Zepher

130. Wow, so many quests!

Sandy, on page 41 of Quest 30 we sold the Crystal Skull, but we never got the gold for it. Sorry, just posting it publicly so it doesn't look like any funky business is going on behind the scenes.

Hoke and Torc arrive in Iceborn's Office. "Wonderful. More visitors." Iceborn looks up from the book he was reading. "Well? What can I do for you?" "No need to hurry? I think you underestimate the recklessness of some mages. But it's true, I guess, that they cannot act until they've gathered everyone. And make no mistake, I will reason with them if I can. But they are often unreasonable once they get something in their mind." "But just so that you're informed - the Old Gods is some nickname The Mother and her brothers have, as far as I know. It's never really mattered much. They're old, and people thought they were gods, I think is the story. I'm a bit surprised at her, to be honest. She usually stays out of disasters like this. And the Witches - couldn't tell you anything about them except they're old and powerful and hang around where things are most happening. But if history has told us anything, powerful unknowns aren't any good. Just look at the Mindflayer." She shakes her head. "Hope she comes to Etheria so we can show her what we're made of." "As for Eubric, your island more than anything should prove exactly what I'm talking about! Mindflayers running amok, both now and in the past. Hels, look at what sunk Moone. Someone messing with something they didn't understand. And you think there's any mistake that demons keep arriving in your city? No. It's a breeding ground for fools trying to seize power. Even the Zeigfrieds, who are supposed to be keeping an eye on things, get caught up in it. Didn't the very first demon come through their household? And now the citizens are rebelling against the leaders of the island, siding with thugs who want to install a new King. It'll be anarchy there soon, dog eat dog, believe me." "Oh please, your charm makes all the difference." She winks. "Melquiades, believe it or not, isn't so bad looking for a Selkreeth. But it sounds like everyone gets a little something out of this deal except me. Tell you what. I'll go on this little date with Melquiades if you can get your hands on a little something I've heard mention of called the Eye of the Blind. Apparently it's in the room of treasures. I think Melquiades knows that I've got sticky fingers because he won't let me in there." OoC: GIMP is still MIA so I'll just post the two images separately instead of compositing them like I have been. "...will plunge our very own island into chaos..." "Why must we always be the police? How can everyone else be so foolish? I'll help of course. But you'll owe me, understand?" Bombast waters the plants, and the image wavers, flickers. "...to act!" "I seem to recall a time when you would never offer such help..." "Hello again, Arthur! What can I do for you?" Melquiades arrives after dropping off Arthur, and whisks Dyric to the Mother's office. In one corner Felix and Guts speak, while in the another all of Guffington's employees hold conference. Guffington himself is engaged in a conversation with Chauncey and The Mother. "The Order Imperial doesn't even understand what they fear." She waves her hand dismissively. "Listen to what I've said to the gnome. Sure we can do better, but progress isn't always better. You must carefully weigh each step. What have you heroes dealt with? The Zeigfrieds' showed their folly by allowing their own family to overreach into what they didn't understand, and it's consumed them. The demons of Zoot won't leave them alone. And now they plague your whole city. The Temple of Zoot has been opened not once but twice, and the demons released. The very center of your city, a school filled with children, was ripped out of this realm and thrust into the void because a simple farmer opened a book he didn't understand. The island of Moone was sunk, and the Kingdom of one of your Veterans as well. All because people tried to 'do better'. Now, you must stand out of the way. I will go protect my island."

Bobby rolls his eyes. "Nothing like a big baddie dude to get everyone all together, you know? Betraying your friends is effed up, Toren. No chill. Gotta stick by them, servant of Zoot or not. Mide, what I am doing?" Bobby follows Miderun's actions. OoC: Back to having some free time, thanks for covering for me CMP!

OoC: Big thanks to Endgame, who stepped up to the plate of his own volition! Everyone, myself included, owes him a big thank you! Piglina listens in steely silence. "Those fools. Amarcolm... of course... and Chauncey, I never liked him. Takes after his master too much, and his training in Xu - I thought he should never go... and then the reports from Olegaia, that play he funded that went down the tubes, pulling Witches..." she shakes her head. "No, that will not do. You'll have to stand out of my way, heroes." She stresses the word in a new light. "Idiots. Always messing with the natural order. And of course Iceborn won't stand in their way. It always comes down to me and Bombast... and if there were anyone else it came down to, believe me, I wish it weren't Bombast." And she's off on a bit of a tangent, rushing around her office gathering things. "Damn it. There's no order, do you understand? In the world now. Chaomancers, damn it. And Beast trying to get animals rights. And governments constantly being deposed - Xu, and that damned Wolfgang in Eubric, and of curse they're aligned with Baba - I wanted to go in there. No one respects order anymore. The strong leading the weak. Whatever happened to that? Now everyone wants a piece of the pie. And bringing back the dead. Let good enough be good enough. Of course I have to step up to the plate and stop them. Why oh why must people continue to pry into things they don't understand. There is a practice. You do research first!" Her eyes fix on the heroes, as if she'd forgotten they were there. "Well? What'll it be? You going to get out of my way, or help me before my partners do something stupid?" "Of course." "It's nice to grab a private moment" says Lady Felix cheekily as they wander away. "How was your trip around the world? Bring me anything nice?" She glances over her shoulder. "What'd you do to bother the Doctor? He usually has nothing but praise for you heroes, and now he's got that edge in his voice." OoC: Hm, not sure there is anyone in the Council Room. What do you mean by this request?

Hey y'all. Looking like one final busy weekend, will try to wedge in updates but may need to put a halt on things until Monday. Will see how it shakes out!

OoC: That makes more sense to me. Which means he probably wouldn't have jumped at all, but since it benefits him, I'll go ahead and let it slide. "Would I interfere if my brother were in trouble..." Piglina weighs this carefully. "It is hard to say. But going to do something myself is different than dragging Etheria into the mix. Acting as a free agent is different, of course. Being a member of the Council makes that riskier, of course. But my brother knows where I stand. I cannot say if I would act, to be perfectly honest. As for him, I can't say. I think he might come, if I were in trouble." "And yes, as I explained, or maybe I forgot to - we do indeed keep an eye on the Circles of Magic. It has been many years since we've needed to intervene, but occasionally foreign affairs are Etheria's issue, if they involve magic enough. That is often put to a vote in the Council, but there has never been one while I've been a member. The closest its got in recent years is with all the demons that have been spewing forth, the big ones, Mephisto and his siblings. But they have yet to grow to a big enough threat for there to even be a vote." Piglina's face softens even further when Matthias mentions Pigley. "You know him?" Piglina snorts. "Fate works strangely, with many twists and turns. I am Piglina, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Matthias. I do indeed know Sir Pigley - he is my brother! Why he chooses to associate with that bumbling crab is beyond me, but when he's not trying to solving a problem Russel Ruffers is palatable enough company." "So, what brings you to my office? Questions about the island? When is it that your employer is hoping to present his gifts to the Council?" Etherial Garnet Battle Round Four Arthur lands on Sprite B - KO Miirym v. Sprite C - Breath (84 Damage) Sprite A v. Arthur - 0 -4 health The Enemies Rock Sprite A Level ?? Rock Health: 116/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Rock Sprite C Level ?? Rock Health: 116/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. The Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 42.2 Dragoon, 23-year-old male Human *Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, Stunned, Slowed, Hastened, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction* *Immune to Magic and Healing* *Free Hits deal 1/2 damage* *Sealed* Power Bonus: +3 Health: 60/68 Defense: 58 Gold: 382 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Dauntlet Index (WP: 20, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Blue Hand Shield (SP:15, Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, and Stunned; shield), Tin Armor (SP:6, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; bodywear), Shadeaux Cape (SP:13, Immune to Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Tin Greaves (Immunity to Stunned-, Slowed-, and Hastened-effects; footwear), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3, Free hits deal half damage), Coathanger (Allows for a second body wear, accessory), Abilities: First Breath (Arthur may sacrifice a turn of combat to focus and gain +3 power. Power resets at the end of a battle or when the hero is KO'd). Inventory: Weapons: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, Light-elemental, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning- and Wind-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Incense]), Hollow Flagpole(WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Sven's Dagger (WP: 14, Fire-Earth Elemental) Artifacts: Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), Overkill Gloves (Grants Overkill gold on kills; handwear, suitable for anyone) (currently loaned indefinitely to Namyrra), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects; footwear), Fur Leggings (SP: 1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Sandman’s Parasol (Protects from asleep- and fast asleep –effects; accessory), Enchanted Bracelet (Protects from sealed-effect; accessory), Comfy Pillow (If the user is inflicted by asleep- or fast asleep-effect, they regain full health and ether; accessory.), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Tin Gloves (Power +1, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; handwear), Unsuitable Weapons/Artifacts: Weatherfax Broom (WP:25; makes weather forecasts instant instead of being applied at the end of the round; suitable to weather mages; broomstick), Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Pointy Hat (+2 Max Ether), White Ninja Cowl (The wearer can choose to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits; the effect ends if the user targets an enemy; suitable to rogues, beast warriors, chi monks and infiltrators; headwear), Spell Items (unsuitable): Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Elemental Aura x2, Etherial Topaz (Lighting+Stunned) Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Of Power and Mortals Consumables: Potion, 15x Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 10x Remedy, 12x Mead, 8x Nostrum, Fenghuang Incense, Hurricane, 3x Neutralizer, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, Grating Stone, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), 3x Stun Bomb, 5x Smoke Bomb, 3x Bone, Negative Nelly (Causes 30 damage and jinxed but has 1/6 chance to break whenever used), 2x Silver Ore, Trial Brew, Henry Award, Shining Polish (SP +2 to one shield or artifact that has SP when consumed.) Miirym, 8-month-old Dragon hatchling (dragon companion controlled by Flipz), Level 42.2 Dragon *Encouraged* *Sealed* Power Bonus: 0 Power: 42 Health: 64/72 Element: none Ability: May pay 10 health for a 2/6 chance to make a party member Lucky. "More than fair. All I said was you had to talk to her first. Once you can confirm delivery, won't be any trouble for me to take you to the Ice Room." Melquiades whisks Guts away to Lady Felix, who is still where the heroes left her, chatting with Captain Elba, U'Or, and Doc Daneeka.

