Zepher

OoC: I debated how long to wait, but I'm following Sandy's advice from Quest 34. NPCs wouldn't wait for EVERY character to speak up, in reality, and I think I gave a fair amount of time. Besides, you can still use them later... you might need them. HOWEVER, I don't know if VP is around, so if you want to have him take a potion BEFORE the battle, you may command him to do so, Flitty. Also, control his actions for the time being?

"How likely do you think I am to allow a known murderer near the Emperor while he is under my watch, Atramor? Not very. And what's all this about tunnels? You must not take me to be that foolish." Clara hesitates when Thothwick speaks up. "I do not know if I can allow you to pass, even so. I will perhaps go have a word with him when the speech is over." Phil sprints up, helmet on head and war hammer in hand. He inhales deeply. "We have no time, Clara. Your hatred can't be aimed at the heroes and you must prepare to defend Drakencourt. Send down the royal family. Send home the citizens. Tell them to bolt their doors and arm themselves. The enemy is upon Drakencourt." Clara hesitates another second, looks at Thothwick, and charges up the stairs. A few seconds later, Mallelio, Ella and Severus dash towards the heroes. The heroes set out towards the palace as Clara starts to yell from the platform. "People of Dastan! Run! Flee! Get to your houses and defend yourself!" Perhaps it is because the order to flee is coming from a Dragon Knight, or perhaps it is their Emperor's abrupt departure, but whatever the reason, the citizens of Dastan descend into a panic. The heroes and royal party are rammed by a wave of fleeing men, women, U'Kin, and others. Ella is nearly trampled before Phil and Mallelio help her to her feet. There are cracking noises and the sound of metal on metal, and many many screams of terror. Suddenly a bang rings out. Many of the remaining citizens regain their composure and turn in shock. Their eyes arrive on the platform just in time to hear another bang and see the terror that accompanies it. Clara's headless body plummets from the platform as U'Vires is joined by XX and Wren. "People of Dastan, I have great news for you people of Dastan! You are free! No longer must you suffer under the years of suffering you have been forced to suffer through! The Emperors are an old and illogical system. They are out of touch with the people, and they do not care about the people, and they do not protect the people, and they do not respect the people. They respect Dastan, or their vision of Dastan is all they respect. But it is not the true Dastan is not their vision! They see Dastan as it was long ago, but times have changed and they are not longer fit to rule because times have changed! We are a revolution! We are the voice of the new and true Dastan and we are the voice of it! We will destroy the old way and make way for the new true Dastan!" U'Vires' eyes rest on the heroes. He grimaces. "Good bye to the old way and its defenders. Hello to the new true Dastan. Witness, people, as the Lion Knights reclaim what is the Lion Knight's!" The heroes look around frantically and see that Rogue Lion Knights have indeed crawled out of the tunnels and now surround the Market. "XX, go free Blackenord who is imprisoned. We will need Blackenord. Wren, you are to stay with me Wren. We will go collect Roland once the heroes in his way are dead, and then we will march on Alandri together once we have collected Roland. Lyons, stay with your men. I give you the honor of ending the life of Emperor Severus Septrine." "Ho ho ho! My pleasure, Lord U'Vires! My pleasure!" Sir Lyons turns to the heroes. "Finally, the buffoonery is over! No longer do I have to serve fools. The Lion Knights have come to me. Now you will face the force of a true military, heroes! Ho ho ho!" The Lion Knights close in on the heroes. Mallelio tosses Atramor his scroll before he slams his staff into the ground and a cage of lightning surrounds Ella, Mallelio and the Emperor, keeping them safe from any blows that might sneak by the heroes, but preventing them from fighting. The Enemies Lyons Level 24 Humanoid Health: 475/475 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 A Level 15 Humanoid Health: 150/150 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 Rogue Lion Commander B Level 15 Humanoid Health: 150/150 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 Rogue Lion Pikeman A Level 10 Humanoid Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round, but also making them unable to deal Free Hits. Drops: Nothing Rogue Lion Pikeman B Level 10 Humanoid Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round, but also making them unable to deal Free Hits. Drops: Nothing Rogue Lion Pikeman C Level 10 Humanoid Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round, but also making them unable to deal Free Hits. Drops: Nothing Rogue Lion Pikeman D Level 10 Humanoid Health: 50/50 Defense: 2 Special: Stick Together - All Pikemen present huddle together, halving their Damage taken during the next Round, but also making them unable to deal Free Hits. Drops: Nothing The Party Thothwick, Level 17 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 25 (23 Ranged) Health: 28/28 Gold: 518 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8, Poisoned), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5, Poisoned), 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat, Phoenix Essence Nyx, Level 20 Battle Mage *Immune to Asleep-effect* Power: 33 Health: 30/30 Ether: 19/25 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 Power: 28 Health: 22/22 (-14 for remainder of Quest) Ether: 3/8 (-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, Phoenix Essence, 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: 22/22 Defense: 2 Gold: 13 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Sand Worm Hide, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Holy Bomb, 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) Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX Phil (NPC) Level 20 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

