Zepher

"I don't know..." admits Boomingham, rubbing his head sadly. "I have a killer headache," he grumbles. "Give it to Docken, as a personal favor to us," Barty begs. "Also, please go clean up Haldor's mistake. He luckily doesn't have your abilities for deceit." Boomingham makes his way over to Haldor and Gurnam. "Haldor, this is indeed Gurnam, though he has already offered his wares. I assume that's all you wanted to talk to him about, unless you want to join our conversation? He was just telling me about the life of a Sharkling with some gold to spare. Tell Haldor about that investment you were telling me about? The one that just blew up? Who else was smart enough to join up with you on that? I assume if you invested in it, it must have been a good investment!"

Listen. Shanalon is clearly a member of the royal court, so you're not helping yourself by attacking her. I'm not fully convinced your scum though - with only three of scum, I don't know how readily they'd defend each other. Please give us another target, or we will be forced to vote you off. I don't want to do that, but I won't vote for Shanalon, who is the other person you're offering us, and we can't afford to not lynch, so choose another target and try to tell us why it should be them over you. I'm willing to at least listen.

Ella looks affectionately at Tarn and smiles at him. "Heroes, I urge you to remember why you are here. Tarn and Nyx are right. Wren is not your priority!" Phil pulls aside Thothwick. "She's correct, I'm afraid. You are here to protect Dastan citizens, not hunt Wren. I was supportive of tracking her when it seemed today would be safe. I agree she must be stopped. But if someone's life hangs in the balance... you must save them, mustn't you? Felton and Hans and Sir Poletad are not in our employ, you are. You may do what you choose, but now does not seem to be the time to catch two birds with one arrow."

Oops, sorry Jeb, hope I didn't ruin any role playing, I guess I thought Nur knew his die was lucky and it was common knowledge. I'l explain it away. That's the beauty of magic.

"Excuse me, thank you for the bet, I'd love to go another round if you'd like to," Boomingham says to Gurnam before sidling up to Nur. "Give Docken your lucky die!" Boomingham hisses to the mage.

The heroes fall asleep... 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 ), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, 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 Atramor Gibbin, Level 17 1/2 Witch Power: 27 Health: 35/35 Defense: 2 Ether: 15/15 Gold: 0 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 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 The next morning, they awaken and walk through the palace halls until they reach the exit. Down the palace stairs they go. They navigate to their normal meeting place. The whole gang is there - Hans, Phil, Felton, even Sir Poletad. Pleasantries are exchanged. The heroes gear up for the day, and then hear a shriek as Ella Septrine ran towards them. "Heroes, help me. I awoke this morning and was supposed to have a lesson with Mallelio before sunrise. When he did not arrive, I went to his house and found it ransacked. Mallelio is gone." The heroes let it sink in. They've lost one of their charges while they were sleeping. Suddenly, there is a flash and puff of smoke and Wren stands among the heroes. Felton advances with his sword drawn, growling. "Quiet, you. I have urgent information for you heroes." Felton continues to advance. Wren lifts a hand and freezes him, though the effort makes her wince as she continues to talk in her normal sing-song voice. It sounds a little stressed. "Sphinx has kidnapped your little boy. He's going to sacrifice in... on the top of that mountain over there." Wren points to a mountain to the north. "It appears they're scared of his friendship with the Dragons." "Why are you here, Witch?" Phil demands. "To warn you, of course. I do not agree with these cultists. Sphinx must be brought down a peg. He understands very little." "Leave!" command Hans. "Very well. Felton, Poletad, Hans, Phil, Ella, heroes, take care!" There is another flash of light and Wren is gone. A newly freed Felton runs towards the spot. "She can't be far," Felton says. "Her transportation does not take her long distances. She must have a safe house in Drakencourt." "Why is she here in Drakencourt?" Phil ponders. "Please, let's go and save Mallelio. This Wren gave you information. Use it before it's too late." Ella begins to breakdown a little. "I have such awful visions..." "Hans and Poletad and I will follow Wren. You may follow whomever you like, heroes." Are the heroes ready to move out?

