Kintobor

Generally you can fine tune things before your first quest. Afterwards you gotta run with what you've got. You should be fine.

"Well, that's the first I've heard of such a thing." As Costello say's this, a heavily cloaked man push through the inn door and looks around the establishment with his hood drawn over his face. He limps his way over to the bar, slamming enough gold on the counter for a drink. The bartender whimpers and takes his money, beginning to pour him a drink. The man grunts heavily.

Karie gives Hugin Heirloom Dagger before beginning the round. Karie cast Scroll of Fraility. Same Battle Order.

Purpearl motions for another drink, and the bartender amply replies, pouring her another glass of water. Matthias hands his most prized possession and sixty gold over to Nicole, who has to balance herself to look the circus prop over. She rests the cannon on the bar gently. "I'll have this finished by weeks end, hopefully. That sixty gold will go a little ways to spruce it up, so hopefully it'll be as good as new by the time I finish with this. I have a lab by the harbour, 46 Halibut Avenue in Eubric. If you could run by there I'd appreciate it. I won't be leaving until tomorrow, so I'll keep it locked safely in my room the moment I get an opportunity to. I appreciate the opportunity your giving me. Handcannon's are a hobby of mine." The Heroes Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) *Party Leader* 180 Years Old Female Elven Mage *Evasive* *Blessed* Level 12 Power: 27 Health: 20/20 Ether: 18/18 Gold: 73 (Owes Karie 25 gold) Equipment: Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3), Tunic of Elven Acrobat (+4 HP, Provides Evasion Effect with 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE and Free Hits, torso wear), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Thorny Rose (WP: 17,wood-elemental, deals the poisoned by 3 effect, mace), Heavy Armour (SP: 5, immune to fragile, suitable for suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Bedroll, Potion (x3), Grand Tonic (x2), Raw Sushi (Consumable, Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether), Tasty Pretzel (x2) (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption), Mead, Ambrosia, Bone, Tinyshroom, Level Up Mushroom, Venom (x2), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory), Fang Dagger (WP: 4) Gemstones: Ruby (Fire), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Opal, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion, Magical Staff (WP: 15; Water-,Darkness-elemental; staff) Alexis Fenral, Orc-kin (Masked Builder) *Immune to Blinded* *Counterstriking* *Blessed* 22 year old female elven Harlot Level 45 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 73/73 Gold: 1477 GP: 9 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP: 20, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Ring of Sight (protects fromblinded), Counterstrike Gloves, Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental), Death's Whip (WP:11, on successful hits there is a 1/6 chance to cause double damage), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, light-elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4; staff), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Smelly Hide (Suitable for barbarians and beast warriors, half damage from beasts and humanoids on Damage, bodywear), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Topaz (lightning), Fifty Shades of Bley, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Remedy, 2 Somas, Smoke Bomb, 4x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, Health Core, 4x Potion, Grand Potion, 9 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 9 Remedies, 7 Grand Potions, Skeleton Decoy, 8x Bone, Deadly Venom, 2 Kraken Fangs (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle. Consumable), Winged Sandals (artifact; footwear; protects from bound and slowed effects), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Mulled Wine, 2 Grating Stones, Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects for the duration of one battle), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Magnar's Smaller Axe (Grants User Dual-Strike, User Cannot Wield a Shield, Handwear) XX Level 32.75 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* *Encouraged* *Immune to Ice Health: 48/48 Defense: 0 Gold: 368 Equipment: XX Hand Cannon (WP: 12, Ignores SP), XX Ammo Belts (As an Alchemist, XX can only receive rolls ending in "Bomb", excluding Bravado Brew and Explosion, as a Cannonner Bomb XX and Bomb XXX are added to possible creations), Cannoneer's Sashes (The damage output of bombs consumed are added to the WP of the Cannoneer's weapon before damage calculation) Inventory: Dangerous Dagger (WP: 20, Fire-Elemental), Phoenix Essence, Mead x2, Ruby, Military Grade Fire Bomb x6, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x3, Bomb XXX (Causes 250 damage to all enemies and 50 to all allies), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bombs (4), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (4), Water Bombs (10), Dirt Bombs (5), Air Bombs (2), Venom Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 29 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 48/48 Ether: 34/34 Gold: 15 Equipment: Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14, Light Elemental, Meditate becomes hits, longsword), Orc Barbed Shield (SP: 11), Heavy Armor (SP:5, Immune to Fragile, bodywear), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Mourning Star (WP: 10; Fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30; user is Slowed and Immune to Hastened; cannot be equipped at the same time as a shield; axe), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2, Immune to Blind), Helm of the Lord of Light (Headwear, Immunity to Light and Jinxed, Suitable for Knights), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired, Accessory, Suitable for Paladins), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors)• Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles, accessory), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to Sealed; bodywear), White Cloak (Max HP +3; backwear) • Topaz • No Scrolls • Grand Tonics (3), Potions (4), Elixirs (3), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom (3), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Carrot (restores 5 HP, 10 to rabbits), Ether Core, Grand potion, Ambrosia (3) • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Matthias the Carnival Crusader (nstickney) Level 11.5 Ranger *Immune to Bound, Slowed* *Blessed* *Encouraged* *Immune to Ice* Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 16/16 Gold: 0 Equipment: Winged Sandals (Footwear, protects from Bound and Slowed effects), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Steel Cutlass (Sword, WP:5, suitable for Knights or Rogues), Sword of the Red Lizard (Longsword, WP:10, fire-elemental), Grimmau's Clothespin (Headwear, prevents the first negative effect inflicted on the wearer during a battle), Grating Stone, 2x Mead, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Dapper Hat (wearer has a 1/6 chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect, suitable to Rangers), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Magnar’s Unreasonably Cruel Axe (WP: 12, Deals the Bleeding -3 Effect) Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley Level 18 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed* Power: 34 Health: 32/32 Defense: 4 Gold: 291 Equipment: Crabspirator (WP: 16, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), Crab Shell Armor (Body Wear, +4 Max Health, 4 SP), Pigley (+4 Power, +4 Max Health, Hastened, Not an Artifact), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Rebel's Sword (Longsword, WP: 11), Venom