The heroes follow Phil to the palace, where he directs them in the way of the Great Market. "I'll be with you shortly heroes, I need to prepare the defenses. Get the royal family here. I'll try to see if we can contact Alandri. He could try to making it to the palace, or, if he's far enough past the enemies, he could try to break through and avoid this battle. That may be the only way to have an Emperor alive at the end of all of that. Of course, that means sending off someone to find him, and Poletad and Hans-" <I will do it> Vipera assures them all in their heads. <I cannot reach Emperor Septrine or Ella Septrine or Mallelio Dragonstone. They are wrapped in protective spells to prevent an attack from Wren. Alandri and Hans and Poletad are people I will be able to contact. It is my turn to serve you>. Phil nods to the heroes. "Bring the Emperor and Ella back here at all costs". The heroes rush off to the Great Market. It is crowded with the citizens of Dastan, staring up as Emperor Septrine delivers his speech. "...we are the people of Dastan. We have had people at our gates before! We won't fall! That's not our way, is it my people?! No! We will stand strong! That is what we do. That is what the people of Dastan do. They stand strong. They have a heart of fire. Your Emperors have not forgotten you. Alandri leads our forces as we speak. Dastan is crushing its enemies as we speak. We are crushing our enemies as we speak. That is the way of Dastan! That..." The only entrance to the platform is at the back of the building. The heroes rush to it and are greeted by a famaliar face (to only some of you maybe?). Clara, former page to Constance, stands in full Dragon Knight gear, barring the doorway. "Hello, murderers. What do you want here?"

"We believed those tunnels destroyed..." "They're not. I don't build things that fall apart," Blackenord calls from his cell. "You're going to want to hurry though. The invasion should be coming... around now." "The Emperor... Ella, Mallelio, Clara even- they're going to be addressing to the people today. In the Great Market." "Which we know has an entrance to the tunnels, because we ran into Lyons and the Bombsters there." Phil's eyes blaze. "They'll come up from under the populace. Lion Knights, U'Kin, Pongcanis... everyone... we have no time. What resources do we have? Our army is not even within the city. We have less than a dozen Dragon Knights, a handful of Rito, and your three teams..." "Find Hans and Poletad. They will help you. They must still be somewhere in the city." "You're coming with us, Felton." "No time for that. The guards will not allow me out." "Then we'll fight them." "I would much rather they were around to prevent Blackenord from rejoining his friends. Go to the Marketplace. Take the Emperor and Ella and Mallelio and fall back to the palace. Make a stand there. Do not forget to come collect me when you're done." Would the heroes like to do anything else before heading off to the Great Market?

