Zepher

Yeah, I think that in retrospect, all the heroes will understand the story. I have so much to say after this quest to the players, and about the quest itself, and the confusion the players suffered. I think I've made it clear that each Wren Quest has been trying to teach the players/characters something, and I'm psyched to see how people think I did in making them feel the way I intended. #7 taught them about how heroes have to make morally gray choices, #19 was about how small the heroes truly are, and #30 is about... well, I guess we'll have to see.

Sorry, yes, you will take free hits, so you'll probably want to stand your ground unless you want to take the opportunity to rearrange your troops a little (send some up a floor or to the entrance corridor).

This is a real battle! I want to see those heroes scramble, just like they're doing. Do we move forward and save our man, or wait and ambush the enemy? That's the sort of thing I wanted to see, and that's the sort of thing I'm seeing. This is real strategy at work. I was so happy when they put him there because I knew I'd get to write the horror he was seeing when the Lion Knights showed up. Now the heroes have to either surge forward for one man, or strengthen their position and let him go.

This is correct. CMP, you can act as if you're in the entrance corridor, sorry, I don't want to re-upload the map for that, so you will be in the proper place next time around! EVERYONE PLEASE REMEMBER TO BOLD YOUR FINAL ACTION. That will help us so much.

The heroes rush to their places. Skrall rams down the door that leads to Emeraldo's wing, and the heroes stream through, taken over the hallway easily. Flavius stands in the second floor of the Alandri Wing of the palace, preparing his arrows, when there is a hissing noise. Flavius hits the floor as a huge chunk of the wall is blasted off. The Lion Knights, it appears, had more catapults stowed away somewhere. As Flavius coughs and hacks, dust floating around him everywhere, he cracks open an eye to see the tops of ladders resting against the bottoms of the holes. He scrambles to his feet as Lion Knights start to pour into the room. Tarn stands, new sword at the ready, as he hears a few blasts outside and bullets rip through the giant double doors. The heroes step back as they swing open and U'Vires, Blackenord, and some Chimera Guards pour into the room. Vipera hisses some words in the ancient language of Dragons, and suddenly every one of the heroes can, in the back of their head, sense the general movements of all their allies and enemies. The battle is upon them. The Enemies Rogue Lion Pikeman A Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Pikeman B Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Pikeman C Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Pikeman D Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Pikeman E Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Pikeman F Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Pikeman G Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Pikeman H Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round. Drops: nothing Imperial Guard A Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 150/150 Defense: 1 Special I: Stick Together - Takes a defensive position with the other Imperial Guards so that all damage received is halved for one round. While in effect, none of them can deal free hits. Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Special II: Charge! - Allows all Imperial Guards to deal free hits to the party while they are Sticking Together (used only if Sticking Together is already in effect). Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Drops: 5 gold Imperial Guard B Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 150/150 Defense: 1 Special I: Stick Together - Takes a defensive position with the other Imperial Guards so that all damage received is halved for one round. While in effect, none of them can deal free hits. Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Special II: Charge! - Allows all Imperial Guards to deal free hits to the party while they are Sticking Together (used only if Sticking Together is already in effect). Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Drops: 5 gold Imperial Guard C Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 150/150 Defense: 1 Special I: Stick Together - Takes a defensive position with the other Imperial Guards so that all damage received is halved for one round. While in effect, none of them can deal free hits. Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Special II: Charge! - Allows all Imperial Guards to deal free hits to the party while they are Sticking Together (used only if Sticking Together is already in effect). Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Drops: 5 gold Imperial Guard D Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 150/150 Defense: 1 Special I: Stick Together - Takes a defensive position with the other Imperial Guards so that all damage received is halved for one round. While in effect, none of them can deal free hits. Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Special II: Charge! - Allows all Imperial Guards to deal free hits to the party while they are Sticking Together (used only if Sticking Together is already in effect). Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Drops: 5 gold Imperial Guard E Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 150/150 Defense: 1 Special I: Stick Together - Takes a defensive position with the other Imperial Guards so that all damage received is halved for one round. While in effect, none of them can deal free hits. Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Special II: Charge! - Allows all Imperial Guards to deal free hits to the party while they are Sticking Together (used only if Sticking Together is already in effect). Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Drops: 5 gold Imperial Guard F Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 150/150 Defense: 1 Special I: Stick Together - Takes a defensive position with the other Imperial Guards so that all damage received is halved for one round. While in effect, none of them can deal free hits. Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Special II: Charge! - Allows all Imperial Guards to deal free hits to the party while they are Sticking Together (used only if Sticking Together is already in effect). Applies to all remaining Imperial Guards. Drops: 5 gold Chimera Guard A Level 12 Mechanical, Demon Health: 50/50 Special: Roar of Life – Revives one fallen fellow guard at half health. Drops: Nothing Chimera Guard B Level 12 Mechanical, Demon Health: 50/50 Special: Roar of Life – Revives one fallen fellow guard at half health. Drops: Nothing Chimera Guard C Level 12 Mechanical, Demon Health: 50/50 Special: Roar of Life – Revives one fallen fellow guard at half health. Drops: Nothing Chimera Guard D Level 12 Mechanical, Demon Health: 50/50 Special: Roar of Life – Revives one fallen fellow guard at half health. Drops: Nothing Heavy Elite Guard A Type: Humanoid Level: 12 Health: 292/300 Defense: 3 Special I: Rally - Encourages all allies for the next round. Special II: Pummel - Deals damage to the foe and stuns them for the next round. Used only if Rally is already in effect. Drops: 100 gold Heavy Elite Guard B Type: Humanoid Level: 12 Health: 292/300 Defense: 3 Special I: Rally - Encourages all allies for the next round. Special II: Pummel - Deals damage to the foe and stuns them for the next round. Used only if Rally is already in effect. Drops: 100 gold Heavy Elite Guard C Type: Humanoid Level: 12 Health: 292/300 Defense: 3 Special I: Rally - Encourages all allies for the next round. Special II: Pummel - Deals damage to the foe and stuns them for the next round. Used only if Rally is already in effect. Drops: 100 gold Elite Archer A Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 167/175 Defense: 0 Special I: Double Shot - Accurately shoots a single arrow through the foe and the next in the battle order, dealing normal damage to both. Special II: Tempest: Rains arrows down on all foes, dealing 7 damage each. Drops: Precision Bow Note: Specials alternate Elite Archer B Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 167/175 Defense: 0 Special I: Double Shot - Accurately shoots a single arrow through the foe and the next in the battle order, dealing normal damage to both. Special II: Tempest: Rains arrows down on all foes, dealing 7 damage each. Drops: Nothing Note: Specials alternate Elite Archer C Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 167/175 Defense: 0 Special I: Double Shot - Accurately shoots a single arrow through the foe and the next in the battle order, dealing normal damage to both. Special II: Tempest: Rains arrows down on all foes, dealing 7 damage each. Drops: Nothing Note: Specials alternate Rogue Lion Commander A Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 150/150 Defense: 2 Special: Rally - The commander rallies his allies, doubling their Damage dealt during the next Round as part of the Encouraged effect. