Zepher

See that's the difference between me and you. My characters are mine, NPC or not. I would be angry if people hijacked one of my characters (not directing this at anyone, no one has done it yet) without contacting me and asking express permission... though even then you'd be hard pressed to be released the rights. One more thing, Sandy. You consistently make inventive battles that stay within the game perimeters. Perhaps you have a slight leg-up since you made the mechanics to start with, but even so, it is so cool how you keep new battles rolling in while sticking to those rules you made at the beginning.

Yeah. I am actually hosting 2 very short smaller quests in July. 1 will be Wren, and one will introduce the NPC crowd you'll all get to hang out with when the Wren Quests have ended. Both will be 4 player, so if you want to Quest with me but are tired of Wren, the other quest will be for you! Sadly, if you want to quest with Wren and not me, that opportunity may not be open.

Patricia is fast becoming one of my favorite characters in Heroica. She seems to actually care about the city, even with all it's corruption, which is a very cool thing. "Eubric under the Houses is the worst option, excluding all the others," seems to be her motto. Between Sandy and Scuba's superb portrayals of her, she has really taken on a life. The Quest was very interesting. We got to see three houses, two of which were totally new to us, with the third being the house I would side with if I as a person were living in Eubric. The sets were great, and Violetta was pretty cool. The Wolfgang is certainly interesting. I hope that Boomingham gets to go on a Town Watch quest soon. He is not a Wolfgang fan, and I feel the Town Watch deserves to have him help them out for once. Sandy, you know I always love your quests. Another superb job.

"Tut tut, Master Docken, not quite yet. You are an honorable man, I have no doubt Mr. Swisshopper, but your fear of being arrested leaves me just a little bit suspscious of you. I'm sure you understand. It would really do you good to make sure that you didn't become the prime suspect. We are trying to track down Rodrigo Devega, he has some answers to our questions, so the way you know him and who he is actually has become our business. You do understand, a fine gentleman like you, right chappo? Tell us where to find him and what he does. Why would he invest in this project? We need answers if we're to clear your name, Mr. Swisshopper."

OoC: Oh, you kids and your math now-a-days.

Round 3 Cultist Battle Cronk v. Gottfried - Critical Hit William v. Undead Calibor - Shield William v. Mane - Special Damage Skrall v. Mane - Critical Hit Vipera v. Claw - Special Damage Thotwick v. Undead Calibor - Critical Hit Galen v. Undead Leofwena - Hit Isabella v. Claw - Special Damage Miss The battle continues. Cronk finally lands a hit on Gottfried, killing his undead foe instantly (-([12x2]+20)x2=88). William fires on the Undead Calibor, and then fires two more shots at Claw and Mane (-16) (-18) (-9). Mane stays ablaze. Skrall fires at Mane (-([8x2]+18)/2=17). Mane is knocked back once more. Claw stabs at Vipera, but the angel soaks it up. Thothwick also lands a hit on Calibor (-([8x2]+16)-2=30). Calibor falls. Galen stabs at Leofwena (13-2=11), and Cronk's angel soaks up Claw's second hit. The Enemies Mane Level 12 Demon Health: 215/275 Special: Lion’s Mane – If targeted the following round, the hero targeting them receives 3 damage regardless of row/SP, no matter what is rolled. Drops: x2 Fire Bombs, Potion Claw Level 10 Demon Health: 238/350 Special: Lion’s Claw – Deals 20 damage to hero. Drops: x2 Dragon Scales Undead Lady Leofwena Type: Demon Level: 4 Health: 40/100 Defense: 4 Special: Wallop - Lady Leofwena rams the pommel of her greatsword into the target's head, causing him to lose his next turn as part of the Stunned effect. The Party Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock) Level 20 Paladin Power: 32 SP: 9 Health: 40/40 Ether: 21/21 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), 2x Potion, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Paralyzing Venom, Blacksmith Writ, Bone, Cultist Documents, Lightning Bomb Thothwick, Level 16 1/2 Rouge Power: 24 (22 Ranged) Health: 23/27 Gold: 481 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 1 Deadly Venom, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat, Phoenix Essence William Harkenshire, Level 13 1/2 Ranger Power: 18 Health: 8/18 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (2), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Fire Bomb, Bomb XX Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi) Level 8 Rogue Power: 13 Health: 14/14 Gold: 50 Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Nostrum Skrall, Level 18 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) *Party Leader* *Favors Humanoid Enemies* Power: 26 Health: 16/31 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), Potion, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, Zoot's Cookie Isabella del Toboso, Level 10.5 Rogue (Dharkan) Power: 19 Health: 16/16 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), Nostrums (2), Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Fire Bombs (2) Vipera (NPC) Level 20 Dragon Power: 30 Health: 25/25 Defense: 5 Shield – Dragon Breath: Revives one party member to 1 health and gives them the blessed effect. If no one is KO’d, gives member with lowest health the Blessed Effect. Critical Hit - Attacks with double power.

