Emjajoas

"The Phoenix Essence is your, Meoa'am," the cat purrs. QM Note: I'll allow Alexander a chance to shop and talk to our feline friend before moving on.

"I'm already burning," Mortimer says, eyeing the creature. "This eye was replaced by ash. Dig your way into the ground like the worms you are before I extinguish your flames for good. I'm tired of humouring your kind."

"Meow," replies the cat, hoarding his catnip into a pile. "You're meoan agreable lot, meow. I'll be meunching on this until you bring the world down. Will probably make meow feel better about losing my home."

"I would meuch rather agree to sixty, meow."

"I take it you are meoving towards the Castle, meow? You should beow careful. It's a dyangerous road, and the residents are rather greowchy." "Myes, I would."

"If you shared your catnip, I'd be willing to give it to your for meorty," the cat replies between purrs. "If you had meore catnip, Nyarden, I would consider it. I do smeoll more."

"Yeah, them are their master are an unpleasant, filthy, mind-reading bunch. Load of horseshit if you ask me," Mortimer spits.

"Mreaya's her name. I don't know meouch about her, but she has her place and belongs. This land is small, and I've been to meither side; you're the meonly ones I've seen with faces. Animals always seem to be comeoplete, though I'm the only one who can speak." "40 gold for 5 Grand Potions sounds like a deal, meow. The catnip was rather nyaice."

Mortimer frowns, disgusted. "Oh, my-- these worms are somewhat intelligent." His frown quickly metamorphoses into a toothy grin. "But they're not smart enough to know their place." "I'm especially insulted you would attempt something that coy," Mortimer growls, quickly readying his Aquabow, and taking aim at the Doppel Karie.

Knickers' Wares: Grand Potion (Restores 25 health to the target.) Costs 12 gold. Mead (Causes the encouraged-effect, doubling the target's attack power for the duration of one battle.) Costs 20 gold. Smelling Salts (Causes the hastened-effect, allowing the target to act twice in one round for the duration of one battle.) Costs 30 gold. (Two Available) Phoenix Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health during a battle.) Costs 60 gold. (Two Available) The staple of the cat's collection, however, is the: Lustrous Cloak (1/6 chance of dodging damage rolls and free hits. Suitable for rogue-based classes, artifact, backwear). 75 gold. "The castle folk aren't very smart, for the mreowst part. They tried to steal from me. I had to chase them off. A couple people in there aren't like the others, though. They've got faces. Come from outside, like you, but unlike you, they breowlong. The faceless folk all have personyalities of their own. They're peowple, just parts of the Dreamer's imagination. A little bit like meow." "Since you gave me catnip, Nyarden, I'd be willing to broker you a deal on anything that catches your mreoeye." "I am quite fond of behind the ears, by the mreway, miss. Thank you for measking." "Meow."

The cat munches happily on the catnip Docken handed it, purring. "Weird, nya? Heck of a thing for outsiders to say, meow. To answer your first two questions, this is a dream. Shouldn't you already kneow that? And I am Knickers, this is my shop. Care to take a look Mearound?"

The cat sniffs at the air around Francis, his nose scrunching. Much to the Party's surprise, they could all understand the cat's reply. "Is that catnip I smeowll?"

The party pulls out their bedrolls for a quick rest, rejuvinating themselves. Before long, they gather up their stuff and begin the march towards what was marked as the "dangerous camp." Tension was high; the Dream Soldiers were decent foes. What could have them scared? They had marked off the place; it was obviously to be feared. The rain did little to help their mood-- what began as a mist soon became a downpour. The rain, though, didn't make the heroes wet at all-- the sky was slowly becoming increasingly more grey the more it rained. Soon, the party reached their destination. Much to their surprise... The Dangerous Camp seemed to be more of a shop. However, no shopkeeper was present. The only other living being in the area was a cat. Strange.

"No. They're the children of another Oculoid bitch who I'm really hoping to see. I made a mistake I'd like to fix. Seerus just helps control them."

Em grinds his teeth. A mistake. He made another mistake. "Mortimer Mahzan," he replies, twitching slightly.

