Zepher

Battle Order!

OoC: Peppy, please dictate Sasha's actions! Round One Rudimentary Chaos Beast Battle Sasha v. Chaos Beast - Shield (31) Cronk v. Chaos Beast - Damage (40-14=26) Tesni v. Chaos Beast - Special Damage (4: 50 Damage Chaos Beast) Alexis v. Chaos Beast - Special Damage (Miss) (6: +1 WP) Alexis v. Chaos Beast - Damage ([40/2]-3=17) Arthur v. Chaos Beast - Special Damage (Miss) (2: 25 Damage Chaos Beast) Haldor v. Chaos Beast - Shield (-64 health Chaos Beast, +64 Health Alexis) The battle begins. Sasha wails on the Beast, though she is eventually beat backwards. Cronk charges, but the Chaos Beast sweeps his axe low and gashes both of the Orc's legs. Blood gushes forth. Tesni tries to stab the Chaos Beast, but before she can it stumbles back howling, and black liquid surges forward from the slits in its helmet. The liquid lands on Alexis' bow, which quivers, distracting her as the Beast drive's the spike at the end of his axe into her stomach. She hunches over in pain. Arthur starts to chant a spell, but before he can complete it, the Beast's head once more explodes and black liquid flows forward, dribbling through the helmet. Haldor tackles the beast and grapples with it on the ground. The Beast shoves him back, and Haldor looks at his limping teammates. He stares at the black liquid that has fallen out of the Chaos Beast and chants a few words. The liquid flies into the wound in Alexis' side, healing it. The Enemy Rudimentary Chaos Beast Level 40 Demon, Holy *Immune to Scrolls* Health: 430/600 Special Damage: Chaos – (1) 10 Damage to party, disregarding Row/SP (2) 25 Damage to self (3) KO’s attacker (4) 50 Damage to self (5) Drops: Rock (Useless) (6) +1 WP to opponent Drops: Zoot’s Plaything Note: Misses (rolls of 4) count as "Special Damage". If the hero has a miss ability, it cannot be used this battle. The Party Haldor Skovgaard Level 19 Shaman *Immune to Weakened* Power: 33 Defense: 2 Health: 36/36 Ether: 26/27 Gold: 50 (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), Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity). Inventory: Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), 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, Tonic, Mead Arthur Justus Regulus VII Level 16 Sorcerer*Immune to Sealed* Power: 23 Health: 26/26 Ether: 20/26 Defense: 3 Gold: 59 (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 Sasha Level 17 Barbarian Power: 31 Health: 24/24 Gold: 0 Equipped: Axe of Ilrion (WP: 14, Fire Ice Elemental) Inventory: Mead, Nostrum Alexis Fenral Level 22 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile* Defense: 3 Health: 30/30 Ether: 14/23 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 successful hit), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Tonic, Grand Tonic, Milk, 2 Meads, Nostrum, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Raw Meat Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy (Ruby), ???? (Diamond) Cronk Level 23 Paladin Power: 35 Defense: 14 Health: 17/43 Ether: 13/26 Gold: 90 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light) Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 8), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +4 SP, +2 Max Ether) Inventory: Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12, Ice), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Bloody Pointy Stick (Stick; WP: 1), Heavy Armor (SP:6, Power -6), Blacksmith Writ, Bedroll Tesni Hightribe Level 25 Berserker Power: 45 Defence: 11 Health: 45/45 Gold: 655 Equipped: Dryw ar Zoot, Longsword, Holy (WP:14), Bone Claws(WP:3,SP:2), Mockthril Shield (SP:5), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4)(+2 max health) Inventory: Mellt (Warhammer, Lightning, Ice (WP:10), Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, Light, longsword), Cysgodion (WP: 11, Darkness, greatsword), Spiked Club (WP:8), Cryfder (WP:6), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, 2 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, 5 Venoms, Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, Minimizing Dust, Gray Wizard Level 26 2/3 Cleric *Too Weak For Physical Attacks* Power: 38 Health: 34/34 Ether: 2/30 Gold: 0 Equipped: Old Stone Staff (WP: 12, Light Elemental) Inventory: None "Keep calm, heroes. Do not lose your head. Enough idle chit-chat. It's strange how many quests I've led where people have talked in the midst of battling for their lives." "Alexis, are you alright? We will talk after this battle."

