Zepher

"I'm not King yet," says Boomingham with a note of sourness. "Until then, it's good to keep everyone happy, don't you think?" "They'll be fighting to earn themselves an education. Surely that's worth it? Besides, this way they'll have to earn what they have. If they don't want to fight, then they don't want to learn. Seems fair to me." Boomingham's gaze tracks Eric as he crosses the Villa and pointedly doesn't say a word to the future King. Whatever their bond may be out on the field, apparently the lose of office had hit the Nord hard. Boomingham scoffs. "I am indeed. You're a hero?"

Boomingham steps into the Villa and finds a comfortable chair to relax in. He watches as the members of his Alliance cast their votes. There are a few he doesn't know, and he feels that he ought to. He beckons over the warrior moon elf he does not recognize, as well as who he assumes will be his closest advisor, Nerwen Calmcacil. He runs his gaze over both of them before barking out a laugh. "Seems I chose the right side of this mess. The Alliance with the pretty elf ladies is surely the right place to be." He grins sheepishly at Nerwen and confidently at Jinnipher. "I am preparing to cast my vote, and am inclined to order a conscription. I think you know just as well as anyone the good some military service did me in regards to shaping up my act, Nerwen. But I'd be remiss if I acted without first hearing what you have to say. Don't you think the people of the Hovels should be whipped into shape, and then fill their brains with something good?"

After this round of proposals there will be a few rep quests from the new Game Masters.

SECOND FACTION EVENT - A SUNNIER EUBRIC "Well then," says Hinckwell once Blackgull, Altiar and Goldrum have been seated in the Hinckwell Villa, "I believe that we have done enough dawdling." "Much agreed. We have chosen a King, but we have done nothing to secure the protection and loyalty of the people of Eubric. That should be our primary concern. Do not think that I have forgotten the attack on my nephew in the Hovels a few years ago." "That is exactly where I would suggest we begin, gentlemen. The Hovels have plagued this city for too long, and they are an open embarrassment to us and to the rest of the world. We must do our best to protect our people, and to bring order to those who are less fortunate than ourselves." Proposition One: The Hovels Option 1: Conscription “It seems to me that the trouble with the Hovels is that there is no discipline and no outlet for the people within the Hovels. I’d suggest that every able-bodied man and woman within the Hovels serve the years between eighteen and twenty-one in the Bonaparte Fleet, the Town Watch, or the Paladin Order. After their service if they choose to move on we will be happy to subsidize their education at the Academy of Enlightenment.” Option 2: A House is a Home “It is obvious that these people are living in squalor, and it is admittedly difficult to advance while you are concerned about the roof over your head. It would be easiest if we hired out a number of artisans and foremen to build better housing in the Hovels, and hired the citizens of the Hovels themselves as the work crew. This way they could learn valuable skills, get paid for their efforts, and no longer worry about their housing.” Second Faction Event: Propositions Each hero within the Sungold Alliance can vote for one of the options on each proposition (there are more coming). Whichever proposition gets the most votes by the end of the voting period will become the Sungold Alliance's official stance. Each proposition comes with a hidden stats boost related to the proposition itself. Once it is enacted, all members of the Sungold Alliance will be able to equip that boost if they so please. They will be rewarded a Sungold Medallion, which will not take up any artifact spot. This Medallion will continue to improve as more propositions are put into place. Quests for the Sungold Alliance will reflect the propositions that are being voted on. "It seems most obvious to me that the people of the Hovels will never be able to help themselves if they are worried about being rained upon! We must make giving them all homes a priority." "Nonsense! What they need is some discipline. I say let them serve if they want their education. Have them earn it." Voting Ends Jan. 14th 12 AM EST (midnight of the 14th... however that is best denoted).

We're looking for ways to revitalize the game a little, as it has fallen off a bit in recent months. Stay tuned, let us know if you have any ideas, and please do message us if you have a quest!

Boomingham grins as the Ogre stands up. "Perhaps I meant growing weak, chap. Didn't mean to suggest that just anyone could drop you." Boomingham winks.

Boomingham grits his teeth as the big Ogre goes down. "He's weak. Onwards and upwards." Boomingham repeats his attack, swearing an Oath of Reclaimation.

The intent was for there to only be one gem per item. I'm sorry about that.

Yeah, that is a restriction I felt I had to add so as not to create some uber weapon that deals every effect. It's the trade off to imbuing a weapon with a scroll.

