Kintobor

Same feelings here, Scuba. I'll give you Lawrence back shortly, we should be done in a few weeks now that this blasted battle's almost done. Also: no classes tomorrow, and all Mondays from here on out! Yay!

As in the hall posts, or the Tidings event?

Karie wanders back into the Marketplace, Hershey perched on her shoulder. She heads to one of the few shops she ever visited: Portia. The shopkeep simply looked over and rolled her eyes as Karie came over. "Alright, two grand potions, (20 Gold), a phoenix (50 gold), two meads (30 gold), and two nostrums (70 gold)." Patricia pulls out all the items and sets them on the counter. "If my math's correct, that's 170 gold." Karie lays out the change, leaving her with 12 gold. 182-170=12 gold. "Mreoow-eow! <What a scam!>" Karie sets her items straight, then turns back to Portia. "Can you give me directions to the Academy?" Portia scoffs. She looks about her stall then pulls out a folded piece of parchment. "Just take this map..." "Thanks. I guess..." Karie reluctantly takes the map and makes her way out of the market. "Mreoow-ow-ow. <I'll lead the way. Sometimes I wonder how you're still alive.>" Hershey slides down Karie's back and begins to head out of the market. "Hershey! Hey, where're you going! Get back her!" Karie moans, then rushes after her pet feline.

Karie checks the quest board, only to directly apply her palm to her face. "Of all the people you could choose as party leader, you choose him?! Oh, this will be entertaining..." She turns to Sorrow. "I got some shopping to do. I'll meet you at the Academy... wherever the Academy is... shoot where is the Academy again..." Karie wanders out of the Hall and out to Market, Hershey not far behind. "Mreoow. <I feel neglected.>"

How many are we on now, two? The Glittering Dress is quite awesome Sandy, although I now question how wholesome Wigglepike is. I think the only reason I got the Medal, the Sausage, and the Glittering Dress is because I wasn't sending letters out faster than a new Call of Duty game.

Karie lets out a brief laugh. "Sorry. It seems that ever since I got here luck has it out for me or something. Whatever sort of magic's running about this hall, it seems to draw me back here time and time again. I had the sight of blood." "It's up to you Sorrow." Part of her worried she'd gag on the sight of Sorrow's undead body, however she was also curious to know what was behind his otherworldly aura and his black hood.

"I suppose... it's just... I guess I didn't expect it to be in such a short period of time. I mean, I only met you a few months ago. I don't want you leaving so soon." She looks anywhere but in Sorrow's direction. She'd learn soon if she'd be leaving to help the Academy in their missing school debacle. Part of her wanted Sorrow to be with her. The other half wanted to run and hide somewhere.

I feel I'm going to go back and rewatch Rarity Takes Manehattan since it's one I haven't got a solid opinion on, but for now I'm going to talk about it a little since there's still a bunch I want to talk about. Rarity Takes Manehattan: Starts of a little weak, then hits it's peak halfway through, and I think it's one of the season's better episodes so far. I liked seeing more of Manehattan, I liked the episode's plot, it was good. I felt it much more humble than the previous two weeks episodes, which was good! The song was alright, and the reprise was much better from last week's episode too, so I'm happy. I also adored the little jab Rainbow makes at musical's in general with people breaking out into song for no reason, only for Rarity to break out into song! The villain was good, I like how we're seeing more jerk ponies like Flim and Flam, and I also liked Coco Pommel, the villain's assistant. The episode did good looking at Rarity's generosity being a weakness, with the villain stealing her fabric that Rarity allowed her to use for accents, only to find out she used it for her entire line. I also like the fact we get Bridleway. I actually was working on an OC who lives in Manehattan and his sister was a famous actress. Needing a substitute for Broadway, I called the district Bridleway. Huh. I guess me and the writers have sharing taste in our puns. However, I got a few complaints, and it's little stuff really. Rarity almost seemed "too" generous. She can be a stuck up snob at points, and here we didn't see enough of that I think. Although, she did abuse her friends rather selfishly, so I'll let it slide. Also, why was Rarity tossing gems about? Is it meant to be currency, because we know the currency in Equestria is the Bit. So I'm guessing it's the writer goofing up. Which is weird, since it's veteran writer Dave Polsky. One last nitpick, I wished Applejack was less cheery. We know she has bad memories of Manehattan, so even a line about her being reluctant to go would have been nice, since this season's continuity has been pretty amazing. Oh well, really good episode for once! I really liked it! Next week: Pinkie Apple Pie!

