Zepher

OoC: We now return to your normal programming. Vipera leads the heroes north. They walk through the ever increasing fog. Suddenly there is a flash of light and flame and Skrall and Isabella join the party. "Welcome to you two. I am afraid we do not have time for conversation. The Chimera grows in power as we stand here. Time is of the essence. Continue to follow me." The heroes, joined by their two new allies, continue into the mist. They are suddenly greeted by a face that only William and Thothwick recognize, a figure that appears to have materialized out of the mist, it has grown so thick. "Please heroes, I come in peace for a short while. Things are changing in Dastan things are changing. This is true and this is good. But some things must not come to pass. I am asking you to stop the Chimera for me and for all people of Dastan, those I protect and oppose. I should have stopped Sphinx sooner. While you are gone, there will be no assassination attempts while you are gone. You have the word of U'Vires." U'Vires disappears once more into the mists, and the heroes have no time to track him. They feel pulled forward. Their movements feel jerky. They are hardly able to make each other out. They are simply shadows in the mist. "The Chimera warps the energy pools, she is so strong," Vipera explains. "I hear a chorus of sirens in my head. That is how it effects me." The heroes continue to jerk forward. Around them whisper voices. "The will of the Chimera, the will of the Chimera, the will of the Chimera." Then another voice rings out. It is Wren's. "STOP!" it bellows, and the other voices stop. There is a rushing noise, and the heroes find themselves in front of Claw and Sphinx. "The will of the Chimera has come to pass," Sphinx intones quietly, without emotion. "Take care of them, Claw. They are not part of the plan anymore. The Chimera wills them gone." And again, before the heroes can do anything, Sphinx is gone. Claw draws his curved sword. He holds it in front of him. The heroes see his eyes. They are black and dead and cold. They tear, but he does not look sad. He wears no expression. "You will die now. The friends of the Chimera have risen once more. Good bye, heroes." Shadows lurch out of the fog. Many of them are recognizable. They have returned from the dead. This is what Gottfried was working on. The battle is upon the heroes. The Enemies Mane Level 12 Humanoid 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 Humanoid Health: 350/350 Special: Lion’s Claw – Deals 20 damage to hero. Drops: x2 Dragon Scales Undead Gottfreid Type: Demon 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: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 75/75 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: Humanoid Level: 4 Health: 100/100 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: 18/18 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: 31 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: 22/31 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)

Suddenly, there is a flash of light, and you all see an image of Vipera. "Time has run out, heroes. The Chimera is rising as we speak. I have heroes waiting. I must take you now. I am sorry." "Hans, Poletad, remain with these heroes. You will serve in their place. Things in Drakencourt have been heated. It would be best for you to stay away. Your friend Felton acted with his heart and his brain, as he always does, but this one time they misled him. The Emperor is not feeling friendly towards people of foreign lands." The vision of Vipera breaths on the heroes, and Isabella and Skrall are gone. The light fades.

Apologies to Quest 30, you will join everyone else in being updated as soon as I return from Prometheus.

Results of Round 3 of Battle in the Skies: Battle Order: De'kra uses a potion on Xander Nerwen vs. Falcon B - Damage Nyx vs Denerii - (Miss) Counter-Strike (No Summon) Sarick vs Falcon A - Critical Hit Xander vs Flavius - Shield De'kra uncorks a potion and scrambles to give it to Xander as Nerwen swats at a bird that is too fast for her and slices her cheek with it's talons (-8). Nyx is shot by an arrow (-8) but still fires off her spell, though her aim isn't as true as she doubles over in pain (-13). The arrow has hit her recent bullet wounds, and it smarts. Sarick breaths in calmly and hisses as he releases a huge blast of wind (-[(6x2)+10]x2=44) that rips Falcon A out of the sky. It plummets towards the earth and shakily regains it's flight at the last moment. Xander, feeling the fire of the potion in him, flies into a rage and slams eevery opponent with his hammer, causing them all to land as they regain their footing, and destroying Falcon A in a puff of feathers (-21). Enemies: Rito Tribesman Flavius Flying, Humanoid Level: 12 Health: 358/412 Special: Soar - Takes to the skies, making him untargetable for the next round. Drops: Winged Helmet Rito Tribeswoman Denerii Flying, Humanoid Level: 16 Health: 308/342 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 Falcon B Flying Level: 8 Health: 52/103 Special: Claw Eyes - Claws the foe's eyes so that they are blinded for the next three rounds or until remedied. Drops: Potion 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: 21/21 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: 13/14 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: 7/29 Ether: 23/24 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

Hi all, I'm back, and while exhausted, I feel obligated to get back on the move, so everyone sitting around in Dastan, be on your toes. Everything will be updated today and we'll really move forward!

