Zepher

Booomingham snarls and lunges at Victoria Vampire Huntress, continuing his attack.

Round One Sphinx Battle Nyx v. Sphinx - Shield (Summon!) Tarn v. Sphinx - Damage Poletad v. Sphinx - Ribbit Nyx starts off the battle by running forward and crying out, slamming her book into Sphinx's face. He stumbles back and blood starts to run from both nostrils, but Nyx is not done. She shoots summons a vine (wood spell) and lashes Sphinx with a it numerous times until he catches it and snaps it (-((13x2)+18)x2=88). Tarn stands in awe of his partner, and prepares himself to join in the fray, but before he can Sphinx picks up his staff and smashes it full force into the side of Tarn's head (-15). Poletad ribbits bravely, restoring one ether to everyone in the party. The Enemies Sphinx Level 15 Humanoid Health: 512/600 Special I (Used if Health 600-401): Lion’s Claw – Deals 20 damage to hero. Special II (Used if Health 400-201): Lion’s Roar - Burns all heroes for 3 damage, and gives all burned effect, causing 1 more damage at the end of each turn. Special III (Used if Health 201-1): 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 Dragon Scales The Party Tarn Valco, Level 14 Barbarian *Encouraged* Power: 24 48 Health: 6/21 Gold: 0 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bomb XX Nyx, Level 18 1/2 Battle Mage *Stand-in Party Leader* Power: 31 Health: 28/28 Ether: 23/23 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 Sir Earl Poletad (NPC) Level 15 1/2 Frog Paladin Power: 15 Health: 14/20 Ether: 15/15 Gold: 0 Shield – Croak: Restores health of all party members an amount equal to his level. Miss – Ribbit: All party members regain one ether. Summoned Spider(controlled by Pandora) Level 5 Minion Health: 25/25 Shield roll = 2x level, plus poison effect. Critical hit = 2x level Poletad nods in Tarn's direction with a determined look in his eyes.

OoC: I'd say stick to what you have. I think the Dread Hat prevents physical attacks, effects and AoE should still count as successful hits.

Atta girl. Finally something to grab onto. Unvote: Polly (Pandora) And, just to even things out. Vote: Jane Phoebe Barnell (JimButcher) I really think that's too much to make up. Even if you are voted off today, or killed during the night, you have given the loyal members of this barge lots to discuss on a day where we had nothing to go on. Thank you.

OoC: Thanks to that Chicken Leg, I should have a base health of 32. Look, I finally get to help you QM instead of the other way around. Boomingham tosses his sword from hand to hand and laughs manically. He has gone far too many hours without sleep. "Come on, Nur. Don't apologize. We've committed. When you've committed to something, you stick to it. A man must have his conviction. Come on now, little gal, I think it's our turn to waltz. You've had your way with Docken, see if you can handle a full man." Boomingham slashes at Victoria Vampire Huntres with his Frozen Sabre from the front row.

"I'll make short work of the bats, and than start in on the Vampires." Boomingham swings his Frozen Sabre at Summoned Bat A from the front row.

Well, if people would prefer I'll put a nice little strike through all of that, but I thought it was the best way to protect Haldor's ideals and get us moving. Sorry Scorpiox, if you think Haldor would take on Boomingham (very possible) we can retcon!

OoC: Here, I'll help move things along. Scorpiox, you get to keep Haldor's morals, and we move forward. Hope we can win this... "Alright, screw it," mutters Boomingham. He swivels quickly and walks over to Haldor. "Sorry, I'll patch you up later," Boomingham whispers before punching Haldor in the face. Perhaps it is the meaty hands, or the general's once great strength, or the surprise, but the barbarian drops. Boomingham turns to the Vampires. "Sorry, chap, chapette. Honeymoon is over before it started." Boomingham draws his Frozen Sabre. "Let's dance!"

I thought I'd move the quick Quest 28 discussion here. I don't mind the role playing at all. That's part of the game, and it's how I enjoy the game (the same for Scorpiox, I believe), while I know others like the strategy and battles. Both ways are fine and both ways can be done. What bothers me a little is that we can't move on because (without warning) one of the questers, the one who would be the deciding factor in the situation (if she doesn't give him money, then we'd move on, if she does, we'd let the vampies suck away and then move on) has not logged on and put us all in a squeeze. Sorry if you want to get ahead with the main plot, BD, but I think role playing should be encouraged as much as forward progress, because that's how some people enjoy the game. I'm just frustrated we don't know where our final player is. Also, I know you and know you weren't being mean when you asked if this was just role playing. Just thought I'd rant real quick about how it pulls us down when certain players just don't show up without warning. It's happened on previous quests to me before, and as a QM it's occurred once or twice. At the very least, commit to the quests you sign up for.