Quest #153 Okay, so, not a perfect quest, but I thought it ran relatively smoothly over all. There were a few glaring errors that I'll get to shortly, but first I'll pat myself on the back and say that I think it accomplished its main two goals, though not perfectly. I intended for the quest to both flesh out The New Court of Demons, since I think they got some bad press in 139 (yes, Zane is a weird and pretty bad dude, def skewing morally gray to black, but the rest are meant to skew more gray to white while being loyal to him, and I thought I did a poor job of telling that story in 139). I also wanted to show what "country bumpkins" from Baltarok and the Darklands would think of Eubric - Eubric has been idealized by the heroes and a lot of QMs, but we've always suggested there are dark undertones as well, and I thought it'd be nice to show off both sides from an outsider perspective. So, let's talk story problems. Too many NPCs! Originally, the guards weren't going to be in it at all, but I thought they'd be nice in the beginning and then they made sense later, and helped bring some symmetry, so I brought them back. Maybe they should have been cut. I was going to cut Lane to sort of balance things out, but then I didn't want to cut Bonaparte rep. I also don't like "leveling down" NPCs because I don't think it makes sense, but his inclusion did really ruin that final battle, so realistically that may just have to be a principle I give up on. Finally, I really wanted to let Johnny stay on and see an adventure through, because he's an unprincipled dude but he has to have some morals, and I think loyalty to people he actually considers friends would be it. BUT he really didn't get a chance to add much. So, that's that on the story front. I feel like the NPCs and heroes interaction was okay. I think i should have played up Parvati's worry, but I think that presenting the heroes with the outsiders, as well as the good and the bad in the city was nice (I'm glad that people finally got to see the Watch actually do something good, so that was a reason I was happy to include them). Conversation between the PCs was a little quieter - don't know if it was the quest, or what. Darkstan and Cedric are both quieter heroes, so I guess that makes sense. Still, I understand that the quest maybe didn't allow for a lot of "philosophical talk" or even decision making - it was a pretty clear go here do this, which I needed after hosting a behemoth. Battles and loot were okay. Nothing super unique dropped, but I don't think that's bad. I like the Shattering Arrows, and think they'll be useful in the future, so I was happy to get those out there. The battles themselves were a bit hit or miss. Like I said, Lane really ruined the last one, that's on me. I considered different mechanics for that one a lot, and don't think I settled on the best one. The Native Sons battle went well, but the inside was a little too hard and the outside a little too easy. I like enemies that can buff themselves - it adds a bit of a ticking clock element without a direct ticking clock. Finally, I did design this quest without assuming any particular heroes would go on it. I'm glad you didn't feel left out, Comrade Commander, but I imagine it was a little difficult with Matthias knowing all the NPCs and no one else knowing any. That's just the way it is with recurring NPCs in my quests. I can't think of a way around it, though Matthias was particularly well equipped in that randomly pretty much every single NPC was one he knew (from both 102 and 139, which had a huge number of NPCs each). HEROES: Matthias - I think I've said a lot of what can be said about Matthias. He's a strong moral leader, and a good friend to a lot of my NPCs at this point. That being said, I miss a little bit of his moral indignation from earlier quests. Heroica, since it requires teamwork, tends to flatten that out of characters uniformly, and I know it can be an exhausting trait to play (Boomingham has certainly lost some of his "less desirable" traits over time). But I still think there can be a balance. That being said, Matthias' new immortality is being played well - not front and center, because he doesn't really know what it means yet, but still definitely something he is aware of and that he is aware must effect him. Throlar - I like Throlar a lot too, but would offer up a similar critique in that in softening him we have lost a little too much of his edge. He pissed me off a bit in his early quests, but now I feel he's too cooperative. I like his brusqueness, and feel it was a little missing. I do like a lot of the traits that he has retained though - he's still very weirdly business like sometimes, still pretty indignant, and I had forgotten he was meant to be in Baltarok, and thought it was an interesting thread you played up without it taking over. I'd love to see his "ambassador" roots more. I thought it worked well in this quest that he knew he was supposed to be elsewhere and had been waylaid, but was still interested in the work he was currently engaged in. Overall a character that has grown on me enormously. Darkstan - I don't think there's anything wrong with stoic heroes, which is exactly how Darkstan strikes me. He has a strong lineage with Hoke (one of my all time favorite heroes) and Tarn (another all time favorite). They are strong in their silence, and it makes when they voice opinions all that much stronger. He has also inherited the lineage of pragmatism sometimes trumping morality - he isn't slow to loot, which I think is very revealing. Stoic doesn't always mean entirely moral in every instance. I like Darkstan a lot, and think he's work well at holding the glue of a team together. I'd be really interested to see him confronted with more moral challenges, and see where he lands on them. I hope to host him again! Cedric - Strong new hero. Like Comrade said, a little quiet, but that should come with time. I was sorry to see that your decision to treat your fellow heroes rather offensively was jumped on. Like I said to some earlier heroes, rounding out the really sharp edges it important, but not losing the edge is equally important. I know a lot of people who are genuinely jerks to strangers... some people that I'm friends with! Some of them are jerks to their friends! Sometimes that's what makes them lovable. A lot of the heroes in the game are plagued with "am I actually doing good" which is a question built into a organization called heroes that are for hire. I'd love to see a hero not interested in that question, so I'd say, go for it! Go in, get the job done, get out. You would still be a team player in the meta game (not derailing the storyline) while being combative in game, and that's what matters - as long as you aren't stealing the story from anyone else, I'd say Cedric can be who he is. As for being quiet, as I said to Comrade Commander, I think that's a fine trait too, but make sure it's a choice rather than not knowing what to do. Strength comes from both being quiet, and acting when needed. Thanks for the quest, guys! I think I'll be getting to work on my finale soon, if people are still interested in it! It's got a lot of planning required, but I think this is the time if any.

