Emjajoas

Can someone explain to me how Scary works really quick? It makes it so lower-leveled enemies don't target you, but does it change the target of free hits to the next hero in the party, or do they not get a free hit?

Em inspects the other magnifying glass from a safe distance, squinting at it.

I won't be changing it mid-battle; it's more for the rest of the Quest. This first battle is a test, the rest are going to be changed or balanced based on it. I tried to tie the passives into the characters a little bit with the names (even though they do the same thing). The rogue fights "dirty," so when he's not acting too "cocky" to take something seriously, he's a lot stronger. It's not the best, but it's the best solution I could come up with. Also based on the level gap, I wanted to focus more on the mechanics in the battle instead of the characters and story behind the enemy. I've got a few things coming that'll hopefully give them more trouble than what they've got right now while still not being too frustrating an experience. The entire quest is conspired against you.

OOC: Fixed the Party Leader issue. Completely slipped my mind. My bad! Wedge09, if you've no interest in being Party Leader, I'll pass the torch on to someone else.

Are they bad-good or bad-bad? If they're too rough, I'll tone them down, but...

Apprentice is probably a good work for it. He's been giving me really good advice, and helping me a lot along the way. Plus, his sets are awesome. Really hope I do them justice.

The Duke stands, his frown directed at the party, though a glimmer of hope in his eye. "Very well then. Start, Wilton." He takes a hold of his wife's hand, escorting her out of her son's bedroom. Once alone with the heroes, Wilton raises his staff into the air. He hums a deep, throbbing tune, the heroes feeling the melody pulse at their temples. The tone rises and falls, getting louder and louder each time it fell. It echoed inside the heroes' heads, their eyesight blurring, spinning, churning, swooping towards the Prince. Darkness. The heroes feel like they're floating-- no, falling-- deep into a shadowy abyss. They grasp for purchase, rasp for help, gasp for air, before-- Feeling whole again. Perhaps it was dark because they closed their eyes? Each one peels their eyes open, glancing around the strange space they found themselves in. It resembled a small, hilly clearing, but everything was... different. The colours were off, slightly. Just enough to notice. The sky was more of a purple than a blue. The clouds seemed dark, though no rain fell. The sun itself was black as night, but still manage to give off enough light to see. This was the world of dreams. A mirror image of the real world. The heroes, however, did not have time to be mystified. They were under attack! Prepare for battle! Dream Rogue Level 10 humanoid Health: 40/40 Specials: Mischief: The Dream Rogue steals (1-6 + target’s level) gold from the hero, doing as much damage in the process. Passive Specials: Cocky: Deals 1/5 damage to targets five or move levels lower. Takes triple damage from heroes more than five or more levels lower. Dirty: Deals double damage to and dual-strikes targets over five levels higher, excluding specials, and causes them to bleed. Takes half damage from targets of five levels higher and counterstrikes every attack equal to half the damage tanked. Drops: 40 gold Dream Knight A Level 15 humanoid Health: 50/50 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 Specials: 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 Dream Knight B Level 15 humanoid Health: 50/50 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 Specials: 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 Dream Archer (Immune to blind) Level 20 Humanoid Health: 30/30 Specials: Slumber Shot: The Dream Archer attacks the hero with an accurate shot, dealing 20% of their current health and causing the bleeding effect. Passive specials: Merciful: Deals 1/5 damage to targets at least five levels lower. Takes triple damage from heroes five or more levels lower. Brave: Deals double damage to targets over five levels higher, excluding specials. Takes half damage from targets five or more levels higher. Drops: 30 gold The Party: Annienal Anavir (Kintobor) "19" year old Elven Female Level 1 Knight Power: 4 Health: 10/10 Defence: 2 Equipment: Iris Shield (SP: 15; reflects physical Damage back to the attacker regardless of Row or Defense, if the user survives the attack.), College Halberd (WP: 3) Gold: 5 Inventory: Potion, Bedroll, College Shield (SP: 2) Francis Barkley (Captain Settle) 22 year old human ranger Level 1 Power: 4 Health: 6/6 Gold: 5 Equipped: Long Bow (WP 3) Inventory: Potion, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) **Party Leader** 99 years old elf Hunter Level 23.33 Power: 35 (LVL 22+WP 13) Defense: 5 (Chevalier of Charis armor + Tricorne) Health: 36/36 (6 + 20 + 6 + 2 + 2 Chicken Drumstick) Gold: 215 Equipment: Fauxthril Crossbow (WP: 11 13 due to Hunter's Quiver, darkness-, ice-elemental, Hollow Blade upgraded [nothing stored]), Chevalier of Charis armor- (Artifact, bodywear) (Maximum health +2, SP: 2), Tricorne (SP: 3), Hunter's Qiver (WP: +2 to bows and crossbows, allows the hunter to favour two typers at the same time) Inventory: Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 7) • Duplovian Helmets of the Guard (SP: 2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Sterile Gloves (Immune to Poisoned and Bleeding; handwear), Trickster's Mask of the Gender-Swap • Grand Potion, 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 • Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 34-year-old human male, Warden Level 44 *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: 54 (Level 44 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0) Defense: 23 (SP: 20 + SP: 3) Health: 76/76 (base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 43 + Class bonus: 8 + permanent boost: 19*) Gold: 1166 (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 (2), Grand Potions (4), Health Cores (4), Remedies (11), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Meads (2), Smelling Salts (2), Mulled Wine, Smoke Bombs (5), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (14), Bones (12), Venom (5), Deadly Venom, Skeleton Decoy, Teleportapple, Adamantite Shards (2/4 Adamantite) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • Silver Ore (60 Gold) OOC: Alright, the first battle is up! This is either going to be really easy or really hard (Hell, if we're lucky it'll be perfect), but either way, it'll help me tweak the numbers for later in the Quest. Please give me input via PM or in the QM lounge during or after the battle with your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions; I'd like to make it fun and fair, and with a mixed-leveled party that's not the easiest thing to do. Good luck!

