Zepher

Boomingham nodded, and turned to his party mates. "Maybe one of you who is quicker and leaner than I could poke your head in the room really quickly and see if you can see anything worth seeing. Then we'll move on to one of the others," he whispers before turning back to the doctors. "Doctor Falish, would you like to add anything? I'm afraid we've let your husband do all the talking!"

OoC: It has been edited. I thought it was retracted for some reason!

"The fact that XX and Wren walk alive doesn't bother me. You were asked to protect Nikolai, and that is what you did. Thank you for not failing me, heroes." "About our day then. One of your charges showed up, unexpectedly, in Drakencourt. A certain Dragon Knight commander named Constance. I trailed her for the day to make sure nothing bad happened to her. Phil advised me to pick up some cloths so I'd blend in better as well, so I did that... speaking of which, heroes, it struck me that perhaps you're missing an item or two you wish you had... namely Phoenix Essences? I spoke to the Emperor on your behalf, and he has agreed to send out a little errand boy tomorrow if you'd like to have him pick up anything. So, tell me what you want and I'll send out the boy tomorrow. You're lucky I'm charming enough to talk to the Emperor for you. Phil tells me that they don't let just anyone talk to him." Felton seems to be back to his normal happy-go-lucky self. The heroes arrival has rejuvenated him, it would appear. "...while we're over here, my name is Victor..." "Place your orders with Felton, and then we can hit the hay." (prices for goods are such in Dastan (price of good in Eubric + 10 gold. And seriously, you guys want some Phoenix Essences. )

Hinckster, you mixed up my character and CMP's in the intro. I was playing the bagpipes, not him! Don't take my victorious playing skills away from me!

I sure am hungry. Why has everyone been talking about chicken so much? I sure could go for some of that! Or, you know, anything else that anyone wants to stuff in my mouth.

"You don't need to dress it up or make it seem like I'm not grateful. I believe you saved my life, and I thank you for it. I will make sure the Emperor rewards you for it fairly. I will head to the front lines tomorrow. You should return to Drakencourt. If the assassins have made their first attempt, surely many more will follow. Be safe, heroes." Nikolai walks out of the marketplace with his soldiers. The Party Thothwick, Level 15 Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 23 (20 Ranged) Health: 26/26 Gold: 552 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 Power: 23 Health: 14/20 Gold: 10 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 Power: 16 Health: 16/16 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 Hans (NPC controlled by Zepher) Level 15 1/2 Wren Fighter Power: 25 Health: 45/45 Gold: 80 Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead Shield – Fury: Does 10 damage to all opponents. Collects gold equal to damage given. Critical Hit - (Power)x2+Lvl Atramor Gibbin, Level 17 Witch Power: 27 Health: 35/35 Defense: 2 Ether: 7/15 Gold: 10 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 Power: 30 Health: 27/27 Ether: 19/22 Gold: 10 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, Bomb XX (SP:2) "Don't ya be shy, Thothwick. You should take something nice for yourself next time." The heroes return to Drakencourt, relieved that they were not buried in rubble along with their charge. When they arrive, it is night. They are greeted by two familiar faces on the street next to the Palace. "Heroes, please report. I am anxious to hear how the speech went." "And when you are done with that, we get to tell you what we did with our day," adds Felton with a wink.

