Waterbrick Down

"No witnesses I'm afraid. Something nearly took out the front colonnade, astronomers found it the next morning, kind of hard to miss." The heroes accompanied the watch members to the eastern side of the Hanging Gardens, as they drew near they could hear a good deal of shouting and screaming and soon came across a stampede of terrified beasts streaming out of a large breach in an outer wall of the gardens. Several citizens of Eubric were in danger of being trampled and the heroes spotted more creatures beyond the gaping hole that were making ready their frightened escape. "That's a big disturbance, private!" Prepare for Battle! The Enemies: Unnerved Unicorn *Pierces SP* *Immune to Stunned, Sleep, and Afraid* Type: Beast/Dark Level: 40 Health: 300/300 Special I: Healing Horn – Restores 100 health to self. Used only at reduced health. Special II: Stampede – Causes 40 damage to all opponents. Used only at full health Drops: Unicorn Horn (Can be sold at magic shops for 250 Gold) Horror-stricken Hippogriff *Ignores Row**Immune to Stunned, Sleep, and Afraid* Type: Flying Level: 50 Health: 285/285 Special: Sky Bomb – The Hippogriff grabs it's opponent and flies to the sky for the remainder of the round, avoiding all damage and removing the target from the battle, the hippogriff drops the target for Damage equal to the Target's SP*2. Drops: Winged Sandals (Protects from bound- and slowed-effects; Footwear) Agitated Aepyornis *Hastened* *Immune to Stunned, Sleep, and Afraid* Type: Flying? Level: 25 Health: 282/282 Special: Road Runner – Causes slowed-effect to the target for the remainder of the battle. Drops: Smelling Salts Startled Slip Dog *Does AoE Damage**Immune to Stunned, Sleep, and Afraid* Type: Beast/Etherial Level: 25 Health: 125/125 Special: Pack Assembly - The slip dog, disappears from time and space for the rest of the round and returns the next round with another Slip Dog. Passive Special: Cowardly - The Slip Dog will use it's Special in place of Free Hits. Drops: Bone Alarmed Asp *Deals Poisoned 15**Immune to Stunned, Sleep, and Afraid* Type: Vermin Level: 30 Health: 200/200 Special: Major Toxin – Causes poisoned 30 and Weakened for the remainder of the battle Drops: Venom 15 Panicked Python *Deals Bleeding 15**Immune to Stunned, Sleep, and Afraid* Type: Vermin Level: 30 Health: 200/200 Special: Major Hemorrhage - Causes Bleeding 30 and Fragile for the remainder of the battle Drops: Nothing The Heroes: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) Necromancer Level 42 1/5 *Gain Triple Experience* *Absorbs Earth* *Immune to Petrified and Darkness* Power Bonus: 5 for Spells Defense: 7 10 Health: 53/53 Ether: 57/57 Gold: 1230 Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:16, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on successful spells and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, accessory), Robe of the Seneschal (SP:5; wearer absorbs earth-elemental damage and is immune to petrified and darkness elemental damage; suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks, necromancers and scholars; bodywear) Inventory: Artifacts: Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4, bodywear), The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches) Spell Items: Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood) Consumables: 4 Potions, 8 Tonics, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense, 8x Mead, 5x Nostrum, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.) Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 2 Bones Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer and the Champion of the Northern Kingdoms Beast Warrior Level 45.8 *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects* *Immune to Ice and Water**Overkill Gloves* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 12 15 Health: 71/71 Gold: 1133 Equipment: Meduiak (Precision Bow; WP:24; AIM's become HIT's; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind- elemental), Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to asleep, blinded, confused, fragile, and weakened effects), Overkill Gloves [borrowed from Galen] (handwear, +1 gold for every point of damage done extra when defeating an enemy), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Bodywear, Immunity to Ice and Water, Suitable for Barbarians, Beast Warriors and Regulators), Wonky Shoes (SP: 3; Footwear, suitable for all classes) Inventory: Weapons - Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:17; earth-, wood-,water-, lightning-, light- elemental), Ornamental Throwing Knife (WP: 6, has a 1/3 chance of causing target to be Confused; ranged; retrievable throwing weapon; suitable for rangers, rogues, beast warriors, infiltrators, scholars and winged warriors.) Artifacts - Tricorne (SP:3, headwear), Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Puglist's Gloves (Handwear, +2 Power, Immune to Weakened Effect), , Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (accessory), Sterile Gloves (Handwear, Immune to poisoned- and bleeding–effects), Winged Sandals (accessory, immune to bound- and slowed-effects), Snake Eye Charm (accessory, immune to petrified-effect), Consumables - Health Core (4), Greater Potion (consumable, +50 health) (3), Grand Potion (9), Potion (3), Remedy (4), Phoenix Essence (6), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (6), Smelling Salts (6), Mead (3), Flame-Distilled Brandy (4), Mulled Wine (3), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3), Soma, Cosmic Essence, Skeleton Decoy, Chaotic Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb (2), Water Bomb, Bone (6) Tools - Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, The Krakenwhacker and Titan Smiter (UsernameMDM) Mystic Knight Level 34 *Party Leader**Immune Fragile, Weakened, Confused, Sealed, Dark* *Gains Triple Experience* Power Bonus: 4 (+4 WP) Defense: 29 Health: 53/53 Ether: 34/34 Gold: 1163 Equipment: Flagpole (WP:10, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance), Steel Buckler (SP: 21), Samurai Helmet (WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immune Fragile), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Inventory: Weapons: Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear), Wasabi Blade (WP: 4, Fire-elemental longsword) Artifacts: Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Sharkskin Gloves (Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel Gems: Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth) Scrolls: Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep •Consumables: 4x Potions, 4x Grand Potions, 2x Remedy, 3x Phoenix Essences, Tonic, 2x Grand Tonics, 4x Ether Core, 2x Elixir, Neutralizer, 6x Mead, 2x Nostrums, 3x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy, Ambrosiam, Dirt Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, Pumpkin Bomb, 2x Venom, Deadly Venom, Grating Stone, Zoot's Plaything (Special 3/4 Edition), Level Up Mushroom Party Leader, Battle Order please. The rest of you, actions. QM Note: At the end of every round a new creature will come through the hole and join the fight.

