CMP

One of Atramor's eyelids twitched. "That's just the kind of attitude that drives them to do so, actually. And ya' call us pirates." He instead turned to Tarn. "Aye. Got some more trainin' from the Copper Fox, figured I may as well get some better clothes. Those ninja bastards sure can bleed, cloak was nearly as red as Hybros'. Gotta admit, though. I missed the hat."

"That depends on the pirate," remarked Atramor to the peg-legged old man's words. "Not as many as ya' might think do it just to spite authority."

The regulator half-shrugged. "Didn't figure ya' much of a sailor."

"Your ship?" questioned the newly-clothed Atramor as he retook his seat, throwing back the last of the rum he'd left sitting there shortly before his visit to the training room. "Didn't know ya' have a ship."

Could've been worse. Could've been the Ban Hammer (WP: 30, deals doomed, fire and darkness elemental, hammer, suitable for staff members only)

All proceeds go to the Children's Fund for Badass Black Coats and Hats.

When it comes to mushrooms. What better way to say goodbye to the voodoo hippie look?

Atramor came to barely an hour after he'd passed out. He grumbled a little, rubbing his head as he got back up to his feet slowly. At least whatever was in that mushroom didn't give him a hangover. It took a moment for him to get acquainted with his surroundings, but a voice from nearby helped. "Finally. It doesn't exactly look good to have heroes unconscious on the floor here, you know." The witch's vision finally focused enough to recognize the man and the area in which he was arranging some dummies. "Copper Fox? The hell did I end up in here?" "Not the least bit surprised you don't recall, you were stumbling around like you'd been confused, blinded, and hexed all at once. If you mean why you chose to come into here, well, my training room happens to be a very important place for up-and-coming heroes. It holds a promise of power to anyone who's weathered enough to find their way here - and only to those people. You've never noticed how only heroes with just enough experience find their way here, without ever knowing the path?" Atramor frowned a bit. He couldn't remember ever being told the directions to the training room. The Copper Fox merely shrugged. "I suppose not. In any case, I can tell you're ready for more training. Things work a little differently with expert classes. It's dependent on those you've assisted during your career here. Don't act like that," he warned, as the witch suppressed a chuckle. "We all make a substantial impact on those who call upon our aid." "True enough. Whether it's right or not, though..." Atramor trailed off. The Copper Fox raised an eyebrow. "You think Heroica does more harm than good?" "No, no. In the long run, we all do a pretty damn good of helpin' people out. But there's always a Quest or two where, well...I dunno. We're never 'round long enough to see what we've done, or we can never get a full picture of what the hell is goin' on. Before ya' say it, no way in hell do I doubt myself, I never second guess anythin', I'm just...not sure if a bunch of sellswords are exactly the right kinda' people to be decidin' the fate of countries. I generally prefer the smaller jobs." "I see. You don't think Heroica has a place dealing with matters so large." "Exactly." "Hm. Well, you must remember that every Quest begins with someone needing assistance, whether it's delivering laundry or stopping civil wars. Heroica's place is to help those who need it. As long as people are calling for help, and as long as Heroica is around, we make significant changes on the world. That's simply the way it works." The master trainer straightened up, a longsword in hand, and beckoned Atramor to prepare himself. The witch, a bit confused, pulled out the Pheles Rod. "I can, however, give you the skills and mindset you need to make the better of these choices." With that, the Copper Fox attacked. McCafferey, who'd settled herself atop of the one of the training dummies' heads, watched with interest. The duel went on for a matter of minutes, though Atramor got the impression the Fox wasn't trying as hard as he could. The witch was battered pretty seriously within that short time. The chicken clucked exasperatedly. '~He's not trying to best you, fool, but if you keep fighting back he will. Simply try to avoid getting hit in the first place - and for Azazot's sake, use your shield.