Results of Round 5 of Battle in the Skies: De'kra vs. Flavius - Special Damage Xander vs. Flavius - Critical Hit Sarick vs. Denerii - Critical Hit Nerwen heals herself - No Heal Nyx vs. Denerii - Critical Hit Xander charges at Flavius and slams him once more with his hammer (-[10x3]+13=43). Flavius takes to the skies before De'kra can raise his weapon, and hovers far out of the heroes' reach. Sarick and Nyx stand side by side, each ecstatic after a series of strong magic bursts, and fire twin beams of wind that rip through Denerii (-([6x2]+10)x2=44)(-([13x3]+19)x2=116). Nerwen, calm at heart, cannot focus with the screams of pain and the great blowing of the wind, and is unable to heal herself. Enemies: Rito Tribesman Flavius *Untargetable* Flying, Humanoid Level: 12 Health: 294/412 Special: Soar - Takes to the skies, making him untargetable for the next round. Drops: Winged Helmet Rito Tribeswoman Denerii Flying, Humanoid Level: 16 Health: 114/342 Special: Piercing Shot - Fires an arrow directly at the foe, cutting their health in half (rounded up) and stunning them for the next round. Drops: Nothing The Party: Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) Level 9 Cleric Power: 15 Health: 8/16 Ether: 11/12 Gold: 47 Inventory: Peace (Hammer, WP: 6), Wooden Staff (WP:3), Bedroll, Shovel, Potion, 2x Tonic, Remedy, Nostrum, Elixir, Grand Tonic, Venom, Bone, Fire Bomb De'kra (played by Tanma) Level 15 Rogue Power: 20 Health: 15/21 Gold: 124 Inventory: Kapura (WP:5, Fire), Pongcanis Dagger (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, Venom, 2x Potion, Remedy, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) *Party Leader* Level 10 Mage Power: 17 Health: 10/14 Ether: 11/14 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, Fire Bomb Xander Unth'or (played by posades) Level 13.5 Barbarian Power: 21 Health: 18/20 Gold: 311 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), Fire Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2x Venom, Elven Bomb, Green Potion Nyx (played by Pandora) Level 19 1/2 Battle Mage Power: 32 Health: 29/29 Ether: 21/24 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

Luckily those players are spread out and engaged in different battles... for the time being.

That's the fun of it. How epic of a battle can there be in a one QM quest? A pretty epic battle, probably. But once you throw in three QMs, 15 players, and a ton of NPCs... then war can really happen.