I autorolled a bit, the last bit though the party could get unlucky now that Lupine's no longer blind, so I'll let the players decide what to do. One more round, I think and we'll be done this mess of a battle.

Karie slumped in her chair. Six. Six people who truly cared for her. And one was dying. "Hmm? Oh. Good. Got a little tipsy at the New Year's Party at the Albatross. Me and Masson made out at the stroke of midnight, he stayed dry the whole night." There was a sense of melancholy about her. She was less peppy, as if her persona was cracking.

Since the old Poison ruling was still in effect by the start of this battle, we will continue using it until the end of the battle. Come next battle, the new ruling on poison takes effect. Round Sixteen of the Wolfgang Beatdown Battle Order Boomingham vs. Lupine the Third- Hit (14+29x2=62-10=52 damage) Hybros vs. Lupine the Third- Shield (58 gold stolen) Hybros vs, Lupine the Third- Shield (58 gold stolen) Dek'ra- Slowed! Ellaria vs. Lupine the Third- Aim Special (12x2=24-10=14 damage) Ellaria vs. Lupine the Third- Aim Hit (12+25x2-10= 50 damage) Lupine the Third: -15 health The party continues to wail on Lupine the Third, the poison and bleeding slowly getting to him. It wouldn't be long now... "Death by poison... irony." Lupine the Third Level 58 Humanoid Beast *Immune To Darkness Elemental, Stun, Sealed, Minimized, Jinxed and Instakill* *Blind! 1 rounds!* *Bleeding!* *Badly Poisoned!* HP: 325/1400 SP: 10 Special 1: Calling Card- Lupine deals his signature move, removing all immunities from the target for three rounds, and dealing 58 damage, regardless of row. The effect cannot be removed. Special 2: Quick Fingers- Lupine snatches gold equal to the target's level, and deals 58 damage, regardless of row. The gold is non-retrievable. Specials Alternate Drops: 30 Gold, Grand Potion, Fireball Whiskey The Party Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) *Party Leader* Level 29.33 Paladin *Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* Power: 48 (Level 29 + WP: 14 + Power Bonus: 5) Power Bonus: 5 Defense: 12 (SP: 7 + SP: 5) Health: 52/52 (Base HP: 10 + Level bonus: 28 + Class bonus: 11 + Permanent bonus: 3) Ether: 28/28 (Base Ether: 0 + Level/Class bonus: 28) Gold: 36 Equipment: Scupperer (WP: 14; Darkness-, Fire-elemental; inflicts Bleeding and Badly Poisoned; great sword) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Heavy Armor (SP: 5; Immune to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; Immune to Asleep, Weakened, and Blindness; Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; accessory), *Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (+4 Power; not an artifact)* Inventory: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; Light-, Ice-elemental; inflicts Stunned; great sword), Sabre (WP:8, longsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, Inflicts Asleep- Effect) • Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Mopag Helm (SP: 3; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves, Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle) • Garnet, Sapphire, Amethyst • Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty (x2), Scroll of Sealing, • Mulled Wine, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Admantite Shard (1/4 of a piece of Adamantite), Milk, Oneupshroom (Works as a Phoenix Essence when eaten) • Bedroll 46 Years Old, Human *Chicken Leg (+2, Quest 28), Drumstick (+1, Quest 70) **Pseudo's Blessing (+4, Quest 40), Big Apple (+1, Quest 70) Hybros 52-year-old male imp Assassin *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements* Level: 29 Power Bonus: 1 * Defense: 0 Health: 44/44 (7+29+5+3*) Gold: 609 Equipment: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 42 1/3, gains 1/3 WP every kill made with it, light-, darkness-, fire-, ice-, and wind-elemental; longsword), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, wood-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear),The Black Hat (Suitable for anyone, grants Intimidation, immune to darkness and cursed, headwear) Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental; scythe), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Justice (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; retrievable), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Sterile Gloves (grants immunity to poisoned- and badly poisoned-effects, handwear), Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), 14 Potions, 16 Grand Potions, 20 Health Cores, Tiger Balm, 15 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 3 Elixirs, 4 Phoenix Essences, 2 Deadly Venoms, 3 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 7 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 3 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, 4 Mythril Shards, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used) * +1 permanent Max Health from Zoot's Cookie, Quest #7. +2 from Chicken Drumsticks, Quest #50, +1 permanent Power from Growshroom Cap, Quest #72 Ellaria Arbour (Sandy) *Deputy Party Leader* *Encouraged, Lucky and Hastened!* 22 years old female human Druid Level 25 1/3 *Immune to Sealing* Power: 40 (25+12+3) Defense: 3 Health: 41/41 (9+24+7+1) Ether: 24/37 (5+24+5+1+2) Gold: 68 Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:12, fire- and lighting-elemental staff), Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo; headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, protects from sealing; bodywear), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits; backwear) Inventory: Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:8, wood-elemental crossbow), Wizard's Staff (WP:1, fire-, wind-, water- and earth-elemental staff), Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and badly poisoned, handwear), Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, 3 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 6 Tonics, 6 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 2 Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass De'kra 12 year old "male" Sorceror "echo" *Slowed!