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Commander B Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 150/150 Defense: 2 Special: Rally - The commander rallies his allies, doubling their Damage dealt during the next Round as part of the Encouraged effect. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Commander C Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 150/150 Defense: 2 Special: Rally - The commander rallies his allies, doubling their Damage dealt during the next Round as part of the Encouraged effect. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Commander D Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 150/150 Defense: 2 Special: Rally - The commander rallies his allies, doubling their Damage dealt during the next Round as part of the Encouraged effect. Drops: nothing Rogue Lion Commander E Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 150/150 Defense: 2 Special: Rally - The commander rallies his allies, doubling their Damage dealt during the next Round as part of the Encouraged effect. Drops: nothing Imperial Bodyguard Russel Level 16 Humanoid Health: 400/400 Defense: 1 Special: Deceive: Deals damage equal to the enemy's level. Drops: 100 gold Lord Lucan Type: Humanoid Level: 10 Health: 500/500 Defense: 3 Special: Lucky Hit - Lord Lucan flails around with his short decorative sword and manages to get behind his target's defenses, dealing 15 Damage. Being a treacherous member of the nobility, Lord Lucan also inflicts his target with the Poisoned effect. Drops: Venom, 200 Gold Lord Blackenord Level 18 Mechanical, Humanoid Health: 525/525 SP: 2 Special I: Repair Man - Heals all Mechanical Enemies by 25 points. Special II: Scatter-shot - Deals 10 damage to all heroes, disregarding row/SP. Drops: Topaz, 500 Gold Note - Specials will alternate. Sir Lamorak Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 600/600 Defense: 5 Special: Call for Backup - Sir Lamorak calls for a Rogue Lion Commander to assist him. Drops: Mail of the Renegade Commander U’Vires Level 2 Humanoid Health: 125/125 SP: 2 Special: Fire! – U’Vires fires a shot, instantly KOing the player. A roll of Damage is counted as a roll of Special Damage. Drops: Amulet of U’Kin Nobility *Note* - U'Vires cannot be effected by negative status effects. Sir Loren Type: Humanoid Level: 15 Health: 1000/1000 Defense: 10 Special: Angered Slash - Enraged, Sir Loren slashes at his target, pushing the target back as part of the Afraid effect. Sir Loren's increasing rage raises his Level by 1. Drops: Sword of Ancestral Hatred Emperor Roland Emeraldo Level 20 Humanoid Health: 670/678 Defense: 6 Special I: Deceive: Deals damage equal to the enemy's level. Special II: Corrupt: Turns a random opponent against their party for one turn. Drops: Twin Broadswords, Crown, Golden Armor Note: Specials alternate. The Party Thothwick, Level 17 1/2 Rouge Power: 25 (23 Ranged) Health: 28/28 Gold: 557 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat Nyx, Level 20 1/3 Battle Mage *Immune to Asleep-effect* *Lucky* *Blessed* Power: 33 Health: 30/30 Ether: 25/25 Defense: 0 Gold: 40 Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 2 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core Atramor Gibbin, Level 20 Witch Power: 30 Health: 23/23 (-14 for remainder of Quest) Ether: 7/9 (-9 for remainder of Quest) Gold: 52 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Grand Tonic, Fire Bomb, Ancient Crown (Give Enemy Cursed Effect on first hit of battle), Scroll of Sealing Tarn Valco, Level 15 1/2 Barbarian Power: 25 Health: 22/22 Defense: 2 Gold: 13 Inventory: Lion’s Heart (WP: 13, Suitable for Barbarians and Knights, stuns target on successful hits), Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Sand Worm Hide, Remedy, Shovel, Pickaxe William Harkenshire, Level 14 Ranger Power: 19 Health: 19/19 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Chimera Armor (Torsowear, Suitable for Knights and Barbarians, +2 SP, +2 Health), Lion Knight Shield (SP: 4, Unsuitable), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb Phil (NPC) *Encouraged* Level 20 1/3 Dastanian Power: 35 70 Health: 22/22 Gold: 50 Inventory: Dastan War Hammer (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental) Shield – Strikes the enemy with a terrific hit, halving their current health. Critical Hit – Attacks with WPx2 + Lvl Skrall, Level 19.5 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) *Party Leader* *Favors Bestial Enemies* *Blessed* *Lucky* *Encouraged* Power: 54 Health: 32/32 Defense: 0 Gold: 49 Inventory: Heavy Crossbow (WP: 8; Knock-back), Hunter's Crossbow (WP: 11; +4 vs. Beasts), Greatsword of Lion Nobles (WP: 20; User is Slowed), Smoke Bomb, Zoot's Cookie Alexandre le Chevalier, Level 13.5 Knight (Capt.JohnPaul) *Party Second-in-Command* Power: 21 Health: 22/22 Defense: 7 Gold: 77 Inventory: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 8; ignores SP), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 7), Potions (6), Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb Isabella del Toboso, Level 12 Rogue (Dharkan) Power: 21 Health: 18/18 Defense: 1 Gold: 74 Inventory: Fauxthril Dagger (WP: 8), Golden Dagger (WP: 3), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Cloak of the Invisible Elf (SP: 1; untargetable for first 2 Rounds of every Battle), Venom, Potions (7), Tonics (5), Nostrum, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Fire Bombs (3), Dragon Scales (2) Arthur Justus Regulus VII, Level 13.5 Mage (controlled by QM) Power: 20 Health: 19/19 Ether: 12/17 Defense: 1 Gold: 58 Inventory: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7; 50% chance of Fleeing instead of being KO'd), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Robe of Magi (SP:1), Potion(x2), Bedroll, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Shovel, Grand Tonic, Opal (Ice), Telescope, Amethyst (Darkness), Tonic, Mead Luke, Level 19.5 Sage (controlled by Waterbrick Down) *Pacifist* Power: 24 Health: 27/34 Ether: 20/26 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Arthur's Staff of Elven Necromancy (WP: 5), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Diamond (Light), Tonics (1), Bedroll Count Lewis Knyghton, Level 14.5 Engineer (controlled by Capt.JohnPaul) Power: 15 Health: 21/21 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Spatha (WP: 3), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1) Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) Level 10.5 Cleric *Immune to wind-based attacks* Power: 16 Health: 19/19 Ether: 11/15 Defense: 2 Gold: 93 Inventory: Peace (Hammer, WP: 6), Wooden Staff (WP:3), Bedroll, Shovel, 2x Potion, Tonic, Remedy, Elixir, Grand Tonic, Venom, Bone, Winged Helmet (SP:2, Immune to wind attacks), Phoenix Essence Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi) Level 10.5 Rogue Power: 15 Health: 20/20 (+4) Defense: 1 (+1) Gold: 242 Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Ranger and Rouges, +1 SP +4 Health), 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll De'kra (played by Tanma) Level 16 Rogue Power: 21 Health: 22/22 Defense: 1 Gold: 303 Inventory: Kapura (WP:5, Fire), Chiara (WP:5, Lightning), Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:5, unsuitable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Potion, 2x Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) Level 11 Mage Power: 18 Health: 15/15 Ether: 7/15 Defense: 0 Gold: 59 Inventory: Dragon's Wrath (Staff WP: 6), Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Dragon's Heart (WP: 15, Fire/Wind Elemental, Suitable to Knights and Rogues), Opal(Ice), Sapphire(Wind), Topaz(Lightning), Potion, Tonics (2), Bone Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock) Level 21 Paladin Power: 33 Defense: 9 Health: 43/43 (+2) Ether: 13/24 (+2) Gold: 70 Inventory: Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light, Paralyzing Venom Applied), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Lance (WP:12), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), Cloak of Chimera (Backwear, Suitable for Mage and Clerics, +2 Health, +2 Ether) Potion, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Blacksmith Writ, Bone, Cultist Documents, Lightning Bomb, Tonic Xander Unth'or (played by posades) *Lucky* Level 14.5 Barbarian Power: 22 (24 if fighting from front row) Health: 21/21 Gold: 311 Defense: 0 (1 if fighting from back row) Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP: 8; *Poisoned*), Double-Sided Battle Ax (WP:6, Aim), Enigmatic Hammer (WP: 3), Robe of the Pongcanis Champion (WP: 1 Front Row)(SP: 1 Back Row), Precision Bow (WP:6; all 'Aim's become 'Hit's; unsuitable), Potion (2), Grand Potion, Horse (WP: 1 Front Row), Skeleton Decoy, Venom, Elven Bomb Flavius (controlled by Xarrzan) Level 12.5 Winged Warrior Power: 17 Health: 16/18 Defense: 2 Gold: 0 Inventory: Handcrafted Bow (WP:5, ranged), Rock Shield (SP: 2) Note: Shield - Take to the Skies - Stuns all enemies for the current round and makes the user invulnerable for the next round. Denerii (controlled by Chromeknight) Level 16.5 Winged Warrior Power: 21 Health: 22/22 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Handcrafted Bow (WP: 5, ranged), Stone Knife (WP: 8) Note: Shield - Take to the Skies - Stuns all enemies for the current round and makes the user invulnerable for the next round.

