Zepher

"Many people feel the same about Heroica." Daneeka stands up abruptly. "If you do not like power you cannot control, you will have a poor time at Etheria. I will see you in the morning." The next morning the heroes, the vial, and the anvil are all put on a little lifeboat that sinks dangerously close to the surface of the water. The captain of the ship explains he would never sail close enough to the island for the heroes to disembark directly, wishes them luck, and casts them off. They bob slowly towards the island, which grows larger and larger, a shimmering white city with a huge beam of light bursting forth from the center, disappearing into the sky! Eventually they make it to a dock, and a welcoming committee. "You're late. The rest of your party arrived a day ago," growls Bombast. "At least there's some magic users between you." He glances off in a different direction. "Oh, stuff it, Piglina."

"What do you truly know of the Old Gods? You seem to fear them, but do you know what they are? Does their unknown quality alone cause your fear?" Daneeka crosses his arms. "I understand your fear. I will openly admit to you, I am not sure what is coming for us. But we are attempting to prepare for whatever it is. Etheria is safe. I am not sure that it can stand up to whatever we will eventually face, but it will fare better than Duplovia would have." "How do we know you are not the darkness?" Daneeka takes out the vial and places it on the table. "As I told Dyric, I do not purport to have all the answers. I am as much an adventurer as you heroes, but my adventures are into different mysteries. Where have we come from, and where are we going? Finding these answers are risky, but I have long believed that not knowing is the greater risk." "Looking at the facts, Etheria has no need for us to collect the artifacts. How well guarded were the two that we found? I have no doubt that an island of the most powerful mages on the planet would have little trouble collecting them if they wanted to. As for Guffington's intention... we will arrive at Etheria tomorrow, so there is little reason to mask our exact plan at this point. You will need to know it by the time we arrive in Etheria." Daneeka rattles his breathing device. "I will try to be succinct. I cannot recall how much you have been told at this point, so let me lay this on the table as plainly as possible, starting from the beginning." "A number of years ago, Lord Guffington and two of his business partners, Lord Hughes and Lord Chauncey, and myself as well, became acutely intrigued by the tales of "Old Gods" that we found reference to in a number of ancient texts. But we knew little of them. So we began research. As you know, two of them revealed themselves on the night that Wren attempted to ascent. I monitored their powers then, and Lord Chauncey later met and spoke with a number of witnesses. We still had very little to go off of, and one of the Old Gods had perished." "Threats to our research also began to rear their heads. Lord Hughes was killed, and an attempt was made on Lord Guffington's life. We can surmise that there is someone else out there that knows about the Old Gods, and perhaps where they came from. And they do not want us to know." "So, we have come to Etheria with only one goal. We plan to resurrect the Gray Wizard, the Old God known as Passion, and we will see what he knows. Because the three of us, Lord Chauncey, Gerald, and myself, we have all become aware that his death was a mistake. Dyric, you fear the Old Gods, but we have grown to fear whatever they ward off even more. And without them to stand as intermediary, and with someone else potentially knowing of their origins, you may understand why we feel it would be best to have a tete-a-tete with them."

OoC: Let's say 750. It's got a high WP. "Hm, yes, somewhere more private would do well." The orc smiles. "To my office, then, Melquiades!" The Void Master winks into existence next to the two and grabs them both by the wrist before throwing them through space. Arthur and Amarcolm materialize in Amarcolm's office, where Amarcolm and two other men are having a conversation. Arthur recognizes the first as Chauncey, but can't place the second. "...immense power. They hold many secrets to the past. I am only beginning to discover what they can truly do." "You don't have to convince me. But that's a conversation better suited for Iceborn." "I thought only that you'd be interested." "Necromancy is a boring branch of magic. Where is the adventure? Where is the progression? You're only bringing back what has already been." "A great many secrets lie in the past. You know that better than anyone, Amarcolm." "I don't know about better than anyone." "Think if we could raise sorcerers of ancient civilizations! To speak to those who saw the end of Moone! To uncover the secrets of the Mindflayer, to take that power for ourselves." "One day, perhaps. But for now, I have another guest. Besides, didn't you boys come here to celebrate? We can continue this drivel over drinks." "Some old apprentices. Never mind them." Amarcolm looks out at the Font. "What were you hoping to speak about today, young dragoon?" "Aha! Isn't that the beauty of a favor. You never know what you'll need, and then when you know what you need, you can have it!" Purpearl and Hybros are whisked away to the Strange Beach... which swiftly lives up to its name. The beach is actually an enormous pyramid of sand, and apparently open air, though where and how is impossible to tell. At the very tip of the pyramid is a small fountain (bloated out by the sun... whoops). The water trickles down the pyramid until it's too far off to see. Two people talk near the top of the pyramid.