Round Eight Bombs in the Market Battle Hans v. Bombster B - Shield Atramor heals Thothwick - Fails Thothwick v. Bombster B - Critical Hit Nyx v. Bombster B - Damage The battle rages. Hans hacks at the Bombster, dealing 10 damage and stealing that much gold. Atramor cannot concentrate on Thothwick, and fails to heal him, though Thothwick bravely plows forward anyway and stabs the Bombster in the gut ((8x2)+14=30). The Bombster fires a fireball at Nyx once more, but coughs up blood as it hits her (-5). The burns do their thing. Enemies - Bomb’s dials decrease by 1 at the end of each round. When bomb's dials reach 0, they explode. Bombster B Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid Health: 21/250 Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold The Party Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader* *Burned* Power: 22 (19 Ranged) Health: 10/25 Gold: 576 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 KO'd Power: 23 Health: 1/20 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 William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger KO'd Power: 16 Health: 1/16 Gold: 10 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 Hans (NPC controlled by Zepher) *Burned* Level 15 Wren Fighter Power: 25 Health: 22/45 Gold: 80 Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead Shield – Fury: Does 10 damage to all opponents. Collects gold equal to damage given. Critical Hit - (Power)x2+Lvl Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch Power: 26 Health: 28/34 Defense: 2 Ether: 11/14 Gold: 0 (14 Gold in debt to Wren) 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 Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage Power: 30 Health: 2/27 Ether: 19/22 Gold: 0 (10 Gold in debt to Wren) 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) Round Nine Bombs in the Market Battle Hans v. Bombster B - Miss Atramor heals Nyx - Heal More Thothwick v. Bombster B - Miss Nyx v. Bombster B - Shield The battle rages. Hans swipes at the Bombster, who neatly sidesteps it as Atramor brings Nyx back up to perfect health. Thothwick also misses the mark, but Nyx, tired of the numerous fireballs, smashes the Bombster in the face with her book with such force that he spirals backwards. She then electrocutes him until he starts to smoke a little. The battle is victorious. The Party Thothwick, Level 15 Rouge *Party Leader* Power: 23 (20 Ranged) Health: 11/26 Gold: 576 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 Power: 23 Health: 0/20 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 William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger Power: 16 Health: 0/16 Gold: 10 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 Hans (NPC controlled by Zepher) Level 15 1/2 Wren Fighter Power: 25 Health: 22/45 Gold: 80 Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead Shield – Fury: Does 10 damage to all opponents. Collects gold equal to damage given. Critical Hit - (Power)x2+Lvl Atramor Gibbin, Level 17 Witch Power: 27 Health: 29/35 Defense: 2 Ether: 11/15 Gold: 0 (14 Gold in debt to Wren) 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 Nyx, Level 17 1/2 Battle Mage Power: 30 Health: 27/27 Ether: 19/22 Gold: 0 (10 Gold in debt to Wren) 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) Spoils: - 40 Gold - x2 Fire Bomb - x3 Bomb XX (Does 30 damage to all enemies, and 10 damage to the party (disregarding row/SP)). The first Bombster dragged himself to his feet and hobbled over to his friend, slumping him onto his back. "We will see you again, heroes," he said before disappearing in a flash of smoke. Suddenly the Marketplace unfroze. The confused audience looked around at the scorch marks. Nikolai made his way over to the party. "What happened?!" he demands. "I was mid speech, and next thing I knew you were all here and the walls were black with... soot?"

"Well, that's helpful. A few more questions, if you don't mind. Who, if anyone do you think would have the motive to sabotage the machine. Likewise, who had the means. The magic user told us that he, Szalinski, or you two were with the machine from the time that it was set-up until the time that it was started. Someone sabotaged it in that amount of time, so you can see why that paints a nice red target on your heads, among others. Tell us who you think could have and would have done it, if you don't mind, just so we can be sure it wasn't you two lovely chaps... or rather, chap and chappess."

OoC: Flitty and Pandora, if anything in this round seems like something you would not do, please tell me and I will reroll! Round Seven Bombs in the Market Battle Hans v. Bombster B - Damage Nyx v. Bombster B - Miss Atramor heals Thothwick - Heal Less Thothwick v. Bombster B - Critical Hit The battle continues. Hans is caught with a fireball once more, and Nyx, perhaps exhausted from two powerful surges, cannot get her magic flowing, and the Bombster slashes at her (-5). Nyx summons up an earth spell and fires it back (13x2=26). Atramor also seems tired, and only is able to heal Thothwick 10 points. The only star of the round is Thothwick, who flies into danger once more with his sabre raised, hacking at his foe ((8x2)+14=30). The burns once more take their toll as the battle rages on, many heroes and enemies on their last legs. Enemies - Bomb’s dials decrease by 1 at the end of each round. When bomb's dials reach 0, they explode. Bombster B Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid Health: 61/250 Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold The Party Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader* *Burned* Power: 22 (19 Ranged) Health: 12/25 Gold: 576 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 KO'd Power: 23 Health: 0/20 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 William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger KO'd Power: 16 Health: 0/16 Gold: 10 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 Hans (NPC controlled by Zepher) *Burned* Level 15 Wren Fighter Power: 25 Health: 24/45 Gold: 70 Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead Shield – Fury: Does 10 damage to all opponents. Collects gold equal to damage given. Critical Hit - (Power)x2+Lvl Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch Power: 26 Health: 28/34 Defense: 2 Ether: 11/14 Gold: 0 (14 Gold in debt to Wren) 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 Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage Power: 30 Health: 7/27 Ether: 19/22 Gold: 0 (10 Gold in debt to Wren) 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)

