Zepher

"Don't I know it, Ogre. Never got to raise my own son... can't say that I miss it all the time, what with all the attitude I get from Nyx and Atramor and the other young'uns," Boomingham tries to chuckle, but fails. Boomingham listens to the report. "Explosive black powder? What the gods have you been up to while I was asleep those two hundred fifty years. Why the hel would you stick that on a boat? Alrighty, down the hatch we go. Nyx, we don't need any fireworks down there, be careful, my dear. If anyone feels safer up here, that's alright with me. Atty, lead the way." Boomingham sheaths his King of the Desert and follows Atramor down the hatch.

You can go ahead and post it.

Ella did send you a hello through Felton! Ella will probably appear in one more quest in the future at some point!

Yes indeed!

Boomingham mutters to himself. "Always hard to keep the troops happy. Hope I don't have a mutiny on my hands..." Boomingham sheaths his two new swords onto his back. "You'll all be getting a fair share by the end of the quest, I promise. Once we get back to Eubric and I get the Opal out of Shiver, I'll sell it and give you all some of the gold. I'll be hanging onto Scupperer though. Might have to re-allot some gems." Boomingham's eyes mist over for a short time. "Anywho, is everyone alright? Got any wounds that need looking after? Actually, looks like I do." Boomingham heals himself and Atramor. "Atty, you don't have an interesting in holding onto shiver for the rest of the quest, do you? I figure that Ratsbane is a nice enough blade that it wouldn't make sense for you to wield a new one that's only slightly sharper, but if you want to hold onto it, that's a-okay with me. Any other complaints folks would like to lodge? I am sorry that the loot hasn't been shared in the best of ways, I like to keep my unit best outfitted, which sometimes means giving a lot of resources to the folks who can use them best. That's a leader's job. Make sure we're best prepared for combat."

You can work it out in PM . I didn't see bolded action, and I (and apparently you as well) couldn't tell the final deal, so I left it as Haldor did it, and let you two figure it out. Not at all! Go for it! Agreed. Whenever practical, I love to see the equipment effect the look!

Alright, there's another quest down! I'd like to hear thoughts on it before I say anything. I'm happy with the length! Railroading is a Zepher tradition, so sorry about that. It made it even more necessary because I wasn't around my LEGO, so I couldn't build new sets or take new pictures. All pictures were taken before I left for college!

Hopefully we'll be back by then! And hopefully Nyx will pick up some good loot by then. I couldn't think of a logical reason for Dastan to send Ella into the fray. After having saved her from Wren, I can't imagine anyone would send her back towards her doom a second time.

