Zepher

McColt's eyes dart back and forth, looking at Felton, then the heroes, then Felton, then the axe. "Listen to me, you are on the wrong side. Your friends are alive and well, and they're safe. They're serving with me. You have been tricked, the Rebels are not the righteous side. I don't understand all this talk of Wren, I have never met the woman, but Felton has told me--" "Lies! You liar! Gag him once more! He is a servant of the witch. She is no doubt whispering through him right now. Telling him the words to say. Do not listen, you know her power." "Listen to me, heroes, you--" McColt's gag is forced back on him by the rebel, who then whacks McColt's head against the chopping block and renders him unconscious. "Vonnetate said not to listen to him," grunts the rebel. "I'm sorry... I'm just worried about Hans. Alone, in the mountains, with Wren about... she wants to divide us, and destroy us all. He is a puppet."

I'd also like to join in with the fun! Do you think Boomingham made the right choice?

Pandora, Rufus, I was already fans of both of you. I loved this game. Fantastic story, fantastic set-up, fantastic everything. This is the most I've "sheeped" in a game for a long time. I basically just did what was asked of me. I has suspects, but they were generally wrong, and when told not to push, I didn't. I kept evaluating, but nothing ever really came out of it. Well played everyone!

There IS strategy to the battles currently, my heroes are starting to figure them out! But I'm sure your mechanics will out do mine.

Hans and Tesni take out two final troops as Felton throws his smoke. The enemies pour forward as a rock slide begins, perhaps from the Phoenix Smoke's fire bursts. Debris, smoke, and fire rain around the heroes as the fire licks the bodies of the fallen and they rise, shakily to their feet, and run. The Party Skrall (played by WaterBrickDown) Level 14 Ranger (Party Leader) Power: 23 (+4 Against Beasts) Health: 19/19 Gold: 70 Inventory: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:9, +4 vs. Beasts), Potion (3), Remedy (1), Tonic (1), Smoke Bomb (1), Skeleton Decoy (1), Phoenix Essence (1) Tesni Hightribe (played by Peppermint_M) Level 19 Berserker (Back-Up Party Leader) Power: 30 Health: 35/35 Gold: 137 Inventory: Cysgodion the Great Sword of Darkness (WP: 11, Darkness), Cryfder (WP:6), Mockthril Shield (SP:5) 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, 2 Mead, 3 Venom, 1 Nostrum Haldor Skovgaard (played by Scorpiox) Level 15 1/2 Cleric Power: 27 (26+1) Health: 23/23 Ether: 21/21 (18+3) Gold: 25 Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:11), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health, unequipped), Spike Coller (+1 power), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion, Remedy, Venom and a fur-lined bedroll, Tonic, Phoenix Essence Dyric Rone (played by Legonator) Level 10 1/2 Rogue Power: 16 (14 Ranged) Health: 16/16 Gold: 261 Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP: 6), Throwing Knife (WP: 4), Longsword (WP: 3), Venom, Smelling Salts, Pre-Rolled Loaded Die, Potion, Grating Stone Felton (NPC) Level 13 Wren Fighter Power: 16 Health: 53/53 Gold: 0 Inventory: Rapier (WP: 3), Potion x2, Phoenix Essence, Felton's Hat (+10 Health, -5 Power), Phoenix Smoke NOTE: Shield – Rest, recovers 5 Health Hans (NPC) Level 12 Wren Fighter Power: 23 Health: 42/42 Gold: 0 Inventory: Sword (WP: 6), Potion x2 NOTE: Shield – Fury, does five damage to first five opponents Sir Earl Poletad (NPC) Level 4 Frog Paladin KO'd Power: 4 Health: 8/8 Ether: 4/4 Gold: 0 Inventory: None NOTE: Shield – Croak, uses 1 ether to heal all Party Members by his level. If no ether, than he regains 1 ether.[/color] The heroes retreat to a safe distance before regrouping. Hans and Sir Poletad are no where to be seen. "We can not worry about them, they will certainly meet us at the rally point. They know where to go." Felton's eyes betray his fear. The heroes huff and puff as they see a familiar figure approaching them... alone. Vonnetate, cut, bloodied, marches towards the heroes. He stops before them. His eyes are like fire. "You've lost another battle... heroes. But this war is not over. 30 of the 31 troops you sent survived, all prisoners, Gregor among them. 51 of the 55 troops they sent survived. A number of them are trapped due to rocks. I will go personally, shortly, separate their heads from their bodies. However, if you'll follow me, I have something more intriguing that I'd like you to deal with presently." The heroes follow Vonnetate to a clearing higher in the mountains. The sight they see shocks them. McColt, gagged, bound, trying furiously to make eye contact with them, any of them. "Execute him. One of you, take the ax and kill him yourself. I must go rally the troops, we will attack once more at the castle. We have lost the war, but we will take as many of those bastards with us as we can. Never will they forget my name. Do not ungag him, he is a slippery devil, he speaks lies. He is with the witch. If you do not have the guts to kill him, we will keep him as a prisoner, and I will kill him before I die. When you come to meet me, either bring him or do not. I must go." Vonnetate storms off. What will the party do?