* Level: 21 Power: 29 Health: 31/31 Ether: 18/21 Defense: 4 (protected from enamored effect) (protected from confused effect) Gold: 86 Equipment: Vibrataphone and Blueprints (WP: 3, causes the slowed effect. Suitable for all classes), Diamond (Light), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP:1), Heart Locket(Protects from enamored effect and confused effect), Reflective Gaunlets(SP:3) Inventory: Chiara(WP:7, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:7), Bow (WP:5), Kanohi Mask (Artifact) - Allows spells to have the effects of the weapon they are cast through; suitable to De'kra only; accessory, Ruby Lamp of Summoning (summons a Ruby Jinn for the duration of one battle), Scroll of Sealing(loaned by Arthur), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass, Potions (10), Grand Potions (2), Remedy (3), Phoenic Essence (3), Smoke Bombs (2), Deadly Venom (2), Noxious Venom (1), Tonic (3), Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle), Kapura (WP:10, Fire) Autorolling, for Party Convenience. Round Seventeen of the Wolfgang Beatdown Battle Order Boomingham vs. Lupine the Third- Crit. (14x2+29x2=76 damage) Hybros vs. Lupine the Third- Hit (6x2+29+1-20= 32 damage) Hybros vs, Lupine the Third- Damage Dek'ra vs. Lupine the Third- Damage Ellaria vs. Lupine the Third- Hit Shield (All allies healed by 37 health. -1 ether) Ellaria vs. Lupine the Third- Aim Crit. (12x2+25x2-10=64 damage) Lupine the Third: -15 health Boomingham and Hybros continue their assault on the blind thief, as Hybros barely misses a hit from Lupine the Third's sword. De'kra going in for his own hit, almost gets hit with the werewolf's sword as well, the blade nearly shredding the Vibrataphone to pieces. Ellaria heals her party some more, then pulls out her bow, striking the thief with a well placed Arrow. Almost there... "Blast it... blast it all... At least I can bloody see..." Lupine the Third Level 58 Humanoid Beast *Immune To Darkness Elemental, Stun, Sealed, Minimized, Jinxed and Instakill* *Bleeding!* *Badly Poisoned!* HP: 138/1400 SP: 10 Special 1: Calling Card- Lupine deals his signature move, removing all immunities from the target for three rounds, and dealing 58 damage, regardless of row. The effect cannot be removed. Special 2: Quick Fingers- Lupine snatches gold equal to the target's level, and deals 58 damage, regardless of row. The gold is non-retrievable. Specials Alternate Drops: 30 Gold, Grand Potion, Fireball Whiskey The Party Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) *Party Leader* Level 29.33 Paladin *Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* Power: 48 (Level 29 + WP: 14 + Power Bonus: 5) Power Bonus: 5 Defense: 12 (SP: 7 + SP: 5) Health: 52/52 (Base HP: 10 + Level bonus: 28 + Class bonus: 11 + Permanent bonus: 3) Ether: 28/28 (Base Ether: 0 + Level/Class bonus: 28) Gold: 36 Equipment: Scupperer (WP: 14; Darkness-, Fire-elemental; inflicts Bleeding and Badly Poisoned; great sword) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Heavy Armor (SP: 5; Immune to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; Immune to Asleep, Weakened, and Blindness; Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; accessory), *Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (+4 Power; not an artifact)* Inventory: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; Light-, Ice-elemental; inflicts Stunned; great sword), Sabre (WP:8, longsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, Inflicts Asleep- Effect) • Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Mopag Helm (SP: 3; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves, Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle) • Garnet, Sapphire, Amethyst • Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty (x2), Scroll of Sealing, • Mulled Wine, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Admantite Shard (1/4 of a piece of Adamantite), Milk, Oneupshroom (Works as a Phoenix Essence when eaten) • Bedroll 46 Years Old, Human *Chicken Leg (+2, Quest 28), Drumstick (+1, Quest 70) **Pseudo's Blessing (+4, Quest 40), Big Apple (+1, Quest 70) Hybros 52-year-old male imp Assassin *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements* Level: 29 Power Bonus: 1 * Defense: 0 Health: 44/44 (7+29+5+3*) Gold: 609 Equipment: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 42 1/3, gains 1/3 WP every kill made with it, light-, darkness-, fire-, ice-, and wind-elemental; longsword), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, wood-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear),The Black Hat (Suitable for anyone, grants Intimidation, immune to darkness and cursed, headwear) Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental; scythe), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Justice (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; retrievable), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Sterile Gloves (grants immunity to poisoned- and badly poisoned-effects, handwear), Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), 14 Potions, 16 Grand Potions, 20 Health Cores, Tiger Balm, 15 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 3 Elixirs, 4 Phoenix Essences, 2 Deadly Venoms, 3 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 7 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 3 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, 4 Mythril Shards, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used) * +1 permanent Max Health from Zoot's Cookie, Quest #7. +2 from Chicken Drumsticks, Quest #50, +1 permanent Power from Growshroom Cap, Quest #72 Ellaria Arbour (Sandy) *Deputy Party Leader* *Encouraged, Lucky and Hastened!* 22 years old female human Druid Level 25 1/3 *Immune to Sealing* Power: 40 (25+12+3) Defense: 3 Health: 41/41 (9+24+7+1) Ether: 24/37 (5+24+5+1+2) Gold: 68 Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:12, fire- and lighting-elemental staff), Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo; headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, protects from sealing; bodywear), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits; backwear) Inventory: Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:8, wood-elemental crossbow), Wizard's Staff (WP:1, fire-, wind-, water- and earth-elemental staff), Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and badly poisoned, handwear), Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, 3 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 6 Tonics, 6 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 2 Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass De'kra 12 year old "male" Sorceror "echo" *Slowed!* Level: 21 Power: 29 Health: 31/31 Ether: 18/21 Defense: 4 (protected from enamored effect) (protected from confused effect) Gold: 86 Equipment: Vibrataphone and Blueprints (WP: 3, causes the slowed effect. Suitable for all classes), Diamond (Light), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP:1), Heart Locket(Protects from enamored effect and confused effect), Reflective Gaunlets(SP:3) Inventory: Chiara(WP:7, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:7), Bow (WP:5), Kanohi Mask (Artifact) - Allows spells to have the effects of the weapon they are cast through; suitable to De'kra only; accessory, Ruby Lamp of Summoning (summons a Ruby Jinn for the duration of one battle), Scroll of Sealing(loaned by Arthur), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass, Potions (10), Grand Potions (2), Remedy (3), Phoenic Essence (3), Smoke Bombs (2), Deadly Venom (2), Noxious Venom (1), Tonic (3), Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle), Kapura (WP:10, Fire) Party Leader, Please Determine Order. Everyone else, choose an action!

