Emjajoas

Mortimer clicks his teeth, unsure of how to feel about his eyepatch being mentioned. He pulls out a potion, handing it to the woman. "Tch. Drink up. I'd rather you not slow us down. If you can stand, come with us. Nowhere is safe, but your best bet is behind my shield." As if to prove his point, Mortimer taps on his shield proudly, though the look on his face is a grimace. He didn't sound very confident, either. Another side effect of his lost eye..?

"I agree. At the very least, they will provide a suitable distraction," Mortimer replies, still scanning the area for the source of the voice. "If they get slaughtered, I'd rather them do it in here than out there, for our sakes."

"No, we aren't," Mortimer replies, tense, his head cocked to the left. "Are you?"

"Your father no doubt has plans," Mortimer snaps. "If he's fending off the other intruders, can we not pierce his lines from the rear, allowing them entry? It'd distract the other oculoids, no doubt." The warden sighs. "I've no idea how you could forgive your father for killing you," he mutters. "I hated mine for less. Tch. Let's move on, shall we?"

Thank you very much!

Alright! So, 109. My first quest. What an adventure. First off, I want to give a huge thank-you to Waterbrick Down for making some amazing sets and helping me along the way. It was a blast. As much as I hate picking a favourite, I think my favourite set was the drawbridge-- the camera angle was perfect. Here's what I've got to say, overall: Damn, QMing is fun-- but hard. I made a few mistakes along the way, but luckily you guys caught it and set me straight-- really appreciate you guys coming along on my first quest. I know I wasn't the best QM, especially near the end (things stopped for a few days, and then I kinda rushed the ending), but! I like to think that the beginning and middle were paced okay and that the overall QMing wasn't bad. I've got a lot of room to improve, especially in my method of storytelling, but I changed a few things along the way and wasn't as well-planned as I should have been. The notes I were working off of were a very rough copy of what I wanted to go down; most of the segments were mostly thrown together on the spot. Not to say they turned out poorly, but I definitely should've planned a lot better. Battles: Overall, I think the battles were okay. I didn't account for the higher-level heroes giving the lower-level ones some spare equipment, and I'm glad I didn't because if I did it would've probably turned out a lot worse. I definitely think I could've done a better job, but I felt they were paced pretty well and provided a threat while not being too difficult. My only problem with the battles was the final battle-- I had high hopes for it, and it ended up lasting, what, two turns? That was a real bummer. I was excited about having a slew of dangerous enemies only to have them wiped from the face of existance rather quickly. I definitely underestimated positive effects, and I underestimated counterstrike throughout the entire quest. I've learned my lesson for next time, though. The battles are something really important to me; what did you guys think of the battles? Did they feel good? Bad? Just alright? Plot: So I think I got this pretty spot-on, aside from the details. The overarching storyline I liked-- Go in, meet the duchy, get into the dream, explore a little bit, figure out more about the world and how the Dreamer and Witch think, fight your way to the Dreamer-- and then realize he's there of his own free will, presenting you with a choice. I definitely could and should've included more exploration, especially into the Dreamer's mind, but I didn't want to make the puzzles too lofty and couldn't think of a good way to introduce it without "giving away the twist," as it were. I thought the setting was really cool; Redstone (and the surrounding kingdoms) are places I am definitely planning to flesh out and explore more in upcoming quests. I wasn't sure if the whole "blacksmith/stonework" city thing had been done yet, but if so, there's no harm in having two, I hope. The Dreamscape itself was brought to life by WBD, and honestly, I couldn't've asked for more. I thought it was pretty awesome. The characters were... nothing new, I guess. I didn't develop them like I had originally wanted to. I'll have a chance to do so in upcoming quests, but I really wanted to flesh out the prince a little more in this one, because he's really the central character-- and the only one that really mattered in the end. I did an okay job with him, what with the puzzles and the world being molded after him, but he was nothing special. I thought the Duke and Duchess were very cut-and-paste, and I'm hoping that if I get a chance to QM in Redstone again, I can sort of break them out of that cliche shell that I unfortunately stuck myself in. Knickers was cool, but didn't have that much of an impact. I'm hoping to bring him back if I can-- Wilton did say anything you brought with you would be taken back to the real world as well. Maya didn't get much, if any, screen time. I had more originally planned for her, most notably a battle, but I felt it took away from the climax. The way I wanted to go with the Marquis was stained with her blood, and I felt it best to cut her off that way. I hope that wasn't overstepping too many boundaries. Loot: At times I felt like I wasn't giving enough, at times I felt like I was giving too much. I'd be lying if I said I knew how to distribute loot at all. I have a hard enough time with it as a Party Leader, let alone a Quest Master. Not sure how I did with it, but your wallets are thicker and hopefully you feel like I didn't waste your time or resources. Players: The best part of the quest, in my opinion. You guys were great: Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09): You were a good party leader, and great to have along. It would've been nice if you had been a little more active(not that you could have been. Hell, it's mostly my fault for moving it along at too swift a pace), but you were there when you needed to be, and Alexander voiced his opinions when it mattered. Overall, I'd say Alexander was great to have on the quest; he led the party well, he interacted a little with the other party members, and he had his own drive. However, I owe you an apology for pushing things along despite you not being around, but I felt the need to wrap up the quest-- I'm honestly really sorry for forcing things along. Great having you on board, though! Annienal Anavir (Kintobor): What can I say, even? It was great having Annienal along. I'm used to Karie and her antics, so seeing you on the opposite end of the spectrum with Annienal and how reserved she is was a pleasure. Her interactions with Docken were also golden, though I wish I had given you more time to flesh them out. Great having you on board! Bartholomew Docken (Brickdoctor): You're a pain to balance for, you know that? In all honesty, however, I felt as QM I was interacting most with Docken and yourself-- whether that's because you were the most active party member or because you were in the right place at the right time, I felt that you had the biggest impact on the quest. You helped it move along nicely, and I really enjoyed having Docken along to pretend the fourth wall didn't exist. Great having you on board! Francis Barkley (Captain Settle): For someone new, you're showing a lot of promise! Francis was great; he was outspoken, interacted well with the world I gave you and the party, and had his own motivations as well. I'm really looking forward to where you're going with the character, it was a treat to have you along to watch you blossom a little. Great having you on board! I think those are most of my thoughts. If I think of anything else, well, I'll be sure to post. I'm looking forward to everyone's criticism/feedback. As a last note, I hope that you'll come on another one of my quests when they're ready; QMing was a ton of fun.