And it's a war. Wren is ALL about screwing the heroes, and reminding them that while they may be awesome (or think that they're awesome) they are still only one good figure in a corrupted world.

I didn't update Hans and Felton's health, actually, so I'll assume you use the Phoenix Smoke at the end of this round. Make any changes to your plan now, if you'd like.

There's supposed to be some wear and tear on the heroes. Sorry, guys, these battles are (near) impossible to win, I understand.

Round Three of Battle of the Mountains Tensi v. Captain A - Critical Hit Hit Felton v. Captain B - Hit Hans v. Captain C - Critical Hit Haldor v. Guard E - Hit Dyric v. Guard DD - Miss Poletad v. Gaurd A - Damage Skrall v. Guard I - Special Damage Skrall v. Guard J - Special Damage Free Hits B v. Tesni (-1) C v. Felton (-3) D v. Hans (-3) F v. Haldor (-3) G v. Dyric (-6) H v. Tesni (-1) J v. Felton (-3) K v. Hans (-3) L v. Haldor (-3) M v. Dyric (-3) N v. Tesni (-1) O v. Felton (-3) P v. Hans (-3) Q v. Haldor (-3) R v. Tesni (-1) S v. Felton (-3) U v. Hans (-3) V v. Haldor (-3) W v. Tesni (-1) X v. Felton (-3) Y v. Hans (-3) Z v. Tesni (-1) CC v. Felton (-3) The battle continues. Tesni finally kills her foe, who falls, blood spurting. Felton and Hans both kill the horses they are tasked with, and Haldor finally swings victoriously, and ends the life of his foe. dyric is unable to connect with his target, and Sir Poletad is squashed under foot. Skrall, the valiant party leader, is surronded by his two targets, and his blood flows freely as they give him identical cuts on the shoulders (-4 & -4). He goes down. As more enemies pour forward, Dyric and Haldor are also overwhelmed, and add to the bodies littering the floor. The Enemies Guard Captain B Type: Humanoid Level: 8 Health: 60/60 Special: Block – Does 10 damage to all foes, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Captain C Type: Humanoid Level: 8 Health: 60/60 Special: Block – Does 10 damage to all foes, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Captain D *Hastened* Type: Humanoid Level: 8 Health: 60/60 Special: Block – Does 10 damage to all foes, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing NOTE: The first successful hit on a guard will de-hastened them, but do no damage. This counts bombs and shields. Guard A Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard B Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard C Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard D Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard F Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard G Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard H Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 12/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard J Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard K Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard L Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard M Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard N Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard O Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard P Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Q Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard R Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard S Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard U Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard V Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard W Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard X Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Y Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Z Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard AA Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard BB Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard CC Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard DD Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard EE Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard FF Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard GG Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard HH Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard II Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard JJ Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard KK Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard LL Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard MM Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard NN Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing The Party Skrall (played by WaterBrickDown) Level 13 1/2 Ranger (Party Leader) KO'd Power: 22 (+4 Against Beasts) 44 Health: 0/18 Gold: 70 Inventory: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:9, +4 vs. Beasts), Potion (3), Remedy (1), Tonic (1), Smoke Bomb (1), Skeleton Decoy (1), Phoenix Essence (1) Tesni Hightribe (played by Peppermint_M) Level 18 1/2 Berserker (Back-Up Party Leader) *Lucky* *Encouraged* Power: 29 58 Health: 24/34 Gold: 137 Inventory: Cysgodion the Great Sword of Darkness (WP: 11, Darkness), Cryfder (WP:6), Mockthril Shield (SP:5) 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, 2 Mead, 3 Venom, 1 Nostrum, Haldor Skovgaard (played by Scorpiox) KO'd Level 15 Cleric Power: 27 (26+1) Health: 0/23 Ether: 21/21 (18+3) Gold: 25 Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:11), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health, unequipped), Spike Coller (+1 power), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion, Remedy, Venom and a fur-lined bedroll, Tonic, Phoenix Essence Dyric Rone (played by Legonator) Level 10 Rogue KO'd Power: 16 (14 Ranged) Health: 0/16 Gold: 261 Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP: 6), Throwing Knife (WP: 4), Longsword (WP: 3), Venom, Smelling Salts, Pre-Rolled Loaded Die, Potion, Grating Stone Felton (NPC) Level 12 1/2 Wren Fighter *Encouraged* Power: 15 30 Health: 28/52 Gold: 0 Inventory: Rapier (WP: 3), Potion x2, Phoenix Essence, Felton's Hat (+10 Health, -5 Power), Phoenix Smoke NOTE: Shield – Rest, recovers 5 Health Hans (NPC) Level 11 1/2 Wren Fighter *Encouraged* Power: 22 44 Health: 14/41 Gold: 0 Inventory: Sword (WP: 6), Potion x2 NOTE: Shield – Fury, does five damage to first five opponents Sir Earl Poletad (NPC) Level 3 Frog Paladin KO'd Power: 2 Health: 1/7 Ether: 3/3 Gold: 0 Inventory: None NOTE: Shield – Croak, uses 1 ether to heal all Party Members by his level. If no ether, than he regains 1 ether.

I apologize for the spotty and slow updates. I'm in Hamlet currently, and we're in Tech Week (aka Hell Week, for our non-Theater savvy users). We go up this Friday. I'm King Claudius, which, as you may imagine, is fairly draining. Also, fact that I arrive home at 10 and start my massive amounts of homework at that time, most days, really does make updates hard. So, after this Friday, you'll have me 100% of the time (even though I really do promise that we're almost done), but for the time being, thanks for the patience!

<Sorry, stand-by, thank you for the catch! This is why I can't be annoyed by WBD, I DO need the constant reminders. > <Alright, it didn't (damage-wise) change anything, but thank you for the reminder! I'll remember from here on in!>

