Zepher

The reason there might be seven pages of results is also because there have been many different QMs and players over the years, all with opinions on the same stuff. I've read people's thoughts on other quests and found them useful in planning my own. Oftentimes the balance of battles is discussed after quests. Reading the players and QMs thoughts after they've played through a quest would probably be useful.

"It is a bar in the Hovels, called the Rat's Behind." Solimon grimaces at the name. "I imagine the easiest way to get there would be to walk." "Not my sister. Parvati's sister, Medusa. They are only friends of mine... teammates, I guess, much like you and your fellow heroes." Solimon nods thoughtfully as Darkstan and Matthias express their curiosity. "Fair questions," he concedes. "As Matthias says, and as you so aptly pointed out... as I say myself... we are not exactly in need of babysitters as far as brawn goes. But Zane may have underestimated something else about the sisters and I. We are not, as I've heard it said, 'city folk'. I was able to handle myself easily in the wilderness of Babeleth, and also in Baltarok, but there was not as much backstabbing, intrigue, mobs, poverty, betrayal... dark alleys... and the sheer number of those who may oppose us in a city obviously outstrips anything that either wilderness I'm accustomed to could offer." "As for rivals, I know I have none. But the sisters and I have each explored the city very differently. I have spent most of my time in temples and libraries, and Parvati has spent most of her time marveling at architecture. Medusa has spent most of her time inside bars and picking fights, as she is want to do... so while I cannot imagine what rivals I may have acquired, I don't doubt she may have collected a number." "As for Parvati, we will wait here for her before we set off." And, as if summoned by her name, the door is thrown open and red faced creature with no hands thrusts herself into the space. "No sign of her," she says mournfully before turning to face the room and spying the heroes. She smiles warmly at Matthias. "So you've come to help me and my sister once again," she says. "Hello, everyone, I am Parvati, the Seer to the Court of Demons."

OoC: We've had agressive heroes in the past. Give him a few more posts to sand the edges off. Sometimes it takes a few quests for a hero to fit in, and sometimes they never do. As long as he doesn't slow down the quest, he should be fine. Which is not to say don't respond in character, just be careful about policing RP too much in out of character places. Maybe now he'll know to keep his insults in his head, but still think them. Matthias swings open the door and enters the clubhouse. Bert was right, as far as the Hovels goes, it's not half bad, though the wood closer to the second floor has some clear water damage. Standing behind a desk sorting through some papers is Solimon. "Matthias," says Solimon with the faintest flicker of happiness. "I was growing afraid that you'd lost your way." Solimon flaps his wings once and vaults over the desk gracefully, landing in front of the heroes. "Hello, Heroica. My name is Solimon. As you can see, I am a mutant hailing from the land of Babeleth, though I more recently made my home in Baltarok. I also go by the moniker 'Vizier of the Court'. I take it you are Tholar," he says to Tholar. "And one of you must be Cedric, and the other Darkstan," he says, clearly unable to tell the two humans apart. "We'll have time for introductions shortly, but I think it'd be best to get straight to business. I live in Eubric with two sisters, Medusa, High Guard of the Court, and Parvati, Seer of the Court. Recently, Medusa went missing, leaving Parvati understandably worried. Normally we'd just have Zane, the Fool, track her down, but he's left town with a friend to do some sight-seeing. After all, it's not like he should have to babysit us." "Regardless, we are aware that the last place she was seen was at a bar she frequented. We should begin our inquiry there, but I thought it best to have some extra muscle that knew the city before setting off, and Parvati agreed. She's out in the city right now, by the way. Parvati. Trying to see if there is any dark alley we haven't checked yet. I've always found Medusa a little... abrasive, but Parvati's heart would be broken if we didn't return her sister to her, and that is something I simply cannot allow." His arms hang at his side loosely and he looks at the heroes expectantly.

"Oh. The Court of Demons." Bert's frowns thoughtfully, but then grins again. "We had some trouble with them a few years back, but then they left the scenes. Seems that one of the original members made it back to Eubric with a whole new posse. First day back he marched up to a group of guards on the street, think it was Paolo and some of his boys. The Orc - it was an Orc - said something like 'the Court of Demons is back in town. We're in the hovels. You don't bother us, and we won't bother you' and then marched away." "Heard they've kept their end of the bargain, though. And no one in the Hovels bothers them. There was one break in, on account of them having an alright place and being all Orcs and foreigners and this being the Hovels, but apparently the Jester took care of the intruders quick as could be and they've been left alone since then. Anyway..." he stops in front of a door. "This is their place." He tilts his helmet at the heroes and knocks on the door. "Best of luck." He takes off strolling down the streets as a voice from within calls out to the heroes. "You can let yourself in."

