Zepher

Boomingham ignores Heckz's outburst and steps outside after Eric, drinking a mead, feeling a little sour in his mouth and stomach. He draws his sword as well, and tosses the empty bottle over his shoulder. "Look, chaps, madam, this is your chance to go. I see no reason more lives must be lost today." As always in combat with stubborn friends, Boomingham prepares to leave any of the were-lions he fells alive, but injured.

Zane's voice takes on a misty quality. "Such baseness. Can't you see Dyric's side of things? Why put yourself in danger? Zane, what fools that Hall has admitted. Their magic has led them to have such egos, but they don't know, never know..." his voice reverts to sneering and harsh. "Of course." He turns to Guts. "You're a powerful man, no two ways about that, I ain't looking to pretend otherwise. And you may be able to kill my new court," he gestures to the three- "megablocks," spits Medusa. "You'll get yourself killed if you don't recognize your limitations, Medusa. How many times must I wipe the floor with you before you'll let me talk to my equals without your interruptions- oh let's please do it again, it gives me so much joy, haha the little weakling licking her wounds, we've beat her up so many times haha- WE'LL STRIP HER FLESH FROM HER BONES THE-" "We can't kill you. But Parvati and I can fade into the sand storm once more, and Solimon can take wing, and I'm sure you'd have Medusa's body on your hands. But you only have a half a map as well- and tell them, my Zane, of fates worse than death- of course- HA HA HA the weaklings can't die but- there are, as she says, fates worse than death. I could go find some chains, and find some vultures to eat out your guts every day here in the Wastelands, and your own magic would prevent you from dying, you'd watch as they gobbled you up day in and day out. Or impaled on a spear, blistering slowly, forever, in the sun." "And I wonder," says Parvati seductively. "If their magic protects their souls as well as their bodies." "So the point is we can work together, piece together a map, and continue on our way peacefully, or you can wander the wastes forever, or worse, be stuck here until your mortal deaths. And what of your friend with the bubbly skin. Is he of your organization too? Or are you willing to lay his life on the line?" Daneeka remains silent.

"Some of the details are a little out of order," says Zane coyly. "But like you said, it was a confusing Grogmas. We'll have time to catch up soon, I'm sure. We weren't led by Regret. We weren't led by anyway. And now, since everyone else is dead, I'm in charge." Zane grins widely and then begins to maniacally laugh. "Yeah! Those weaklings all died, so now we're in charge, hahahahahahaha, Prince and Fool, Fool and Prince, - hush, Zander." Zane smiles apologetically. "He's a little unruly sometimes. We try to keep him in check. At least the Magician is better behaved. Which reminds me." Zane makes his way over to the three moaning foes and lowering his face to their lips, sips. Their bodies go rigid. He stands up and glances back over at the heroes. "New trick I picked up- WE'LL STRIP THEIR FLESH-" Zane burps. "Sorry, again. New additions always take a while to master." With a flick of his wrist, he yanks one of the skeletons back into being, and then with another flick of his wrist he dismisses it. He smiles, satisfied with himself. "I wish you'd stop consuming so many treasure hunters," says Parvati. "They make you into a brute." "Please, Parvati. Some of them are learned men and women. Not this bunch, surely, but the heroes perhaps." He winks at them. "But hopefully we won't come to blows. What am I here for, Dyric? Well, you have the other half of something I'd really like." Capitalizing on the heroes' recent discovery that magic compasses weren't quite as rare as they'd once hoped, Zane quickly reveals his own. "Where's the other half of Iceborn's Map?" hisses Zane. Investigating the results for a moment, Zane looks up from it and stares at Guts.

Bobby keeps an eye on Miderun, ready to follow her to the Inn whenever she was ready to go.

Yeah, I know the questees of 130 have plans, but we want to get back. In character it doesn't make sense for Boomers to know about it. 136... have literally no idea how far into the quest we are. But I don't think Bobby would be interested anyway. Maybe Wolfgang, especially if Kiray and Miderun go that way. Would be interesting to see where different (non-faction) NPCs fall! I'll probably do something with that soon.