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 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 ), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, 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 Atramor Gibbin, Level 17 1/2 Witch Power: 27 Health: 35/35 Defense: 2 Ether: 9/15 Gold: 0 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 Nyx, Level 18 Battle Mage Power: 31 Health: 28/28 Ether: 22/23 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 Mallelio (NPC) Level 15 1/2 Sage Power: 16 Health: 30/30 Ether: 19/22 Gold: 0 Inventory: Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Topaz (Lightning) Atramor heals the heroes (Nyx also has Natural Respite, forgot about that...) before the all head out. As they descend through the rocky terrain the sun sets and long shadows are cast before the eerie inky blue black of night carpets the land. Drakencourt lights up. The party is silent. Mallelio looks troubled by the death of Maw... and perhaps the party's reaction towards it. They are greeted by a Page and Ella. Ella looks concerned until she sees Mallelio. She rushes into his arms and hugs him. "Oh, thank Ennoc that you're alright. Where have you been all day, Master?" "I told you where I would be, dear Ella. I needed to go retrieve the Dragon Tooth." "Oh, but I was so worried. You're alright." "I took your father's heroes with me. I'm alright. We ran into a tortured U'Kin, but the heroes sent him on his way to happiness, I hope." Ella turns to the heroes. "Thank you for looking after my master. He can sometimes bite off more than he can chew. I am happy to see him alive." She looks over the heroes again. She seems impressed by them. "Me?! My dear Ella, you are not known for being the most conservative with what tasks you try to complete. You're training to be a seer and a mage. You wish to free the U'Kin, Pongcanis and Teuthisal, and rekindle our nations alliance with the Dragons. You are well adept in visions - both those of the humans and those of the Dragons and their energy pools. I think I bite off just the right amount compared to you." Ella blushes. "Thank you, heroes. Please come visit me anytime." Ella and Mallelio walk away. As they go, Felton approaches with Poletad. "Oh, good, you are all already here. I sent out this man to buy you your Phoenix Essences, 3, I believe. Divide them and then we will go catch some shut eye. I'm sorry Phil can't be here, he has gone to see Nikolai off. Hans is with him. We have your back, heroes. We do not forget how you have helped us before. However, I do have a request. Tomorrow, every one of your charges will be in the Palace, and therefore safe with the Palace Guard. I have asked Phil to release you to Hans and I. He has agreed. We will be going Wren Hunting. Please rest up." Felton departs. Please divide the Phoenix Essences, and then bold that you'd like to sleep!

There are next to no leads. No one seemed hesitant to vote for Ruben yesterday, but the case was so cut and dry, I can't imagine that the assassins would be dumb enough to fight it, if you know what I'm saying. This is good though. We've lost a member of the royal family, yes, but that leaves us even with the assassins. Shanalon has been proven totally trustworthy at this point. With only 3 assassins, killing off one of their own would be ludicrous. She has also found another member of the royal court. So, no new news from Shanalon, and no voting pattern from yesterday... what should we do? Anyone got any gut feelings?

"Blew up in your face, huh? I am a Paladin, if you need some to carp to, my ears are obligated to be opened. I understand what it's like to lose money on something you thought would work out, it happens to me all the time. As for your goods... well, as you know, I only have 7 gold to my name. Maybe if you lose our bet, I'll be able to buy something... but that seems unlikely. Maybe I could pay you back later - I'm a Paladin and a King, so my word is good."

"Don't know the name, sorry. How do you avoid the Wolfgang? You seem to have money to throw away on gambles with poor Paladins! Got any good investments going on right now?"

Oh no you don't, that's the whole danger of the die, you don't know how successful others will be until the battle phase! Take a gamble!

I have a concrete plan for Boomingham's past, and that's it. I know the events that he experienced leading up to being transfixed in time, and I know the events after that up until when he joined Heroica. Those events shape him. I know also the events that have happened since he arrived at Heroica. Perhaps I should have a long term goal, I fear he's getting a little flat. All the quests he's been on have been errands, though this one is quite nice for character changes, AND Sisco's made him drink more. Of course the biggest catalysts are the other heroes he meets.