The Party Throlar Wineghilm 137 year old male Dwarven Warden. *Immune to weakened and free hits* *Aims become hits* Level, 17 1/2 Power, 24 (16+7+1). Defense: 0 (0+1). Health: 40/40 (+1 Zane) Gold, 125 Equipped; Huntsman's Bow (WP: 7; damages undead; bow), Shield of Invisibility (SP: 0; the user is immune to free hits untill they are the last hero standing),Lion's Plate (Max health +5, Power +1; wearer is immune to weakened; suitable for knights and barbarians; body wear), Quiver of Homing Arrows (Rolls of AIM become HIT; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear), Inventory; Weapons; Elven Sword (WP: 5, longsword), Miracle Lance (A white spear crafted in the likeness of an ancient dragon; WP: 10; doubled against Ancient enemies; lance), Fellcrest Hand Axe (WP: 8; deals bleeding 5 on successful hits; throwing weapon), Mopagsaber (WP: 12; Ice elemental; longsword), City Watch Halberd (WP: 3) Shields; Elven Shield (SP: 5; Ice and Darkness elemental; all elves in the party gain the same amount of SP as long as the wielder is standing) Artifacts; Lethauros Crushers (While equipped, the wearer does double damage to Rock and Flying type enemies; suitable for anyone; footwear), Amulet of Elven Loyalty (Wearer can use anything suitable for elves and is considered a friend by all elves; the wearer also becomes encouraged if there are elves in the party; suitable to Throlar only; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a free hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear), Monkey Armor(SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable for knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; body wear), Crow Helmet (SP: 1; Flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; suitable for Knights and Dragoons; headwear), Consumables; Phoenix Essence, x2 Potion, Grand Potion, x3 Remedy, Hint Coin (Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or a tricky situation, Useable only once, Has no monetary value), x2 Bone, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb, Baldur Bomb, x2 Smoke Bomb, First aid kit (Restores full health and removes all negative effects From the entire party once used), 4x Shattering Arrow (Lowers Enemy SP by 5, suitable for classes with bows and crossbows), Grating Stone, Mead, Smelling Salt, Nostrum Equipment; Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass. Treasures; Viper scale (worth 40 gold to some NPC's). Decamon Deck,Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Ursa Minor (Eithereal 1), Specter (Dark 2), Dryad (Plant 6). Darksten (Comrade Commander) 35 year old male human Assassin *Immune to Poisoned, Bleeding, Cursed, Jinxed and Blinded* *Poisoned -1* Level 25 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 42/42 (6 [base health] + 23 [level] + 5 [advanced class] + 1 [drumstick] + 5 [raw meat], +1 Zane) Defense: 3 Gold: 2187 GP: 46 Equipment: Composite Bow (WP:11, ignores defense, bow, -1 poisoned *1 battle*), Sand Worm Hide (SP: 2, bodywear), Safety Blanket (SP:1, protects from Afraid, backwear), Tribal Amulet (Wearer is immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded; suitable to barbarians, rangers, beast warriors; accessory) Inventory: Weapons: Spider String Bow (WP: 4, darkness-elemental bow), Crossbow (WP:6), Fang Dagger (WP:5, deals double damage to beasts; dagger), Pongcanis Crossbow (WP:8, crossbow)(loaned from Matthias), Rusty Dagger (WP: 2, Poisoned -2) Artifacts: Vampire Cape (Halves damage from undead enemies; backwear) Spell Items: N/A Consumables: 5x Potion, 5x Grand Potion, Health Core, 4x Remedy, Elixir, 2x Phoenix Essence, 3x Mead, Smelling Salts, 3x Nostrum, Soma, Ambrosia, Root Beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against undead enemies for 20 damage. The Root Beer does not affect non-undead enemies), Aeolus Bomb, Neptune Bomb, Floral Bomb, x4 x1 Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 6x Venom, Deadly Venom, 5x Bone, Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), 4x Shattering Arrow (Lowers Enemy SP by 5, suitable for classes with bows and crossbows) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass Matthias the Carnival Crusader (StickFig) Level 27 2/3 Druid *⅙ chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle* *Gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed* *Immune to Bound, Slowed* Power Bonus: 11 (+1 Zane) Defense: 6 Health: 37/37 Ether: 4/28 Gold: 247 Abilities: Bearer of the Anvil (Matthias may sacrifice his turn to add his WP or SP to another heroes for the round. He may also improve one weapon at the end of each quest [+1 WP].), Immortal Waters (Once per quest, Matthias can heal himself to full health and remove all negative effects during combat. This does not take up an action.) Equipment: Ethereal Restored Fireball Extraordinaire (WP:11, also hits enemies listed above and below the target, Darkness - Ice - and Lightning-elemental, deals Fragile, user is Slowed, hand cannon), Dapper Hat (This amazingly dapper hat gives the wearer a ⅙ chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle, headwear), Hunter's Plate (SP:4, wearer gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed, suitable for rogues, rangers, barbarians, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators, and winged warriors) (Dreyrugr), Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon (SP:2, protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear) Inventory: Peashooter (WP:2, deals Burning -2, hand cannon), XX Handcannon Replica (WP:12, pierces defense, hand cannon), Crocodile Handbag (Max. ether +2, immunity to water; accessory), Toxic Hood (Converts Poisoned-effect to Blessed for duration of battle, headwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Ethereal Garnet (Earth and Sealed), 2x Ethereal Opal (Ice and Fragile), Ethereal Ruby (Fire and Afraid), Opal (Ice), 2x Adamantite Shard (2/4; of a full Adamantite ore, used for adamantizing weapons), 8x Bone (Distracts the target for the duration of 1 round, preventing Free Hits; worth 5 gold in magic shops), Deadly Venom, 2x Elixir, Grating Stone, Potion, 2x Red Death Blood, 4x Remedy, Tonic, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass, 4x Shattering Arrow (Lowers Enemy SP by 5, suitable for classes with bows and crossbows), Trickster's Mask of the Human, Mead, Smelling Salts, Nostrum Quest Items: Guffington's Seal (Proves the hero is a Friend of Guffington - the hero starts every quest with one Hero's Cocktail ((Makes the hero Encouraged, Hastened, Lucky, and Inspired, consumable)) Lord Cedric (wiz) 34-year-old Male Human Knight Level 7 Power Bonus: 1 (+1 Zane) Defense: 4 Health: 17/17 Gold: 70 Equipment: Assassin's Katana (WP 3 Longsword), Makeshift Shield (SP 2 Shield), Boots (SP 2 Footwear) Inventory: Potion, Mead x2, Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine, Venom, x2 Remedy, Health Core OoC: Apologies it took so long I was being... LAZY! And also very busy. Little bit of both. Anyway, this should all be right! I advise that you write down where you got your power/health bonus so you don't forget! Also, remember you got Bonaparte rep, since I don't believe the Hall topic will be updated with that for a while.

"Yes, he's very old." Boomingham grits his teeth as his shoulder aches. The Pilgrim's armor deflected his shield more than he'd like to admit. Boomingham steps into the front row and repeats his attack.