Round 2 Cultist Battle Cronk v. Gottfried - Shield William v. Undead Calibor - Hit William v. Mane - Special Damage Skrall v. Mane - Critical Hit Vipera v. Claw - Critical Hit Thotwick v. Undead Calibor - Damage Galen v. Undead Leofwena - Hit Isabella v. Claw - Miss Shield The battle continues. Cronk calls forth his angel and prepares to defend his allies the next round. William refuses to heed Skrall's advice and lets a bolt loose on Calibor (-[18-2]=16). Mane bursts into flames, and anyone targeting him the next round would be burned by the flames (dealt 3 damage). Skrall fires at the new flaming target, and finds it much easier to hit, landing a solid hit (-[(8x2)+18]=34). Vipera swoops in from the sky and a stream of fire flies forward from her mouth, burning Claw, who frantically pats the fire out (-60). Calibor is propelled forward by mist and slams his staff in Thothwick (-4). Galen swings his sword of bashing, bashing Leofwena (-[13-2]=11). Isabella uses the distraction of the flames to spring forward and stabs at Claw (-[8x3]+10=34). Gold of an equal amount rains out of the mist. The Enemies Mane Level 12 Demon Health: 241/275 Special: Lion’s Mane – If targeted the following round, the hero targeting them receives 3 damage regardless of row/SP, no matter what is rolled. Drops: x2 Fire Bombs, Potion Claw Level 10 Demon Health: 256/350 Special: Lion’s Claw – Deals 20 damage to hero. Drops: x2 Dragon Scales Undead Gottfreid Type: Undead Level: 6 Health: 75/75 Special: Dual Strike (Damages all foes with double-sided battle ax to deal 6 damage each) Drops: Nothing Undead Lord Calibor Type: Demon Level: 6 Health: 39/75 Defense: 2 Special: Smoke Screen - Lord Calibor surrounds the hero with a dense cloud of smoke, causing the Blinded effect, making the target unable to use a physical attack for the next 3 Rounds or until the effect is Remedied. Drops: Nothing Undead Lady Leofwena Type: Demon Level: 4 Health: 51/100 Defense: 4 Special: Wallop - Lady Leofwena rams the pommel of her greatsword into the target's head, causing him to lose his next turn as part of the Stunned effect. The Party Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock) Level 20 Paladin Power: 32 SP: 9 Health: 40/40 Ether: 21/21 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), 2x Potion, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Paralyzing Venom, Blacksmith Writ, Bone, Cultist Documents, Lightning Bomb Thothwick, Level 16 1/2 Rouge Power: 24 (22 Ranged) Health: 23/27 Gold: 481 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 1 Deadly Venom, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat, Phoenix Essence William Harkenshire, Level 13 1/2 Ranger Power: 18 Health: 8/18 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (2), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Fire Bomb, Bomb XX Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi) Level 8 Rogue Power: 13 Health: 14/14 Gold: 50 Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Nostrum Skrall, Level 18 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) *Party Leader* *Favors Humanoid Enemies* Power: 26 Health: 16/31 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), Potion, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, Zoot's Cookie Isabella del Toboso, Level 10.5 Rogue (Dharkan) Power: 19 Health: 16/16 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), Nostrums (2), Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Fire Bombs (2) Vipera (NPC) Level 20 Dragon Power: 30 Health: 25/25 Defense: 5 Shield – Dragon Breath: Revives one party member to 1 health and gives them the blessed effect. If no one is KO’d, gives member with lowest health the Blessed Effect. Critical Hit - Attacks with double power. QM Note: I'll run the next round automatically if no one wants to take potions or heal.

Well that's no fair. Quest 30 has been perfectly coherent to the questies who have stayed in it (maybe...). If you were transferred into the fray by a Dragon... you may be more confused. And don't worry, through no fault of your own, Boomingham is extremely lost in Quest 28. Not with the goals or characters or plot... as seems to be the trouble for my questies... just with the solution. And Darkdragon, of course we'll all watching! I want to know where the Quest goes! On top of that, I want those players back so I can quest with them (or lord over them as QM). And I'm assuming Cinna won't come back until you're done QMing, so that gives us all even more incentive to hold our breath.

"Heroes, a word." Hans pulls the heroes aside. "I'll travel with you to the palace, but I will go no further. Poletad and I have our own agenda here in Dastan, we make no secret of it. Wren is our goal alone. Right now, that goal requires us tracking down Felton, and then we must redouble our efforts. That requires us finding Phil. He's our only ally here other than Vipera, and she's got her plate full. Before we go, I urge you caution. Do not under-estimate others, heroes. Roland is in the palace. He is a traitor. If the other Emperors have not touched him, that must mean he is not easy to reach, or there are some political strings attached. I don't know any better than you do what's happening here, heroes, but I beg you, tread carefully."