"Dammit--" Mortimer curses, noticing them open the door and hearing the enemies from the other side. He half-falls down the stairs, standing behind Karie and Boomingham, bow drawn, ready ot render assistance.

QM note: Alright so the first time I finished up the battle it didn't go through. Going to have to re-run the round(s). What a pain. Not so much of a pain when the dice are on your side, though. ROUND THREE: Battle Order: Docken VS Dream Lancer - Critical Hit! Dream Lancer Killed! Annienal VS Dream Knight - Hit! 10 damage to Dream Knight! Alexander VS Elite Dream Knight (back row) - Critical Hit! Elite Dream Knight killed! Francis VS Dream Knight (back row) - Shield: Triple Shot! Dream Knight Killed! Docken shreds through the barely-able-to-stand Dream Lancer. Annienal, meanwhile, doubleteams the Dream Knight with Francis, who quickly goes down. Alexander finishes up by slicing through the Elite Dream Knight with a well-placed arrow. The battle was victorious! Party Leader, please distribute the loot! -75 Gold! -Potion -Venom (2) -Field Rations (restore 15 HP but taste terrible) -Grand Potion The Party: Annienal Anavir (Kintobor) "19" year old Elven Female Level 4 Knight Power: 8 Health: 13/13 Defence: 15 Equipment: Iris Shield (SP: 15; reflects physical Damage back to the attacker regardless of Row or Defense, if the user survives the attack.), Trainnig Sword (WP:4) Gold: 68 Inventory: Potion x2, Bedroll, College Shield (SP: 2), College Halberd (WP: 3), Catnip, Smoke Bomb, Mead, Wicked Javelin (WP: 7, throwing weapon, retreivable, 1/6 chance to slow), Venom, Field Rations (Heals for 15) Francis Barkley (Captain Settle) 22 year old human ranger Level 4 Power: 11 Health: 7/9 Defense: 3 Gold: 68 Equipped: Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 7), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Potion x3, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Long Bow (WP 3), Catnip, Training Bow (WP:4), Mead, Venom Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) **Party Leader** **Humanoids Marked** 99 years old elf Hunter Level 24.33 Power: 35 (LVL 24+WP 11) Defense: 5 (Chevalier of Charis armor + Tricorne) Health: 38/38 (6 + 20 + 6 + 2 + 2 Chicken Drumstick) Gold: 277 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), Nostrum, 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, Catnip (2) • Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 34-year-old human male, Warden Level 45 4/5 *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: 55 (Level 45 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0) Defense: 23 (SP: 20 + SP: 3) Health: 73/77 (base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 43 + Class bonus: 8 + permanent boost: 19*) Gold: 1223(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 (5), Health Cores (3), Remedies (11), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Meads (2), Smelling Salts (2), 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), Catnip • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • Silver Ore (60 Gold) ____________________________________ The party shreds through the Dream Soldiers. The world rumbles slightly; a remnant of their meddling, no doubt. Rain continued to fall from the sky, as though the sky itself was falling. The clearing, however, is quiet, save for the hissing of the Dream Soldiers' bodies returning to the atmosphere that created them. Another section explored, another enemy team killed... what would the party do next?

"This door's unlocked," Em calls. He glances back at the party. "What do you want to do?"

"Tch. Who knows," Mortimer mutters. He turns on his heels and starts up the stairs.

Mortimer begins making his way up the stairs before thinking better of it. Instead, he goes to inspect the lock on the lower door.

"Nothing to look at. It's not there. Boomingham's healing eased a lot of the pain. It's... just going to take getting used to." Mortimer's frown deepens. "Just going to take some getting used to."

Mortimer clicks his teeth. "Sorry. Next time I lose an eye I'll be sure to ignore it. Pain is only physical. I should be strong enough to shrug it off." He shrugs, shoving his thumbs into his belt, and strides away from the party, scouting ahead.