"I can understand where you come from. I have regrets in my life, opportunities I didn't take... choices I wish I didn't make... but life moves on, one way or another. Colleagues tell me they regret the decisions they didn't make more than the ones they did. Sometimes I feel the same way about that..." The man ponders on the subject.

Sally laughs to herself, reminiscing. "You know, I never wanted to own a vineyard. I wanted to sail on a ship with my sister and join the Bonaparte's. Of course, when I married into the Akrone's, I didn't realize I would be left with the business when my husband passed away. However, life's moved on, and I've grown accustomed to the craft. I still yearn to one day own a ship and at least sail around Uland and visit it's many islands... is there anything you long for, m'dear?"

"Deus... what do you think on all this? Are you ready to head out?"

Sorry! I truly am! I remember reading your response and I thought I replied back, but I obviously didn't! Allow me to remedy this immediately. Nicole oodles over the cannon, feeling it over and admiring the craftsmanship. Despite her obvious enthusiasm, she manages to keep her monotonous tone. "Handcannon's have come along way since when this model was first made... but my goodness she's at least in working condition. I had one of these in my lab but the parts were all broken and cracked, or missing. Eighty one percent of the inner workings no longer... well, worked. I'll tell you what. I can spruce her up and have your cannon in better condition with a more powerful firing mechanism, but it'll take a few days. We'll say... fifty gold and I'll add a bit of "oomph" to your cannon. It'll still be heavy to lug around, but at least you'll be dealing damage. Do we have an agreement?"

I at one point dabbled in tarot's, and I know the meanings of most of the cards, but I've seen misplaced the set I used so I used an online card generator which also gave their meanings. It was a good refresher for me at least.

The woman responds in her scratchy voice. "Please, call me Irisa. In terms of your future, it is where your situation is heading in regards to the question you asked. It is what you focused on, no? The card's work in strange ways. Maybe it speaks of the dream as a whole, maybe it speaks of the green clad man alone. I see you're having a vision right now... would you like to share what you see?"

Purpearl's and Nerwen's were randomly done, but Purpearl's had less QM interfering. I ran through a few different pulls with Nerwen's until I got one I felt was authentic and complimented the character nicely.

Mucking around LDD, the armour does fit over a normal figure, but none of the helmet's with visors fit on the head.

