Waterbrick Down

"They, they wouldn't hurt Mr. Sanders would they?"

Polly held her bear tight as the ship plowed it's way through the fog. The little girl shivered a little as the cool air surrounded them. At the sight of the ship and raving marauders the child started to shake and promptly threw herself behind some of the barrels of cargo.

Already been done, because what if you want to ride a griffin?

Ethereal enemies are immune to all elements, so a fire etereal enemy would still be immune to all elements, correct?

Polly pulled Mr. Sanders close, "Well this is a first Mr. Sanders, I don't think even daddy ever traveled on a boat before." Polly made her way over to the gaurdsman, she had difficulty keeping her balance and once or twice fell over, but she eventually gets to her goal. "So has anyone ever seeeeeeeen this Red Dragon?"

Sorry to the quests I'm on, I've got practically 0 internet out here camping, I'll be back in about 24 hours.

OC: That's OK, camping this weekend so my internet's going to be spotty anyways. :shrug:

Fervent was the last one alive and as a somewhat reasonable individual he'd understand his cause was hopeless so I left it up to the party whether or not to try and persuade him to surrender or kill him and get his stuff. I tend to be more open to players trying stuff in a battle like diplomacy or intimidation if the scenario seems likely. And as for Pretzel being a team player, I was referring to his lack of a hostily argumentative attitude.

OoC: I understand the probabilities of a battle and our chances of surviving associated with each option, I'm just trying to make a decision based on character. Polly stepped back and pondered a little bit. On the one hand the man in blue didn't seem very happy even though he had a big pet kitty and on the other hand the nordic man was definitely more cheerful even if he sounded funny. "Well Mr. Sanders, we could always use more gold..." "Alright, let's go with mister merchant man. Do we get paid before we leave or when we get there?"