OoC: I'm trying to let Haldor have this, but Sisco hasn't been online and no one else has the character motivation to loan him gold... hell, I'd probably break character at this point if I had the gold... can we just assume Sisco would loan him the gold? I know that's a big step, but if he pays Sisco back... in battles it's the 24 hours mark. Not trying to be pushy, just offering alternatives!

"We shall see if it is the Chimera's will for him to be released or not. I believe that it is our fates to fight for his life. I respect you heroes, and if you win, that is what was supposed to happen. I am prepared." The Enemies Sphinx Level 15 Humanoid Health: 600/600 Special I (Used if Health 600-401): Lion’s Claw – Deals 20 damage to hero. Special II (Used if Health 400-201): Lion’s Roar - Burns all heroes for 3 damage, and gives all burned effect, causing 1 more damage at the end of each turn. Special III (Used if Health 201-1): 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 Dragon Scales The Party Tarn Valco, Level 14 Barbarian Power: 24 Health: 21/21 Gold: 0 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade with Mead equipped), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bomb XX Nyx, Level 18 1/2 Battle Mage *Stand-in Party Leader* Power: 31 Health: 28/28 Ether: 23/23 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 Sir Earl Poletad (NPC) Level 15 1/2 Frog Paladin Power: 15 Health: 14/20 Ether: 15/15 Gold: 0 Shield – Croak: Restores health of all party members an amount equal to his level. Miss – Ribbit: All party members regain one ether.

Am I the first QM to be running two side-quests at the same time. My party wanted to do everything in one day!

Thothwick and William head off to face Mane and Claw, who they realize they recognize from the cave. After waving their good byes, the party follows Sir Poletad to the top of the mountain. They are greeted by an eerie sight. The Party Tarn Valco, Level 14 Barbarian Power: 24 Health: 21/21 Gold: 0 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade with Mead equipped), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bomb XX Nyx, Level 18 1/2 Battle Mage *Stand-in Party Leader* Power: 31 Health: 28/28 Ether: 23/23 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 Sir Earl Poletad (NPC) Level 15 1/2 Frog Paladin Power: 15 Health: 14/20 Ether: 15/15 Gold: 0 Shield – Croak: Restores health of all party members an amount equal to his level. Miss – Ribbit: All party members regain one ether. Sphinx stands over an unconscious Mallelio, who is placed gingerly on an alter. Sphinx smiles at the heroes when they arrive, though the smile seems serious and smug. "Hello, and welcome to the great fate! Heroes, you have come to to witness the greatness here in Dastan You have come to bear the news home, when the time comes. You have come to see a goddess rise! Rejoice. You get to witness the birth of something of real power, heroes." He stops, and changes tacks. "Heroes, I know what you're thinking, but I'm not delusional. I know what you're truly here for. Or what you think you're here for. You think that you're here to save these little advisers and little prophets... but that's not true heroes. You see, the world is larger than that. It has a direction. Everything happens for a specific reason, and it all culminates in the rising of the Chimera. That's the worlds fate. You'll grow to see it. Yesterday, I lost Gottfried. A loyal disciple, high up in the order. But there were no tears shed for him or by him. It's what was supposed to happen for the Chimera to rise... or it wouldn't have happened at all. Today, Calibor is bringing home our newest Lion Knight. And the outcome of that, whatever it may be, will be what was supposed to happen. Just as this battle will end as it was supposed to. I can't pretend to know the greater picture, heroes, but there is one, and I submit to it. You're part of that picture too. So I welcome you. What do you want, heroes? What is your job in the will of the world? How will you help the Chimera rise?" What would the party like to say to Sphinx?