OoC: Right you are, Peppy! Felton sighs. "I figured we may be too late. But that is just the way things are with Wren. I am certain that you tried your best, heroes." "Arthur, I too have heard about you. It is a pleasure. After you left Dastan, and I was freed, Hans, Poletad and I stayed around to help clean things up. Phil sends his greetings to you all, and any others who served in Dastan. The prophet Ella asked me to say hello to Atramor and Tarn in particular. I would appreciate it if you carried my message from her to them." Felton grins. "Always so complicated." "Heroes, I cannot say that I expected you to succeed. Ella had one final vision, right before we left Dastan, and she came to see the three of us, and warn us what was to come. She told us Wren would surely descend on Eubric. I was not surprised. Did any of us truly believe that it would end before then? She has defeated us at every turn. We have played into her exact plan. Could we expect this bout to be different?" "So Wren will come to Eubric. She will not try to trick us. She has no plan for us. She expects us to rise up against her, and we shall. It comes down to this, heroes. The lines are drawn. There will be no more lies. It comes down to us defeating her, or her defeating us. She will do what she can, and we will do the same, and that is how it will end. No other way for anything to end, really." "Felton, Poletad and I will be there. Can't say I'm sorry to see the trickery gone. We'll take that woman down." <Tell both Arthur and Cronk I say hello! Arthur is an old friend of mine, though I hope he's okay, he's just speaking gibberish right now!! Think his brain was scrambled?! Hope not! Cronk... is a name of legend when you travel with Felton and Hans! Man, I wish I had been there to see that first fight with Wren!! I was just a tadpole at the time!> "And you won't go it alone. Triad, Bal and I will be there. We will all go make arrangements... we are all aware that we might not make it out." "I'll be making a quick run back to Haddon to put everything in order, just in case. I'll meet you in Eubric. Here is the gold I promised you, heroes. We'll all be seeing each other soon. Prepare yourselves. Rally the troops." The Party Haldor Skovgaard Level 20 Shaman *Immune to Weakened* Power: 32 Defense: 2 Health: 37/37 Ether: 23/28 Gold: 425 (Owed 50 from Elgar Gligin (Jedi Master Brick), (Owes 33 to Dyric Rone (The Legonater) Equipment: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12, Light and Water elemental), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity). Inventory: Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Scroll of Blindness (Blinded effect), Shovel, Pickaxe, Diamond of Thoric, Bluehood's Aquamarine, Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Health Core, Potion (x3), Remedy, Mead, Phoenix Essence, Zoot's Plaything, Nostrum, Soma Arthur Justus Regulus VII Level 17 1/2 Sorcerer*Immune to Sealed* Power: 26 Health: 27/27 Ether: 11/27 Defense: 3 Gold: 539 (Owes 4 44 124 Gold to Alf (Bricksandparts) and 50 gold to Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) debt entrusted to Boomingham) Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9; damage divided between all enemies, suitable for rogues), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin) Inventory: Sir Roderick’s Sword (WP: 12, Darkness Elemental, Long Sword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Bedroll, Telescope, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Shovel, Grand Tonic, Holy Bomb, Remedy, Nostrum Alexis Fenral Level 23 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile* Power: 34 Defense: 3 Health: 36/36 Ether: 10/24 Gold: 342 GP: 3 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:11, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile) Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2,3, or 4), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Tonic, Grand Tonic, Milk, 2 Meads, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, Nostrum, Soma, Splinter of Ennoc (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon) Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy (Ruby), ???? (Diamond) Cronk Level 24 Paladin Power: 36 Defense: 14 Health: 33/44 Ether: 12/27 Gold: 415 Equipment: Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12, Ice), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 8), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +4 SP, +2 Max Ether) Inventory: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Heavy Armor (SP:6, Power -6), Blacksmith Writ, Bedroll, Holy Bomb, Nostrum, Soma Tesni Hightribe Level 25 2/3 Berserker Power: 46 Defence: 11 Health: 45/45 Gold: 855 Equipped: Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, Light, longsword), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2), Mockthril Shield (SP:5), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4)(+2 max health) Inventory: Cysgodion (WP: 11, Darkness, greatsword), Mellt (Warhammer, Lightning, Ice (WP:10), Spiked Club (WP:8), Cryfder (WP:6), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, Remedy, 2 Meads, 5 Venoms, Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, Minimizing Dust, Holy Bomb, Soma, Phoenix Essence, Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP: 6, Immunity to Afraid) The Quest is Successful! Epilogue Part I "Captain McColt, wait!" "Yes, Arthur?" "Will you be traveling through Newharbour on your way back to Haddon?" "Indeed." "I'd...I'd like to visit the library you spoke of. There are some questions I'd like to have answered. Knowledge I need to acquire...and I would not mind a look around Haddon as well, perhaps follow the steps of Tensi and the others. Would you object to a traveling companion along the road?" "Then come along, don't dawdle." ---Thirteen years earlier...-- "MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "Shh, shh...it's OK, sweetheart." "I had a horrible nightmare, there was an Orc, a talking teddy bear, a creepy white-skinned thing with a scary face, and a bunch of scary people with weapons, and they were being watched by this REALLY scary calm lady with black hair. They were all evil and killed everything they saw, and then the one with the blue hat looked at me, and it was me! I was evil and scary and mean! It was so, so awful..." "It's all right, Arthur, it was..." the woman hesitates. "It was...a dream. That's a...there's nothing you need to worry about. Go back to sleep." "But what if the dream comes back?" Arthur's mother glances toward the shadows at the other end of the room, then faces her boy once more. "It won't, sweetie." "You promise?" Another glance. "...Yes, Arthur. I promise." As soon as the boy is asleep, his mother walks away into the shadows. There, someone else is waiting, her posture betraying her concern. "So..." "Yes. He has his mother's gift." "Her burden, you mean." "I wouldn't know. Our people are not connected to the Etherial realm." "This is not of the Ether. Few can see the future, even among the Zeigfrieds. Only a chosen few posess a connection to the spirit pools..." "Valentine--if he's going to have to live with this, he needs to know." "No. My family has ghosts you know nothing of. Why did you think the boy's father draws me so? An escape, where I am not haunted by the spectres of the past. Trust me, he's better off not dealing with all that." "...I'll assume--for now--that you have Arthur's best interests at heart. What you and my husband do is your business, our marriage isn't about love, hasn't been for a long time. But you gave me this child to raise. He's as good as my son now, and if you hurt him--" "Believe me, Allana" the woman says sadly, "this way hurts him much, much less." ---The Present. Eubric Freeport. Sunrise.--- "I'm coming, my love. We'll be together soon." Epilogue Part II "Temple, quit your stirring. I will be there soon."