"Of course. Hobbies change, among other things." "Curious. I knew a man once who took to the use of poisons. It doesn't matter anymore though since he's he's dead..." Irisa eyes the paladin intently as she sits down, a slew smiling drawing under her bandages. "A curious dream you appear to be experiencing. Generally falling is the mind reflecting a feeling of helplessness, and the man across on the other side most likely and advesary blocking your way or something you fear. In other words, it is the stem of your helplessness. The bridge could represent many things, but this green cloaked man... he intrigues me. You ask the cards this, no? Insight into the mind and the subconscious is something the cards can answer, even if not clearly." She takes Nerwen's coins and begins to shuffle the deck. The sound around them disappears and the candlelight's flicker as Irisa begins to deal the deck. "Let us peer into your past, present, and future. Let us see what the Fate's have in store for you. The Past represents recent events that have led to the situation at hand, and your involvement in them. Your past is represented by... hmm..." THE PAST "Atop the peak, the pristine Tower erupts into flames from the inside, being struck by lightning from the outside. Two people, fully clothed, plunge to an uncertain fate from the tower's explosion. Destruction and devastation follow in it's wake, but it is not without a purpose. The walls of the tower have been built through ego, and the destruction is a sign from chaos to create new spiritual development. The tear like flames surrounding the tower symbolize the spark of enlightenment that will brighten even the darkest hour. The Tower in your past indicates turmoil. "Bad things happen in threes", or other multiples, is a reality. The rug of life perhaps was pulled out from beneath your feet, and like the Tower, you feel as if you've been struck from out of nowhere. From the experience you've learned that perhaps a fire is need to clear out the dead wood and make space for the seedlings that will grow into a forest. You came to understand that you only became stronger by surviving these trials." "Next: the Present. This is what has lead you to seeking my help. The card representing your present is..." THE PRESENT "The Emperor is the fifth card in the Major Arcana. He indicates an authority figure who is practical in his dealings. The rams around his throne are symbols of war, as old gods of war once held it's image. His red robes symbolize passion, vitality, and aggressive actions. His sceptre, a symbol of his power and dominance, is aimed upward, indicating his readiness and aspirations. The mountains surrounding him denote solidity and immobility. The Emperor teaches you to rely on reason and logic. To gain control of your situation, you must exhibit responsibility, maturity, and other leadership capabilities. This is a good time to look over strategy, view your options, and make sure they are in line with your own code of ethics." "Finally, we look into your future. This card gives you a heads up as to where your life is heading a little ways down the road, and how to best navigate through it. And that card is..." As the card is flipped over, Irisa looks shocked. A dour look runs across her face. THE FUTURE "The Three of Hearts. As the image suggests, you are most likely to go through intense sorrow in the foreseeable future, as indicated by the three swords plunged into the lone heart. Separation, divorce, and even harmful intrusion from a third party are all possibilities. Love is not always meant specifically for the one you intend to marry. Bad times are ahead, paladin. The rain may seem to enhance the dismal nature of the card, but it acts as a condolence, for the rain makes things grow, and so will you after you go through with this ordeal." Irisa examines the cards. "I hope you've gained some clarity, Paladin on how to proceed with your dreams. It's not concrete evidence, but hopefully it will help you. The cards and the Fate's rarely ever make things crystal clear. Do you have any questions about the cards?"

QM Note: I understand where you're coming from, but this I actually used an actual form of fortune telling to do this. The present is generally what triggers one to go to a reading and gives some information on next steps, while the future is where the situation will head because of the actions in the present. I hope that makes sense! I also used a much more simplistic version of tarot reading, instead of the more confusing Celtic Cross, 10 Card Draw, and various others. This is the most simplistic tarot reading one can get, and I choose this one for that reason: not to confuse the hell out of you guys.

QM Note: I understand completely. Irisa eyes the paladin intently as she sits down, a slew smiling drawing under her bandages. "A curious dream you appear to be experiencing. Generally falling is the mind reflecting a feeling of helplessness, and the man across on the other side most likely and advesary blocking your way or something you fear. In other words, it is the stem of your helplessness. The bridge could represent many things, but this green cloaked man... he intrigues me. You ask the cards this, no? Insight into the mind and the subconscious is something the cards can answer, even if not clearly. I'll read your tarot in a three card draw if you so desire for the fee of 10 gold. Deal?"

Kianu frowns at the ranger, looking put off. "Are you suggesting we side with this Lolth character? A woman who hunts down kids who have ties to a throne don't really sound all that nice. I personally don't like the spiders, but my first real fight with one was today. My dad did have problems with the spiders, but he respected Aranoc deeply. Things have changed since Aranoc died. Dad told me to avoid the spiders at all costs, and it seems someone's finally took control. Do what you feel is necessary. However, we're still going to the Misery Mire to find my father." "Lolth's lair..." "What?!" "That's where she is! The Misery Mire! It's so scary over there..." Kianu looks dumbfounded, which soon turns to worry. "Do you... do you guys think that Lolth has my dad? We really should get going. Are you guys ready?"