Correct! I've also modified the rules just slightly, the new rules are posted below. The only change is the addition of rule #7. This rule was added because, while looking at potential scenarios, I realized that you could in theory just run from the enemy permanently, constantly falling back by using your turn to move to an adjacent room. This will prevent this.

Speaking of getting people to go through their consumables... looking at Atramor, Tarn, and Thothwick's supplies make me smile. They're all down so many consumables. Harkenshire and Nyx were harder to take down.

I loved the Paladin Conquest. I hope that there will eventually be a follow-up that Boomingham can take part in. Don't worry, we are amply terrified for what we've gotten ourselves into. Just remember, QM Zepher says Quests should be failable! You think 21 heroes is a lot, wait until you see your enemies!

OoC: Everyone check this over, and make sure that everything is correct, then, we will start the battle! Flitty, poison disappears after the battle, even if it was not used, so neither is poisoned. We need Xarrzan to divi up the loot anyway, so perhaps you ought to talk to your teams and prepare. This is RPG gold for the next 12 hours... and then the palace is going to get ugly. Phil tosses a Mead to Skrall and then downs one himself. "Let's get this party started," he sighs, hefting his hammer and walking to the Great Hall. <Master Skrall, I am pleased that I will be coordinating your commands. I am still far away in the mountains and am saddened I can not fight alongside you with true honor, but I can at least orchestrate the movements through the energy pools. As soon as you are ready, I can illuminate all your minds and tell you where the enemies are, and what their movement is as they travel through the palace.> "Heroes, you cannot move into Emeraldo's wing until combat is about to begin. He has barred it off, if we alert him before we are al prepared, he may flee." OoC: The heroes will be able to be in the corridor before the first round, but them entering will kick off the fighting. Essentially, no change to the combat or the map, just for story purposes. HOWEVER, the Rito cannot get up to the second floor of Emeraldo's wing that quickly, so I will place her in the corridor with the rest of the Emerlado-capturin' team. The Party Thothwick, Level 17 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 25 (23 Ranged) Health: 28/28 Gold: 557 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat Nyx, Level 20 1/3 Battle Mage *Immune to Asleep-effect* *Lucky* *Blessed* Power: 33 Health: 30/30 Ether: 25/25 Defense: 0 Gold: 40 Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 2 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core Atramor Gibbin, Level 20 Witch Power: 30 Health: 23/23 (-14 for remainder of Quest) Ether: 7/9 (-9 for remainder of Quest) Gold: 52 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Grand Tonic, Fire Bomb, Ancient Crown (Give Enemy Cursed Effect on first hit of battle), Scroll of Sealing Tarn Valco, Level 15 1/2 Barbarian Power: 25 Health: 16/22 Defense: 2 Gold: 13 Inventory: Lion’s Heart (WP: 13, Suitable for Barbarians and Knights, stuns target on successful hits), Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Sand Worm Hide, Remedy, Shovel, Pickaxe William Harkenshire, Level 14 Ranger Power: 19 Health: 19/19 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Chimera Armor (Torsowear, Suitable for Knights and Barbarians, +2 SP, +2 Health), Lion Knight Shield (SP: 4, Unsuitable), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb Phil (NPC) *Encouraged* Level 20 1/3 Dastanian Power: 35 70 Health: 22/22 Gold: 50 Inventory: Dastan War Hammer (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental) Shield – Strikes the enemy with a terrific hit, halving their current health. Critical Hit – Attacks with WPx2 + Lvl Skrall, Level 19.5 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) *Party Leader* *Favors Bestial Enemies* Power: 27 Health: 32/32 Defense: 0 Gold: 49 Inventory: Heavy Crossbow (WP: 8; Knock-back), Hunter's Crossbow (WP: 11; +4 vs. Beasts), Greatsword of Lion Nobles (WP: 20; User is Slowed), Smoke Bomb, Zoot's Cookie, Mead Alexandre le Chevalier, Level 13.5 Knight (Capt.JohnPaul) *Party Second-in-Command* Power: 21 Health: 22/22 Defense: 7 Gold: 77 Inventory: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 8; ignores SP), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 7), Potions (6), Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb Isabella del Toboso, Level 12 Rogue (Dharkan) Power: 21 Health: 18/18 Defense: 1 Gold: 74 Inventory: Fauxthril Dagger (WP: 8), Golden Dagger (WP: 3), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Cloak of the Invisible Elf (SP: 1; untargetable for first 2 Rounds of every Battle), Venom, Potions (7), Tonics (5), Nostrum, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Fire Bombs (3), Dragon Scales (2) Arthur Justus Regulus VII, Level 13.5 Mage (controlled by QM) Power: 20 Health: 19/19 Ether: 12/17 Defense: 1 Gold: 58 Inventory: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7; 50% chance of Fleeing instead of being KO'd), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Robe of Magi (SP:1), Potion(x2), Bedroll, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Shovel, Grand Tonic, Opal (Ice), Telescope, Amethyst (Darkness), Tonic, Mead Luke, Level 19.5 Sage (controlled by Waterbrick Down) *Pacifist* Power: 24 Health: 27/34 Ether: 21/26 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Arthur's Staff of Elven Necromancy (WP: 5), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Diamond (Light), Tonics (1), Bedroll Count Lewis Knyghton, Level 14.5 Engineer (controlled by Capt.JohnPaul) Power: 15 Health: 21/21 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Spatha (WP: 3), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1) Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) Level 10.5 Cleric *Immune to wind-based attacks* Power: 16 Health: 19/19 Ether: 11/15 Defense: 2 Gold: 47 Inventory: Peace (Hammer, WP: 6), Wooden Staff (WP:3), Bedroll, Shovel, 2x Potion, Tonic, Remedy, Elixir, Grand Tonic, Venom, Bone, Winged Helmet (SP:2, Immune to wind attacks), Phoenix Essence Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi) Level 10.5 Rogue Power: 15 Health: 20/20 (+4) Defense: 1 (+1) Gold: 196 Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Ranger and Rouges, +1 SP +4 Health), 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll De'kra (played by Tanma) Level 16 Rogue Power: 21 Health: 22/22 Defense: 1 Gold: 257 Inventory: Kapura (WP:5, Fire), Chiara (WP:5, Lightning), Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:5, unsuitable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Potion, 2x Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) *Party Leader* Level 11 Mage Power: 18 Health: 15/15 Ether: 7/15 Defense: 0 Gold: 38 Inventory: Dragon's Wrath (Staff WP: 6), Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Dragon's Heart (WP: 15, Fire/Wind Elemental, Suitable to Knights and Rogues), Opal(Ice), Sapphire(Wind), Topaz(Lightning), Potion, Tonic, Bone Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock) Level 21 Paladin Power: 33 Defense: 9 Health: 43/43 (+2) Ether: 13/24 (+2) Gold: 49 Inventory: Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light, Paralyzing Venom Applied), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Lance (WP:12), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), Cloak of Chimera (Backwear, Suitable for Mage and Clerics, +2 Health, +2 Ether) Potion, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Blacksmith Writ, Bone, Cultist Documents, Lightning Bomb Xander Unth'or (played by posades) Level 14.5 Barbarian Power: 22 (24 if fighting from front row) Health: 21/21 Gold: 311 Defense: 0 (1 if fighting from back row) Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP: 8), Double-Sided Battle Ax (WP:6, Aim), Enigmatic Hammer (WP: 3), Robe of the Pongcanis Champion (WP: 1 Front Row)(SP: 1 Back Row), Potion (2), Grand Potion, Horse (WP: 1 Front Row), Skeleton Decoy, 2x Venom, Elven Bomb Flavius (controlled by Xarrzan) Level 12.5 Winged Warrior Power: 17 Health: 16/18 Defense: 2 Gold: 0 Inventory: Handcrafted Bow (WP:5, ranged), Rock Shield (SP: 2) Note: Shield - Take to the Skies - Stuns all enemies for the current round and makes the user invulnerable for the next round. Denerii (controlled by Chromeknight) Level 16.5 Winged Warrior Power: 21 Health: 22/22 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Handcrafted Bow (WP: 5, ranged), Stone Knife (WP: 8) Note: Shield - Take to the Skies - Stuns all enemies for the current round and makes the user invulnerable for the next round. *Remember that time BD made his pictures beautiful and aesthetically pleasing with their see-through backgrounds, and then remember that time Zepher didn't know how to make that carry over to GIMP? Those were good times. Also: front door added. Also, I just realized I failed to place Alandri. He is in the most north-east room in his wing on the first floor... the bathroom. He will be up in all the following pictures.

Will get that map to you tomorrow. Emeraldo is already somewhere in his wing. You don't know where. The others will be entering. The main entrance is on the bottom wall into that main corridor below the Great Hall. The enemies may be entering from anywhere, no way to really know... though, you know, the entrance would be easier for them to enter through than the walls. Added the fire bombs to the other two, forgot you, sorry. You're correct about the lucky and blessed as well, forgot it was not used up in the hex battle. This counts as one battle. You decide all your actions, as always. The PL just does the 21 character BO. Phil will remain under my control for the battle. He will act predictably, don't worry. You may, as always, shout suggestions. Sometimes my NPCs take suggestions, sometimes they don't.

Meh meh meh, rail-roading. Trust us, we know! Anywho, this is hopefully going to be epic! I'm very excited to see what happens. 21 heroes (including NPCs) and... who knows how many enemies . Anyway, it's 3 here, so I probably made mistakes. Check me, questies, and then let's get this final act of the Dastan Trilogy rolling!

