CMP

Right. Totally intentional. I totally haven't named them all in secret...

I'll fix that. "True enough. Sounds like a pretty annoying enemy to fight, too. And I've...been wondering about that too. If the Wandering Silence is here for Heroica, I thought you might have some insight on who they are." Olmstyr rubbed the back of his neck. "Knowing your enemy, and all that." "Ah." "Well, I...suppose that's why her name keeps popping up, then. There's more than one old legend about such creatures cutting their way through Baltarok to try and find the Fountain of Youth. Sure hope she didn't end up getting her hands on it." "I ask because it is rarely a matter of choice in Baltarok. Not when it comes to matters such as this...or being a warrior. I am part of the bloodline of Tarokai. It is unthinkable that I would not lead Clan Tarokin when my father is done and I have been preparing for it all my life. It is simply foreign to me why we are so committed to following the bloodline of Tarokai while Heroica seems to have no such legacy, since you all clearly think you are great warriors." Tra-Serral crossed her arms. Aazy slithered out from around Daske's shoulders to peek into the crowd...then made an odd, panicked cry and hopped back. <"Th-That's him! I...I think?? He's got the same mask, for sure!"> The figure almost immediately turned his head to face the party directly, where Nerwen was able to peer past his odd armor... Shining Pilgrim *Ranged* *Nimble* *Immune to blinded, weakened, confused, and hexed* Level 80 Humanoid Health: 540/540 Special I: A Light Shining in Darkness – The Shining Pilgrim makes the weather Bright. All Pilgrims deal light-element damage for the duration of the next round. Special II: Teleport – Shining Pilgrim switches rows. The Shining Pilgrim is encouraged in the front row, and nimble in the back row. Used if Light Shining in Darkness is already in effect. Drops: Magic Compass ...but almost as soon as she was done, he turned on a dime, cloak wrapping around him slightly as his entire body seemed to shrink, and then, with a 'whoosh' as though buffeted by a stiff breeze, the Shining Pilgrim was gone. But not far. Skrall's tuned hunter instincts told him that perhaps the agents of the Wandering Silence didn't have quite the range on their 'teleportation' - it seemed to him as though the strange, aged traces of magic left behind by the technique led upward. "Hang on. Olmstyr-" "I know. I've seen that man before...or someone looking a lot like him. He tried to kill Karstaal's advisor, Jaret, shortly before the Battle of Augustus Bridge. The heroes and I present stopped him, but I don't think we killed him. If that's what the agents of the Wandering Silence look like, then they've definitely had their eyes on Baltarok for some time." "Yeah, you told me about that. Sounds like their interest shot up from 'kill the sneaky advisor now that we've got the chance' to 'kill every single clan leader in one night.' Baltarok is moving up in the world!"

Miderun moves to slash Archer 1 from the front row.

I should be up to 40 WP. Atramor slashes at both Glasya and Gusion at once from the front row. If they're not defeated, he repeats. Otherwise he moves to slice Focalor with both claws from the front row.

Says the guy who's been using a cloak of redirection for a hundred quests.