First off, thank you once again for all of your involvement. It really was great to have each and every one of you along on quest 108. The quest itself came to me when someone brought up the time-old question of how heroes’ inventories can be so huge without weighting them down. The time honored solution in fantasy type games are “bags-of-holding” whether or not they are ever specifically mentioned. I went ahead and made the leap that that was the unspoken system employed in the world of Heroica RPG. But if all heroes are carrying around a BoH (or Cart-of-holding in Pretzel’s case), wouldn’t the common citizenry have access to the magic as well? Well sure, hence there exists all of these pocket dimensions for everything from holding loot, to banking, to hiding bodies, etc. Now what if each of these pocket dimensions emptied out onto a central plane that held all the pockets together and if this was the case who would govern this plane and what would they be doing? Hence the quest was born. I tried to make the threat real without stretching the imagination too much and tried to setup the system in a plausible manner; each pocket dimension needs to be cared for (i.e. cleaned, organized, maintained, etc.); but if morally corrupt everyday commoners have access to the dimensions they’ll just steal everything, thus the undead serve as a morally independent work force, rightfully so an undead workforce need supervisors hence the necromancers. Rightfully so the supervisors need supervisors and protection from an army of potentially unstoppable undead, hence the Paladins. Even though the quest failed, because you took it in a different direction than I had originally assumed you would, there’s definitely a lot of loose ends that can bridge out into other stories and your choices definitely will have an impact I believe on the future of NPC’s and the game world alike. Overall the story went where I wanted it to, though you all had your own spin on things and I definitely wasn’t planning on you siding with Retak, though I love the twist. I had originally planned on Retak being a background character, just another Necromancer to be saved, but about ¾ of the way through I realized that the undead needed someone to be controlling them and I didn’t want to go with a blatantly evil villain, hence Retak was given a new life after his experiences in CAT as cheap undead labor until he was restored to full consciousness via the Crown of Helvetia. I hope the rest of the NPC’s were memorable, I wish I could have done a little more with Aroosie and Magwin, but hopefully there’s main characteristics came through. U’Reeves was simply a carry-over from one of my past quests as the Necromancers would obviously have to hire someone who could take care of the pocket dimensions that contained artifacts hostile to undead caretakers. Ratabor was merely supposed to be an introduction to the quest and I should have simply left him at the entrance as he unfortunately melted into the background by the end of the quest (something I don’t like doing with my NPC’s). Alistair wasn’t meant to be a villain and hopefully he never struck anyone as being one, he simply was doing his job that he had been doing for years and thought the simple fix was to remove the one leading the revolution. Fervent and Ferfew were enjoyable to me, they hopefully showed the spectrum of the Paladin Order, i.e. straight-laced black and white ethics vs. gray morality. I hope to bring them back, as well as Commander Brusk in later quests. Puzzles are always enjoyable for me to put together. Hopefully there were as enjoyable for all of you in solving them. I strive to provide a variety of puzzle types, i.e. mathematical, spatial, logical, patterns, etc. My only regrets are not being able to build the gear puzzle (would have been more helpful to you) and missing a possible solution to the labyrinth with skeleton patrols that made it a fairly easy solve. Other than those, it was good to see participation from everyone in the discovery of the solutions, as opposed to a single player dominating (a tricky thing when you’re playing with people in different time zones). Battles were frustrating for me. Battles are never my main focus on quests and unfortunately it often shows on the simplicity or easiness of them. I’ve considered running them by more battle focused QM’s (Flipz and Endgame) before just to get second opinions and am now more convinced in doing this in the future. Having a full on tank that has a 50 percent chance of healing to practically full health every turn, 2 sorcerers that can cause the jinxed and stunned effect to an entire enemy set unless I add uncalled for immunities simply for the sake of balance, and another tank that’s got a really good build for decimating undead, I should have definitely upped the difficulty and been less concerned with wiping you guys out. I thought I had reached a good balance by the last battle, but missed the Seth bomb in Heckz’ inventory and thus the battle was practically won at that point. My apologies if the battles felt condescending to your characters and never challenging enough. Loot wise, I aimed for appropriate drops, and I’d like to think I hit the spot as far as drops go. Understandably the entire quest was focused around the undead, but