I like Cronk's lament. And Nur has always had an... interesting thought process with regards to woman. Takes all kinds of characters to build a world. It was a courageous and bold choice Jebs made with his character, and I'm very pleased he's stuck to it.

McColt grabs Arthur by the shoulder and spins him around to face him. "If you two were soldiers serving under me, I'd have dismissed you by now. Haldor, you know from Haddon that I expect you to fight when it's time to fight, and you've got to do the same, Arthur. I know that understanding the force you're fighting is tactically important... nay, tactically a necessity, and I appreciate that I would not be good at it, and that you would be. But right now is not that time. Pull yourselves together, heroes. Technically I am currently your employer, so that's an order." Sasha blocks a blow from the Chaos Beast, who swipes at Tesni. "Men," she says with a slight smirk. "They'll run this organization into the ground. They won't fight? Fine. We'll just have to fight this monster on our own." Sasha joins in the fray. Sasha Level 17 Barbarian Power: 31 Health: 24/24 Gold: 0 Equipped: Axe of Ilrion (WP: 14, Fire Ice Elemental) Inventory: Mead, Nostrum

Yeah, Atramor is probably a little more age appropriate for Nyx. But it will be interesting to see what happens. There's a lot of room between dating and acquaintances, and there's certainly more than one kind of love!

Boomingham shrugs at the duo. "Copper Fox said I was in. Perhaps he's got connections. Now where the hell is that captain?" Boomingham glances out across the deck and sees Nyx chatting with Mac. He swaggers back over. "Be careful, little lady. This man will rob you blind. Don't think I've ever won at Black Magic, but if you're going to be playing a round anyway, I'll throw down 10 gold on Fire."

And from henceforth, we will never talk about this ever again. A hypocritical character?! It's... it's almost like real people! Character contradiction makes the BEST role-playing. Why do character say one thing but act another way, and why does the way they act change in even slightly different circumstances? That's what's fun to explore.

Bottom of 842, you quote the top of 843. Maybe it's just my computer.... but I can't imagine how that would be connected to my computer.

I actually also assumed we all had different side-quests. I've never done it that way, with everyone doing the same thing, but it was interesting. Also, BD how the hell did you quote the post that came directly after your's? WITCH!! Flipz, thanks for pouring all this role playing in. The NPCs of this quest are quieter than normal Zepher PCs, so I'm really excited to see how the PCs interact with each other in reaction to what they find. I also totally didn't realize the potential with Alexis and Arthur in a party together. They don't really know each other too well, but Althior is the mentor of Arthur, and they've spoken about Alexis many times. It will be exciting to see how those three grow together, especially with Arthur's flirting. I smell actually interesting character conflict!!!

Boomingham listens to the conversation. Atramor clearly knows the fellows, so he allows his party-mate to do the talking. "Did you now? Sorry to hear that, my once-upon-a-time brothers. I actually have a few questions about the whole Paladin Order thing. Should I report into someone at some point to tell them that I'm a Paladin? My angel has been bopping around, so I don't have doubts about that... but, you know, like the physical earthly side, should I tell some High Priest or something that I'm on board? Also, do you know if you can kill angels with a sword? Because I'm a little doubtful." Boomingham reaches into his pocket and takes out his Jo-No Seed. He begins to munch on it.

Hey, Flitwick, can you do me a favor and link me to the post where Thothwick and Hoptet re-unite? I've been searching for it, but for some reason can't find it. I'm probably just being thick and missing it for whatever reason.

Boomingham shoves the monocle into one of his pockets. "I'll save that for later, it's been a pleasure Mac." Boomingham makes his way over to the fishing, chuckling as he overhears the sailor calling Skrall a 'green-skin'. "How's the fishing scene going, Atramor? Exciting?"