Etherial Garnet Battle Round Two Arthur v. Sprite B - High Jump Miirym v. Sprite B - Special Damage (+1 Round, Round 3) Sprite C v. Arthur - 0 -3 health The Enemies Rock Sprite A Level ?? Rock Health: 116/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Rock Sprite B Level ?? Rock Health: 116/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Rock Sprite C Level ?? Rock Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. The Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 42.2 Dragoon, 23-year-old male Human *Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, Stunned, Slowed, Hastened, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction* *Immune to Magic and Healing* *Free Hits deal 1/2 damage* *Sealed* Power Bonus: +3 Health: 64/68 Defense: 58 Gold: 382 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Dauntlet Index (WP: 20, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Blue Hand Shield (SP:15, Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, and Stunned; shield), Tin Armor (SP:6, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; bodywear), Shadeaux Cape (SP:13, Immune to Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Tin Greaves (Immunity to Stunned-, Slowed-, and Hastened-effects; footwear), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3, Free hits deal half damage), Coathanger (Allows for a second body wear, accessory), Abilities: First Breath (Arthur may sacrifice a turn of combat to focus and gain +3 power. Power resets at the end of a battle or when the hero is KO'd). Inventory: Weapons: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, Light-elemental, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning- and Wind-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Incense]), Hollow Flagpole(WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Sven's Dagger (WP: 14, Fire-Earth Elemental) Artifacts: Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), Overkill Gloves (Grants Overkill gold on kills; handwear, suitable for anyone) (currently loaned indefinitely to Namyrra), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects; footwear), Fur Leggings (SP: 1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Sandman’s Parasol (Protects from asleep- and fast asleep –effects; accessory), Enchanted Bracelet (Protects from sealed-effect; accessory), Comfy Pillow (If the user is inflicted by asleep- or fast asleep-effect, they regain full health and ether; accessory.), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Tin Gloves (Power +1, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; handwear), Unsuitable Weapons/Artifacts: Weatherfax Broom (WP:25; makes weather forecasts instant instead of being applied at the end of the round; suitable to weather mages; broomstick), Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Pointy Hat (+2 Max Ether), White Ninja Cowl (The wearer can choose to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits; the effect ends if the user targets an enemy; suitable to rogues, beast warriors, chi monks and infiltrators; headwear), Spell Items (unsuitable): Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Elemental Aura x2, Etherial Topaz (Lighting+Stunned) Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Of Power and Mortals Consumables: Potion, 15x Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 10x Remedy, 12x Mead, 8x Nostrum, Fenghuang Incense, Hurricane, 3x Neutralizer, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, Grating Stone, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), 3x Stun Bomb, 5x Smoke Bomb, 3x Bone, Negative Nelly (Causes 30 damage and jinxed but has 1/6 chance to break whenever used), 2x Silver Ore, Trial Brew, Henry Award, Shining Polish (SP +2 to one shield or artifact that has SP when consumed.) Miirym, 8-month-old Dragon hatchling (dragon companion controlled by Flipz), Level 42.2 Dragon *Encouraged* *Sealed* Power Bonus: 0 Power: 42 Health: 68/72 Element: none Ability: May pay 10 health for a 2/6 chance to make a party member Lucky. OoC: That's the way that makes most sense to me, but I actually wasn't super sure on that. Maybe it only does WP+level? Regardless, I think it'd take her out in both outcomes. Round Two Etherial Aquamarine >Hoke lands v. Sprite A - Dragon Aid (No Effect) Sprite B&C v. Hoke - [54*2]/2-41=13 Damage) Hoke -3 health The Enemies Water Sprite A Level ?? Aquatic Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Water Sprite B Level ?? Aquatic Health: 145/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Water Sprite C Level ?? Aquatic Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. The Hero Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, Kraken Whacker, Titan Smiter, Serpent Skinner, and Rock Champion of Decamon (UsernameMDM) Human Male Dragoon Level 54.4 *Immune: Fragile, Confused, Sealed, Dark, Earth, Fire, Wind / Absorbs Poison / Deals Poison +3 and SP -1, Dark, Light, Ice, Lightning* *Confused* Power Bonus: 0, +7 WP Defense: 41 Health: 34/93 (+10 Knight, +15 Dragoon, +53 Level, +2 Chicken Drumsticks, +10 Raw Meats, +1 Warrior's Tread) Gold: 588 Equipment: Zoot's Order (WP:40; Darkness, Light, Ice, permanently Poisoned-by-3, hits reduce enemy SP by 1; spear, suitable for Hoke only), Steel Buckler (SP:31, Darkness-elemental), Sven's Heavy Armor (SP:6, Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind and Fragile), Hydra Skin (SP: 2, wearer gains HP when poisoned instead of losing it, backwear), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Samurai Helmet (WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience, accessory), Bone Claws (+3 WP, 2 SP, hand wear), Inventory: Weapons - Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear), Wasabi Blade (WP: 4, Fire-elemental long-sword), Glistening Halberd WP:10 (1/2; chance to caused stunned effect, lance), Blue Steel Shield (SP:5, Immune to Blind), Fang Dagger (WP:5, double damage to beasts, dagger), Hollow Flagpole (WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Great Axpeord (WP:40, cannot be wielded with a shield; greatsword/axe/spear) Artefacts - Sharkskin Gloves (Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks), Helm of Prestige (SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons), Sterile Gloves (Immune to poisoned and bleeding, handwear, suitable for anyone), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Sigil of the Cold Circle - (Raise an Army costs twice as much ether, but raised undead are three times as powerful, accessory, suitable for necromancers), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Coat Hanger (Allows for a second body wear, Accessory), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Shadeaux Cape (SP:1; suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear.) Gems - Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet ( Earth), Etherial Topaz (Lighting+Stunned) Scrolls - Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep Tools - Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel 3x Smoke Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Air Bomb, 2x Dirt Bomb, Confuse Bomb, Blind Bomb, Seal Bomb, x2 Stun Bombs, Skadi Bomb Consumables - 4x Phoenix Essence, 6x Grand Potion, Health Core, 2x Grand Tonic, 5x Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Ambrosia, Soma, 5x Mead, 2x Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, Mulled Wine, 2x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy (Encouraged & Immune to Ice), 6x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, 2x Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used), Mythril, Bone, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops), Used Summoning Amulet (Worth 25 gold), Gold Bar, Henry Award (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound), Phoenix Insence Decamon Deck - Nixie (Water 7), Reaper (Dark 8), Stone Golem (Rock 8), Carcinos (Aquatic 8), Storm Elemental (Electric 8) Torc the Adult Brown Dragon *Confused* Female Dragon Adult Level 55.2 Health: 84/85 Element: Fire Ability: May pay 10 health for a 3/6 chance to make a party member Lucky. "Doesn't work like that. I don't know you're men of your word yet, and even if you were, no way to tell if you can really pull it off. You can talk to her, get an agreement, and then I can take you to the room." OoC: GIMP crashed and then deleted itself off my computer... super confusing. So... here's the dialogue, and the pictures will have to come whenever I figure out what the hell just happened. Arriving in Piglina's office, the heroes once more are greeted by some ghosts - a small pig that Matthias recognizes (and understands) along with the Piglina of some other time. "It is not our job! I understand your sympathies, Pigley, truly I do, but Etheria can only intercede if it affects Etheria!" "Oink oink oink!" <But it does, sister. You must understand. It is coming here.> "So we will defend the island! We are more than capable of that." "Oink oink!" <You are not! This is an issue of Etheria! Don't let pride blind you! Be active, Piglina!> "No. One must have principles. And they must stand by them, even when family comes knocking." The pig turns to face the arriving heroes. "Oink?" <Matthias?> And then the heroes are alone with Piglina. She bristles as Hybros brings up her past. "What I once was has no import on who I am now. I do not know the history of the imps as well as I might, but I'm sure if you evolved from, let's say a frog, and I brought you a frog, you wouldn't treat it as a brother." Piglina crosses her arms. "I am no mere animal. Ignore whatever the Beast told you. I am no more an animal than anyone else on this island." "As for bringing them here, I don't know. It has different affects on different creatures. My brother, for example, remained a pig after arriving, though his life span was increased in the same way that might seems to have been." Her demeanor softens. "Other than the ridiculous petitions of the bugbear, how have you been enjoying our island?"