ROUND TWO: Battle Order: Annienal VS Dream Lancer (back row) - Critical Hit! 17 damage to Dream Lancer! Docken VS Use Health Core (back row) - Docken fully healed! Alexander VS Elite Archer (back row) - Critical Hit! Elite Dream Archer killed! Francis VS Dream Lancer (back row) - Damage! Francis takes 2 damage! Dream Knight VS Annienal! - Free hit! No damage! Elite Dream Knight VS Docken - Free Hit! 4 damage! Counterstruck for 23 damage! Annienal takes on the Dream Lancer and Dream Soldier both, slicing through the Lancer with ease while blocking the Dream Knight's attack with her shield. Alexander shreds through the other Elite Dream Archer as Francis takes a slight hit from his opponent. Docken, meanwhile, heals himself and holds off the Elite Dream Knight, landing a solid blow thanks to his counterstrikes. Stats: Dream Lancer Level 25 Humanoid Health: 7/50 Specials: Seeker’s Lance: The Dream Lancer throws his spear, dealing damage equal to 25% of the target’s current health, ignoring SP, and causes them to bleed (5) for one round. Must retrieve spear in the next round. Passive skills: Haughty: Deals 1/5 damage to heroes less than level 20. Takes triple damage from heroes under level 20. Reckless: Deals double damage to targets five or more levels higher, excluding specials. Takes half damage from targets five levels higher. Drops: Field Rations (Taste terrible, heals for 15) Dream Knight Level 15 humanoid Health: 45/50 Specials: Rush: The Dream Knight charges at the hero with his shield, dealing damage equal to 10% of their maximum health, stunning the hero for one round, and denting their armour, allowing allies to ignore their SP for 3 rounds. Passive Skills: Merciful: Deals 1/5 damage to targets five or more levels lower. Takes triple damage from heroes five or move levels lower. Brave: Deals double damage to targets five or more levels higher, excluding specials. Takes half damage from targets five or more levels higher. Drops: 15 gold Elite Dream Knight Level 30 Humanoid Health: 24/75 Specials: Dream Rush: The Elite Dream Knight charges at the hero with his shield, dealing damage equal to 25% of their maximum health, stunning the hero for one round, and denting their armour, allowing allies to pierce their SP for 3 rounds. Passive Skills: Merciful: Deals 1/3 damage to targets more than five levels lower. Takes double damage from heroes of a lower level. Brave: Deals double damage to targets over five levels higher, excluding specials. Takes half damage from targets over five levels higher. Drops: 10 gold, Grand Potion The Party: Annienal Anavir (Kintobor) "19" year old Elven Female Level 3 Knight Power: 7 Health: 12/12 Defence: 15 Equipment: Iris Shield (SP: 15; reflects physical Damage back to the attacker regardless of Row or Defense, if the user survives the attack.), Trainnig Sword (WP:4) Gold: 50 Inventory: Potion x2, Bedroll, College Shield (SP: 2), College Halberd (WP: 3), Catnip, Smoke Bomb, Mead, Wicked Javelin (WP: 7, throwing weapon, retreivable, 1/6 chance to slow) Francis Barkley (Captain Settle) 22 year old human ranger Level 3 Power: 10 Health: 6/8 Defense: 3 Gold: 50 Equipped: Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 7), Tricorne (SP:3) Inventory: Potion x2, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Long Bow (WP 3), Catnip, Training Bow (WP:4), Mead Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) **Party Leader** **Humanoids Marked** 99 years old elf Hunter Level 24 Power: 35 (LVL 24+WP 11) Defense: 5 (Chevalier of Charis armor + Tricorne) Health: 38/38 (6 + 20 + 6 + 2 + 2 Chicken Drumstick) Gold: 255 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), Nostrum, 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, Catnip (2) • Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 34-year-old human male, Warden Level 45 1/5 *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: 55 (Level 45 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0) Defense: 23 (SP: 20 + SP: 3) Health: 73/77 (base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 43 + Class bonus: 8 + permanent boost: 19*) Gold: 1206 (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 (4), Health Cores (3), Remedies (11), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Meads (2), Smelling Salts (2), 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), Catnip • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • Silver Ore (60 Gold)

Mortimer turns his gaze to Karie, softening slightly. He sighs lightly. "Karie. We haven't got time to waste. He's not dead. He's waiting. Let's go."

"He's going to be bleeding a lot more when we're done with him," Mortimer shrugs, scowling. He drops to his knees, putting a hand on the ground-- a few potions in hand. "Need a ride again, Punii? Drink up until you're full health. I'll need-- I'll need you to cover my blind side."