"You can't possibly hope to fight two angels," sneers Boomingham. "Where is your serpent god now?" Boomingham attacks Mertseger twice from the front row, Rex steps to the front row and repeats his attack, and Zarissa repeats her attack as well.

"Always the same." Daneeka's breathing apparatus rattles metallically as he sighs. "I hope on my next adventure I will be traveling with explorers instead of strictly warriors. The island's defenses are the best in the world. It has been the home to the largest population of wizards on Olegaia since the dawn of time, and each has contributed some sort of ward. It is also impossible to navigate without the assistance of certain denizens of the island. And attacking it, even if those things were not the case, would be near suicide. The strongest mages in the world congregate there, and they are all prepared to do battle if need be. Not that they ever had. Etheria is a neutral nation, and has never been involved directly in any offense or defense."

OoC: Sorry guys, not trying to be a dick with requesting the links, there were just some I legitimately couldn't find and I assumed y'all knew where they were since you had them in mind. Thanks for helping me out. Zeus tabulates some things. "I'd be willing to give you 185 for the bone, crystal ball, and gold bar. I could give you 30 for the summoning amulet." "I do not deal with the Venomari," he says rather haughtily. "But I will try to find that hood again." He searches through his chest, and his head re-appears. "The hood would be a neat 200 gold." "400 and 200, each." He blushes... or whatever the equivalent of that is for him. "I'm sorry, my young apprentice, but I am both a business man and a mage, and I can't let the two get intertwined! And I'm not in the business of buying handbags, either." "As I told Purpearl, I'm afraid I don't purchase things that aren't magical in nature..." he stares at the pie. "Hm... that is an interesting pie... and it does have an interesting aura." "Forgive me," says an Orc nearby. "I couldn't help but overhear that you're looking for an audience with Amarcolm." He bows deeply. "Whatever would you like to discuss with him, young mage?" As the others finish up their purchases with Zeus, he leans in closely to them. "Hey! Seeing as I've given you all a decent turn, selling my wares at such a marked down rate, I was hoping you might be able to help me out. See, the Merchant's Guild of Etheria has been joined by nearly all the merchants in Etheria, except for one. The Shadow Merchant has refused all my attempts to get her to join the guild. If you could get her to join the guild, I'd owe you all a favor. You'll find her selling her wares of Strange Beach."

The heroes make their way westward still, leaving behind Zane and his gang at the Fountain of Youth. It is a few more days of travel before they finally reach the sea, and then a quick night's travel (using the compasses) to the nearest port. The heroes grab a well deserved rest, and the next morning they're off on their way to Etheria on a boat that Daneeka procured over the evening. The journey is slow, and the boat has a rather boring crew - they ship around Baltarok's south, which isn't a lively or busy area. They make for poor company. Daneeka too has become withdrawn from the party. The days pass slowly, with little to do, no rum onboard and no one willing to play cards or bet. Finally, after a week or so, Daneeka interrupts the heroes as they are eating dinner. "We will arrive in Etheria tomorrow," he says, sitting down at their table in the galley but notably not making eye contact with nearly any of them. "If you have any questions about the island, now is the time. I don't doubt with the amount of time we wasted in Baltarok that the others have already arrived."

OoC: I'll give Matthias a few more hours to see if he wants to say anything final and then I'll move this along.

Boomingham enjoys a nice cup of tea with Servus, waiting to see if Eric and Sarge would come to have a word with him. ( )

"Should have been Ulrcia," snarls Boomingham as he watches Verda fall. He shields his eyes a few seconds later as Peri explodes into an angel. "Holy Hels. You've got some interesting offspring, peg leg." He glances over his shoulder at the tiny body of Barty. "Why don't you ever explode and become powerful like that? And why didn't you tell me something was up with her?" "Alright, snake chaps, let's finish this thing. Who do you want to kill, Eric? The traitor, or the leader?" Boomingham swiftly chugs a Smelling Salts, and then with his first turn drinks a nostrum and attacks either Anasonya or Mertsegar from the back row (depending on who Eric targets). Rex, meanwhile, holds back the Mob of Extremists from the back row, while Zarissa squares off against the purple snake man, also keeping a safe distance (and casting ice).