Etherial Garnet Battle Round One Arthur v. Sprite A - Dragon Aid (42*2=84 Damage) Miirym v. Sprite B - Breath (84 Damage) Sprite C v. Arthur - 0 -1 health The Enemies Rock Sprite A Level ?? Rock Health: 116/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Rock Sprite B Level ?? Rock Health: 116/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Rock Sprite C Level ?? Rock Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. The Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 42.2 Dragoon, 23-year-old male Human *Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, Stunned, Slowed, Hastened, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction* *Immune to Magic and Healing* *Free Hits deal 1/2 damage* *Sealed* Power Bonus: +3 Health: 67/68 Defense: 58 Gold: 382 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Dauntlet Index (WP: 20, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Blue Hand Shield (SP:15, Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, and Stunned; shield), Tin Armor (SP:6, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; bodywear), Shadeaux Cape (SP:13, Immune to Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Tin Greaves (Immunity to Stunned-, Slowed-, and Hastened-effects; footwear), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3, Free hits deal half damage), Coathanger (Allows for a second body wear, accessory), Abilities: First Breath (Arthur may sacrifice a turn of combat to focus and gain +3 power. Power resets at the end of a battle or when the hero is KO'd). Inventory: Weapons: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, Light-elemental, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning- and Wind-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Incense]), Hollow Flagpole(WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Sven's Dagger (WP: 14, Fire-Earth Elemental) Artifacts: Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), Overkill Gloves (Grants Overkill gold on kills; handwear, suitable for anyone) (currently loaned indefinitely to Namyrra), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects; footwear), Fur Leggings (SP: 1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Sandman’s Parasol (Protects from asleep- and fast asleep –effects; accessory), Enchanted Bracelet (Protects from sealed-effect; accessory), Comfy Pillow (If the user is inflicted by asleep- or fast asleep-effect, they regain full health and ether; accessory.), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Tin Gloves (Power +1, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; handwear), Unsuitable Weapons/Artifacts: Weatherfax Broom (WP:25; makes weather forecasts instant instead of being applied at the end of the round; suitable to weather mages; broomstick), Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Pointy Hat (+2 Max Ether), White Ninja Cowl (The wearer can choose to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits; the effect ends if the user targets an enemy; suitable to rogues, beast warriors, chi monks and infiltrators; headwear), Spell Items (unsuitable): Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Elemental Aura x2, Etherial Topaz (Lighting+Stunned) Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Of Power and Mortals Consumables: Potion, 15x Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 10x Remedy, 12x Mead, 8x Nostrum, Fenghuang Incense, Hurricane, 3x Neutralizer, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, Grating Stone, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), 3x Stun Bomb, 5x Smoke Bomb, 3x Bone, Negative Nelly (Causes 30 damage and jinxed but has 1/6 chance to break whenever used), 2x Silver Ore, Trial Brew, Henry Award, Shining Polish (SP +2 to one shield or artifact that has SP when consumed.) Miirym, 8-month-old Dragon hatchling (dragon companion controlled by Flipz), Level 42.2 Dragon *Encouraged* *Sealed* Power Bonus: 0 Power: 42 Health: 71/72 Element: none Ability: May pay 10 health for a 2/6 chance to make a party member Lucky. "Hello again! Agni Bomb you say? Shouldn't be too hard - work of alchemy, but not that far from magic, right? I'd say that'd set you back a good 150 gold. What do you say to that? Sound fair enough?" Melquiades disappears as Dyric finishes up his statement, and reappears with Guts. "Sorry about that, part of the job. Anyway, I understand your want to investigate, but whatever it is that's threatening the room has gotta be threatening all of Vartland, somehow, or at least be near there. Remember, now, Etheria doesn't have any windows or doors - even if I warped you to the room, if the threat is, oh, say about ten meters away from the wall you're not gonna be able to easily get at it. Though it might be able to get at you, depending on what it is, and the rest of Etheria besides. Point being, it's a Vartland problem. Let Vartland deal with it. Assuming the room even is in Vartland. Hel, if I had to guess, it's underground wherever it is, either far north or far south, since it does thaw in the spring and summer of either place. So even if you got past the wall, which believe you me would take considerable force what with this being Etheria and magically reinforced and what not, you'd still be up against earth and rock." "It may turn out to be nothing, but it's part of my job to ward rooms that look dangerous. So it's off limits." And then suddenly, Melquiades softens and a wry smile appears on his face. "Course, if a certain adventurous pretty little Selkreeth was thrown into the mix, maybe it wouldn't be so hard to convince me. Not many like us on the island, see. And that Lady Felix sure catches the eye. If you were maybe able to arrange for she and I to get some alone time, maybe I could arrange for you to take a peek at the Frozen Room. Then we'd both be learning a little something new."

"Not my issue," says Melquiades. "Sorry, not trying to be flippant, but that's the truth of it. Bad shit goes down all the time everywhere. Etheria has chosen to remain as neutral as possible. We can't go poking around every time anything happens - more likely than not we'd mess it up. Listen, my guess is that the Frozen Room is somewhere up in Vartland. You want to tell Iceborn and that Norn that something's going on up there, they might start rallying troops, looking to investigate, mobilizing the Cold Circles or the Norns in Eubric or the Vikings, or, worse, all three. So the answer is, not my issue. When it passes, the room will open back up. Simple as that." Melquiades deflates a little. "Look, I'm all for exploration. Hels, this stunt your pulling for the old man and the Mother, it seems alright. I've always wondered whats on the other side of things, sure. But that's Etheria business, magic business. Stuff out there, unless it's looking like a threat to Etheria, we can't go meddling. And I don't like the way that room feels." "You speak with the ignorance of the masses. Once our mortal lives are done, our bodies are waste. To use those as tools is nothing. The Frozen One collects souls, not our earthly remains." Iceborn examines his own bones. "My life is as long as it's going to be. When my time to meet Helvetia comes, I will be pleased. But it appears she is not ready to welcome me into her house yet. Means I've got more to do, is all. The island helps of course." "Could not have guessed the powers? What ignorance! No wonder you people celebrate the Norns' artifact, and no wonder you look to temper with the powers of death. You show no sense of natural preservation." "Do what you will. I'm always happy to talk. Thank you for being forward. It's better than scheming in the dark, I'll give you that much." Round Two Etherial Aquamarine >Hoke lands v. Torc - KO Sprite A&B&C v. Hoke - [54*3]/2-41=40 Damage) Hoke -2 health The Enemies Water Sprite A Level ?? Aquatic Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Water Sprite B Level ?? Aquatic Health: 145/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Water Sprite C Level ?? Aquatic Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. The Hero Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, Kraken Whacker, Titan Smiter, Serpent Skinner, and Rock Champion of Decamon (UsernameMDM) Human Male Dragoon Level 54.4 *Immune: Fragile, Confused, Sealed, Dark, Earth, Fire, Wind / Absorbs Poison / Deals Poison +3 and SP -1, Dark, Light, Ice, Lightning* *Confused* Power Bonus: 0, +7 WP Defense: 41 Health: 50/93 (+10 Knight, +15 Dragoon, +53 Level, +2 Chicken Drumsticks, +10 Raw Meats, +1 Warrior's Tread) Gold: 588 Equipment: Zoot's Order (WP:40; Darkness, Light, Ice, permanently Poisoned-by-3, hits reduce enemy SP by 1; spear, suitable for Hoke only), Steel Buckler (SP:31, Darkness-elemental), Sven's Heavy Armor (SP:6, Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind and Fragile), Hydra Skin (SP: 2, wearer gains HP when poisoned instead of losing it, backwear), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Samurai Helmet (WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience, accessory), Bone Claws (+3 WP, 2 SP, hand wear), Inventory: Weapons - Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear), Wasabi Blade (WP: 4, Fire-elemental long-sword), Glistening Halberd WP:10 (1/2; chance to caused stunned effect, lance), Blue Steel Shield (SP:5, Immune to Blind), Fang Dagger (WP:5, double damage to beasts, dagger), Hollow Flagpole (WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Great Axpeord (WP:40, cannot be wielded with a shield; greatsword/axe/spear) Artefacts - Sharkskin Gloves (Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks), Helm of Prestige (SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons), Sterile Gloves (Immune to poisoned and bleeding, handwear, suitable for anyone), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Sigil of the Cold Circle - (Raise an Army costs twice as much ether, but raised undead are three times as powerful, accessory, suitable for necromancers), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Coat Hanger (Allows for a second body wear, Accessory), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Shadeaux Cape (SP:1; suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear.) Gems - Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet ( Earth), Etherial Topaz (Lighting+Stunned) Scrolls - Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep Tools - Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel 3x Smoke Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Air Bomb, 2x Dirt Bomb, Confuse Bomb, Blind Bomb, Seal Bomb, x2 Stun Bombs, Skadi Bomb Consumables - 4x Phoenix Essence, 6x Grand Potion, Health Core, 2x Grand Tonic, 5x Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Ambrosia, Soma, 5x Mead, 2x Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, Mulled Wine, 2x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy (Encouraged & Immune to Ice), 6x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, 2x Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used), Mythril, Bone, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops), Used Summoning Amulet (Worth 25 gold), Gold Bar, Henry Award (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound), Phoenix Insence Decamon Deck - Nixie (Water 7), Reaper (Dark 8), Stone Golem (Rock 8), Carcinos (Aquatic 8), Storm Elemental (Electric 8) Torc the Adult Brown Dragon *Confused* Female Dragon Adult Level 55.2 Health: 84/85 Element: Fire Ability: May pay 10 health for a 3/6 chance to make a party member Lucky. OoC: Sorry, gotta run real fast, will edit in Arthur and Guts' replies within an hour!

OoC: Very well, they can be dark for this battle.

