Zepher

No, I love Hoke. I used to think of him as a sort of "standard" character, sort of middle of the road, but I've come to view him as rigidly principled. I'm really glad I've hosted him for so many years, he's pretty awesome. Because of 139 West I've been reading the end of Baltarok a lot, and he really showed his true colors there in the same way that he's showing them now in Dastan. One of my favorite parts of the end of Baltarok (and seriously, so much good role playing, Purpearl and Matthias and Nerwen and Guts show fantastic ability there too) is when he declares "this is the way this is happening" and then gets on the boat and falls asleep. I also love Guts telling a King that his son died and just of being like "yeah, whatever". I forgot that happened.

"The Fountain of Youth." Prince David smiles a tight smile. "You would not be the first to seek it. Many of gone into Baltarok to search for it, and few have returned. It is said by many that many years ago, there was once a map that would help you track down the fountain. But it was lost to time." A fire lights in Prince David's eye. "I have long had an idea of where the map may have ended up, but have never been able to test my theory. Multiple accounts tell of a powerful Nordic Necromancer by the name Mighty Harold Iceborn who wished to find the fountain for himself. He tracked down the map, but in his quest angered old Nordic Gods. On the way from Vartland to Baltarok the seas rose against him, and his ship crashed against the northern shores of the High Kingdoms. Some believe it lies there to this day." Prince David frowns. "If you would allow a brief intermission in your quest, I may prove some help. I cannot promise you that the map lays to our far north, but I am of the opinion that it does. I would be more than willing to accompany you there, and test my claim."

I'm pretty happy with Boomingham in 105, to be honest. I've worked for a long time to make him not fully likable and not fully unlikable - modeled after many of my favorite PCs. I've said it every two months (or every time I finish hosting them/watching them play) but the reason I love my favorite PCs is because they don't have likable sides/dislikable sides, but rather traits that serve as both those things. Nerwen, Guts, Nur, Eric, Hoke, Arthur... all of them come from that. It's a great example. I always try to employ that in PCs and NPCs.

"You'll forgive me if I point out you're in the wrong profession if you're not looking to go to foreign lands and cause a bit of trouble." Right of the People Round Two >Arthur uses Love Potion on Sven's Champion Arthur's vial shatters in the Champion's face. Shocked, the champion blinks a few times, and then looks at Arthur very sleepily, doing nothing. The Enemies Sven's Champion Level 220 Beast Humanoid *Immune to Weakened, Blinded, Sealed and Instant Death* *Enamored (3 Rounds)* Health: 720/720 Special: King Maker - Sven's Champion makes the target fragile, weakened and enraged. Passive Special: Home Turf - Sven's Champion is lucky for the first two rounds of combat. After that, his attacks have a 1/2 chance to deal fragile, and a 1/2 chance to deal weakened. Drops: Nothing The Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 39.75 Dragoon, 23-year-old male Human *Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, Stunned, Slowed, Hastened, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction* *One Negative Effect at a time* *Fragile (3 Rounds)* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 64/64 Defense: 50 100 Gold: 1787 (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), 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), 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 [Ambrosia]), Hollow Flagpole(WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Artifacts: Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear, suitable for anyone), 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.), 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), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Consumables: Potion, 15x Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 10x Remedy, 2x Elixir, 14x Mead, 9x Nostrum, 1x Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, 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 OoC: You may submit conditionals for auto-rolling of the next three rounds!

Boomingham looked at Peri with kindness and remorse, and bows to the young lady. "I apologize that we allowed you to come to harm. It was my fault as much as all the other's, and I won't let it happen again. I swear to you. If I could accompany you back to Olevia right now, I would, but it is not the time. Stick by us, and we will keep you safe." Boomingham nods to Eric. "Yes. I'm at a loss. Perhaps we should go to the Lodestar Inn and head off the attack? See if you can track the Blue Eagle to the Black Market with that compass you've got, but I fear he's already given the order and returned to the Palace. Don't know how he got here so much more quickly than me."

