Waterbrick Down

"Actaully we don't sell anything here, if you're interested in a distraction you can talk to my partner over there, he's always dying for a chance to play some Triple Magic with someone. As far as other information, I do have a brief recollection of someone stopping in about wanting to borrow some funds towards a scientific endeavor, or another. Unfortunately my desk is a mess, if you want to help me organize it I might be able to find that name." What would the party like to do?

"Now then, I'm afraid I have a meeting fairly soon with another client, so if you need any numbers or other information you may ask my other associates." The Minotaur nods toward the Elf and U'kin before walking towards an adjoining office where the door is closed behind him by a dwarf.

Skrall reloads his Hunter's Crossbow and fires off a round at Rogue Pikemen A from the back row, "Luke go ahead and aim for that last pikeman." Luke attempts to physically attack Rogue Pikeman B from the back row. Battle Order: Arthur Alexandre Skrall Isabella Count Knyghton Luke

OoC: No complaints here, do I take the record? Skrall attempts to dislodge the greatsword from the corpse of the commander but notices that it will take some time. "Luke, tend to Mr. Chevalier's wounds I'll be there in a second." Luke steps away from the count to heal Alexandre from the back row. Battle Order: Alexandre Count Knyghton Isabella Arthur Luke

The elf stands up from his desk and walks over to join some of the heroes at the manuscript. Pausing at the parchment for a moment he squints at the columns before pardoning himself as he removes the sheet and walks back over to his desk.

The Minotaur turns to Haldor. "Do you think I would tell you of my disapproval of the project if I had sabotaged it? No, none of the other investors seemed to share my opinion. The mage and the Lucustoids were in it for the scientific aspects, I've no idea who would be supplying the sharkling, and Mr. Swisshopper is somewhat shall we say "generous" with his money. As the manager of the funds Mr. Szalinski was receiving from all parties, I can inform you of how much stock each of the investors actually had in the project though." Haldor's glance at the scroll on the wall reveals columns of numbers and locations describing the prices of metal ore and minerals in the city as well as their respective vendors and processors.

Heroes can do this automatically as far as trading goes, so unless you mean an shop where you can exculsively sell artifacts, I can't see a need for this.

Skrall begins to ready his position against the commander, not having very much skill with a blade Skrall hopes that he'll at least have enough force to bludgeon the rogue lion knight. Skrall watches as Arthur continues building up his spell against the commander, "that mage and I are going to have words when we're finished here."

"Ms. Toboso, Mr. Chevalier already has yer target, switch to B." Skrall roars as he charges the commander.

Well they do have SP related to them, so there is a combat aspect to them.

OoC: I believe the knocked back effect only remains for 1 turn, but you may need to ask Scubacarrot. Also if he is in the back row, would ranged attacks (both physical and magical) still do full damage to him? "Maybe if yer, own men weren't turnin' on ya, we wouldn't be worryin' about my crossbow aim, Count. Arthur, I need ya to take care of Alexandre with yer healin' staff. Luke attend to the Count. Isabella take care of Pikemen B. I'll deal with the Commander." Skrall draws the Greatsword of Lion Nobles and attacks the Rogue Lion Commander from the front row. "Arthur, sometimes we have to do what is a burden for us, Master Chevalier is your burden for the time being. Now get him up and going with that staff of yours." Luke turns to heal Count Knyghton from the back row. Battle Order: Arthur Alexandre Skrall Isabella Count Knyghton Luke

I think I can speak for all the QM's out there, no more Loaded Dies and Dread Hats unless you seriously want to see Parties failing quests because we have to make the encounters a lot more challanging. Otherwise, I'm glad to see the ideas popping up and I'll add two that I've kept in mind. Gorgon’s Gauntlets: SP: 1 Provides the wearer with the intimidation ability, arm wear. Suitable for any class. Price TBD Griffon’s Gauntlets: SP: 1 Provides the wearer with the diplomacy ability, arm wear. Suitable for any class. Price TBD

"Ah yes Mr. Szalinski. Terrible idea, I never should have backed him up on it. At first everything sounded perfect, Szalinski was going to better mankind and all that. Hogwash, he'd never be able to pay back his loans in 100 years. It was a good thing that project came to an end before he put any more of my money down the drain, pity it ended with him almost being killed or so I was told." The Minotaur spoke softly under his breath to Boomingham, "we will speak more of your offer later." The Minotaur turned back to the Party, "as for the fish monger I have no need to contribute my funds in secret and there are many owners of fortunes in this city, none of whom I am aware of showing interest in this venture. As to sabotage, I have no suspects and I am glad that this foolishness is over."