Round One Etherial Amethyst >Purpearl v. Sprite A - Damage (24/2-24=0 Damage) Sprite B+Sprite C v. Purpearl (48/2-24=0 Damage) Purpearl -1 health -1 ether The Enemies Darkness Sprite A Level ?? Dark Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Darkness Sprite B Level ?? Dark Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Darkness Sprite C Level ?? Dark Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. The Hero Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) 180 Years Old Female Elven Mystic Knight Level 24.66 *Immune to Earth, Fragile* *Nimble* *Blinded* Power Bonus: 4 Defense: 24 (15 + 4 + 5) Health: 37/38 (Base 5 + 24 Levels + 7 Health Bonus - 2 Penalty #102, + 4 Tunic) Ether: 32/33 (Base 5 + 22 Levels + 4 Bonus #102) Gold: 368 GP: 44 Equipment: Zelphie's Staff (WP: 21, cannot be imbued with elements, damages undead), Arm Shield (SP:15, shield), Heavy Armour (SP: 5, immune to Fragile, suitable for suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Dastan Helmet (SP: 4, Immune to Earth), Coathanger (Allows for a second body wear, accessory), Tunic of Elven Acrobat (+4 HP, Provides Nimble Effect with 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE and Free Hits, torso wear), Inventory: Equipment: Lullaby Wand (WP:8, Sleep effect), Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3), Chaotic Whip (WP: 5, Darkness Elemental), Thorny Rose (WP: 17,wood-elemental, deals the Poisoned by 3 effect, mace), Crescent Shield (SP: 7, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory), Aventine's Tricorne (SP: 3, Immunity to Fire), Dastan Greatsword (WP: 10, +2 WP for all other Dastan Equipment), Dastan Armor (SP: 3 Bodywear, Immune to Earth and Fire, +2 SP for all other Dastan Equipment, Suitable for Knights, Regulators, Winged Warriors, Dragoons, and Vindicators), Enchanted Braclet (Protects from Sealed Effect, hand wear), Stingy Gloves (Prevents the wearer from having gold stolen, hand wear), Cloak of the Grand Vizier (SP: 1, multiplied by the number of party members, back wear), Prismatic Focus (Wearer can cast two spells in one round; suitable to mages, necromancers and weather mages; accessory.) Spell Items: Ruby (Fire), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Sapphire (Wind), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Electrical Warding (1/2 chance to make the target immune to electric for the duration of one battle at the cost of 1 ether) Consumables: Potion, 8 Grand Tonics, Remedy, Tiger Balm, 4 Mead, Ambrosia, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Raw Sushi (Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether when consumed), 2 Tasty Pretzels (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption), Tinyshroom, 2 Level Up Mushroom, 3 Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Ice Bomb, Nostrum Decamon Deck: Lucky Rabbit (Icy 1), Scarab (Rock 1), Barghest (Electric 2), Automaton (Electric 5) Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Round One Etherial Aquamarine >Hoke v. Sprite A - Critical Hit (Confused, High Assault v. Torc (will land next round)) >Torc v. Sprite B - Breath (Not Confused, 55 Damage) Sprite C v. Hoke - Avoided Hoke/Torc -1 health The Enemies Water Sprite A Level ?? Aquatic Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Water Sprite B Level ?? Aquatic Health: 145/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Water Sprite C Level ?? Aquatic Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. The Hero Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, Kraken Whacker, Titan Smiter, Serpent Skinner, and Rock Champion of Decamon (UsernameMDM) Human Male Dragoon Level 54.4 *Immune: Fragile, Confused, Sealed, Dark, Earth, Fire, Wind / Absorbs Poison / Deals Poison +3 and SP -1, Dark, Light, Ice, Lightning* *Confused* Power Bonus: 0, +7 WP Defense: 41 Health: 92/93 (+10 Knight, +15 Dragoon, +53 Level, +2 Chicken Drumsticks, +10 Raw Meats, +1 Warrior's Tread) Gold: 588 Equipment: Zoot's Order (WP:40; Darkness, Light, Ice, permanently Poisoned-by-3, hits reduce enemy SP by 1; spear, suitable for Hoke only), Steel Buckler (SP:31, Darkness-elemental), Sven's Heavy Armor (SP:6, Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind and Fragile), Hydra Skin (SP: 2, wearer gains HP when poisoned instead of losing it, backwear), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Samurai Helmet (WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience, accessory), Bone Claws (+3 WP, 2 SP, hand wear), Inventory: Weapons - Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear), Wasabi Blade (WP: 4, Fire-elemental long-sword), Glistening Halberd WP:10 (1/2; chance to caused stunned effect, lance), Blue Steel Shield (SP:5, Immune to Blind), Fang Dagger (WP:5, double damage to beasts, dagger), Hollow Flagpole (WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Great Axpeord (WP:40, cannot be wielded with a shield; greatsword/axe/spear) Artefacts - Sharkskin Gloves (Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks), Helm of Prestige (SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons), Sterile Gloves (Immune to poisoned and bleeding, handwear, suitable for anyone), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Sigil of the Cold Circle - (Raise an Army costs twice as much ether, but raised undead are three times as powerful, accessory, suitable for necromancers), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Coat Hanger (Allows for a second body wear, Accessory), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Shadeaux Cape (SP:1; suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear.) Gems - Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet ( Earth), Etherial Topaz (Lighting+Stunned) Scrolls - Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep Tools - Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel 3x Smoke Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Air Bomb, 2x Dirt Bomb, Confuse Bomb, Blind Bomb, Seal Bomb, x2 Stun Bombs, Skadi Bomb Consumables - 4x Phoenix Essence, 6x Grand Potion, Health Core, 2x Grand Tonic, 5x Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Ambrosia, Soma, 5x Mead, 2x Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, Mulled Wine, 2x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy (Encouraged & Immune to Ice), 6x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, 2x Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used), Mythril, Bone, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops), Used Summoning Amulet (Worth 25 gold), Gold Bar, Henry Award (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound), Phoenix Insence Decamon Deck - Nixie (Water 7), Reaper (Dark 8), Stone Golem (Rock 8), Carcinos (Aquatic 8), Storm Elemental (Electric 8) Torc the Adult Brown Dragon *Confused* Female Dragon Adult Level 55.2 Health: 84/85 Element: Fire Ability: May pay 10 health for a 3/6 chance to make a party member Lucky. OoC: They were listed wrong (should have been aquatic). Let me know when you're ready! Will try to post tonight if you get back to me in time so we don't waste time! "They are my ally. Or have my blessing at least. However the Mother wants us to phrase it. She pretends that Etheria remains aloof, but she has as many ties to the rest of the world as the rest of us." "The Cold Circles look only to maintain what is right. The only thing that is true in the world is death, is the Frozen Lady, Lady Frostheart. Whatever her name may be. She is the great equalizer. All of us must one day die, hm?" His bones rattle. "It is when mortals forget their place that they become dangerous. Like those who have drank of the Fountain. Like those who sit under the protection of the Norn's artifact. Do you ever wonder if it is right, what you heroes do? You are forces of sheer chaos, perpetual and unyielding. Do not imagine for a moment that it is mere coincidence that you have the number of enemies you do. The world has an order, and you are disrupting it." "Course I do. Know it's dangerous, now. Something must be stirring near it, wherever it is. My guess is that it's not on the island proper. Most rooms around here aren't nearly cold enough to freeze. Means it's probably somewhere else in Olegaia, and wherever it is, things are looking south. So I've warded it for the time being." OoC: Awesome! Congrats! Take as much time as you need/want, and enjoy this exciting time! That's the best of news.

OoC: Sorry that I've been a little quiet, I'm not totally sure what our real options are... it seems like we don't really have one, but maybe I'm just reading things wrong. Bobby continues to wish fervently that they'd given the Nekrastone to the sea creatures from the beginning of the quest. There wasn't a good answer - regardless of which side ended up with the stone, it appeared they'd wipe out the other side. Was that the final choice of the day? Bobby felt lied to yet again - he'd been told if he gave his soul, Zoot wouldn't kill the dragon. He'd been told if the King showed up, he'd not be a war monger. But neither of those things had come to pass. It seemed that the only choice the heroes could have made passed long ago, and it had been "don't go to Spelesia". He sits down, defeated. "Yo, Elnath, this is your mess, you gotta give that stone to someone. Like, either way we're responsible for genocide, right, so like what's it matter? The way I see it, neither of these races are any better than the other, because they're both trying to wipe each other out. So I say like, whatever, let them do it. I hope they all die."