Boomingham picks up the lucky dubloon and flicks it over to the Ogre. "Ellaria, much as I hate to cover up that hair of your's, I think you'd do best with this bandana here. And Atramor... what with your dagger's name, I don't think this cowl can go to anyone else." Boomingham glances at his once upon a time party leader. "You on the other hand, seem to be getting the short end of the stick. They're not dropping a single thing you can use. Take the drum, would you? Hopefully it can fetch a decent price somewhere." Boomingham next pulls aside Nyx. "You're getting a bum load here, missy. I'm keeping both of these blades to myself, because you're already able to deal a hel of a lot more damage with just that book of your's. After the quest, you come to me, and we'll see if we can't rearrange loot or gold in some way that's fair to you. I may sell off this blade after I get the ice elemental out of it, perhaps we can split that money up." Boomingham tosses a mead to both Skrall and Nyx, and then divi's up the gold fairly, keeping only a small amount for himself and splitting it evenly between the rest of the party. Easy List Skrall - Lucky Dubloon, Mead, 40 Gold Ellaria - Bandana, 50 Gold Atramor - Cowl, 50 Gold Rufindel - Drum, 50 Gold Nyx - Mead, 50 Gold Boomingham - Scupperer, Shiver, 10 Gold (Did you know only Knights can use longswords? )

Come on the final Wren quest, and we'll see what we can do.

Buy one of those cowls floating around that grant Animal Talk!!

Well... sometimes I cheat a little, and I let Skrall talk to him last time in broken Frog, because he had used it so much. Most everyone else without animal talk can't really communicate with him.

And now, with about a page or more left in Quest 38, it's my pleasure to announce the NPCs who will be appearing in the Final Wren Quest: Wren, Felton, Hans, Phil, McColt, Poletad, Vipera, Vonnetate, Mallelio, Sphinx, XX, Johnny Everyman, The Gray Wizard, Traid, Bal, Lt. Darkwood, The Brothers Zoot (4 of those guys!), and The Ancient Man Hope that list gets people excited!! Should be a few faces people are excited to see again.