hopefully there was enough variety to keep things interesting. I did use this quest to try out the idea of regenerating enemies as well as Mobs, both of which need a little more work, but I like their concept. Regenerating enemies essentially add difficulty when attacked one on one, but are fairly simple when attacked multiple times in a round. Mobs have the ability to start off really strong and imposing at the beginning of a battle, but as the momentum of the fight shifts to the heroes, they die more quickly as opposed to dragging out the inevitable victory. Sets wise and photography, I was working on 2 other quests while this one was going on so I was stretched as far as creating good sets and I think it showed at the latter half of the quest when I didn’t have as many photos prepared. Hopefully the dark, other-planely atmosphere came through though. It was a real pleasure designing the labyrinths and the sets never seem to do justice to the builds behind them, but thus is the nature of our medium I guess. Characters/Players Atramor/CMP: It is always a pleasure to host you, even though I think this is only the second time. Atramor fell right into the leadership position, even though it was a contested one with Heckz and it was good to see how he lead free of his demon chicken’s influence. Atramor still remains the balance between heart of gold hero and blunt no-nonsense rogue and his interactions with Pretzel, Heckz, and Thalion were all enjoyable to read. As far as battles go, I didn’t find Regulator to be unbalanced, it’s more the equipment that you obtained that has made Atramor a pain to balance for. Having a 50% chance to essentially heal back to full health at the end of every turn, makes it incredibly difficult to damage you without creating an enemy that would OHKO any other player, especially paired with your high SP. Negative effects have their place, but I tend to abhor adding negative effects and immunities to an enemy simply for the purpose of balance if there isn’t any call for it from a role-play perspective, but ah well. From a player standpoint, no complaints at all, your battle strategies were always sound, your loot distribution both character and player informed, and your activity and puzzle solving never bordered on over-whelming. I could always count on you to interact with anything “on-screen” as it were. Heckz/Cutcobra: I’ve always been interested in QMing Heckz and I was not disappointed. His viewpoint on life in general is always refreshing, frustrating and irritating at times (from a character perspective), but refreshing. The only thing I’d caution is not to make him too haughty, if his reaction to every single person he interacts with is “You’re not worth my time” then he becomes predictable and the readers and fellow players become bored with him because we know how he’s going to react. You’ve got the consistency of the character down pat, we know what his tendencies and general feelings on life are, now show us what makes him deviate from that behavior, you showed a little bit of it when he interacted with Lieutenant Ferfew, but switched back to condescending as soon as she rebuffed him a little bit. Good to have you along and I’d definitely take you again on another quest. Pretzel/Palathadric: Monk Pretzel as everyone knows is one of those grating characters. He doesn’t get along well with any other character and it can be easy to become annoyed at you as a player Palathadric even when we know you’re playing a character. That said, Pretzel, while cantankerous as ever, seemed a little more laid back and it was good to see him while slightly grating with the party, tending to cause little friction. He actually seemed more of a team-player than I think I’ve seen in any of your previous quests, Palathadric. Some of Pretzel’s conversations with Atramor and especially some of the NPC’s were great to read and interact, so wonderful job. As with Pie, from a player perspective, you never seemed to hog the spot-light and always seemed to be enjoying yourself with the puzzles and battles and that’s always an encouragement for the QM. Thalion/-Obelix-: Thalion was another character that I’d wanted to QM for quite some time and it was good to finally do so. Even though you were a little less active than the other players, Thalion’s calming and reasonable attitude always showed through. You do know your character caused me some of the most frustration when it came to battles, don’t you? That jinxing and stunning on a shield roll was one of the most annoying parts of the entire quest, but I congratulate you on making a really impressive sorcerer build. His interactions with the NPC’s were exquisite, even though most of the time his logical arguments fell on more emotionally motivated ears. As a player, you definitely pay attention to the fine details and seemed exceedingly respective of your fellow players who most of the time were playing pretty grating characters, so job well done. Thanks again for sticking with me through it all, even if we slowed up toward the end, I feel the breakneck speed with which we accomplished the earlier half of the quest made up for it. This will potentially be the last quest I’ll be hosting in a while as I’m working at balancing a new life schedule, but it was good quest to end on.