"Here you both are." "Now, as you'll see..." Hoples is interrupted as a U'Kin Town Watch guard comes running up to the group. "Detective Hoples! There's been a disturbance near the Hanging Gardens which is where something disturbing has happened. Something just broke through one of the outer walls near the zoological park that now has an outer wall that has been broken." "Just our luck, I haven't even had a supper break yet. It's a bit early for our boogie man, but there isn't a lot that could break through those park walls. You coming heroes?"

"Yes Hoples, Detective Warlock Hoples. You're all highly experienced gentlemen, I figured you could figure it out between yourselves, who'd be in charge." The Detective shivers a little at Benji's toothy grin, but quickly composes himself. "Yes, I can't say the higher-ups were too fond of my choices, considering your past service to the watch, but I tend to be a little more understanding. Can't let one fact spoil an entire observation about your organization, now can we? Now on to the case at hand. As I explained in the posting, during the past two weeks, there has been an increasing number of nightly incidents being reported to the Watch, usually we wouldn't think much of it. The Wolfgang has been pretty low key lately, which means the rival gangs, the Metasimians and the Bloodpaw, have been causing a few more scuffles trying to win back some lost territory. And by scuffles, I mean the usual, muggings, theft, a few offings, etc. We had one particular interesting case where a Bloodpaw..." The Detective paused. "Oh right, the monster. Well the thing about this crime surge seems to be that they only happen between one and two bells on the midnight watch. And nearly every case seems to involve either a large beast or something, nay I say it inhuman. Of course by inhuman I mean all other humanoid races, elves, dwarves, orcs, etc. Though there was this one time where we had a suspect, living tree, hard to tell if we'd categorize him as..." "Anyways, whatever it is, the thing moves fast. Most of the witness were either too drunk, or too frightened out of their wits to remember much, I've got a list of witnesses you can look over if you want, not too many savory characters mind you walking the streets between one and two bells though. Mostly destruction of property so far, a few cases of assault, and we've had a few mongrels literally ripped in half in the streets. Word's starting to get out though, public's starting to get worried, the captain even put more guards on the midnight shift. And we've been staking out some of the previous spots just in case the thing has some sort of pattern." The night is starting to come on as Detective Hoples leads the group toward the Town Watch Barracks.