I know and I apologize. I've had a rather busy break, and I just got home. I'll update the quest immediately.

"Of course not, don't want to be grouped with the criminal's of this city." She snickers. "Nothing against you, it's just here I am with a legalized vigilante group, doing who know's what." "It's basically one big sale. Some of the shop participate in the event, but not everyone's gotten into yet. Our little marketplace, per example, is one of the areas where it hasn't caught on. The Tritech company's apparently showing off some new invention to the public, and a large market's being put up for the occasion. As for the brochure, I'm shopping for someone else at the moment, but if I see something cheap enough, I may pick up something myself." Karie watches as Sorrow unfurls the doctor's note, focusing in on the last line. It took a moment for things to register in. "Is... this some kind of joke, because if it is, it isn't funny. It's a joke, right?"

"I've heard of the Academy, actually. Amelia, my adoptive sister attempted to get in, but was turned down. Not sure why, she's pretty intelligent." "Less than perfect? Everything's alright, yes?" Karie looked at Sorrow worryingly before pulling herself out of it. "Well, whatever it is, I'm certain you'll figure something out. Any luck in finding that rare herb, Sunset Shimmer I believe it was called?" She pulls out the brochure. "Oh, this? No, it's a brochure for deals going on at a jewellers. Black Over sales. I'm sort of in the market for something nice... oh, this one's nice... and affordable..."

