Waterbrick Down

I read it and I've got to say that it was really well done, as the first Black Knight in Heroica RPG I think you'definitelyely given the role a great introduction. Those type of artifacts are acceptable, Two lucky dice already exist with the permanent Lucky effect and Alexis has a quiver thapermanentpermament Haste. While I can't speak for Sandy, I can speak as a QM and would suggest that we try and keep those type of items extremely limited, 2 at most as it can really throw off the balance of the game if there are too many of them, i.e. if you're planning a quest with one of them, I would suggest that that artifact would probably be one of the most valuable if not the most valuable drop you include in your quest if you include it at all.

"Swisshopper is new to the business, supposedly he has some of the most unique and finest cloaks in all Eubric. I know a few rocklings that work for him, but they don't say much. You can check there, I'm sure someone could patch up yer cloak. If they're not willing, swing by my place next to the Eubric Freeport Glass Blower's shop and I can pull out my old patching tools and see what I could do for you."

We still haven't seen what it looks like yet, I'm okay with a repeating hand cannon, but not an M6. I am curious as to why the guild of invision would be interested in a weapon like that as they are more interested in alchemy and chemistry over fire power, I would think the Bonapartes would be more interested. Edit: Woops it looks like there already is a picture of it. I'm still interested as to why the guild would want it though.

QM Note: Sorry Jeb, I didn't notice your edited post, also new Thumbnail format, I'm a sucker for Brickdoctor's style. "Not much else to tell, I just delivered the money kind of different being the front man for once. The insects were some sort of scientists or another, I don't think they were from around here. They didn't seem to be on good terms with the gnome's partner, old man in a blue hood. The minotaur was always talkin' about interest and funds and such. There was another human there but we didn't talk much. I was gettin' fed up with all the mumbo jumbo about science and magic and such, but who can complain about 500 gold?" As Nur started off, the rockling stopped him answering in a gravely voice. "My apologies sir, I could not hear your question over the roar of the crowd. Yes we rocklings have always had our special niche in Eubric. Most of us are involved in some aspect or other in the local garment industry, I myself help manage one of the local dyers. That was quite a shot for an archer with only one eye was it not?"

"Let the second round begin!" Round 2: Bartholomew Docken vs. Maa'ri Ranger Docken: Cut Paper Miss, Hit the Target Cut Paper, Bull's-eye Cut Paper = 2+2+3= 7 Winner! Ranger: Hit the Target, Bull's-eye, Miss = 1+3+0 = 4 The second round of the tournament begins and Docken is in prime form, cutting paper twice and nailing a bull's-eye with his final shot. The orc ranger glances down at his hound, nods, and then slowly draws his first arrow. Twang! An arrow rests in the target. The ranger draws back on his second. Wooshhh! An arrow sprouts from the center of the target, a bull's-eye! The crowd falls into a hush as the ranger prepares to loose his final shot, he glances at the crowd, at Docken, at his hound and then nudges the arrow. Twang! The arrow flies down range, the crowd's every eye fixed upon it. A miss! The crowd cheers as they come and surround the one-eyed Warden. The orc quietly collects his things and slips out, his hound following loyally behind. "Well done my good fellow, well done indeed! Now I believe you have earned the right to a Marksman's hat, which variety suits you?" Party Leader, please select either the Red, White, or Blue Marksman's Hat. The Party: Bartholomew Docken, Level 21 Warden (Brick Doctor) *Party Leader* *Scary* *Lucky* Power: 30 Health: 40/40 Defense: 135 Gold: 5 (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), Loaded Die (Lucky effect) Haldor Skovgaard, Level 17.5 Shaman (Scorpiox) Power: 29, Health: 14/34 Ether: 21/24 Gold: 119 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 17.5 Assassin (Sisco) Power: 28 (+2) Health: 28/28(+1) Gold: 229 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 Lord Lawrence Boomingham, Level 16.5 Paladin (Zepher) Power: 27 (+3) Health: 28/30 (-6) Ether: 16/16 Gold: 20 (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 16.5 Sorcerer (Jebediahs) Power: 28 Health: 12/25 (23+1) Ether: 7/20 Gold: 318 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

"Two hits from the knights would keep her too busy to escape. Yer right about yer pikemen though, they could just stay put and I can lead my crossbows behind my pikemen. Either way would work, but enough strategy, let's bring this traitorous wench in!"