"I will make only one amendment to your tale," says Chauncey, sitting down upon seeing that Purpearl is unlikely to walk alongside him. "I did kill Lord Aventine, and he was my friend, but he was equally likely to kill me. And we both knew the risks when we chose to seek our deal with the Master of Regret. If he were standing here today, having killed me, his old friend, would he receive the same lecture?" "Zelphie was an unfortunate lose that day. She was one of those closest to me in heart and mind, matched only perhaps by Gerald and my former Master who now resides in Etheria. Master Kiga is far too wise for me to even pretend we have a mental relation. So do not think that I take her death lightly. All that I achieve from here on out will be in many ways for her." "And I will finally say, and this is what I wished to discuss with you, that I do not hold you as an enemy. I wish we had not fought. I asked you, if anything, to stand down. But that is neither here nor there. I want only to inform you that I bear no hard feelings. My path and Heroica's path have become entwined time and time again, and I am certain that this will not be our last intersection. And I would like to hold you as an ally, Lady Purpearl. Forgive me, perhaps it is simply your hostility that makes me feel that I must win you over, but I imagine you will prove a powerful ally in many ways."

OoC: I think Sarge pretty explicitly said he didn't want to come with us. Boomingham smacks Heckz across the back of the head. "Don't be rude, these were-lions have lost a comrade." Boomingham bows to the were-lions. "I am deeply sorry for your lose. It is inexcusable, and the sort of thing that happens when you travel with savages such as these folks." Boomingham jerks his thumb at his comrades. "I cannot imagine a way to make it up to you. A lost comrade can never be recovered." Boomingham bows to the Marmaduc as well. "I have been able to recover the crystal skull, and would be happy to add it to your treasures." For the first time, Boomingham takes a good look at the room. He can't recall having been here before... hadn't another hero brokered the deal? And there were an awful lot of were-creatures heads... Boomingham thinks back to his good friends Thothwick and Mumbasa, and begins to feel a little queasy. Barty pops into existence, barely noticeable, right in Boomingham's line of sight. Boomingham chews on the inside of his cheek.