Skrall drops the heavy crossbow and fires a shot off at Rogue Lion Pikemen C from the Back row with his Hunter's Crossbow as Luke attempts to heal Alexandre from the back row. Battle Order: Alexandre Skrall Isabella Arthur Count Knyghton Luke

As the sword gashes through his flesh, Skrall roars out, "Enough of this you two or I will personally crash yer heads together to try and knock some sense into ya. Luke if ya've got a moment I wouldn't mind a healin'." Skrall jams another bolt into the Heavy Crossbow and fires at the Rogue Lion Commander from the back row as Luke attempts to heal him from the back row. Battle Order: Alexandre Count Knyghton Skrall Isabella Arthur Luke

"Roll out the welcome wagon, the party's arrived." Skrall unholsters his Hunter's Crossbow and fires an arrow off at Rogue Lion Pikeman A from the back row. "Arthur would ya mind sealin' up that commander an keepin' him from encouraging his mates. Luke be a good chap, and keep that second rogue lion pikemen busy." Luke moves off to physically attack the Rogue Lion Pikeman B from the back row. Battle Order: Alexandre Skrall Count Knyghton Isabella Arthur Luke As Arthur pulls out his scroll, Skrall quickly switches plans. Dropping his Hunters Crossbow he quickly unshoulders the Heavy Crossbow and fires off a bolt directly at the Rogue Lion Commander from the back row.

Boomingham extends his hand, but the Minotaur makes no motion towards him. "You will have to forgive my employer, he is blind, terrible incident involving a maze some years back. Mr. Swifthorn you have some visitors." The Minotaur responds in a deep smooth voice. "Does your business concern an investor or an investment? What you have to say to me, you may say in front of my employees. Also I would have your names." "The scroll is merely a listing of workable and precious metals which have been put upon that scroll. We use it to compare the costs of processing and services, as well as the trends in the Eubric Freeport metals market which is why we use it."

"I for one would also like to speak with the commander. Alexandre, why don't ya accompany me. Yer diplomatic skills may prove useful."

Seems like everyone is out to kill a Hinckwell these days.

After healing Haldor, the Party continues on its way to Sem's Sensible Investments. The Party: Bartholomew Docken, Level 21.33 Warden (Brick Doctor) *Party Leader* *Scary* Power: 30 Health: 40/40 Defense: 15 Gold: 131 (50 Gold loaned to Arthur Justus Regulus VII [Flipz]) Inventory: Briar Bow (WP: 9; Wood Elemental), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5), Mythril Shield (SP: 15), Dread Hat (enemies lower than half of wearer's Level won't attack directly), Bedroll, Mead, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Potions (5), Grand Potion (1), Soma (1), White Marksman's Hat (1/6 Assassination versus Flying Monsters), Lover's Locket (Enamored Immunity) Haldor Skovgaard, Level 17.5 Shaman (Scorpiox) Power: 29, Health: 34/34 Ether: 19/24 Gold: 115 Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:+1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity) Spike Coller (+1 power), Diamond of Thoric (Light Elemental), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion (x2), Remedy, Tonic, Mead, Venom, and a fur-lined Bedroll, Scroll of Blindness, Bear Claw Gloves (WP:7, SP:2, non-upgradable SP) Jess Islanti, Level 18 Assassin (Sisco) Power: 29 (+2) Health: 19/29(+1) Gold: 225 Inventory: Blohdhurm (WP: 9)(Fire elemental, Permanently Poisoned), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, Mug Ability +5), 2 Venoms, Mead, Smelling Salts, 1 Remedy, 1 Grand Potion, Sword of the Vampir (WP: 17)(User is Jinxed) Lord Lawrence Boomingham, Level 17 Paladin (Zepher) Power: 28 (+3) Health: 28/33 (-6+2) Ether: 16/17 Gold: 16 (Owes 50 to Jess) Inventory: King of the Desert (Longsword) (WP: 9, Fire Darkness), Frozen Saber (WP: 9, stunned effect, Light) Shaduex Shield (SP: 5), Thorny Diadem (+3 to power, but -6 to maximum health) 3 Potions, Bedroll, 5 Bones, 2 Holy bombs, 2 Meads, 1 Phoenix essence, Pick-axe, 1 Jo-no Tree seed, 1 Venom, 1 Grand Tonic En Sabah Nur, Level 17 Sorcerer (Jebediahs) *Lucky* Power: 28 Health: 26/26 (23+1) Ether: 3/21 Gold: 380 Equipped: Inventory: Stealth Dagger (WP: 12), Helmet (+1 HP), Garnet Gem (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), En, Sabah, Nur (Shurikens 3/3, WP: 5), 4 Potions, 2 Grand Tonics, 2 Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Sangriste Dagger (WP: 5), Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Loaded Die (Lucky effect) They arrive at the office and upon entering are greeted by a strange trio of Minotaur, Elf, and U'Kin. "Can we be of service to you?"

Luke notices Arthur's wounds have yet to be healed, "Arthur, there will always be things in this world which we take no delight in doing but must be done. What you must learn is to cherish the moments between that you do take delight in doing. For me, that is healing that which is broken during time which I must right that which is wrong." With that Luke smiles and channeling his ether through his diamond tipped staff, heals Arthur at the cost of 1 ether as radient beams of pure soft healing light wash over the mage.