The night was wearing on as five storytellers continued deep in conversation, pausing here and there to refresh themselves with the meager supply of the bar. The second member of the Midnight Society, a man draped in white robes, had just finished his story. "Quite the tale of woe you had there dear Isaac, but it seemed to be missing that final twist of the dagger. My tale is one of tragedy, it pulls you in close with whispers of familiarity and kindness then stabs you in the back with sheer suffering and misfortune. Shall I tell it?" "Bah, there must've still been salt water in your ears, my dearest Galuchat! Still, though, who am I to refuse hearing a tale by one of my favorite storytellers?" "Tell away, Carlotta," Mallora replies, her misty voice ringing through the silence left after Isaac's tale. "Always have I been partial to a Madame Galuchat story." "Twisting daggers, stabbing backs - now that's the kind of story I'd like to hear." "To say I have a favorite, like Isaac and our newest member claim, would discredit other storytellers I do adore... although I must admit I am quite intrigued to learn about what you have in store for us?" Lucas replies, lighting some more scented tobacco into his pipe. "Very well then, I picked this tale up not 2 weeks ago down at the baths. I frequent there often you know, good for my skin. Let me tell you never have I heard of deeds more noble and yet so tragic, so pure and yet so horrific. Feast your ears upon this my beloved Midnight Society dearies, I give you The Tale of the Two Faces." ------------------------------ Two Weeks Prior --------------------------------- Evening began to wear on as three heroes of Heroica Hall were approached by a gentlemen wearing the uniform of the Town Watch, they were: Althior Emorith (K-Nut) Necromancer Level 42 1/5 *Gain Triple Experience* *Absorbs Earth* *Immune to Petrified and Darkness* Power Bonus: 5 for Spells Defense: 7 Health: 53/53 Ether: 57/57 Gold: 1230 Equipment: Scepter of Divine Affinity (WP:16, Has ⅙ chance to deal Cursed effect on successful spells and ⅙ chance to deal Blessed effect on successful healing, Staff), Spellbound Gloves (+5 spellpower, Handwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4, backwear), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience, accessory), Robe of the Seneschal (SP:5; wearer absorbs earth-elemental damage and is immune to petrified and darkness elemental damage; suitable to clerics, mages, chi monks, necromancers and scholars; bodywear) Inventory: Artifacts: Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP:4, bodywear), The Rat Queen's Cape (Backwear, all Vermin type are Enamored with the wearer for the first three rounds of combat, Suitable for Alchemists, Beast Warriors, Chi Monks, and Witches) Spell Items: Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood) Consumables: 4 Potions, 8 Tonics, 3 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, 2 Elixirs, Phoenix Incense, 8x Mead, 5x Nostrum, Garnet Lamp of Summoning, 2 Grating Stones, Skeleton Decoy, Feather of Lithe (Makes the user nimble for three rounds, giving them a 1/3 chance to completely avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.) Tools & Treasure: Bedroll, Pickaxe, 2 Bones Benji Carvenhall, the Dragonslayer and the Champion of the Northern Kingdoms Beast Warrior Level 45.8 *Natural Respite* *Gains Triple XP* *Immune to Asleep, Blinded, Confused, Fragile, and Weakened Effects* *Immune to Ice and Water**Overkill Gloves* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 12 Health: 71/71 Gold: 1133 Equipment: Meduiak (Precision Bow; WP:24; AIM's become HIT's; darkness-, ice-, fire-, wind- elemental), Medal of Glory (accessory, mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles, immunity to asleep, blinded, confused, fragile, and weakened effects), Overkill Gloves [borrowed from Galen] (handwear, +1 gold for every point of damage done extra when defeating an enemy), Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, backwear, suitable for Ranger and Barbarian Oriented Classes and Beast Warriors), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3, Bodywear, Immunity