OoC: Only obviously question I have is in regards to how Hastened would work? If I'm hastened and he's not hastened, does he only react to one of my actions? Alternatively, if I'm hastened and he's hastened, would he react twice to each of my actions? Boomingham scowls at their new foe. "Well, not much good talking I suppose, until we finished kicking his clunky ass. If that's the way you want it, I'm not going to stop you." Boomingham attacks with Scupperer from the back row.

Sorry y'all, been so busy! Still owe 153 final stats post, and some notes in the QM lounge.

"Very much so," says Lady Felix with a grin. "My name is Lady Felix, and all you need to know of the person who's house we were visiting is that they have enough gold that they won't miss some, and they really should have better security." She winks at Throlar. "I hope you do not think that I am less of a lady for saying that. I generally keep my eye on higher prizes, but I just got back from vacation and it's always important to refill the coffers. Zane and I have been putting our heads together about hitting a bit of a bigger mark." "Quiet now, Lady Felix. All in good time. At least let me talk to my Court first." Zane turns to the heroes. "As for your wish... it is my command. HAHAHAHA." Zane snaps his fingers, and the heroes feel their different attributes strengthen. "And now I think we're all settled up, no? See you all later. Johnny, a word?" "I kept an eye on them, Zane, swear. Just like I promised." "You're not in trouble. Just want to catch up with an old friend and a new one. See if we can't put our noggins together about some adventure. Are you still here, heroes?" An electrical current runs over the heroes, and they shudder and step outside. Parvati follows close behind. "Since no one else seems willing to say it, thank you for saving my sister, heroes. She is rude and rough and loud, but I don't know what I would do without her." Parvati blushes. "And she is very thankful. And Zane... Zane knows what you've done, even if he won't admit it. Remember, he always pays his debts. He'll keep an eye on you from now on, make sure you're alright." "The city is very different than how I thought it would be. Much more dangerous... clearly we do not know enough about it to make it on our own. But with friends with Zane, and you, I think we will be safe and we will learn. So thank you. All of you." Will the heroes say anything else to Parvati, or return to the Hall? (The Quest is a SUCCESS!)

"I feel the same," says Zane dismissively. "I imagine it's the sort of gift that takes a while to kick in, and then keeps on giving." The smooth Magician's voice takes over Zane's normally caustic one. "I have advocated that we not squander our gift, and spend time away from danger to cultivate some wisdom, but Zane has refused. Unlike you, we are still open to bodily harm." Zane twitches. "But who is going to harm us hahahahaha." "Come now, surely you've told everyone in your little club what happened? Or are you afraid that the 'heroes' may be adverse to such an obvious power grab." Zane snickers.

"If experience has taught me anything, it's that those who want to fight one-on-one aren't exactly stupid, because they often are able to handle themselves fine all things told, but are over-all pretty stupid because they're picking a fight the one of them versus the four of us." Boomingham draws his sword. "As for his age, can't exactly wager on it with that damned mask, but you can bet your behind I'm looking to find out. Alright, chappo, we can dance."

"Can never have too many friends," Lady Felix says with a playful smile. "It's good to see you, Matthias." "Lady Felix and I just became acquainted up on the road to Bric'Lin. It turns out that we both had our eye on paying a visit to the same wealthy house, invited or not, and we both have considerable skill in paying surprise visits. Note, also, my Court, that our gold troubles are at least postponed." "I didn't get myself captured," grunts Medusa. "But they did rescue you. Who spearheaded this operation? Was it you, Parvati?" Parvati blushes and looks at her feet. "Well, good to know. As for payment... Solimon, what did you offer these fine folk?" "In truth, funds were a little tight. We offered them three meads, three smelling salts, and three nostrums." "That's hardly enough for a good night on the town." Zane wheels on the heroes. "I may be able to whip a little something up as a thank you too, for looking after my Court in my absence." He rubs his hands together. "I can give you more fortitude, or greater strength. Your call." Party leader, please divide the reward. Zane will also increase every heroes stats by either 2 health, or 2 power. Each hero should state which they want.

"Thank you," says Lane, tossing and catching the compass confidently. "Don't doubt it'll come to some use." "She is indeed. I believe there is some element of insult and injury at play at the moment, however. I imagine the slavers did not treat her as an honored guest, and I know she would have preferred to have freed herself. But yes, please do accompany us back to the Clubhouse. I believe that we still owe you some payment." "I'll pass it along. Two years is a long time to wait before trying to track down a shipment, though. You might be out of luck." The heroes and Johnny Everyman follow Medusa, Parvati and Solimon back to the clubhouse. Outside, they hear voices within. Medusa's eyes narrow, she hefts her weapon and shield, and bursts through the door. The others follow her. A tall Selkreeth tenses up and draws a mace. "Who are you?" "Who are you?" There are footsteps on the stairs and Medusa wheels towards them. "At ease, all friends here." Zane bows to the Court of Demons. "You left the candle burning when you left, Solimon. I was worried something had happened to you." He turns to the heroes. "And look, you brought friends!" "Howdy there, Zane!"