Round Two of Battle of the Mountains Tensi v. Captain A - Shield Miss Felton v. Captain B - Special Damage Hans v. Gaurd K - Miss Haldor v. Guard E - Shield Dyric v. Guard T - Critical Hit Poletad v. Gaurd A - Miss Skrall v. Guard I - Special Damage Skrall v. Guard J - Hit Free Hits Captain B (2nd Hit) v. Tesni (-3) B v. Felton (-3) C v. Hans (-6) D v. Haldor (-3) F v. Dyric (-3) G v. Poletad (-3) H v. Skrall (-3) L v. Skrall (-3) M v. Tesni (-1) N v. Felton (-3) O v. Hans (-6) P v. Haldor (-3) Q v. Dyric (-3) R v. Poletad (-3) S v. Skrall (-3) The battle continues. Tesni swings at her foe, but though he is off his horse, he is still able to evade her. Felton takes a heavy hit from his foe (-4) but is luckily in the back row, realizing that no matter how powerful his hit would be, he only could kill the horse, and Hans swings a wide arc that does not sink into any flesh. Haldor prays, and he recieves a miracle, healing the entire party back to perfect health. Dyric, feeling the gods approval, throws his dagger and ends the life of Guard T. Poletad hops wildly, but is unable to get close enough to attack his opponent. Skrall sees a sword flying towards him, and raises his non-firing arm to block it. The sword sinks into his flesh (you asked for no more face smashes )(-2). Skrall still manages to fire off a shot, and end Guard J's life. As the heroes are hit by the remaining enemies, more charge forward. The Enemies Guard Captain A Type: Humanoid Level: 8 Health: 60/60 Special: Block – Does 10 damage to all foes, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Captain B *Hastened* Type: Humanoid Level: 8 Health: 60/60 Special: Block – Does 10 damage to all foes, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing NOTE: The first successful hit on a guard will de-hastened them, but do no damage. This counts bombs and shields. Guard Captain C *Hastened* Type: Humanoid Level: 8 Health: 60/60 Special: Block – Does 10 damage to all foes, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing NOTE: The first successful hit on a guard will de-hastened them, but do no damage. This counts bombs and shields. Guard A Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard B Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard C Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard D Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard E Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard F Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard G Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard H Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 12/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard J Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard K Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard L Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard M Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard N Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard O Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard P Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Q Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard R Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard S Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard U Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard V Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard W Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard X Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Y Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Z Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard AA Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard BB Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard CC Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard DD Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing The Party Skrall (played by WaterBrickDown) Level 13 1/2 Ranger (Party Leader) *Hastened* *Encouraged* Power: 22 (+4 Against Beasts) 44 Health: 5/18 Gold: 70 Inventory: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:9, +4 vs. Beasts), Potion (3), Remedy (1), Tonic (1), Smoke Bomb (1), Skeleton Decoy (1), Phoenix Essence (1) Tesni Hightribe (played by Peppermint_M) Level 18 1/2 Berserker (Back-Up Party Leader) *Lucky* *Encouraged* Power: 29 58 Health: 30/34 Gold: 137 Inventory: Cysgodion the Great Sword of Darkness (WP: 11, Darkness), Cryfder (WP:6), Mockthril Shield (SP:5) 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, 2 Mead, 3 Venom, 1 Nostrum, Haldor Skovgaard (played by Scorpiox) Level 15 Cleric *Encouraged* Power: 27 (26+1) 54 Health: 11/23 Ether: 21/21 (18+3) Gold: 25 Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:11), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health, unequipped), Spike Coller (+1 power), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion, Remedy, Venom and a fur-lined bedroll, Tonic, Phoenix Essence Dyric Rone (played by Legonator) Level 10 Rogue *Encouraged* Power: 16 (14 Ranged) 32 (28 Ranged) Health: 10/16 Gold: 261 Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP: 6), Throwing Knife (WP: 4), Longsword (WP: 3), Venom, Smelling Salts, Pre-Rolled Loaded Die, Potion, Grating Stone Felton (NPC) Level 12 1/2 Wren Fighter *Encouraged* Power: 15 30 Health: 46/52 Gold: 0 Inventory: Rapier (WP: 3), Potion x2, Phoenix Essence, Felton's Hat (+10 Health, -5 Power), Phoenix Smoke NOTE: Shield – Rest, recovers 5 Health Hans (NPC) Level 11 1/2 Wren Fighter *Encouraged* Power: 22 44 Health: 29/41 Gold: 0 Inventory: Sword (WP: 6), Potion x2 NOTE: Shield – Fury, does five damage to first five opponents Sir Earl Poletad (NPC) Level 3 Frog Paladin *Encouraged* Power: 2 4 Health: 1/7 Ether: 3/3 Gold: 0 Inventory: None NOTE: Shield – Croak, uses 1 ether to heal all Party Members by his level. If no ether, than he regains 1 ether.