~' Atramor was running out of ideas and strength, so he complied quickly, moving the Pheles Rod to one hand and pulling out the Robust Shield with the other. He was surprised to find how easy it was to dodge the Fox's blows without having to worry about striking back - the few that broke through were rendered useless by his shield. The trainer stepped back after a short while more. "Good. Defense is the foundation of Order. Keep a cool head, and you'll find it easier. But now? Now you must fight back." They engaged again. This fight was far more punishing. Atramor's new tactic of trying only not to get hit wasn't working out so well, the ferocity of the Fox was too much to avoid. McCafferey fell silent as she continued to watch. A different voice took its place. "<WEAK, INSIPID MORTAL. CAN YOU NOT WIELD THE MIGHTY PHELES ROD WITH SOME CONVICTION? SOME INTENT OF DESTRUCTION?>" "Maybe if - agh, damn it! - it were more than a glorified stick," spat the witch as the Copper Fox unleashed a flurry of attacks, who looked unfazed by his talking aloud to the inanimate weapon. "<DO NOT DARE TO QUESTION ME. THE PHELES ROD IS A TOOL FOR MAGICAL ANNIHILATION, NOT BARBARIC SWINGING AND SMASHING. YET IF THIS THE ONLY MEANS BY WHICH I SHALL SOW CHAOS, I WILL AT LEAST SEE TO IT THAT IT TASTES BLOOD MORE...EFFECTIVELY.>" The booming, yet hollow and icy voice of Mephisto fell quiet. As Atramor continued to try and stave off the Fox's strikes, he noted a change occur in the Pheles Rod - the glowing blue end grew into a mass of vicious, mace-like spikes and twisted outward. Below it extended a single, solid spike. The rogue grinned through bloodied teeth. This would work. He caught the next swing with the edge of his shield, forcing the sword away as he spun around. The Fox was quick to duck - Atramor's swing was savage, and the dummy just behind the trainer took the hit hard. The trainer stood back up, glancing at the mess he'd made of the dummy's head and sheathing his sword. "Excellent. What Chaos lacks in defense, it makes up for in raw power. It and Order are both potent alone. When you find the balance between the two - when you regulate them, so to speak - there's much you can accomplish. I think you'll make a fine Regulator." Atramor was still panting, but he nodded in gratitude, and again once the Fox had healed him. "Aye...I think....I can put this to good use. Thanks, mate." "Of course. When you find yourself with a decision to make, no matter how important, just remember this battle. The paths of Chaos and Order are opposite, but rarely equal. Find the balance. The equilibrium between the two-" "Think I've got the idea," cut off Atramor. "Defend myself, kick megablocks, balance it out." The Copper Fox nodded and tilted his head and gestured to the door, and the regulator headed towards it "One last thing, Mister Gibbin." "Aye?...More insight into this stuff?" "No. You reek of dead rat. Go buy some new clothes." "...Right." Well, he wasn't wrong, thought Atramor, exiting the training room for a quick stop at the Marketplace. Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie) 31 year old male human Regulator Level 30 *Immune to Fire, Water, Lightning, Wood, Light, Darkness, and Doomed* *Negative Effects Last One Round* *Counterstriking* *Aura* Power: 50 Defense: 20 Health: 120/120 Gold: 0 Battle Style: Orderly Equipment: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, fire, ice, lightning, earth, wind, light, darkness elemental staff), Robust Shield (SP: 10, 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, light, darkness, and doomed, bodywear), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear) Inventory: Conspirator (WP: 15, deals the Blinded effect, longsword), General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Badass Tiger Claws (WP: 15, double WP against humanoids, darkness elemental, dual strike, daggers), Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants Animal Talk, headwear) Pickaxe, Shovel, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Deadly Venom, 2 Elixirs, Ether Core, 2 Grand Tonics, 3 Health Cores, 2 Mulled Wines, 2 Phoenix Essences, Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Soma Do I just list my Battle Style as a stat, like so?

Excellent work, I love the generous use of transparent pieces. The midsection almost really looks like a flying greenhouse. The curved engine and unique bridge area are also both extremely well-done.

Congrats to all the winners.

This is why you should avoid buying expensive mushrooms off of strange tree people.

