Kintobor

The lieutenant blushes. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, m'dear! I'm doing rather well, however I'm feeling a little nostalgic as of late. Before all this I was a mercenary who warded off bandits on the roads in the Low Kingdoms. Ah, twas the life, myself and my mates, cutting through the bush fighting off who knows what sinister, scarred, scallywag we'd encounter! One time we were surrounded by a swarm of werewolves, each brandished to the teeth in...." "Now you've got him going about the frontier again. Just let him wind down." As Purpearl joyfully introduces herself, most of the guards simply nod, with the exception being one of the hooded individuals in a skirt and outfit reminiscent of a jesters outfit leaving with another hooded figure in blue, a rapier wrapped around their waist. The white hooded individual responds in a young, feminine voice. "Purpearl, was it? Yeah, I'm doing good. The name's Olivia. One of the new recruits to the Syndicate. We're uh...." She turns to the member in blue, who simply shrugs. "We're a joint organization with the Watch. It seems Paolo hired you guys to help with the investigation, right?" The lieutenant responds to Avalanche's gesture, shaking his hand. "Pleased to meet you as well. Let me guess, rookies? It's usually the new heroes that are the most pleasant, it seems." Looking about, Avalanche finds no evidence, although one of the German Shepherds takes a liking to him, sniffing him. OOC: Noted. I'll fix that as soon as possible. The dwarf seems to cut his droning monologue short at the sound of Arasmyth's question. He takes a long sip of his drink. "Interesting you should ask. The victims all died from different methods, oddly enough, although there is a link between all of them. Traces of a sleeping agent were found in three of the four men. I'll give you an autopsy report once you head inside that will go into further detail." "As for who they were, three of them were low ranking guards, while the other was a lieutenant and established swordsman." "A damn fine swordsman... You'll have to excuse me. Captain John Dolen. I'm just wrapping up business here before my crew sets sail." The captain looks over the yeti with a look of disapproval. "Ah, yes... greetings. The men discovered the odour emitting from one of the bodies. One of the men were burnt to death."

I think it works, to a degree. I like that there is a downside to it though, but I wish it was bigger. Adding in one more immunity to a positive effect may even it out just a bit better.