Matthias finds the mask is still totally functional, and adds a Trickster's Mask of the Human to the loot from the battle. "He'll be brought to the Blackgull. If it's any consolation, the Blackgull is known for being fair, but not for being generous. Especially with slavers. Especially in his own bay." The other Captain has still not recovered enough to respond to Matthias' harangue. "The Bonapartes are in charge of the docks," says Lane resolutely. "And there is no law in Eubric. You'll need to know that, moving forward." "Pah! Whole lot of good those laws did me. If my sister hadn't hired you, I'd have been on my way to the High Kingdoms by now. Only reason any slaves are freed are because an Orc took it into his own hands." "No." "Yes," says Solimon, stepping in front of Medusa. "We are strangers here, and while there may be no law, there is custom. If the Bonapartes truly rule these docks, then it is their job to deal with the slaver, and their shame to face him. Thank you for your assistance, Captain Lane." <The rest of the ship is clear,> Barkley reports to Matthias as he returns. "Thank you all for your assistance. The Bonapartes aren't always the best lot to serve, but I can assure you, every Bonaparte is disgusted by slavers, and we will ensure they are flushed out of the bay. I will tell the Bonapartes of your service, unless any of you object. You can keep the additional loot as well." Lane tosses an additional 100 gold to the heroes from the Slaver Captain's body. "Let's go back to the Clubhouse," snarls Medusa as she stomps off the ship. Parvati follows her carefully.

As Cedric picks up the Slaver Captain a human mask falls to the boards of the ship and the Captain's skin peels off to reveal green skin below it. The Captain is an Orc. His head lulls side to side, the blow from the bottle having apparently knocked him totally unconscious. "Zoml," snarls Medusa. "Give him to me. I'll break every bone in his body." Darkstan finds rations, but nothing else of value. "Noted. It is difficult to parse out the best path. People want freedom, but then they go and do this." The ships captain stabilizes as Matthias tends to him. <I will check the ship,> yaps Barkley smartly as he darts away. Captain Lane turns and looks at Cedric and the hatred in Medusa's eyes. "The slaver should be turned over to Bonaparte justice. We are responsible for these ships." "No. Orocand deals with orotund. He is our shame, and ours to punish." What will the heroes do?