"I am ready to head North," Em states, trying to maintain his composure in the cold.

Em runs a hand along the whip, frowning slightly. "A cruel weapon," he mutters, coiling the whip and placing it into his bag. He runs a hand along the wall, unsure of what to make of the ruined village.

"If the M-m-m-marquis if having a n-n-n-nightmare, our g-guards w-would be n-n-n-n-no m-match for his im-magination. He d-does en-n-njoy stories with kn-n-n-nights and d-dragons. I am n-n-n-not sure what his d-d-dream is, and we cann-n-n-n-nnot be caught unprep-p-pared. N-n-n-n-nor c-can we afford to l-l-lose m-men w-with w-war loom-m-ming on the horiz-zon. The D-D-Duke thought it b-best to cont-t-tact Heroica." The metasimian nods to Annienal, trying to flash a smile. It comes out as a wrinkled grin. "I have st-t-t-tudied m-magic for n-n-n-nearly my en-n-ntire life. The spell w-will w-work."

"Th-there should n-n-n-n-not be any p-problems, unless the y-young m-m-Marquis is having a n-n-n-n-nightmare. Though from the l-looks of things, he's r-r-resting q-quite p-peacefully." "I d-doubt it. This sp-spell t-transports you d-d-directly into his d-dream. You should k-k-keep all your eq-q-quipment. You m-m-may also b-be able to b-b-bring things b-back. However-r-r, if s-something h-happens to you in the d-dream, it w-will affect you when you ret-t-turn. M-m-may I ask how your s-similar v-v-venture w-went?" "N-n-n-n-n-n-no." Wilton pauses for a moment. "N-n-n-n-not by m-m-me. I r-read ab-bout it, and l-learned the m-m-magic, though, so i-it should w-work."

Oh no! You've unveiled my master plan! Rats! Whatever shall I do now?! There go half the plot twists.......

Em walks over to inspect the whip-like thing between the spears, checking the barrels right after.