Necromancers... Again Round Five >Medusa v. Undead Treasure Hunters C - Defend (+Medusa's SP Next Round) >Solisman v. Undead Treasure Hunters C/Undead Treasure Hunters - Special Damage (-1 Burning) >Parvati does nothing >Dyric v. Undead Treasure Hunters C - Damage/Critical Hit (No Assassination, ([26*2]+31)/2=42 Damage All Enemies) Guts v. Kanvyral/Treasure Hunters C - Damage/Shield (All Foes KO'd) Guts and Dyric wipe out the remaining foes. The Party Guts Holla (Scubacarrot) *Dancing**Dualstriking**Immune to all Elements, Weakened, Fragile, Asleep, Confused, Slowed, Afraid, Blinded* 45 year old male human Marauder Level: 40.2 Power Bonus: 4 Health: 49/64 Defense: 4 Gold: 9046 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), 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), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent reinforced-effect, doubling defense; suitable to marauders; back wear), Blue Guardian Mask (Shield, SP: 2, Protects against Weakened, Fragile and Afraid), Grimmeau's Clothespin (Grants Immunity to first negative effect each battle. Headwear), • 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, 3x Elixir, 5x Phoenix Essence, 28x Remedy, Neutralizer, Crimson Serum (Grants Mutated Effect for one battle.), x2 Arc Elixir, Hyper Arc Tonic (Restores All ether to allies, consumable), 2x Ambrosia, 17x Mead, 9x Smelling Salts, 7x 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, 2x 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), • 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) Half of Iceborn's Map (Quest Item), Guanette's Map (Quest Item) Dyric Rone (The Legonater) Human male, Assassin *Immune to All Elements and Blinded* *Steals 50% more gold* *Permanently Lucky* Level 32 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 6 Health: 29/44 Gold: 737 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, bodywear) • Diamond, Opal, 3 Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magic Compass • Potions (3), Grand Potions (6), 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, 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 (2) Matthias the Carnival Crusader (StickFig) Level 25.66 Druid *Gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed* *Immune to Bound, Slowed* Power Bonus: 20 (+2 WP) Defense: 4 Health: 20/35 Ether: 15/25 Gold: 1319 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 -1), 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), Ruby (Fire), 4x Bone, Deadly Venom, 2x Elixir, Grand Potion, Grating Stone, Potion, 2x Red Death Blood, 4x Remedy, 5x 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) Parvati Level 26.33 Weather Mage *Immune to Burning* Health: 19/34 (5+4+25) Ether: 22/26 (6+5+25) Equipment: Parvati’s Pouch (Accessory, Grants immunity to first five effects afflicted on Parvati each battle) Inventory: Tonic x2, Sandstorm Scroll (Replaces “Dry” with “Sandstorm” – Sandstorm doubles earth damage, halves electricity, and deals 1 earth damage to all combatants each round. Grants all combatants the ability to blind on successful hits), Blistering Heat Scroll (Replaces "Hot" with "Blistering Hot", fire-elemental is doubly effective and all combatants gain the -1 burning effect each round), Scroll of Blinding, Begone with the Wind Gems: Diamond, Ruby, Garnet Soliman Level 33.25 Winged Warrior *Immune to Wind, Fire, Blinded* Health: 12/53 (7+14+32) Defense: 4 Equipment: Babeleth Spear (WP: 17, Pierces SP), Babeleth Golden Dagger (Grants Duel-Striking, Handwear) Breathable Darksteel Armor (SP: 4, Immune to Wind, Fire and Blinded, Suitable to Winged Warriors, Bodywear) Inventory: Elixir x2, Military Grade Fire-Bomb x3 Medusa Level 30.25 Skirmisher Health: 39/54 (10+29+15) Defense: 26 Equipment: Medusa’s Spear (WP: 30), Skirmisher’s Spikey Shield (SP: 10, While “Defending” deals damage equal to Shield’s SP), “Shiny” (SP: 14, Suitable to all shield bearing classes, Bodywear & Legwear), Thick Orcish Helmet (SP: 2, Immune to Earth) Inventory: Mead x2, Grand Potion, Remedy Loot Bones x4 Potion Phoenix Essence Raw Meat (+5 max. heatlh) Ancient Bone Grand Tonic Smoke Bomb 120 Gold As the skeletons crumble to dust the heroes see that their three foes are still alive... if barely. They groan, bloody, on the ground. "Stand back!" Soliman commands the heroes. "These are for the Sar." "Or you might know him better as the Soul Sucker," chuckles Medusa. There is a flash and a bang, and where once there were three standing, now there are four. The bells of a jester's hat jingle as a voice calls out merrily. "I think maybe not, Medusa. Dyric knows me by an even older name, one I used in Eubric. And look, that bald fellow has one of my old hats." In answer to the heroes stares, the Soul Sucker sweeps off his current hat and takes a mocking bow. "Zane, Fool of the Court of Demons, at your service. Always a pleasure to run into heroes. Especially when they're carrying something I need."

At the Training Grounds Following Hoke's answer he and Jin walk to the top of the mountain in silence, both lost in their own thoughts. Arriving they find Yu Shu, weapon in hand. "You brought me the big boy to fight?" "I thought he might prove a better match for you." Jin smiles softly. "Neither of you have proven a match for me. Perhaps today I shall take on the victor." "What do you say?" Yu Shu grins confidently. "Think you can fight a Warrior Priestess and win?" At the Vault As Purpearl and Chauncey talk, Master Kiga stands and bows to the two before walking sleepily away from the vault. "As I told your friend Arthur yesterday, Kiga is often of the opinion that as soon as we open our mouths, we make fools of ourselves." Chauncey smiles after the were-lion as he walks off. "Even when he is not practicing his vows of silence, he is mostly a silent fellow." "You're on the right path, Lady Purpearl. But if I can interrupt you from your meditations so easily, you'll find that you can't find your way into the Vault quite yet. Perhaps we could walk and talk, you and I, away from the others. The imp and dragoons and I share a history in our interests and pursuits of knowledge, but you and I share a more intimate past, and I would like to discuss it with you, if you'd allow it. I do not think we're so different you and I, and perhaps seeing this land where I once studied will help you to see my side of things on the day of our duel. Will you allow me that, at least?" Hybros, Arthur and Miirym arrive at the teahouse at around the same time as Kiga, who doesn't pay them any heed. He steps into the Tea House and begins to prepare.

OoC: I'll give Scuba about another hour to respond in case he wants to change his strategy, and if not, I'll just roll it. Feel free to pick an action for him, anyone else!

"Not me, Peg leg over there thinks you'll find something in the swamp. If you'd like to go see the Maraduc with me instead, you're free to."