"S'long as that doesn't change. We're humans. I don't believe in fate and don't follow the gods, but it's obvious enough we ain't meant to stick around." The witch accepted the Level-Up Mushroom from the strange druid, looking over it briefly before taking a few bites out of it. The flavor was invigorating. Very much so. When he looked up again, the hall seemed to have changed. The colors swam and became more vibrant. The table expanded and grew though the heroes grouped around it didn't seem to notice. Atramor blinked a few times. The flame in Nyx's drink grew into a multicolored inferno even as the mage sipped casually from it. The blood wiped from Guts' nose seemed to float across the room. The strange druid had turned into a giant tree right in the middle of the hall while a raptor skittered around it repeatedly. McCafferey bawked loudly again - when he looked at the chicken, its beady black eyes showed a depth far beyond what had been there before. Entire countries he saw within...other planes of existence, even. All behind the guise of poultry. The rogue found himself being carried downward by the hall's stairs, which had convenient started moving for him. Such nice stairs. They deserved better than being stepped on all the time by ungrateful heroes...he passed the Quest board, each notice and paper peeling off of it and whizzing aimlessly around him. He pulled the Pheles Rod off his back to clear them out of the way, but found only an angry-looking, spiked snake wrapped around his arm, venomous blue eyes staring at him as its matching tongue slithered in and out of its mouth with each cruel hiss. It lurched forward, sinking its fangs into his arm. Atramor felt no pain and saw no blood, yet could feel his strength being sapped away rapidly. He stumbled onto his knees, but the hall's floor still seemed to move as if he walked along them. He looked up to see a large, confused looking fox, its fur a brilliant copper in the torchlight, even as a dozen faceless dummies danced around it in a circle, each carrying a different weapon. "Neat...," observed the witch, enthralled, before crumpling to the floor.

