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"A phoenix?" Hoke asks as he pets the brightly colored bird. "Yes, I have chosen mystic knight. I have yet not utilized these new skills in combat as I am waiting to complete my training with Master Fox. Your new garb and companions suggest you have taken a step beyond ranger."

I know but I thought since I am the first mystic knight Copper Fox might have something to say.

"Bartholomew you say? If he named you that, did you have another name you went by before entering into this service? I did consider following the paladin's path, but it seems others chose it before I could. That being such, I figured should select another option to augment the protection and powers of those present paladins. I am hoping Master Fox approves me for Mystic Knight. I have a few gems and another in my sword that I am looking forward to using in battle. I just need to decide whether or not to remove the sapphire from my sword." Hoke pulled Vintul out of its sheath and pointed to the sapphire in the hilt. Although no natural wind stirred in the hall, Vintul's steel whispered softly to Hoke. He had notice the sword's presence more and more lately, especially since choosing to be a mystic knight. Perhaps there was something deeper to these gems, something that Tesni's purple flame could see...

"Looks like you need food more than you need ale." Hoke makes an order of food for the table. "The only thing better than fight alongside a friend is sharing a meal with them." Hoke eyes the small being fluttering about Lord Boomingham. He caught what it said and couldn't agree more. "Who is your friend here Lord Boomingham?"

"Hoke Ablesword is my name, Lord Boomingham," Hoke said as he firmly grasped the paladins forearm in greetings. "From where I hail I cannot say. For now I serve the people of Heroica." Hoke regarded the paladin for a moment. He did not fit what Hoke pictured a paladin to be, so Hoke thought Lord Boomingham may have a tale or two to learn from. "Tell me sir, how fared your last quest?" As Hoke spoke, Tesni bent forward and spoke to the orb. In a swirling spasm a gleaming dark longsword formed in her outstretched hand. Hoke's eyes narrowed, watching the purple consuming fire blaze in Tesni.

Will we see quests designed specifically for advanced classes?

"I think you're onto something there Tesni! Maybe we can charge a nominal fee for our advance expertise, that is if the Copper Fox approves my bid for Mystic Knight." Hoke eyed the sleek black orb that Tesni rolled between her hands. It seemed to whisper vague promises to him. Maybe if he just reached for it... "No," Hoke whispered to himself. Hoke shook off the whispers as Alexis sat down at the table. "Hello Alexis! A ship wreck you say! That's an adventure in and of itself. And it looks like you've gained a companion or two since we last saw each other."

Hoke entered Heroica Hall after what seemed like ages. He had a few more scars and kept his once shaggy hair now tied up neatly. He checked first with the keepers of the establishment to make sure all of his affairs were still in order. He ordered some food at the bar where Skrall was. "You look eager to get back out of the Hall." He patted the ogre on the back and made his way to where Tesni sat. "Another quest under our belts. I think we're becoming professionals!" Hoke said with a chuckle.

Where?

The heroes once again explore their surroundings but come up empty handed. The party decides to rest up before setting out again. The Party: Tarn Valco, Level 12 Barbarian, 21 year old human male ***PARTY LEADER*** Power: 22 Health: 19/19 Gold: 50 Inventory: Kyrferath, a Battle Axe (WP: 10, Water Elemental), Pole-axe (WP: 3), Mead x 2, Venom, Grand Potion, Shovel Dak Shadeaux, Level 10.5 Rogue, 35 year old half-elf Mopag Power: 17 Health: 16/16 Gold: 155 Inventory: Mockthril Knife (Equipped)(WP:7), Thgir Blade (WP:5), Twin Longswords (WP:3), Mockthril Whip (WP:4), 2 Venoms, 1 Potion, Mead, Bedroll, Shovel Guts Holla, Level 10 Rogue, 42 year old male human Power: 17 Health: 16/16 Gold: 133 Inventory: Lifestealer (WP:7 attacks restore 3 health), Potion, Bedroll, Shovel Knifk, Level 10.5 Knight, 30 year old male Orc Power: 17 Health: 19/19 Gold: 75 Inventory: Tfel Blade (WP:7), Mockthril Shield (SP:5), Venom, Bedroll De'kra, Level 12 Rogue, 11 year old Male Shade Power: 17 Health: 18/18 Gold: 88 Inventory: Pongcanis Dagger(WP:5, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5), Fang Dagger(WP:4), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy(loaned to Atramor), Bedroll, Venom (1), Potions (2), Pickaxe Aberforth Swindle, Level 5 Mage, 62 year old human Power:7 Health: 9/9 Ether 9/9 Gold: 20 Inventory: Torch (2 WP, fire) Simple Staff (3 WP), Tonic, Venom, Amethyst Gemstone, Musty Bedroll Explore the other end of the tunnel or back to the Giant Spider's lair?