With the Silken Savior out of commission, the party exits the building out the way they came. It's only gotten darker while they've been inside. The air remains hot and dry, but the night seems a little brighter knowing at least two of the so-called 'assassins' have been removed. Their competency remains in question but clearly their resolve does not, even in the face of immediate defeat by the heroes. Their tenacity was giving the heroes a headache, or maybe it was just the fierce, rhythmic hum in everyone's heads. If the Vauno noticed it they didn't make any note. As Skrall leads the way back to the palace, the Vauno's bitter orcish assassin has evidently elected to remain close by. "You implied to Grishnod you had children who did not follow your path. But Heroica is considerably righteous, if only through its own eyes." Tra-Serral let her...compliment?...sit in the ogre's head for a moment. "I'm curious why your offspring chose not to continue your legacy." Olmstyr, meanwhile, trailed a bit behind Boomingham and Nerwen. "Is this the same Baba a hero named Thormanil fought with? I don't mean to eavesdrop on you two....just seems odd to hear the same name again all the way out here years apart." Olmstyr scratched his chin. "Truthfully, I didn't think Heroica had many...uh, long-term enemies. Seems I was mistaken. If I may ask, what exactly has has she done to earn such ire?" And lastly Daske and Aazy trudged along the back with Thalion. He had spent 6 ether rolling the slightly less lucky die while the dragoon watched intently. . "....so." <"So?"> "So are all elves like that Thalion? Or just the star ones or...whatever? What kind are you? Related to Nerwen? Got a family? Lots of trees? Cute girlfriend? Dragon?" <"Oh, no,"> squeaked the tiny dragon, pointedly stretching his long neck to look the other way and try to spot the palace. The party had backtracked to the palace wall the invisible assassin seemed to have jumped over....and realized they were in the very same square they had first seen on first entering Baltarok. Except this time, it was devoid of most construction supplies, and instead stuffed to the brim with orcs, hobgoblins, ogres, all manner of greenskins, all sharing in the same, incredibly loud, echoing chant, the source of the noise the heroes could hear on the other side of the city. The very ground reverberated with the Requiem of Tarok, a slow, mournful chant the heroes could not understand a word of. They could however, for lack of a better word, feel the meaning behinds the words. It was difficult for Skrall to accurately track down the invisible assassin. But whether he had 'teleported' or not, the old hunter could certainly confirm one thing; he wasn't far. Party Nerwen Calmcacil, Champion of the North Kingdoms (Chromeknight) *Party Leader* 265 year old female elven Shaman Level 41.8 *Immune to sealed* *Gains Double EXP* *Restoration* *Absorbs last element* *Counterstriking* *Encouraged* *Nimble* *Hastened* Power bonus:,+8 Defense: 1 Health: 63/63 Ether: 44/50 Gold: 293 Equipment: Mourning Star (WP: 10; fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), Lesser Ethereal cloak (SP:1, Max. ether +3, immune to sealed; backwear), Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles; accessory), Chameleon Vest (Max. Health +10, the user becomes able to absorb the last element it was damaged with; bodywear), Counterstrike Gloves, Barbarians boots (natural respite becomes restoration) Inventory: Weapons: Nocturne Flute (WP:6; causes asleep-effect; instrument), Mutt's Flute (WP:10; inflicts Weakened-effect; instrument), Party Maracas (WP:4; user is hastened; instrument), Battered wooden flute (WP:6; Darkness-elemental; instrument), Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14; Light-Elemental, Meditate becomes hits; longsword), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Singing Sword (WP 10; causes bleeding, longsword/instrument), Champion’s Voulge (WP: 14, gains 1 WP when the hero protects an ally by reducing or preventing Damage or Special Damage, axe) Artifacts: Leather armour (SP:1; Bodywear), Zap-Tap Badge (1/2 chance to Electric counterstrike an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory), Shield (SP: 5), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3; Immunity to Ice and Water; Bodywear; Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2; Immune to Blind), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired; Accessory; Suitable for Paladins), Trickster's Mask of the Angel, Razor (user is Blessed and Immune to Bleeding, Enraged, and Encouraged; May take up any artifact slot; requires a shaved head), Helm of the Lord of Light (Immune to Light and Jinxed; headwear; Suitable for Knights), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Encore Plectrum (if the same Battle Song is sung for more than one round in a row, the song’s ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable to minstrels; accessory.) Spell Items: Opal (2), Topaz (2), Diamond (2), Amethyst, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Ruby, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion, Hundred Hero Hymn (Inspired-effect to all allies for 10 ether; song), Consumables: Phoenix Essence (3), Potions (10), Grand potion (2), Tonics (3), Grand tonic, Ether Core (2), Ambrosia (4), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Neutralisers (2), Tiger Balm (2), Nostrum (2), Smelling Salts (2), Venom (4), Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale (lucky & blessed), Titan Heart (encouraged & inspired), Fire Bomb, Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bomb, Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bomb, Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Red Death Blood (Once applied to a weapon the first successful hit deals doomed, consumable) (2), Sushi (restores 5 health and ether), Feather of Lithe (user is nimble for three rounds, 1/3 chance to avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits), Grating Stone, Bright Polish (2), Meads (3), Mulled Wines (2) Tools/Treasure: Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Telescope Skrall, Krakenwhacker, Titan Smiter (Waterbrick Down) 81 year old male ogre Hunter Level 44.6 *Natural Respite* *Favors Humanoid and Ancient enemies* *Immune to fragile, blinded, and confused* *1/3 chance to revive when KO'd* *Encouraged* *Nimble* *Hastened* Power Bonus: +2 WP for bows and crossbows Defense: 11 Health: 58/58 Gold: 3366 Equipment: Unlucky Crossbow (WP: 13, causes jinxed Effect, poisoned by 10), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Moone Greaves (SP: 3), Vorpalis Talisman (1/3 chance of instantly resurrecting with 1 HP and 1 Ether upon being knocked out; accessory), Inventory Weapons: Oversized Greatsword (WP:16, double damage on targets that are clearly smaller than the hero, greatsword), Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP,light,lightning,water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Giant Hammer (WP: 13, deals Confused); Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12, double WP against beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30, user is slowed and immune to hastened, axe) Artifacts: Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from battles, accessory), Paper Doll (Immunity to Hexed) Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Immunity to Weakened), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"; accessory), Winged Sandals (Immune to bound and slowed, footwear), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear, lent by Thalion) Consumables: 3 Potions, Phoenix Essence, 3 Phoenix Incenses, 10 Meads, 8 Nostrums, 3 Remedy, 3 Smelling Salts, Deadly Venom, 9 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, 6 Bone, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, 2 Neutralizers, Letter of Recommendation, Ethereal Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health and ether and the transcended effect) Tools/Treasure: Spyglass (Reveals if there are spies and eavesdroppers in the vicinity when used; tool) Lord Lawrence Boomingham, True Hero Who is Actually Worth Something (Zepher) 48 year old male human Vindicator Level 37.5 *Immune to darkness, fire, fragile, sleep, weakened, and blinded* *Affluence* *1/2 chance of being reinforced* *Zweihänder Grip* *Encouraged* *Nimble* *Hastened* Power Bonus: +5 on the front row Defense: 8 Health: 60/60 Gold: 318 Equipment: Scupperer (WP:17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Vest of Faded Trials (SP:8, 1/2 chance of granting reinforced effect at the start of every battle, Immune to Fragile; Suitable for Knights, Barbarians, Dragoons, Skirmishers, Regulators, Vindicators; bodywear and headwear), Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; footwear.) Inventory: Weapons: Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Venom Fang Blade (WP:9, causes poisoned equal to WP; longsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Frozen Saber (WP: 15; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7), Artifacts: Crown of the Desert King (SP:6; absorbs fire, wind, and earth; suitable for Boomingham only, headwear.), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), 2x Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear), Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, 2x Remedy, 2x Phoenix Essence, Danab's Apple (Revives all fallen party members, restores full health and ether to the whole party and removes all negative effects from them; consumable), 12x Mead, 4x Smelling Salt, 4x Nostrum, 2x Ambrosia, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Stun Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, 2x Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Bone, x2 Bright Polish, Tarok's Blood (The user deals double damage to humans and no damage to orcs for the duration of one battle), Ethereal Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health and ether and the transcended effect) Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away), Mythril Shard Thalion Dwinlas, Super Sleuth, School Inspector (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Mystic Knight Level 34.25 *Immune to all elements, sealed, blinded, weakened, confused, sleep, fragile, cursed, doomed, sudden death, poisoned and bleeding* *Nimble* *Lucky* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 45/45 Ether: 31/44 Gold: 1063 Equipment: Alpha and Omega (WP: 13, dual healing/spellcasting at the cost of 2 ether, Hollow [Grand Potion stored], staves), Ribcage Shield (SP:11; 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), Norgh Armor (SP:5, Immunity to Darkness, Light, Fire, Ice, Water, Wood, Wind, Lightning, Earth damage and Sealed, Blind, Fragile, Weaken, Sleep and Confused, bodywear), Blessed Amulet (Protects from Cursed-effect; accessory), Sterile Gloves (Immunity to Poisoned and Bleeding, handwear), Elven Boots (Wearer is permanently