Sorry, you didn't equip any of this stuff beforehand. Adds to suspense, in my opinion. "It is held as tradition in our Order to showeth honor towards an enemy, irregardless of their obvious depravity. The Cardinal believed it would be of some small comfort to ease thine shame." Round One of the Hook on the Other Hand Dreyrugr vs. Crimson Crown Acolyte A (Crow Claw Dagger) - Deflected Damage (20 - 12 = 8 damage, no deflect) >Nessa vs. Crimson Crown Doctor A (Silver Crossbow) - Damage (15/2 - 3 = 5 damage) Erik vs. Crimson Crown Doctor B (Twin Axe) - Extra Critical Hit (30 x 2 x 2 = 120 damage) Pretzel vs. Crimson Crown Acolyte B (Flying Cross) - Critical Hit (30 x 2 x 2 = 120 damage) Soryx vs. Crimson Crown Acolyte C (Vanquisher) - Special Damage: Explosive Shot (Soryx blinded, 5 damage to everyone) >Sylph vs. Crimson Crown Disciple (Spinning Bolas) - Damage (30/2 = 15 damage, Sylph is cursed) Crimson Crown Novice uses free hit on Dreyrugr - (10 - 12 = 0 damage, Dreyrugr poisoned) Dreyrugr is poisoned - (1 damage) Sylph is cursed - (-3 max health) The Crowns won't go down easily. Two of the Acolytes unless a storm of bullets, smoke filled the room and blinded the demon hunter. The Disciple and the Doctor take swipes at Sylph and Nessa respectively. The party's heavy hitters, however, come in swinging, and Erik buries his axe deep into the shoulder of the other Doctor as Pretzel flies in towards the final Acolyte, impaling him with his broomstick. The Novice is unable to hit the Monk, but splatters him with poison nonetheless. Enemies Crimson Crown Disciple "Have at you, impetuous druidic swine!" Level 30 Humanoid *Deals Cursed* Health: 845/845 Special I: Service to the Order – Crimson Crown Disciple calls a Crimson Crown Novice to join the battle. Special II: Mark of the Order – Crimson Crown Disciple deals the Doomed effect. Used only after Special I has been used three times. Special III: Blood to the Order – Crimson Crown Disciple heals 100 points to himself, removing the Poisoned or Badly Poisoned effect from all heroes. Used when all heroes are Poisoned or Badly Poisoned and Crimson Crown Disciple is above 100 health. Special IV: Life to the Order – One random Crimson Crown member dies and restores the Disciple to full health. Used when the Crimson Crown Disciple is below 100 health. Drops: 50 gold, Venom x3, Deadly Venom Immune to blinded, confused, hexed, sealed, and instant kill. Crimson Crown Doctor A Level 15 Humanoid Health: 80/200 Special I: Healing Balm – Crimson Crown Acolyte heals the enemy with the least health to full health and removes all negative effects. Special II: Blood Transfusion – Crimson Crown Acolyte heals the enemy with the least health by absorbing 10 health from each standing hero, ignoring row and defense. Used when Healing Balm has been used three times. Drops: Sterile Gloves Immune to poisoned and badly poisoned. Crimson Crown Doctor B Level 15 Humanoid Health: 200/200 Special I: Healing Balm – Crimson Crown Acolyte heals the enemy with the least health to full health and removes all negative effects. Special II: Blood Transfusion – Crimson Crown Acolyte heals the enemy with the least health by absorbing 10 health from each standing hero, ignoring row and defense. Used when Healing Balm has been used three times. Drops: Sterile Gloves Immune to poisoned and badly poisoned. Crimson Crown Acolyte A Level 20 Humanoid Health: 169/169 Special: Explosive Shot – Crimson Crown Acolyte deals the Blinded effect and deals 5 damage to all heroes ignoring row. Drops: 25 gold, Grand Potion Note: Crimson Crown Acolyte fights from the back row, so all non-ranged attacks will do half damage to him, while his attacks do full damage to heroes in back row. Crimson Crown Acolyte B Level 20 Humanoid Health: 49/169 Special: Explosive Shot – Crimson Crown Acolyte deals the Blinded effect and deals 5 damage to all heroes ignoring row. Drops: 25 gold, Grand Potion Note: Crimson Crown Acolyte fights from the back row, so all non-ranged attacks will do half damage to him, while his attacks do full damage to heroes in back row. Crimson Crown Acolyte C Level 20 Humanoid Health: 169/169 Special: Eyes to the Order – Crimson Crown Acolyte deals the Blinded effect and deals 5 damage to all heroes ignoring row. Drops: 25 gold, Grand Potion Note: Crimson Crown Acolyte fights from the back row, so all non-ranged attacks will do half damage to him, while his attacks do full damage to heroes in back row. Crimson Crown Novice A Level 10 Humanoid *Deals Poisoned* Health: 135/135 Special I: Fervor of the Order – Crimson Crown Novice’s regular attacks now deal Badly Poisoned. Special II: Strength of the Order – Crimson Crown Novice Poisons the party. Used when Special I has already been used. Drops: Nothing Party Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces, (Played by Palathdaric) 463-year-old male "hermit" Paladin *Party Leader* *Encouraged* Level: 18.5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 7 Health: 29/38 Ether: 5/23 Gold: 135 Equipment: Cross of Light (WP:10; Light; Staff), Fashionable Shield (SP:7), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing, accessory) Inventory: Heavy Flail (WP: 5; deals "Fragile" effect; Mace), Flying Cross (WP:6; Darkness, Fire, Wind; Broomstick), Steak (WP:1, instantly kills vampires on successful hits, suitable for all), Potion (2), Grand Potion (4), Ether Core (2), Remedy, Soma, Phoenix Essence, Venom (2), Deadly Venom (5), Paralyzing Venom (2), Holy Bomb, Commerz Cannonball, Scroll of Sealing, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magic Shovel (will always find something