I like that Cedric skipped right ahead to being world weary.

The tightlipped and pragmatic heroes continue to wander the hovels aimlessly, because they don't know the location of where they're going and Bert doesn't know the name. The continue to get dirty looks from the citizens, there doesn't appear to be any sort of mob forming.

Boomingham waiting to exorcise a demon, quickly fills out a slip of paper. Bobby, sitting at home with his mom sipping tea and prying subconsciously at the mask fused to his face, fills out a slip of paper.

"Still just a constable. But in this case, and constable who happens to be in the right." He ushers the heroes through the gates and into the Hovels. The heroes can catch Geezard rolling his eyes before they plunge into the real rubble of the place. "That was truly a bad day for the guard, and for me personally. I lost two friends, and found out that a third friend wasn't a fried at all." He pouts. "But I'm sure that this won't be anything like that." "Sure thing. Only, you'll need to tell me where you're going." The guard chuckles, drawing the eyes of some folks passing by. They glower at the uniform, and the heroes suddenly wonder if traveling with a guard is safer or more dangerous on this side of the way.

Boomingham drinks a nostrum and widens his stance.

Darksten figures that the woman is somewhere in her early thirties. "Geezard and I have worked this post since the wall was built. Must be about four years at this point." "Humph. Wasn't suspicious before, but I sure am now." Geezard scowls at the gnome. OoC: No worries, just a reminder that you are expected to check in approximately every 24 hours. If you can't commit to that, please let me know so that someone else can have the opportunity to quest! The heroes hear trudging boots approaching from behind, and a friendly voice. "At ease, Geezard and Giselle." The new guard faces the heroes. "You'd think that these two think that it's their job to stop people from entering or leaving the Hovels! Which isn't the case. Eubric is, after all, a free city." "Oh, wake up, Bert. They built a wall! What do you think it's for?" "Regardless, the heroes are free to go where they please, and they know it." Once more to the party: "I'm heading into the Hovels myself. Maybe I can help you find where you're going?" His gaze is drawn to Matthias. "Didn't I once kill an assassin with you?"

"Really?" snorts the older guard. "Someone in the Hovels has enough gold to hire Heroica? Who exactly are you working for?" "Nice to meet you. My name is Giselle, and his is Geezard." Giselle looks around. "Is this your whole party? From what I can tell, Heroica usually travels in more than just pairs."

While the heroes aren't paying attention, a new note is pinned to the quest board:

Four heroes make their ways to the entrance of the Hovels. "It's your turn." "I went last time," grunts the older man. "Right. Name and business?" asks the guard curtly. The Party Matthias the Carnival Crusader (StickFig) Level 26⅓ Druid *⅙ chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle* *Gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed* *Immune to Bound, Slowed* Power Bonus: 10 Defense: 6 Health: 36/36 Ether: 27/27 Gold: 72 Abilities: Bearer of the Anvil (Matthias may sacrifice his turn to add his WP or SP to another heroes for the round. He may also improve one weapon at the end of each quest [+1 WP].), Immortal Waters (Once per quest, Matthias can heal himself to full health and remove all negative effects during combat. This does not take up an action.) Equipment: Ethereal Restored Fireball Extraordinaire (WP:10, also hits enemies listed above and below the target, Darkness- and Lightning-elemental, deals Fragile, user is Slowed, hand cannon), Dapper Hat (This amazingly dapper hat gives the wearer a ⅙ chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle, headwear), Hunter's Plate (SP:4, wearer gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed, suitable for rogues, rangers, barbarians, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators, and winged warriors) (Dreyrugr), Greaves of the Aubergine Dragoon (SP:2, protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear) Inventory: Peashooter (WP:2, deals Burning -2, hand cannon), Pongcanis Crossbow (WP:8, crossbow), XX Handcannon Replica (WP:12, pierces defense, hand cannon), Crocodile Handbag (Max. ether +2, immunity to water; accessory), Toxic Hood (Converts Poisoned-effect to Blessed for duration of battle, headwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Ethereal Garnet (Earth and Sealed), 2x Ethereal Opal (Ice and Fragile), Ethereal Ruby (Fire and Afraid), Opal (Ice), 2x Adamantite Shard (¼ of a full Adamantite ore, used for adamantizing weapons), 8x Bone (Distracts the target for the duration of 1 round, preventing Free Hits; worth 5 gold in magic shops), Deadly Venom, 2x Elixir, Grand Potion, Grating Stone, Potion, 2x Red Death Blood, 4x Remedy, 4x Tonic, Doomsday Bomb (Deals 99 damage, bomb), 2x Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Magic Compass Quest Items: Guffington's Seal (Proves the hero is a Friend of Guffington - the hero starts every quest with one Hero's Cocktail ((Makes the hero Encouraged, Hastened, Lucky, and Inspired, consumable)) Throlar Wineghilm 137 year old male Dwarven Warden. *Avoids free hits from Flying enemies* *immune to weakened* Level, 16 Power, 24 (16+7+1). Defense, 1 (0+1). Health, 38/38 (33+5). Gold, 60. Equipped; Huntsman's Bow (WP: 7; damages undead; bow), Shield of Invisibility (SP: 0; the user is immune to free hits untill they are the last hero standing),, Crow Helmet (SP: 1; Flying enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; suitable for Knights and Dragoons; headwear), Lion's Plate (Max health +5, Power +1; wearer is immune to weakened; suitable for knights and barbarians; bodywear). Inventory; Weapons; Elven Sword (WP: 5, longsword), Miracle Lance (A white spear crafted in the likeness of an ancient dragon; WP: 10; doubled against Ancient enemies; lance), Fellcrest Hand Axe (WP: 8; deals bleeding 5 on successful hits; throwing weapon), Mopagsaber (WP: 12; Ice elemental; longsword). Shields; Elven Shield (SP: 5; Ice and Darkness elemental; all elves in the party gain the same amount of SP as long as the wielder is standing). Artifacts; Lethauros Crushers (While equipped, the wearer does double damage to Rock and Flying type enemies; suitable for anyone; footwear), Amulet of Elven Loyalty (Wearer can use anything suitable for elves and is considered a friend by all elves; the wearer also becomes encouraged if there are elves in the party; suitable to Throlar only; accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a free hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear), Quiver of Homing Arrows (Rolls of AIM become HIT; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear), Monkey Armor (SP:4, immune to earth and bound; suitable for knights, beast warriors, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; bodywear). Consumables; Phoenix Essence, Soma, Nostrum, x2 Potion, Grand Potion, x3 Remedy, Hint Coin (Gives the user a hint about a puzzle or a tricky situation, Useable only once, Has no monetary value), x2 Bone, Floral Bomb, Air Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Water Bomb, Lightning Bomb, x3 Fire Bomb, Baldur Bomb, x2 Smoke Bomb, First aid kit (Restores full health and removes all negative effects From the entire party once used). Equipment; Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass. Treasures; Viper scale (worth 40 gold to some NPC's). Decamon Deck, Magic Carp (Aquatic 1), Volt Ant (Electric 1), Will-o'-the-Wisp (Fiery 1), Tweetybird (Flying 1), Toxic Toad (Plant 1), Ursa Minor (Eithereal 1), Specter (Dark 2), Dryad (Plant 6). Darksten (Comrade Commander) 35 year old male human Assassin Level 24 Power Bonus: 0 Health: 40/40 (6 [base health] + 23 [level] + 5 [advanced class] + 1 [drumstick] + 5 [raw meat]) Defense: 3 Gold: 1962 GP: 46 Equipment: Composite Bow (WP:11, ignores defense, bow), Sand Worm Hide (SP: 2, bodywear), Safety Blanket (SP:1, protects from Afraid, backwear), Tribal Amulet (Wearer is immune to poisoned, bleeding, cursed, jinxed, and blinded; suitable to barbarians, rangers, beast warriors; accessory) Inventory: Weapons: Spider String Bow (WP:4, darkness-elemental bow), Crossbow (WP:6), Fang Dagger (WP:5, deals double damage to beasts; dagger) Artifacts: Vampire Cape (Halves damage from undead enemies; backwear) Spell Items: N/A Consumables: 6x Potion, 5x Grand Potion, Health Core, 5x Remedy, Elixir, 2x Phoenix Essence, 4x Mead, Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, Soma, Ambrosia, Root Beer (Restores 10 health, or can be used as a bomb against undead enemies for 20 damage. The Root Beer does not affect non-undead enemies), Aeolus Bomb, Neptune Bomb, Floral Bomb, 4x Lightning Bomb, Smoke Bomb, 6x Venom, Deadly Venom, 5x Bone, Gold Ring (worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass Lord Cedric (wiz) 34-year-old Male Human Knight Level 1 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 4 Health: 10/10 Gold: 10 Equipment: Assassin's Katana (WP 3 Longsword), Makeshift Shield (SP 2 Shield), Boots (SP 2 Footwear) Inventory: Potion