OoC: Sorry, wifi failure for the entirety of the morning/afternoon. "The impression you make when cities aren't burning is near the same as the one you make when they are," grunts Valentino. "You will have to prove yourself more noble than the man who wished to behead my son and I. But first I will have to prove to you that I am better than the man you believed should be beheaded. I welcome that opportunity. Our relationship with Baltarok has made no great strides, but it has made small ones. I hope what you see will prove as some redemption for both my son and me." "This path seems most prudent. We are heading to the bridge anyway, and will need to sleep. So it doesn't damage any time table of mine." As Matthias unsticks the cart, Daneeka turns to face him. "Thank you, Matthias." The party travels through the whole day, and into the night as well, arriving at Carn by moonlight. The great gates of the city are opened, and though it has been mostly repaired, charred wood can still be seen as parts of many buildings, and a faint ashy smell hangs in the air always. The party makes their way to the palace, and follow the King to his throne room, where his son waits for him. There is notably nowhere to sit within the room itself. "Father, welcome home," he says. Valentino gives the bow and stiff nod and joins him, facing the heroes. "You have brought travelers?" "Heroes." "Oh." Prince David shrinks a little at the word, searching all of their faces, trying to recall. "We met on a dark day, then." "So you did." He exhales. "Some of them would not see you alive here today. So you must show them that you are prepared to make amends." Prince David bows deeply to the heroes, if perhaps a little unwillingly. "I am at your service. You saved me from myself, and my people from me, and you spared my life. What brings you to our Kingdom?" "They seek a relic in Baltarok." "Oh?" Prince David perks up a little. "What relic? I myself am a bit of a scholar of history, and in particular I have been reading up on Baltarok recently. To... educate myself. What is it you seek? Perhaps I can help guide you in the proper direction?"

"How could I know? Last time I was in Dastan Ella was a child." Guffington smiles tightly. "But I am not sorry that we were here to aid the country in a time of need. Better that we're here to help than not. You must be thankful for that, instead of sour over the unfortunate circumstance you wander into. <Victory by any means,> says Phil to the little dragon. OoC: Did forget to give immunities to the Champion, have added a few this round. My apologies for that. Right of the People Round One >Arthur takes Ambrosia >Arthur v. Sven's Champion - Damage/Special Damage (Arthur Fragile) Sven's champion starts off the battle by rattling Arthur significantly before the Dragoon can even truly act. The Enemies Sven's Champion Level 220 Beast Humanoid *Lucky (1 Round)* *Immune to Weakened, Blinded, Sealed and Instant Death* Health: 720/720 Special: King Maker - Sven's Champion makes the target fragile, weakened and enraged. Passive Special: Home Turf - Sven's Champion is lucky for the first two rounds of combat. After that, his attacks have a 1/2 chance to deal fragile, and a 1/2 chance to deal weakened. Drops: Nothing The Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 39.75 Dragoon, 23-year-old male Human *Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, Stunned, Slowed, Hastened, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction* *One Negative Effect at a time* *Fragile (3 Rounds)* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 64/64 Defense: 50 100 Gold: 1787 (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), 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), 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 [Ambrosia]), Hollow Flagpole(WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Artifacts: Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear, suitable for anyone), 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.), 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), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Consumables: Potion, 15x Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 10x Remedy, 2x Elixir, 14x Mead, 9x Nostrum, 1x Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, 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 OoC: Rolled a die to see which negative effect you received!

The man keeps a wary eye on Guts, and it glints with fire. "Ah. Come to use the bridge. Of course." He snorts. "As for me serving on patrol, the Northern High Kingdoms do not live the peaceful lives of our more eastern and southern brothers. A King here is expected to know how to fight, and as I'm sure you're aware that requires practice. Learning to deal with the elements, hunger, fatigue and still be in fighting form. Beyond that, what King can demand of his subjects that which he would not himself do." "This blizzard is strange, and a poor reception for foreigners." The King sizes up the wagon and the motley crew, his eyes flickering between Matthias and Guts. "Carn is only a day's travel from here. Augustus Bridge can be seen from there. If you follow me, we can help you restock before you continue on to Baltarok, and offer you a night of warm sleep." Valentino turns, hardly waiting for a response, and begins to lead the way towards Carn.

"I have no intention of violence, unless I have the need to defend myself. Passage is no trouble, if you cause no trouble. Where are you headed?" "Off to where? Through my lands? Perhaps it would behoove you to show a little respect." "My son is... better than he was." Daneeka leans forward and speaks to the heroes in a whisper. "I believe the Red Lizards will have to be negotiated with if we are to pass over the bridge. It is on their land."