I may be a lucky exception in the masses of the people confused by what exactly is going on in Dastan. And even I have trouble keeping everything straight, so I can't fault my questies too much. I have so much to say about the entire experience at the end, especially concerning the confusion the players are experiencing. Remember, Wren Quests are supposed to teach the characters (and players) that sometimes their preconceived notions of the world are a little off, and I think the lesson I tried to teach in this one might throw everyone for a loop... and maybe make people hate me. HOPEFULLY at the end, when everyone reads everything and knows all the facts, it will be clear. On a side note - this is by far the most stressed I've been by hosting ever. Not in a bad way, but I screw up if I only have one battle to run, and right now I have 3 going on.

OoC: Xarrzan, if you want to win your way into any QM's heart, keep doing the version of the BO where you list all previously stated actions. Results of Round 4 of Battle in the Skies: Battle Order: De'kra vs. Flavius - Damage Xander vs. Flavius - Hit Sarick vs. Denerii - Hit Nerwen heals Nyx - Heal More Nyx vs. Falcon B - Hit De'kra, unused to combat with the winged Rito, is caught quickly with an arrow to the chest. It luckily misses anything vital, but the shade still stumbles backwards in shock (-6). Xander and Sarick team up quickly again. Sarick fires another gust of wind, this time at Denerii (-17x2=34), knocking her into Flavius, who weaves to dodge her but flies directly into the arc of Xander's hammer (-21). Nerwen heals her new friend expertly, sealing all of Nyx's gushing wounds. Nyx stumbles to her feet, and sends a gust of wind that brings Falcon B fluttering in protest towards her. Nyx bats at the hurtling bird with her book (-32x2=62). Bones crunch and the bird falls, limp. Pure energy flows forward from Nyx, and, in true Nyx fashion, incinerates the bird. Perhaps it is Nyx's anger, or perhaps she is subconsciously protecting the bird from the fate that met the other Falcon. The battle rages. Enemies: Rito Tribesman Flavius Flying, Humanoid Level: 12 Health: 337/412 Special: Soar - Takes to the skies, making him untargetable for the next round. Drops: Winged Helmet Rito Tribeswoman Denerii Flying, Humanoid Level: 16 Health: 274/342 Special: Piercing Shot - Fires an arrow directly at the foe, cutting their health in half (rounded up) and stunning them for the next round. Drops: Nothing The Party: Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) Level 9 Cleric Power: 15 Health: 8/16 Ether: 12/12 Gold: 47 Inventory: Peace (Hammer, WP: 6), Wooden Staff (WP:3), Bedroll, Shovel, Potion, 2x Tonic, Remedy, Nostrum, Elixir, Grand Tonic, Venom, Bone, Fire Bomb De'kra (played by Tanma) Level 15 Rogue Power: 20 Health: 15/21 Gold: 124 Inventory: Kapura (WP:5, Fire), Pongcanis Dagger (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, Venom, 2x Potion, Remedy, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) *Party Leader* Level 10 Mage Power: 17 Health: 10/14 Ether: 12/14 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, Fire Bomb Xander Unth'or (played by posades) Level 13.5 Barbarian Power: 21 Health: 18/20 Gold: 311 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), Fire Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, 2x Venom, Elven Bomb, Green Potion Nyx (played by Pandora) Level 19 1/2 Battle Mage Power: 32 Health: 29/29 Ether: 22/24 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

Etzel has gone on vacation. I figured that out by poking around. It's one of the only times I've ever actually stalked another member for Mafia/RPG purposes. Also, just so everyone on the Dastan Quests know, we really are racing towards a conclusion at this point, and while you may still be lost as all hell, I'm having a lot of fun watching as the Quests intertwine. Quest 31 is discovering secrets of other quests and it is very cool to see. This is why it is interesting to have them all going on AND for the players to not be reading all of them.