"Just got a regular amethyst, you'd have to convert it yourself. But like I said, the lady gets first pick. You ready to try your garnet?" "Glad you felt comfortable toying with powers you didn't understand. Bodes well." "Not quite as easy as that. Whoever this Guffington fellow is, if he's anything like you - sounds like he's in way over his head. But I'll keep out of your way for the time being. Just don't expect my help." Iceborn scratches his beard. "But I do owe you. Here's an opal for each of you who brought me the news." Matthias, Dyric and Guts all receive an opal! "Let's call it even now. Not going to compromise my principles, even over this news. Especially not for unnatural heroes." "You get better at it," he says as way of explanation. "Let's get started. I did warn ya, it's easier with a helper. You'll all get less gems out of it, but you may survive easier." Purpearl is suddenly faced with darkness, and her vision winks out. The Enemies Darkness Sprite A Level ?? Dark Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Darkness Sprite B Level ?? Dark Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Darkness Sprite C Level ?? Dark Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. The Hero Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) 180 Years Old Female Elven Mystic Knight Level 24.66 *Immune to Earth, Fragile* *Nimble* *Blinded* Power Bonus: 4 Defense: 24 (15 + 4 + 5) Health: 38/38 (Base 5 + 24 Levels + 7 Health Bonus - 2 Penalty #102, + 4 Tunic) Ether: 33/33 (Base 5 + 22 Levels + 4 Bonus #102) Gold: 368 GP: 44 Equipment: Zelphie's Staff (WP: 21, cannot be imbued with elements, damages undead), Arm Shield (SP:15, shield), Heavy Armour (SP: 5, immune to Fragile, suitable for suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Dastan Helmet (SP: 4, Immune to Earth), Coathanger (Allows for a second body wear, accessory), Tunic of Elven Acrobat (+4 HP, Provides Nimble Effect with 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE and Free Hits, torso wear), Inventory: Equipment: Lullaby Wand (WP:8, Sleep effect), Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3), Chaotic Whip (WP: 5, Darkness Elemental), Thorny Rose (WP: 17,wood-elemental, deals the Poisoned by 3 effect, mace), Crescent Shield (SP: 7, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory), Aventine's Tricorne (SP: 3, Immunity to Fire), Dastan Greatsword (WP: 10, +2 WP for all other Dastan Equipment), Dastan Armor (SP: 3 Bodywear, Immune to Earth and Fire, +2 SP for all other Dastan Equipment, Suitable for Knights, Regulators, Winged Warriors, Dragoons, and Vindicators), Enchanted Braclet (Protects from Sealed Effect, hand wear), Stingy Gloves (Prevents the wearer from having gold stolen, hand wear), Cloak of the Grand Vizier (SP: 1, multiplied by the number of party members, back wear), Prismatic Focus (Wearer can cast two spells in one round; suitable to mages, necromancers and weather mages; accessory.) Spell Items: Ruby (Fire), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Sapphire (Wind), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Electrical Warding (1/2 chance to make the target immune to electric for the duration of one battle at the cost of 1 ether) Consumables: Potion, 8 Grand Tonics, Remedy, Tiger Balm, 4 Mead, Ambrosia, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Raw Sushi (Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether when consumed), 2 Tasty Pretzels (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption), Tinyshroom, 2 Level Up Mushroom, 3 Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Ice Bomb, Nostrum Decamon Deck: Lucky Rabbit (Icy 1), Scarab (Rock 1), Barghest (Electric 2), Automaton (Electric 5) Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass "Fine by me," says Melquiades as he materializes in the office and grabs Rone by the arm. "Want to take it to the City Center? I don't think Iceborn is too keen on me using his office as a meeting space." "Get to it." The Enemies Water Sprite A Level ?? Dark Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Water Sprite B Level ?? Dark Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. Water Sprite C Level ?? Dark Health: 200/200 Special: Devilish Time - Adds 1 round to the round count. Sprite's level is equal to the hero's. The Hero Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, Kraken Whacker, Titan Smiter, Serpent Skinner, and Rock Champion of Decamon (UsernameMDM) Human Male Dragoon Level 54.4 *Immune: Fragile, Confused, Sealed, Dark, Earth, Fire, Wind / Absorbs Poison / Deals Poison +3 and SP -1, Dark, Light, Ice, Lightning* *Confused* Power Bonus: 0, +7 WP Defense: 41 Health: 93/93 (+10 Knight, +15 Dragoon, +53 Level, +2 Chicken Drumsticks, +10 Raw Meats, +1 Warrior's Tread) Gold: 588 Equipment: Zoot's Order (WP:40; Darkness, Light, Ice, permanently Poisoned-by-3, hits reduce enemy SP by 1; spear, suitable for Hoke only), Steel Buckler (SP:31, Darkness-elemental), Sven's Heavy Armor (SP:6, Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind and Fragile), Hydra Skin (SP: 2, wearer gains HP when poisoned instead of losing it, backwear), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Samurai Helmet (WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience, accessory), Bone Claws (+3 WP, 2 SP, hand wear), Inventory: Weapons - Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear), Wasabi Blade (WP: 4, Fire-elemental long-sword), Glistening Halberd WP:10 (1/2; chance to caused stunned effect, lance), Blue Steel Shield (SP:5, Immune to Blind), Fang Dagger (WP:5, double damage to beasts, dagger), Hollow Flagpole (WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Great Axpeord (WP:40, cannot be wielded with a shield; greatsword/axe/spear) Artefacts - Sharkskin Gloves (Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks), Helm of Prestige (SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons), Sterile Gloves (Immune to poisoned and bleeding, handwear, suitable for anyone), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Sigil of the Cold Circle - (Raise an Army costs twice as much ether, but raised undead are three times as powerful, accessory, suitable for necromancers), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Coat Hanger (Allows for a second body wear, Accessory), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Shadeaux Cape (SP:1; suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear.) Gems - Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet ( Earth), Etherial Topaz (Lighting+Stunned) Scrolls - Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep Tools - Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel 3x Smoke Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Air Bomb, 2x Dirt Bomb, Confuse Bomb, Blind Bomb, Seal Bomb, x2 Stun Bombs, Skadi Bomb Consumables - 4x Phoenix Essence, 6x Grand Potion, Health Core, 2x Grand Tonic, 5x Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Ambrosia, Soma, 5x Mead, 2x Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, Mulled Wine, 2x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy (Encouraged & Immune to Ice), 6x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, 2x Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used), Mythril, Bone, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops), Used Summoning Amulet (Worth 25 gold), Gold Bar, Henry Award (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound), Phoenix Insence Decamon Deck - Nixie (Water 7), Reaper (Dark 8), Stone Golem (Rock 8), Carcinos (Aquatic 8), Storm Elemental (Electric 8) Torc the Adult Brown Dragon *Confused* Female Dragon Adult Level 55.2 Health: 85/85 Element: Fire Ability: May pay 10 health for a 3/6 chance to make a party member Lucky. "We can negotiate price after you convert it. But it looks like you might have your own you're forgetting about. Happens on the island. Hard to keep track of what you have when."

OoC: Scuba? Purpearl? "Don't know. If you can figure it out, or get in there, I think I know a Norn that'd give you a pat on the back. But I can't control the Void Masters. Gave up on that a long time ago. Stubborn little pricks. Especially Melquiades." "Opals make things fragile, garnets can seal things, and rubies make people enraged or afraid, depending on what you pick. That's the way it is." "Guess it'll be easier to just list them out now and get them out of the way. As for who has gems - probably everyone on the island has their own stash. It's just a question of if you can get them to give them up." Ruby - Afraid/Enraged Aquamarine - Confused Garnet - Sealed Sapphire - Slowed Opal - Fragile Topaz - Stunned Emerald - Bound Diamond - Blinded Amethyst - Blinded

A shudder runs through Bobby's body and he glances at the Princess to ensure she is alright. "Yo, your allies are in danger only because they're attacking us, you dig? So like, I'm game for you getting the Brown Nekrastone, but you gotta back the eff up after that and let these dudes do their thing." Bobby can hardly recall why the Hel anyone is fighting anymore at this point. What exactly were the Elves here for again? "Look, I ain't the best with math and like keeping shiz straight, but best way I can figure it is that everyone gets back what Nekrastone they had when there was peace, and everyone goes home, right? Like, you really want your holy war now, Elves? i mean, if that's what you want, attack and get it over with, know what I mean? And if not, piss off, you dig?"

"I..." Iceborn stares at the map and at the rags. "Thank you. I had long given up hope of ever hearing of my crew's fate." His face falls. "I am in your debt, hero." "I cannot tell you what the map is from, or who made it. It is very old, older even then me. All I know is that it was once buried deep under the ice in Vartland." "You came to the right place. You looking to convert some of your own, or you need my supply? If you're looking for something other than Topazes, I'll warn you, it's limited. I keep only one of each gem on reserve when they are out of season - or at least only one I'm willing to part with." "Like I said, I've only got one of each type of gem. As for getting that gem out of your weapon, don't know why you'd put one in it in the first place. Aren't you some sort of mage?" "Talk to her about it, then." OoC: You guys have the full map. Sorry about that. Iceborn views Matthias wearily. "So you've tasted it, huh? And you're under the protection of the Norns." He scowls. "You are a most unnatural and dangerous creature, Matthias. You can be certain, the legions of Helvetia will always be on your heels, for you have cheated the goddess of us all."

OoC: No Purpearl. Hoke and Arthur arrive in the Hall of Crystals. Of in the dim lights, they can see Purpearl hunched over a gem. The Forge Master approaches them. "Yes?" he asks curtly. "My crew?" asks Iceborn, his demeanor cracking a little. "I assumed them lost... I had hoped they'd come for me if they were still alive... but..." his eyes fall. "The map was mine. I found it after years of searching in Vartland. I was a different man in those days." He glances down at his body. "In more ways than one. We set out, my crew and I, for Baltarok. On the way, the sea rose against us. Njordon in all his fury destroyed our ship and threw me into the waves. Only by his grace was I saved. But the message was clear. That map was not meant for mortals. I assumed my crew lost, and their half of the map with them." The Captain suddenly gets angry. "But what right do you have to play with an old man's heart! What proof do you have that you found my crew?" "Hm? What? Animals are for food." Iceborn's eyes grow icy (pun intended). "Bring someone back? Who exactly? And why? And why am I just being told of this? I am the Head Necromancer on the island. If you need someone back, it's me you should be talking to. Who put you up to this?" "Proof again, I say!" growls the Captain, though he does nod in appreciation of the gnome's considerably better manners. "But if what you say is true, I will be in your debt, Matthias. Many years I have wondered after my crew." "Amarcolm," the Captain spits... sort of. As best as one can without any moisture in their throat. "It was not my choice to allow him to join the Council, I'll let you know! He's a maniac. Very disrespectful too." The old Captain scratches his beard. "The Old Gods... the Fountain... Passion... those are all things that I have not thought of for many years. As I said, when I was a younger man, the Fountain held much appeal to me. That's waned in the past hundreds of years. But the Old Gods - we do not worship their likes in Vartland. All I know of them I have heard here on this island. Figures like them, immortal beasts, appear in ancient ancient Nordic texts, but the references are vague. The Mother of Hope is fine, far as I can tell. She's vain and reserved, but she's never steered Etheria wrong as long as I've been here, and the word around is that she's one of them. Course, that doesn't mean anything. Don't know what the Hel she's up to anyway. She predates me on the Council." "As for the other Council members... like I said, Amarcolm is an megablocks. Bombast is all the worse. A stupid frivolous child who somehow got some power and doesn't know what to do with it. Piglina might be the best of the bunch, but she's just as conniving as the others. All trying to seek out their own little corner of power. Pathetic, and young."

"My crew..." Iceborn trails off, watching the heroes warily. "My crew. What do you know of that? Storming into my office spewing nonsense, talking about my crew!" Iceborn shakes his head. "What are you doing here? What magical cause of chaos are you championing this time, heroes?" He flips through some notes on his desk. "Can't you be content ruining your own island, or are you seeking to ruin our's as well? Driving out the only semblances of order. You're just as bad as the chaomancer - worse even. Humph. Heroes. Bah. Hardly." "Diplomacy can be a mighty tool as well. All power is not brute force. Our intellect and ability to build community also grants us strength." "The problem of course being that we pretend that intellect is some how finer than brute force, or vice versa. It's the same bull shit as always - separating out the two. In survival they're equal tools." "But we'll have time enough for tea later. You have a whole island to explore." Arthur and Hoke are whisked away to the forge. (Want to give Purpearl a chance to respond before you arrive, but if she doesn't respond in about 24 hours I'll move you there.) Iceborn's eyes narrow. "No. Why? Why do you heroes know so much about my crew and the Fountain?"