"I like the big kitty cat though." Polly grinned at the were-lion. "Plus why would the nice merchant man lie to us?" Polly inquired of her older companions.

The Party bid farewell to Retak who departed towards the docks. For good or ill, the party had altered an often forgotten aspect of their daily lives and only time would tell, what impacts it would have. Some of the party members shoved off for Heroica Hall, while others made their way to the Palace of the Ji Pei, the quest having failed, but hopefully not their intentions. The End Final Party Stats: Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) *Party Leader* 32 year old male human Regulator Level: 32 3/4 *Immune to Fire, Water, Lightning, Wood, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, Poisoned, and Doomed* *Negative Effects Last One Round* *Battle Style: Orderly* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 26 Health: 62/62 Gold: 71 Equipment: Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, darkness elemental, dual strike, daggers), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Amulet of the Court (Suitable for anyone, negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Rat's Hide (Suitable for anyone, SP: 4, backwear), Galactic Armor (Suitable for anyone, SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire, earth, wind, light, darkness, and doomed, bodywear), Helmet of Azzurat (Suitable for anyone, SP: 4, immune to poison, headwear) Inventory: Pheles Kris (WP: 20, user has a 1/2 chance to generate an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental dagger), Anointed Spear (WP: 5, damages undead), Flint & Steel (Handy for starting fires), High Heels (Power +1; suitable for women.), 2x Bone, Paladin Shield (SP 5),Desert Cloak (Suitable for anyone, immune to fire, backwear), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear), Agni Bomb, Health Core, Mulled Wine, Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, Bone, Grating Stone, Scroll of Fire Armor (Enables the user to conjure a layer of fire on the the target for the duration of one battle. After a player rolls and is inflicted with Damage or Special Damage, the opponent has a 50/50 chance of being Burned 10. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 5 ether), Opal, Jinxy Juice, Scroll of Ice Armor (Enables the user to conjure a layer of ice on the the target for the duration of one battle. After a player rolls and is inflicted with Damage or Special Damage, the opponent has a 50/50 chance of being Stunned for the next round. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 5 ether), Scroll of Arc Frailty (50/50 chance to inflict the fragile-effect to all enemies for ether equal to the number of enemies), John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level: 23 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Jinxed Spells* Power Bonus: 10 (Spells) Defense: 3 Health: 31/31 Ether: 33/34 Gold: 934 Equipment: Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Magician's Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable for mages; handwear), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Inventory: 2x Skeleton Decoy, 2x Deadly Venom, Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Lovelorn Wand (WP:6, deals enamored-effect), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Wyrd Shield (SP:4, prevents ether reduction; suitable to mystic knights and paladins), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear),Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5; handwear), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), 2 Amethysts (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light) Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, Soma, 3x Mead, 3x Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel, Wicked Perfume (Makes all male humanoid enemies enamored to the user, but makes all female humanoid enemies encouraged; consumable), Blue Jelly, 7 Bones, Solemn Scythe (WP: 10, Scythe, 1/2 chance of dealing the Sealed Effect) Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces, the Super Sleuth (Played by Palathadric) 463-year-old male "hermit" Paladin Level: 30 Power Bonus: 5 (In the Front Row) Defense: 27 (+5, in the Back Row) Health: 51/51 Ether: 31/39 Gold: 1181 Equipment: Heavy Flail (WP:5, causes fragile; mace), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Strategist's Shako (+5 power while in the front row, +5 SP while in the back; headwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4; backwear), Heavy Armour (SP:5, Immune to Fragile) Inventory: Dual Staff (WP:8,Ice,Lightning,Fire,Wind,Light; dual strike; staff), Blessed Amulet (Protects from cursed-effect.), 3 Bones, 2x Jinxy Juice, Flying Cross (WP:6; Darkness; broomstick), Steak (WP: 1; instantly kills vampires on successful hits; suitable for all), Archaic Starbeam Blade (WP: 15, damages undead, double WP from dusk until dawn, breaks after one use, longsword), Impervious Shield (SP: 5; grants immunity