to Ice and Water, Suitable for Barbarians, Beast Warriors and Regulators), Wonky Shoes (SP: 3; Footwear, suitable for all classes) Inventory: Weapons - Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:17; earth-, wood-,water-, lightning-, light- elemental), Ornamental Throwing Knife (WP: 6, has a 1/3 chance of causing target to be Confused; ranged; retrievable throwing weapon; suitable for rangers, rogues, beast warriors, infiltrators, scholars and winged warriors.) Artifacts - Tricorne (SP:3, headwear), Brown Dragon Girdle (bodywear, power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors), Puglist's Gloves (Handwear, +2 Power, Immune to Weakened Effect), , Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin), Trickster's Mask of the Gender Swap (accessory), Sterile Gloves (Handwear, Immune to poisoned- and bleeding–effects), Winged Sandals (accessory, immune to bound- and slowed-effects), Snake Eye Charm (accessory, immune to petrified-effect), Consumables - Health Core (4), Greater Potion (consumable, +50 health) (3), Grand Potion (9), Potion (3), Remedy (4), Phoenix Essence (6), Dragon Scales (3), Nostrum (6), Smelling Salts (6), Mead (3), Flame-Distilled Brandy (4), Mulled Wine (3), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3), Soma, Cosmic Essence, Skeleton Decoy, Chaotic Bomb, Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb (2), Water Bomb, Bone (6) Tools - Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel Hoke Ablesword - Champion of the Northern Kingdoms, The Krakenwhacker and Titan Smiter (UsernameMDM) Mystic Knight Level 34 *Immune Fragile, Weakened, Confused, Sealed, Dark* *Gains Triple Experience* Power Bonus: 4 (+4 WP) Defense: 29 Health: 53/53 Ether: 34/34 Gold: 1163 Equipment: Flagpole (WP:10, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance), Steel Buckler (SP: 21), Samurai Helmet (WP:+4, immune Confused, Sealed suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Pugilist Gloves (+2 to power, immune Weakened), Heavy Armor (SP:5, immune Fragile), Medal of Glory (Artefact/Accessory - Mark of true talent that allows the wearer to gain triple experience from battles), Inventory: Weapons: Vintul (WP: 16; greatsword), Gladiator Trident (WP: 11, causes the Bleeding-by-5 effect; spear), Wasabi Blade (WP: 4, Fire-elemental longsword) Artifacts: Warrior's Treads (SP:2, Health +1), Electro Gear (Adds lightning-element to physical attacks and protects from lightning-elemental damage, accessory), Cultist Hat (damage vs undead), Sharkskin Gloves (Accessory, provides immunity from water elemental attacks) Tools: Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel Gems: Opal (Ice), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Emerald (Wood), Aquamarine (Water), Amethyst (Darkness), Diamond (Light), Topaz (Lightning), Garnet (Earth) Scrolls: Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sleep •Consumables: 4x Potions, 4x Grand Potions, 2x Remedy, 3x Phoenix Essences, Tonic, 2x Grand Tonics, 4x Ether Core, 2x Elixir, Neutralizer, 6x Mead, 2x Nostrums, 3x Dragon Scale (Grants lucky- and blessed-effects when consumed), 2x Titan Heart (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects when consumed), 2x Flame-Distilled Brandy, Ambrosiam, Dirt Bomb, 2x Smoke Bomb, Pumpkin Bomb, 2x Venom, Deadly Venom, Grating Stone, Zoot's Plaything (Special 3/4 Edition), Level Up Mushroom "Gentlemen, I'm so glad you were all willing to help us out with this. Things haven't been the same since the Academy incident, you wouldn't imagine the publicity that thing got. Now I'm up to my ears in missing dogs, lost persons, broken pottery, and cheating husbands, not to mention all my regular work with the Watch! Plus without an assistant now, I'm simply swamped. Now that we've got this thing terrorizing the streets of Eubric, I'm nearly at my wits end. Tell me, which of you chaps is in charge of your little posse?" QM Note: Welcome all, glad we can finally kick this thing off. As always once everybody confirms their inventories we'll shove off in regular fashion. Just a reminder, if you want to interact with anything or try something, don't forget to bold it.