There is a flash of light and Vipera appears in the heroes' heads. <To the place, now, masters. We are making a stand. The city has fallen to Lion Knights. They surged through secret tunnels. They are almost upon you. You must retreat inside, and fight from within. The other Emperors need your protecting. The other heroes are there. Go.> The heroes luckily don't have far to travel. They can, quickly, however, that the city has indeed fallen. Smoke billows forth from the ruins all around them. They round a corner and are greeted by two Rogue Lion Knights, sneering. Beyond them, the heroes can see the front doors to the palace. The heroes raise their weapons, prepared, but the Lion Knights lose their heads before the heroes even get the chance to move. Sir Leofard stands behind the two headless bodies as they pummel to the ground. His sword is wet with blood. "Now is the time, heroes. Now is our final stand. You must move to the palace quickly." Nikolai nods to Leofard, and the two men shake hands. Nikolai leads the heroes to the palace. The door swings open for them...

Almost on cue, there is a flash in their eyes, and a voice in heir heads. <Master Skrall, you must listen to me and move quickly. You have fought valiantly, but you fought but a diversion. The invading army has slipped below you in a series of tunnels, and you now have a wall between you and them. They have flooded Dastan. You must retreat to the palace. The Emperors will be defended there. I have chosen now to tell you as you must move now. There is an opening on the streets you will need to take.> Leofard points grimly. The heroes turn to stare back at the city. It is on fire, blazing. Smoke billows upwards. Even from far off, now that they know to listen, they can hear the sound of clashing steel. Leofard turns to the heroes. "I will use my men to break through the gates, bringing us back to the city. They will then sweep upwards towards the palace, while the nine of us make a dash for it." The heroes are lead by Leofard to the wall, and when he calls out, his men plow forward, overwhelming the few rogue guards left near the entrance to the city. Leofard's men start to disappear in small squads down different streets, while the heroes follow Vipera's express directions and take a direct route to the palace. As they pass through the burning city, they are successful in avoiding all rogue invading forces. Leofard bounds up the stairs to the palace's entrance, and pounds on the door. It slides open.

OoC: Fixed, Nyx and Tarn got back the health equal to their level, as Natural Respite says (though I did forgetit completely, so thanks for the reminder). Fixed. Also: impressive playing through the rail-roading. "Sorry, there must be a smudge, these double doors right here are connected to that most southern corridor. You can see, if you-" There is a thud on the door. Phil raises his hammer and thrusts it open. The heroes are relieved to see their allies, the heroes from Quest 31. "Is Alandri here and safe?" "He had left the wall before the enemies arrived. He is in the palace." "Where am I most needed?" <Your men have rallied outside the northern wall. Sir Lyonel has fallen, he is wounded badly and cannot lead. You are needed.> "I will protect the Emperors. Thank you for your assistance." Phil lowers his hammer and shakes Leofard's hand. "It has been a pleasure serving with you. You, Leonard and all your men have proven that the blood of Dastan is still strong in the Lion Knights. You are noble fighters. We were wrong to have thrown you out. I wish only that you had returned on invitation, instead of chasing after renegades." Leofard bows bravely and then closes the door on the heroes, Phil, Ella, and Emperor Septrine. Before anyone can act, however, Vipera's voice rings out one more time. <Your final allies have arrived.> The heroes of Quest 29 stumble in, followed by Nikolai and the Rito. "Are we all here?" "All who can make it." The heroes look around. They are not, as it first appeared, in that bad of shape. The Party Thothwick, Level 17 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 25 (23 Ranged) Health: 28/28 Gold: 557 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8, Poisoned), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5, Poisoned), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat Nyx, Level 20 1/3 Battle Mage *Immune to Asleep-effect* Power: 33 Health: 26/30 Ether: 18/25 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core, Dragon Scale Atramor Gibbin, Level 20 Witch Power: 30 Health: 23/23 (-14 for remainder of Quest) Ether: 7/9 (-9 for remainder of Quest) Gold: 12 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Grand Tonic, Fire Bomb, Ancient Crown (Give Enemy Cursed Effect on first hit of battle), Scroll of Sealing Tarn Valco, Level 15 1/2 Barbarian Power: 25 Health: 16/22 Defense: 2 Gold: 13 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Sand Worm Hide, Remedy, Shovel, Pickaxe William Harkenshire, Level 14 Ranger Power: 19 Health: 19/19 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Chimera Armor (Torsowear, Suitable for Knights and Barbarians, +2 SP, +2 Health) Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb Phil (NPC) Level 20 1/3 Dastanian Power: 35 Health: 22/22 Gold: 50 Inventory: Dastan War Hammer (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Mead x2 Shield – Strikes the enemy with a terrific hit, halving their current health. Critical Hit – Attacks with WPx2 + Lvl Skrall, Level 19.5 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) *Party Leader* *Favors Bestial Enemies* Power: 27 Health: 32/32 Defense: 0 Gold: 49 Inventory: Heavy Crossbow (WP: 8; Knock-back), Hunter's Crossbow (WP: 11; +4 vs. Beasts), Greatsword of Lion Nobles (WP: 20; User is Slowed), Smoke Bomb, Zoot's Cookie Alexandre le Chevalier, Level 13.5 Knight (Capt.JohnPaul) *Party Second-in-Command* Power: 21 Health: 22/22 Defense: 7 Gold: 77 Inventory: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 8; ignores SP), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 7), Potions (6), Tonic, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb Isabella del Toboso, Level 