-The following quest is for chosen heroes only. If you wish to play, check out the Rules and FAQ section- Four heroes left the warm, inviting comforts of the hall and out into the cool autumn air, knowing that their latest endeavor, for some of them their first. Those four heroes are: Avalanche (Dragonfire) 29 years old male yeti Barbarian Level 1 Power: 4 (1+3) Health: 8/8 Gold: 3 Equipment: Earthshaker (WP:3) Inventory: Potion, Bottle of Mead, Smoke Bomb, Venom Purpearl Berthadhiell (Purpearljellyblob) 180 Years Old Female Elven Mage Level 1 Power: 4 (1+3) Health: 5/5 (5) Ether: 5/5 (5) Gold: 5 Equipment: Crimson Arcanon (Wand WP:3) Inventory: Ruby (Fire), Potion, Bedroll Heckz Brutenhal,The Ghostbuster (Eric-Su) 32 year old male Mage. Level 13 1/2 *Immune to Sealed* Power: 22 (13+9) (Spellpower: 27 (13+9+5)) Defense: 3 Health: 17/17 (5+12) Ether: 23/23 (5+12+1+5) Gold: 39 Equipment: Rawr (WP:9), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5, handwear) Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, Immune to Sealed Inventory: Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), Amethyst (Darkness), Health Core, Tonic, Grand Tonic, Grand Potion x2, Ether Core, Remedy x2, Elixir, Smelling Salts, Mead, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, Shovel, Bone x2, Crystal Ball (worth 50 gold/100 gold at magic shops) Arasmyth RuGard (played by Kadabra) 214 Year Old Elven Evoker Level 15.5 Power: 24 (15+9) Defense: 3 Health: 22/22 Ether: 20/20 Gold: 82 Equipment: Suume (Bow, WP:8 9, Wind and Lightning Elemental), Robe of the Elven Warlock (SP:3), Ranger's Quiver (WP+1 to bows/crossbows) Artefacts: Gemstones: Topaz Scrolls: Scroll of Sealing Consumables: Potion, Grand Tonic, Smoke Bomb, Water Bomb Summon: Sera, Angel of Wrath (Lightning elemental) The party members trickle to the front gates of the villa, a large sea of red and blue uniforms creating a perimeter as German Shepherds on leashes scrounge about the ground for any hint of a scent. A few masked men accompany them in various colored garb, their weapons looking less standardized than the Watches. The party's ears are blasted by the sound of the Town Watch lieutenant bringing his megaphone to his mouth and hollering at them. "Heroica! Over here!" The party makes their way over to the origin of the noise as they finally meet their employer among all the commotion: two official looking men and a dwarf in dark clothing watch the guards scurry to and fro. "Ah, it seems your arrival is well timed, gentleman and lady! I'm Lieutenant Paolo of the Town Watch, at your service. You couldn't have arrived at a better time!" The dwarf tips his hat, giving a small grin. "Falner Drunderm, Coroner, at your service!" The Hinckwell captain stays quiet, and merely folds his arms, staring the party over. Paolo begins to curl his mustache. "I've got my hands full with so much paper work after the Baker's Guild incident that I'm positive the Eubric Forest is no more. Since I want this cleared up as quickly as possible, yet professionally, I called you lot in to help in the investigation. I'm more than certain your curious as to why I called you here, so allow me to fill you in. Earlier today we received word that a group of patrolling guards had found four Hinckwell men dead in the gatehouse leading up to the villa. The men patrolling the grounds smelt a strong burning odor coming from the gatehouse and investigated. The conundrum this mystery falls into is that the door was locked from the inside, and the only way in and out of the gatehouse is through the front door. We're not so much curious as to who the murderer is as to how it happened. If you can solve this conundrum, as promised, I'll bestow upon you two bottles that I'm certain you'll enjoy, one that buffs your experience and another that makes your luck somehow increase. I'm certain you have some questions, so please, ask away. As well, I'm giving the decision as to who wants to be party leader to you, so you will also need to decide that." Paolo crosses his arm and looks the party over, the cool breeze nipping all but the yetis cheeks. Welcome! You have 24 hours to confirm. Feel free to talk to anyone here, and look about the front gates. I'll move you into the gatehouse once you're ready. As a protip, think like detectives. What are key things you need to know in order to fully grasp the situation? Best of luck, and to our newer players, remember to bold your questions and actions. Good luck!

A member of the Town Watch marches up to the quest board and tacks on a note to the signups of Quest 83. The guard, satisfied, marches back out, and firmly closes the doors shut. (You guys have time to shop. The quest will be up shortly.)

I'd record it. They may not have ether yet, but whose to say they won't go down an ether related road later?

Hmm. I definitely like it more than the previous idea, since it comes down to a QM deciding what to do, and it more or less discourages the idea. I would like to suggest though that the reason this game works is its simplicity. Once again, what one QM thinks for when to break this out, and what another deems are two completely different scenarios. If you could find a standard, say if as you said, an enemy's combined attack cannot deal damage to a hero hiding in the back row with SP that is half its own level, it moves it's attack to the next hero in the battle order. Then it comes down to how do we deal with heroes with high SP, since all our Mystic Knights (and Docken ) are essentially useless, since they're now effectively forced to fight in the front or damage their teammates. I think we're on the right track, but I feel this isn't the proper solution.

Sure, toss it up. There's no harm in sharing ideas!

This. The players evolved, but the Field didn't. If anything, the way I see it, although it would be a hassle, the fields almost needs a system that can evolve with the players in it. A level fifteen party wouldn't face the same horrors as a level thirty party. Perhaps, as sad as it is to say, we should retire the Fields and revamp the idea. No need to change locations, simply rework it to truly push players to the edge. The fact that one party has completely tanked two of the three Threshold Monsters is a little disheartening for some reason.

I would say three positive effects tops, and for negative effects- well, throw as many on the poor sap as you want! I actually don't mind this idea, as it makes having items that deal with "permanent insert effect here" slightly less desirable depending on the situation. Once again, I'm saying this is the best solution, we still should keep this discussion going.

That I am fully against. Players can't always commit to the game because of real life. You also have to consider people living in different time zones. It's just unfair to the players.