I'm suddenly of the opinion that we should be allowed to wear more than two artifacts.

Fred Fred, its funny to see you respect the Guards. You haven't been around to grow to dislike them, which really fits for your character. He doesn't know, yet, that for the most part the guards deserve no respect. I'm curious, have you read the quests that you ended up missing?

"Alright, let's go again. I've sunk enough gold into this at this point I ought to finish it out."

Boomingham sighed. "Alright, another round it is then. Chances are my luck will turn around sooner or later. Hopefully sooner."

"Tell you what. I'll give you another 20 gold if I can just have it? That's a pretty tidy profit for a telescope."

All pictures for my quest were taken before I left for college. So Flipz just got lucky. It's unfortunate, because I do love to do little side-quests/adventures for my heroes, but I can't without being home. I also remembered I still have yet to post the side-quest where they fought Brunt. I will do that at some point. Promise.

"Let's make it quick and sweet. Highest roll."

"Fifty gold is a high price to pay for not getting a telescope. Drop it to twenty, and we've got ourselves a deal," Boomingham says with all the diplomacy he can muster.

Boomingham keeps a hand on his stomach, but he holds his lunch. "Don't much like boat travel," he admits. "Say, Mac, what sort of game are you playing? I've never tried my hand at fishing, but I might as well now, so Jacob and Christian, I'm coming your way even before I start this game of Mac's. Say, you, with a eyepatch, that's pretty swanky, where'd you pick it up?"