12 Rogue (Dharkan) Power: 21 Health: 18/18 Defense: 1 Gold: 74 Inventory: Fauxthril Dagger (WP: 8), Golden Dagger (WP: 3), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Cloak of the Invisible Elf (SP: 1; untargetable for first 2 Rounds of every Battle), Venom, Potions (7), Tonics (5), Nostrum, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Fire Bombs (3), Dragon Scales (2) Arthur Justus Regulus VII, Level 13.5 Mage (controlled by QM) Power: 20 Health: 19/19 Ether: 12/17 Defense: 1 Gold: 58 Inventory: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7; 50% chance of Fleeing instead of being KO'd), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Robe of Magi (SP:1), Potion(x2), Bedroll, Healing Staff (WP: 5), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Shovel, Grand Tonic, Opal (Ice), Telescope, Amethyst (Darkness), Tonic, Mead Luke, Level 19.5 Sage (controlled by Waterbrick Down) *Pacifist* Power: 24 Health: 27/34 Ether: 11/26 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Arthur's Staff of Elven Necromancy (WP: 5), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1), Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Diamond (Light), Tonics (2), Bedroll Count Lewis Knyghton, Level 14.5 Engineer (controlled by Capt.JohnPaul) Power: 15 Health: 21/21 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Spatha (WP: 3), Standard-Issue Crossbow (WP: 1) Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) Level 10.5 Cleric *Immune to wind-based attacks* Power: 16 Health: 19/19 Ether: 11/15 Defense: 2 Gold: 47 Inventory: Peace (Hammer, WP: 6), Wooden Staff (WP:3), Bedroll, Shovel, 2x Potion, Tonic, Remedy, Nostrum, Elixir, Grand Tonic, Venom, Bone, Winged Helmet (SP:2, Immune to wind attacks) Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi) Level 10.5 Rogue Power: 15 Health: 20/20 (+4) Defense: 1 (+1) Gold: 196 Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Ranger and Rouges, +1 SP +4 Health), 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll De'kra (played by Tanma) Level 16 Rogue Power: 21 Health: 22/22 Defense: 1 Gold: 257 Inventory: Kapura (WP:5, Fire), Chiara (WP:5, Lightning), Shadeaux Dagger (WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:5, unsuitable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Potion, 2x Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) *Party Leader* Level 11 Mage Power: 18 Health: 15/15 Ether: 7/15 Defense: 0 Gold: 38 Inventory: Dragon's Wrath (Staff WP: 6), Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Dragon's Heart (WP: 15, Fire/Wind Elemental, Suitable to Knights and Rogues), Opal(Ice), Sapphire(Wind), Topaz(Lightning), Potion, Tonic, Bone Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock) Level 21 Paladin Power: 33 Defense: 9 Health: 43/43 (+2) Ether: 14/24 (+2) Gold: 49 Inventory: Zoot's Bane (WP:12, Light), Healing Staff (WP:5 Healing effect), Bloody Pointy Stick (WP:1), Lance (WP:12), Ennoc's Blessing (Shield, SP:7), Elaborate Helmet (SP:2), Cloak of Chimera (Backwear, Suitable for Mage and Clerics, +2 Health, +2 Ether) Potion, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Paralyzing Venom, Blacksmith Writ, Bone, Cultist Documents, Lightning Bomb Xander Unth'or (played by posades) Level 14.5 Barbarian Power: 22 (24 if fighting from front row) Health: 21/21 Gold: 311 Defense: 0 (1 if fighting from back row) Inventory: Pongcanis Club (WP: 8), Double-Sided Battle Ax (WP:6, Aim), Enigmatic Hammer (WP: 3), Robe of the Pongcanis Champion (WP: 1 Front Row)(SP: 1 Back Row), Potion (2), Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Horse (WP: 1 Front Row), Skeleton Decoy, 2x Venom, Elven Bomb Flavius (controlled by Xarrzan) Level 12.5 Winged Warrior Power: 17 Health: 16/18 Defense: 2 Gold: 0 Inventory: Handcrafted Bow (WP:5, ranged), Rock Shield (SP: 2) Note: Shield - Take to the Skies - Stuns all enemies for the current round and makes the user invulnerable for the next round. Denerii (controlled by Chromeknight) Level 16.5 Winged Warrior Power: 21 Health: 22/22 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Handcrafted Bow (WP: 5, ranged), Stone Knife (WP: 8) Note: Shield - Take to the Skies - Stuns all enemies for the current round and makes the user invulnerable for the next round. Nikolai steps forward. "Let me explain to you how you will defend the palace." *Please note, the entrance is on the first floor on the southern wall. It opens into the south most corridor. "We've got a few commands of business to attend to, first, however. One of you party leaders has got to organize the whole operation. We'll let you figure out which one. Then you've all got to station yourselves in the palace. I'm personally going to take up station in the foyer before the throne room. We have sent word to Alandri, asking him to prepare himself. He has stowed himself in his own wing. Septrine and will remain in the throne room. Center of the palace, most protected spot. Also, we cannot currently get into Emeraldo's Wing, so you may not station yourselves there. Heroes with Nikolai, you must enter that wing and kill Emeraldo. It is time he answered for his crimes. I fear if we win and let him live, he will flee through the tunnels." "Ella will not stay with me. She will be placed in her study. If the enemy reaches me, I want her far away. They will come to my throne room. They will not bother her study. Lock the door, dear, and wait until everything is done. I love you." "I will do as you command, father. I love you too." Ella turns to the heroes bravely. "Be strong, fight bravely, may there be fire in your hearts." Ella walks off towards the Septrine wing of the palace. <I will be able to coordinate your movements. I can tell you where the enemy are, and how many.> "Prepare yourselves, heroes." JUST TO RECAP for you poor buggers, here are your current duties. 1) Party leaders, divide all that loot you just got. 2) Party leaders, pick your ULTIMATE party leader. 3) All players, place yourselves in any room of the palace (excluding those of Emeraldo's Wing). Remember your objective (Q:29 - Take down Emeraldo/Protect Nikolai) (Q:30 - Protect Emperor Septrine) (Q31 - Protect Alandri).