A voice booms out in everyone's heads. "I believe it is time for Dragons and humans to fight side-by-side once more. This is the glory of Dastan, and you shall feel the might of the Dastan Dragons. No longer shall we be the victims of the times. We shall once more shape them." Vipera swoops in and breaths fire that clears the mist for a few seconds. She lands proudly on Skrall's shoulder. Vipera has joined the Party. Vipera (NPC) Level 20 Dragon Power: 30 Health: 25/25 Defense: 5 Shield – Dragon Breath: Revives one party member to 1 health and gives them the blessed effect. If no one is KO’d, gives member with lowest health the Blessed Effect. Critical Hit - Attacks with double power.

Is Quest #27 on hold for some reason? Sorry, just afraid I missed something.

"What happened to Felton? I've heard somethings from an old pal of mine I'd like to have cleared up. Do you know where the other heroes of Heroica have gotten themselves off to? Hans, by the way. Felton has told me about Lion Knights, which is what you two appear to be. I'm assuming you're not the rebel type. And this must be Alandri. Name is Hans, ally of Victor and Felton and Emperor Septrine. Where is Phil, or Constance, or anyone else who can give us some directions? No offense to you, but due to previous experience, I find it's easier to work with folks I really know pretty well. And even then they could be untrustworthy."

Round 1 Cultist Battle Cronk v. Undead Gottfried - Damage Skrall v. Mane - Damage Thothwick v. Undead Calibor - Hit William v. Claw - Special Damage William v. Undead Lady Leofwena - Critical Hit Isabella takes a Nostrum Galen v. Undead Lady Leofwena - Shield The battle begins. The mist swirls and the shadowy enemies move through it with expertise. Cronk squints ahead, but even with all of his super-Orc-senses, Gottfried is able to dash out and smash him. The blow is absorbed at the last second by a holy field, but Cronk is thrown down and gropes for his sword. Skrall likewise prepares an arrow, but Mane is too quick and rushes at him through the fog, stabbing him in the back as he runs past (-6). Thothwick inhales deeply and lets his weapon fly through the air. It slices through Calibor's shoulder (-[22-2]=20) and skitters off into the whiteness. William tries frantically to load his crossbow, but as he stands Claw lunges out and cuts his leg (-10). William is able to hold his concentration long enough to loose an arrow at Leofwena that buries itself in her eye (-([5x2]+13)-4=19), enough to kill a normal person, but the undead stands strong. Isabella knocks back a Nostrum, and Galen bashes with his sword of bashing, slicing off one of Leofwena's arms (-([5x3]+8)-4=19). Gold rained from the mist, and Galen collected it. Suddenly, the mist leaped forward and enveloped all the enemies in it. As they emerged, some seemed darker, and some seemed colder. The Chimera was getting closer. The Enemies Mane Level 12 Demon Health: 275/275 Special: Lion’s Mane – If targeted the following round, the hero targeting them receives 3 damage regardless of row/SP, no matter what is rolled. Drops: x2 Fire Bombs, Potion Claw Level 10 Demon Health: 350/350 Special: Lion’s Claw – Deals 20 damage to hero. Drops: x2 Dragon Scales Undead Gottfreid Type: Undead Level: 6 Health: 75/75 Special: Dual Strike (Damages all foes with double-sided battle ax to deal 6 damage each) Drops: Nothing Undead Lord Calibor Type: Demon Level: 6 Health: 55/75 Defense: 2 Special: Smoke Screen - Lord Calibor surrounds the hero with a dense cloud of smoke, causing the Blinded effect, making the target unable to use a physical attack for the next 3 Rounds or until the effect is Remedied. Drops: Nothing Undead Lady Leofwena Type: Demon Level: 4 Health: 62/100 Defense: 4 Special: Wallop - Lady Leofwena rams the pommel of her greatsword into the target's head, causing him to lose his next turn as part of the Stunned effect. The Party Cronk (played by CorneliusMurdock) Level 20 Paladin Power: 32 SP: 9 Health: 40/40 Ether: 21/21 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), 2x Potion, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Paralyzing Venom, Blacksmith Writ, Bone, Cultist Documents, Lightning Bomb Thothwick, Level 16 1/2 Rouge Power: 24 (22 Ranged) Health: 27/27 Gold: 481 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 1 Deadly Venom, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat, Phoenix Essence William Harkenshire, Level 13 1/2 Ranger Power: 18 Health: 8/18 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (2), Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Fire Bomb, Bomb XX Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi) Level 8 Rogue Power: 13 Health: 14/14 Gold: 50 Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Nostrum Skrall, Level 18 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) *Party Leader* *Favors Humanoid Enemies* Power: 26 Health: 16/31 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), Potion, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, Zoot's Cookie Isabella del Toboso, Level 10.5 Rogue (Dharkan) Power: 19 Health: 16/16 Defense: 1 Gold: 20 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), Nostrums (2), Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Fire Bombs (2) OoC: WBD, the floor is your's. Also, you're party leader, pick order. I just did in order of level, thought it was sensible and there were no free hits anyway.