"Before we killed her, the Witch told her that this was what our son needed. I... None of us are sure what she meant." "Unfortunately not. Most of the time, we communicate through envoys and messangers. They send gold, food, and other things of value, and in return, we send them weapons, stone, metal, or labourers to help craft buildings. None of the messangers have displayed any strange behaviour, or reported anything out of the ordinary. My husband has received no threats. We're not being blackmailed. There's no reason our son should be in this situation without someone providing one. It's worrying." She clears her throat again. "Excuse me." She turns, gesturing the heroes to follow her up a stone staircase. Upon reaching the top, they enter a fair-sized room, decorated lightly with metal and stone sculptures of horses, knights, swords, and chariots. Lying in the middle of the room is a large bed; in that bed lies a man, slumbering peacefully. He looks content, though skinny and gaunt. It seemed as though the weeks without food had taken their toll, despite Wilton's magic keeping him sustained. Next to the bed sits a gruff-looking gentleman, a frown creasing his face, his brow wrinkled with worry. He eyes the heroes, obviously judging their worth them, but says nothing. It seemed as though he was the Duke. Near the foot of the bed stands a grey-furred metasimian; he, too, seemed worried for the safety of the young Marquis. That must be Wilton. The metasimian looks over at the heroes, smiling slightly. "W-w-welcome, h-heroes," he stammers, bowing his head slightly. "You've f-f-finally arrived. I a-am W-W-Wilton; I have b-been serv-ving the D-D-Duke for l-longer than I can r-r-remember. What m-might you heroes b-be n-n-n-named?" The Duchess speaks up, introducing each of the heroes in turn. "She is Annienal; he's Francis; that one is Alexander; and that last one is Bartholomew." "Heroes," she adds, gesturing to the gruff man sitting by the bed. "This is my husband, Duke Udeus Stonekeep." The Duke nods. "I have heard much about Heroica. I look forward to seeing your accomplishments firsthand." "I am sure you w-would like to know ab-b-bout what it is you're g-going to be d-doing. I w-will exp-plain. I have d-devised a sp-pell that will t-t-transport you into the M-M-Marquis' d-dream. Once th-there, you n-n-n-need only find him and help him aw-w-w-waken. I will n-n-n-not be able t-t-to follow, as I m-must chann-nnel the sp-spell, but it should n-n-n-n-not be a hard t-task for heroes such as y-yourselves. D-do you have any q-questions?"

The Duchess sighs lightly. "There's been a bit of an... arms race lately. A few neighbouring kingdoms aren't getting along very well. Apparently one of the Princes had some sort of scandalous love affair--with multiple princesses, no less-- but that's not the issue at hand. They're preparing for war, and I'm afraid we're in the middle of it. I'm sure you noticed our main export when you entered the city. It makes things hard, especially with more than one side pressuring you." She shrugs. "I'm afraid we may not be able to stay neutral for long, but I hope war doesn't break out. We were on good terms with all our neighbours for the longest time. If my son was put to sleep by a neighbouring kingdom, though..."

"Yes, Wilton is our mage. He's a good one, too, or so I'm told." Shrugging, Andrea turns to Alexander. "We don't know why the Witch cast the spell. I assume it was because a neighbouring Kingdom hired her, but we've no proof and nobody has confessed. We do our best to stay neutral and export weapons and stonework to the kingdoms around us, but unfortunately that draws a lot of attention..."

"Pleasure to make your acquaintances," the Duchess replies, rising from her curtsy. "Please, come in." Gesturing to the heroes, she leads them into the keep. "I suppose I should tell you a little bit more about our situation... A few months ago, my son started acting a little... strange. Both my husband and I figured he was just under a lot of pressure. Things have been heating up lately... One morning, however, he didn't awaken. We tried everything; shaking him, pouring water on him, calling to him, using magic to try to rouse him... Nothing worked. He had been placed under a spell, we realized. Someone wanted him to sleep for a long, long time." The duchess' smile begins to fade. "We hunted the Witch who cast the spell, though. Wilton traced the magic. We found her and cut her down, but only after she refused to lift the curse. That didn't dispel it, however." "He's been sleeping for a while now. Our Sorcerer has been keeping him healthy with magic, but if he doesn't awaken soon, I..." She clears her throat before continuing. "The Duke and I are both worried sick. We had heard tales of Heroica's brave feats, and together decided that if anyone could save him, it would be you. Wilton has some sort of spell prepared that'll help you save him, but I don't know the details. You'll have to ask him." "I suppose you have questions, though. Is there anything you would like to ask?"