OoC: There's a good reason this thread is taking a lot longer for me to update. Maybe in the future you can link to a place for me to find items - things that show up a lot (renegade, toxic, icy) are difficult to find in the search function. Zeus seems to already be regretting his offerings as he digs around in his chest. "Bone Claws would cost you 350 gold. I generally do better tracking down magical items. Affinity or whatever." He digs around a little bit more, and then swiftly withdraws his hands. "I will not be able to get you Crimson Haze. That is an alchemists' tool... and a dangerous group of alchemists at that." "The Mail of the Renegade Commander would cost you a hefty 900 gold. It is a very unique piece of craftsmanship." OoC: It seems fair to let Hoke keep the second etherial topaz if he wants it. He did buy it first. And MDM, I'd say it'd work the way you described, since Sandy never replied. "The Shadeaux are not impossible to deal with, though they have recently fallen out of liking with the mages of Eubric... let me see... I'd say that would only cost about 750 gold." "A toxic hood..." he rummages around. "I can't quite tell... the Level-Up Mushrooms aren't too hard to obtain. It'd just be 350 gold a pop!" OoC: Literally cannot find that hood. What quest is it from? I thought an Endgame one but it's not showing up. "Oooooooo!" Zeus nearly squeals when Purpearl mentions she would like to be his apprentice. "Excellent choice, my friend! Let us see to those weapons, and then I will be able to start your training... but first!" "A Cloak of the Grand Vizier would cost 500 gold, for you. A clockwork lance would cost 400. Again, I apologize, I have more aptitude for finding things at a reasonable price when they pertain directly to magic." OoC: I quite literally cannot find it with the search function either. Icy and halberd both turn in too many results. 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: 57 Gold: 1282 (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), Tin Gloves (Power +1, multiplied by the number of “tin” artifacts equipped; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and vindicators; handwear), 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), 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), Coathanger (Allows for a second body wear, accessory) 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 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: 2, +4 WP Defense: 41 Health: 93/93 (+10 Knight, +15 Dragoon, +53 Level, +2 Chicken Drumsticks, +10 Raw Meats, +1 Warrior's Tread) Gold: 1238 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), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), 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), 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: 41 1/5 Power Bonus: +3*, +8 in front row Defense: 0 Health: 67/67 (7+38+15+5*) Ether: 0/0 (+2*) Gold: 2764 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), 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), 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), Crystal Shoes • Garnet • 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, Gold Bar Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) 180 Years Old Female Elven Mystic Knight Level 24.66 *Immune to Earth, Fragile* Power Bonus: 4 Defense: 24 (15 + 4 + 5) Health: 34/34 (Base 5 + 24 Levels + 7 Health Bonus - 2 Penalty #102) Ether: 33/33 (Base 5 + 22 Levels + 4 Bonus #102) Gold: 653 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), Stingy Gloves (Prevents the wearer from having gold stolen, hand wear), Dastan Helmet (SP: 4, Immune to Earth) 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), 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), 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), Coathanger (Allows for a second body wear, 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: ???