The Healing Springs "Ready to go then?" asks Jin as he rises. "I believe your elven friend will meet us there. I despise making Yu Shu wait. She only has so much energy. She will not accept it if you go easy on her, though, and I fear she'll be able to tell. That being said, you must not rough her up. If you do, I will make sure that my blades do more than rest on your flesh." He turns to Hoke. "You seem relaxed. Perhaps you will come close to being a challenge for me today. Where is it that you said you trained?" At the Vault Purpearl begins to grow calm... but she quickly feels the sun on her face and begins to think of the sun, and the sky, and old memories surge forward... and then, before she can get back into her place of calm, she hears a voice calling out to her. "Lady Purpearl! I hope I'm not breaking your concentration. What a pleasant surprise on a morning such as this." She peeks open an eye to see Lord Chauncey approaching her. "How are you enjoying Xu so far? If I recall you had a calm and fiery presence, all at once. Surely this land of harmony within dichotomy will speak to your nature."

Bobby passes Na'im the remaining gold. "Like I said, bro, I gotcha." Turning to the monster he salutes him in a friendly matter. "My bad, my dude. She seems pretty chill, you got yourself a good wife, but she's spoken for, and I'm not the sort of dude to go after another dude's lady. So no problem." Bobby looks around the marketplace once more. He buys a chicken drumstick to nibble on and wanders over to Miderun. "How's it going? You need some coffee or some shiz? You look tired, yo. Like I said, it's been a long effing time since we slept, yo!"

"The were-parrot?" Boomingham glances at Eric to confirm that he's got the sister correct. His face falls a little. "That's... grave news. Then our course should be clear. Rex, Peri and I will sell off this statue, and then go directly to the Conclave to ensure that no Priests make their way inside. You and Eric should go to the swamps to see if you can't track these trouble makers down.

"Ulrica seemed an old flea bag, but I don't think she's much likely to have pulled anything in the swamp - why ally herself with the snake priests if she was looking to take over the Conclave?" Boomingham pauses. "What do you mean, the swamp? What happened?"