Market Invasion Round Thirteen Nyx v. Lyons - Miss Counter Atramor v. Rogue Commander B - Damage (Hexed) Phil v. Lyons Rogue Commander B - Critical Hit The battle continues. Nyx is struck by Lyons (-12) but she whacks him with her book, sending him stumbling in the other direction (-[13-10]=3). Atramor swings and misses. Thrown off balance, Atramor stumbles, and the Commander swings at Atramor, but his eyes flash and the Commander instead swings past Atramor, gashing Lyons with a fatal wound. Lyons tumbles to the floor, leaning against a near-by wall, coughing blood. Phil lifts his hammer and ends the Commander's lift with a blow that crushes his helmet and head. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! The Party Thothwick, Level 17 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 25 (23 Ranged) Health: 1/28 Gold: 557 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8, Poisoned), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5, Poisoned), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat Nyx, Level 20 1/3 Battle Mage *Immune to Asleep-effect* Power: 33 Health: 26/30 Ether: 18/25 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core, Dragon Scale Atramor Gibbin, Level 20 Witch Power: 30 Health: 5/23 (-14 for remainder of Quest) Ether: 2/9 (-9 for remainder of Quest) Gold: 12 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Grand Tonic, Fire Bomb, Ether Core, Ancient Crown (Give Enemy Cursed Effect on first hit of battle), Scroll of Sealing Tarn Valco, Level 15 1/2 Barbarian Power: 25 Health: 16/22 Defense: 2 Gold: 13 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Sand Worm Hide, Remedy, Shovel, Pickaxe William Harkenshire, Level 14 Ranger Power: 19 Health: 1/19 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Chimera Armor (Torsowear, Suitable for Knights and Barbarians, +2 SP, +2 Health) Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb Phil (NPC) Level 20 Dastanian Power: 35 Health: 10/22 Gold: 50 Inventory: Dastan War Hammer (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Mead x2 Shield – Strikes the enemy with a terrific hit, halving their current health. Critical Hit – Attacks with WPx2 + Lvl [/color] Drops: - Lion’s Heart (WP: 13, Suitable for Barbarians and Knights, stuns target on successful hits) - Lion Knight Shield (SP: 4) - 80 Gold Lyons sits sputtering next to a building. Mallelio lowers his staff and approaches the man hesitantly. Ella and the Emperor look on, the first with pity, the second with ferocity. Lyons spits in Mallelio's direction, and turns to the heroes. "Heroes, you will fall with Dastan. The Lions will prevail, and I will live, and we will raise above you all as the rightful leaders. The Lions! Ho ho ho! You have chosen the wrong side, heroes! Ho ho ho! You will watch as I rise above you all, along with Sir Loren, and Sir Laurant, and Lord Lucan will spit on your burning bones, and Sir Lamorak and I will piss upon them! Ho ho ho! You will burn, heroes, with Drakencourt, with this relic of oppressive power-" "We haven't the time for all this," says Phil simply, and raises his great hammer. He then sweeps it down into Lyons' face. There is a crunching sound. His helmet flies off. Phil picks up Lyons' sword. As the heroes stop focusing on the ramblings of the dying Lion Knight, they hear around them the sounds of invasion. The enemy has entered the city, there is no doubt, through thousands of tunnel entrances. People cry out. There are fires in the distance. Smoke billows upwards. "Sorry, but time was dying. Didn't have the time for a death rattle. Listen to me, heroes. We must fall back to the palace immediately. We have no time. The people of Dastan can and will defend themselves. They will be crushed not by the death of hundreds of their peers, but rather that of the Emperor. Especially once we release that Emeraldo is a traitor to the public. We must protect Emperor Septrine, even if we lose citizens. That's the rough truth of the situation." There is a sudden flash of light and Vipera's voice is in their heads, urgent. <Hans and Poletad will be unable to make it to the palace. I have ordered them to take refuge. They have done so. I can not see in Dastan Prison. It has surely been entered, and Blackenord had returned to freedom. I can not tell if Felton is alive or dead. I will tell the heroes outside the city to return as soon as there is a clear path for them to the palace. You must move immediately to arrive at the palace. Your routes will be cut off shortly by invading forces.> "Alright, let's get moving then, heroes." "I will not accompany you to the palace, Victor." "Mallelio?!" "I must go do something else, my sweetest girl. I have seen two leaders of the Dragon Knights killed in the last few days. The remaining Dragon Knights need direction. I can make it through the battle to them, and rally them at the palace. You heroes will need reinforcements. You need to get the King and Ella through to the palace. Do not argue, heroes. I need you all here, protecting Ella and the Emperor." Mallelio turns confidently and disappears down an alley way as Phil leads the heroes directly to the palace. Vipera has timed their move correctly, and they run into no Lion Knights. Phil gets to the doors and waits at them, allowing all the heroes inside, then slamming them shut. He passes the heroes a map of the palace. "Think you can defend it?" asks Phil wearily, but with his grim smile still on his face. "And which of you wants that old goat's sword?"