OoC: Loot will come after this. "Nothing wrong with a little detour," Guffington says, stepping out of the palace to stand beside Hybros. "I've never seen the Right of the People before. Now we shall." "I call the Right of the People for all of Dastan, so we are not led boldly into decay!" Sven calls to Purpearl. "Come forward, champions!" Arthur walks out into the battle, and an enormous Pongcanis walks forward to meet him. "Let me show you what real strength looks like!" growls the Pongcanis. The Enemies Sven's Champion Level 220 Beast Humanoid *Lucky (2 Rounds)* Health: 720/720 Special: King Maker - Sven's Champion makes the target fragile, weakened and enraged. Passive Special: Home Turf - Sven's Champion is lucky for the first two rounds of combat. After that, his attacks have a 1/2 chance to deal fragile, and a 1/2 chance to deal weakened. Drops: Nothing The Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 39.75 Dragoon, 23-year-old male Human *Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, Stunned, Slowed, Hastened, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction* *One Negative Effect at a time* Power Bonus: 0 Health: 64/64 Defense: 49 Gold: 1787 (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), 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), 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 [Ambrosia]), Hollow Flagpole(WP:11, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, Hollow (Empty), lance), Artifacts: Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear, suitable for anyone), 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.), 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), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Consumables: Potion, 15x Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 10x Remedy, 2x Elixir, 14x Mead, 9x Nostrum, 1x Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, 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,

"I think not," says a voice in the back of the formation. He elbows his way to the front and stares down Guts. "Did you think I would forget you so soon? The man who insisted on my head, and the head of my son? Come to finish the job, have you?" He looks at the gnome and assassin. "And you two. I recall you as well. I thought you a champion of peace, gnome. How is it that you've fallen back in with this war monger?"

I have been re-reading Baltarok a lot recently, and I always forget that level 5 heroes are the whole reason that a war happened. If the Circus heroes hadn't killed Mint and let him take Grishnod back, there would have been no war. That was the start of the chain-reaction. And how awesome some of the heroes in there were. Hoke, Guts and Nerwen had one of the absolute best dynamics in that final battle - before, during, and after. And I forgot Hoke and Heweyrt got along as two dangerous men. I'll have to get them back together some time.

Bobby can't help but roll his eyes at the two still bickering. His only goal was to save as many lives as possible, not to have some long winded debate about truth. Sometimes people over think things and get hung up in all this logic. He tries all the doors the heroes haven't opened yet.

Boomingham shakes his head at Eric's refusal to answer his questions. "Save Peri. I'll be back. If we don't act swiftly, we may lose the only noble knight in this city." Boomingham curses himself for not picking up the Scorpion Knight on his way to the Slums. But how could he get to the Black Market without knowing where it was... maybe it would be best to simply head directly to the Lodestar Inn... Boomingham stays where he is, to see what Eric will discover behind that door.

Me too. Even if it's just screwing everyone else, if Pretzel was the traitor from day one, then maybe the answer here is that he played his hand well. It's a bit like Mafia. We probably could have put it together. After all, who awoke the Crystal Titan?

"You wouldn't be allowed to bring the dragon. Same goes for Hoke. And drinking your little drinks before the battle wouldn't be allowed, though if you pull it off in the ring no one would say a word."