OoC: If someone else wants to try this sort of thing, I'd love it! I'm warning you right now, those of you who signed up for Roleplaying opportunities, you've got to help me create them for you. "Desire for power...for control...is common to most humans," Arthur notes. "If your kind are immune to such temptations, then I am most envious of you, Sir Cronk." Arthur turns to speak to Sasha, but sees the Barbarian already preparing her things to move on with the party. "I...suppose I have...no...objections...to moving forward." Arthur moves on with the rest of the party. Arthur walked along behind the others, oblivious to everything around him. Was this always what happened? Would this really be his fate? Arthur thought deeply upon what Sasha had said... As if summoned by the sorcerer's thoughts, Sasha appeared next to him. "You look like there's something on your mind. Maybe it would help to talk?" "...I...I thought myself similar to you. Before you were revived, I mean. Betrayed by a lover, one who defied the morality you thought you both held to...but now, I wonder... Would you still travel with us, if you knew?" "If I knew what?" "I, too, once played visitor to a Temple of Chaos..." --- "Come out, come out, wherever you are!" "Hee hee hee." "Hey, Arthur!" "WAUGH!!!!!!!" "Found you!" *giggles* "We were great friends...too great, actually. Sometimes our friendship overrode our better judgement." "Hey, Dad said I don't have to train for the rest of the day. Wanna come trap some direwolves?" "Um...I don't know..." "Yeah, me neither. If Arthur was scared by you, I don't know how he'd hande a direwolf!" *giggle* "Hey, I wasn't scared! ...much... And anyway, I've got the map to the caverns." *taps finger on temple* "Besides, you need someone of intelligence on this mission...Quest...thing." "Well that rules you out!" *all three start giggling* "Oh, we laughed then...but we had no idea what we were about to find..." "The Warrens were a maze of twisty passages, all alike. No one knew who built them, but centuries ago the Priests of my land used them as a secret sanctuary, to avoid persecution. After the people took to their ways of Chaos, however, they left the Warrens and dwelled openly among us. That was long before the Purge, of course, the time at which my people purged the knowledge of Zoot from among them--or so they claim. Meanwhile, in the intervening ages foul beasts of all sorts of descriptions came to inhabit the Warrens, and they became a perilous, forbidden labyrinth. Rumor had it that a fabulous treasure could be found deep within, past the dreadful lair of the vicious direwolves. Naturally, that's what we set out to search for. Naturally, we found it. Naturally, it was far more perilous than we dared to imagine..." "Inside the Temple of Zoot, for of course that's where the Warrens led, we found three powerful artifacts, along with a vial of a strange, smoky green gas...and we took it all, dividing the spoils between us:" "A Zoot's Plaything, positiely ancient, but as vibrantly dark as the day it had first been formed..." "A Staff of Chaotic Summons, able to rip open reality to release Chaos Beasts on a whim..." "And a Tome of Chaotic Knowledge, whispering chaotic secrets of antiquity, secrets known before the existence of Zoot himself..." "We were young, and stupid. Within a few short days, we utterly lost control of both ourselves and our newfound powers. As we quarreled over the mysterious vial, Caroline broke it with the tip of the Staff, releasing monsters of ancient antiquity. Our forefathers had eradicated this dangerous fusion of beast, machine, and Chaos from our world long ago, though it took legions of Chaos Beasts of their own merely to contain them. Our simple mechanical weapons would be no match for them today." "In a panic, and in fear for our homes and families, we secretly slipped away back to the Temple where it had began, and destroyed the remaining items--using knowledge from the very book we were destroying, ironically enough. It shouldn't have worked, but by some miracle the beasts were stopped, and they did not appear again for several years, for which I was enormously grateful." --- "That day, we swore the oath of our forefathers, renouncing Chaos and committing ourseles firmly against the powers of Zoot. Zoot's Temple had been abandoned for a reason, and we determined to keep it that way--I was the only one who knew the exact route through the Warrens to that secret entrance to the Temple, and after that day I never set foot in those tunnels again. The knowlege I had gleaned I could not erase from my mind--ever since I first laid eyes upon the mysteries of that book, my memory improed a thousandfold--but I became determined that I could suppress it, that I could lock it away, and bury it under new knowledge. That's when I took up my father's craft, as well as when I acquired my habit of studying deeply any and all knowledge I possibly could. A foolish goal, I know, and indeed it has been as unsuccessful as you might predict--for the knowledge of Chaos, once learned, cannot be unlearned--but I was determined not to make the same mistake twice." Arthur shook his head. "In my preoccupation with suppressing my thoughts of Chaos, I became blind to the ways of the world, and thus I did not make the same mistake as before, but rather a new one..." Arthur looked up in surprise. He had not realized it, but the party had come once more to a stop, and all eyes and ears were firmly fixed upon him. His gaze faltered, until the Gray Wizard spoke. "Well? Go on. There's no sense stopping in the middle, might as well tell us all of it." Arthur nods, but before he can continue, he sees something not far ahead of the others. "What's that?" he asks as his blood runs cold. "That's nothing of Ennoc's." The monster says not a word to the heroes but instead charges at them immediately. The Enemy Rudimentary Chaos Beast Level 40 Demon, Holy *Immune to Scrolls* Health: 600/600 Special Damage: Chaos – (1) 10 Damage to party, disregarding Row/SP (2) 25 Damage to self (3) KO’s attacker (4) 50 Damage to self (5) Drops: Rock (Useless) (6) +1 WP to opponent Drops: Zoot’s Plaything Note: Misses (rolls of 4) count as "Special Damage". If the hero has a miss ability, it cannot be used this battle. The Party Haldor Skovgaard Level 19 Shaman *Immune to Weakened* *Encouraged* Power: 33 Defense: 2 Health: 36/36 Ether: 26/27 Gold: 50 (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), Ethereal Cloak (SP:+2, +4 Ether), Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Weakened Immunity). Inventory: Bear Claw Gloves (WP:8, SP:+2), 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, Tonic, Mead Arthur Justus Regulus VII Level 16 Sorcerer*Immune to Sealed* Power: 23 Health: 26/26 Ether: 20/26 Defense: 3 Gold: 59 (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 Alexis Fenral Level 22 *Hastened* *Immune to Fragile* Defense: 3 Health: 30/30 Ether: 14/23 Gold: 142 GP: 3 Equipment: Mockthril Longbow (WP:10, 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 successful hit), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning), Ruby (Fire), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Tonic, Grand Tonic, Milk, 2 Meads, Nostrum, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Pickaxe, Shovel, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Raw Meat Spirits: Skorpios (Amethyst), Ocven the Ice Dragon (Opal), Shalma the Thunderbird (Topaz), Sarp Zarra (Aquamarine), Mandy (Ruby), ???? (Diamond) Cronk Level 23 Paladin *Encouraged* Power: 35 Defense: 14 Health: 43/43 Ether: 13/26 Gold: 90 Equipment: Zoot's Bane (Suitable only for Cronk; WP: 12, Light) Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP: 8), Elaborate Helmet (SP: 2), Paladin's Armour (Suitable for Paladins, +4 SP, +2 Max Ether) Inventory: Beast Skewer (Lance; WP: 12, Ice), Sword of Bashing (Longsword; WP:5), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Bloody Pointy Stick (Stick; WP: 1), Heavy Armor (SP:6, Power -6), Blacksmith Writ, Bedroll Tesni Hightribe Level 25 Berserker Power: 45 Defence: 11 Health: 45/45 Gold: 655 Equipped: Dryw ar Zoot, Longsword, Holy (WP:14), Bone Claws(WP:3,SP:2), Mockthril Shield (SP:5), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4)(+2 max health) Inventory: Mellt (Warhammer, Lightning, Ice (WP:10), Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, Light, longsword), Cysgodion (WP: 11, Darkness, greatsword), Spiked Club (WP:8), Cryfder (WP:6), Emerald (Wood), 2 Potions, 2 Remedies, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, 5 Venoms, Nostrum, Smoke Bomb, Minimizing Dust, Gray Wizard Level 26 2/3 Cleric *Too Weak For Physical Attacks* Power: 38 Health: 34/34 Ether: 2/30 Gold: 0 Equipped: Old Stone Staff (WP: 12, Light Elemental) Inventory: None