The Party Haldor Skovgaard Level 20 Shaman *Immune to Weakened* Power: 32 Defense: 2 Health: 37/37 Ether: 23/28 Gold: 275 (Owed 50 from Elgar Gligin (Jedi Master Brick), (Owes 33 to Dyric Rone (The Legonater) Equipment: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12, Light and Water elemental), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity). Inventory: Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Scroll of Blindness (Blinded effect), Shovel, Pickaxe, Diamond of Thoric, Bluehood's Aquamarine, Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Health Core, Potion (x3), Remedy, Mead, Phoenix Essence, Zoot's Plaything, Nostrum, Soma Bal Level 11 1/2 Rogue *Hastened* Power: 16 Health: 18/18 Gold: 38 Equipped: Honor & Glory (Duel-Daggers, WP: 5, user is permanently hastened) Inventory: Potion, Emerald, Garnet, Throwing Dagger (WP: 2) Arthur Justus Regulus VII Level 17 1/2 Sorcerer*Immune to Sealed* Power: 26 Health: 27/27 Ether: 11/27 Defense: 3 Gold: 389 (Owes 4 44 124 Gold to Alf (Bricksandparts) and 50 gold to Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) debt entrusted to Boomingham) Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9; damage divided between all enemies, suitable for rogues), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin) Inventory: Sir Roderick’s Sword (WP: 12, Darkness Elemental, Long Sword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Bedroll, Telescope, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Shovel, Grand Tonic, Holy Bomb, Remedy, Nostrum Triad Level 22 2/3 Ranger Power: 37 (43) Health: 28/28 Gold: 0 Equipped: Acerpusculum Blade (Acerpusculum Shuriken) (WP: 15 [21, Retrievable], suitable for rangers/rouges), Cowl of the Acerpusculum (Headwear, User is Immune to Status Effects) Inventory: None Alexis Fenral Level 23 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile* Power: 34 Defense: 3 Health: 36/36 Ether: 10/24 Gold: 192 GP: 3 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:11, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile) Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2,3, or 4), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Tonic, Grand Tonic, Milk, 2 Meads, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies, Nostrum, Soma, Splinter of Ennoc (Artifact, Accessory, User Perma-Blessed, Requires Light Weapon) Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy (Ruby), ???? (Diamond) Cronk Level 24 Paladin Power: 36 Defense: 14 Health: 33/44 Ether: 12/27 Gold: 265 Equipment: Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12, Ice), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 8), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +4 SP, +2 Max Ether) Inventory: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Heavy Armor (SP:6, Power -6), Blacksmith Writ, Bedroll, Holy Bomb, Nostrum, Soma Tesni Hightribe Level 25 2/3 Berserker Power: 39 Defence: 11 Health: 45/45 Gold: 705 Equipped: Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, Light, longsword), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2), Mockthril Shield (SP:5), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4)(+2 max health) Inventory: Cysgodion (WP: 11, Darkness, greatsword), Mellt (Warhammer, Lightning, Ice (WP:10), Spiked Club (WP:8), Cryfder (WP:6), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, Remedy, 2 Meads, 5 Venoms, Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, Minimizing Dust, Holy Bomb, Soma, Phoenix Essence, Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP: 6, Immunity to Afraid) Gray Wizard Level 27 1/3 Cleric Power: 39 Health: 35/35 Ether: 2/31 Gold: 0 Equipped: Old Stone Staff (WP: 12, Light Elemental) Inventory: None The heroes divi up their loot. McColt stands next to the axe that Tesni hammered into the ground. He chews on the inside of his cheek, causing his mustache to dance above his lips. "It's a sad day, heroes. I promised myself, when I left Haddon to serve the Wren Hunters, that I would not lose a comrade. This was not war. She died--" McColt seems deeply bothered. "I guess there are some things I still do not understand. Felton and Hans say they too are from small towns, in the High Kingdoms. They understand the gray of the world. I'm afraid I don't, and that I never will. I see everything by the numbers. We are stopping one mad woman. Why must so many more than that suffer for the prevention of her schemes. I'm plauged with the worry that we aren't planning properly, and that we're somehow missing something, that we aren't allotting our resources correctly, aren't making the right strategical choice. But maybe I'm wrong. Maybe some people are so powerful that the best strategical choice, the best way to solve the problem, costs lives. Maybe we're not doing something wrong. Maybe she's just better than us." McColt sighs again. "We proved something today, though, heroes. We proved that she alone is powerful. But when she came here, when she arrived in the Eye, she fled with fear. She could not win. She has grown in strength since then, but that truth remains. I don't need to make any bull shit statement about friendship. I don't think that's how we'll beat her. But I will say, we have more at our disposal than she does. We can use our full force against her. She is but one woman. You have behind you so much more than that. You have the resources of the Hall, you have the resources of Dastan, and of Haddon, and of Felton and Hans, and the Frog Paladins. You must use everything you have when the time comes. And I will be there too, to help you, I hope." McColt clears his throat awkwardly, and leads the heroes back out the way they came. Nothing remains for them. At the entrance to the Eye, a surprise greets them. "Heroes!! Well ain't that a pleasant surprise." "Hans and I were just betting on if you would come out in one piece or no. We were ready to come in after you. And you have new friends. McColt, pleasure to see you." "You sure you're real this time around?" "Yes indeed. Haldor, Tesni, it has been too long, though I hardly got to know you properly last time around. Spent most of my time trying to figure out why there were two of me. And Cronk!" "Ai! There's a warrior! How are ya, ya old Orc?" "What is the status, heroes? We came as quickly as we possibly could. Travel from Dastan is difficult. Johnny sent word that he was going to be meeting with you, and Vipera had a friend fly us to the shore. We had to catch a wagon from there. Have we missed her again?" Felton glances around. Poletad hops around joyously and anxiously.