Hello everyone. I am away all weekend, so Quest 30 will be on hold. JimBee has asked me to run his quest while he is away, so that will be on hold too. Hopefully BD's folk will have caught up by the time I return on Monday. I will update all the quests then. Thank you all for your patience.

Jebs, you can join the ranks of the QMs who I believe must be computers with imagination. I have no idea how you keep track of all of that. I mess up something every round and I don't have that many players or actions.

Boomingham pinched the Righteous Robes between his fingers and rubs it. It feels soft and a small hum echoes in his head. He lets go. "No doubt if Barty was around, he'd want me to buy that one," he mumbles to Docken. "I prefer, however to buy an outfit that will inform people of my rank... Master Docken, you don't happen want to loan me all your gold, do you? I promise, when this Quest ends, it will go make its way on back to you, along with Jess and Nur." Boomingham eyes the Dress Uniform with envy, then snaps his attention to the man who had created it... or at the very least was selling it... Boomingham turned on his natural charm (diplomacy). "Mr. Swisshopper, lovely shop you have here. You surely have the finest outfits in all of Eubric. I wonder, however, why a man such as yourself would invest in a machine that created tonics? Without being rude or too blunt, what was your angle? And again, without being blunt or rude, you don't happen to offer discounts to people from Heroica, do you? I'm sure a fine man such as yourself wants to be on good relations with such a noble organization. I am also a paladin."

I love going into debt.

I 100% agree with this. This was the suggestion I was going to float as well. Two characters is fine, but only one on a quest at a time, and then the second one can remain in the hall, and you'd still be able to play as them in character when you felt like it.

"Alright, I vote that Nur and Haldor and Jess talk to these common workers and try to see if they don't know anything. I think, if we figure out anything, it will be from these fellows. Swisshopper, if he's been up to anything, would keep a tight lip on it, while these fellows might spill the beans assumin' it doesn't concern them. Docken and I can head up to the front of the shop and see if we can't find anything out." Boomingham glanced around nervously. He then quickly pulled Haldor aside. "Look, you're a big god lover, right? What do you think the deal with angels is? Do you think they can be killed? I sort of thought the poor little guy could take it. I'm just asking because if there are gods, they might have a bit of wrath raining down on me for taking Barty out. Not that he didn't get what was coming to him... of course, losing the fellow is a pain too. I hated it when he talked, but I think he had a link or something with me, you know? He could at least whisper to people further than I could. Pah."

That being said, I do hope I haven't fallen too much in your graces Jebs. Like I said, I always sort of thought we got along fairly well. So, while this may seem a little late... I'm enjoying your quest quite a bit.

I hope that I am not viewed as someone prone to bullying.

"I've only run into one of these fella's while over here. I'm going to put this guy down the same way that Felton, Constance, Atramor did it to his friend." Hans chuckles and swings at the Chaos Beast once more from the front row. <Skrall! Let's take this monster down, just like old times!> Sir Poletad bravely charges the Chaos Beast from the front row once more. Arthur calmly and quietly lines up another ice spell, aiming it at the Chaos Beast from the back row.

OoC: Sorry, as boring as this excuse may have gotten, we are waiting for the other party.

... I'm confused. I can't tell if you're joking or not... I apologize if that seemed strongly worded. Sarick can of course keep the sword, that's why I asked him. He can't use it, and Galen wanted it, and we rushed the players along without warning, so I wanted to know if he wanted to hand it off "before" the parties split. Fugazi asked in my thread, and I didn't know if he would read it, since not all players are reading all the threads. As for the XP... I actually don't understand that part. I'm sorry, perhaps I'm just being dumb. Xarrzan, I apologize if it appeared as if I was robbing you of the sword. You may hold onto it until Olegia burns. Jebs, sorry if I offended you with my hosting. I always thought we got on rather well, but it appears I was mis-reading things.

OoC: Sorry to cut in, but Sarick, Galen wants your blade. Would you be okay with having left it with him before you departed for this mission. I don't know if you're reading the other threads, I know some people aren't!