I'm sorry Polly, some of this just doesn't ring true. Not the conversation, I believe you had that, but there remains some confusion... This part in particular rings strange: "It's funny, 2 minutes before your initial contact with me, he wrote to say that you had told him that you were in contact with me." -Shanalon "I find that very odd. I didn't tell him I had PMed you until an hour or two after I actually had." - Polly We know that Meahon was town, and so we should assume that he wouldn't lie randomly. We know that Shanalon was town, and so wouldn't lie randomly to make you suspect Meahon more... so, we're left with you as a liar to make Meahon look even more out of touch with things. And, neatly, we can't ask either of them about it, because both of them are dead, so lying to turn them against each other would have been low risk for you. The alternative was that Meahon was just some random lying townie... which has also been proven relatively true... I just don't see anyone better to lynch today. The best defense is a good offense. Please give me someone else to lynch, with ANY evidence, and I'll consider changing my vote. The case against you is so shaky, and I recognize that. So try to help me out.

<I do not wish to intrude, sirs, but my limited grasp of the human language makes it sound like you're going to go stop some of the other cultists. Please remember that we don't have much time to save Mallelio! We must go now! If you want to stop both the Dragon Sacrifice and Mallelio's death, you will have to split up! I think we can do that, but we will have to be in two places at once or commit to one cause!> William translates, to save time.

It is important to note, Fairon, that I'm only assuming that's why Shanalon was suspect of her, and I only have Jane's word that she was suspect at all. That's a lot of assumption and other people's word, I'll admit, but it's better than the other cases... of which there seems to be none.

<Sir William, maybe this would be a good time to mount your horse! He could help with the steep terrain. Also, please tell Tarn I was ever so impressed by his bravery on this quest and will be sure to tell Ella of it when we return! She is also well versed in my language! Also, tell Nyx I didn't know she could hit that hard! I am very impressed by her style!>

I fear that the only reason Shanalon would say that Polly was confirmed scum if Meahon turned out innocent would be because Polly was the second claimed protector. Again, Polly, please bring forward anyone else you have anything against, and I will consider changing my vote, but if Shanalon said that you could not be trusted if Meahon was a royal court member, then that's that. It's not a particularly compelling case, it just outshines all the other cases, if you catch my drift. Vote: Polly Altamont (Pandora)

Boomingham stared coldly at the Norseman who he had grown to respect over the Quest. His respect was draining away. "Stop him, Lawrence, stop him. You must stop him. I do not permit you to allow this to happen. YOU MUST STOP THIS!" Boomingham turns his back on the Norseman. "I can't do anything. He's an independent human, Barty. Let him suffer if he wants to suffer." Boomingham glances at Jess in hopes she may prevent her love from making this mistake, but she remains as silent as she always is. "I am ready to proceed as soon as Haldor finishes his business here, Master Docken."

"Haldor. Do not make deals with Helvetia. These creatures are unheavenly. You must not give in to them." "I'm afraid I've got to agree with Barty here," says Boomingham, drawing his sword. "There will be no blood sucking today, thank you. I am used to killing scum. I know you don't negotiate. Orcs, Ogres, Dark Mages... Vampires. There is no hope for you. Prepare for your demise. On your wedding day... that is a little sad. I'm sorry."

"I have ears. Well, not technically ears, but I'm able to perceive sounds." "I'm afraid that the Hinckwells and I have had dealings in the past that have left me, er, loyal, to them. I'm going to have to ask you to reconsider your choice, or I will be forced to... prevent your intentions."

OoC: I forgot to change the miss to an aim last round. But I think after this round it doesn't matter much. Sorry, you got to keep an eye on me VP, I always forget that. Round Four of Chimera Guard Battle Sir Poletad v. Guard F - Miss Ribbit Tarn v. Chimera Guard D - Hit Nyx v. Chimera Guard A - Shield (No Summon) Thothwick v. Chimera Guard A - Critical Hit Harkenshire v. Chimera Guard E - Shield Harkenshire v. Chimera Guard F - Damage Sir Poletad starts the round with a loud and resounding ribbit, restoring one ether to each party member. Tarn further damages Chimera Guard D (-23) and Nyx smashes into Chimera Guard A, which cackles as lighting courses through it's gears, and then is smashed by a book, the force of which literally flings it into pieces. Thothwick instead charges Chimera Guard D, lopping off it's head, and William Harkenshire fires three times, putting down the final two Chimera Guards. The Battle is Victorious! The Party Thothwick, Level 16 Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 24 (21 Ranged) Health: 27/27 Gold: 441 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat, Phoenix Essence Tarn Valco, Level 14 Barbarian Power: 24 Health: 21/21 Gold: 0 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade with Mead equipped), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bomb XX William Harkenshire, Level 12 1/2 Ranger Power: 17 Health: 17/17 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (3),Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Fire Bomb, Bomb XX Nyx, Level 18 1/2 Battle Mage Power: 31 Health: 28/28 Ether: 23/23 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, 2 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence Sir Earl Poletad (NPC) Level 15 1/2 Frog Paladin Power: 15 Health: 14/20 Ether: 15/15 Gold: 0 Shield – Croak: Restores health of all party members an amount equal to his level. Miss – Ribbit: All party members regain one ether. Spoils: x2 Ether Core - Restores full ether when consumed. x2 Tonic – Restores 5 ether to the target. <Well, if anything that means we're on the right track! Yippee! I say divi up this loot, and then let's get on our merry way up this mountain!>