to Fire), Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Duplovian Helmet (SP: 2; Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP: 1; Vermin with level less than half of the wearers are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Soothing Slippers (meditation restores 5 ether; footwear), Soul Link Chain (Allows the user to pair up with another party member, each of them gaining all the effects that the other has. The partner has to equip the chain as well (ie. one chain can be shared by two people); accessory), Magic Viper Skin (heals 1 health to wearer each round of battle unless knocked out; accessory), Shackles of War (accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (handwear), Rock Gauntlets (Suitable for anyone, grants the wearer Iron Fist at no ether cost, handwear), Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blinding, Scroll of Arc Sleep, 3 Potions, 9 Grand Potions, Cherry (Restores 1 ether), 4 Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, Neutralizer, Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), 2 Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essence, 2 Smelling Salts, 5 Venoms, 5 Deadly Venoms, 2 Paralyzing Venoms, 3 Smoke Bombs, Fire Bomb, Holy Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Shovel, Magic Shovel (will always find something when used, limited to three uses per quest), 10 Bones, Raw Meat (+5 max. health upon consumption), Crimson Haze (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects permanently), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding(SP: 3, provides SPECIAL GUARD against Undead Enemies, backwear), Anointed Gladius (WP: 8, greatsword; deals damage to Undead.) Thalion Dwinlas, the Super Sleuth and School Inspector (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Sorcerer Level: 29 1/3 *Immune to Fragile, Sealed* *Causes Jinxed on successful hits* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 7 Health: 36/36 Ether: 35/43 Gold: 850 Equipment: Alpha and Omega (WP:13, dual healing/spellcasting at the cost of 2 ether, staves), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, Immunity to Sealed, bodywear), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile, headwear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional Jinxed effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Inventory: Gems: Zirconia (Gem containing all elements; cannot be merged into equipment), Amethyst (Darkness), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice), Emerald (Wood), Sapphire (Wind), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning) Scrolls: Scroll of Sealing (2), Scroll of Blindness (2), Scroll of Frailty (2), Scroll of Weakening (2), Scroll of Confusion (2), Scroll of Sleep (2), Weapons: Sleeper (WP:5, deals Asleep to enemies it hits, Hollow Upgrade [Nostrum stored], melee/throwing weapon), Ratsbane (WP:10, absorbs 2 health on successful hits, dagger), Batarang (WP:13, darkness-elemental, throwing weapon), Ribcage Shield (SP:9; every time the wielder takes a hit, the shield loses one SP; gives immunity to Doomed and Sudden Death for as long the shield has SP left) Artifacts: Sterile Gloves (Immunity to Poisoned and Bleeding, handwear), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing, headwear), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent Reinforced-effect, doubling defense; suitable to marauders; backwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, vermin with level less than half of the wearer's are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Dragoon's Helmet (SP:3, makes wearer absorb attacks of the element of their pet dragon, gaining health instead of damage; suitable for dragoons; headwear), Peasant’s Hood (Max. Health +1.), Leather Armour (SP:1, suitable for barbarians, knights, rogues, rangers, minstrels, cannoneers, dragoons, beast warriors, skirmishers, harlots, inflitrators, regulators and winged warriors.), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding(SP: 3, provides SPECIAL GUARD against Undead Enemies, backwear) Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass Consumables: Copy of The Eubric Herald (Gives the target the transcended and inspired-effects for the duration of one battle), Grand Potion (4), Potion (2), Smelling Salts (3), Nostrum (2), Mead, Elixir, Ether Core, Grand Tonic, Remedy (3), Phoenix Essence, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, Bone (2), Deadly Venom, Deluxe Skeleton Decoy, Jinxy Juice QM Note: That should be everything, let me know if there was anything I missed (like gold from Razzamatazzes, just checked). It was a pleasure having you all. The quest went a little longer than I had hoped for, but thank you for sticking it out. I'll have more to say in the QM Lounge later on tonight, but feel free to give me any thoughts when you have the opportunity. Also feel free to RP how the meeting with the Ji Pei went when you return to the hall. Once again, thanks all for such a blast.