"I long for another body to feed me, but the deal I offered wassssss a different one, and I am fair as Ennoc. You may have your Sssssssasssssssha." There is a flash of light, and the heroes feel their supplies grow lighter. After the light fades, the heroes see the pretty barbarian, Sasha. She stumbles forward and the Gray Wizard catches her. "Are you alright, Sasha?" "Gray.... Gray Wizard? I thought you dead." "No. Though it seems that we've been near dead for a number of years, the two of us. Listen to this man here, and brace yourself." "I will be blunt, we have no time to spare words and feelings. You've been in some otherly state for seven years. Your old party member, Wren, has ravaged my home town of Haddon, to the north of here, and has recently been spotted in Dastan. Heroica has suffered a terrible blow and is only now regaining it's strength. We have every reason to believe, if Arthur here is correct, that Wren is trying to raise the God Zoot. I have hired this team of heroes and previous allies to track down Wren's past and see how close to this goal she is, and what we can do to stop her." Sasha's eyes water, but she holds herself together. "This is little Wren?" "Yes, Sasha." The barbarian woman bites her lip. "Wren and I joined Heroica at the same time. We went on our first mission together... she always seemed troubled, especially near the end..." Sasha gasps. "Has... well.. has there been any word of Roderick? In those seven years?" The Gray Wizard shakes his head sadly. "I'm sorry, Sasha. Perhaps he too is somewhere in the valley. It's possible." "No, it's most likely safer if he was killed." Sasha seems overcome by conflicting emotions. She sits down, shakes her head and then stares up at the heroes. "I will share with you all that I can. Both Roderick and Wren were dear to me, and good friends at one point. I understood them to a degree that no others did, I believe. I will tell you both of their stories and how they crossed paths with Zoot... I never imagined it would come to this, but apparently it has. Forgive as you listen, Gray Wizard, for I hid things from you that were perhaps better out in the open." "As I said, Wren and I started Heroica together. We quickly became fast friends. We both believed in the chaos of the world - my ancient gods of the North were harsh and fierce, but just and fair and forced growth and strength in their people due to their chaos. I saw this to be true everywhere else in the world too, and so did Wren. I guess I knew Wren's feelings towards Chaos were different than mine, though they never were clear until she and Roderick found that temple to Zoot." "Before her story continues, I must explain my friendship with Roderick. After my first two missions, Roderick and I were put on a mission to protect a Princess of a minor Kingdom in the High Kingdoms. We did so successfully, and became fast friends. I had never met anyone more outwardly noble and steadfast than Roderick. He was resolute in his ideas and believed only in justice. He was cunning, clever, sweet, and powerful. We were very much in love, for at least some time. He spared no small fault, each person was punished for each of their crimes. Roderick believed people must suffer the consequences of their actions." "The two of them found the Temple with the Gray Wizard, under Eubric. While the Gray Wizard stayed outside, they ventured in. They told the Gray Wizard it was abandoned, which was true enough. Roderick told me later, however, that both he and Wren had received visions from the King of Demons inside. Zoot had shown Roderick a vision of Chaos, of Eubric consuming itself, of men and women turning on their loved ones, of the ices of Helvetia and the fires of Torak consuming the world. I should have told you these visions, Gray Wizard, but I never did. I saw them trouble both Wren and Roderick, and yet I thought as their friend I could help them, and that perhaps they'd grow stronger thanks to their sights. I was wrong." "Wren never told me her vision. I perhaps should have asked. I always assumed that it was the same as Roderick's... but perhaps it was not." "When this mission was posted, seven years ago, Roderick visited me and told me that this was his time. He outlined a plan to me. He wished to use the Amulet of Gods to summon Zoot into this world, and slay him, taking his place as God of Chaos and becoming, himself, the God of Order. I was horrified. I told him this was a folly, and no doubt what Zoot wanted. Chaos is not dangerous, I told him, except when fought against. He lost his head that night, calling me a banshee, she-witch, and servant of Zoot. I went on the mission to keep an eye on him. I believed I could still talk him out of his lunacies. I was apparently wrong." Sasha sighs again. "Anything else I should tell you, fellow heroes, or shall we continue on?"