when used, limited to three uses per quest), Bone (3), Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle), Soothing Slippers (Footwear, Meditate restores 5 ether), Grating Stone, Smoke Bomb, Magnificent Magniscope (Magnifying Glass/Telescope), Scroll of Disenchantment (Removes all positive effects from all opponents at the cost of 5 ether, 50/50 chance of casting), Impervious Shield (SP: 5) (Grants immunity to Fire), Scrap Metal, Emerald, Neutralizer, Wand of Poking (WP: 10, double WP for physical attacks, wand), Strategist's Shako (Suitable for anyone, +5 power while in the front row, +5 SP while in the back, headwear), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Ethereal Cloak (Backwear; SP:2; Max Ether +4), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear; SP: 3; Max Ether +5, immune to "Sealed") Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 19 years old male human barbarian. *Immune to Fragile* *Encouraged* Level: 15.5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 17/22 Gold: 201 Equipment: Titanic Axe (WP:11, Earth-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Inventory: Spear (WP: 9, spear), Mead, Peacekeepers totem (Grants the "Diplomacy"-job trait; suitable to Erik only; accessory), Twin Axe (WP: 5, dual strike-axe), Phoenix Essence, Smoke Bomb, Diamond, 2 Bones, Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Mulled Wine, Voltedge (WP: 13, Lightning-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Sharkskin Armour (SP +1, immune to water; bodywear), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Lighter Armor (SP: 4, immune to fragile, bodywear) Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede) 1000 year old Male Vampire Black Knight *Immune to Stunned, Water, Wind, and Fire* *Encouraged* *Poisoned* Level: 19 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 12 Health: 21/38 Gold: 217 Equipment: The Muckraker (WP: 13, earth and water elemental, deals the weakened effect, greatsword), Gloves of the Undead Assassin (For every enemy the wearer kills, it gains 5 HP, Immunity to Water, Usable by anyone, Handgear), Dragonbrand Shield (SP: 8, immune to wind and fire, shield), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect) Inventory: Venom x3, Bedroll, Remedy, Smelling Salts, Mead x2, Net (if used in combat, 1/3 chance to slow enemy, 1/3 chance to be useless, 1/3 chance slow self, lasts 3 rounds, retrievable), Nostrum x2, Throwing Dagger (WP:3), Fauxthril Scythe (WP:5), 4 Bones, Bow (WP: 4), Grand Potion x2, Phoenix Essence x2, Soma, Mulled Wine, Crow-Claw Dagger (WP: 6, 50/50 chance to stun enemy on successful attack, Darkness), Shuriken (WP:5, Wind), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1, backwear, suitable for anyone), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Pseudos Hood (can damage undead with normal attacks), Hunter's Plate (SP: 4, wearer gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed, suitable for rogues, rangers, barbarians, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators, and winged warriors) Nessa Anárion 59 years old female elven Ranger Level: 16 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 3 Health: 14/22 Gold: 163 Equipment: Darkness Silver Crossbow with Raven-Slayer Bolts and Newty Mag (WP: 8, darkness elemental (WP: +3 vs. werefolk (removable)) (WP: +4 vs. Aquatic vermin (removable) (usable by ex-Amphibians only)), Tricorne (Headwear; SP:3), Inventory: Bedroll, Magic Compass, Venom (2), Nostrum (2), Mead, Phoenix Essence, 5 Potions, Opal, Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1), 2 Bones, Ranger's Cowl (Suitable to rangers, SP: 2, headwear), Mulled Wine, Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Garnet Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) unknown age, unknown race Druid *Immune to Sealed* *Second Party Leader* *Cursed* Level: 24.66 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 5/37 Ether: 3/29 Gold: 315 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 10, Bow. Every successful hit drops the target's SP by 1), 20-20 glasses (headwear, +1 turn of effect for scrolls) Inventory: Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Ice Armour, 2 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, 3 Tonics, 1 Venom, 2 Fire Bombs, 1 Ice Bomb, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Floral Bomb, 7 Bones, Trial Brew x3, Helmet (Max. health +1)), Emerald, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Journal of The Bleeding,Tale of the Invincible King, Psych Documents, Journal of The Wound, Suffering's Journal, Robe of the Magi (Bodywear, SP: 1), Smoke Bomb, Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), Orcish Morning Star (WP: 9, mace), Mulled Wine, Spinning Bolas (WP: 8, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved, throwing weapon), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Hide of The Suffering (Bodywear, Power +7 when under a negative status effect. Doesn't stack.), Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Soryx Dourskull (NPC, controlled by Myrddyn) "Damn, I can't see a thing..." 42 years old male wereviper Hunter *Immune to Darkness and Hexed* *Favors Demons* *Blinded, 3 rounds* Level: 15.5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 6 Health: 30/30 Gold: 107 Equipment: Vanquisher (WP: 10, light, ice, and lightning elemental, greatsword), Darksteel Armor (Suitable for anyone, SP: 6, max health +3, immune to darkness, bodywear), Talisman of Enlightment (Suitable for anyone, immune to hexed, accessory) Everyone choose an action. Party leader, please create a battle order.