"You must understand that time travel throws you for a loop. Don't be discouraged, any one of you!" Boomingham attacks the Head Guard from the Back Row with his King of the Desert.

Round One of Battle of the Mountains Tensi v. Guard Captain A - Shield Dyric - Ice Bomb (ABCDFG) Felton - Holy Bomb (ABCDFG) Skrall - Military Grade Lightning Bomb (ABCDFG) Skrall - Guard H - Aim Hans v. Guard Captain A - Critical Hit Sir Poletad v. Guard I - Shield Haldor v. Guard E - Miss Free Hits A v. Tesni (-1) B v. Dyric (-6) C v. Felton (-6) D v. Skrall (-3) F v. Skrall (-3) G v. Hans (-6) The battle commences. Tesni cries out, and it echoes through the valley, frighting all the butterflies and birds in the area, but encouraging her allies. Dyric, Felton, and Skrall lob their bombs, and bring 6 soldiers to the brink of death (-20). Skrall then slams an arrow into his weapon, but with little time to aim, the arrow nearly rips skin off it's target's shoulder (-9). Hans ignores Skrall's orders and realizes that, as Tesni did not take out the Captain's horse, he would be able to ride around and use his second turn as a free hit. Hans steps forward, whispers an apology to the horse, and plunges his sword through the horse's skull. Sir Poletad lets forth a mighty *ribbit* and heals all of his party mates minutely, though they are all at perfect health. Haldor swings at his target, but misses. The guards hit by the bomb, and those untargetted slash and cut at the heroes as their allies march forward. The Enemies Guard Captain A Type: Humanoid Level: 8 Health: 60/60 Special: Block – Does 10 damage to all foes, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Captain B *Hastened* Type: Humanoid Level: 8 Health: 60/60 Special: Block – Does 10 damage to all foes, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing NOTE: The first successful hit on a guard will de-hastened them, but do no damage. This counts bombs and shields. Guard A Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard B Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard C Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard D Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard E Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard F Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard G Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 1/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard H Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 12/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard I Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard J Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard K Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard L Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard M Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard N Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard O Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard P Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard Q Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard R Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard S Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard T Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing The Party Skrall (played by WaterBrickDown) Level 13 1/2 Ranger (Party Leader) *Hastened* *Encouraged* Power: 22 (+4 Against Beasts) 44 Health: 12/18 Gold: 70 Inventory: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:9, +4 vs. Beasts), Potion (3), Remedy (1), Tonic (1), Smoke Bomb (1), Skeleton Decoy (1), Phoenix Essence (1) Tesni Hightribe (played by Peppermint_M) Level 18 1/2 Berserker (Back-Up Party Leader) *Lucky* *Encouraged* Power: 29 58 Health: 33/34 Gold: 137 Inventory: Cysgodion the Great Sword of Darkness (WP: 11, Darkness), Cryfder (WP:6), Mockthril Shield (SP:5) 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, 2 Mead, 3 Venom, 1 Nostrum, Haldor Skovgaard (played by Scorpiox) Level 15 Cleric *Encouraged* Power: 27 (26+1) 54 Health: 23/23 Ether: 21/21 (18+3) Gold: 25 Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:11), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health, unequipped), Spike Coller (+1 power), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion, Remedy, Venom and a fur-lined bedroll, Tonic, Phoenix Essence Dyric Rone (played by Legonator) Level 10 Rogue *Encouraged* Power: 16 (14 Ranged) 32 (28 Ranged) Health: 10/16 Gold: 261 Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP: 6), Throwing Knife (WP: 4), Longsword (WP: 3), Venom, Smelling Salts, Pre-Rolled Loaded Die, Potion, Grating Stone Felton (NPC) Level 12 1/2 Wren Fighter *Encouraged* Power: 15 30 Health: 46/52 Gold: 0 Inventory: Rapier (WP: 3), Potion x2, Phoenix Essence, Felton's Hat (+10 Health, -5 Power), Phoenix Smoke NOTE: Shield – Rest, recovers 5 Health Hans (NPC) Level 11 1/2 Wren Fighter *Encouraged* Power: 22 44 Health: 35/41 Gold: 0 Inventory: Sword (WP: 6), Potion x2 NOTE: Shield – Fury, does five damage to first five opponents Sir Earl Poletad (NPC) Level 3 Frog Paladin *Encouraged* Power: 2 4 Health: 7/7 Ether: 3/3 Gold: 0 Inventory: None NOTE: Shield – Croak, uses 1 ether to heal all Party Members by his level. If no ether, than he regains 1 ether.