"And what would you have me give you, boy? The clothes on my back? I offered you whatever the green-one or his minions carried, nothing more, nothing less."

"I guess it all depends on who was doing the forbidding." Fervent paused for a moment, "Necromancer, you're with me, we'll try and pass you off as one of the last survivors." Fervent stepped outside with Retak, a few minutes later the Paladin beckoned the heroes. Outside a dozen Paladins stood in full plate armor, one, a Minotaur, approached the party. "I am Commander Brusk, leader of the Eighteenth Battalion of Light. Commander Fervent here, was just telling me of your bravery in putting down the Undead insurrection. My superiors informed me of the purpose of this place and while I can't condone the decisions of our order, orders are order. I was tasked with your Party's and any survivors' extraction from this plane. I met the remaining Fenarian Necromancer, if there are no other survivors, I'll have my men scout out and put down any of the remaining Undead on the plane while I escort you out. Are you ready? Follow me." The party followed Commander Brusk out to the entrance hall. A group of priests stood arrayed in a circle with a circular portal showing the streets of Eubric against one of the supporting walls. The heroes were conducted through the portal and found themselves near the front of the Observatory. "I assume, the Fenarian will want to rest. Commander Fervent and his lieutenant will accompany me back to the temple to make their report. I trust you are in need of nothing else? Good." Without waiting for an answer the Minotaur, accompanied by the two Paladins left in the direction of the Temple of Ennoc. The party stood alone with Retak. "You have given me a second chance Heroes, something I never believed I would gain. I still have much work ahead of me, but thanks to you, the path is somewhat easier. I must away to the next plane, I took the liberty of identifying the entrances to several other pocket dimensions while in the green-one's office. I am not one for last words, for who knows if they are indeed ever our last." Does the Party have any last words for the Necromancer?

