost Party and the Valley of Peace. McColt hired a group of heroes to investigate with him. McColt did not bring a weapon into the Valley because he believed it to be holy ground, albeit tainted holy ground. Alive, Whereabouts Unknown Vipera Callidus the Young - Dragon - Dastan Dragons Appeared in: Quest 19, Dastan Trilogy Vipera was freed by Hoke in Haddon and remained by his side throughout the events of the entire quest. Vipera then flew home to her homeland across the sea. When the heroes arrived in Dastan, Vipera contacted them. She helped them for help, explaining that Sphinx was planning to bring back the ancient enemy of the Dragons, the Chimera, and that her race had grown too complacent to do anything, believing that perhaps their time on the face of Olegia was over. She aided the heroes in fighting the Chimera. In the battle of Dastan she made contact possible in the Palace. Alive, In Dastan Vonnetate - Pongcanis - Haddon Rebels Appeared in: Quest 19 Vonnetate was the head of the the Rebels in Haddon. He employed the heroes to destroy the Haddon rebel guard. His treachery was revealed near the end of the Quest - he had sent all his fellow commanders to their deaths in combat, and was working directly with Wren. When the final battle ended, he was missing. Vonnetate is obsessed with the honor of a warrior. Alive and Wanted, Whereabouts Unknown Lady Wren - Human - Wren/Zoot Appeared in: Quest 7, 19, Dastan Trilogy, 38 Wren is a worshiper of Chaos and plans to take power from the God Zoot. She is known to control "Chaos Beasts". Once, while still a member of Heroica, she defeated a young Skrall. Her first run in with the Heroes of the Hall was at an Arena, somewhere in the High Kingdoms, in which she forced the heroes to fight each other and eventually kill the head of the games, Draco. She fled, and was later found in the town of Haddon. In Haddon she tricked Felton and Hans into thinking that the Rebels were the side they should support, though in fact the Guards of the town were in the right. When the real Felton was separated from Hans and figured out that the Guards were clearly in the right, she created a copy of Felton to string along the heroes. Though the heroes eventually caught the Fake Felton and correctly sided with the Guards to win the war, the damage was done, as Wren did not care who won, just that it was an even enough match to cost both sides lives. She also explained that she does not think the world is “good” or “evil” and that Chaos reigns. She knows what she does hurts others, but she explains they’ll be hurt either way, so she may as well profit. She then flees. In Dastan, Wren backed the Assassins. She worked alongside them and the Lion Knights to upset power, though she made clear to Atramor, Hans, and Felton that she has other motives. She stole the Spiritus Intendere, a device designed to submit spirits to her will. She then assisted in the murder of U’Stus, and later came to the heroes and asked them kill the Chimera. She kidnapped Sphinx, and attempted, in the Battle of Dastan, to make off with Ella, though she was prevented. She then fled. In the Valley of Peace, the heroes watched a young Wren in a series of flashbacks. The Valley of Peace was Wren’s final quest with Heroica. She was seen systematically betraying her party members at the behest of Roderick Hinckwell, a Knight. It was eventually revealed that she and Roderick, and the Gray Wizard, discovered a Temple of Zoot. She and Roderick received visions from the God. Wren discovered the beauty of Chaos, though she leads Roderick to believe that she too wished to end it and replace it with Order. After the entire party is sealed away, Wren killed Roderick, but found herself no match for the Last General. She pleaded for her life, which he gave her. After the heroes killed the General in the present, Wren returned and took the Amulet of Gods. She then promised to see them soon and left once more. Alive and Wanted

"Well, I can't really commend the Town Watch for their hide-out picking abilities." Boomingham gropes around, looking for something to hold on to, even if it's one of the statues. "Where are they anyway? Leaving us all alone in a crazy basement. Shouldn't they have warned us. I tell you, I trust them less and less each time we see them."

"Might as well finish this. Let's see what it's got in store for me." Boomingham heals Atramor and then grasps the spear.