Nimble; suitable to elves; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Despair (WP: 21, darkness-elemental, physical attacks and spells deal double damage to enemies inflicted with any negative effects, staff), Nightfall (WP: 11, Darkness-elemental, absorbs 2 health on successful hits, Hollow [Grand Potion], dagger), Sleeper (WP: 4, deals Asleep to enemies it hits, Hollow Upgrade [Grand Tonic], melee/throwing weapon), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP: 10, deals Stunned on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Essence]) Broomstick (WP:9, ranged), Handy Shield (SP:4, Immune to Blinded) Artifacts: Slightly Less Lucky Die (Randomly causes the Lucky or Jinxed effect when used, costs 3 ether), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing, headwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Heart Locket (Protects from Enamored-effect; accessory), Snake-Eye Charm (Protects from Petrified-effect; accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory), Paper Doll (Protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear, lent to Nerwen), 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), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile, headwear), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding (SP:3, provides SPECIAL GUARD against Undead Enemies, backwear), Tin Helmet (Protects from Confused and Hexed effects; headwear), Sharkskin Hide (SP: 1, doubles water elemental spells, bodywear, suitable for mages, necromancers, chi monks, and weather mages) Spell Items: Zirconia (Gem containing all elements; cannot be merged into equipment), 3 Amethysts, (Diamond, Aquamarine, Opal, Garnet, lent to Tra-Serral), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Elemental Aura Consumables: Earthwyrm Fang (Grants the Encouraged, Lucky, Reinforced, and Blinded effects for the duration of one battle), Copy of The Eubric Herald (Gives the target the transcended and inspired effects for the duration of one battle), Kraken Fang (Grants hastened and reinforced effects when consumed), Grand Potion (7), Potion (4), Remedy (24), Mead (5), Smelling Salts (9), Nostrum (5), Mulled Wine (4), Elixir (3), Ambrosia, Ether Core (2), Grand Tonic (6), Phoenix Essence (4), Bone (2), Smoke Bomb, Blind Bomb (2), Seal Bomb, Sleep Bomb (2), Deluxe Skeleton Decoy, Feather of White, Feather of Flight (2), Demon Repellent, Skeleton Decoy (2), Ethereal Essence (Revives a fallen ally with full health and ether and the transcended effect) Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Mythril Shard, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 at magic shops) Olmstyr, Strakvaun (Controlled by Chromeknight) 35 years old male orc Vindicator Level 41.2 *Half Damage from Humans* *Immune to stunned, weakened, fragile, blinded, asleep, and afraid* *Zweihänder Grip* *Encouraged* *Nimble* *Hastened* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 15 Health: 65/65 Equipment: Serstyr (WP: 25, light-elemental, longsword), Strakvaun’s Longcoat (SP: 6, backwear, immune to stunned, weakened, fragile, blinded, asleep, and afraid, suitable for the Strakvaun), Orc-Made Chainmail (SP: 9, half damage from humans, bodywear, suitable for Olmstyr), The Righteous Hand (Vindicators in the party can use any of the oaths in the wearer’s inventory, handwear, suitable for vindicators) Inventory: Health Core, Phoenix Essence, Oath of Reclamation (Vindicator’s Oath: After the targeted enemy damages an ally, the enemy immediately becomes stunned, and the vindicator becomes encouraged.), Vindicator’s Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert class) Tra-Serral, Kahzvaun (Controlled by Zepher) 26 years old female orc Chi Monk Level 34.25 *Immune to confused, hexed, enamored, enraged, asleep and afraid* *Lethal* *Nimble* *Encouraged* *Hastened* Power Bonus: +40 Defense: 0 Health: 42/42 Ether: 26/27 Equipment: Touch of Malice (The wearer has a 1/6 chance of instantly killing enemies with Martial and Chi Hits, but cannot heal allies, handwear, suitable for chi monks), Kazhvaun’s Cloak (Wearer is nimble, immune to confused, hexed, enamored, enraged, and afraid, backwear, suitable for the Kahzvaun), Broken Chains of Tarokai (-10 health and ether, +10 power multiplied by the number of greenskins in the party, bodywear, suitable for descendants of Tarokai) Inventory: 2 Grand Potions, Amethyst, Ruby, (Diamond, Aquamarine, Opal, Garnet, lent by Thalion) Daske, Marykvaun (Controlled by Waterbrick Down) 21 years old female hobgoblin Dragoon Level 31.25 *Immune to bound, slowed, jinxed, poisoned, bleeding, and petrified* *Encouraged* *Nimble* *Hastened* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 20 Health: 53/53 Equipment: Dragon’s Tongue (WP: 20, pierces defense, wood-elemental, spear), Baltarok Buckler (SP: 15, shield), Marykvaun’s Greaves (SP: 5, immune to bound, slowed, jinxed, poisoned, bleeding, and petrified, legwear, suitable for the Marykvaun), Ally’s Shoulderguards (The dragoon absorbs all attacks that would knock out their dragon, accessory, suitable for dragoons), Ancient Dragoon Visor (Grants a dragoon's companion The Last of His Kind: Uses Fury from Above as its SHIELD and manifests its element early, headwear, suitable for the last Baltarok dragoon) Inventory: 3 Remedies Aazy, Aazuuldrahkcand (pet dragon controlled by Daske) 2 years old male dragon Hatchling Level 31.25 *The Last of His Kind* *Encouraged* *Nimble* *Hastened* Health: 31/31 Element: Wood