OoC: AWWWW. Sorry Pandora, I've been waiting on you, but I never deleted that you were stunned from last round, so you probably thought you were stunned again... because, you know, your QM wrote that you were by accident. That was just me being stupid and copy-pasting!

Quest 38 Sign-Ups Althior (K-Nut) Alexis (Masked Builder) Johon (Bricksandparts) Christopher Daggerfall (Fred Fred Burger) Nagure (Costy) Dak (Darth Nihilus) Haldor (Scorpiox) Jess (Sisco) Quest 39 Sign-Ups (Will end on July 22nd) TEAM GUTS (Guts [scubaCarrot], Hybros [JimBee], Alexis [Masked Builder])

OoC: Fixed! Thank you.

Market Invasion Round Twelve Tarn v. Rogue Commander B - Damage Atramor v. Rogue Commander B - Shield Phil v. Lyons - Miss The battle continues. Tarn raises his ax, shouting out to his friends, but his tired enemy slides his sword into Tarn's shoulder, and Tarn falls. Atramor blindly fires magical energy at the Commander, who gets thrown back by the forced, and stands up with glowing eyes once more. Lyons huffs and puffs, as does Phil, who musters the energy to swing is hammer. Lyons limps out of the way. The Enemies Lyons Level 24 Humanoid Health: 5/475 SP: 10 Special: Lion's Roar - Lyons hacks at his enemy, dealing them 24 damage. The attack is so forceful that he stuns the target and encourages all his allies. Drops: Lion’s Heart (WP: 13, stuns target on successful hits), Lion Knight Shield (SP: 4) *Lyons' high grade armor protects him from the Poisoned and Badly Poisoned effects* Rogue Lion Commander B Level 15 Humanoid *Poisoned* *Hexed* Health: 25/150 SP: 2 Special: Rally - The commander rallies his troops, doubling their Damage dealt during the next Round as part of the Encouraged effect. Drops: 40 Gold The Party Thothwick, Level 17 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader* *KO'd* Power: 25 (23 Ranged) Health: 0/28 Gold: 557 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8, Poisoned), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5, Poisoned), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat Nyx, Level 20 Battle Mage *Immune to Asleep-effect* Power: 33 Health: 18/30 Ether: 18/25 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core, Dragon Scale Atramor Gibbin, Level 19 1/2 Witch *Acting Party Leader* Power: 28 Health: 4/22 (-14 for remainder of Quest) Ether: 1/8 (-9 for remainder of Quest) Gold: 12 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Grand Tonic, Fire Bomb, Ether Core, Ancient Crown (Give Enemy Cursed Effect on first hit of battle), Scroll of Sealing Tarn Valco, Level 15 1/2 Barbarian *KO'd* Power: 25 Health: 0/22 Defense: 2 Gold: 13 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Sand Worm Hide, Remedy, Shovel, Pickaxe William Harkenshire, Level 14 Ranger *KO'd* Power: 19 Health: 0/19 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Chimera Armor (Torsowear, Suitable for Knights and Barbarians, +2 SP, +2 Health) Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb Phil (NPC) Level 20 Dastanian Power: 35 Health: 10/22 Gold: 50 Inventory: Dastan War Hammer (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Mead x2 Shield – Strikes the enemy with a terrific hit, halving their current health. Critical Hit – Attacks with WPx2 + Lvl [/color]

Can we all be the tree stumps in it? I think there should be an equal number of tree stumps to players.