"Yes, but they're bad for business I can say that. I used to help seperate caravans from their goods, for charitable reasons ya know. Well the caravans got smart and started armin' their groups with mages, such a heartless greedy decision. So most of my business moved on North till I had to start workin' for Heroica to pay the bills. But that's mages fer ya. I got nothin' against clerics though, I just think the men want someone who ain't afraid to use a sharpened blade and kill his opponent rather 'an bash him with a staff." "Everytime I go into battle Arthur. I have served Sir Leonard for many a year, and I have healed many a wound, but I still look for the day when there will be no more need of clerics for there will be no more war and there will be no reason for me to use my abilities not only for healing but also for hurting. Do you fear for what you must do or what has already been done?"

I just picked up one of those sets for the Lucustoids and was wondering what I could do with Barriss' head. I think a race index would be really neat, it wouldn't have to be exclusive, it could just include things about the race that the different Parties had already found out about. By restricting anyone's creative juices do you mean that other people wouldn't get to create more races or that you don't want people to be limited how they portray a particular race? I don't think there would be any problem with the former, I wouldn't see why people have to feel that there are a set amount of races. If the latter, I think the people who created the race i.e. with the Pogs, Brickdoctor should be shown a little respect in that other QM's who use them should try and keep a consistent portrayal just out of common courtesy. We strive to do this with NPC's why not races as well? Now of course there can be outliers, Skrall is one for example, but I don't think a QM should go in a completely different direction with a race, i.e. change the Pogs from meat-eating warriors to vegetarian poets. If you want vegetarian poets, then use your creative juices and create a new race.

"I see, perhaps that necromancer left a curse on his stuff?" Skrall shivered, "Magic, too much risk and not enough reward if ya ask me." Luke continued along side Arthur attempting to chose his words carefully, "You seem trouble Arthur, is there something that is weighing your conscience?"

QM Note: Thanks Jeb, fixed. The Party: Bartholomew Docken, Level 21.33 Warden (Brick Doctor) *Party Leader* *Scary* Power: 30 Health: 40/40 Defense: 15 Gold: 131 (50 Gold loaned to Arthur Justus Regulus VII [Flipz]) Inventory: Briar Bow (WP: 9; Wood Elemental), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5), Mythril Shield (SP: 15), Dread Hat (enemies lower than half of wearer's Level won't attack directly), Bedroll, Mead, Venom, Smoke Bomb, Potions (5), Grand Potion (1), Soma (1), White Marksman's Hat (1/6 Assassination versus Flying Monsters), Lover's Locket (Enamored Immunity) Haldor Skovgaard, Level 17.5 Shaman (Scorpiox) Power: 29, Health: 1/34 Ether: 19/24 Gold: 115 Inventory: Heavy Metal Rod (WP:12), Lesser Ethereal Cloak (SP:+1, +3 Ether), Paper Doll (Hexed immunity) Spike Coller (+1 power), Diamond of Thoric (Light Elemental), Frying Pan (WP:1+1 health), Shovel, Pickaxe, Potion (x2), Remedy, Tonic, Mead, Venom, and a fur-lined Bedroll, Scroll of Blindness, Bear Claw Gloves (WP:7, SP:2, non-upgradable SP) Jess Islanti, Level 18 Assassin (Sisco) Power: 29 (+2) Health: 19/29(+1) Gold: 225 Inventory: Blohdhurm (WP: 9)(Fire elemental, Permanently Poisoned), Mercutio's Dagger of Mugging (WP:5, Mug Ability +5), 2 Venoms, Mead, Smelling Salts, 1 Remedy, 1 Grand Potion, Sword of the Vampir (WP: 17)(User is Jinxed) Lord Lawrence Boomingham, Level 17 Paladin (Zepher) Power: 28 (+3) Health: 28/33 (-6+2) Ether: 17/17 Gold: 16 (Owes 50 to Jess) Inventory: King of the Desert (Longsword) (WP: 9, Fire Darkness), Frozen Saber (WP: 9, stunned effect, Light) Shaduex Shield (SP: 5), Thorny Diadem (+3 to power, but -6 to maximum health) 3 Potions, Bedroll, 5 Bones, 2 Holy bombs, 2 Meads, 1 Phoenix essence, Pick-axe, 1 Jo-no Tree seed, 1 Venom, 1 Grand Tonic En Sabah Nur, Level 17 Sorcerer (Jebediahs) *Lucky* Power: 28 Health: 26/26 (23+1) Ether: 3/21 Gold: 380 Equipped: Inventory: Stealth Dagger (WP: 12), Helmet (+1 HP), Garnet Gem (Earth), Aquamarine (Water), En, Sabah, Nur (Shurikens 3/3, WP: 5), 4 Potions, 2 Grand Tonics, 2 Phoenix Essence, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Sangriste Dagger (WP: 5), Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Loaded Die (Lucky effect) Would the Party like to do anything else before continuing to Sem's Sensible Investments?