Atramor slashes at Glasya with both claws from the front row, and then does the very same to Gusion, a fount of black blood swirling around him as the Mythril Claws pay for themselves.

"Karstaal is leading the chant of Tarok's Requiem soon, and-" "Father is ill. He is likely recovering from the feast in his own quarters." "All I can say is that each of them have a particular assassin assigned to them. And that you needn't worry about infiltration, like during the feast." "Of course. I'm sure with a name like Heroica younger ones are just waiting for the chance to rebel..." "Invisible? Hm. If that's the case than it may be the work of the Burning Pilgrim...who is a part of the Wandering Silence, who brought everyone together. I did some digging once I was contacted by them for the job; their agents have a tendency to hide in plain sight and vanish without a trace. In fact, from what little anyone seems to know about them, I would put good coin on them having access to some sort of teleportation magic...not as advanced as mine, of course! But if that is the case, then it'll be about as a fruitful as trying to find a dragon's footprints." "<U-Um, we can't fly forever,>" squeaked Aazy for the first time since the feast. "<We have to land sometime...right..?>" "Exactly! Skraal and Aazy are right, even if this nut can disappear whenever he likes, he has to appear somewhere. And if he's with the assassins, it wouldn't be out of the city." "By the sound of it, he is not so much with the assassins as he is leading them." "In a sense." "As I said, they're likely going after Karstaal and Tarvalk. Most of our information was given on a need to know basis, the only reason the blue brothers - or whatever their ridiculous name was - knew where Grishnod was, is because they needed to assume his identity once he was out of the picture." "Perhaps you might. The last heroes to visit Spesiala were...mostly cooperative. This alliance, and your part in it, may better help your reputation there. Lady Zaniah was not particularly satisfied with Heroica's efforts there, however the current White Assassins, who serve the queen, say otherwise. Star Elves are difficult to please, but I know these efforts will be invaluable to our future." Vivienne tilted her head towards the party. "Áva márië, heroes. Stars light your path." "Believe me, I have every intention of doing that. For example, I need to go make sure Gor's little grudge match with your Blue friends goes over smoothly." Bastala crossed her arms. "Hey, we did what we needed to. We kind of wanted to save your dad before a crazy elf took his head off, yeah?" "Hm. Very well. In either case, this is not my fight, heroes, it is very much yours. The instructions were very clear that nothing was to get in the way of you this evening. I'm sure no offense was meant by that," she added with a hint of the smile, glancing at the Vauno. Tra-Serral glared sideways at Olmstyr. "So our clan leaders are being targeted just to bring Heroica here." "Give it a rest," sighed Olmstyr. "I know you disapprove of them but protecting people is simply what they do. Miss Nerwen was here herself, if you remember." "I very much do. I also remember Imaestym burning. So do you." "Heh, like NOT bringing Heroica here would've helped that..." "If you three are done, there is something I can tell you, heroes. I was told that the time is midnight. No, I don't know what that means. But I wouldn't wait that long before checking on Karstaal or Tarvalk." "I bet if we hit up those assassin tracks they'll lead to one or the other. Just lead the way!"