Karie rubs her eyes, clearly tired. She notices her grandfather approach and puts the brochure away. "Hey! Sorry, just stayed up really late last night. Another shot at the fields, eh? Sure, we'll see. Lets see what happens with this whole academy kerfuffle, and see if we get on. I'm certain some kid's just pulled some elaborate prank or something. Besides, it might be good to, um, bond, is that the word I'm looking for? I guess bond during the quest." She notices Sorrow's off demeanour. Still somewhat tired, she stretches. "You... okay? Something you feel worth talking about?"

Finally sat down and saw the Desolation of Smaug, since everyone's raving about it, and yeah, it was pretty good! It starts off quick, gets right into the action, then ends on a cliffhanger that felt like a cop out. Oh well. The Barrel Chase scene was excellent! I think for me it's the stand out action scene of the movie, and worth the admission alone. It's probably tied for favourite action sequence of the year with the finale of The Lone Ranger. Wasn't expecting Stephen Fry as the Lord of Lake-town, but I feel he fit the role nicely. Smaug was flipping amazing. I'm not one for computer effects, but Smaug looked unbelievable. Seeing it in 3D with optimum audio, I felt honest suspense when he rose out of the hoard and him and Bilbo started their discussion. My only real complaint was the ending, which was in m opinion a cop out. It's the same as I felt about the ending to Deathly Hallows: Part One. Both are great films that end with cliffhangers just to get you back in your seat. At least An Unexpected Journey had somewhat of a conclusion, here, it felt cheap. But, I'm excited to see There and Back Again, and I did have a fun time, so yeah, it was good.

Karie returns to the hall, looking tired and groggy, barely missing the U'Kin. A black and white cat follows close behind her, looking curiously around the hall. She makes her way to the saloon, returning to her faithful table, her name still scratched into it. She pulls a brochure for a jeweller's out of her sweater's pocket, looking it over while taking her seat. Her cat Hershey leaps onto the table and begins to clean herself.