Round Five Maw Battle Atramor Gibbin heals Mallelio - No Heal Mallelio heals William - Heal Less Thothwick - Hit Tarn Valco - Special Damage Nyx - Shield (No Summon) William Harkenshire - Hit William Harkenshire - Hit The round begins with both Atramor and Mallelio lining up to heal their allies. Atramor is unable to, and though Mallelio can't focus totally, he still performs a powerful spell, healing William fully. Thothwick slashes Maw's leg ((8x2)+15=31) and Tarn charges forward, ready to cleave Maw's limp arm off when Maw shoots his customary flames (Atramor: -0, Nyx/Harkenshire/Mallelio: -2, Tarn/Thothwick: -3). Nyx smashes her book into Maw, who briefly catches fire before the flames wink out (((13x2)+17)+((13x2)+17)=86). William Harkenshire fires twice at Maw, leanding both bolts (-16) (-16). The burns smolder (-2). Enemies Maw Level 15 Humanoid Health: 67/500 Special: Lion’s Roar - Burns all heroes for 3 damage, and gives all burned effect, causing 2 more damage at the end of each turn. Drops: Cultist’s Hat The Party Thothwick, Level 15 Rouge *Party Leader* *Burned* Power: 23 (20 Ranged) Health: 8/26 Gold: 402 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope Tarn Valco, Level 13 Barbarian *Burned* Power: 23 Health: 10/20 Gold: 0 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade ), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bomb XX William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger *Burned* Power: 16 Health: 12/16 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 Atramor Gibbin, Level 17 Witch *Burned* Power: 27 Health: 24/35 Defense: 2 Ether: 13/15 Gold: 0 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 Nyx, Level 17 1/2 Battle Mage *Burned* Power: 30 Health: 14/27 Ether: 21/22 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 Mallelio (NPC) *Burned* Level 15 Sage Power: 16 Health: 8/30 Ether: 20/22 Gold: 0 Inventory: Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Topaz (Lightning) Note - If Mallelio is KO'd, it will count as a failure to protect him from assassination. "Don't worry about me, heroes. Please, continue with the battle, and I will continue to assist in anyway I can."

I was actually going to compliment Dek'ra the other day. Your writing for him is always superb. I love his view of the world. It is very unique and adds a ton of flavor to the game. I think, personally, however, long term plans are a little silly for characters. It is my (personal) belief that people are shaped by their events, so I try to let Boomingham be shaped by the Quests he's been on and the people he's encountered.

NPC Index updated once more! Go give it a quick spin. QM's, I'm still missing NPCs from Quest 5 and the end of Quest 17.

"I'm good on my word, if nothing else, though it seems a large number of people in this city aren't. Have you had any run-ins with the Wolfgang? Name is Lord Lawrence Boomingham, by the way! Who do I have the pleasure of making the acquaintance of?"

Didn't even notice, so cool WBD! Now I feel obligated to enter and see who my opponent would be. Unless this is random and mine won't tie into my quests.

Boomingham smiles. "Damn straight it is. You know, I've heard some good things about that Billy Tolde. What do you say we make this first round interesting with a little bet?" Boomingham leans in. "I'm a paladin, so I'm naturally giving, you know? Even though the odds are clearly in favor of Billy, how about we make a little deal. I'll put down 7 gold that... Docker chap, and you can throw down 13 gold on Billy, making it a round 20, and whoever wins takes it all! I'll probably end up without a coin to my name, but Barty here wants me to lead a pious life anyway!" Boomingham turns to Barty and whispers. "Do me a favor, would you? Tell Nur to loan his loaded die to Docken. Ask him to do it as a personal favor. If he won't do that, work it out with Docken that he gets a 3rd of the prize money or something. We're going to win this." "I wouldn't usually condone tricking people out of money, but anyone willing to gamble has already thrown their soul away." Barty zips off to suggest the plan to the others. Boomingham turns back to his new friend. "My angel and I are on better terms ever since I tried to beat up a drunk man. I'm a little confused by his priorities. He's a pest, and pretentious, and doesn't like me very much. Oh well. So, what do you say?"