Round Six Bombs in the Market Battle Hans v. Bombster B - Shield Nyx v. Bombster A - Shield Atramor heals Hans - Heal Thothwick v. Bombster B - Damage The battle continues. Hans once more flies at the opponents and does 10 damage to each, collecting 20 gold from them as they are distracted. Nyx once more feels her magic surge forward, though this time she does not try to hold it back and instead wails on Bombster A with her book ((13x2)+17=43) before unleashing a sand storm on him as well (((13x2)+17)x2=86). The Bombster falls against a wall, bleeding from many small scratches all along his body, unable to continue fighting. Atramor successfully heals Hans (+26). Bombster B, perhaps realizing he is the last of his men standing, doubles his efforts and blasts Thothwick with flames, leaving him with a scorched elbow. His hairs crackle as they burn. Burns take their tolls on the heroes. Enemies - Bomb’s dials decrease by 1 at the end of each round. When bomb's dials reach 0, they explode. Bombster B Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid Health: 117/250 Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold The Party Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader* *Burned* Power: 22 (19 Ranged) Health: 4/25 Gold: 576 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 KO'd Power: 23 Health: 0/20 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 William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger KO'd Power: 16 Health: 0/16 Gold: 10 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 Hans (NPC controlled by Zepher) *Burned* Level 15 Wren Fighter Power: 25 Health: 36/45 Gold: 70 Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead Shield – Fury: Does 10 damage to all opponents. Collects gold equal to damage given. Critical Hit - (Power)x2+Lvl Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch Power: 26 Health: 28/34 Defense: 2 Ether: 12/14 Gold: 0 (14 Gold in debt to Wren) 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 Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage Power: 30 Health: 12/27 Ether: 20/22 Gold: 0 (10 Gold in debt to Wren) 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) As soon as CMP indicates if he will attack or heal Flitty, I think I will run the next round unless there are any objections.

Zerard Wolfe checking in. Crud... I got a peg leg... I sure as hell hope I can get rid of that when I get transformed back...

You're right, that's not how Magic Burst works, but we're dealing with a Battle Mage. The wording simply says "the target".

Round Five Bombs in the Market Battle Hans v. Bombster A - Critical Hit Atramor v. Bombster A - Critical Hit Nyx v. Hans - Shield (No Summon) Thothwick v. Bombster B - Shield The heroes seem encouraged by their previous round's success, and shower their enemies with attacks. Hans stabs Bombster A in the gut and the man howls and clutches the wound ((25x2)+15=65). Atramor follows close behind, and twists Ratsbane in the man's open wound ((10x2)+16=36). Nyx, planning to heal Hans whacks him with the healing staff. Unfortunantly, her power bubbles over and an a gale of wind surges forward, nearly piercing him and bringing him back down to the health he was at. Thothwick stabs at the other Bombster, slashing his hip and cutting free a coin purse ((8x3)+14=38). Bomb B explodes, knocking the heroes back and dealing 5 damage to everyone. Poison and burns sizzle. Enemies - Bomb’s dials decrease by 1 at the end of each round. When bomb's dials reach 0, they explode. Bombster A Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid *Badly Poisoned*[/color] Health: 129/250 Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold Bombster B Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid Health: 127/250 Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold The Party Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader* *Burned* Power: 22 (19 Ranged) Health: 16/25 Gold: 576 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 KO'd Power: 23 Health: 0/20 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 William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger KO'd Power: 16 Health: 0/16 Gold: 10 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 Hans (NPC controlled by Zepher) *Burned* Level 15 Wren Fighter Power: 25 Health: 12/45 Gold: 50 Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead Shield – Fury: Does 10 damage to all opponents. Collects gold equal to damage given. Critical Hit - (Power)x2+Lvl Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch Power: 26 Health: 28/34 Defense: 2 Ether: 13/14 Gold: 0 (14 Gold in debt to Wren) 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 Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage Power: 30 Health: 12/27 Ether: 20/22 Gold: 0 (10 Gold in debt to Wren) 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) "It's been fun, heroes, but I need to bounce. We will meet again, I promise." XX calmly walks out of the archway behind Nikolai.

Boomingham steps forward and gives his diplomacy a try. "Listen here, chappos, I know how disappointing it is when you wake up from a lovely nap and find a rag-tag band of heroes at your door, believe you me, but I'm certain you want to help us out. You poured time and energy into that machine and it went up in flames. All we're asking is for you to answer a question or two to help us get to the bottom of this whole issue. If you refuse to help us out, I'm certain that you will see how that may reflect poorly on you.