Vote: Ralphy Rabbit (badboytje88) When it comes down to it, we have no other leads, and nothing he's saying is convincing me that he's not a cultist. I hate that he's not giving us any information in either direction, it's much more helpful when cultists or town fight for themselves, because cultists we can analyze, and sometimes town can save themselves if their truly town, which helps the town, but Ralphy is doing none of that. BAWK! Besides, I hear what he's saying when no one's listening. I'm a parrot, damn it.

The Gray Wizard smiles wanly. "Now is perhaps not the best of times to discuss my origins. Some things never change, Cronk, and I think that everyone in Heroica most likely has some dark past that they keep hidden. I travelled for a long while before joining Heroica, and have seen many things since I joined Heroica. Perhaps you and I could share a drink some time, but for the time being, we must focus on the mission at hand. It is easy to lose track of your goal." "I do not have the power of Ennoc insssssside of me, foolissssssh woman. He ressssssside in the tower. I live only to ssssssserve him. Thisssssss issssssss a valley of Peace. Otherssssss would like to sssssssee it asssss ssssssomething elsssssse." "Foolisssssssssssh Ssssssshaman. Sssssave your threatsssssss. I did not follow them. They had made a jusssssst deal, a life was offered to Ennoc. I took the Barbarian and let them continue to be judged by Ennoc. I ssssssstill hold her. Her life force ssssssustainsssss mine." "We must free her. Many of the answers you seek lie with her, heroes. She and Roderick were closer than any two heroes I had ever seen, even after his adventure in the temple. And according to the vision we just saw, she has information that would be valuable. Sasha was a good soul, she will assist us. I accompanied Wren and her on their first mission... we must free her heroes. What do you demand, Priest?" "I will offer you a deal heroesssssss. If you give me 20 objectsssssssssss in your posssessssion, that will be worth the Barbarian'ssssss life."