"Might work. Can't say the necromancers weren't exactly making any profit off of this though. More like a public service."

"My armor is a mark of my station, each commander of a battalion is given a set specifically made for them. I'm sure if you rose in the ranks of our order you would find yourself in the ownership of a pair. Considering your actions today however and your tendency for aborting your mission, I'd say your chances are unlikely." "Undead, undevout, unbelieving, un-anything. You go out and tell them you just killed the one they were sent to protect, you're not going to last a minute."

"The necromancers were at least an independent faction." Fervent looked out the door. "That's the 18th Battalion of Light big on smiting, not much else, death and glory types. There ain't going to be a lot of reasoning with them, they're probably here for one reason, extermination. Won't be the types to reason about policy with."

"What the Ji Pei? You'll hand every pocket dimension in Eubric over to a single house? I'm sure that will go over well." Atramor glances outside and sees a good six dozen soldiers and knights all bearing the Eagle crest of Ennoc.

"The counsel to the priestess, I'm sure the priestess is not bothered with business issues such as this. As I said, this entire plane is a necessary evil. Upon it, entire economies have prospered and I am but a small player in the scheme of things, this Fenarian may think he can change the way things are, but there are dozens of similar planes, all with necromancers and security of their own. How can I stand to let him live just so that he might kill again those whom are simply obeying orders?" Fervent hung his head. "What is done, is done however. The plane is in ruins and I am sure my superiors will be none the happier for it." Fervent looked around once more and sheathed his sword. The Battle is Victorious! Party: Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) *Party Leader* 32 year old male human Regulator Level: 32 3/4 *Immune to Fire, Water, Lightning, Wood, Earth, Wind, Light, Darkness, Poisoned, and Doomed* *Negative Effects Last One Round* *Battle Style: Orderly* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 26 Health: 62/62 Gold: 66 Equipment: Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, darkness elemental, dual strike, daggers), Robust Shield (SP: 12, shield), Amulet of the Court (Suitable for anyone, negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Rat's Hide (Suitable for anyone, SP: 4, backwear), Galactic Armor (Suitable for anyone, SP: 6, +6 max health, immune to fire, earth, wind, light, darkness, and doomed, bodywear), Helmet of Azzurat (Suitable for anyone, SP: 4, immune to poison, headwear) Inventory: Pheles Kris (WP: 20, user has a 1/2 chance to generate an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental dagger), Anointed Spear (WP: 5, damages undead), Flint & Steel (Handy for starting fires), High Heels (Power +1; suitable for women.), 2x Bone, Paladin Shield (SP 5),Desert Cloak (Suitable for anyone, immune to fire, backwear), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear), Agni Bomb, Health Core, Mulled Wine, Phoenix Essence, Smelling Salts, Smoke Bomb, Bone, Grating Stone, Phoenix Incense John 'Heckz' Brutenhal, the Ghostbuster, the Super Sleuth and the School Inspector (Cutcobra) 32 year old male human Sorcerer Level: 23 2/3 *Immune to Sealed* *Jinxed Spells* Power Bonus: 10 (Spells) Defense: 3 Health: 31/31 Ether: 33/34 Gold: 829 Equipment: Bone Whip (WP:9, damages undead, whip), Magician's Gloves (Spellpower +10; suitable for mages; handwear), Robe Of The Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether + 5, immune to sealed; bodywear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional jinxed-effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Inventory: Skeleton Decoy, Deadly Venom, Rawr (WP:9, dagger), Lovelorn Wand (WP:6, deals enamored-effect), Rat Scepter (WP:3, 4x damage to enemies named “rat”; wand), Pitchfork of Abomination (WP:1, pierces all defenses including SP but breaks after one use; suitable to all classes), Wyrd Shield (SP:4, prevents ether reduction; suitable to mystic knights and paladins), Harlot's Outfit (SP: 2, immune to poisoned; suitable for Witches, Sorcerers and Harlots; bodywear/footwear), Buffoon's Hat (Prevents anyone from taking the wearer seriously; protects from Free Hits unless the wearer is the last hero standing; headwear),Watt's Artifact (Makes the user’s attacks and spells three times more effective against demons; accessory), Spellbound Gloves (Spellpower +5; handwear), Opal (Ice), Garnet (Earth), 2 Amethysts (Darkness), Aquamarine (Water), Diamond (Light) Ether Core, Elixir, Neutralizer, Soma, 3x Mead, 3x Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel, Wicked Perfume (Makes all male humanoid enemies enamored to the user, but makes all female humanoid enemies encouraged; consumable), Blue Jelly, 6 Bones, Scroll of Arc Frailty (50/50 chance to inflict the fragile-effect to all enemies for ether equal to the number of enemies) Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces, the Super Sleuth (Played by Palathadric) 463-year-old male "hermit" Paladin *Guardian Angel* Level: 30 Power Bonus: 5 (In the Front Row) Defense: 27 (+5, in the Back Row) Health: 51/51 Ether: 31/39 Gold: 1076 Equipment: Heavy Flail (WP:5, causes fragile; mace), Mythril Shield (SP:20), Strategist's Shako (+5 power while in the front row, +5 SP while in the back; headwear), Ethereal Cloak (SP:2, Max Ether +4; backwear), Heavy Armour (SP:5, Immune to Fragile) Inventory: Dual Staff (WP:8,Ice,Lightning,Fire,Wind,Light; dual strike; staff), Blessed Amulet (Protects from cursed-effect.), 3 Bones, Jinxy Juice, Flying Cross (WP:6; Darkness; broomstick), Steak (WP: 1; instantly kills vampires on successful hits; suitable for all), Archaic Starbeam Blade (WP: 15, damages undead, double WP from dusk until dawn, breaks after one use, longsword), Impervious Shield (SP: 5; grants immunity to Fire), Crescent Shield (SP: 5, halved damage from elemental attacks, shield), Duplovian Helmet (SP: 2; Immune to Magic and Healing; headwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP: 1; Vermin with level less than half of the wearers are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Soothing Slippers (meditation restores 5 ether; footwear), Soul Link Chain (Allows the user to pair up with another