"Ah, yes, you shall be compensated for your troubles-- and for a job well done." Digging around in his pouch, the Duke draws forth four grating stones and 200 gold, 50 gold and a grating stone for each party member. The Party: Annienal Anavir (Kintobor) "19" year old Elven Female Level 5 Knight Power: 9 Health: 14/14 Defence: 2 Equipment: Trainnig Sword (WP:4), College Shield (SP: 2) Gold: 108 Inventory: Potion x2, Bedroll, , College Halberd (WP: 3), Smoke Bomb, Wicked Javelin (WP: 7, throwing weapon, retreivable, 1/6 chance to slow), Venom, Field Rations (Heals for 15), Phoenix Essence (2), Mead, Grating Stone Francis Barkley (Captain Settle) 22 year old human ranger Level 5 Power: 12 Health: 10/10 Defense: 0 Gold: 102 Equipped: Training Bow (WP:4) Inventory: Potion x3, Grand Potion, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Long Bow (WP 3), Mead, Venom, Lustrous Cloak (1/6 chance of dodging damage rolls and free hits. Suitable for rogue-based classes, artifact, backwear), Grating Stone Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) **Party Leader** **Humanoids Marked** 99 years old elf Hunter Level 24.66 Power: 35 (LVL 24+WP 11) Defense: 6 (Chevalier of Charis armor + Dream Helm) Health: 40/40 (6 + 20 + 6 + 2 + 2 Chicken Drumstick) Gold: 237 Equipment: Fauxthril Crossbow (WP: 11, darkness-, ice-elemental, Hollow Blade upgraded [nothing stored]), Chevalier of Charis armor- (Artifact, bodywear) (Maximum health +2, SP: 2), , Sterile Gloves (Immune to Poisoned and Bleeding; handwear), Dream Helm (SP:4, wearer immune to Sleep and Fast Asleep, artifact, headwear) Inventory: Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 7) • Duplovian Helmets of the Guard (SP: 2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Hunter's Qiver (WP: +2 to bows and crossbows, allows the hunter to favour two typers at the same time), Trickster's Mask of the Gender-Swap, Tricorne (SP: 3) • Grand Potion x2, Potions (10), Remedies (2), Tonic (2), Venoms (6), Smoke Bomb, Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb, Holy Bomb, Fire Bomb (2), Military Grade Fire Bomb, Lightning Bob, Elven Bomb, First Aid Kit (Consumable), Meads (3), Weak potion (2), Weak Regeneration Potion (1), Weak Regeneration Tonic (1), Smelling Salt (2), Mithril Shard (1/4 of a piece of Mithril), Big Apple, Bones (6), Skeleton Decoy, Charcoal, Phoenix Essence (2), Grating Stone • Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 34-year-old human male, Warden Level 46 2/5 *Gains Triple XP* *Takes Halved Damage from Free Hits* *Scary* *Immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Sudden Death* *Counterstriking* Power: 56 (Level 45 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0) Defense: 23 (SP: 20 + SP: 3) Health: 71/78 (base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 43 + Class bonus: 8 + permanent boost: 19*) Gold: 1261(1 Gold loaned to Lord Lawrence Boomingham [Zepher]) GP: 27 Equipment: Darksteel Crossbow (WP: 10; Blinded-effect), Mythril Shield (SP: 20), Dread Hat (permanent Scary-effect; immune to Defense Reduction, Removal of Positive Effects, Confusion, Blindness, Poison, Fragile, Fire, Earth, and Wind; Headwear), Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; Bodywear), Cobweb Cowl (immune to Sudden Death; Backwear), Medal of Glory (Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles; Accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his Level; Handwear) Inventory: Iris Shield (SP: 15; reflects physical Damage back to the attacker regardless of Row or Defense, if the user survives the attack.), Pan (WP: 1; +1 Max HP; suitable for all classes), Fishstick (WP: 7; deals double Damage on ships; club) • Large Water Canteen (Carries 6 portions of water; Accessory), Aqua Gear (Adds Water-element to physical attacks, immune to Water, Accessory) • Potions (4), Grand Potions (11), Health Cores (3), Remedies (10), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Meads (2), Smelling Salts (1), Mulled Wine, Smoke Bombs (5), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (13), Bones (12), Venom (5), Deadly Venom, Skeleton Decoy, Teleportapple, Adamantite Shards (2/4 Adamantite), Grating Stone • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • Silver Ore (60 Gold) "You may leave whenever you please; if you'd like to visit for a while longer, though, feel free. We owe you heroes a great deal." THE QUEST WAS SUCCESSFUL!