Let's Stop a Riot! Round Eight Vipera makes Torc lucky - Failure >Hoke v. Sven - Shield/Miss (([(40+4)*4]+53+4)*2-17=449, KO) Hoke takes to the air on Torc's back and slams down upon Sven, knocking the man to his bloody knees. He and his dragon land next to the party, staring down the final few foes as the party itself tries to work its way back towards the palace. "Scatter. You will be no match for them," Sven tells the surviving civilians. The battle is victorious. The Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII Ziegfried, a Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something (played by Flipz), Level 39.75 Dragoon, 23-year-old male Human *Immune to Hexed, Petrified, Minimized, Jinxed, Stunned, Slowed, Hastened, Blind, Confused, and Defense Reduction* *Gains Triple XP* Power Bonus: +3 Health: 46/64 Defense: 49 Gold: 1787 (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), Medal of Glory (Wearer Gains Triple SP) 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 [--]), Artifacts: 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), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear, suitable for anyone), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear, suitable for anyone), 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.), 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), Tools: Bedroll, Telescope, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Magic Compass, Consumables: Potion, 15x Grand Potion, Tonic, Grand Tonic, 10x Remedy, 2x Elixir, 14x Mead, 9x Nostrum, 1x Ambrosia, 1x Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, 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, Miirym, 8-month-old Dragon hatchling (dragon companion controlled by Flipz), Level 39.75 Dragon Power Bonus: 0 Power: 39 Health: 17/67 Element: none Ability: May pay 10 health for a 1/6 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 53.4 *Immune: Fragile, Weakened, Confused, Sealed, Dark, Lightning / Absorbs Poison / Deals Poison +3 and SP -1, Dark, Light, Ice, Lightning* *Lucky* Power Bonus: 4, +4 WP Defense: 42 40 Health: 24/91 (+10 Knight, +15 Dragoon, +53 Level, +2 Chicken Drumsticks, +10 Raw Meats, +1 Warrior's Tread) Gold: 1213 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), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immune Fragile), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), 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), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory) 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), Blade of Tranquility (WP: 2, deals the Sealed effect, 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), 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), Gems - Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet ( Earth) 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, 11x Grand Potion, Health Core, 2x Remedy, 2x Grand Tonic, 5x Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, 2x Ambrosia, Soma, 4x 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) 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 53.4 Health: 23/83 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: 38 2/4 Power Bonus: +3*, +8 in front row Defense: 0 Health: 64/64 (7+36+15+5*) Ether: 0/0 (+2*) Gold: 1691 Equipment: Mythrilized Zoot's Reaper (WP:30, permanently deals Cursed and Poisoned:7; longsword, suitable to Hybros), Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP:46.2, 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), 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) • 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) • Garnet • 20x Potion, 23x Grand Potion, 14x Health Core, Diluted Arc Tonic, Hyper Arc Tonic, 4x Elixir, 2x Arc Elixir, 13x Remedy, 3x Neutralizer, 2x Purging Water, Tiger Balm, Phoenix Essence, 3x 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, 9x 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, Crystal Ball (Worth 800 gold, 1600 in magic shops) Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) 180 Years Old Female Elven Mystic Knight Level 23.33 *Immune to Earth, Fragile* Power Bonus: 4 Defense: 24 (15 + 4 + 5) Health: 6/32 (Base 5 + 22 Levels + 7 Health Bonus - 2 Penalty #102) Ether: 27/31 (Base 5 + 22 Levels + 4 Bonus #102) Gold: 828 GP: 44 Equipment: Zelphie's Staff (WP: 20, 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) Spell Items: Ruby (Fire), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Sapphire (Wind), Diamond (Light), 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: 2 Potions, 8 Grand Tonics, 3 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, Enchanted Braclet (Protects from Sealed Effect, hand wear) Decamon Deck: Lucky Rabbit (Icy 1), Scarab (Rock 1), Barghest (Electric 2), Automaton (Electric 5) Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass Natasha, Bearer of the Golden Light Level 52.2 Mime *Cannot Mimic Mage* *Nimble* *Lucky* Health: 5/140 SP: 40 Equipment: Great Golden Sword (WP: 40, Suitable for Natasha), Golden Shield (SP: 40, Has a 1/3 chance to blind enemies who damage the holder, Suitable for Natasha), Prophetess (Non-Artifact, Grants Lucky/Nimble Permanently, Attacks have a 1/3 chance of jinxing, Suitable for Natasha) Inventory: None Lady Felix (Controlled by Hybros) Level 28.66 Rogue *Genetic Regrowth* *Immune to Instant Kill* *Causes Bleeding -10* Power: 28 Health: 1/29 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: ??? U'Daras (Controlled by Arthur) Level 41.2 Guardian Knight *Immune to Blind and Wind Damage* Health: 1/58 SP: 12 24 Equipment: Dragon Knight Halberd (WP: 40, Fire-Light-Wind Elemental), Dragon Knight Uniform (SP: 10, Bodywear, Immune to Blind and Wind Damage) Inventory: Greater Potion (Restores 50 Health), Military Grade Fire Bomb x2, Mead, Nostrum U'Voros (Controlled by Arthur) Level 13 Knight Power: 19 Health: 19/22 Defense: 9 7 Gold: 37 Equipment: Dastan Halberd (WP: 7), Not-so-fashionable Shield (SP: 7), Secondhand Cloak of Deception (Backwear, Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent) Inventory: Vipera (Controlled by Hoke) Has a 1/6 chance to grant Inspired Has a 1/3 chance to grant Lucky The remaining crowd scatters, and the heroes attempt to buffer their companions against it. U'Voros, seeing U'Daras attempting to rise from where she fell, getting trampled by the running crowd, makes his way forward to assist her. But a cruel bloody hand grabs hold of him, and a dagger is held to his throat. "I shall see the Emperor!" cries Sven. "I have that right! If they make the U'Kin Emperor, it will be the proper crusade of every Dastan man and woman to purge the U'Kin from this land. This is an act of war by them against our rights, our peoples, our traditions. They are the silent foe, usurping all we hold deal, and making our leaders themselves powerless to stop them! How do we know that they have not had a hand in Victor's death, for their own advancement." He glares at U'Daras. "Bring me the rightful Emperor, or this U'Kin's head will roll, and many more after it." "I'll cut him in half." "We cannot allow him to kill U'Voros and then be killed. That is a martyr maker. We must prove our peace is better than his war!" "Dastan for the Dastanians! Bring me the bloody emperor!" "He is too ill." "He faints upon sitting up." "Bring me the bloody-" The great doors to the palace bang open. Worried voices can be heard from inside. "Sir, you cannot." "Victor, think of your health." "With each step you further damage your insides, Emperor." "Who in the bells of Hel is making this racket?" grumbles Phil. "That's what's hurting my health." He walks down the stairs heavily. "Good to see you again, heroes. Figures you'd be back for another war. Seems Dastan can't put on a good show for you ever." "I demand the right of the people!" calls Sven desperately. "And you've got it. Pick your champion!" Phil turns to the heroes. "I'm assuming you've been around long enough to figure out what that is. Which of you is going to serve as my champion?"