NPCs Index Update: NPCs from Quests 5, 33, & 34 added. Some stats: NPCs who appear in 1 Quest: 81 NPCs who appear in 2 Quest: 20 (Bluto Ziegfried, Crozen Porthiar, Felton, Hans, Jensen, Lilly Ziegfried, Lyren Hinckwell, Commodore Martin Largus, Merlyn Ziegfried, Morgan Ziegfried, Nuitan Shadeaux, Captain Patricia Cousland, Ratabor Mossycloak, Reno Bonaparte, Schuester, Sham Poo, Ubert Lilbelly, Vincent Legonardo, Lady Wren, Zelda Ziegfried) NPCs who appear in 3 Quest: 4 (Altair Ziegfried, Beth Ziegfried, Goldraum Ziegfried, Mabel Ziegfried) NPCs who appear in 4 Quest: 2 (Chesterine Ziegfried, Donny Dozenhands) Wonder which family is featured the most Also note, these stats disregard the current quests (28, 29, 30, 31, and 35 all feature re-occuring characters heavily). These also disregard Quest 32, which I just realized I never entered. I will do that tomorrow. Finally, I am still missing the NPCs from the second half of Quest 17, and Quest 24 never sent anything in.

As the heroes approach the final cell, Nyx sees she is correct. Standing before the heroes with bags under his eyes, looking paler than usual, though still sporting his confident and easy grin, stands Felton. "How are we doing, heroes? Glad to see that my poor read on Constance only landed one of us in jail, leaving the rest of us at large." Felton laughs and wheezes. Phil steps forward. "I'm sorry. You were meant to be treated gently." "Apparently that didn't make it's way all the way down the chain of command. The guards here were admires of Constance, and Clara has been instructing their poor treatment of me. She was promoted after Constance's death. Fortunate for her, unfortunate for me. And don not take that as an accusation of her. I should not throw those around, it seems." Felton pauses a while. He looks forlorn. "It is funny how the world picks us for jobs we may not be suited for. I was a villager when I needed to be, helped lead the village at a time or two, then I tracked down Wren when I needed to. I do not know, however, that I am qualified for any of those positions. Funny." Felton coughs. "That Lord in the cell next to me thinks he is very clever. He thinks he is smarter than anyone else here, in the jail, in Drakencourt, in Dastan, so he likes to play games with people, hinting at what he knows. Little jokes that only he gets, and they do not understand, because they do not have the background knowledge he does. Only way for them to appreciate the jokes is to gather the information they want, so in theory he is depriving them twice, both from the knowledge they want and the ability to understand the little jokes he is making and they are not understanding. He thinks it is funny. He finds that sort of thing funny. I do too. Which is why I am able to follow it. See, in a small conversation like you just heard, it is hard to pick out the little jokes, but if you hear twenty or thirty different interrogations, you pick up on them." "'They will get under your walls and they will come and they will kill you,' and, 'they will rise up on you soon' are his two jokes in his speech. Listen to the phrasing. Under your walls. That is is not what one normally says. Rise up is the wrong saying too. They are rebels, so they will rise up against the government. He said it as in literally rise out of the ground." "Atramor, that Emperor you killed today was the first Emperor that Blackenord advised. Near the end of Brunt's reign, Blackenord joined his court. We know this because Blackenord boasts of serving three Emperors, and all of us who read on Dastanian history in the Dastanian library know that before Severus sat on his throne, his father did, and before that, the throne belonged to Brunt. Or am I the only one who did the reading?" Felton wheezes again after trying to laugh. "Has not Ella mentioned that her great great uncle built that wall in the center of the city? She mentioned it to me when she came to forgive me for Constance's death. Emperor Brunt is well known for a few things, namely the creation of his wall and the Great siege of Drakencourt. He is less well known for a series of tunnels he ordered in the case that he needed to flee under the city. A series of tunnels that Lord Blackenord designed. That is the answer to your question, heroes. The assassins are using tunnels." OoC: I wanted so badly for you guys to figure this mystery out, but I didn't expect you to, not due to a lack of respect for your intellects, but rather because it wasn't really a mainstage mystery and the clues were scattered. The clues are all there for at least Atramor and Tarn, and Nyx probably had a pretty decent shot too. It's a really well hidden secret, but if you go back, you'll see the clues, especially in the side-quests.