Yes, and I apologize for cutting it down a little, but I wanted to keep what Wren said as Wren-esque as possible. I hope it still seemed fitting, I don't think I changed ANY of the lines that you wrote for Alexis.

An easier way to defend yourself would be explaining what you did without the jab at the person who misunderstood things. I think it was a good RP moment when it happened. I think other people just didn't follow it as closely and are confused. Thank you for clarifying for them!

Correct! The blessed effect also is probably the weakest of the ups. With enemies that deal 24 damage floating around as the "goons", it would take 8 turns afterward to regain that health. Not too OP.

I believe that's a typo on my part. Meant to be blessed.

Wren smiled. "Tesni, it is truly a pleasure to see you once more. You have grown since I last saw you. I see that your dark sword is less of a talker now. You have tamed the beast. Bent it to your will. That's lovely." "Perhaps, years ago, you and I could have risen to power together. But that is no longer the case. Now there can be only one of power. Only one of us may master the Chaos, may master the Gray. My dear, be safe, and stand out of my way... but I will live forever, and I will be lady of Chaos. You may either assist me, and watch the Chaos grow, or you may stand in opposition, and watch the Chaos grow." Wren dangles the Amulet from one finger. "This Amulet will be put to new use soon enough, my dearest Cronk. It has been a long time since we've met. No hello? No how are you? And you're right, Cronk. Zoot's splinter would be no more Zoot than Ennoc's Splinter Ennoc. But you don't know yet, dear. I don't want Zoot here." Wren smiles sweetly at Haldor. She keeps her remarks short. "My dear, I once thought you weak and a coward. I see that you have reformed. Stand your ground as you see fit. I will not fault you for it." "Master Regulus, do not belittle me by calling me sister. We were once peers in Chaos. This is true. But you are now looking at your future goddess. My path is nearly finished on Oleg, it's true, but it end will be more glorious than you can possibly imagine, and it will result in the beginning of a new path! I will live on as Goddess of Chaos. Free to observe forever the beauty that will consume Oleg forever, growing more and more each year until the end of time." "You cannot do this, Wren. You know you will fail." "I know my desire, Gray. I know where it leads me. Be whatever it may be, I must follow it. That's the path of the world. Desire and Chaos. We are powerless to stop them-- one feeds the other." "Alexis, you are new to me, but I can feel your desire. It consumes you. You want to be loved but it hurt you. It caused Chaos. It made you mad." Wren says, happily. "I, I don't know." She manages. Alexis can barely speak, all she can manage is to feel lost. She was lost. Her man abandoned her, he showed up crippled the next morning, and they hadn't spoken since. Guilt was overcoming her. Her resolve to ignore Wren's seductive talk is strong. "You're the mad one. "No, dear, no, I'm not the mad one. I've accepted the path that I'm on. You must do the same. The world is dark, and light, and gray. You must choose your own path. You must choose your goal, and you must cling to it. Isn't that right? Cronk, who has chosen to be the bearer of light and compassion no matter the cost. Arthur, who is picking his way through the Chaos. Tesni, who has chosen to feed her hungry pockets gold. McColt who has chosen to lead his men. Triad who has chosen to see the world as black and white. Bal and his hopes for glory. They all cling to them. They all have chosen them, no matter the cost. They pick what they want, and they try to seize it. Can anyone fault me for doing the same?" "Your desire has cost other's dearly." "Gray, not all of us can stand outside the game as you do." "No!" Alexis screams out loud. "You're wrong. You don't follow desire at any cost. Look where that got me!" Wren laughs. "You can't resist the desire, Alexis. I know what happened to Firnen. What a terrible incident, I'm surprised you don't hate fire, it seems just to be your lot to lose men. It's because you have committed your being to what you want." Alexis' resolve, finally falls off the cliff. She remembers Firnen, and his tragic death, before shaking away the terrible memories. Alexis reluctantly speaks. "I suppose so yes." "Perfect." She smiles slyly. "Well, I believe that you should be come a Harlot." Alexis balks. Wren smiles some more. "You see, my friends? Some balk at their chance for achieving their desire. They wish to stay on the road of the light, the road that is good. And don't