I'm always a little worried with certain NPCs - sometimes when they join the party, they sort of slip to the way-side. It's really tough, because generally you keep meeting NEW NPCs and someone else controls the NPC in battle, and the QM gets stuck playing/keeping track of 20 characters while everyone else only has one. BUT, though for the first week or so I was afraid Rex was going to go the same route... I love him too. Boomingham has a good history of becoming pals with NPCs, probably even more so than PCs.

"Eric. Thank the heavens. If I were to run into anyone..." he claps the man on the shoulder. "I'm glad it's you." Boomingham bites the inside of his cheek and whips out his handkerchief to dab at his forehead. For years Heroica had sent him on what was essentially getting a useless box from point a to point b with a few important missions in between, but now all of a sudden things seemed to seriously be on the line. Peri's life, and the Black Scorpion's too. Boomingham chugs a nostrum and a mead​, to steady his nerves. "We must act swiftly. You remember earlier I told you of Ulrica, and my belief that Zelda Zeigfried may be in this very city. While looking into this I stumbled upon corruption in the Rainbow Knights. All four are guilty of atrocities to the people and this city. Only the Black Scorpion is any good, and there's a hit out on him at this very moment. We must act swiftly. Do you have cause to think Peri is in danger? If we need to, you and Rex go after the Azure Eagle, and I'll handle the sisters." Boomingham saunters over to the sister and tries to be the most diplomatic he can be. "Righto, hello mademoiselle. Listen, I'll be frank with you, we ain't got time to spare. If you've seen Periwinkle, we need to know. Now."

I remember that vaguely! What quest? Link? Voting is closed, however.

"That is a noble stance, Dyric Rone. A noble stance may go a long way, in my experience." The heroes ride towards Baltarok, passing by a few small towns that they do not stop in except to quickly refuel on food and booze (Daneeka handles the gold, of course). As they ride high into mountains the weather takes a dip for the worse, and soon they are caught in an unlikely early fall snowstorm. The horses cry out, and visibility is low. The wheel of the wagon is stuck, the heroes attempting to dislodge it, when they hear some voices and the clanking of armor up ahead. Rounding the wagon they see a number of soldiers walking towards them, down a pass. They are all chattering, but upon spotting the heroes they draw their weapons and stand defensively. "Oi! Who goes there?"

I think we cut all the ties to LEGO. I don't think that was even part of the dream.

I've had past ones about quests. This is the only one I've ever had that had to do with the people behind the scenes. CMP, as a QM you were super onboard for product placement.

No worries! Take your time. I had a dream about the event last night actually. Sandy published it and it really dicked over all the other QMs/storylines, and I was really pissed and we got into a shouting match about it and Sandy said I had no idea how much money he had invested into the game so far and how much it cost to keep afloat and besides it was his game he could do what he wanted. And so I quit! But then Sandy showed me how much it cost (like, millions) because along with the event Sandy also had launched a new website for Heroica. And it wasn't a RPG anymore, but rather an animated television show. And Sandy had also signed a deal where every episode we had to besmirch CBS. It was a weird dream.

"Those are difficult wounds to overcome," Daneeka remarks. "It is good to see one with such a short life span exhibit such..." Daneeka passes, fishing around for the word, "willingness to move past events that have already been done." Daneeka's face twitches a little, either annoyance or a twinge of a smile - always nearly impossible to tell with his facial mask. "Guts makes a fair point as well, of course."