Boomingham lazily redirects his swings towards the Ruby Jinn, same weapon, same row. "We're coming for you next, Bluehood. Mean time, just keep bashing Docken, alright?"

Blackenord addresses Nyx first as Phil fishes for a key in his pocket. "What allies? Who is not my ally at this point? The Lion Knights, the U'Kin, the Pongcanis, the Cult of the Chimera. Everyone is against you. And they're coming. They will rise up on you soon." Blackenord listens to Atramor's speech and then bursts out into laughter, a cruel, deep, slow drawl. "You... hahahaha... you killed the Chimera?! HAHAHAHA! Oh, that's too good. Oh, that's got to set Sphinx down a notch, oh thank god, he was insufferable, the will of... hahahaha. AND you got rid of Brunt?! Oh, this is too much for me heroes, you're just too funny." Blackenord composes himself. "You again make the mistake that I am bent on destruction. I despise Brunt. I despise Sphinx and his Cult and, as you put it so excellently, his twisted symbol of hope, the Chimera. I am interested in power, not destruction. I have served three Emperors of Dastan, and I have seen them all fail. Severus and his predecessors are not meant to be in power. I'm meant to be in power. And U'Vires and Loren and Roland. The other Emperors don't understand the people, or the city, or the land." "As for your torture... I've, as I said, advised three generations of Emperors. I have sat and watched a torture or two, and it comes down to this. I won't give you the information. No matter what you do. You can threaten to kill me, or to let me go. I will welcome all that comes because I am under your power, and giving you information won't change that. You will not know how they've entered the city until they've done so. And they will do so. They will get under your walls and they will come and they will kill you." The door to the cell slides open. Atramor or the other heroes may enter. Before they do so, however, they hear a voice from the final cell in the corridor. It is weak and feeble, but the heroes recognize it thought they can't place it. It hisses out their names. "Thothwick, Phil, Atramor, Nyx, Cronk, Thothwick, Phil, Tarn... come here. I have your answer."

"I can let you in, if you like, Atramor. Dastan does not care for it's traitors," Phil says under his breath with a glint in his eye. Lord Blackenord regains some composure, but still is clearly seething. "You can talk high and mighty all you like, young girl, but when it comes down to it, I've already accomplished more than you ever will. I've advised Emperors and led armies, invented bombs and guns and mechanical servants, raised up an Empire into a Golden Age, then, when it cast me aside, I helped to tear it down again. I may be in the cage for now, but my allies are coming and it won't be long before you and I switch places, so I would be careful what promises you make to me, for I will be certain to deliver them back unto you ten fold."

The heroes arrive at the Prison of Dastan, and enter through the giant front doors. "Remember your objectives, heroes. You need to see if Blackenord will tell you how he and the assassins have been entering into the city. If we can figure that out, we may be able to stop the invasion before it enters Drakencourt. If not... Ella's vision of blood filled streets may come terribly true." Phil leads the party through a number of corridors where vicious looking men sit and watch the party with malice. He takes them up to the smaller and roomier second floor and leads them to the end of one corridor. Blackenord stands in the second to last cell. He stands facing the party, a smug grin painted onto his face. "So you've finally come for me, heroes. Ha! You'll get nothing from me! It is too late anyway." Blackenord's face suddenly darkens as he sees Nyx. "You! You're supposed to be dead. XX and I killed you... you. You're the reason I'm here. You're the witness that Constance- curse it all. How are you still alive?! We checked you for your pulse. It was gone. I could still be free if you-" Blackenord's eyes dart around angrily.