OoC: Realized that the last round of damage was wrong because regular bombs deal 5 damage, not ten. But leaving it as is. Round Three Slavers the Sequel: Slaving Again > Lane loads Lightning Bomb and Bombards - Bombard (20+5)+40+5=70 Damage, Wermheim KO'd)Medusa v. Captain - Critical Hit (KO) Lane and Medusa finish the battle swiftly, making it so that maybe the heroes didn't need to be there. The Party Throlar Wineghilm 137 year old male Dwarven Warden. *Immune to weakened and free hits* *Aims become hits* Level, 17 1/2 Power, 24 (16+7+1). Defense: 0 (0+1). Health: 39/39 Gold, 125 Equipped; Huntsman's Bow (WP: 7; damages undead; bow), Shield of Invisibility (SP: 0; the user is immune to free hits untill they are the last hero standing),Lion's Plate (Max health +5, Power +1; wearer is immune to weakened; suitable for knights and barbarians; body wear), Quiver of Homing Arrows (Rolls of AIM become HIT; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear), Inventory; Weapons; Elven Sword (WP: 5, longsword), Miracle Lance (A white spear crafted in the likeness of an ancient dragon; WP: 10; doubled against Ancient enemies; lance), Fellcrest Hand Axe (WP: 8; deals bleeding 5 on successful hits; throwing weapon), Mopagsaber (WP: 12; Ice elemental; longsword), City Watch Halberd (WP: 3) Shields; Elven Shield (SP: 5; Ice and Darkness elemental; all elves in the party gain the same amount of SP as long as the wielder is standing) Artifacts; Lethauros Crushers (While equipped, the wearer does double damage to Rock and Flying type enemies; suitable for anyone; footwear), Amulet of Elven Loyalty (Wearer can use anything suitable for elves and is considered a friend by all elves; the wearer also becomes encouraged if there are elves in the party; suitable to Throlar only; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a free hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear), Monkey Armor(SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable for knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; body wear), Crow Helmet (SP: 1; Flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; suitable for Knights and Dragoons; headwear), Consumables; Phoenix Essence, x2 Potion, Grand Potion, x3 Remedy, Hint Coin (Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or a tricky situation, Useable only once, Has no monetary value), x2 Bone, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb, Baldur Bomb, x2 Smoke Bomb, First aid kit (Restores full health and removes all negative effects From the entire party once used), 4x Shattering Arrow (Lowers Enemy SP by 5, suitable for classes with bows and crossbows), Grating Stone Equipment; Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass. Treasures; Viper scale (worth 40 gold to some NPC's). Decamon Deck,Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Ursa Minor (Eithereal 1), Specter (Dark 2), Dryad (Plant 6). Darksten (Comrade Commander) 35 year old male human Assassin *Immune to Poisoned, Bleeding, Cursed, Jinxed and Blinded* *Poisoned -1* Level 25 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 41/41 (6 [base health] + 23 [level] + 5 [advanced class] + 1 [drumstick] + 5 [raw meat]) Defense: 3 Gold: 2027 GP: 46 Equipment: Composite Bow (WP:11, ignores defense, bow, -1 poisoned *1 battle*), Sand Worm Hide (SP: 2, bodywear), Safety Blanket (SP:1, protects from Afraid, backwear), Tribal Amulet (Wearer is immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded; suitable to barbarians, rangers, beast warriors; accessory) Inventory: Weapons: Spider String Bow (WP: 4, darkness-elemental bow), Crossbow (WP:6), Fang Dagger (WP:5, deals double damage to beasts; dagger), Pongcanis Crossbow (WP:8, crossbow)(loaned from Matthias), Rusty Dagger (WP: 2, Poisoned -2) Artifacts: Vampire Cape (Halves damage from undead enemies; backwear) Spell Items: N/A Consumables: 5x Potion, 5x Grand Potion, Health Core, 4x Remedy, Elixir, 2x Phoenix Essence, 4x Mead, 2x Nostrum, Soma, Ambrosia, Root Beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against undead enemies for 20 damage. The Root Beer does not affect non-undead enemies), Aeolus Bomb, Neptune Bomb, Floral Bomb, x4 x1 Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 6x Venom, Deadly Venom, 5x Bone, Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), 4x Shattering Arrow (Lowers Enemy SP by 5, suitable for classes with bows and crossbows) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass Parvati Level 27 Orc Weather Mage *Immune to 5 effects* Health: 35/35 (5+4+25) Ether: 15/27 (6+5+25) Equipment: Parvati’s Pouch (Accessory, Grants immunity to first five effects afflicted on Parvati each battle) Inventory: Tonic x2, Sandstorm Scroll (Replaces “Dry” with “Sandstorm” – Sandstorm doubles earth damage, halves electricity, and deals 1 earth damage to all combatants each round. Grants all combatants the ability to blind on successful hits), Blistering Heat Scroll (Replaces "Hot" with "Blistering Hot", fire-elemental is doubly effective and all combatants gain the -1 burning effect each round), Scroll of Blinding, Begone with the Wind Gems: Diamond, Ruby, Garnet, Opal (Loaned from Matthias) Soliman Level 33.5 Mutant Winged Warrior *Immune to Wind, Fire, Blinded* Health: 18/53 (7+14+32) SP: 2 Gold: 60 Equipment: Babeleth Spear (WP: 17, Pierces SP), Babeleth Golden Dagger (Grants Duel-Striking, Handwear) Breathable Darksteel Armor (Immune to Wind, Fire and Blinded, Suitable to Winged Warriors), City Watch Helmet (SP: 2) Inventory: Elixir x2, Tonic, Greater Potion Matthias the Carnival Crusader (StickFig) Level 27 2/3 Druid *⅙ chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle* *Gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed* *Immune to Bound, Slowed* Power Bonus: 10 Defense: 6 Health: 37/37 Ether: 4/28 Gold: 247 Abilities: Bearer of the Anvil (Matthias may sacrifice his turn to add his WP or SP to another heroes for the round. He may also improve one weapon at the end of each quest [+1 WP].), Immortal Waters (Once per quest, Matthias can heal himself to full health and remove all negative effects during combat. This does not take up an action.) Equipment: Ethereal Restored Fireball Extraordinaire (WP:10, also hits enemies listed above and below the target, Darkness - Ice - and Lightning-elemental, deals Fragile, user is Slowed, hand cannon), Dapper Hat (This amazingly dapper hat gives the wearer a ⅙ chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle, headwear), Hunter's Plate (SP:4, wearer gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed, suitable for rogues, rangers, barbarians, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators, and winged warriors) (Dreyrugr), Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon (SP:2, protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear) Inventory: Peashooter (WP:2, deals Burning -2, hand cannon), XX Handcannon Replica (WP:12, pierces defense, hand cannon), Crocodile Handbag (Max. ether +2, immunity to water; accessory), Toxic Hood (Converts Poisoned-effect to Blessed for duration of battle, headwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Ethereal Garnet (Earth and Sealed), 2x Ethereal Opal (Ice and Fragile), Ethereal Ruby (Fire and Afraid), Opal (Ice), 2x Adamantite Shard (2/4; of a full Adamantite ore, used for adamantizing weapons), 8x Bone (Distracts the target for the duration of 1 round, preventing Free Hits; worth 5 gold in magic shops), Deadly Venom, 2x Elixir, Grating Stone, Potion, 2x Red Death Blood, 4x Remedy, Tonic, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass, 4x Shattering Arrow (Lowers Enemy SP by 5, suitable for classes with bows and crossbows) Quest Items: Guffington's Seal (Proves the hero is a Friend of Guffington - the hero starts every quest with one Hero's Cocktail ((Makes the hero Encouraged, Hastened, Lucky, and Inspired, consumable)) Lord Cedric (wiz) 34-year-old Male Human Knight Level 7 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 4 Health: 17/17 Gold: 70 Equipment: Assassin's Katana (WP 3 Longsword), Makeshift Shield (SP 2 Shield), Boots (SP 2 Footwear) Inventory: Potion, Mead, Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine, Venom, x2 Remedy, Health Core LOANED: 8 Bones, 2 Elixers, 4 Remedies, 1 Tonics Medusa Level 31 Skirmisher *Immune to Earth* *Enraged* *Encouraged* Health: 55/55 Defense: 26 Equipment: Medusa’s Spear (WP: 30), Skirmisher’s Spikey Shield (SP: 10, While “Defending” deals damage equal to Shield’s SP), “Shiny” (SP: 14, Suitable to all shield bearing classes, Bodywear & Legwear), Thick Orcish Helmet (SP: 2, Immune to Earth), Medusa's Chains (Suitable to Medusa, Medusa is Encouraged and Enraged, Accessory) Inventory: Nothing Captain Lane (Takes Commands from Darkstan) Level 40.4 Cannoneer Power Bonus: 0 Health: 51/51 Defense: 0 Gold: 360 Equipment: Ship's Cannon (WP: 20, "hand" cannon), Cannoneer's Sashes (The damage output of bombs consumed are added to the WP of the Cannoneer's weapon before damage calculation) Inventory: Fire Bomb, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb, Baldur Bomb, x3 Lightening Bomb Sir Barkley (Takes Commands from Matthias) Level 13 Dog Rolls: 1-3: Bite - Deals damage equal to level and bleeding equal to half his level 4-6: Nothing NOTE: Non-combatant. Does not absorb free hits or COUNT as targeting an enemy. Johnny Everyman (Controlled by Cedric) Can untie heroes at the rate of 1 action per round. NOTE: Non-combatant. Does not absorb free hits or COUNT as targeting an enemy. Loot: Mead 60 Gold The slavers lay dead or dying. Their Captain lays face down, his hair a few meters away - now even more clearly a wig. His skin crawls and drips. He groans. "Bad day for Slaver Captain," he grunts as he tries to drag himself away.