party member, each of them gaining all the effects that the other has. The partner has to equip the chain as well (ie. one chain can be shared by two people); accessory), Magic Viper Skin (heals 1 health to wearer each round of battle unless knocked out; accessory), Shackles of War (accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (handwear), Rock Gauntlets (Suitable for anyone, grants the wearer Iron Fist at no ether cost, handwear), Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blinding, Scroll of Arc Sleep, 3 Potions, 9 Grand Potions, Cherry (Restores 1 ether), 4 Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 7 Remedies, Neutralizer, Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Phoenix Incense, Phoenix Essence, 2 Smelling Salts, 5 Venoms, 5 Deadly Venoms, 2 Paralyzing Venoms, 3 Smoke Bombs, Fire Bomb, Holy Bomb, Military Grade Fire Bomb, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Shovel, Magic Shovel (will always find something when used, limited to three uses per quest), 10 Bones, Raw Meat (+5 max. health upon consumption), Crimson Haze (Causes a weapon to deal the poisoned by 7 and cursed effects permanently) Thalion Dwinlas, the Super Sleuth and School Inspector (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Sorcerer Level: 29 1/3 *Immune to Fragile, Sealed* *Causes Jinxed on successful hits* *Lucky* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 7 Health: 36/36 Ether: 35/43 Gold: 695 Equipment: Alpha and Omega (WP:13, dual healing/spellcasting at the cost of 2 ether, staves), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, Immunity to Sealed, bodywear), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile, headwear), Bad Luck Charm (Makes the sorcerer’s spells - including Razzmatazz and Sleight of Hand - cause an additional Jinxed effect, increasing their ether cost by 1; suitable for sorcerers; accessory) Inventory: Gems: Zirconia (Gem containing all elements; cannot be merged into equipment), Amethyst (Darkness), Garnet (Earth), Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice), Emerald (Wood), Sapphire (Wind), Aquamarine (Water), Topaz (Lightning) Scrolls: Scroll of Sealing (2), Scroll of Blindness (2), Scroll of Frailty (2), Scroll of Weakening (2), Scroll of Confusion (2), Scroll of Sleep (2), Weapons: Sleeper (WP:5, deals Asleep to enemies it hits, Hollow Upgrade [Nostrum stored], melee/throwing weapon), Ratsbane (WP:10, absorbs 2 health on successful hits, dagger), Batarang (WP:13, darkness-elemental, throwing weapon), Ribcage Shield (SP:9; every time the wielder takes a hit, the shield loses one SP; gives immunity to Doomed and Sudden Death for as long the shield has SP left) Artifacts: Sterile Gloves (Immunity to Poisoned and Bleeding, handwear), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing, headwear), Marauder’s Mantle (Grants permanent Reinforced-effect, doubling defense; suitable to marauders; backwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear), Bumble Fanshirt (SP:1, vermin with level less than half of the wearer's are scared and won't directly attack the wearer; bodywear), Dragoon's Helmet (SP:3, makes wearer absorb attacks of the element of their pet dragon, gaining health instead of damage; suitable for dragoons; headwear), Peasant’s Hood (Max. Health +1.), Leather Armour (SP:1, suitable for barbarians, knights, rogues, rangers, minstrels, cannoneers, dragoons, beast warriors, skirmishers, harlots, inflitrators, regulators and winged warriors.) Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass Consumables: Copy of The Eubric Herald (Gives the target the transcended and inspired-effects for the duration of one battle), Grand Potion (4), Potion (2), Smelling Salts (3), Nostrum (2), Mead, Elixir, Ether Core, Grand Tonic, Remedy (3), Phoenix Essence, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Skeleton Decoy, Bone, Deadly Venom Party Leader, please distribute the loot. 320 Gold Solemn Scythe (WP: 10, Scythe, 1/2 chance of dealing the Sealed Effect) 2x Cloak of Necrotic Shielding(SP: 3, provides SPECIAL GUARD against Undead Enemies, backwear) Scroll of Ice Armor (Enables the user to conjur a layer of ice on the the target for the duration of one battle. After a player rolls and is inflicted with Damage or Special Damage, the opponent has a 50/50 chance of being Stunned for the next round. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 5 ether) Scroll of Fire Armor (Enables the user to conjur a layer of ice on the the target for the duration of one battle. After a player rolls and is inflicted with Damage or Special Damage, the opponent has a 50/50 chance of being Burned 10. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 5 ether) Anointed Gladius (WP: 8, greatsword; deals damage to Undead.) Opal Skeleton Decoy Deluxe Skeleton Decoy 2x Jinxy Juice 2x Bone 2x Deadly Venom A silence fills the hall. Retak turns and dismisses his army, the corpses falling to the ground with a final crash. Elsewhere in the labyrinth the sounds of many feet, metal on stone, and the clinking of chain-mail can be faintly heard.

Polly shook her head as she inspected the map with wide eyes. "No, but my big brother's girlfriend is from there. She brought me a dragon scale once. It tasted awful!"

"Out to sea, obviously." Polly chuckled.

"My orders come from the counsel to the high priestess herself and of course I would have things different than they are, but this is a world of grays. Without the undead, there would be no feasible way of maintaining such a plane as this, it is a necessary evil. The power of evil must at time be contained and diverted for the cause of the good and the necessary."

Polly whispered to her bear, "I just love how we're heroes, Mr. Sanders, and we haven't even done anything yet."

Polly pushed her way forward yet again. "I'm here too mister. Me and Mr. Sanders can do anything these other two can."

Commander Fervent looked with anger at Pretzel, apparently he would need to try a different approach. "How quaint that you should berate me for following my orders. As a paladin, you should know that the order dictates policy and not your mere whims. As far as grievous offenses, it is you who have struck down my honorable men, it is you whom have sided with the abomination. If you appeal to your angelic charges as witness to your moral superiority in the issue, need I remind you that Zoot himself was served by angels of light."