"I think I can handle that." "Can't we, Mr. Sanders?"

"I'm fine with that, but I'm not giving him this essence of fire from the beast's belly." Polly brandished the fire bomb.

Chosen Heroes for Quest #116: The Tale of Two Faces Benji Carvenhall, Level 45.8 Beast Warrior (Flare) Althior Emorith, Level 42.5 Necromancer (K-Nut) Hoke Ablesword, Level 34 Mystic Knight (UsernameMDM) QM Note: The quest will begin probably on the 16th for continuity purposes with the rest of the anthology, please make appropriate preparations.

Polly stowed the firebomb away carefully, "Are we there yet?"

Current Sign-ups for Quest #116: The Tale of Two Faces Sarge, Level 23 Black Knight (Pyrovisionary) Benji Carvenhall, Level 45.8 Beast Warrior (Flare) Throlar Wineghilm, Level 12 Knight (Lord Duvors) Althior Emorith, Level 42.5 Necromancer (K-Nut) Bartholomew Docken, level 46.4 Warden (Brickdoctor) Heckz Brutenhal, Level 23.67 Sorcerer (Cutcobra) Ellaria Abrour, Level 30 Druid (Sandy) Hybros, Level 32.75 Chi Monk (JimB) Bobby "Young" Bucks Jr., Level 4 Rogue (Zepher) Vindsval, Level 5 Cleric (Asphalt) The Demon Germ, Level 5 Rogue (samuraiturtle) Eric, Level 25 Raider (Khorne)

Skrall had dozed off, his mind wandering aimlessly among his past adventures. The ogre woke up with a start, cold sweat on his brow. Seeing a half-giant carry off a half cask, the ogre got himself a full cask and promptly walked out the door, eyes grim.

I think it's natural actually. I originally intended Skrall to be big on the orc liberation movement, but when that quieted down very early in the game he needed something more to do. Wren gave him that motivation, something to strive after, once she was gone it left him empty, he felt he had failed. Strivii rekindled a little of his adventurous spirit, but when the quest stopped it left him back where he had started from. I'm not too worried about it, just like in real life we hit our lows, points in our lives where nothing seems to be going right, or life is just boring, Skrall just may at that point. Some aspects of our characters should be normal, dull, unexciting. Sort of like the library scene, the point of having Skrall fade into the background was somewhat intentional. There were really only 3 options, first be excited about all this knowledge (Hybros & Nyx), second rebel against the knowledge (Ellaria), and finally remain neutral about it (Skrall), granted the last of those was a rather dull option but it was true to his character. While the Dastan architecture and other clues would have been familiar to Skrall, he was in Dastan because of Wren, not the culture so running into it down below wasn't a really big deal to him. We'll see where he goes, Arthur too.

Polly repeats.

OoC: Not that it matters too much but Polly did target Wryvn B as opposed to A, so A would get a free hit. B would be taken out though. "Take that you mean old stinky lizard!" Polly hurled another bolt of Darkness at Mother of Dragons from the back row.

Just a side note, in case you haven't been reading 102, go do it now. It's got some of the best party interactions I've seen in a while.

Thank you for explaining the concept behind the side-quests. It helps to know what you were going after, while in them it felt really disjointed and I wasn't sure what you were aiming at. I understand Heroica RPG can be an interesting medium to explore themes and concepts, but the balance has to be struck between letting themes write a story and letting a story write the themes, this quest felt like it swayed more to the former, but that's just my own observation. Again, I thought it was a good quest and we definitely saw some intriguing plot points and story-telling mechanics. Thanks for including the bit between Wren and Skrall I really did like it and it was fitting. I'm torn at the moment which way Skrall is going and was hoping this quest would put him on a solid path, but he seems just as despondent after this quest as before it.

"Yep, sounds like Heroica alright, we have a tendency for gettin' involved in stuff that ain't all our business, but things tend to work out for the better. I heard somethin' about the goin'ons in Baltarok, didn't expect we'd be seein' anyone coming here from here from there though. If yer lookin' fer a place to make an impact on the world, well welcome to ya. Skrall, by the way." Skrall doffed his cap at the orc.

Skrall removed his hand from the crossbow and returned to his stew. "Ya seem pretty concerned for this friend. Thing is, I've been out on a good deal of questin' lately and haven't had a chance to pay off the leaches yet. Growin' tired of 'em honestly, thankfully only a few more months and the whole business will be at an end. Ya can tell yer friend to save their time and probably a couple of limbs. Suprisin' yer not here fer the gold though and yer right, I'm probably more well off than a good deal of my family was at any point. If yer not here for the spoils, what brings ya to the hall?"

Skrall looked up from his stew. "I'm 'fraid it's been too long since I've been in the old country to remember the traditional greetin's, so you'll have to forgive me." At the mention of debts the ogre's hand slowly went to his crossbow strapped to his side. "This friend of yers, got a name? Or were ya lookin' at doin' a little collectin' of yer own?"