Necromancers... Again Round Four >Medusa v. Undead Treasure Hunters C - Hit (30+30/2=30 Damage) >Solisman v. Undead Treasure Hunters C/Undead Treasure Hunters - Damage ([60/2]-4=26) >Parvati forecasts Bright - Forecast (Bright Next 3 Rounds, -1 ether) >Dyric v. Undead Treasure Hunters C - Hit/Aim ([block] -1 Skeletal Horses) Guts v. Kanvyral/Treasure Hunters C - Damage/Riposte (Kanvyral Confused, 20 Damage Treasure Hunters) Guts v. Kanvyral - Shield/Special Damage ([block} Horses KO'd) >Matthias v. Melvokuul - Special Damage (Hits 18 times starting with Matthias, 15 Damage each hero) All enemies -1 burning Weather: Bright - Light damage is doubled. Dark damaged is halved. (3 Rounds Remaining) The Enemies Rogue Aj-Kahr Kanvyral Level 20 Holy Humanoid *Immune to instant kill, sealed, stunned, poisoned* *-1 burning* Health: 974/978 Ether: 3/5 Special I: Blood Ritual – Hobgoblin Kanrak draws 10 health from all heroes, ignoring row and defense, and heals the enemy with the lowest health equal to the health absorbed times ten, at the cost of 1 ether. Special II: Chant – Hobgoblin Kanrak chants furiously, working her allies into a rage and raising their levels by 3. Used when out of ether. Drops: Grand Tonic, Ancient Bone Rogue Aj-Vohl Melvokuul Level 35 Humanoid *Ranged* *Immune to blinded, bound, and slowed* *-1 burning* Health: 687/690 Special: Arrow Storm – Orc Melvokuul rains arrows down upon the party, dealing 5 damage ignoring row and defense 4-24 times, dividing hits as equally as possible. Drops: Smoke Bomb Note: Melvokuul is Ranged, causing him to take only half damage from melee attacks. Undead Treasure Hunters C Level 60 (10*6) Undead *Mob 6* *Immune to Asleep* *-2 burning* Health: 547/700 (100*7) Special: Once Like You - The Mob gains all effects of the attacking hero. Drops: 40 Gold NOTE: Destroyed when Kanvyral is KO'd. The Party Guts Holla (Scubacarrot) *Dancing**Dualstriking**Immune to all Elements, Weakened, Fragile, Asleep, Confused, Slowed, Afraid, Blinded* *Lucky* *Hastened* *Encouraged* 45 year old male human Marauder Level: 40 Power Bonus: 4 Health: 49/64 Defense: 4 Gold: 9046 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), 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), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent reinforced-effect, doubling defense; suitable to marauders; back wear), Blue Guardian Mask (Shield, SP: 2, Protects against Weakened, Fragile and Afraid), Grimmeau's Clothespin (Grants Immunity to first negative effect each battle. Headwear), • 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, 3x Elixir, 5x Phoenix Essence, 28x Remedy, Neutralizer, Crimson Serum (Grants Mutated Effect for one battle.), x2 Arc Elixir, Hyper Arc Tonic (Restores All ether to allies, consumable), 2x Ambrosia, 17x Mead, 9x Smelling Salts, 7x 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, 2x 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), • 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) Half of Iceborn's Map (Quest Item), Guanette's Map (Quest Item) Dyric Rone (The Legonater) Human male, Assassin *Immune to All Elements and Blinded* *Steals 50% more gold* *Permanently Lucky* Level 31.75 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 6 Health: 28/43 Gold: 737 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, bodywear) • Diamond, Opal, 3 Silver Ore (Worth 60 gold) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magic Compass • Potions (3), Grand Potions (6), 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, 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 (2) Matthias the Carnival Crusader (StickFig) Level 25.33 Druid *Gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed* *Immune to Bound, Slowed* Power Bonus: 20 (+2 WP) Defense: 4 Health: 20/35 Ether: 15/25 Gold: 1319 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 -1), 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), Ruby (Fire), 4x Bone, Deadly Venom, 2x Elixir, Grand Potion, Grating Stone, Potion, 2x Red Death Blood, 4x Remedy, 5x 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) Parvati Level 26 Weather Mage *Immune to Burning* Health: 19/34 (5+4+25) Ether: 22/26 (6+5+25) Equipment: Parvati’s Pouch (Accessory, Grants immunity to first five effects afflicted on Parvati each battle) Inventory: Tonic x2, Sandstorm Scroll (Replaces “Dry” with “Sandstorm” – Sandstorm doubles earth damage, halves electricity, and deals 1 earth damage to all combatants each round. Grants all combatants the ability to blind on successful hits), Blistering Heat Scroll (Replaces "Hot" with "Blistering Hot", fire-elemental is doubly effective and all combatants gain the -1 burning effect each round), Scroll of Blinding, Begone with the Wind Gems: Diamond, Ruby, Garnet Soliman Level 33 Winged Warrior *Immune to Wind, Fire, Blinded* Health: 12/53 (7+14+32) Defense: 4 Equipment: Babeleth Spear (WP: 17, Pierces SP), Babeleth Golden Dagger (Grants Duel-Striking, Handwear) Breathable Darksteel Armor (SP: 4, Immune to Wind, Fire and Blinded, Suitable to Winged Warriors, Bodywear) Inventory: Elixir x2, Military Grade Fire-Bomb x3 Medusa Level 30 Skirmisher Health: 39/54 (10+29+15) Defense: 26 Equipment: Medusa’s Spear (WP: 30), Skirmisher’s Spikey Shield (SP: 10, While “Defending” deals damage equal to Shield’s SP), “Shiny” (SP: 14, Suitable to all shield bearing classes, Bodywear & Legwear), Thick Orcish Helmet (SP: 2, Immune to Earth) Inventory: Mead x2, Grand Potion, Remedy

"Lee Long is a powerful warrior, and one of our order. He has been foolishly banished, but that does not mean that we have forgotten him. I am glad that he has taken on pupils - he has much to share. I doubt anyone is as devoted as he is. I believe he understands that his life and the life of the House Ji Pei are intertwined, and would be willing to lay down his life for them. This is a great lesson that few learn. To be part of something larger than themselves." Though Hybros relaxes in the same pools as Hoke, he can't get quite as settled as his dragoon friend. Purpearl heads to the Vault before meeting the others at the training grounds. She finds herself soon staring into the unblinking eyes of Mater Kiga as he stares past her.