And now the hook is on the other hand.

Still ooooone last little loose end to tie up... The heroes exchange their items and collect their reward, left a little put-off by the wording of the note. They're only halfway down the hall when a sudden crash echoes from downstairs. With no other exit anyway, they head down to the bar area to find a scene of chaos. Quillian and Boris have their backs to the wall, a sea of red and black hoods and turbans swimming around the entire room. One of them, cloaked, is engaged with Soryx Dourskull. The figure forces the demon hunter backwards, and turns his head to the party casually. "Greetings. I see you haveth collected thine reward. This is good. It means thine task has been completed. That most insidious assassin has been harassing the Cardinal for many a month. Now she is left unhindered in spreading the influence of our most secretive Order. Our goal now is to end you - but lest we fail, you still liveth with our success open your shoulders. You have lost, heroes. None make mockery of the Order without a most suitable recompense." "I take it this isn't the first time heroes have dealt with his kind?" "Silence, scaly knave! Thine battle has only just begun!" The mob charges down the party. PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Enemies Crimson Crown Disciple Level 30 Humanoid *Deals Cursed* Health: 845/845 Special I: Service to the Order – Crimson Crown Disciple calls a Crimson Crown Novice to join the battle. Special II: Mark of the Order – Crimson Crown Disciple deals the Doomed effect. Used only after Special I has been used three times. Special III: Blood to the Order – Crimson Crown Disciple heals 100 points to himself, removing the Poisoned or Badly Poisoned effect from all heroes. Used when all heroes are Poisoned or Badly Poisoned and Crimson Crown Disciple is above 100 health. Special IV: Life to the Order – One random Crimson Crown member dies and restores the Disciple to full health. Used when the Crimson Crown Disciple is below 100 health. Drops: 50 gold, Venom x3, Deadly Venom Immune to blinded, confused, hexed, sealed, and instant kill. Crimson Crown Doctor A Level 15 Humanoid Health: 200/200 Special I: Healing Balm – Crimson Crown Acolyte heals the enemy with the least health to full health and removes all negative effects. Special II: Blood Transfusion – Crimson Crown Acolyte heals the enemy with the least health by absorbing 10 health from each standing hero, ignoring row and defense. Used when Healing Balm has been used three times. Drops: Sterile Gloves Immune to poisoned and badly poisoned. Crimson Crown Doctor B Level 15 Humanoid Health: 200/200 Special I: Healing Balm – Crimson Crown Acolyte heals the enemy with the least health to full health and removes all negative effects. Special II: Blood Transfusion – Crimson Crown Acolyte heals the enemy with the least health by absorbing 10 health from each standing hero, ignoring row and defense. Used when Healing Balm has been used three times. Drops: Sterile Gloves Immune to poisoned and badly poisoned. Crimson Crown Acolyte A Level 20 Humanoid Health: 169/169 Special: Explosive Shot – Crimson Crown Acolyte deals the Blinded effect and deals 5 damage to all heroes ignoring row. Drops: 25 gold, Grand Potion Note: Crimson Crown Acolyte fights from the back row, so all non-ranged attacks will do half damage to him, while his attacks do full damage to heroes in back row. Crimson Crown Acolyte B Level 20 Humanoid Health: 169/169 Special: Explosive Shot – Crimson Crown Acolyte deals the Blinded effect and deals 5 damage to all heroes ignoring row. Drops: 25 gold, Grand Potion Note: Crimson Crown Acolyte fights from the back row, so all non-ranged attacks will do half damage to him, while his attacks do full damage to heroes in back row. Crimson Crown Acolyte C Level 20 Humanoid Health: 169/169 Special: Eyes to the Order – Crimson Crown Acolyte deals the Blinded effect and deals 5 damage to all heroes ignoring row. Drops: 25 gold, Grand Potion Note: Crimson Crown Acolyte fights from the back row, so all non-ranged attacks will do half damage to him, while his attacks do full damage to heroes in back row. Crimson Crown Novice A Level 10 Humanoid *Deals Poisoned* Health: 135/135 Special I: Fervor of the Order – Crimson Crown Novice’s regular attacks now deal Badly Poisoned. Special II: Strength of the Order – Crimson Crown Novice Poisons the party. Used when Special I has already been used. Drops: Nothing Party Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces, (Played by Palathdaric) 463-year-old male "hermit" Paladin *Party Leader* *Encouraged* Level: 18.5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 7 Health: 29/38 Ether: 5/23 Gold: 135 Equipment: Cross of Light (WP:10; Light; Staff), Fashionable Shield (SP:7), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing, accessory) Inventory: Heavy Flail (WP: 5; deals "Fragile" effect; Mace), Flying Cross (WP:6; Darkness, Fire, Wind; Broomstick), Steak (WP:1, instantly kills vampires on successful hits, suitable for all), Potion (2), Grand Potion (4), Ether Core (2), Remedy, Soma, Phoenix Essence, Venom (2), Deadly Venom (5), Paralyzing Venom (2), Holy Bomb, Commerz Cannonball, Scroll of Sealing, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magic Shovel (will always find something when used, limited to three uses per quest), Bone (3), Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle), Soothing