Boomingham dabs his forehead more. "I think it is time that we continue on to our final investor and figure this out. We need something to show for our work," he says sullenly and sheaths his blade. "Best go quickly, before they sniff us out." OoC: Please keep sentinel around! It was a perfect solution.

No reward for losing a fight. You chose the right side, but you got decimated. Welcome to questing with Zepher.

I apologize, JimBee just pointed out my over-sight, you are with him. Pinky promise it doesn't mean I love Sarick less. I'm just a clutz.

William digs with his shovel. He finds soot, and then below that, ground! The heroes retire for the evening, quiet, angry, and fractured. They sleep fitfully, but regain health and ether all the same. The Heroes Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) Level 9 Cleric Power: 15 Health: 16/16 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 Galen Woodward (played by Fugazi) Level 8 Rogue Power: 13 Health: 14/14 Gold: 31 Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Nostrum Sarick Lanse (played by Xarrzan) *Party Leader* Level 10 Mage Power: 17 Health: 14/14 Ether: 14/14 Gold: 38 Inventory: Dragon's Heart (WP: 15, Fire/Wind Elemental, Unsuitable) Dragon's Wrath (Staff WP: 6), Healing Staff (WP:5, healing effect), Opal(Ice), Sapphire(Wind), Topaz(Lightning), Potion, Tonic, Bone, Fire Bomb Xander Unth'or (played by posades) Level 13.5 Barbarian Power: 21 Health: 20/20 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 Atramor Gibbin, Level 19 Witch *Acting Party Leader* Power: 28 Health: 22/22 (-14 for remainder of Quest) Defense: 2 Ether: 8/8 (-9 for remainder of Quest) Gold: 12 Inventory: Ratsbane, WP: 10, Sand Worm Hide, Witch's Talisman, Black Katana, WP: 8, Staff of the Elven Warlock, WP: 5, Scroll of Sealing, Bone x2, Grand Tonic, Fire Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Ether Core 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 Nyx, Level 19 1/2 Battle Mage Power: 32 Health: 29/29 Ether: 24/24 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 De'kra (played by Tanma) Level 15 Rogue Power: 20 Health: 21/21 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, 3x Potion, 2x Remedy, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone Tarn Valco, Level 15 Barbarian Power: 25 Health: 22/22 Gold: 13 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade, Grand Potion Stored), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Dragon Scale William Harkenshire, Level 13 1/2 Ranger Power: 18 Health: 18/18 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 Thothwick, Level 16 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 31 (21 Ranged) Health: 0/27 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 The next morning, Phil greets them. "Follow me. We are honoring Constance. I have arranged for you to be there to show your respect." He glares at Atramor. "I expect you to at the very least play the part expected of you. I know that Dastan still needs you, but others require some convincing." The heroes follow Phil northward through the city to a small courtyard. Mist clings to the building and the early morning sun lights it. The city looks like it has been filled by wispy golden fire. "This is the courtyard of Fallen Heroes." The heroes are quiet as Emperor Septrine enters the courtyard, bearing Constance's helmet. He is followed by Ella and a hobbling Mallelio. Ella nods quietly at the heroes and gives them an encouraging smile. Mallelio holds Phil's gaze. The heroes and the royal party observe a short period of silence. The Emperor goes onto one knee. "May the Dragons set fire to your heart and fly it away," he whispers, and then stands. The royal party whispers the same. The Emperor approaches the heroes. "Victor has convinced me that your presence here is required, so I'm letting your assassination slide. I hate it, but he's convinced me it's what the people of Dastan need, and that you acted as you saw fit. I will never fault anyone for trying to protect the people of Dastan. We have acted rashly before as well. It is in our nature. As the old saying goes: when a Dragon is cornered, he burns everything in sight." "I have, however, devised a punishment for you heroes. You must go with the General Nikolai to the Rito." The Emperor grins. "We need their help, and you're going to win it for us. The Rito are a war loving people. Good luck, heroes. May you return yourselves to my better graces." Emperor Septrine curtly nods to them, and begins to exit. He then turns back. "My daughter Ella has also requested two body guards. If she selects you, you keep her safe. Emperor Alandri tells me that the Lion Knight forces move closer everyday. We live in dangerous times, heroes." With that, the Emperor takes his leave. "Hello, heroes." Ella greets the party with a grim smile. "I hear that you have joined the ranks of murderers." She seems offended at her own joke. "I apologize. I do not