The Heroes Purpearl Berthadhiell, the Carnival Crusader (Purpearljellyblob) *Party Leader* 180 Years Old Female Elven Mage *Evasive* *Blessed* Level 12 Power: 27 Health: 20/20 Ether: 18/18 Gold: 73 (Owes Karie 25 gold) Equipment: Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3), Tunic of Elven Acrobat (+4 HP, Provides Evasion Effect with 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER, DAMAGE and Free Hits, torso wear), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Thorny Rose (WP: 17,wood-elemental, deals the poisoned by 3 effect, mace), Heavy Armour (SP: 5, immune to fragile, suitable for suitable for barbarians, knights, dragoons, skirmishers and regulators), Bedroll, Potion (x3), Grand Tonic (x2), Raw Sushi (Consumable, Restores 5 Health and 5 Ether), Tasty Pretzel (x2) (1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption), Mead, Ambrosia, Bone, Tinyshroom, Level Up Mushroom, Venom (x2), Crocodile Handbag (Max Ether +2; accessory), Fang Dagger (WP: 4) Gemstones: Ruby (Fire), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Opal, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion, Magical Staff (WP: 15; Water-,Darkness-elemental; staff) Alexis Fenral, Orc-kin (Masked Builder) *Immune to Blinded* *Counterstriking* *Blessed* 22 year old female elven Harlot Level 45 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 73/73 Gold: 1477 GP: 9 Equipment: Cat-o'-Nine-Tails (WP: 20, damage divided between all enemies, Suitable For Rouges), Ring of Sight (protects fromblinded), Counterstrike Gloves, Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Steel fan (WP:20, ice-, lightning-, and darkness-elemental), Death's Whip (WP:11, on successful hits there is a 1/6 chance to cause double damage), Healing Staff (WP: 5; healing effect), Staff of Ennon (WP: 5, light-elemental, Restores 2 ether on a roll of 2, 3, or 4; staff), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Smelly Hide (Suitable for barbarians and beast warriors, half damage from beasts and humanoids on Damage, bodywear), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light), Sapphire (Wind), Topaz (lightning), Fifty Shades of Bley, Bedroll, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass, Remedy, 2 Somas, Smoke Bomb, 4x Venom, 2x Deadly Venom, Health Core, 4x Potion, Grand Potion, 9 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 9 Remedies, 7 Grand Potions, Skeleton Decoy, 8x Bone, Deadly Venom, 2 Kraken Fangs (grants hastened- and reinforced-effects when consumed), Silver Ore (worth 60 gold), Demon Repellant (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from demons during one battle. Consumable), Winged Sandals (artifact; footwear; protects from bound and slowed effects), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), Mulled Wine, 2 Grating Stones, Lieutenant's Helmet (SP:3, protects from fragile), Crimson Venom (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects for the duration of one battle), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Magnar's Smaller Axe (Grants User Dual-Strike, User Cannot Wield a Shield, Handwear) XX Level 32.75 Cannoneer/Alchemist *Blessed* *Encouraged* *Immune to Ice Health: 48/48 Defense: 0 Gold: 382 Equipment: XX Hand Cannon (WP: 12, Ignores SP), XX Ammo Belts (As an Alchemist, XX can only receive rolls ending in "Bomb", excluding Bravado Brew and Explosion, as a Cannonner Bomb XX and Bomb XXX are added to possible creations), Cannoneer's Sashes (The damage output of bombs consumed are added to the WP of the Cannoneer's weapon before damage calculation) Inventory: Dangerous Dagger (WP: 20, Fire-Elemental), Phoenix Essence, Mead x2, Ruby, Military Grade Fire Bomb x6, Bomb XX (Deals 30 Damage to all foes and 10 to all allies, ignoring row/SP) x3, Bomb XXX (Causes 250 damage to all enemies and 50 to all allies), Smoke Bomb, Fire Bombs (4), Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bombs (4), Water Bombs (10), Dirt Bombs (5), Air Bombs (2), Venom Nerwen Calmcacil (played by Chromeknight) 263 year old female Elven Paladin *Immune to Fragile* *Blessed* Level 29 Power bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 48/48 Ether: 34/34 Gold: 15 Equipment: Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14, Light Elemental, Meditate becomes hits, longsword), Orc Barbed Shield (SP: 11), Heavy Armor (SP:5, Immune to Fragile, bodywear), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Mourning Star (WP: 10; Fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30; user is Slowed and Immune to Hastened; cannot be equipped at the same time as a shield; axe), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2, Immune to Blind), Helm of the Lord of Light (Headwear, Immunity to Light and Jinxed, Suitable for Knights), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired, Accessory, Suitable for Paladins), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Immunity to Ice and Water, Bodywear, Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors)• Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles, accessory), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3; Max Ether +5; Immune to Sealed; bodywear), White Cloak (Max HP +3; backwear) • Topaz • No Scrolls • Grand Tonics (3), Potions (4), Elixirs (3), Remedies (6), Tiger Balm, Neutralizer, Essence of Sorrow (50% assassination chance on non-immune target), Venom (3), Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Carrot (restores 5 HP, 10 to rabbits), Ether Core, Grand potion, Ambrosia (3) • Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass Matthias the Carnival Crusader (nstickney) Level 11.5 Ranger *Immune to Bound, Slowed* *Blessed* *Encouraged* *Immune to Ice* Power Bonus: 1 Defense: 0 Health: 16/16 Gold: 39 Equipment: Fireball Extraordinaire (Hand Cannon, WP:5, also hits enemies listed above and below target, user is Slowed), Winged Sandals (Footwear, protects from Bound and Slowed effects), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Steel Cutlass (Sword, WP:5, suitable for Knights or Rogues), Sword of the Red Lizard (Longsword, WP:10, fire-elemental), Grimmau's Clothespin (Headwear, prevents the first negative effect inflicted on the wearer during a battle), Grating Stone, 2x Mead, Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Dapper Hat (wearer has a 1/6 chance of being Encouraged at the start of any battle), Quickdraw Quiver (permanent hastened-effect, suitable to Rangers), Fang Dagger (WP: 4), Magnar’s Unreasonably Cruel Axe (WP: 12, Deals the Bleeding -3 Effect) Russel Ruffers & Sir Pigley Level 18 Rogue *Hastened* *Blessed* Power: 34 Health: 32/32 Defense: 4 Gold: 291 Equipment: Crabspirator (WP: 16, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), Crab Shell Armor (Body Wear, +4 Max Health, 4 SP), Pigley (+4 Power, +4 Max Health, Hastened, Not an Artifact), Blood Oath Medallion (Accessory, Blessed) Inventory: Rebel's Sword (Longsword, WP: 11), Venom "Yes, we do occasionally work on super cannons, although none are in our line up at the moment. However, the craftsmanship of your cannon is quite something. Do you mind sharing the story of how you acquired it? I'm quite interested in it's mechanical workings." Nicole drools over the gnome's hand cannon, trying to hold in her glee. Justin meanwhile readies Matthais's drink, passing it to him. The ranger begins to drink from it. "Ah yes, I see. We're just discussing the use of alchemy in the garden. I just so happen to be the owner of a vineyard near Luosh, although the size of my grapes isn't the only thing on my mind." "Well, I could try some controlled experiments. I'm not familiar with the idea of alchemy in the gardens. You said your friend was an alchemist? Generally alchemist like to study in specific fields, or at least the ones I knew. What does your friend enjoy creating?" "A question I've heard before many times, and one not wrongfully asked. Keep your mind focused on that one question while I reveal your fate." Irisa shuffles the cards as the candlelights begin to flicker. Purpearl swears she feels a sudden breeze as the cards begin to be laid out in front of her. After laying the third and final card on the table facedown, Irisa looks to Purpearl with a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Fate's will show us your past, present, and your future. The first card, representing your past, will refer to recent events and challenges that have recently taken place in your life. The card drawn is..." THE PAST "Ah, the Nine of Wands, indicating a pause, and a time of "Wait and See" that is at the root of the situation. You most likely have seen many battles involving the situation, and you've fought hard. Just like the man in the image, bandaged and bruised but unbowed, you've managed to overcome these battles with your will intact. The situations you've been in have strengthened you and they've also hardened you to life's struggles. They've you more capable to deal with whatever comes next, but at what cost? You may have seen trouble where there wasn't any." "We move onto the middle card, the Present. This is why your here. Often the card will offer advice on what to do next. The card is... well now..." THE PRESENT "The High Priestess is the third Major Arcana card, but is given the number two to refer to the polarity inherent in all things. She sits at the intersection between light and darkness, mercy and severity, positive and negative. She has withdrawn from the outside influences in order to gain knowledge from beyond the veil of the conscious. The scrolls in her lap also connect her to a higher power: a spiritual connection. Behind her lies a sea of emotions and intuition, and she herself is the key to unlocking it's secrets. She indicates you're seeking for more knowledge, and perhaps even a spiritual awakening. Should you wish to acquire such wisdom, you must discipline yourself. You must listen to your inner voice in order see beyond the mundane and ordinary world. Trust your instincts." "Interesting, if I do say so. We move onto our last card, your future. Consider this the official statement on where things will lead you and how you may navigate it towards the best possible outcome. Which just so happens to be..." Irisa grins intently from beneath her bandages. Obviously this is her favourite part. THE FUTURE "Ah yes, the Moon. The nineteenth card in the Major Arcana, it depicts a lobster like creature rising from the ocean, just like how some believe we mortals did the same many thousands of years ago. It begins to travel towards the moon in the heavens above, but is stopped by a dog and a wolf: one tame, one feral, but both sides to the same coin. Beyond them, two manmade pillars lie on both sides of the path. To some, the Moon controls the tide, but it also brings out the wilder side in people. It's mysteries are eternal, and is also associated with illusions. What it's rays cast down have not always been what they seem... Things will not be what they seem. It strongly indicates deception of the self or from another. Take caution when dealing with others. When the truth exposes itself, it must be dealt with. If you accept the darker, wilder side, you will find peace. Denying it will bring chaos." As the final card is read, the noise from the rest of the inn returns, as Irisa looks over the cards laid out on the table one last time. "Curious, no? I hope you found some enlightenment, young mage. Do you have any questions about the cards laid in front of you? I cannot directly answer you what lies ahead, but I can clarify their meaning."