Skrall trudged into the bar, his clothes were muddy, his cloak soiled. The ogre didn't even glance at the quest board before ascending the stairs to the bar. He ordered a bowl of stew gave a slight nod of acknowledgement to Althior and Hybros before retiring to a quiet table.

The ringing subsided and Polly looked up, wiping the tears of pain from her small eyes which now glowed with a slight purple. The girl pointed her knife at Wryvn Youngling B and shot off a Darkness Spell from the back row.

A cold sweat was on Skrall's brow. He hadn't seen her, had he? First the past, then the future, now this... The ogre's attention snapped back to the present. "Yer welcome, Hybros, there's no tellin' what all happened down there, but I'm glad to see yer a little closer to what ya were seekin'. Nyx, Ellaria, I'll see ya back at the Hall." The ogre doffed his cap to Daneeka and Hewyrt, "Pleasure workin' with ya." Skrall shouldered his equipment and started strolling toward the hall, head down, mind deep in thought.

107 did seem a little long, but not too draggy and I actually enjoyed the layed back feel. Granted with the vacations everyone was on, it didn't necessarily help keep an even flow, but I think we all were prepared for that going in. Story wise, I haven't kept up with the Guffington and Zylstra story-lines so things were pretty brand new to Skrall, which I guessed added to his genuine ignorance, but also kept me from being super invested. I'm always glad to quest with Pandora and Sandy, their characters and the relationships they have with other heroes are so established that it's easy to pick up where things once left off so that was a great feeling. I've been meaning to have Skrall quest with Hybros one of these days, so I'm excited it finally happened and am pleased with the results of the quest, they aren't super buddy-buddy, but they aren't mere acquaintances either. More on the story, I have to agree with JimB in that it felt a little too open ended, the library demonstrated this the most, it was a huge RP opportunity and I'm glad you included it, Zepher, for JimB and Nyx's sake, but he's right in that there wasn't much incentive for either Ellaria or Skrall to RP as neither had anything to connect them to the library's contents. They were glad to be of help to the other group, but they were mainly functioning as NPC's at that point. Which brings me to another point, NPC's, I'm generally a big fan of your NPC's Zepher, but I could determine the use of Minoid or Deborah? Aside from being extra bodies to use in battles, their personalities were pretty slim and their inclusion struck me as unecessary. I understand Hewyrt needed some muscle to back him up, but why wouldn't he be fine with the heroes, why not just hire a temporary body guard and dismiss them at the tunnel? Minoid 2, fits from a story perspective i.e. the mining and such, but after that he didn't really serve much development purpose. Battle wise, things weren't too tough nor too easy, so I don't have too much to comment about on them. Skrall can be hard to balance for with the whopping amount of damage he deals out, so I'm glad he was able to kill stuff easily in some situations and have some more difficulty in others. Side quests; can't say I was a big fan of them. I get that they were supposed to be showing us each aspects of Eubric's history, but they ended very abruptly and made me as a player wonder what was the point aside from furthering an Out-of-Character story-line. Skrall has no idea what he saw and feels pretty jolted by them and as a player I can't really give him any closure aside from either dismissal of what he saw or insanity. Maybe it's my story-telling style and I'm just not a fan of messing with the space-time continuum and all that in a "high-fantasy" genre game. Closing up with the good stuff, I liked seeing a quest centralized around one hero and I don't think Hybros stole the spot-light too much and resigned the rest of us to the background. I liked the addition of Hewyrt and thought it added another layer to his developing character. The QM-sub of CMP, was great and it's always neat to see certain NPC's played by their original creators. The story you told was good, needs a little work on incorporating the heroes to tell the story as opposed to forcing the heroes to tell the story, but still a good one none the less. Battle were balanced and the loot was appropriate. Thanks for including me and it was fun playing with all of you as well, JimB, Sandy, and Pandora!

Of course, third-party parts are allowed. The first page explains which classes can use what weapon categories, I'd say that it that weapon looks like a spear which is only available to barbarians, but since it's your starting weapon you can basically term it what you want. Future items that you get on quests will be more specific.

Polly screams. "Make it stop, make it stop!" The girl fires off a darkness bolt wildly in the direction of Wryvn Youngling A before clutching her bear tightly. "Please, make it stop, Mr. Sanders."

To add a picture to a signature, simply use brackets {img}image url{/img} except replace the {'s with ['s.