It is clear what we need to to today. Shanalon was in contact with a member of the royal court yesterday. I can only pray that she passed them along information. They must step forward and tell us who the protecttor was that contacted Shanalon to get Meahon lynched. They claimed protector, so they must be lying if Meahon was in contact with another protector, OR they are a protector, but for the Kemsey. Right? Or am I totally off base with that? It's the only lead I can think up. I wish Shanalon had passed along more information, we're sort of stranded now.

No, that's fine, I would prefer they chimed in too, but they're apparently not. Round Three of Chimera Guard Battle Sir Poletad heals Tarn - Shield Tarn v. Chimera Guard D - Miss Nyx v. Chimera Guard B - Hit (No Summon ) Thothwick v. Chimera Guard A - Critical Hit Harkenshire v. Roger - Shield Harkenshire v. Chimera Guard F - Miss Chimera Guard E - Free hit on Poletad (-6) The battle continues. Poletad prays to his god, and his god is kind, healing the entire party by 15 points! Tarn, shocked at his new and improved state, does not hit his target, though Nyx is able to destroy Chimera Guard B quickly, frying his circuitry. Thothwick flings his weapon from the back row. It embeds itself in the Chimera Guard, which now clanks every time it moves ((5x2)+15=25). Harkenshire fires three shots, hitting Roger, Chimera Guard D, and Chimera Guard E (-17 each). The untargetted Chimera Guard slams into Poletad and dashes him on the rocks (-6), but he bravely hops back onto his feet. The Enemies Chimera Guard A Level 12 Mechanical, Demon Health: 25/50 Special: Roar of Life – Revives one fallen fellow guard at half health Drops: Ether Core Chimera Guard D Level 12 Mechanical, Demon Health: 33/50 Special: Roar of Life – Revives one fallen fellow guard at half health Drops: Tonic Chimera Guard E Level 12 Mechanical, Demon Health: 18/50 Special: Roar of Life – Revives one fallen fellow guard at half health Drops: Nothing Chimera Guard F Level 12 Mechanical, Demon Health: 6/50 Special: Roar of Life – Revives one fallen fellow guard at half health Drops: None The Party Thothwick, Level 15 1/2 Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 23 (20 Ranged) Health: 26/26 Gold: 441 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope, Cultist's Hat, Phoenix Essence Tarn Valco, Level 13 1/2 Barbarian Power: 23 Health: 20/20 Gold: 0 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade with Mead equipped), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bomb XX William Harkenshire, Level 12 Ranger Power: 17 Health: 17/17 Gold: 20 Inventory: Hand Cannon (WP: 5; Lightning, Wood) Repeating Crossbow (WP: 5 May not be upgraded; Fire; Hastened), Potion (3),Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Mead, Smelling Salts, Pickaxe, Horse, Skeleton Decoy, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Venom, Elven Bomb, Fire Bomb, Bomb XX Nyx, Level 18 Battle Mage Power: 31 Health: 28/28 Ether: 23/23 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, 2 Tonics, 2 Grand Tonics, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, 5 Bones, Wooden Shield (SP:2), Bomb XX, Phoenix Essence Sir Earl Poletad (NPC) Level 15 Frog Paladin Power: 15 Health: 14/20 Ether: 15/15 Gold: 0 Shield – Croak: Restores health of all party members an amount equal to his level. Miss – Ribbit: All party members regain one ether.

RumbleStrike, please either attack or don't! Thanks, sorry for the wait everyone.