OoC: Believe this should be up to date. Matthias, we have a deal with Zeus we never concluded (it was my fault) so if you want to return to do that, don't forget! Grogmas gifts added as well! Dyric, you got an offer for your crystal ball but never denied/accepted. The Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 42.2 Dragoon, 23-year-old male Human *Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, Stunned, Slowed, Hastened, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction* *Immune to Magic and Healing* Power Bonus: +3 Health: 68/68 Defense: 51 Gold: 382 (Owed 128 gold by Boomingham) Equipment: Dauntlet Index (WP: 20, doubled against humanoids, Darkness-elemental; spear), Blue Hand Shield (SP:15, Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, and Stunned; shield), Tin Armor (SP:6, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; bodywear), Shadeaux Cape (SP:11, Immune to Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction, suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear), Tin Greaves (Immunity to Stunned-, Slowed-, and Hastened-effects; footwear), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Mail of the Renegade Commander (Free hits deal half damage), Coathanger (Allows for a second body wear, accessory), Abilities: First Breath (Arthur may sacrifice a turn of combat to focus and gain +3 power. Power resets at the end of a battle or when the hero is KO'd). Inventory: Weapons: Zoot's Rebel (WP:20 "halberd", suitable to Arthur only), Clockwork Lance (WP:12, Light-elemental, has 1/3 chance to cause slowed-effect on the target; lance), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, Spear, causes bleeding-by-5 effect), Stag Antlers (WP:10, grants Intimidation; halberd), Metasimian Dory (WP:10, pierces defense; spear), Spider Leg (WP:10, doubled against flying enemies, Lightning- and Wind-elemental; spear), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP:3, halberd, stuns on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Incense]), Hollow Flagpole(WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Sven's Dagger (WP: 14, Fire-Earth Elemental) Artifacts: Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Stingy Gloves (Prevents enemies from ever stealing gold from you; handwear, wearable by everybody), Overkill Gloves (Grants Overkill gold on kills; handwear, suitable for anyone) (currently loaned indefinitely to Namyrra), Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects; footwear), Fur Leggings (SP: 1, Beast enemies do not deal free hits to the wearer; footwear, suitable for anyone), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Macabre Collar (Provides immunity to Insta-Kill and Doomed; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Trickster's Mask of the Elf (changes the wearer into an elf of the same gender when worn; Accessory, suitable for anyone), Sandman’s Parasol (Protects from asleep- and fast asleep –effects; accessory), Enchanted Bracelet (Protects from sealed-effect; accessory), Comfy Pillow (If the user is inflicted by asleep- or fast asleep-effect, they regain full health and ether; accessory.), Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; headwear, usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors), Tin Gloves (Power +1, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; handwear), Unsuitable Weapons/Artifacts: Weatherfax Broom (WP:25; makes weather forecasts instant instead of being applied at the end of the round; suitable to weather mages; broomstick), Sword of the Vampir (WP:17, user is Jinxed), Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Longsword), Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, staff, 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd), Staff of Ennon - (WP: 5, Light-Elemental, staff, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4), Pointy Hat (+2 Max Ether), White Ninja Cowl (The wearer can choose to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits; the effect ends if the user targets an enemy; suitable to rogues, beast warriors, chi monks and infiltrators; headwear), Spell Items (unsuitable): Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Elemental Aura x2, Etherial Topaz (Lighting+Stunned) Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Of Power and Mortals Consumables: Potion, 15x Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 10x Remedy, 12x Mead, 8x Nostrum, Fenghuang Incense, Hurricane, 3x Neutralizer, Exterlate, Noxious Venom (When used on a weapon, the weapon deals the Poisoned-by-10 effect for the duration of the battle and the Confused effect for the next three rounds, for the duration of one battle.), Crumbling Venom (-3 HP/-1 SP per round), Blind Fury, Love Potion, Grating Stone, Ella's Pie (Permanently boosts max. ether by 5 but permanently decreases max. health by 5 when consumed.), 3x Stun Bomb, 5x Smoke Bomb, 3x Bone, Negative Nelly (Causes 30 damage and jinxed but has 1/6 chance to break whenever used), 2x Silver Ore, Trial Brew, Henry Award, Shining Polish (SP +2 to one shield or artifact that has SP when consumed.) Miirym, 8-month-old Dragon hatchling (dragon companion controlled by Flipz), Level 42.2 Dragon Power Bonus: 0 Power: 42 Health: 72/72 Element: none Ability: May pay 10 health for a 2/6 chance to make a party member Lucky. Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, Kraken Whacker, Titan Smiter, Serpent Skinner, and Rock Champion of Decamon (UsernameMDM) Human Male Dragoon Level 54.4 *Immune: Fragile, Confused, Sealed, Dark, Earth, Fire, Wind / Absorbs Poison / Deals Poison +3 and SP -1, Dark, Light, Ice, Lightning* Power Bonus: 0, +7 WP Defense: 41 Health: 93/93 (+10 Knight, +15 Dragoon, +53 Level, +2 Chicken Drumsticks, +10 Raw Meats, +1 Warrior's Tread) Gold: 588 Equipment: Zoot's Order (WP:40; Darkness, Light, Ice, permanently Poisoned-by-3, hits reduce enemy SP by 1; spear, suitable for Hoke only), Steel Buckler (SP:31, Darkness-elemental), Sven's Heavy Armor (SP:6, Immune to Fire, Earth, Wind and Fragile), Hydra Skin (SP: 2, wearer gains HP when poisoned instead of losing it, backwear), Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Samurai Helmet (WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience, accessory), Bone Claws (+3 WP, 2 SP, hand wear), Inventory: Weapons - Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear), Wasabi Blade (WP: 4, Fire-elemental long-sword), Glistening Halberd WP:10 (1/2; chance to caused stunned effect, lance), Blue Steel Shield (SP:5, Immune to Blind), Fang Dagger (WP:5, double damage to beasts, dagger), Hollow Flagpole (WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Great Axpeord (WP:40, cannot be wielded with a shield; greatsword/axe/spear) Artefacts - Sharkskin Gloves (Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks), Helm of Prestige (SP: 5, +10 Max HP, Wearer is Permanently Blessed, Headwear, suitable for Paragons), Sterile Gloves (Immune to poisoned and bleeding, handwear, suitable for anyone), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Sigil of the Cold Circle - (Raise an Army costs twice as much ether, but raised undead are three times as powerful, accessory, suitable for necromancers), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, Immune to Fragile), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Coat Hanger (Allows for a second body wear, Accessory), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Shadeaux Cape (SP:1; suitable to those with reputation among the Shadeaux only; if reputation is great, SP is doubled; if reputation is outstanding, SP is tripled; backwear.) Gems - Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet ( Earth), Etherial Topaz (Lighting+Stunned) Scrolls - Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep Tools - Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel 3x Smoke Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Air Bomb, 2x Dirt Bomb, Confuse Bomb, Blind Bomb, Seal Bomb, x2 Stun Bombs, Skadi Bomb Consumables - 4x Phoenix Essence, 6x Grand Potion, Health Core, 2x Grand Tonic, 5x Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Ambrosia, Soma, 5x Mead, 2x Smelling Salts, 2x Nostrum, Mulled Wine, 2x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy (Encouraged & Immune to Ice), 6x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, 2x Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used), Mythril, Bone, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops), Used Summoning Amulet (Worth 25 gold), Gold Bar, Henry Award (Can be sold for 200 Gold or to give +1 HP or +1 Power to a character, Consumable, Soul-bound), Phoenix Insence Decamon Deck - Nixie (Water 7), Reaper (Dark 8), Stone Golem (Rock 8), Carcinos (Aquatic 8), Storm Elemental (Electric 8) Torc the Adult Brown Dragon Female Dragon Adult Level 55.2 Health: 85/85 Element: Fire Ability: May pay 10 health for a 3/6 chance to make a party member Lucky. Hybros (played by JimButcher) 54-year-old male imp Marauder *Permanently Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened, Poisoned, Bleeding and all elements* *Intimidation* *Gains triple XP* *Party Leader* Level: 44 1/5 Power Bonus: +3*, +8 in front row Defense: 0 Health: 67/67 (7+38+15+5*) Ether: 0/0 (+2*) Gold: 1364 Equipment: Mythrilized Zoot's Reaper (WP:30, permanently deals Cursed and Poisoned:7; longsword, suitable to Hybros), Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP:46.25, darkness-, fire-, ice-, wind-elemental, gains 1/4 WP every kill made with it; longsword), Golden Armor (user is permanently Hastened and Cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, ice-, lightning-, wood-, darkness-, light-elemental, immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened; bodywear), The Black Hat (grants Intimidation, immune to darkness and Cursed; headwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer gains triple experience; accessory), Crystal Shoes (Immunity becomes Absorption, Footwear) Abilities: First Breath (Hybros may sacrifice a turn of combat to focus and gain +3 power. Power resets at the end of a battle or when the hero is KO'd) Inventory: • Iustitia (WP:12, causes blinded-effect; light-elemental dagger), Heavy Flail (WP:5, deals Fragile on successful hits; mace), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike; darkness-elemental daggers), Hollow Dagger (WP:6, hollow [Phoenix Incense]; dagger), Clock Cog (WP:14; throwing weapon), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all; throwing weapon), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5 deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; throwing weapon), Skirmisher's Shield (SP:10; shield), Blade of Tranquility (WP: 2, deals the Sealed effect, Long-sword), • Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), Metal Claw (Unarmed attacks drain health from the enemy equal to 50% of the strength of the attack (rounded up); handwear), Baron's Epaulets (Suitable for short heroes, grants Command over short NPCs), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear), Pugilist's Gloves (Power +2, protects from Weakened-effect; handwear), Alchemist's Cheatsheet (1/3 chance to make two of the same Mixture on rolls of Shield, accessory, suitable to Alchemists), Lichen Armor (The wearer’s ether is counted as additional health if health is depleted; suitable to classes with ether; bodywear), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent reinforced-effect, doubling defense; suitable to marauders; backwear), Sterile Gloves (immune to Poisoned and Bleeding handwear), Dastan Helmet (SP: 4, Immune to Earth), Dastan Greatsword (WP: 10, +2 WP for all other Dastan Equipment), Dastan Armor (SP: 3 Bodywear, Immune to Earth and Fire, +2 SP for all other Dastan Equipment, Suitable for Knights, Regulators, Winged Warriors, Dragoons, and Vindicators), Gloves of the Dragon Mother (Handwear, Allows the Wearer to Handle the Dragon's Heart Flame), Coat Hanger (Allows for a second body wear, accessory), Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators and winged warriors), Phoenix Emblem (Automatically revives the wearer with 1 health once per battle if they get knocked out; accessory.) • Garnet, Scroll of Sloth, Scroll of Minimizing • 20x Potion, 21x Grand Potion, 13x Health Core, Diluted Arc Tonic, Hyper Arc Tonic, 3x Elixir, 2x Arc Elixir, 10x Remedy, 3x Neutralizer, 2x Purging Water, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Incense, Fenghuang Essence (After being consumed, automatically revives the target with full health once when knocked out; cannot revive targets that are already knocked out), 2x Last Resort, 7x Nostrum, 8x Mead, Soma, 6x Mulled Wine, 2x Cloud of Celerity, 2x Bravado Brew, Smile of the Gods, Earthwyrm Fang (Grants the encouraged-, lucky-, reinforced-, and blinded- effects for the duration of one battle), 2x Minimizing Dust, Bad Breath, 2x Wyvern's Breath, Gold Ring (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), 4 Smoke Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Demeter Bomb (100 wood-elemental damage), Rudra Bomb (100 lightning-elemental damage), Pumpkin Bomb (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used), 2x Fog Bomb, Mystic Bomb, Baffle Bomb, 2x Bone, Skeleton Decoy, 4x Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy) • Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) 180 Years Old Female Elven Mystic Knight Level 24.66 *Immune to Earth, Fragile* *Nimble* Power Bonus: 4 Defense: 24 (15 + 4 + 5) Health: 38/38 (Base 5 + 24 Levels + 7 Health Bonus - 2 Penalty #102, + 4 Tunic) Ether: 33/33 (Base 5 + 22 Levels + 4 Bonus #102) Gold: 368 GP: 44 Equipment: Zelphie's Staff (WP: 21, cannot be imbued with elements, damages undead), Arm Shield (SP:15, shield), Heavy Armour (SP: 5, immune to Fragile, suitable for suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Dastan Helmet (SP: 4, Immune to Earth), Coathanger (Allows for a second body wear, accessory), Tunic of Elven Acrobat (+4 HP, Provides Nimble Effect with 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE and Free Hits, torso wear), Inventory: Equipment: Lullaby Wand (WP:8, Sleep effect), Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3), Chaotic Whip (WP: 5, Darkness Elemental), Thorny Rose (WP: 17,wood-elemental, deals the Poisoned by 3 effect, mace), Crescent Shield (SP: 7, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory), Aventine's Tricorne (SP: 3, Immunity to Fire), Dastan Greatsword (WP: 10, +2 WP for all other Dastan Equipment), Dastan Armor (SP: 3 Bodywear, Immune to Earth and Fire, +2 SP for all other Dastan Equipment, Suitable for Knights, Regulators, Winged Warriors, Dragoons, and Vindicators), Enchanted Braclet (Protects from Sealed Effect, hand wear), Stingy Gloves (Prevents the wearer from having gold stolen, hand wear), Cloak of the Grand Vizier (SP: 1, multiplied by the number of party members, back wear), Prismatic Focus (Wearer can cast two spells in one round; suitable to mages, necromancers and weather mages; accessory.) Spell Items: Ruby (Fire), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Sapphire (Wind), Diamond (Light), Garnet (Earth), Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Electrical Warding (1/2 chance to make the target immune to electric for the duration of one battle at the cost of 1 ether) Consumables: Potion, 8 Grand Tonics, Remedy, Tiger Balm, 4 Mead, Ambrosia, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, Raw Sushi (Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether when consumed), 2 Tasty Pretzels (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption), Tinyshroom, 2 Level Up Mushroom, 3 Bone, Skeleton Decoy, Ice Bomb, Nostrum Decamon Deck: Lucky Rabbit (Icy 1), Scarab (Rock 1), Barghest (Electric 2), Automaton (Electric 5) Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Lady Felix (Controlled by Hybros) Level 29.66 Rogue *Genetic Regrowth* *Immune to Instant Kill* *Causes Bleeding -10* *Regains 20 health at top of Rounds that are multiples of 3* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 36/36 Gold: ??? Equipment: Lady Felix's Very Precise Mace (WP: 14, Causes bleeding -10, Suitable to Lady Felix), Eye of the Beholder Amulet (Accessory, Once per quest the hero may re-roll the last round), Hereditary Genetics (Non-artifact, Immune to Instant Kill, Genetic Regrowth [hero regain 20 health on rounds that are multiples of three], usable by Selkreeths only), Notes of the Master Thief (Starts battles Hastened & Lucky) Inventory: ??? Dyric Rone (The Legonater) Human male, Assassin *Immune to All Elements and Blinded* *Steals 50% more gold* *Permanently Lucky* Level 32.25 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 6 Health: 44/44 Gold: 286 Equipment: Crossbow of Incessant Warmongerers (WP: 26; Darkness-elemental, on non-AoE rolls, also deals Damage to the enemies above and below the target upon a successful hit; Crossbow), Lucky Die (User is permanently *Lucky*; suitable for anyone; Accessory), Night's Helmet (SP: 6; immune to Water, Wood, Earth, Ice, Fire, Wind, Lightning, Light, Darkness, and Blinded; suitable for anyone; Headwear), Sticky Gloves (increases amount of Gold stolen by 50%; suitable for Rogues and Beast Warriors; Handwear) Inventory: • Mockthril Longbow (WP: 27; Ice-elemental; Longbow), Requiem (WP: 20; Wood- and Light-elemental; Longbow), Tarok's Wrath (WP: 20, 1/2; chance to Instantly Kill orcs; Dagger), Double Chain Whip (WP: 10; Whip), Throwing Knife (WP: 4; Throwing Weapon), Pongcanis Dagger (WP: 8; Dagger),, Double-Barreled Handcannon (WP: 15, fire-elemental, dual-strike, hand cannon), Unlucky Horseshoe (WP:13, retrievable throwing weapon, causes Jinxed-effect), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all; throwing weapon), • Winged Sandals (immune to Bound and Slowed; suitable for anyone; Footwear), Ambrose's Heart (Artifact, suitable to Evokers, Accessory, +5 power), Sigil of the Cold Circle - (Raise an Army costs twice as much ether, but raised undead are three times as powerful, accessory, suitable for necromancers), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; back wear), Cabin Boy's Rags (All other party members +3 power, body wear), Crystal Shoes (Immunities become Absorption), Quiver of Blinding Light (Attacks become light-elemental and cause blinded; can only be used with a bow or a crossbow; backwear) • Diamond, Opal, 3 Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magic Compass • Potions (4), Grand Potions (5), Tonic, Remedies (2), Banana (restores full HP to target), Elixir (2), Cosmic Essence, Meads (2), Nostrum, Soma, Venom (2), Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the Poisoned by 7 and Cursed effects for the duration of one battle), Mythril Shards (4/4 Mythril), Military Grade Light Bomb, Military Grade Darkness Bomb, Fire Bomb, Smoke Bomb (2), Diamond Lamp of Summoning (1/3 uses left), Bones (2), Skeleton Decoy, Demon Repellent (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle unless the user is the only hero left standing; consumable), Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 in magic shops), Earthwyrm Fang (Grants the encouraged-, lucky-, reinforced-, and blinded- effects for the duration of one battle), Phoenix Essence (3), Raw Meat (+5 health), Ancient Bone Matthias the Carnival Crusader (StickFig) Level 26 Druid *Gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed* *Immune to Bound, Slowed* Power Bonus: 20 (+2 WP) Defense: 4 Health: 36/36 Ether: 26/26 Gold: 1432 Equipment: Restored Fireball Extraordinaire (WP:9, also hits enemies listed above and below the target, Darkness- and Lightning-elemental, user is Slowed, hand cannon, poisoned -10), 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), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), DDSSA (+2 health, +2 WP, +10 power) Inventory: Peashooter (WP:2, deals Burning -2, hand cannon), Pongcanis Crossbow (WP:8, crossbow), XX Handcannon Replica (WP:12, pierces defense, hand cannon), Ruby (Fire), 4x Bone, 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, Dapper Hat (This amazingly dapper hat gives the wearer a ⅙ chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle, headwear), Crocodile Handbag (Max. ether +2, immunity to water; accessory), 2x Phoenix Essence, Opal, Anvil of Oleg (Quest Item), Garnet, Bone x4, Grand Tonic Guts Holla (Scubacarrot) *Dancing**Dualstriking**Immune to all Elements, Weakened, Fragile, Asleep, Confused, Slowed, Afraid, Blinded* 45 year old male human Marauder Level: 40.6 Power Bonus: 4 Health: 64/64 Defense: 4 Gold: 6540 Equipment: Balanced Rapier (WP: 20, ignores defense, second weapon ignores defense, Longsword, suitable for Marauders) & Mythril Edge (WP: 64, Ice, Darkness, Light, attacks restore 3 health, dagger), Dancing Shoes (Wearer dances well, in the turn after a miss is rolled, the wearer can act twice. +Immunity to Asleep, Confused, Fragile, Slowed, Afraid, Weakened and Blinded, + Immunity to Darkness, Light, Fire, Air, Earth, Wood, Lightning, and Ice Elemental Damage, footwear), Crocodile Armour (+4 Defense +Immunity to Water Magic, bodywear), Pugilist's Gloves (2+ Power, Immune to Weakened, handwear), Orange Mask of Z (Headwear, if an attack would KO a foe the remaining damage is applied to only the next enemy), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent reinforced-effect, doubling defense; suitable to marauders; back wear), Inventory: • Pronged Gauntlet (WP:6, dagger), M.U.C.A (WP: 12, bleeding 3, Axe) Giant Axe (WP:10, dual-strike, axe), • Jester's Hat (Wearer may choose to gain one immunity from targeted enemy, suitable for anyone), Rubber Gloves, Blessed Amulet (Immunity to Cursed, accessory), Bomber's Belt (Craft Bomb creates Potent bombs, doubling the damage output of all bombs created, does not stack, accessory, suitable for cannoneers), Magnar's Smaller Axe (Grants Dual Strike to classes wielding axes, can't wear shield. handwear), Blue Guardian Mask (Shield, SP: 2, Protects against Weakened, Fragile and Afraid), Grimmeau's Clothespin (Grants Immunity to first negative effect each battle. Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (Free hits deal half damage, body wear), Golden Sceptre (Power +5; grants the Diplomacy job trait; suitable for Guts; accessory.) • Beholder's Eye, Shovel x2, Telescope, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Decamodifier, Magic Compass • 92x Potion, 12x Grand Potion, 3x Health Core, 3x Diluted Arc Potion, 2x Arc Potion, 6x Elixir, 5x Phoenix Essence, 28x Remedy, Crimson Serum (Grants Mutated Effect for one battle.), x2 Arc Elixir, Hyper Arc Tonic (Restores All ether to allies, consumable), 2x Ambrosia, 15x Mead, 7x Smelling Salts, 4x Nostrum, x4 Bad Breath, 2x Tonic, Grand Tonic, 3x Smile of the Gods, 3x Fortune Flush, 5x Venom, 4x Bone, Soma, Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), x2 Feather of White (Allows the user to hide for up to three rounds, avoiding Free Hits. The effect ends if the user targets an enemy.), Ether Core, Last Resort, 2x Bravado Brew, 12x Rum, x3 Grating Stone, • 5x Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, 2x Water Bomb, Blind Bomb, Confuse Bomb, 2x Poison Bomb, 2x Seal Bomb, Sleep Bomb, 5x Mystic Bomb, Sand Bomb (Deals 30 earth-elemental damage and the blinded-effect to all enemies), x5 Level-Up Mushrooms • Topaz, Amethyst, Sapphire, Crystal Ball (Worth 200 gold, 400 in magic shops), Gold Ring (Worth 15 gold; can be given to someone to make them enamored with the giver), Scroll of Disenchantment, Scroll of Poisoning, Scroll of Minimizing Half of Iceborn's Map (Quest Item), Guanette's Map (Quest Item)