"We're the last in the line to the throne! If Lolth finds us, she technically has the right as leader of the Murkwood spiders!" "With us still alive, there's the potential for unrest! She needs us dead to take full control of the area! Oh, please spare us!" "Dad told me that the spider did have a leader, and that he was massive. I seriously hope this Lolth isn't that big. I... kind of have that phobia of spiders... whatever the fancy word for it is..."

The two look up after laughing to notice Alexis. "Hmm. Costello, we seem to have company." The man looks Alexis over and nods. "Quite. Heroica I presume? The name's Costello. And this is-" "Sally, Sally Akrone. Please, sit, we're just discussing the art of alchemy and it's many uses. Although, looking at someone like you, I assume the art of potion making isn't what interests you?" She eye's Alexis's outfit, or perhaps the lack of one. "Of course. It's important to surround one self with friends: studies show that the more friends you have, generally the happier one is. What brings you two to this inn? I ask this because a friend is doing a survey on the frequency of inn visits in comparison to frequency of highway robberies. Have you run into any bandits on the roads?" The young woman playing the accordion seems almost estatic as Russel and Pigley come to listen. "GAH! I actually have an audience! Best gig ever!" Irisa scoops up Purpearl's coins with her bony hands and begins to shuffle her cards. As she does so, all other sounds strangely fade away as Purpearl can only hear the rhythmic shuffling of the cards, and her and Irisa's voice. "Don't worry, it's a parlour trick. Something I picked up back home. The young elf should know how this will work before we proceed, no?" The 3 Card Draw Irisa is about to read your fortune with the use of a form of tarot reading known as the three card draw. You must ask a question to Irisa, and the cards will reveal the outcome. It can be about the quest, your characters future, or something entirely different! Note: It's bad luck to ask two questions in a day! "So, young mage, what would you like to know?" "Little bits is right. Apparently it's a card game from Babeleth, and that you use them to fight each other. I've got this Ursa Minor which is apparently rather rare, but what do I know about the rarity of these cards? I'm guessing each rare has a five percent chance of being found, but once again I don't know the distribution rate or how their handed out. Quite the curious card, if I do say so myself." She looks the card over carefully, making sure not to crease or bend it.