Boomingham whistles a merry tune as he turns all his pockets inside out. 7 measly gold coins fall to the ground. Barty quickly collects them. "No can do, sorry. I'll go work the crowd. Might as well do some work while we're here." Boomingham walks through the crowd looking for anyone worth talking to. He also, perhaps a little more diligently, searched for anyone willing to bet on the contest.

I'll start us off then, if you're all following what I'm saying. Vote: Ruben Castleton (Rick) He has put up a good defense, but there isn't a case against anyone else and not voting again isn't a option in my mind. If he isn't an assassin, then tomorrow we go after Shanalon, no ifs, ands, or buts.

"I'm going to have a really wonderful standing with them when all is said and done," grumbles Boomingham. He knaws on the chicken until it is only bone (+2 health) and then tosses it out the open window. "Let's get going. I want to see the arrows fly. I haven't been to a good ol' fair in far too long. That chicken was salty and delicious... could I get a beer to go?" Barty zips around, still agitated from their encounters on the floor above. Boomingham seems to be putting little thought into the maiden who's affection he had won so easily.

Round Four Maw Battle Atramor Gibbin heals Nyx - Heal Less Mallelio heals Nyx - No Heal Nyx v. Tarn - Critical Hit (Heal) (No Summon) Tarn Valco v. Maw - Critical Hit Thothwick v. Maw - Shield William Harkenshire v. Maw - Shield William Harkenshire v. Maw - Special Damage The round begins with both Atramor and Mallelio lining up to heal Nyx. Atramor pulls off some minor magic (+16), though Mallelio can't focus. Nyx then smashes her healing staff into Tarn, bringing him up to full health once more, though leaving him with a slight headache. Tarn charges forward and rams his ax into Maw in the same shoulder once more. The arm hangs limply now ((10x3)+13=43). Thothwick slashes at Maw and while retreating stumble upon some gold in the ancient cave ((8x3)+15=39). William Harkenshire finishes off the round by firing three shots at Maw (16x3=48) before the familiar flames bubble forward (Atramor: -0, Nyx/Harkenshire/Mallelio: -2, Tarn/Thothwick: -3). The burns sizzle and pop (-2). Enemies Maw Level 15 Humanoid Health: 216/500 Special: Lion’s Roar - Burns all heroes for 3 damage, and gives all burned effect, causing 2 more damage at the end of each turn. Drops: Cultist’s Hat The Party Thothwick, Level 15 Rouge *Party Leader* *Burned* Power: 23 (20 Ranged) Health: 13/26 Gold: 402 Inventory - Sabre (WP 8), Whip Chain (WP 6), Shuriken (WP 5), 2 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 1 Floral Bomb, 1 Bedroll, 1 Telescope Tarn Valco, Level 13 Barbarian *Burned* Power: 23 Health: 15/20 Gold: 0 Inventory: Helbaerend (WP: 10, Water, Ice and Lightning Elemental, Hollow Blade ), Fauxthril Spear (WP: 6), Mead, Phoenix Essence, Grand Potion, Potion, Remedy, Holy Bomb, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bomb XX William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger *Burned* Power: 16 Health: 6/16 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 Atramor Gibbin, Level 17 Witch *Burned* Power: 27 Health: 26/35 Defense: 2 Ether: 13/15 Gold: 0 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 Nyx, Level 17 1/2 Battle Mage *Burned* Power: 30 Health: 18/27 Ether: 21/22 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 Mallelio (NPC) *Burned* Level 15 Sage Power: 16 Health: 12/30 Ether: 21/22 Gold: 0 Inventory: Wooden Staff (WP: 1), Topaz (Lightning) Note - If Mallelio is KO'd, it will count as a failure to protect him from assassination. "I'm sorry for not following the plan you proposed heroes, but I thought Nyx would need my healing more. I sadly failed her. I will not allow you to be hurt for me, and will try again next round to heal Mr. Harkenshire!"

I doubt it has anything to do with a conviction or not. I don't think God would give us a way to prolong the game forever, if you know what I'm saying you hot pepperoni!

"Disgusting," Barty mutters. "Perhaps we should punish you. Quit sniveling." Boomingham skitters forward and grabs hold of Barty, shoving him in a pokcet. He is terse with the troll. "Does this room belong to you or him? Where is he, to the best of your knowledge?"