"Aye, but we would have the same result if the Knights attacked twice and yer pikemen moved North while I brought my crossbows in. Those knights can take a little more damage than the Imperial troops." Skrall looked at troops he had led thus far, they could not withstand a full assault by Lady Leofwena, but the knights skills were undoubtedly more valuable. Skrall gritted his teeth for what could possibly be a slaughter, "Alright men, charge and skewer that rebel scum!" Skrall led the Imperial Pikemen A in an attack against Lady Leofwena as the Lion Crossbowmen A brought up the rear, advancing northwest 1 hex. Battle Order: Dharkan Skrall Arthur Alexandre

"Very well then, crossbows advance. Imperials follow me." Skrall led the Imperial Pikemen A southwest 1 hex while the Lion Crossbowmen A followed behind going 1 hex southwest. Battle Order: Isabella Arthur Alexandre Skrall

QM Note: I'll leave the decision to Brickdoctor if Docken accepts the die. "There were a few insects a, a minotaur was in on it too, I was mindin' my own business one day when I found a package on my stall counter addressed to me. Bein' used to such things, I opened her up and believe me you when I say there was over 10,000 gold in there and a note tellin' me to invest the money in this gnome Mr. Szalinski and that I could take 10% of the cut fer my trouble. I was in for holdin' on to the entire sum myself, but after one week of holdin' on to it I woke up with a jar of "Shark Fin Soup" on my stall's counter and thought better of that decision. That's when I went to invest with the gnome. I'd been getting 500 gold every 2 weeks after that, until the machine blew up that is."

"Master Arthur would it not be best to have those Lion Pikemen C fall further back into the woods drawing Lady Leofwena into the forest where she cannot maneuver as swiftly?" OoC: Ah now I get it grappling hooks.

Skrall watched as the Knights' strikes glanced off of Lady Leofwena's armor. He turned to the Imperials under his command, "Did anyone remember to bring the nets or any grapplin' hooks?" OoC: Is there a reason Imperial Pikemen A have a power increase?

"Do you take me for a fool Paladin? That Warden nearly sank 3 Bull's-eyes in a row. Sorry mate, no bet here. If you're in need of money perhaps I could interest you in a short loan?"

Actually I think you're the thief.

I think a semi-fix to OP and unique items is to not have them as drops but as stuff available to be bought at specialty shops and then let more of the drops be consumables, gold, and once in a while an artifact. The trick is letting your PC's decide to either part with their money now or save it for what may be something better down the road. Or you can always insert your neighborhood friendly loan shark to give them access to funds at a price.

For those who were interested here are the photos of all the archers that could have been featured in Quest 28's Archery Tournament depending upon the number of heroes that entered.

"Let the tournament begin!" Round 1: Bartholomew Docken vs. Billy Tolde Docken: Cut Paper, Bull's-eye, Bull's-eye = 2+3+3= 8 Winner! Tolde: Miss, Hit the Target, Miss = 0+1+0 = 1 En Sabah Nur vs. Maa'ri Ranger Nur: Miss Miss, Miss Miss, Miss Miss = 0+0+0= 0 Ranger: Miss, Miss, Miss = 0+0+0= 0 Tie Breaker Nur: Hit Target Miss = 1 Ranger: Cut Paper = 2 Winner! The first round of the tournament kicks off, Docken pulls back and lets fly, cutting paper but barely missing the bull's-eye. Readjusting from his first shot, he fires his second and third arrow rapidly sinking both into the center of the target for two Bull's-eyes. Tolde, not expecting such a performance by the one-eyed warden takes aim at his target, but is too shook up from the impressive display he just witnessed and only manages to hit the target once. Nur eyes the orc before taking his stance at the firing line. Confident and as cool as ever Nur produces his three shurikens and then proceeds to miss the target with every one of them. The orc unimpressed by the mage aims down range but also fails to hit the target. A single shot round is then taken to determine the winner. Nur focuses his concentration upon his shuriken and amazingly hits the target. The orc ranger however, not to be out done, fires off an arrow that cuts the paper of the target securing him the victory of the first round. QM Note: Round 2 will begin in 24hr. Feel free to interact with the crowd or the archers in the interem. "Pleased to do business with ya mam. And I believe I owe you sir 13 Gold." The Sharkling hands Boomingham 13 Gold and then ducks behind the crowd for a moment before finally returning with Blohdhurm which now seems to be coated in a slight shimmering coat of green along the blade. The Party: Bartholomew Docken, Level 21 Warden (Brick Doctor) *Party Leader* *Scary* Power: 30 Health: 40/40 Defense: 15 Gold: 5 (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) Haldor Skovgaard, Level 17.5 Shaman (Scorpiox) Power: 29, Health: 14/34 Ether: 21/24 Gold: 119 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 17.5 Assassin (Sisco) Power: 28 (+2) Health: 28/28(+1) Gold: 229 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 Lord Lawrence Boomingham, Level 16.5 Paladin (Zepher) Power: 27 (+3) Health: 28/30 (-6) Ether: 16/16 Gold: 20 (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 16.5 Sorcerer (Jebediahs) *Lucky* Power: 28 Health: 12/25 (23+1) Ether: 7/20 Gold: 318 Equipped: Inventory: Stealth Dagger (WP: 12), Helmet (+1 HP), Loaded Die (Lucky effect),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