Bobby is stuck in an awkward spot. He doesn't really want anything now that Polly is armed, but he feels bad just walking away. "Oh, yeah, thanks chica, if you'd be down with just kind of fixing up my whip a bit that'd be rad. Thanks!" He hands her the whip to improve (+1 WP). "How's that sword treating you, Polly?"

I'm thankful for it.

"I had heard of Passion's demise. Doc Daneeka was able to figure out as much, with one of his machines. I do not know how he does it, but I rarely find cause to doubt him. And if that had not been enough, I have seen the Regret since that fateful night. Lady Purpearl still bears some anger towards me for that, as do the heroes Matthias and Nerwen. I put my life on the line, as did my foe, and I proved the stronger. That is the way of nature, the way of chaos, the way of order." Lord Chauncey finishes his tea. "It was a pleasure talking to you, but the night is growing old. I don't doubt that we shall be here for a number of days. If you wish, come seek me out. There are one thousand and one things that we might talk about. And you may always attend tea ceremonies. Just remember, we can only cram four individuals in here a day." Lord Chauncey and Arthur leave the Tea Ceremony. Arthur feels the warm beverage settling in his stomach (+1 focus). Time has indeed flown, and the night is old. Arthur finds his way to his bedroom in the temple, and falls asleep, aware of the heroes around him. The next morning, he is the last to rise. OoC: All back on the same day now!

"Those who classify anything betray their true ignorance. Who are we, mere mortals, to say that one thing is better than the other? How could we know? All is simply as it is. As soon as we pretend that it is something else, we come to a fault. I am Chauncey, but so much more, and so much less. And you are the same, Arthur." "As for that night... I have my report from three gentlemen who missed the very end of the events, though I was able to surmise most everything from them and from others as well. Shortly after the events in Eubric Everyman, XX and Zane came to my mansion and told me of what had befallen them - of the Court of Demons and it's doings and demise, of Wren's final plan, and of the heroes who were moving to stop them. I was of course intrigued most by the being calling himself the Grey Wizard - Zane was able to tell me his true name, and along with XX we were able to assume what she had in store for him." "I know that she was unable to complete her plan. So I suppose that's how it must be, how it was supposed to be. The nature of Zoot overcame the nature of Wren. But if it had been the other way around, who is to say it would have been all the worse?" "Hu hu hu," Master Kiga chortles as he sips his tea. "Master Kiga thinks I philosophize too much," says Chauncey, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. "He has taught me much, but not how to get out of my own head."

Jin and Hoke walk off to the Healing Springs. Taking an early morning dip, Hoke finally feels as if a bit of the burden has been lifted off his shoulders. The training yesterday, combined with a few trips to the Healing Springs and a good night's sleep, had helped his body and mind grow more centered. (+1 focus) "I fear to foreigners we will grow to sound as if we are repeating ourselves. But each new utterance, while part of a greater pattern, gains new meaning. Relaxation and meditation cannot be taught, they come from within. There are of course ways for us to guide you, but you must achieve them on your own. Once you have, I'm sure you will come to realize how easy it was all along. Master Kiga keeps many poems from ancient masters, and many tomes can be found within our temple. Perhaps those too will help guide you, if you are more of the mind than of the body. Though of course you'll realize soon that they are not so different, those two."

"Yeah my dude, no prob what-so-ever!" Bobby hands Na'im 80 gold. "Yo, we gotta get a new weapon for Polly, dude. But like, no one down here sells shiz. So, do you know like who in our party would be down to loan her something she can use?"

OoC: Arthur is now a day behind. That shouldn't be a problem for the time being - I will simply say he retired later than you all and ending up sleeping in on this "Second Day". We're on no strict schedule, this isn't Quest 130 by any means! The heroes retire. Jin leads them through the silent temple to their own separate rooms, and Elba, Felix, U'Or and Gerald are given rooms as well. The night passes peacefully. As warriors, it is no surprise that the heroes are the first to arise. The walls are paper thin (quite literally paper in some places) and they can hear Guffington's gentle snoring through them. The heroes step outside and are greeted by the early morning sun. Jin approaches as the heroes blink their eyes a few times. "If you're looking to spar again, Yu Shu is already up at the grounds preparing. She may prove a more fair match to some of you. It is often my custom to relax in the Healing Springs or to meditate before I begin my training for the day." What will the heroes do?

Bobby scratches his head. "Yo, you don't sell weapons, do you? Only upgrade?"