"It appears they have a vendetta against both us and subtle symbolism. This is a real whack you in the face sort of deal." Boomingham chews his cheek. "So, what are we thinking? Flaming arrow? Or do you want the honor, elf?"

As opposed to your real name, Cutcobra?

Round One Slavers the Sequel: Slaving Again > Lane bombards with Fire Bomb - Greater Bombarb (20 + 10) x 2 + 40 + 10 = 110 damage per enemy> Parvati uses Scroll of Blinding - Success (Blinded -1 ether)> Darksten v. Wermheim - Special Damage (Wermheim Hastened)Medusa v. Wermhiem - Shield (Phalanx Three Rounds)Throlar v. Captain - Damage (35/2=18 Damage)> Soliman v. Wermhiem - Special Damage, Wermheim Lucky> Cedric uses a Tonic on Matthias> Matthias heals Throlar - Failure/Heal More (Full Health, -1 ether)> Johnny twiddles thumbsBarkley bites Wermheim - Failure Lane is able to hobble their foes significantly, and Medusa protects the party, but no killing blows are landed. "Humph. Big market for Orc. Lots of human kings and queens hate Red Lizard for taking Orc away. Makes price go up." The Enemies Slavers Captain Level 35 Humanoid *Immune to Negative Effects and Instant Kill* Health: 99/640 Special: Scattering Shattering Shot - Hits the hero and the heroes above and below them in the battle order. Reduces SP by half and then deals 35 damage ignoring row. Passive Special: Hand-Cannon - Attacks always ignore row. Drops: ??? Note: Summons another Slaver Mob in 1 Rounds. Drunken Sailor Wermhiem Level 28 Aquatic Humanoid *Immune to Weakened, Afraid, Fragile, and Instant Kill* *Inspired* *Hastened* *Blinded (3 Rounds)* *Lucky* Health: 255/256 14/512 Special: Drinking Buddies - Wermhiem drinks one of his drops and gains their effect (used on free hits). Special II (Used if out of drinks): Drunken Brawl - Wermhiem attacks a number of times equal to the number of standing enemies (mobs count as 1 in this case). Drops: Mead Note: Wermhiem remembers who targeted him in the previous fight and deals double damage to Throlar, Parvati, and Matthias. The Party Throlar Wineghilm 137 year old male Dwarven Warden. *Immune to weakened and free hits* *Aims become hits* Level, 17 Power, 24 (16+7+1). Defense: 0 (0+1). Health: 39/39 Gold, 125 Equipped; Huntsman's Bow (WP: 7; damages undead; bow), Shield of Invisibility (SP: 0; the user is immune to free hits untill they are the last hero standing),Lion's Plate (Max health +5, Power +1; wearer is immune to weakened; suitable for knights and barbarians; body wear), Quiver of Homing Arrows (Rolls of AIM become HIT; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear), Inventory; Weapons; Elven Sword (WP: 5, longsword), Miracle Lance (A white spear crafted in the likeness of an ancient dragon; WP: 10; doubled against Ancient enemies; lance), Fellcrest Hand Axe (WP: 8; deals bleeding 5 on successful hits; throwing weapon), Mopagsaber (WP: 12; Ice elemental; longsword), City Watch Halberd (WP: 3) Shields; Elven Shield (SP: 5; Ice and Darkness elemental; all elves in the party gain the same amount of SP as long as the wielder is standing) Artifacts; Lethauros Crushers (While equipped, the wearer does double damage to Rock and Flying type enemies; suitable for anyone; footwear), Amulet of Elven Loyalty (Wearer can use anything suitable for elves and is considered a friend by all elves; the wearer also becomes encouraged if there are elves in the party; suitable to Throlar only; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a free hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear), Monkey Armor(SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable for knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; body wear), Crow Helmet (SP: 1; Flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; suitable for Knights and Dragoons; headwear), Consumables; Phoenix Essence, x2 Potion, Grand Potion, x3 Remedy, Hint Coin (Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or a tricky situation, Useable only once, Has no monetary value), x2 Bone, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb, Baldur Bomb, x2 Smoke Bomb, First aid kit (Restores full health and removes all negative effects From the entire party once used), 4x Shattering Arrow (Lowers Enemy SP by 5, suitable for classes with bows and crossbows), Grating Stone Equipment; Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass. Treasures; Viper scale (worth 40 gold to some NPC's). Decamon Deck,Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Ursa Minor (Eithereal 1), Specter (Dark 2), Dryad (Plant 6). Darksten (Comrade Commander) 35 year old male human Assassin *Immune to Poisoned, Bleeding, Cursed, Jinxed and Blinded* *Poisoned -1* Level 24 2/3 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 40/40 (6 [base health] + 23 [level] + 5 [advanced class] + 1 [drumstick] + 5 [raw meat]) Defense: 3 1 Gold: 2027 GP: 46 Equipment: Composite Bow (WP:11, ignores defense, bow, -1 poisoned *1 battle*), Sand Worm Hide (SP: 2, bodywear), Safety Blanket (SP:1, protects from Afraid, backwear), Tribal Amulet (Wearer is immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded; suitable to barbarians, rangers, beast warriors; accessory) Inventory: Weapons: Spider String Bow (WP: 4, darkness-elemental bow), Crossbow (WP:6), Fang Dagger (WP:5, deals double damage to beasts; dagger), Pongcanis Crossbow (WP:8, crossbow)(loaned from Matthias), Rusty Dagger (WP: 2, Poisoned -2) Artifacts: Vampire Cape (Halves damage from undead enemies; backwear) Spell Items: N/A Consumables: 5x Potion, 5x Grand Potion, Health Core, 4x Remedy, Elixir, 2x Phoenix Essence, 4x