"Of course," Mortimer replies with a nod. "I will do what I can."

"I'm more than happy to help him with his second objective," Mortimer growls. "Is that the only advice you have for us?"

"So you're saying we need to appeal to his original soul? Cut through the many he's consumed? Some shitty method like that? I'm not in the mood to think about this." Mortimer spits. "Gods damn immortals. Everything about an immortal being rubs me the wrong way, and the Regret has to be the most prominent reason," he groans. "How do you suggest we exploit the fact that he wants to die?"

Mortimer clicks his teeth. "Sorry for misunderstanding you. I'm not at my brightest." Shrugging, he continues, still staring at the ghost. "I only want to know how to end him. I care not for his life story. Call me cold, but the only thing I'd like to do is to shed his blood."

"When you say you're the Regret, I assume you mean you are part of him now." Mortimer sighs, staring at the apparition with his one and only eye. "Either way, just tell us what we need to know. We've no time to spare."

Let's see about wrapping Dreamscape up on time, shall we?

The Marquis glances at Maya, still standing silently by his side, before looking back towards the party. His shoulders slump as his previously-tense stance relaxes. His face is pulled into a frown, he nods solemnly. "Very well. I... I understand. I suppose I should head home now. It has been a while." He smiles sadly, turning to his compatriot. "Goodbye, Maya. I'm... sorry I caused you so much trouble." "No," she snaps. "Trouble? Your foolishness got me killed." Pouting angrily at Uwhyt, she crosses her arms. "I can't stop you though, can I? Just know this, Uwhyt-- My blood is on your hands. My life will be the first you take on your path. Draw your sword." Uwhyt clenches his teeth, the colour draining from his face. "I..." "Draw your blade, Uwhyt." Closing his eyes, the young man draws his blade slowly, aiming for the witch's heart. "Sorry," he mutters. "I'm sorry..." With one swift jerk, he runs his friend through, her body dissolving into the air like the dream soldiers she created. The world shakes violently, unable to contain itself. Turning back to the heroes, the Marquis shifts sheepily, green instead of pale. "Hey, uh... please don't tell my parents... urgh... this was my fault." He stumbles, barely able to maintain his balance in the rapidly crumbling world. Everything seems to dissolve until the heroes are once again returned to darkness... They awaken with a start, slumped onto the floor of a slightly familiar room. "Good... morning, Father, Mother," Uwhyt manages, his throat hoarse. "By the Gods... It... it worked. He's awake! Son, how are you feeling?" The duchess smiles, tears welling in her eyes. "Thank you..." she chokes, wrapping her son in a tight hug. "G-g-good work, heroes..." the metasimian mage manages before collapsing. Two guards swiftly pick him up and escort him down the hallway. The once-tense Duke rushes to the heroes sides, helping each to their feet in turn. A large grin ornamented his gruff visage. "You did it. I had my doubts, but you did it. Thank you."