OoC: Yes, you can all go visit the Forge Master. You're all free to travel anywhere on the island. Purpearl does get first pick though, since she pursued that quest instead of going to the meeting. Also sorry for the wait Photobucket is such a wildly unreliable site. Pictures will come in a little bit. Amarcolm's eyes blaze with excitement and even respect, but he does not break Torc's gaze. <Try me,> he says to her. <When your human speaks ignorantly, I will try to educate him. You'll get no apologies from me.> "As I explained, even if someone else were to step up and assume Passion's role, as Master Hoke suggested, his knowledge would be lost. Only by resurrecting him can we successfully regain his knowledge." "And as I've explained, time and again, that is the way of nature, Matthias. Who are we to stand in the way of that? Though I must say, alternate beliefs don't irk me as much as you seem to think. You are free to believe whatever you want. Perhaps you will be right and I will be wrong, and in that case you will have rightfully swept me out." Rone, Matthias, Hybros and Guts are swept away by Melquiades, and deposited in a small office. As always, the Font is visible in a small window. "I don't want to hear it!" growls Iceborn to the two etherial figures of Hope and Amarcolm. "We were supposed to never intervene! You never let me assist the Cold Circles when the time was right. And now you want the whole island galavanting off to some new battle." "This is different than petty Circles of Magic. And it's sort of internal affairs, considering what we've learned-" "I said I don't want to hear it! You've meddled enough. If you ask me, if what you say is true, if it is honestly true and total Order, then maybe that's what we need. Besides, this is as much your fault as anyone's-" he points an accusing finger at Amarcolm. "Chaomancers!" "I tried to fix it." Amarcolm turns to look at the heroes as he begins to dissolve. "Hurry." And then the ghosts are gone. "Humph. What can I do for you? Who are you?" asks Iceborn. "Heroes of Heroica, Captain." "No. Not from you. Out." The Selkreeth bows, and winks out of the room. Iceborn turns to the heroes. "What do you want? Here to make some trouble? Always trouble with your type."