Hoke enters the Training Hall eager to try out a new class with its new abilities. He had seen the power of the Berserker from Tesni and heard a few Paladins now graced Heroica Hall. Looking over the options, Hoke decided the Mystic Knight was best suited for his style. What better way to defend your friends and the weak than to destroy your enemies? "Master Fox, I will take on the mantle of Mystic Knight." (Placeholder for pic) Hoke Ablesword Level 16 Mystic Knight Power: 26 Health: 33/33 Ether: 16/16

In retrospect, the side quest was well paced. It's hard judging real world and in game timing when multiple players are not all playing at once. Another good example of 'you get what you give.' Hoke would approve! The Warrior Treads came from the previous quest. The QM said he meant for them to have more SP. He didn't know I couldn't improve the SP on artefacts. I wish I could! Hoke is not a complex character at all. I wanted him to be like that. While I feel most players want to have quirks, shadows and/or complications in the characters, I wanted Hoke to be a straight laced guy. Not a stiff uppity-up, but someone who wanted to conquer evil with good. I caught the unintentional hook at the end of the quest with Tesni and Zoot's plaything to expand a bit more on this. As for back story, I have touched on it a few times in the Heroica Hall thread. Basically Hoke comes from a family that believes you earn, that you are never given anything. He has to prove himself through deeds of charity and valor in order to wear his family's sigil and use his family name. For now though, he is Ablesword. Apologies. I was getting busy with family and work, and I wasn't playing well. Thanks for the quest! Hopefully I can make the next Wren adventure!

Thanks for the quest! Maybe Hoke will battle with Vipera again!

Np, that's how I read it too. I just wanted to make sure before my hopes and dreams were crushed in the middle of a battle. Now trying to figure out, since I have the cultist hat, if it would be worth it to remove the sapphire from my sword.

45$ USA & Canada, 47$ overseas.

Hoke lifts Vipera off of his shoulder and holds him perched on his gloved hand. "Do you need assistance returning to your homeland? If not, thank you, you are free to go."

Bubble....BURST! Oh well, still liking Mystic Knight! Just need quest 19 to wrap up.

I like it! Now I just need a few more gems...

Mystic knight shield roll - automatic attack on all enemies or does the additional roll determine how many enemies are attacked?

Np. Hopefully I can get a diamond soon or other gems too!

Hoke brought Vintul to bear as Tesni spoke. Her cool manner and speech seemed not her own, as if she was reciting something she was told. As much as Hoke wanted to prevent this possible and seemingly inevitible disaster, he relaxed his posture. Vintul's bare blade whistled softly in objection, but Hoke slid the great sword back into its sheath "I will take you at your word." The swirling purple fire seemed to smile in Tesni's eyes. You don't need to spot me anything. As much as I selfishly want the plaything, WB picked you. I'll just use it for role play purposes now. We can wrap this quest up. Thanks Zepher and fellow questers!

I'd give her the pick of my emerald or aquamarine if I get the orb. Big "if."

Not sure how we could duke it out otherwise. It's up to PepM, but I'd like a crack at the orb.

"It might be worth the trouble; to prevent that power from reaching Tesni," Hoke thought as he unsheathed Vintul and stepped forward. He knew he could be taken out in a single blow from the mighty barbarian, but the thought of fighting her, or someone else fighter her, later with that much more power seemed worse. "Tesni, do not pick up the orb."

I already rolled, so.... Round 1 vs Bats: Tarn vs Bat B - Hit Knifk vs Bat E - Hit Guts vs Bat A - Crit Hit Dak vs Bat F - Shield De'kra vs Bat D - Hit Aberforth vs Bat C - Hit Apparently the Giant Spider made the heroes absolutely fearless. The heroes leap forward and completely, utterly, and irreversibly decimate the poor, helpless, bloodsucking flying rats. After the spray of blood, bits and steel settles, the heroes look at one another covered in bat guts and have a good laugh. Dak looks down and finds 31 gold coins! VICTORY! The Party: Tarn Valco, Level 12 Barbarian, 21 year old human male ***PARTY LEADER*** Power: 22 Health: 19/19 Gold: 50 Inventory: Kyrferath, a Battle Axe (WP: 10, Water Elemental), Pole-axe (WP: 3), Mead x 2, Venom, Grand Potion, Shovel Dak Shadeaux, Level 10.5 Rogue, 35 year old half-elf Mopag Power: 17 Health: 13/16 Gold: 155 Inventory: Mockthril Knife (Equipped)(WP:7), Thgir Blade (WP:5), Twin Longswords (WP:3), Mockthril Whip (WP:4), 2 Venoms, 1 Potion, Mead, Bedroll, Shovel Guts Holla, Level 10 Rogue, 42 year old male human Power: 17 Health: 13/16 Gold: 133 Inventory: Lifestealer (WP:7 attacks restore 3 health), Potion, Bedroll, Shovel Knifk, Level 10.5 Knight, 30 year old male Orc Power: 17 Health: 12/19 Gold: 75 Inventory: Tfel Blade (WP:7), Mockthril Shield (SP:5), Venom, Bedroll De'kra, Level 12 Rogue, 11 year old Male Shade Power: 17 Health: 15/18 Gold: 88 Inventory: Pongcanis Dagger(WP:5, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5), Fang Dagger(WP:4), Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy(loaned to Atramor), Bedroll, Venom (1), Potions (2), Pickaxe Aberforth Swindle, Level 5 Mage, 62 year old human Power:7 Health: 6/9 Ether 9/9 Gold: 20 Inventory: Torch (2 WP, fire) Simple Staff (3 WP), Tonic, Venom, Amethyst Gemstone, Musty Bedroll Please check your new stats.