The Party Thothwick, Level 17 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 25 (23 Ranged) Health: 28/28 Gold: 518 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat, Phoenix Essence Nyx, Level 20 Battle Mage *Immune to Asleep-effect* Power: 33 Health: 30/30 Ether: 19/25 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 Power: 28 Health: 22/22 (-14 for remainder of Quest) Ether: 3/8 (-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, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core, Ancient Crown (Give Enemy Cursed Effect on first hit of battle) Tarn Valco, Level 15 1/2 Barbarian Power: 25 Health: 22/22 Defense: 2 Gold: 13 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Sand Worm Hide, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Holy Bomb, 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) Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX As the party departs from the palace, Mallelio and Ella bid them farewell. "We will be safe here, heroes. My father must be warned of the invasion, and I must do it myself. He will want to warn the people. I must appear with him for that." "Have no fear, heroes. We will remain within the safety of the palace or with the Emperor, who will be guarded. There are three parties of your people in the city. I will look after Ella. We will be safe." Phil leads the party north. The party uses the time to reconnect with each other after their most recent battles. Without all fifteen heroes present, it is easier for the five of them to converse and reassess their position and goals. OoC: It's been about a month (maybe over) since it was just the five of you in the thread. Reconnct guys, and I'll have an update tomorrow!

Phil nods and the parties split into their original groups. The heroes under Nikolai remain at Roland's wing, while the heroes under Leofard follow him out into the city streets. Phil takes his party towards the prison in the north of Dastan.

Guffington will start in about one and a half weeks, and The Lost Party will start in three weeks?

Your objective remains the same! Stop dem assassins That's all that you've been doing in Dastan, right? How could you get lost?

Raise your hand if you have any idea what's going on in Dastan. Again, sorry players, I think it will all be clear by the conclusion, in all actuality. Also, any idea when Q25 will be over? I think it has the record for longest Quest at this point.

OoC: I'm afraid I don't have any ideas for any of the Chimera stuff. I tried some builds, but none of them looked good, so I figured I'd let the imagination would work better! OoC: Most of the time I use "appear" to mean "appear in the line of sight", as in, suddenly rounding a corner. The only ones who truly "appeared" as in "suddenly and inexplicably appeared" are those who fought the Chimera. "The flashes seem to be some sort of Dragon Magic. Way I understand it, we don't have anything similar." "It's true. Dragons derive all their magical abilities from the energy pools. We use ether, and we haven't quite figured out how to channel ether to allow transportation in the way that the Dragons use the energy pools for transportation." "What it boils up to is that it doesn't matter. Time is of the essence, so if you've all gotten your heads nailed on right now, or at least as best you can, I say it's time for us to go our different ways. An invasion is waiting for us somewhere out there."

"I can withstand another hit or two before I patch myself up... assuming that's still an option for me. Here's hoping." Boomingham flies at his opponent once more.

Chaos Defenders * Additional Health: +6 * Job Trait(s): See Below * Battle Style: Chaos Defenders are deeply troubled by the force they are sworn to fight, and so switch between Chaos and Order. *Weapons: All weapons appropriate for Rouges, Knights, and Barbarians, including shields. ORDERED: Job Trait – Order: Deals Light Elemental Damage. Diplomacy: Defenders often times must work with others to stop chaos. Opportunist: Chaos Defenders may equip 3 artifacts instead of just 2. 1. SHIELD: Internal Conflict – The Chaos Defender goes through inner conflict, changing their battle style. They become Chaotic. While making the change, the Chaos Defender halves their opponent’s current health. 2. RALLY: The Defender attacks the enemy with a power equal to their weapon power added to their level. The Defender also cries out, encouraging their party for the next round. 3. HIT: The Chaos Defender attacks the target with strength equal to their weapon power added to their level. 4. OPTIMISM: The Chaos Defender restores health to the entire party equal to their level. 5. DEFENDED DAMAGE: The Defender takes damage equal to the enemy’s level minus the Defender’s SP. 6. GOD’S BLESSING: The Chaos Defender is struck by its opponent’s special skill. The Defender prays to their God and is given the Lucky Effect. CHAOTIC: Job Trait – Order: Deals Darkness Elemental Damage. Intimidation: Chaos Defenders can scare others into helping them to prevent chaos. Manipulator: Chaos Defenders may equip 3 artifacts instead of just 2. 1. SHIELD: Internal Conflict – The Chaos Defender goes through inner conflict, changing their battle style. They become Orderly. While making the change, the Chaos Defender brings the opponent to half of their current health. 2. CHAOTIC STRIKE: The Chaos Defender feints and slips past the target to hit a random enemy with strength equal to (WPx3+Level). The originally targeted opponent is distracted by the diversion and does not gain a Free Hit. 3. CRITICAL HIT: The Chaos Defender attacks the target with strength equal to (WPx2+Level). 4. PESSIMISM: The Chaos Defender is hit with the enemy's attack, but then steals gold equal to the enemy's level. 5. DEFENDED DAMAGE: The Defender takes damage equal to the enemy’s level minus the Defender’s SP. 6. ZOOT’S CURSE: The Chaos Defender is struck by its opponent’s special skill. The enemy is given the Jinxed Effect. Final trait is good, I think, but I don't know if Sandy will okay it. Also, I've come up with my requirements. To be a Chaos Defender, a player must have completed 2 of the following Quests successfully: 7, 19, 29, 30, 31, 38, Final Wren Quest. So far, that means that Jess, Cronk, Thothwick and Skrall have the option of the class (assuming that 29, 30, and 31 are passed respectively). Let's see who else gets to join those ranks!