<Sorry, no. I actually did mean to let you go exploring, but you wouldn't have found anything, and I'm sorry, I forgot. The rebels have been hiding up here for a long time, they've looted anything useful. That was my mistake, I'm sorry. >

<Please assign the Phoenix Smoke again! And remember it's properties (KO'd folks will still gain XP!)> The heroes, this time, feel more prepared for combat, and strike out. As they leave camp, they see the heads of guards being attached to spikes by Vonnetate's warriors. "I hope those weren't our prisoners... Gregor said McColt let our men go." Hans shoots a look back at camp and shakes his head. The heroes set themselves up at a small pass in the mountains, where only so many enemies may come at them at a time. They hardly have time to prepare themselves before horns start to blow. The enemy charges forward. War is once more upon them. The Enemies Guard Captain A *Hastened* Type: Humanoid Level: 8 Health: 60/60 Special: Block – Does 10 damage to all foes, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing NOTE: The first successful hit on a guard will de-hastened them, but do no damage. This counts bombs and shields. Guard A Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard B Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard C Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard D Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard E Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard F Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard G Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard H Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard I Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing Guard J Type: Humanoid Level: 6 Health: 21/21 Special: Block – Does 4 damage to foe, disregarding SP and row. Drops: Nothing The Party Skrall (played by WaterBrickDown) Level 13 1/2 Ranger (Party Leader) *Hastened* Power: 22 (+4 Against Beasts) Health: 18/18 Gold: 70 Inventory: Hunter's Crossbow (WP:9, +4 vs. Beasts), Potion (3), Remedy (1), Tonic (1), Smelling Salts (1), Smoke Bomb (1), Skeleton Decoy (1), Phoenix Essence (1), Military Grade Lightning Bomb Tesni Hightribe (played by Peppermint_M) Level 18 1/2 Berserker (Back-Up Party Leader) *Lucky* *Encouraged* Power: 29 58 Health: 34/34 Gold: 137 Inventory: Cysgodion the Great Sword of Darkness (WP: 11, Darkness), Cryfder (WP:6), Mockthril Shield (SP:5) 2 Phoenix Essence, 4 Potions, 3 Mead, 3 Venom, 2 Nostrum, Haldor Skovgaard (played by Scorpiox) Level 15 Cleric Power: 27 (26+1) Health: 23/23 Ether: 21/21 (18+3) Gold: 25 Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:11), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health, unequipped), Spike Coller (+1 power), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion, Remedy, Venom and a fur-lined bedroll, Tonic, Phoenix Essence Dyric Rone (played by Legonator) Level 10 Rogue Power: 16 (14 Ranged) Health: 16/16 Gold: 261 Inventory: Double Chain Whip (WP: 6), Throwing Knife (WP: 4), Longsword (WP: 3), Venom, Smelling Salts, Pre-Rolled Loaded Die, Potion, Grating Stone, Ice Bomb Felton (NPC) Level 12 1/2 Wren Fighter Power: 15 Health: 52/52 Gold: 0 Inventory: Rapier (WP: 3), Potion x2, Phoenix Essence, Felton's Hat (+10 Health, -5 Power), Holy Bomb NOTE: Shield – Rest, recovers 5 Health Hans (NPC) Level 11 1/2 Wren Fighter Power: 22 Health: 41/41 Gold: 0 Inventory: Sword (WP: 6), Potion x2 NOTE: Shield – Fury, does five damage to first five opponents Sir Earl Poletad (NPC) Level 3 Frog Paladin Power: 2 Health: 7/7 Ether: 3/3 Gold: 0 Inventory: None NOTE: Shield – Croak, uses 1 ether to heal all Party Members by his level. If no ether, than he regains 1 ether.