Round Four Bombs in the Market Battle Hans v. XX - Miss Nyx v. Bomb XX - Critical Hit (No Summon) Atramor Gibbin heals Thothwick - Heals Thothwick v. Bomb XX - Critical Hit Free Hits Bombster A v. Hans (-10) Bombster B v. Nyx (-5) Bomb B v. Atramor (-0) The heroes have had enough with fooling around. Two of their numbers are bleeding and scorched on the ground. They each focus. Hans hacks at XX, who nimbly dodges the attacks, but is distracted. Nyx rallies lightning energy, and gets the attack she feels she should have gotten last time she fired (((13x3)+17)x2=112). Atramor focuses as McCaffrey clucks for whatever reason on his head. Either thanks to her, or despite her, the healing is a success, and Thothwick drags himself to his feet, feeling greatly improved(+26). Thothwick uses his newly returned strength to smash Bomb XX, shattering it before it can explode. The poison and burns all take their toll as the Bomster's shoot flame balls at both Hans and Nyx, singeing the first one's left arm and the second one's right hip. The Market can no longer explode. Just don't die now. Enemies - Bomb’s dials decrease by 1 at the end of each round. When bomb's dials reach 0, they explode. XX *Badly Poisoned* Level 20 Fiery, Humanoid Health: 1415/1500 Special I: Countdown – All Bombs dials go down by one Special II: Explosion – Does 5 damage to all heroes, regardless of row/SP and burns the hero targeting XX, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Bomb XX x5, Explosive Staff, Fire Amulet Note: Special I is used if not targeted in the place of a free hit. Special II is used if targeted. Will flee when all bombs are destroyed. Bombster A Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid Health: 235/250 Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold Bombster B Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid Health: 170/250 Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold Bomb B Level 0 Mechanical Health: 119/150 Dial: 1 Special: Turns into a Faulty Bomb (Health and Dial Reset) Drops: Bomb XX The Party Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader* *Burned* Power: 22 (19 Ranged) Health: 23/25 Gold: 538 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 KO'd Power: 23 Health: 0/20 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 William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger KO'd Power: 16 Health: 0/16 Gold: 10 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 Hans (NPC controlled by Zepher) *Burned* Level 15 Wren Fighter Power: 25 Health: 19/45 Gold: 50 Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead Shield – Fury: Does 10 damage to all opponents. Collects gold equal to damage given. Critical Hit - (Power)x2+Lvl Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch Power: 26 Health: 31/34 Defense: 2 Ether: 13/14 Gold: 0 (14 Gold in debt to Wren) 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 Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage Power: 30 Health: 17/27 Ether: 22/22 Gold: 0 (10 Gold in debt to Wren) 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)

Do you think I can safely assume Nyx would target Bomb XX? I'm going out for the evening and want to get the round up before I go, if possible...

"I'm certainly not one to hold grudges, Nyx. Atramor, we've got to destroy one more bomb, and not end up dead on the floor, and we will save Nikolai, assumin' a' course that Wren told us the truth, which isn't always the best assumption to make." Hans raises his sword. "Let's get 'em!"

You'll have so much to read when we're all done! Yes indeed, and you guys are jumping in head first and thinking. Thanks for confirming for me that I chose a good team. In my Quests, you don't ever see the skies!

Have I mentioned I think quests have been too easy in the past. I'm hoping this battle is forcing you guys to think.

"I don't look down on you at all, Nyx. I'm just telling you I ain't worth any less than you. As for fighting other folks battles... hell, I grew up in a small town in the High Kingdoms. I was kidnapped one day and landed in an Arena where I had to fight through three different tournaments before Heroica folks came and got me out of there. After that, I could have gone home and been happy once more, lived life easy and simple like I knew it... instead, I fought Wren. Followed her around High Kingdoms, followed her over to Dastan, am fighting other people's battles against her, and not getting a single gold piece for it. I paid the price of my ship here. Did ya?" Hans exhales. "Sorry. I'm not usually much a' a talker, I don't mean to rant too much. 'Sides, you seem smart. She's right Thothwick, I should be a meat shield, it's what Skrall used me for."

Another reason to not like mages. On a side note, Flipz, perhaps in the future it would be better to PM the QM your solution. I think the idea remains that the heroes must complete battles/puzzles without outside assistance, SO if you want credit for solving it, maybe put it somewhere that the players can't get to it. I assume that your solution relates to WBD's quest, as none of the others seem to be in puzzles, but I want the fun of solving it myself or not at all, so I can't check.