While it is ambitious to try two actions at once, we are as players limited to one. Nostrums make you lucky, they don't hasten you. Please pick one of those two actions.

OoC: Sorry Dharken, that's my fault. You can head over to Quest 30, that's where you are now!

"Thank you, my good man." Boomingham accepts the gold, fishes his own out, and hands all of it over the Swisshopper. "This is for the Dress Uniform. And listen, Swisshopper, while we're here, I've got just one or two questions. Surely you have the time to deal honestly and openly with a valued costumer, hero of Heroica, Paladin, and friendly face. I've been thinking of opening up my own shop, a tea place, and I've been looking into some investors. There was one man who seemed interested, but I haven't been able to reach him recently. Do you know anyone named Rodrigo Devaga, or anyone who goes by that alias?"

"So, what say you Docken? Care to give me 105 gold, just as a quick loan? Once we get paid, I promise I'll get that gold right back into your hand." Boomingham yawns. The day has grown long. He turns to see Nur enter the room. He grins at his friend. "Excuse me, chaps," he says to the others and turns to Nur. He whips out his flask, chugs down some, and offers it to Nur. "Helps the mind getting going. That's like fire. We need leads. No one knows our loaner, and we've got no suspects. So, what say you, Master Nur? Do you have any thoughts on the matter? I'm not a great reader of people, truth be told. I've been stabbed in the back a time or two, but you seem a bit more shrewd, if you don't mind me saying it, so, anyone fishy? You can question Swisshopper too, if you don't think it'd be a bad idea. Just don't get my discount taken away." Boomingham sloshes the flask around a little, trying to entice Nur and hoping that he had some idea of where to turn.

It's as simple as this: If you have a story to tell, host a quest. There, players are obligated to play along with your plot, even if they don't like it. If you want to see a human grow, play a character. That's straight forward too. Characters experience quests, they don't get to run them. Not only would that logistically be a headache for any QM (again, everyone on every BD quest owes him a huge debt, he builds a huge number of sets for you guys because you go random places), but it also wouldn't make sense. WBD talked about the 100 or so PC/NPCs. Think about that. Your one character can't change the fate of Dastan. Sorry, there are at least 15 NPCs in my quest alone, all pulling strings that make the characters go certain places and do certain things. That's true in real life for real people too. Sometimes you're told to go somewhere, and that's where you go, and while you didn't choose that event, it affects you, or, in the case of Heroica, your character. Characters must, to be believable, react to events. That is how real people form. That is the experience you are having. It is the only experience you're having as a player. You don't pick the story (that's the QM's job) you just walk through it. The only thing you and your character can actually, realistically control are your reactions to events before you. That's what makes a good read. Let them react. Nur thinks slavery is wrong. Did Jebs know that before running into the Rocklings? Maybe, probably not. But just watching the events he was forced into, and seeing how Nur reacted, he made a great character. Control what you can control, react to what you can't, remember most things have many other forces causing them to happen, just like in the real world.

OoC: Oh, look who's back. Thothwick's health/power are fixed, the others all remain humanoid. Gottfried gets special status as one of the actual leaders of the Cult.