What a likable character! Can't wait until I get to quest with you. I'll just add you to the long list of people I need to quest with...

I was so certain I was finally going to survive. Good luck everyone!

Boomingham drags himself to his feet and smiles a huge grin. "This battle is a breeze. Once, in the war, the Orcish war, my men and I were surrounded, and the enemies were clearly better armed than us, and they outnumbered us, though of course, we were more dashing and cunning than they. They got cocky, and they made the mistake of taking their victory for granted. My men didn't want to lose, so what we did was, well, we kept at it. Sir Richard, hell of a chap, he lost an arm and a foot, and they left him for dead and kept moving in, trying to totally encircle us. He waited for them to pass by and then pushed himself back up, using his remaining hand, and stabbed three of them in the back. They turned back to face him, giving us their backs, and we cut the rest of them up. We made it out of the circle. Sir Richard bled out later... but that was some battle." "Point is, I've seen worse. I don't think we're even close to a lose." Boomingham picks the King of the Desert off of where it had fallen to the ground, and swings, with great show, at Porthiar Guard B from the front row. "I'd say I've killed your descendants, chappo, only I won't give you the chance to have any."

<Remember, any Ko'd heroes still receive XP when a Phoenix Smoke is used to flee the battle. That's what it's designed for! So you do get the chance to fight to the very last man!> The heroes trek back to the Rebels base of operations. Vonnetate is listening, stoically, as Gregor gives a report. Gregor doesn't seem to protruded by the battle, and you realize he didn't see any combat. Vonnetate sits, tightlipped. "--we beat a hasty retreat, of course, and I'm sorry to say that I myself watched Samuel get cut down, right in front of my eyes." "I saw Haddock fall. Cut to shreds. He tried to flee. I have no pity for him." "It wasn't our strongest performance, I'll admit. Haha!" Vonnetate sees the heroes and turns on them. His face grows dark. "You lost. 22 of their troops survived, and only 18 of our's. I hope you will do better next time." "You'll be healed before the next battle! And I wouldn't screw up like that again. You've lost one battle, if we lose another one, we'll lose the war! Don't disappoint Vonnetate! You'll be healed before the next battle. I need to go speak with the men. The ones McColt captured he released, not a scratch on them! Fool! I'm going to see what intelligence I can gather from them! Tata!" Gregor also departs, leaving the heroes to prepare for their next battle. You have 55 Rebels to use, and 3 Rebel Captains to use. These are all the troops you have for ALL THREE BATTLES. Before the battle you must complete the following: a) Assign the number of Rebels you'll use. b) Assign the number of Captains you'll use. c) Assign who in the party will carry the Phoenix Smoke. (Each battle will have a specific set-up, please read them all).

Don't worry about it Crag! I don't mind a tough battle.

OoC: Right you are, I guess I'll just go be KO'd.

<Well hey now, you can't change the effect AFTER we've acted. >

OoC: Shield once more was not accounted for. Deadly Arc should only have done 10 damage to me, I'm still alive and kicking! "..." Edited: So I can be knocked out. I'll reuse that story some other time.

"Pah. Don't worry yourself Ogre. We're learning 'bout war, we'll do even better next time, and we axed a few heads this time too." "Hans is right, learn from your mistakes. Those bombs in the first round would have thinned out the enemy, and we would not have taken nearly as many free hits if we had used them then. Using consumables before the battle wouldn't be bad either." "I could take some of the free hits off of you guys next round, Mr. Skrall!! I'm not afraid to lay own my life in the line of duty, the Phoenix Smoke will get me back at em' anyway! I am a warrior, even if only a frog!! "