"I knew some of it, yes. But not all that. The Old Gods have slowly revealed themselves in recent years... but whatever their nemesis is has not." "A year and a half ago a group of heroes led by Hybros assisted me in recovering an ancient library under Eubric. There we found many references to the Old Gods, which I have been interested in for many years. What's more, during our descent, we encountered a witch who promised us the truth. We were all treated to strange visions of other worlds. But in truth, they may have just been the past, and the future. I went to a Eubric much different than ours. Who is to say." "All that I can tell you is that there are many great mysteries. We have stumbled, we believe, upon one. And we wish to finish unearthing it. It is of upmost importance, I believe, because the closer we get to discovering the truth, the more dangerous it appears. There is an enemy lurking, and growing closer. We will either be prepared, or not." "And is there power to be gained? Surely. But all advancement is danger. Look at yourself Matthias. You have grown immortal through ancient magics once more recovered, and through technology you are capable of lifting something that in old times only the giants could control. But you don't protest your, your discoveries. You know well as I do, well as any one in Eubric, that change is coming constantly, and our one great power is shaping it, and the only power thats allows us the capability of doing that is knowledge." "The people of Etheria are perhaps the only populace on this entire planet that has never waged a war against their neighbors. They have the longest history, and the most peaceful. If you fear for the fate of these artifacts, as I do, then Etheria is undoubtably the safest place for them." "You have seen the same thing I have, little gnome." Zane kneels down opposite him. "For years I have been plauged by images of such things, ever since my time with the Master of Regret, but this was more clear than ever before. About a year and a half ago I shared a vision with another prophetess. And the Master of Regret was there as well... I think it may have been about these coming days. Those witches were there too. And Parvati." "You could tell..." she trails off. "The witches, and the Old God, they knew something had awoken then. And the other prophetess too... she knew that soon they'd all be gathered to one place." "I'll tell you one thing. It was bad news when Wren killed off Passion. Regret liked ribbing his brother and all... but that wasn't a part of any plan." "I monitored that night carefully. When Wren eventually killed Passion... it is difficult to say what happened. Her own etherial powers disappeared when she stepped into the void, and his were nulled upon his death, but The Master of Regret fled the city as well. I think he was afraid of what would happen after his brother's death." "Right. That's why I think-" he stops himself. "Screw it. What do I care? I've already gotten my walking papers. All I ask, gnome, is that you don't let Baldy and his lackey kill the world with their arrogance. There is a darkness coming. And you have seen what it does. It does not kill. It consumes. We will all be in danger." "There was a third," says Zane, sneering. "Passion, Regret... and Hope. Keep an eye out for her." He stands up and salutes Guts. "See you in Eubric, Baldy. Can't wait to see that welcome party you promised me." "Stay safe," Parvati says to Matthias timidly. "I will see you in Eubric... if I'm allowed. Thank you for standing by me." "Nearest port is that way!" Zane points to the west. "Use your compass, because I'm sure you still don't trust me. It's been a blast and a half like always." Are the heroes ready to go find a port?

There's more in-fighting pitting people against each other than between the unions. Or, at least in Crescent there is. Sungold is very polite.

But then there wouldn't be any consequences.

So sorry 139, still busy with the holiday season it seems, I have to go visit my grandmother today but then I am legitimately finished. I will be able to get full updates tonight. Particularly sorry to those of you still stuck in the desert.

OoC: I'd argue yes, but Sandy would of course have the final call. "Hm. I'll check." Zeus opens his chest and messes around in it a little. "A Coat Hanger would set you back 300 gold. Crystal Shoes are a little harder to find, and would cost 444 gold." "Ah yes! The Mages of Eubric miss out on many of our fine goods by failing to make the pilgrimage! If you know any mages who are still young enough to train and have an affinity for lightning, please, let them know I am always willing to take on students!" Zeus rummages his his chest some more after passing Arthur his book and scroll. "I could sell you any of those scrolls for 200 gold! The Pauldrons are much hard to find... Spesialia has many ancient wards... I would have to say they value at about 650 gold."

As the smoke clears the heroes spot Matthias, standing far away from the fountain. He yells out all at once. "If what lives? We'll only die if we fight! Simon, what is the darkness? Who must not drink? Why do you follow the Master of Regret?" The gnome drinks an elixir and begins to foam at the mouth. His eyes roll wildly.

Boomingham dumps both the Cobra Priest and the were-snake in front of the Scorpion Knight. "I'll come back for the were-snake," he says. "The Cobra Priest warned us of the threat. I believe he is on our side, but keep an eye on him regardless. See to it that he comes to no harm. I'd consider it a personal favor." He lays his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Watch after your duty, protect your Queen. I will go protect the rest of the city. Good luck." He leads Rex and Heckz towards the Temple of Danab. "I do not think they would go so far as to attack the resort, chap. But if you feel you must, go to your wife. Your debt to me is considered paid. You may do what you wish now."