Mortimer swiftly rummages through the loot, chugging back a potion, forking the spoils out quickly. "Johon," he mutters. "I'll give you my whip, since there's not much else here. If anyone has any objections to anything, let me know." Glacing around the party, he slings the Blazing Bow over his shoulder. "Seems I'm the only person who favours bows..." Moving quickly and grimacing, his head jerking to the left every so often, Mortimer uses the magnifying glass on the green light.

"I suppose I should start from the beginning, yeah? Marquis Uwhyt Stonekeep, at your service. You must have been hired to wake me from this dream." He sighs, gesturing to his companion. "This is Maya, my friend-- Or, I suppose she was, until my family executed her for putting me to sleep." "I'm... not cut out to be the Marquis. I want to have adventures- I want to learn the ways of the sword, I want to have duels, live a life of honour. I don't want to spent my entire life cooped up in Redstone's walls. So I asked Maya to help. I asked Maya to put me to sleep. I needed a break, I needed my own space. She obliged, but..." The Marquis sighs again. "Things didn't turn out as planned, so her consciousness remains here. After she was beheaded, she helped me forge my own kingdom, my own domain. I can venture out as I please, have all the adventures I want. All within a dream, yet all so real. Dragons, princesses, money, fame... I have it all here." Uwhyt shrugs, but continues, sounding almost desperate. "Who would want to go back to the real world after that? I'm living the life I always wanted. I'm happy here. If I go back, well, she dies, and I have to spend the rest of my days in that terrible position of authority. Politics, arranged marriages, wars... I don't want any of that. You have to understand that!" He faces the heroes, pleading. "Let me stay. Leave. Tell them I couldn't be woken up. Leave me in the dream and go." "It's... your choice, though, I suppose. You can force me to leave pretty easily if you've mown through all my men."

And I'm back sooner than expected. I'll roll around that update as soon as I've had a bite to eat, 109! Again, really sorry for having to leave without updating for a few days.

Something important came up and it ends up that I'm going to be away all weekend. I'm leaving soon; I don't have time to update Dreamscape and I don't know when I'll be home to update. At the latest, it'll be Sunday night. If we're lucky, Saturday night. Sorry folks! We were just getting to the end, too. Again, really sorry! I leave control of Em in 105 to whoever.

"As does your campaign," Mortimer retorts. "Die knowing you were of no worth to your master."

"Thanks," Mortimer mutters, firing another arrow with his Aquabow at Pyroloid D from the back row.

I did the same with Dreamscape; It's a lot easier, at least in my opinion, to create your own setting/city to flesh out. You can worry a lot less about ruining someone else's work. I'm really looking forward to fleshing out Redstone and the surrounding kingdoms in some upcoming quests; I'm also looking forward to what you're going to do with Tridentia.

Knickers lunges at her retreating figure as she hastily tries to open the door at the end of the hall. He leaps, landing on her back, and she falls forward, the door flinging itself open. "Maya?" cries a voice, alarmed. "Are you okay? Why's there a cat on your back?" The heroes rush down the hall, Knickers jumping off the witch's back. She stands, backing away from the oncoming party and the ferocious feline. They reach the open door, rushing into the room-- "Oh," he whispers upon seeing the heroes, sounding... disappointed? "You've found me out, I suppose."

Alexander opens the door with a creak. Surprisingly, the only thing behind the door is a dimly-lit spiral staircase-- The heroes hastily begin making the climb, the arduous task giving them time to think. The staircase itself seems to have no exits or entrances, save the one at the bottom-- they continue to climb, passing by torch after torch. Finally they reach the top. They spread open the doors-- They find themselves on a parapet. The overlooking view of the Dreamscape-- the fields of white snow dotted with leafless trees as more snow fell from the sky-- was gorgeous, to say the least. However... The face that stares back at them is one of surprise, sorrow-- and fear. The voice that emerges can be best described as small-- was the witch choking up? "So you were victorious after all, Heroes..." She raises her hands, a violent flash of light blinding most of the party for a split second-- except for Docken, who is immune to blind. She hastily rushes towards another door, flinging it open and trying to make her escape down the hall.

That's a great idea! Let me just change things to fit that...

QM Note: Whoops.