"I've got the money to spare, shame though, sounded like the gnome was on to somethin... Well if ya've only got 7 gold to spare, then I'm just the shaklin' you need to see." Gurnam fished out a tiny piece of cloth with a list of his service written out upon it.

This is one of my favorite movies

"Crossbows give 'em another one. Imperials take their rear." Skrall urged the Lion Crossbowman A to attack the Cultist Picket Force B while the Imperials Pikemen A took another step southwest 1 hex. Battle Order: Isabella Skrall Arthur Alexandre OoC: Last turn the Imperial Pikemen A should have advanced 1 hex northwest instead of attacking the Picket Force that way they wouldn't lose so many of their numbers as they just did.

"Well, ya know a shark can't make a decent livin' just sellin' second-hand seafood. I've got a few investments, one just blew up on me though. Concernin' the Wolfgang, ya just got to know what buttons to push, besides they're easy to spot a mile away. Say, ya seem like a reasonable chap, I've got a few wares ya might be interested in, just so long as the little fella with wings keeps his nose out of 'em." QM Note: I'll give Sisco another 12 hours to decide whether or not to enter the competition.

"Crossbows give 'em a volley. Imperials hit their flank." Skrall ordered the Imperial Pikemen A to move one hex northwest as the Lion Crossbowmen A attacked the Cultest Picket Force B. Battle Order: Skrall Alexandre Isabella Arthur

"Gurnam, fishmonger. I own a small stand down by the docks. The Wolfgang is always workin' the streets these days, to the point ya don't know who's the victim you or the person yer shellin' out charity to. If ya look at 'em hard enough though you can generally tell the difference." "Good day to you as well sir. I hope you know how to use that longbow of yours." "Yes, we had the unfortunate experience of meeting in the gnomes lawn. Now if you'll excuse me I've got a purse to win." The orc obviously not in a talking mood, walks to the challenger's row to inspect his arrows as his hound follows closely behind.

It was semi-random, though I knew I wanted to match a few archers with specific characters. I'll post the pictures of all the archers once everyone has decided whether or not to enter the competition.

"A bettin' Paladin, that's a new one. The Mopagian out shot everybody in the apple contest yesterday, so I don't mind a little wager. Done, I'll put 13 gold on Billy, though if I find out ya can't pay, let's just say ya'll have a little trouble holdin' on to that sword of yers without fingers." The sharkling produced 13 gold, all the while continuing to play with his filleting knife.

"Thank you my son, here take this for your Party for your trouble," the halfling hands Bartholomew a Soma and walks off into the crowd. Soma – Causes the blessed-effect, allowing the target to recover 3 health at the end of each round for the duration of one battle. Party Leader, who shall receive the druid's gift. Match-ups thus far: Bartholomew Docken, Level 21 Warden (Brick Doctor) *Party Leader* *Scary* Gold: 5 (50 Gold loaned to Arthur Justus Regulus VII [Flipz]) Inventory: Briar Bow (WP: 9; Wood Elemental), Mockthril Longbow (WP: 5) vs. The Mopagian master of the Crossbow, Billy Tolde & En Sabah Nur, Level 16.5 Sorcerer (Jebediahs) *Lucky* Gold: 318 Inventory: Loaded Die (Lucky effect) En, Sabah, Nur (Shurikens 3/3, WP: 5) vs. Orc Ranger and current underdog, the Maa'ri Ranger Boomingham wanders around the grounds aspying at least 3 of the contestants, an orc with a hound nearby, an individual that resembled more of a walking carpet than a person, and a pale faced man with a crossbow. Boomingham finds himself on the other side of the fence standing next to a rather crafty looking individual fondling a filleting knife. "Quite a show right?"