know how to rationalize what you've done. I know you acted with the Empire's best interests in heart. I can see that. I had a vision, moments before your bomb exploded. I saw the internal damage it would deal you. And I know what you have suffered. Father will forgive you when he understands. I luckily already do." She turns to Tarn. "It is not your fault, brave Tarn. Do not blame yourself. You acted according to what you thought was right. You defended your ideals. That is what the heart of Dastan asks of all of us. I have selected you as one of my guards." Ella turns next to Atramor. "And you, my friend, you must come with me. You have work to do. You have more penance to perform than all the others. I have seen inside you, and I must steer you in a different direction than you are going. I have selected you as one of my guards. Follow me, you two. McCaffrey, stay at your respectful distance, if you'd please. Thothwick, you are in my debt for taking this Witch off your hands. I would take you as well, but you will shortly have something else to do." Atramor and Tarn follow Ella, disappearing into the city. (Your PM will be on it's way shortly!) "As you can see, heroes, I am back on my feet. I have you all to thank for that. I will not forget my debt to you, and I do not forget that you are friends of Dastan. I have used up all my kind words for you with the Emperor for the time being, but I am certain that he will come around. I must go meet with him. But I beg you, heroes, as I will not forget my debt to you, do not forget your debt to Constance." Mallelio leaves the courtyard, and the heroes are alone with Phil. "At the moment, we have bigger fish to catch. We did not mention it to the Emperor because we are not sure how he would react, but we have a pressing concern. You have no doubt noticed the fog that has covered the city. Ella told me it's reason. I did not want to believe her. Mallelio just confirmed what it means to me. Your assassin hunting will have to be put on hold. I know that you are sick and thirsty from hearing this, but I can handle myself. I truly can. I have a more important mission for you." The party hears the sound of small wings, and Vipera lands. "HEROES!" Vipera booms in their minds. "I bring greetings from the Dragons. I must enlist your help. The Chimera has been summoned. She rests now in the mountains to the north. My brethren refuse to act. They are resigned to their fate. They tell me the age of Dragon has passed. But this is not their choice. The Chimera is not alone their foe. She is foe to all. Friends of Dragons, Thothwick, William, Cronk, and Galen, you are to follow me. Prepare today, we will set out tomorrow. I have asked my old ally Poletad to bring Skrall and Isabella. We will meet in the mountains, and we will kill this threat." Vipera says all this with conviction. The heroes feel compelled to do as she asks. "I can strum some strings for you, heroes. I will can excuse the four that Vipera asks for from duty, but the rest of you must go to the Rito to appease Emperor Septrine. Xander, De'Kra, Nerwen, Sarick, and Nyx, go to the Rito. Nikolai awaits you outside the walls of Drakencourt. Do as he commands. The rest of you must remain here. Constance was trying to open back up communication with the Dragons. We owe this to them and to her." The party says quick good byes. Xander, De'kra, Nerwen, Sarick, and Nyx head out of Drakencourt to meet with Nikolai while the others remain behind. 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 *Party Leader* Power: 31 (21 Ranged) Health: 0/27 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: 18/18 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: 31 Inventory: Sword of Bashing (WP: 5, Ice), Throwing Dagger (WP:4), 2x Venom, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Nostrum

Arthur tosses his scroll back into his satchel and brought forth his staff. He knew that it was time for action. When faced with chaos, one must act. That was true on both sides of Chaos, you had to either work actively with it, or work actively against it. Arthur had failed to do this before, but now was the time. He targeted the Rogue Lion Commander from the back row, using his staff to channel his darkness. Hans, meanwhile, backed up by Poletad, charged at the Chaos Demon from the front row.

"Well, that's just lovely and I'm feeling just dandy about everything in my heart, but they're going to keep coming no matter what we do. Docken, make the right choice as a leader and get us out of here."

Boomingham dabs his forehead with his customary sweat-drenched handkerchief. "A smoke bomb may not be that bad of an idea... part of bravery is being brave enough to give up. We've got our information, let's hit the road and go see that final investor. Nur, Docken, if either of you would be so kind."

Poletad hops around madly in a pattern that he hope somehow communicates to Arthur that he will heal himself in the back row.