Boomingham sits in silence, listening to his two friends talk disparagingly on the new situation in Eubric. But he felt that the conversation was not much of anything - they were away from the city often enough that they couldn't truly read what the common folk went through, what they needed. He thought on their recent friends from Salmanda, of Rex and Vipersace and the Cobra Priest. Those were the people who needed serving, and a voice - they reminded him of his comrades in arms from the time of the Orcish Wars. All powerful in their own right, but needing a leader. And he thinks too of Strivvi... and the man he rescued from that city. He stands up. "I have some errands to run," he says bowing to his two friends. "See you both soon enough."

"Give them the stone. They're the only peaceful dudes in the whole place."

Bobby's head continues to sing dark screeches as more figures ebb in flow in his vision. Here now are the Star Elves. Despicable. Everything that Bobby doesn't like - bullies, that's the best word for it. He draws his whip as everyone else argues. "It's like loads better than attacking us," hisses Bobby. "Germ, Imma keep my weapons, yo. I want to stick one of them in Oswain's neck." He looks at the general. "You got nothing to stand on, bro. You're an invading force, and it doesn't look good, you dig? Usually I'd say maybe we should make peace or whatevs but that doesn't seem to be your MO so if you can't chill with us I guess you're just gonna have to die."

"Simply put, we don't know much about them except that they predate the Old Gods and offer people questionable deals." "From what I've gathered, from what Chauncey and Daneeka have said, they're sort of the movers and shakers of the whole high old magical world. That's the way I've found easiest to think about them, at least." "Aquamarine first? Okay then. We can figure out payment once you're done creating it." He takes out the gem and holds it out to her. "Okay then. Aquamarines can wield, as well as water, the power of confusion. You will have t master this power while also mastering the gem. It can be an arduous task - if you have allies, they may be able to help." Forging an Etherial Gem: The hero(es) must fight the gem while under the effect they are trying to give the gem. This cannot be remedied and ignores immunity. The hero takes damage/loses ether equal to the number of rounds they've spent forging etherial gems. (Round 1, -1 health/ether, Round 2, -2 health/ether). This will carry over between forging gems, so the more gems you forge the more difficult it will become. "Ready?" "Practical as always, Guts." Guffington chuckles. "Glad to have you with us." "So that's one no." "There's no need to be so brusque, Chauncey." "The gnome and I have settled where we will, I suppose. The elf was more than willing to give me a chance at a conversation. This gnome cannot do the same, and so I feel no need to it to him either. He grows angry swiftly without any sort of internal searching. It's all reactionary. Look how red he's gotten in the face." "Yes, and you're a model of control," says Amarcolm with a teasing grin. "Just because you talk slowly and quietly doesn't make you any better. He's got just fine points. We have no idea what we're doing. Which, as always, is a fun little trip for me, but I can understand why it'd be a bit tough for those who are still in the school of Order." Amarcolm turns to the gnome. "You've got at least two of the five council members in the room, so don't worry too much about pissing us all off. Me and Hope are with you, or at least out of your hair. All you've got to do is convince one of the other three to not interfere, and you'll be fine." "Would you like his job? You may have it." Hope bows to the dragoon, clearly not poking fun at him. "But the knowledge he holds would still be lost." "Did you consider that just because you can ride a dragon doesn't mean you should?" asks Amarcolm sardonically. "You're one of Wren's enemies, huh? She really did a number on your organization. Shame I never got to meet her, and teach her a bit of this and that. She wasn't a bad chaomancer in theory, but she wasn't quite able to let go of herself. Such a waste." Guffington takes Hoke's hand, laughing. "You should have told me you just needed more money." But he laughs again, making it clear he understands that's not what this is really about. "I'll be gone sooner or later- well, sooner. I'll do some thinking the next few hours, but I've got more than one treasure in my manor. Let's say I bequeath something to each of you heroes, as a special extra thank you. You're right, this wasn't in the job description. We can call this quest a success right now too, if that'll help." "As for if things go south, obviously I won't be around to know it, but please assume that U'Or will make sure you're properly compensated for my stupidity as well." "Thank you." "As we said, if you have the interest, you'd do well to go with us and find the person who has the answers." OoC: That's technically a majority! BUT Matthias/Dyric/Purpearl, remember there are other members of the council who may feel differently if you're looking for allies. A note also on the side quests - they will only marginally effect the ending (and they obviously have their own rewards). If you want to skip them because of how long this quest has been, that's totally your prerogative! Once you meet all the members of the council, we can move onto the next (and final!) phase. And finally, thanks again for your patience, and stats will be coming TOMORROW!