"Wonderful!" He taps his golden treasure chest. "This will be able to summon up any of my wares in a second. But here is a list." He hands each member of the party a list of wares. Etherial Topaz (Electrical Spells Deal Stunned) - 200 Gold *2 in Stock* Scroll of Antimagic (Makes the target immune to magic for the duration of one battle. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether) - 100 Gold Scroll of Elemental Aura (Enables the user to cause the target's attacks deal only elemental damage corresponding to a gem available to the user for the duration of one battle. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 5 ether.) - 100 Gold Scroll of Shielding (Enables the user to grant (an additional) 5 SP to the the target for the duration of one battle. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 5 ether.) - 100 Gold Etherial Electrical Gear (adds electrical-element and stunned ability to physical attacks and protects from electical-elemental damage, accessory) - 350 Gold *2 in Stock* Of Power and Mortals, by Zeus the Electrical Emperor - 30 Gold Request (You may request any scroll or item in the game. If Zeus is able to procure it, he will name a price for you). "My wares are good for anyone who is hoping to learn how to conduct themselves powerfully, on or off the battle field." He looks at the skull. "This is my friend called Zapp. I... unfortunately disintegrated his body while we were both in training here on Etheria, and felt so bad that I kept his skull around as a constant reminder of my immense power. But eventually, one day, it started to glow with electricity and talk!" "Yeah yeah. It's a lot worse than being a mage, but you learn to deal." "Oh... yes... may I?" He asks, clearly in awe over how shiny shiny shiny! the crystal ball has become while in Hybros' care. He handles it delicately, and then looks at the imp. "I can give you 1599 gold for it. Sound good?"

OoC: I'd argue no, since the smoke is supposed to envelop you. But Matthias has released you. Sorry, I'm almost done with his side-quest, and he'll be returned to you shortly!

Boomingham tosses Heckz the remedy, stun bomb, and 25 gold. He takes 26 gold for himself and passes the halberd to Rex. "Go get the were snake off the door. If he's still alive, give him this." He tosses Rex the Phoenix Essence. "If not, we at least owe him a decent burial." Boomingham glances at the unconscious Cobra Priest. The Cultists at least hadn't reacted to him... it seemed likely he had been honest earlier. It was probably safest for him here anyway, and there was no time to think about that. Boomingham rushes towards the Palace entrance, to see if the Scorpion had lived, and help finish the battle if necessary.

"Yeah, and then I summoned a wyrm to eat her." Dyric's attempts to get through to Matthias are met with a smoke bomb that the little gnomes throws at the party. They all start to cough, and lose sight of each other as well as the little gnome.

Alright, that's the end of travel and family for the holidays, I'm back to normal and updates will be back to normal as well!

OoC: Sorry, still working on editing a bunch of stuff to get Etheria up and running properly. "...Void Masters are trained from a very young age. And the island makes your body look all sorts of weird ways." He wraps on his stomach, showing off his plating. "It isn't the end of the world. Offers some extra protection. I just feel bad for the were-turtle who ended up with my tender stomach. Probably has no idea what to do." "I like all my bits and pieces," she says slyly. "Understandably so," says the Void Master, eyeing her. "You'd have to stay a long time to get to looking weird." "What say you to a little private tour around the island. I'm sure there's some gorgeous rooms, lots of old artifacts to take a look at, some private stashes, maybe, that only you can find...?" Arthur, meanwhile, glances around for a shop, and overhears Purpearl's conversation. The room is filled with a few other strange figures, but they warp in and out of the room, guided by other Void Masters. "Hello traveler! My name is Zeus, the Electrical Emperor of Etheria! The City Center is the best way to get to know Etheria. All magical researchers, historians, theorists, explorers, and masters congregate in the City Center to meet and debate. Of course, if you want to know anything about electrical magic, you have already found your master." "Don't let him fool you. He's just a merchant." "Shush. I can be the Electrical Emperor as well as the Head of the Merchant Guild. Would you like to take a look at my wares?" "No more less or more real than anything else." Hybros has to wait a few seconds for Melquiades to materialize. He doesn't seem bothered to be taken away from his conversation, however, and zaps himself and Hybros into the Void. "You have a powerful object there," says Melquiades jovially, gesturing to the Dragon Heart Flame. "It's good for quite a few party tricks. I think you may have a little something in you too, hm?" They continue through the Void. "As a Void Master you get to know pretty much everyone on the island, and have such lovely opportunities to talk to them," he gestures to the demons, "especially if you're the only thing between them and these fell'ers, they tend to decide you're worthy of confidence. I know this and that about magical history and innovation, and have got more than a clue about what you're here to do. But I'll tell you, if the Council catches wind... those that aren't in on it... and isn't brought around, you'll have a hard time doing anything. I'd say you'd need more than half the council in your pocket, on your team, or at the very least owing you a favor before you can try any tricked out new magical foolery. Got that?" With that the two arrive in the City Center, and the Selkreeth returns to his wooing efforts.

Zane rolls his eyes as Guts tries to grab hold of his companion. He is unable to move Matthias, who continues to drag Dyric. "Yes yes, you're very scary and special. We're all very impressed by how special and scary you are."