Round Fifteen of the Wolfgang Beatdown Battle Order Boomingham vs. Lupine the Third-Crit. (14x2+29x2=86-10=76 damage. Badly Poisoned and Bleeding!) Dek'ra vs. Lupine the Third- Hit (3+21-10=14 damage) >Ellaria vs. Lupine the Third- Aim Shield (+37 health to all Part Members. -1 ether) >Ellaria vs. Lupine the Third- Aim Aim (12x4=48-10=38) Hybros vs. Lupine the Third- Damage (0 damage) Hybros vs. Lupine the Third- Crit. (6+6x2+1+29-20=28 damage) Lupine the Third: -15 health With Boomingham's Guardian Angel protecting them in the frosty weather, the party manages to Badly Poison, Bleed, and thrash Lupine the Third into near submission. The battle wouldn't last much longer. *coughs up blood* Lupine the Third Level 58 Humanoid Beast *Immune To Darkness Elemental, Stun, Sealed, Minimized, Jinxed and Instakill* *Confused! 1 rounds!* *Blind! 2 rounds!* *Bleeding!* *Badly Poisoned!* HP: 466/1400 SP: 10 Special 1: Calling Card- Lupine deals his signature move, removing all immunities from the target for three rounds, and dealing 58 damage, regardless of row. The effect cannot be removed. Special 2: Quick Fingers- Lupine snatches gold equal to the target's level, and deals 58 damage, regardless of row. The gold is non-retrievable. Specials Alternate Drops: 30 Gold, Grand Potion, Fireball Whiskey The Party Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) *Party Leader* Level 29.33 Paladin *Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* Power: 48 (Level 29 + WP: 14 + Power Bonus: 5) Power Bonus: 5 Defense: 12 (SP: 7 + SP: 5) Health: 52/52 (Base HP: 10 + Level bonus: 28 + Class bonus: 11 + Permanent bonus: 3) Ether: 28/28 (Base Ether: 0 + Level/Class bonus: 28) Gold: 36 Equipment: Scupperer (WP: 14; Darkness-, Fire-elemental; inflicts Bleeding and Badly Poisoned; great sword) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Heavy Armor (SP: 5; Immune to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; Immune to Asleep, Weakened, and Blindness; Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; accessory), *Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (+4 Power; not an artifact)* Inventory: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; Light-, Ice-elemental; inflicts Stunned; great sword), Sabre (WP:8, longsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, Inflicts Asleep- Effect) • Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Mopag Helm (SP: 3; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves, Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle) • Garnet, Sapphire, Amethyst • Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty (x2), Scroll of Sealing, • Mulled Wine, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Admantite Shard (1/4 of a piece of Adamantite), Milk, Oneupshroom (Works as a Phoenix Essence when eaten) • Bedroll 46 Years Old, Human *Chicken Leg (+2, Quest 28), Drumstick (+1, Quest 70) **Pseudo's Blessing (+4, Quest 40), Big Apple (+1, Quest 70) Hybros 52-year-old male imp Assassin *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements* Level: 29 Power Bonus: 1 * Defense: 0 Health: 44/44 (7+29+5+3*) Gold: 495 Equipment: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 42 1/3, gains 1/3 WP every kill made with it, light-, darkness-, fire-, ice-, and wind-elemental; longsword), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, wood-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear),The Black Hat (Suitable for anyone, grants Intimidation, immune to darkness and cursed, headwear) Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental; scythe), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Justice (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; retrievable), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Sterile Gloves (grants immunity to poisoned- and badly poisoned-effects, handwear), Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), 14 Potions, 16 Grand Potions, 20 Health Cores, Tiger Balm, 15 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 3 Elixirs, 4 Phoenix Essences, 2 Deadly Venoms, 3 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 7 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 3 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, 4 Mythril Shards, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used) * +1 permanent Max Health from Zoot's Cookie, Quest #7. +2 from Chicken Drumsticks, Quest #50, +1 permanent Power from Growshroom Cap, Quest #72 Ellaria Arbour (Sandy) *Deputy Party Leader* *Encouraged, Lucky and Hastened!* 22 years old female human Druid Level 25 1/3 *Immune to Sealing* Power: 40 (25+12+3) Defense: 3 Health: 41/41 (9+24+7+1) Ether: 24/37 (5+24+5+1+2) Gold: 68 Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:12, fire- and lighting-elemental staff), Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo; headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, protects from sealing; bodywear), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits; backwear) Inventory: Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:8, wood-elemental crossbow), Wizard's Staff (WP:1, fire-, wind-, water- and earth-elemental staff), Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and badly poisoned, handwear), Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, 3 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 6 Tonics, 6 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 2 Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass De'kra 12 year old "male" Sorceror "echo" *Slowed!* Level: 21 Power: 29 Health: 31/31 Ether: 18/21 Defense: 4 (protected from enamored effect) (protected from confused effect) Gold: 86 Equipment: Vibrataphone and Blueprints (WP: 3, causes the slowed effect. Suitable for all classes), Diamond (Light), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP:1), Heart Locket(Protects from enamored effect and confused effect), Reflective Gaunlets(SP:3) Inventory: Chiara(WP:7, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:7), Bow (WP:5), Kanohi Mask (Artifact) - Allows spells to have the effects of the weapon they are cast through; suitable to De'kra only; accessory, Ruby Lamp of Summoning (summons a Ruby Jinn for the duration of one battle), Scroll of Sealing(loaned by Arthur), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass, Potions (10), Grand Potions (2), Remedy (3), Phoenic Essence (3), Smoke Bombs (2), Deadly Venom (2), Noxious Venom (1), Tonic (3), Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle), Kapura (WP:10, Fire) Party Leader, Please Determine Battle Order. Everyone else, choose an action.