Boomingham repeats his attack.

"We've no doubt he's the one letting them in, it's the how that's troubling us. Blackenord knows, maybe even thought up the plan, and is easier to question. Remember, he invented those machines you fought and that gun that U'Vires carries, and he's advised in this very palace before. His mind is dangerous. He could figure out how to get them in, and even if Roland is the one who did the action, we think that Blackenord might be the one who figured out the how... which is the part we need."

"Do not worry, Skrall. I understand the confusion. I am here because I can serve, not because my mind wraps easily around political turmoil. I too am sometimes lost in the fog. But I will try to explain as simply and quickly as I can. Even I do not understand all that has happened in this war so far." "The team I hired was asked to protect certain key ambassadors in Drakencourt, as our army was mostly off fighting Rouge Lion Knights from U'Land led by Lord Loren. They protected a general named Nikolai, who stands before you, from an assassin named XX, hired by the lead assassin, U'Vires, a radical U'Kin. They were then asked to protect Mallelio, who is over there with Ella, Atramor, and Tarn. They did so, protecting him from Sphinx and a few mechanical brutes. They also ran into Sir Lyons, confirming that the Lion Knights and assassins were working together. They then botched saving U'Stus, our ally in the U'Kin community, and then assassinated Constance themselves, believing her to be a traitor because Felton told them that he thought she was. Felton was carted off to jail." "Roland, who is in there, hired the heroes led by the naga. I haven't received any full report from then because it turns out Roland is the traitorous higher up who has been funding the Lion Knight rouges and the assassins. He's locked himself away with a mass of guards behind that door. To make amends for fighting alongside the traitor, this party was sent with Nikolai to recruit the help of the Rito, those winged fellows you see with them." "As for the group hired by the Lion Knights... a Knight named Lawrence sent them over to help our army. He feels guilty that his men have attacked Drakencourt, so he sent troops and supplies. The Lion Knights have been in the field for the most part under our Emperor Alandri, who is directing the war effort while Severus runs the city and all day-to-day matters. I don't work with the Lion Knights at all, so I can't tell you exactly what they've been up to either. This gentleman is named Leofard, I believe. He seems to be a hell of a commander. Sometimes, it's no wonder to me that the Lion Knights hail from our land." Phil sighs. "No wonder you feel so lost. Talking about it takes the wind from me a little. We seem to be up against many enemies with more information than us, and we've not got all that many friends." Phil then turns to Atramor. "As for what we want to get from Blackenord, anything and everything. Namely, we need to figure out how Wren, U'Vires, and Lyons have all entered our city at different times. If an army is coming and they know how to get by our gates... the people of Drakencourt will fight, but we are not a trained army."