Round 3 Bombs in the Market Battle William Harkenshire v. Bomb B - Critical Hit William Harkenshire v. Bomb XX - Hit Nyx v. Bomb XX - Hit (No Summon) Hans v. Bombster A - Shield Thothwick v. XX - Special Damage Atramor Gibbin v. XX - Hit Tarn Valco v. Bomb B - Damage Tarn Valco v. Bomb B - Special Damage Free Hits Bombster B v. William Harkenshire (-10) The round does not go well for the heroes. William Harkenshire hits Bomb XX with a well placed arrow (5+11=16), and fires off another that lands in Bomb B ((5x2)+11=21). Nyx follows up with a powerful lightning bolt that nearly shatters Bomb XX ((13+17)x2=60). Hans seems almost like he is going to not help the group after Nyx's remark, but at the last second spits and whips out his sword, stabbing and slashing, channeling his anger into something productive (-10 all enemies). XX grows tired of Thothwick and releases a truly miniature bomb that explodes on impact with Tothwick, burning his hair and crisping his flesh. All the heroes take 5 damage, and Thothwick is burned. Tarn drops to the ground, small flames licking his body. Artamor attacks XX, stabbing him and poisoning him (10+16=26). For the first time, XX snarls. A Bombster, forgotten it seems in the worry over the bombs, darts forward and stabs William Harkenshire, who also passes out on the floor as blood spews out of his gut. XX hacks up some blood as the poison affects him (-10), Thothwick's and Hans' wounds sizzle (-2) and the bombs tick once. Enemies - Bomb’s dials decrease by 1 at the end of each round. When bomb's dials reach 0, they explode. XX *Badly Poisoned* Level 20 Fiery, Humanoid Health: 1425/1500 Special I: Countdown – All Bombs dials go down by one Special II: Explosion – Does 5 damage to all heroes, regardless of row/SP and burns the hero targeting XX, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Bomb XX x5, Explosive Staff, Fire Amulet Note: Special I is used if not targeted in the place of a free hit. Special II is used if targeted. Will flee when all bombs are destroyed. Bombster A Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid Health: 235/250 Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold Bombster B Level 10 Fiery, Humanoid Health: 170/250 Special: Burn – Burns the hero, dealing a further 2 damage each round until the end of the battle (does not stack). Drops: Fire Bomb, 20 Gold Bomb B Level 0 Mechanical Health: 119/150 Dial: 2 Special: Turns into a Faulty Bomb (Health and Dial Reset) Drops: Bomb XX Bomb XX Level 0 Mechanical Health: 140/200 Dial: 4 Special: Dial drops by 1 Drops: Bomb XX The Party Thothwick, Level 14½ Rouge *Party Leader* *Burned* Power: 22 (19 Ranged) Health: 3/25 Gold: 538 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 KO'd Power: 23 Health: 0/20 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 William Harkenshire, Level 11.5 Ranger KO'd Power: 16 Health: 0/16 Gold: 10 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 Hans (NPC controlled by Zepher) *Burned* Level 15 Wren Fighter Power: 25 Health: 31/45 Gold: 50 Inventory: Sword of Dastan (WP: 10), Mead Shield – Fury: Does 10 damage to all opponents. Collects gold equal to damage given. Critical Hit - (Power)x2+Lvl Atramor Gibbin, Level 16.5 Witch Power: 26 Health: 31/34 Defense: 2 Ether: 14/14 Gold: 0 (14 Gold in debt to Wren) 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 Nyx, Level 17 Battle Mage Power: 30 Health: 22/27 Ether: 22/22 Gold: 0 (10 Gold in debt to Wren) 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) OoC: Now seems to be a good time to remind you that A) I'm new to Battle Mages/Witches, so check those carefully and B) you can loss this battle in the old fashion way of all being KO'd, and Nikolai will be dead that way too! Also, it is 2:50 AM, so please please please doubt those results and check them.

Boomingham screws up his eyes before starting a series of complicated actions and plank shuffling. Each plank groans under him. Barty holds onto him and tries to fly upwards to lessen the load. He seems to be in as much pain as the floorboard trying to support the large man. _ A \/ > _ J /\ _ Y /\ _ J < _ Y _ N /\ _ Y < _ N _ D < _ L /\ _ Finish OoC: This is assuming we can carry two planks at a time, which I'm feeling isn't allowed, but I can't read anything that's against it. Also, it's 2:30 AM... so, who even knows if I wrote that right even if carrying two of them is allowed...

No, sadly I still don't own it. Besides, this piece serves a very minor story point. It's like an easter egg for those of us with too much time on our hands.

I also have a strangely high number. Sometimes I give the other NPCs that face and chuckle to myself... Also, Flipz, just to make it harder on you, Wren HAS gone through a costume change, and I'll be excited to see if you can figure out why and how when you read the quest. It actually relates to her character and development, though it's not a clue for the future, just a fun in-joke for myself and people who pay too much attention to my quests.