Okay, I went through everything and I think I fixed everything. Double check just to make sure. "Um... there's one sitting at the bar..." He points to the red head who turns around to show a woman in her early twenties. A large scar brandishes across her face. "You looking for a mercenary? Sorry, I've got a job I'm already planning for." Alexis gets a shock when she realizes that the man was actually a woman. She brushes her hair out of the way, looking a bit flustered. "Well... the mead here's not bad. If your feeling dangerous, the hurricane's not bad. ...are you... hitting on me?" She blushes, if only for a second. She looks down into her drink and begins to consume it hastily. "Of *sniffle* course." Justin pours a glass of water out for the elf, who quickly drinks it. She noticed the bandaged woman in the corner and begins to wander over to her. She replies to Purpearl in a scratchy voice as the bandaged woman begins to eye her. "Ah, I don't often costumer's get. My name is Irisa, teller of fortunes. Sister of Fabula Sibylla I was in another life. Now fortunes I spin. Would you like to take a seat? Only ten gold." "Of course *sniffle* sir." After a few moments of waiting, Matthais is given a large chunk of roast chicken and immediately digs in, handing 5 gold over for his meal. Attempting to strike up conversation, the more armoured one seems to preoccupied with Alexis to notice him, but the other speaks to him in a monotone voice. "News? Plenty of things go on without us even knowing it. As of right now, I'm looking into this phenomenon known as Decamon. It seems these cards are used to play a game. Sorry, how rude of me. My name is Nicole. I'm a member of the Tritech Corporation. Your name, sir?" The bartender hastily readies XX's drink as Nicole notices him slink over. She nods to him. "A friend of yours, I assume gnome?" Irisa leans back as Nerwen comes over. She points to the paladin. "This is a look at the past. The tower doesn't necessarily mean a tower's going to fall over, but... You've been places and seen crisis. I see... a bridge. It perhaps wasn't a downfall, but a major catastrophe was averted. I can feel you know most of the companies you travel with: you've met them before this. I can see something in your subconscious. Are you having troubling dreams at all, paladin? I can take a look for you? I'll offer you ten gold if you'd like a fortune telling, or even some insight on your dreams."

I'm glad someone got the reference! Don't worry too much, she's not the Lolth. That would be too sadistic, even for my tastes.

The gnome trudges through the inn, his cannon making enough racket to almost drown out the accordion. As he approaches, the bartender gulps nervously. "*sniffle* W-welcome to the Weeping Inn, sir. My name is Justin Featherhead. If you're looking for a drink, we've got quite a bit in stock *sniffle* As for something to *sniffle* eat, we've got roast chicken or roasted salmon. Comes with *sniffle* a bun. A meal will cost you 5 gold." The Weeping Inn's Liquor Cabinet Ambrosia - Causes the reinforced-effect, double the target's defense for the duration of one battle. Costs 57 gold. Flame-distilled Brandy - Causes the encouraged- and the immune to ice-effects for the duration of one battle. Costs 24 gold. Mulled Wine - Causes the inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle. Costs 47 gold. Mead (Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle.) Costs 17 gold. Water (Refreshing and clean. Also diminishes the possibility of dehydration.) On the house. "If you'd like, I can mix up a mean hurricane, only *sniffle* 17 gold." OOC: Sorry if it made things confusing. If it means anything, everyone at the bar is individually spoken too. So is the bandaged individual. Only one of the groups is an actual "couple" so to speak. Looking at the two, Alexis notices the two talking to each other with pleasant looks on each face, despite the man seeming a bit intimidating. Glancing at the documents, they appear to be certificates and notes. There appeared to be no reason not to interrupt them.

"You must not let the spiders get me and Morxes! We're royalty!" "Lyrel and I's dad was the guy in charge of the spiders until the big, mean scorpion guy came along and... and..." "He's talking about Aranoc. I think I already told you about him. I think... well, he was the ruler of the spiders until the proggs came along. He... he met his end at the hands of one of their ring leaders. His name escapes me at the moment, but he's old news. The heroes of Luosh ripped him a new one. However, I still don't know why you two are on the run. Why are the spiders trying to kill you two?" "Lolth! Oh please don't let her get us!" The two begin to jitter and shake. It looked like they'd been in a lot. Kianu lowers her staff. "Lolth... I've never heard that name before. Perhaps we should start to ask them some questions?"

Actually, no! I had asked Zepher if I could use the Weeping Inn as a means to get the newer players more immersed in the world an be able to talk to NPC's who could tell them how the world sort of operated. Zepher then asked if I wanted to guest host since he intended to use the Weeping Inn but took it down after 84. Thus, I agreed to guest star!