Round Fourteen of the Wolfgang Beatdown Battle Order Boomingham vs. Lupine the Third- Shield (Guardian Angel) Dek'ra vs. Lupine the Third- Crit. (3x2+21=27 damage) >Ellaria vs. Lupine the Third- Shield Shield (Hybros revived. All party members gain +37 health. -1 ether) >Ellaria vs. Lupine the Third- Aim Crit (12x2+25x2-10=74 damage) Hybros vs. Lupine the Third- Hit (6+6+1+29-20=22 damage) Hybros vs. Lupine the Third- Damage (0 Damage) Boomingham brings down his Guardian Angel yet again, as De'kra beats on Lupine the Third while Ellaria heals Hybros back to good health. She then joins the whaling on the Wolfgang as Hybros joins in. "Cowards! Beating up on a blind man!" Lupine the Third Level 58 Humanoid Beast *Immune To Darkness Elemental, Stun, Sealed, Minimized, Jinxed and Instakill* *Confused! 1 rounds!* *Blind! 2 rounds!* HP: 545/1400 SP: 10 Special 1: Calling Card- Lupine deals his signature move, removing all immunities from the target for three rounds, and dealing 58 damage, regardless of row. The effect cannot be removed. Special 2: Quick Fingers- Lupine snatches gold equal to the target's level, and deals 58 damage, regardless of row. The gold is non-retrievable. Specials Alternate Drops: 30 Gold, Grand Potion, Fireball Whiskey The Party Lord Lawrence Boomingham (Zepher) *Party Leader* Level 29.33 Paladin *Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; Immune to Fragile, Sleep, Weakened, and Blindness* Power: 48 (Level 29 + WP: 14 + Power Bonus: 5) Power Bonus: 5 Defense: 12 (SP: 7 + SP: 5) Health: 52/52 (Base HP: 10 + Level bonus: 28 + Class bonus: 11 + Permanent bonus: 3) Ether: 28/28 (Base Ether: 0 + Level/Class bonus: 28) Gold: 36 Equipment: Scupperer (WP: 14; Darkness-, Fire-elemental; inflicts Bleeding and Badly Poisoned; great sword) Round Metal Shield (SP: 7), Heavy Armor (SP: 5; Immune to Fragile), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; Immune to Asleep, Weakened, and Blindness; Immune to Darkness-, Fire-elemental; accessory), *Pseudo's Blessing's Blessing (+4 Power; not an artifact)* Inventory: Frozen Saber (WP: 9; Light-, Ice-elemental; inflicts Stunned; great sword), Sabre (WP:8, longsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, Inflicts Asleep- Effect) • Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Mopag Helm (SP: 3; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves, Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle) • Garnet, Sapphire, Amethyst • Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Frailty (x2), Scroll of Sealing, • Mulled Wine, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Emerald Lamp of Summoning, Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Admantite Shard (1/4 of a piece of Adamantite), Milk, Oneupshroom (Works as a Phoenix Essence when eaten) • Bedroll 46 Years Old, Human *Chicken Leg (+2, Quest 28), Drumstick (+1, Quest 70) **Pseudo's Blessing (+4, Quest 40), Big Apple (+1, Quest 70) Hybros 52-year-old male imp Assassin *Hastened* *Immune to Cursed, Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, Weakened* *Immune to all elements* Level: 29 Power Bonus: 1 * Defense: 0 Health: 38/44 (7+29+5+3*) Gold: 495 Equipment: Sword of Ancestral Hatred (WP: 42 1/3, gains 1/3 WP every kill made with it, light-, darkness-, fire-, ice-, and wind-elemental; longsword), Golden Armor (user is permanently hastened and cursed, fire-, water-, earth-, wind-, wood-, ice-, lightning-, darkness-, light-elemental, grants immunity to Sleep, Blindness, Confusion, Frailty, and Weakening; bodywear), Cloak of the Red Assassin (Chance of Assassination is 1/3, suitable for Assassins; backwear),The Black Hat (Suitable for anyone, grants Intimidation, immune to darkness and cursed, headwear) Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:15, earth-elemental; scythe), Clock Cog (WP: 14, retrievable), Banana Bladerang (WP:9, damage all, retrievable), Justice (WP:8, blinded-effect, dagger), Twin Kunai (WP:6, dual strike, dagger), Spinning Bolas (WP: 5, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved; retrievable), Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1, retrievable), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP:1, suitable to Rogues; backwear), Sterile Gloves (grants immunity to poisoned- and badly poisoned-effects, handwear), Sticky Gloves (gains 50% more gold, suitable for Rogues, handwear), 14 Potions, 16 Grand Potions, 20 Health Cores, Tiger Balm, 15 Remedies, 2 Neutralizers, 3 Elixirs, 4 Phoenix Essences, 2 Deadly Venoms, 3 Smoke Bombs, 3 Holy Bombs, 7 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 3 Mulled Wines, Minimizing Dust, Bedroll, Shovel, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, 4 Mythril Shards, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used) * +1 permanent Max Health from Zoot's Cookie, Quest #7. +2 from Chicken Drumsticks, Quest #50, +1 permanent Power from Growshroom Cap, Quest #72 Ellaria Arbour (Sandy) *Deputy Party Leader* *Encouraged, Lucky and Hastened!* 22 years old female human Druid Level 25 1/3 *Immune to Sealing* Power: 40 (25+12+3) Defense: 3 Health: 41/41 (9+24+7+1) Ether: 25/37 (5+24+5+1+2) Gold: 68 Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:12, fire- and lighting-elemental staff), Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo; headwear), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, protects from sealing; bodywear), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits; backwear) Inventory: Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:8, wood-elemental crossbow), Wizard's Staff (WP:1, fire-, wind-, water- and earth-elemental staff), Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and badly poisoned, handwear), Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, 3 Potions, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 6 Tonics, 6 Grand Tonics, Ether Core, Elixir, 2 Remedies, Neutralizer, Tiger Balm, 2 Phoenix Essences, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, 2 Nostrum, 2 Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, Ice Bomb, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, 3 Pumpkin Bombs (Causes stunned-, poisoned-, asleep-, blinded-, sealed- and confused-effects to all opponents when used.), Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass De'kra 12 year old "male" Sorceror "echo" *Slowed!* Level: 21 Power: 29 Health: 31/31 Ether: 18/21 Defense: 4 (protected from enamored effect) (protected from confused effect) Gold: 86 Equipment: Vibrataphone and Blueprints (WP: 3, causes the slowed effect. Suitable for all classes), Diamond (Light), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP:1), Heart Locket(Protects from enamored effect and confused effect), Reflective Gaunlets(SP:3) Inventory: Chiara(WP:7, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5), Fauxthril Hand Cannon (WP:7), Bow (WP:5), Kanohi Mask (Artifact) - Allows spells to have the effects of the weapon they are cast through; suitable to De'kra only; accessory, Ruby Lamp of Summoning (summons a Ruby Jinn for the duration of one battle), Scroll of Sealing(loaned by Arthur), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass, Potions (10), Grand Potions (2), Remedy (3), Phoenic Essence (3), Smoke Bombs (2), Deadly Venom (2), Noxious Venom (1), Tonic (3), Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle), Kapura (WP:10, Fire) Autorolling next round, please stand by. Edit: Forgot Ellaria was Lucky and Encouraged, as well as the fact that Hybros was attacking with Twin Kunai. Fixed.