Slippers (Footwear, Meditate restores 5 ether), Grating Stone, Smoke Bomb, Magnificent Magniscope (Magnifying Glass/Telescope), Scroll of Disenchantment (Removes all positive effects from all opponents at the cost of 5 ether, 50/50 chance of casting), Impervious Shield (SP: 5) (Grants immunity to Fire), Scrap Metal, Emerald, Neutralizer, Wand of Poking (WP: 10, double WP for physical attacks, wand), Strategist's Shako (Suitable for anyone, +5 power while in the front row, +5 SP while in the back, headwear), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Tricorne (Headwear; SP:3), Ethereal Cloak (Backwear; SP:2; Max Ether +4), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear; SP: 3; Max Ether +5, immune to "Sealed") Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 19 years old male human barbarian. *Immune to Fragile* *Encouraged* Level: 15.5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 22/22 Gold: 201 Equipment: Titanic Axe (WP:11, Earth-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Inventory: Spear (WP: 9, spear), Mead, Peacekeepers totem (Grants the "Diplomacy"-job trait; suitable to Erik only; accessory), Twin Axe (WP: 5, dual strike-axe), Phoenix Essence, Smoke Bomb, Diamond, 2 Bones, Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Mulled Wine, Voltedge (WP: 13, Lightning-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Sharkskin Armour (SP +1, immune to water; bodywear), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Lighter Armor (SP: 4, immune to fragile, bodywear) Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede) 1000 year old Male Vampire Black Knight *Immune to Stunned, Water, Wind, and Fire* *Encouraged* Level: 19 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 12 Health: 30/38 Gold: 217 Equipment: The Muckraker (WP: 13, earth and water elemental, deals the weakened effect, greatsword), Gloves of the Undead Assassin (For every enemy the wearer kills, it gains 5 HP, Immunity to Water, Usable by anyone, Handgear), Dragonbrand Shield (SP: 8, immune to wind and fire, shield), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect) Inventory: Venom x3, Bedroll, Remedy, Smelling Salts, Mead x2, Net (if used in combat, 1/3 chance to slow enemy, 1/3 chance to be useless, 1/3 chance slow self, lasts 3 rounds, retrievable), Nostrum x2, Throwing Dagger (WP:3), Fauxthril Scythe (WP:5), 4 Bones, Bow (WP: 4), Grand Potion x2, Phoenix Essence x2, Soma, Mulled Wine, Crow-Claw Dagger (WP: 6, 50/50 chance to stun enemy on successful attack, Darkness), Shuriken (WP:5, Wind), Cloak of the Blue Assassin (SP: 1, backwear, suitable for anyone), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Pseudos Hood (can damage undead with normal attacks), Hunter's Plate (SP: 4, wearer gains 10 gold for each Humanoid killed, suitable for rogues, rangers, barbarians, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators, and winged warriors) Nessa Anárion 59 years old female elven Ranger Level: 16 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 22/22 Gold: 163 Equipment: Darkness Silver Crossbow with Raven-Slayer Bolts and Newty Mag (WP: 8, darkness elemental (WP: +3 vs. werefolk (removable)) (WP: +4 vs. Aquatic vermin (removable) (usable by ex-Amphibians only)) Inventory: Bedroll, Magic Compass, Venom (2), Nostrum (2), Mead, Phoenix Essence, 5 Potions, Opal, Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1), 2 Bones, Ranger's Cowl (Suitable to rangers, SP: 2, headwear), Mulled Wine, Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Garnet Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) unknown age, unknown race Druid *Immune to Sealed* *Second Party Leader* Level: 24.66 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 0 Health: 25/40 Ether: 3/29 Gold: 315 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 10, Bow. Every successful hit drops the target's SP by 1), 20-20 glasses (headwear, +1 turn of effect for scrolls) Inventory: Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Ice Armour, 2 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, 3 Tonics, 1 Venom, 2 Fire Bombs, 1 Ice Bomb, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Floral Bomb, 7 Bones, Trial Brew x3, Helmet (Max. health +1)), Emerald, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Journal of The Bleeding,Tale of the Invincible King, Psych Documents, Journal of The Wound, Suffering's Journal, Robe of the Magi (Bodywear, SP: 1), Smoke Bomb, Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), Orcish Morning Star (WP: 9, mace), Mulled Wine, Spinning Bolas (WP: 8, deals the Slowed effect, but the effect is removed when retrieved, throwing weapon), Grand Elixir (Restores full health and ether to target and remedies all negative effects), Hide of The Suffering (Bodywear, Power +7 when under a negative status effect. Doesn't stack.), Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile) Soryx Dourskull (NPC, controlled by Myrddyn) 42 years old male wereviper Hunter *Immune to Darkness and Hexed* *Favors Demons* Level: 15.5 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 6 Health: 30/30 Gold: 107 Equipment: Vanquisher (WP: 10, light, ice, and lightning elemental, greatsword), Darksteel Armor (Suitable for anyone, SP: 6, max health +3, immune to darkness, bodywear), Talisman of Enlightment (Suitable for anyone, immune to hexed, accessory) Everyone choose an action. Party leader, please create a battle order.