Four heroes make their way through the thin, stone-strewn roads of the Redstone Kingdom, one of the smallest domains in the Low Kingdoms, though a prosperous one. Many a stone- and blacksmith seemed to inhabit the walls; the heroes could hardly walk a block without passing by heated kilns, broken stone, melted metal, and strong, burly men doing their straining work. Housewives seemed to chase children around, warning them that the furnaces were hot and the metal was sharp. Those heroes were... ________________________________________________________________________________________ Annienal Anavir (Kintobor) "19" year old Elven Female Level 1 Knight Power: 4 Health: 10/10 Defence: 2 Equipment: College Shield (SP: 2), College Halberd (WP: 3) Gold: 5 Inventory: Potion, Bedroll Francis Barkley (Captain Settle) 22 year old human ranger Level 1 Power: 4 Health: 6/6 Gold: 5 Equipped: Long Bow (WP 3) Inventory: Potion, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Alexander Vandangant (Wedge09) 99 years old elf Hunter Level 23.33 Power: 35 (LVL 22+WP 13) Defense: 5 (Chevalier of Charis armor + Tricorne) Health: 36/36 (6 + 20 + 6 + 2 + 2 Chicken Drumstick) Gold: 215 Equipment: Fauxthril Crossbow (WP: 11 13 due to Hunter's Quiver, darkness-, ice-elemental, Hollow Blade upgraded [nothing stored]), Chevalier of Charis armor- (Artifact, bodywear) (Maximum health +2, SP: 2), Tricorne (SP: 3), Hunter's Qiver (WP: +2 to bows and crossbows, allows the hunter to favour two typers at the same time) Inventory: Delfrin Crossbow (WP: 7) • Duplovian Helmets of the Guard (SP: 2, Immune to Magic and Healing), Sterile Gloves (Immune to Poisoned and Bleeding; handwear), Trickster's Mask of the Gender-Swap • Grand Potion, 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 • Bedroll, Shovel, Telescope, Magic Compass, Magnifying Glass Bartholomew Docken, Dragonslayer (Brickdoctor) 34-year-old human male, Warden Level 44 *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: 54 (Level 44 + WP: 10) (Power Bonus: 0) Defense: 23 (SP: 20 + SP: 3) Health: 76/76 (base HP: 6 + Level bonus: 43 + Class bonus: 8 + permanent boost: 19*) Gold: 1166 (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 (2), Grand Potions (4), Health Cores (4), Remedies (11), Phoenix Essences (3), Phoenix Incense, Meads (2), Smelling Salts (2), Mulled Wine, Smoke Bombs (5), Water Bombs (5), Lightning Bombs (14), Bones (12), Venom (5), Deadly Venom, Skeleton Decoy, Teleportapple, Adamantite Shards (2/4 Adamantite) • Bedroll, Shovel, Magnifying Glass • Silver Ore (60 Gold) ________________________________________________________________________________________ They made their way to the center of the city, nearing a tall manor made of light grey stone. The size was far from impressive, but the stonework itself was intricate and beautiful. In some places, the stone rippled like waves; in others, faces and people danced and sang. Obviously the work of some sort of professional. The heroes approach the manor, gazing at the masonry before them. Their inspection is cut short as a guard emerges from the doorway. "Halt!" He commands, slamming the butt of his spear into the ground. "State your business with the Stonekeep." A muffled voice echoes behind the doorway, the guard stepping aside. Out strides a regal-looking woman in a flowing red dress, holding her head high. She smiles faintly as she recognizes the heroes. "You've come," she smiles. "I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't show... I'm a little unfamiliar with Heroica's policies..." She introduces herself with a tiny curtsy, bowing her head. "I'm Andrea Stonekeep, the Duchess of Redstone. Welcome to our manor." She holds her small bow, glancing at the heroes. It seemed as though it was courtesy to introduce themselves as well. You've got 24 hours to confirm OOC: Alright! It's up! Feel free to ask any questions, correct me on any stats or inventories, and point out any spelling mistakes I may have made (I went over it like twice, there shouldn't be that many). Please keep in mind this is my first quest and I've got a bit of a mix-and-match party, what with Docken and all, so if you guys have any issues with anything I'm doing as far as the Quest itself or battles go, please draw my attention to it! Also, if I make any mistakes, let me know. Without further ado, Quest 109. Let's have some fun, yeah?

Em does his best to keep his teeth from chattering loudly. "I'm fine," he mutters, hands stuck deep into his cloak. "Ready to move on when the rest of you are," he says, slightly louder.

Em remains silent, running a cold hand through his snow-covered hair. He inspects the statues quietly, curious as to what they signified.

It's not all of them, but I do need to make it difficult for you while making it easier for the lower-leveled players. I'm doing my best to do that, but it's certainly far from perfect and I think it'll end up easier for you than them, but hopefully it'll be fun anyways.

So as far as the whole balancing for imbalanced parties things go, my job is to basically make life a living hell for Docken via passive specials and a bunch of SP-ignoring %Max health damage, right? Because that's what I'm doing. I hope you don't expect 109 to be easy for you, Brickdoctor.

Em clicks his teeth, looking worriedly at Erdy and Johon. He sighs. "You can't explain any further?"

Em clicks his teeth, hissing slightly. "That's... Tch."