FINAL CALL: SIGN UPS FOR QUEST 83 Grimwald Gjinko- Level 12.5 Cleric (LordoftheNoobs) Heckz Brutenhal- Level 13.5 Mage (EricSu) Atramor Gibbin- Level 30 Regulator (CallMePie) Purpearl Berthadhiel- Level 1 Mage (purpearljellyblob) Tarn Valco- Level 24 Raider (Rumble Strike) Avalanche- Level 1 Barbarian (Dragonfire) Arasmyth RuGard- Level 15.5 Evoker (Kadabra) Johon- Level 26 Raider (Bricksandparts) Sorrow- Level 24.33 Assassin (Endgame) 16 Hours Remain (Moon gets closer to Clocktown)

OOC: Take your time Zepher, I'm really digging the quest! Karie's stupor begins to wash away into a slight hangover as she begins to connect what Raguel is saying. She responds with a hint of curiosity. "I don't see how out of everyone in this inn you single me out. What makes me worthy of Ennoc's grace? I'm no angel of purity, mind you."

Looks good, Scorpiox!

OOC: Noted. Thank you.

FINAL CALL: SIGN UPS FOR QUEST 83 Grimwald Gjinko- Level 12.5 Cleric (LordoftheNoobs) Heckz Brutenhal- Level 13.5 Mage (EricSu) Atramor Gibbin- Level 30 Regulator (CallMePie) Purpearl Berthadhiel- Level 1 Mage (purpearljellyblob) Tarn Valco- Level 24 Raider (Rumble Strike) Avalanche- Level 1 Barbarian (Dragonfire) Arasmyth RuGard- Level 15.5 Evoker (Kadabra) Johon- Level 26 Raider (Bricksandparts) Sign Ups Close in 24 Hours

Karie gives a small hiccup before responding to Raguel. "Oh. No, me and him never talked." Karie notices the Albatross being brought up and attempts to focus on the barkeep. "The Albatross? Wonderful place! Especially the sunroom! Lots of wonderful chaps hangout around there." "Mreoow. <Barkeeper, can I get a bucket? Dump it over her head please.>" Karie begins to rub her temples, trying to shake the drunken stupor off her.

Okay, maybe most quests have battles that last longer, or maybe 69 left some impression on you, I now realize that's a little bit of a false statement. However, I feel we should test the water first, and see how the system works before this happens across the board, with utilizing it in one quest using the suggested rule change.

Not up Karie's alley, for once she hits Minstrel I'm trying to get her to go support, but they look good so far!

Irony much, coming from the guy who's know to use this tactic? I'm actually sort of against the idea. If we're worried about player buffing themselves to the point where they're unstoppable tanks, then add more passives that break those defences and make the party have to adapt to their situation. A battle shouldn't have to be immediately warrant a nostrum, mead, smelling salts cocktail, so perhaps the issue is our battle have become too difficult? I don't feel putting a limit on it will change anything, since most battles are finished within ten rounds.

CURRENT SIGN UPS FOR QUEST 83 Grimwald Gjinko- Level 12.5 Cleric (LordoftheNoobs) Heckz Brutenhal- Level 13.5 Mage (EricSu) Atramor Gibbin- Level 30 Regulator (CallMePie) Purpearl Berthadhiel- Level 1 Mage (purpearljellyblob) Tarn Valco- Level 24 Raider (Rumble Strike) Avalanche- Level 1 Barbarian (Dragonfire) Arasmyth RuGard- Level 15.5 Elven Evoker (Kadabra)

Someone also had to be hexed.

OOC: Thanks! Karie immediately feels the drinks effects hit her. Her mind fogs up as she begins to lose comprehension on everything she's saying. "Yeah, he's from Dastan, isn't he? *hiccup*" "Mreoow? <Karie... how well can you hold your liquor?>"

OOC: What exactly does the Hilariously and Luckily Drunk effect do? I do remember reading about it somewhere...

"Sure, why not, hit me up, Justin!" Karie places seventeen gold coins on the bar and orders a hurricane. She then notices the soldiers begin to talk to her. "Charmed, General. The name's Karie." Karie shakes his hand as the elderly priest turns around. "Ah, your holiness, it's an honour to be among Ennoc's finest." Karie gave a small bow in his presence, still glued to the stool. Hershey simply rolls her eyes. "Mreow. <Sure you are, you self indulging, cheating, lying, con artist.>" "Since you fine men will most likely be taking the highway back, have you heard of any bandits in the area, particularly very recently?"