"The Rebellion to regain our homeland of Dastan, you fool! I must away, hero of Bric'Bay, but remember that we Lion Knights are simply reclaiming what is ours. You have helped us gain footing in a new land, help us reclaim our old land too." Sir Laurant saunters off as Sir Leofard gallops up on a horse. "Word has been sent. The Emperor wishes us all to return to Drakencourt. With me, heroes." Arthur, Alexandre, Luke and Kyghton sigh and follow the Lion Knight back to the city and to the palace. They are directed by a guard to Roland's Wing, where they see all of the other heroes who are in Dastan, along with Mallelio, Nikolai, Ella, and Phil. (See link/Quest 29).

Nope, I'm just dumb. I have no idea where that came from though... my word document that I copy and paste things from agrees with your description of Dragon Scales... <Thank you, my friends. You have defended Dastan against one of its most ancient enemies. The Dragons owe you a debt, and the people of Dastan owe you one too. Most importantly heroes, I owe you a debt. When the time comes, I will be there for you. Master Skrall, send my regards to Haldor, Jess, Rune, Tesni, Felton, Hans, Victor, Poletad and most importantly, Master Hoke. They are in my thoughts. I must away to my brethren. Best of luck, heroes. May Dastan protect and nourish you. I will take you where you must be.> There is a flash of light, and heroes find themselves once more in the palace of the Emperors in Drakencourt, outside Roland's Wing. The Party Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock) Level 20 2/3 Paladin Power: 32 SP: 9 Health: 33/42 (+2) Ether: 16/23 (+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 Thothwick, Level 17 1/2 Rouge Power: 25 (23 Ranged) Health: 28/28 Gold: 518 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat, Phoenix Essence 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) Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Bomb XX Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi) Level 10 Rogue Power: 15 Health: 16/16 Gold: 81 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 Skrall, Level 19 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) *Party Leader* *Favors Beast Enemies* Power: 27 Health: 31/32 Defense: 0 Gold: 29 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, Skeleton Decoy, Zoot's Cookie, Dragon Scale Isabella del Toboso, Level 111/2 Rogue (Dharkan) Power: 20 Health: 17/17 Defense: 1 Gold: 54 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 (2), Dragon Scale (2) (See link/Quest 29).

"We are no fools, heroes of Heroica. We have just seen two of your kind, stand down-" There is a flash of light, and the six heroes who departed to fight the Chimera stand, shocked, confused, staring blankly as their wits return to them. The guards react as calmly as possible and withdraw behind their door. The sound of feet are heard, walking strongly and with confidence. Ella, Mallelio, Tarn and Atramor appear, led by Phil. Nikolai goes to greet him. As he does so, Leofard appears, leading the party who were on the outskirts of the city. For the first time in Dastan, all of the heroes of Heroica are gathered. "At last, we are all gathered. Now we are a force to be reckoned with." "We have gathered the Rito to us, and are ready to strike at the Lion Knights." "I fear they may strike at us first. Ella has had a vision... she believes Drakencourt will be invaded." "The Rogues have already struck at the Southern wall. We scared them away." "The people of Dastan are not foolish. We do not underestimate our enemies. We have all run into many problems in the last few days. We know a storm is growing. We must once more strike out and defend Dastan. I have formulated a plan. Listen heroes. This is the fourteenth hour." "Those under Nikolai, you will need to force your way into Roland's wing. Morale can not continue to be high if we have a traitor at the heart of our city. It is dangerous and embarrassing. You must deal with it." "Those who I brought here myself, I will accompany you to the jail so that we may interrogate Blackenord. Nyx tells us he is with the Assassins. He is our only lead. You will get information out of him." "Those serving under the Lion Knights must prepare to defend our city. THe enemy has struck our South Wall. I have no doubt they will soon strike again, and in a bigger force." "But before any of that, take a moment to reconnect, heroes." Ella turned to Phil apologetically. "I'm sorry, but they need it. They are caught in a whirlwind. You know how dangerous confusion can be. Let them fully understand their objectives before they strike out once more." "You are correct, of course, m'lady. You must take time to prepare, but as soon as possible, we will crush this threat. The people of Dastan are strong. We are prepared." Phil winks at Thothwick, something none of the heroes have seen him do up to this point. "I think it's finally time for me to dig out my old war hammer."