Mead, 2x Nostrum, Soma, Ambrosia, Root Beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against undead enemies for 20 damage. The Root Beer does not affect non-undead enemies), Aeolus Bomb, Neptune Bomb, Floral Bomb, x4 x1 Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 6x Venom, Deadly Venom, 5x Bone, Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), 4x Shattering Arrow (Lowers Enemy SP by 5, suitable for classes with bows and crossbows) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass Parvati Level 26 2/3 Orc Weather Mage *Immune to 5 effects* Health: 34/34 (5+4+25) Ether: 14/26 (6+5+25) Equipment: Parvati’s Pouch (Accessory, Grants immunity to first five effects afflicted on Parvati each battle) Inventory: Tonic x2, Sandstorm Scroll (Replaces “Dry” with “Sandstorm” – Sandstorm doubles earth damage, halves electricity, and deals 1 earth damage to all combatants each round. Grants all combatants the ability to blind on successful hits), Blistering Heat Scroll (Replaces "Hot" with "Blistering Hot", fire-elemental is doubly effective and all combatants gain the -1 burning effect each round), Scroll of Blinding, Begone with the Wind Gems: Diamond, Ruby, Garnet, Opal (Loaned from Matthias) Soliman Level 33.25 Mutant Winged Warrior *Immune to Wind, Fire, Blinded* Health: 18/53 (7+14+32) SP: 2 0 Gold: 60 Equipment: Babeleth Spear (WP: 17, Pierces SP), Babeleth Golden Dagger (Grants Duel-Striking, Handwear) Breathable Darksteel Armor (Immune to Wind, Fire and Blinded, Suitable to Winged Warriors), City Watch Helmet (SP: 2) Inventory: Elixir x2, Tonic, Greater Potion Matthias the Carnival Crusader (StickFig) Level 27 1/3 Druid *⅙ chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle* *Gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed* *Immune to Bound, Slowed* *Lucky* Power Bonus: 10 Defense: 6 Health: 37/37 Ether: 4/28 Gold: 247 Abilities: Bearer of the Anvil (Matthias may sacrifice his turn to add his WP or SP to another heroes for the round. He may also improve one weapon at the end of each quest [+1 WP].), Immortal Waters (Once per quest, Matthias can heal himself to full health and remove all negative effects during combat. This does not take up an action.) Equipment: Ethereal Restored Fireball Extraordinaire (WP:10, also hits enemies listed above and below the target, Darkness - Ice - and Lightning-elemental, deals Fragile, user is Slowed, hand cannon), Dapper Hat (This amazingly dapper hat gives the wearer a ⅙ chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle, headwear), Hunter's Plate (SP:4, wearer gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed, suitable for rogues, rangers, barbarians, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators, and winged warriors) (Dreyrugr), Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon (SP:2, protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear) Inventory: Peashooter (WP:2, deals Burning -2, hand cannon), XX Handcannon Replica (WP:12, pierces defense, hand cannon), Crocodile Handbag (Max. ether +2, immunity to water; accessory), Toxic Hood (Converts Poisoned-effect to Blessed for duration of battle, headwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Ethereal Garnet (Earth and Sealed), 2x Ethereal Opal (Ice and Fragile), Ethereal Ruby (Fire and Afraid), Opal (Ice), 2x Adamantite Shard (2/4; of a full Adamantite ore, used for adamantizing weapons), 8x Bone (Distracts the target for the duration of 1 round, preventing Free Hits; worth 5 gold in magic shops), Deadly Venom, 2x Elixir, Grating Stone, Potion, 2x Red Death Blood, 4x Remedy, Tonic, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass, 4x Shattering Arrow (Lowers Enemy SP by 5, suitable for classes with bows and crossbows) Quest Items: Guffington's Seal (Proves the hero is a Friend of Guffington - the hero starts every quest with one Hero's Cocktail ((Makes the hero Encouraged, Hastened, Lucky, and Inspired, consumable)) Lord Cedric (wiz) 34-year-old Male Human Knight Level 6 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 4 Health: 16/16 Gold: 70 Equipment: Assassin's Katana (WP 3 Longsword), Makeshift Shield (SP 2 Shield), Boots (SP 2 Footwear) Inventory: Potion, Mead, Smelling Salts, Mulled Wine, Venom, x2 Remedy, Health Core LOANED: 8 Bones, 2 Elixers, 4 Remedies, 1 Tonics Medusa Level 30 3/4 Skirmisher *Immune to Earth* *Enraged* *Encouraged* *Phalanx (3 Rounds)* Health: 54/54 Defense: 26 Equipment: Medusa’s Spear (WP: 30), Skirmisher’s Spikey Shield (SP: 10, While “Defending” deals damage equal to Shield’s SP), “Shiny” (SP: 14, Suitable to all shield bearing classes, Bodywear & Legwear), Thick Orcish Helmet (SP: 2, Immune to Earth), Medusa's Chains (Suitable to Medusa, Medusa is Encouraged and Enraged, Accessory) Inventory: Nothing Captain Lane (Takes Commands from Darkstan) Level 40.2 Cannoneer Power Bonus: 0 Health: 51/51 Defense: 0 Gold: 360 Equipment: Ship's Cannon (WP: 20, "hand" cannon), Cannoneer's Sashes (The damage output of bombs consumed are added to the WP of the Cannoneer's weapon before damage calculation) Inventory: Fire Bomb, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb, Baldur Bomb, x3 Lightening Bomb Sir Barkley (Takes Commands from Matthias) Level 12 1/2 Dog Rolls: 1-3: Bite - Deals damage equal to level and bleeding equal to half his level 4-6: Nothing NOTE: Non-combatant. Does not absorb free hits or COUNT as targeting an enemy. Johnny Everyman (Controlled by Cedric) Can untie heroes at the rate of 1 action per round. NOTE: Non-combatant. Does not absorb free hits or COUNT as targeting an enemy.