Atramor watched the ice and glass skid across the floor, both cracking loudly, before looking back up at the raider. "I can believe that. Just don't turn power into a business. I've seen some idiots try and blur the line between mortal and god. No matter who the hell you are, that doesn't end well." McCafferey's eyes slid between both rogues idly even as she ate.

Guts. Tesni has a ton of fantastic weapons, but nothing can beat up to four Ravages in a row.

"If the drinks are free, there's gold to be made, and the goals are decent enough, I'd side with a drunken troll. Ya' can drop the crap about unlimited power, though. That's a song and dance I've heard more times than ya' might think. Never delivers."

For the record, I'm pretty sure there's like a dozen heroes at the table right now, a lot of listening is happening anyway.

Atramor shrugged, turning back to his drink and taking yet another sip.

Atramor looked sideways at Guts after he'd made his offer to Nyx, raising an eyebrow. "Those are some damn big words, mate."

Why are we all talking about pheromonanomalies?

Atramor blinked, shrugged, and tossed the druid his entire pouch of 262 coins. "Aye, that sounds fine...I've actually come across a few in my life, they're s'post to be good. Real good."

Atramor frowned a bit, leaning back some more, sniffing the air a little before turning his head even further. Benji was conversing with what at a glance he assumed was some sort of decorative plant. But what got him was the smell. It was vaguely familiar, and potent in more ways than one. " 'Scuse me, ya' wouldn't happen any mushrooms on you, would ya'? Er, figuratively, I hope?" he added, with a raised eyebrow, to the strange druid.

Atramor sipped his drink deeply, leaning back in his chair and tilting his ear towards Nyx and Guts slightly, more than a bit curious to an answer.