you see how that holds people back? There is no such road." "You are right, Cronk. I do no good. I do no evil. I deal in gray, in Chaos. We are all selfish. Accepting that, and moving on, puts us all on an even playing field. The strongest survive, the weakest do not get what they want. Some are too afraid of the path of Chaos. Alexis is. You are. So you do not succeed." "And I did learn from the General, Cronk. I learned to not slip this pretty necklace over my own pretty neck. I don't wish to summon a God here. I wish to elevate myself so I can meet him face to face. Here is your broken god, by the way." Wren waves her hand over the Amulet and then tosses a glowing shard onto the floor. "Heroes, the next time I see you will be in Eubric. I look forward to it. Cronk, my dear, the time has come. A Ace Refill, Owlish Ill, Wilt Orzo. And I will rise above him." Wren swings the Amulet once, casually, and then she fades away. The Party Haldor Skovgaard Level 20 Shaman *Immune to Weakened* Power: 32 Defense: 2 Health: 37/37 Ether: 23/28 Gold: 100 (Owed 50 from Elgar Gligin (Jedi Master Brick), (Owes 33 to Dyric Rone (The Legonater) Equipment: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12, Light and Water elemental), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity). Inventory: Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Scroll of Blindness (Blinded effect), Shovel, Pickaxe, Diamond of Thoric, Bluehood's Aquamarine, Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Health Core, Potion (x3), Remedy, Mead, Phoenix Essence, Zoot's Plaything Bal (Actions dictated by Cronk) Level 11 1/2 Rogue *Hastened* Power: 16 Health: 18/18 Gold: 38 Equipped: Honor & Glory (Duel-Daggers, WP: 5, user is permanently hastened) Inventory: Potion, Emerald, Garnet, Throwing Dagger (WP: 2) Arthur Justus Regulus VII Level 17 1/2 Sorcerer*Immune to Sealed* Power: 26 Health: 27/27 Ether: 11/27 Defense: 3 Gold: 339 (Owes 4 44 124 Gold to Alf (Bricksandparts) and 50 gold to Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) debt entrusted to Boomingham) Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9; damage divided between all enemies, suitable for rogues), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin) Inventory: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Bedroll, Telescope, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Shovel, Grand Tonic, Holy Bomb, Remedy Triad Level 22 2/3 Ranger Power: 37 (43) Health: 28/28 Gold: 0 Equipped: Acerpusculum Blade (Acerpusculum Shuriken) (WP: 15 [21, Retrievable], suitable for rangers/rouges), Cowl of the Acerpusculum (Headwear, User is Immune to Status Effects) Inventory: None Alexis Fenral Level 23 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile* Power: 34 Defense: 3 Health: 36/36 Ether: 10/24 Gold: 142 GP: 3 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:11, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile) Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2,3, or 4), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Tonic, Grand Tonic, Milk, 2 Meads, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy (Ruby), ???? (Diamond) Cronk Level 24 Paladin Power: 36 Defense: 14 Health: 33/44 Ether: 12/27 Gold: 90 Equipment: Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12, Ice), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 8), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +4 SP, +2 Max Ether) Inventory: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Heavy Armor (SP:6, Power -6), Blacksmith Writ, Bedroll, Holy Bomb Tesni Hightribe Level 25 2/3 Berserker Power: 39 Defence: 11 Health: 45/45 Gold: 655 Equipped: Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, Light, longsword), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2), Mockthril Shield (SP:5), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4)(+2 max health) Inventory: Cysgodion (WP: 11, Darkness, greatsword), Mellt (Warhammer, Lightning, Ice (WP:10), Spiked Club (WP:8), Cryfder (WP:6), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, Remedy, 2 Meads, 5 Venoms, Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, Minimizing Dust, Holy Bomb Gray Wizard Level 27 1/3 Cleric Power: 39 Health: 35/35 Ether: 2/31 Gold: 0 Equipped: Old Stone Staff (WP: 12, Light Elemental) Inventory: None Loot -500 Gold -Nostrum x4 -Soma x4 -Phoenix Essence -Sir Roderick’s Sword (WP: 12, Darkness Elemental, Long Sword) -Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP: 6, Immunity to Afraid) -Splinter of Ennoc (Perma-Blessed Effect, Artifact, Accessory, Suitable for heroes with a light imbued weapon)

It will not allow me to post in the Quest 38 topic...?