I'm a bit torn on Ian. He seems like a nice guy, and when he writes something good, it's usually really good. I was a but torn on the whole Mecha Sally ordeal, but it grew on me. I just wish his execution of the arc was better. Sonic just seemed to shrug off Mecha Sally eventually. I really wish she was used as both a physical and psychological threat. Of course, some of the issue is Sega's mandates. Oh well. He's doing fine with the hand that's been dealt to him.

I keep up with the comics, and I do like to know what's going on, I just haven't read any. Although, now would be a good time, thanks to Penders. If one man infuriates me more at the moment, it's him. Not a lick of sense in the man it seems. You don't go and do what he did to a fan base, particularly on as divide as the Sonic fan base. The whole legal battle more or less ruined 20 years worth of continuity. You just don't do that. Pender's will never be hired again after the stunt he pulled.

I have no issue either way. I do agree with Zepher's statement though, just keep it to poisoned.

Green 32x32 Baseplate.

I'm a bit weird, since my opinion on best game in the series is Unwound Future, but my personal favourite is Diabolical Box. I adore Unwound Future, don't get me wrong. The whole third act is probably one of the best finales in the history of storytelling in any medium, and it wraps up everything with a nice blue ribbon on top. However, Diabolical Box is just my personal favourite. I love the fact it's on a train, I love the mystery, I love the ending, and I love the characters. It's just my personal favourite of the lot. Haruhi was the first anime I sat "all" the way through, and it's weird seeing anime after and before. It really was a big game changer for the industry, and the fans. People still perform the dance from the end of that show at conventions. I will say my one gripe with that show though is the Endless Eight. It's why I never watched the whole thing. I saw about three or four episodes of the darn arc, then moved on. It's honestly the show's only major let down, and it takes up a good chunk of season 2. I actually loved The Disappearance. You need to see the rest of the show before going into it though. It sort of acts like Season 3 of the show, for those uninitiated. I've heard of it, but seeing it now, I might watch it. The animation is less bad, and more confusing as to why they'd go that route instead of either updating the style, or just keeping to the old one. It's less of a deciding factor, and more of an annoyance.

I'll second that notion. So excited for Azran Legacies!!