Boomingham's sword grows steadier as he realizes the ogre has his back once more. He tries to think back to a point in the quest where the two had significantly disagreed and finds himself unable to do so. His gaze darts over to Skrall appreciatively for a moment before returning to Tra-Serral.

Boomingham places a calming hand on Olmstyr's shoulder. "Doesn't matter about Tarvokai. He was one man. Erm... one orc. Point is, I was there. I fought in the Orcish War. I'll let you figure out which side I was on. Saw a whole lot of individual orcs who seemed like they were possessed by demons even if they weren't. Whole lot of baddies in a war." He falls silent, glancing around the room at all the greenskin, his eyes lingering on Tarvalk's disgusting new visage. "Turns out, of course, that given time I figured out there were a whole lot of nasties on my side too. Men who had it out for the orcs just the same way the orcs had it out for the men. Knew a lot of good men on my side as well. If I'm being generous... I'd say there were probably a few good green skins on the opposing side. Point being that it doesn't matter why Tarokai led the invasion. If you're proud of it, of him, you're really proud of each individual orc that had a good intention when they streamed into our lands. Who or what they were following doesn't change what they were trying to achieve." Boomingham draws Scupperer, aware more than ever that he won it off an Orcish slaver. "Now, little lady, I think you'd do best to step away from the demon hunter. If this demon is such a curse, don't see why you wouldn't want it out. And I'd hate to see your pretty face fall apart like daddy dearest's."

"Don't see any reason any secrets need to leave this room," growls Boomingham as he glares at Tra-Serral. "But if we don't like it, don't see that you'll be leaving this room either."

Quest #153: Missing Medusa - Chosen Heroes Matthias (Party Leader) Cedric Tholar Darksten Please report to the Court of Demons Clubhouse ASAP. OoC: Still need a day or two to get all my ducks in a row, the quest should go up Thursday or Friday and then move quickly from that point forward.

"Well, if the ritual really would have no effect on him if he's clean, don't see what the problem is." Boomingham cocks his head. "Still haven't exactly proved the Hel you think its Tarvalk who's got the demon in him though. Could be anyone. Could be Tra-Serral." Boomingham chuckles as Olmstyr rebukes Tra-Serral. "Got to agree with you. This one could hardly be called an assassin. Still don't know exactly how the Wandering Silence figures into all this though. They hired... what, a bunch of assassins to kill Gor, make that lady leader, put on a light show for the pipe smoker and then exorcise Tarvalk. Don't know what sort of game they could possibly be playing..."

"Got to agree with the others. Are we supposed to just take it on your word?"

Boomingham watches with bemusement as the men break and then reinstate their vows of silence. "That's one Hel of a way to have a vow," he mutters. "Got to agree. I'd like to lop an assassin or two's head off to show them we mean business, but as it stands can't think of any individual one that deserves it. Maybe the Red Death will give us a chance to show what the sharp side of our blades can do." He follows behind Nerwen. "This is likely to be that Red Assassin, isn't it?"

Boomingham rolls the diamond around, letting the others grill the idiotic martyr.

So, my schedule for the next few months is finally falling into place - will be busy but not too busy to start hosting again. Who is waiting around for a quest? Are there folks who need questing? I have two very short ones in the pipeline, and then maybe my finale in the October-ish (no commitment to that!).

I had that problem a while back, can't recall during which quest, and it is absolutely absurdly annoying.

I 100% agree. I think it's mostly because there's no benefit to designing an enemy with an elemental attack accept that it doesn't affect certain heroes. There's like no plus to it, you know? Which still, to be fair and balanced we should still try to do it, and I do, but it's hard to remember/justify crippling your own enemies from the outset without something to off-set it.

On vacation this upcoming week! Wifi should be there but maybe a little in and out!