It said in the first battle post that they'd join you round 10.

Boomingham eyes Atramor and his swordplay with interest. "We'll have to try some sparring some time in the future. You aren't half bad... but I can still teach you a trick or two," Boomingham chortles. He then turns to his most faithful companion. "Let's always bring along a Witch, shall we, dear?" he asks Nyx before he, Lorenzo, and Bob all charge forth and attempt to finish Slaver Orc E.

With college, I don't know if now would be a smart time to play. Can't say it's not tempting, but I really feel like I might end up dragging down whichever team I end up on. Good luck all!

OoC: I did some weird stuff last round... gave Arthur only one roll v. Tesni, and Haldor took two rolls against the Splinter instead of just one... but I think we're good. Round Seventeen Gray Battle Cronk v. Tensi - Hit Damage Shield Shield Cronk v. Splinter - Hit (36x2=64) Tesni v. Splinter - Counter Hit Hit Critical Hit (14x2=28) Arthur v. Tesni - Shield No Heal No Heal Critical Hit (+50) Bal v. Splinter - Hit Shield (16) Bal v. Splinter - Hit Hit (16) Mandy - (22) Alexis v. Splinter - Special Damage Alexis v. Splinter - Critical Hit ([11x2]+22=44) Sasha v. Splinter - Damage Critical Hit Haldor v. Splinter - Critical Hit ([12x3]+19=55) Triad v. Splinter - Shield Aim (15) Gray does nothing Free Hit Shard (Hastened) v. Cronk - (No Damage) Other Tesni: (-3 max. health due to Cursed) Shard regains 3 health McColt - Fails to Hasten Arthur The battle continues. The Enemies Ennoc’s Splinter *Immune to Negative Effects* *Lucky* *Blessed* *Hastened* Level 50 Ancient Health: 14/1250 Special Damage: The Light – Ennoc’s Splinter calls forth its brightness, Blinding all the heroes. The hero targeting the Splinter is Cursed, Fragile, and Jinxed. Drops: Amulet of Gods, Splinter of Ennoc The Party Haldor Skovgaard Level 19 1/2 Shaman *Immune to Weakened* *Lucky* Power: 31 Defense: 2 Health: 33/33 (-3) Ether: 22/27 Gold: 100 (Owed 50 from Elgar Gligin (Jedi Master Brick), (Owes 33 to Dyric Rone (The Legonater) Equipment: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12, Light and Water elemental), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity). Inventory: Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Scroll of Blindness (Blinded effect), Shovel, Pickaxe, Diamond of Thoric, Bluehood's Aquamarine, Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Health Core, Potion (x3), Remedy, Mead, Phoenix Essence, Zoot's Plaything Bal (Actions dictated by Cronk) Level 11 Rogue *Hastened* Power: 16 Health: 18/18 Gold: 38 Equipped: Honor & Glory (Duel-Daggers, WP: 5, user is permanently hastened) Inventory: Potion, Emerald, Garnet, Throwing Dagger (WP: 2) Arthur Justus Regulus VII Level 17 Sorcerer*Immune to Sealed* *Lucky* *Encouraged* Power: 26 Health: 27/27 Ether: 11/27 Defense: 3 Gold: 339 (Owes 4 44 124 Gold to Alf (Bricksandparts) and 50 gold to Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor) debt entrusted to Boomingham) Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP:9; damage divided between all enemies, suitable for rogues), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin) Inventory: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Bedroll, Telescope, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Shovel, Grand Tonic, Holy Bomb, Remedy Sasha (Actions dictated by Tesni) Level 18 Barbarian *Encouraged* Power: 32 Health: 13/13 (-12) Gold: 0 Equipped: Axe of Ilrion (WP: 14, Fire Ice Elemental) Inventory: Mead, Potion Triad (Actions dictated by Arthur) Level 22 1/3 Ranger Power: 37 (43) Health: 28/28 Gold: 0 Equipped: Acerpusculum Blade (Acerpusculum Shuriken) (WP: 15 [21, Retrievable], suitable for rangers/rouges), Cowl of the Acerpusculum (Headwear, User is Immune to Status Effects) Inventory: None Ruby Level 22 Fire Elemental Alexis Fenral Level 22 2/3 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile* *Lucky* Power: 33 Defense: 3 Health: 35/35 Ether: 9/23 Gold: 142 GP: 3 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:11, ranged), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect), Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile) Inventory: Flute of the Magi (WP:3, asleep-effect), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light Elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2,3, or 4), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Tonic, Grand Tonic, Milk, 2 Meads, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Potion, Holy Bomb, 2 Remedies Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy (Ruby), ???? (Diamond) Cronk Level 23 2/3 Paladin *Encouraged* *Lucky* Power: 36 Power: 35 Defense: 14 Health: 32/43 Ether: 11/26 Gold: 90 Equipment: Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12, Ice), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 8), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +4 SP, +2 Max Ether) Inventory: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Heavy Armor (SP:6, Power -6), Blacksmith Writ, Bedroll, Holy Bomb Tesni Hightribe Level 25 1/3 Berserker *Encouraged* *Cursed* *Fragile* *Jinxed* Power: 39 Defence: 11 Health: 12/12 (-33) Gold: 655 Equipped: Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, Light, longsword), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2), Mockthril Shield (SP:5), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4)(+2 max health) Inventory: Cysgodion (WP: 11, Darkness, greatsword), Mellt (Warhammer, Lightning, Ice (WP:10), Spiked Club (WP:8), Cryfder (WP:6), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, Remedy, 2 Meads, 5 Venoms, Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, Minimizing Dust, Holy Bomb Gray Wizard Level 27 Cleric *Too Weak For Physical Attacks* (Actions dictated by Haldor) *Encouraged* Power: 39 Health: 35/35 Ether: 2/31 Gold: 0 Equipped: Old Stone Staff (WP: 12, Light Elemental) Inventory: None OoC: I'm going to give you guys this battle... The body of Roderick slouches forward and glows strangely. All the heroes stand back warily, seeing what next twist the Splinter has for them. Light streams forth from the torn skin and armor. Foolish heroes. You cannot kill me. This body is weakened, maybe, but-- "Sasha!" "Roderick?" Silence slave. "Sasha listen to me--" Silence. "Listen here, heroes. I may help to right the wrong I committed. We all strive for something... but eventually that want, that need, to achieve something, to possess something, it consumes us, be it the light burning us away... or the darkness swallowing us..." Silence. "The Splinter is clinging to it's earthly body. Rip that Amulet off Roderick, and end this. It will incinerate those who are tied to it... me... Roderick.... whoever pulls it...." Mortals cannot kill me. I am a God. "No, even that is just a want. A need. It has burnt you up too. You have worn out your stay in this world. End it, heroes." "End it, please, free me. I was so wrong. I'm sorry, Triad, Bal... Gray Wizard.... Sasha.... poor Sasha. Please, free me." Stand back. Sasha steps forward and grips the Amulet. Roderick's arms spasm. "Sasha, no!! I can't let someone under me die." "We will miss you. We loved you as a sister, too." "Be brave, child. I will see you in another life." Sasha yanks on the Amulet, and light floods the area. The heroes shield their eyes as it washes forward. Reality tears as the Splinter cries a Godly cry. The heroes watch as Roderick's body breaks apart like paper and then blows away. The General's bones crumble into dust. Wren, from the past perhaps, looks on sadly, and then in the light is Wren, the current, the one, the only. She places her hand on the Amulet as well and then kisses Sasha on the cheek as the Barbarian is consumed by light. The light clears. Wren stands, facing the heroes, eyes watery. "Well, here we are heroes. You know more about me then before. You know more than I would have liked you to know... and while you gained... so did I..." She sighs. "Pass your judgements now, heroes. Haldor, Tesni, Regulus, dear Cronk. Bal, McColt, Traid, I'm so sorry Triad... and the Gray." She purses her lips and then begins to laugh wildly. "Now that you know everything, can you truly blame me?! Do you see another path? We all want. We all want. And I saw. I saw from Zoot, I saw how to achieve. How to gather all the beauty of the world to me, so I could see it forever. That Chaos. It's beautiful. And I just wanted to see it forever. I just want to see it forever. What can you say to me, heroes?" OoC: Please don't speak as the NPCs from here on! Thank you! We'll address the drops and the leveling up after the roleplay, just don't let me forget!