Market Invasion Round Eleven Atramor heals Phil - Special Damage No Heal Tarn v. Rogue Commander B - Shield Nyx v. Lyons - Special Damage Phil v. Lyons - Shield The battle continues. Atramor tries to heal Phil, but the power does not come to him. Tarn flies into a fury, hacking at the two remaining enemies, first the Commander and then Lyons (-[25-2]=23) (-[25-10]=15). Nyx tries to charge up a bolt of darkness, but the now battered Lyons rushes up to her and stabs her (-24/2=12) with such force that she is stunned for the next turn. Lyons also shouts encouragements to his weary fellow commander. Phil knocks Lyons away from Nyx with a feeble hit that only rocks the Lion Knight back a few steps (9/2=5). The poison in the Commander's blood stings at him (-1) as he and Lyons raise their swords wearily, preparing for the next round. The Enemies Lyons Level 24 48 Humanoid *Encouraged* Health: 5/475 SP: 10 Special: Lion's Roar - Lyons hacks at his enemy, dealing them 24 damage. The attack is so forceful that he stuns the target and encourages all his allies. Drops: Lion’s Heart (WP: 13, stuns target on successful hits), Lion Knight Shield (SP: 4) *Lyons' high grade armor protects him from the Poisoned and Badly Poisoned effects* Rogue Lion Commander B Level 15 30 Humanoid *Poisoned* *Encouraged* Health: 25/150 SP: 2 Special: Rally - The commander rallies his troops, doubling their Damage dealt during the next Round as part of the Encouraged effect. Drops: 40 Gold The Party Thothwick, Level 17 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader* *KO'd* Power: 25 (23 Ranged) Health: 0/28 Gold: 557 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8, Poisoned), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5, Poisoned), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat Nyx, Level 20 Battle Mage *Immune to Asleep-effect* *Stunned* Power: 33 Health: 18/30 Ether: 18/25 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core, Dragon Scale Atramor Gibbin, Level 19 1/2 Witch *Acting Party Leader* Power: 28 Health: 4/22 (-14 for remainder of Quest) Ether: 1/8 (-9 for remainder of Quest) Gold: 12 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Grand Tonic, Fire Bomb, Ether Core, Ancient Crown (Give Enemy Cursed Effect on first hit of battle), Scroll of Sealing Tarn Valco, Level 15 1/2 Barbarian Power: 25 Health: 9/22 Defense: 2 Gold: 13 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Sand Worm Hide, Remedy, Shovel, Pickaxe William Harkenshire, Level 14 Ranger *KO'd* Power: 19 Health: 0/19 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Chimera Armor (Torsowear, Suitable for Knights and Barbarians, +2 SP, +2 Health) Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb Phil (NPC) Level 20 Dastanian Power: 35 Health: 10/22 Gold: 50 Inventory: Dastan War Hammer (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Mead x2 Shield – Strikes the enemy with a terrific hit, halving their current health. Critical Hit – Attacks with WPx2 + Lvl [/color]

I was so excited until I saw the Mafia School part. GOOD LUCK!

Darkdragon, cursed enemies lose 3 maximum health each round.

OoC: In previous rounds, Phil's Shield Ability has not been affected by Lyon's SP. This was a normal old hit, though.

OoC: That's a-okay with me, Pandy, just figured a reminder couldn't do any harm. Market Invasion Round Ten Atramor Gibbin heals Phil - Shield Tarn Valco v. Rogue Lion Commander B - Damage Nyx v. Nyx - Critical Hit (Healing Staff) (No Summon) Phil v. Lyons - Hit The battle continues. The team starts to pull itself together. Atramor's magic flies forward and slams into the Commander, who, after raising his sword and impaling Tarn (-13), stumbles backwards. The Commander's eyes glow orange. Nyx raises her healing staff as blood once more seeps from her sides, only this time around the staff successfully slams into her body and she feels as her wounds close and her weary body grows strong once more (+25). Phil meanwhile rams his hammer into Lyons, though the Knight laughs as his armor absorbs the blow (-([20/2]-10)=0). The poisons in the Commander's body sink deeper (-1). The Enemies=0) Lyons Level 24 Humanoid Health: 24/475 SP: 10 Special: Lion's Roar - Lyons hacks at his enemy, dealing them 24 damage. The attack is so forceful that he stuns the target and encourages all his allies. Drops: Lion’s Heart (WP: 13, stuns target on successful hits), Lion Knight Shield (SP: 4) *Lyons' high grade armor protects him from the Poisoned and Badly Poisoned effects* Rogue Lion Commander B Level 15 Humanoid *Poisoned* *Hexed* Health: 48/150 SP: 2 Special: Rally - The commander rallies his troops, doubling their Damage dealt during the next Round as part of the Encouraged effect. Drops: 40 Gold The Party Thothwick, Level 17 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader* *KO'd* Power: 25 (23 Ranged) Health: 0/28 Gold: 557 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8, Poisoned), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5, Poisoned), 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat Nyx, Level 20 Battle Mage *Immune to Asleep-effect* Power: 33 Health: 30/30 Ether: 18/25 Defense: 0 Gold: 0 Inventory: Book of a Thousand Creatures (WP:13, each roll has a 1/6 chance to summon a creature to aid the hero), Dawnstar II (WP: 9), Healing Staff (WP: 5), Shiny Helmet (+1 max health), Ruby (Fire), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Garnet (Earth), Sandman's Parasol, Potion, Remedy, 3 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core, Dragon Scale Atramor Gibbin, Level 19 1/2 Witch *Acting Party Leader* Power: 28 Health: 4/22 (-14 for remainder of Quest) Ether: 1/8 (-9 for remainder of Quest) Gold: 12 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Grand Tonic, Fire Bomb, Ether Core, Ancient Crown (Give Enemy Cursed Effect on first hit of battle), Scroll of Sealing Tarn Valco, Level 15 1/2 Barbarian Power: 25 Health: 9/22 Defense: 2 Gold: 13 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Sand Worm Hide, Remedy, Shovel, Pickaxe William Harkenshire, Level 14 Ranger *KO'd* Power: 19 Health: 0/19 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Chimera Armor (Torsowear, Suitable for Knights and Barbarians, +2 SP, +2 Health) Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb Phil (NPC) Level 20 Dastanian Power: 35 Health: 10/22 Gold: 50 Inventory: Dastan War Hammer (WP: 15, Fire/Earth Elemental), Mead x2 Shield – Strikes the enemy with a terrific hit, halving their current health. Critical Hit – Attacks with WPx2 + Lvl [/color]