The infant in the safe-ish hands of Byblos, Atramor inhales some Smelling Salts, and then turns his attention back to the battle, slashing his Mythril Claws twice at Vepar, Demon of Drowning, from the front row.

Miderun repeats.

"Oh, no offense to them, but my faith was not in the Vauno, my Lord Boomingham. Tell me, how often have you failed in one of your assignments for Heroica?" "If I double-crossed them there's little doubt they would find out about it. Our arrangement was very straightforward, why, when I mentioned you may be present to them, the Wandering Silence didn't seem all that surprised. I'm starting to even doubt the validity of these assassination attempts." "...When I arrived to take back control of Clan Irlaz it was in the midst of a riot just outside the palace. My daughter is not ready for the rigors of being a clan leader-" "Nonsense. I say you're not ready for the rigors of leading a changed Baltarok. My policies were extreme. But look around. They planted the seed for the land you see before you." "I'm saying that he should've expected this. And admittedly...I was a tad bit surprised he did not try and finish the job." "How could you say that to me, Bastala?" "Because. It's just traditional," stated Bastala blandly...perhaps a bit sadly. "They would've made an attempt on his life anyhow. Nothing I could've done would've stopped that." "No. But it is no exaggeration to say I cannot think of a single orc who would take up their deal." "It wasn't orcs who saved Baltarok on that bridge, dear Olmstyr. You know that better than anyone." "Nothing, truthfully. Perhaps some insulted elves in the Sealed Capital, but I don't see how it would necessarily damage Baltarok." "We've been next door to Spesiala for as long as Baltarok has existed and we've barely said two words to them. If we're moving forward, we need allies." "Baltarok is not the only nation to have been isolated for far too long. This is as much a step forward for us as it is for your country," she explained, nodding to the Vauno. Bastala raised her eyebrows, looking almost insulted. "I took this offer partially to save his life. They accepted my arrangement; I would give them the perfect disguise in exchange for handling him myself. If I didn't, they simply would've hired another clueless assassin like those who tried to kill Gor." "You hardly seemed fazed even when I returned from 'the grave'." "I. Mourned. You. And then I moved on. At least I didn't pretend as though you never existed. Then it would've been a complete mystery just where on Olegaia I came from." Bastala rolled her eyes bitterly. "Oof. Harsh." "He will yield." "So you seem to think." "I have to. I simply don't want to consider the alternative. You started this Trial, father. We finish it now." Grishnod looked hard at Bastala. Then his gaze shifted to Vivienne, and the Vauno. And finally, he turned to looked sideways at the heroes. "Loathe as I am to admit it, I never would have escaped from my captors or been restored to power were it not for Heroica. Now, however, I question whether I ever was truly restored, if these are the lengths to which Bastala would go to keep her place." "This isn't for me, father, it's for the good of Bal-" "I know that much, do you think I am blind to how much things have changed?" Grishnod shook his head, weary from his capture, from the arguments. "Clan Irlaz needed me to set things right. And they were. Baltarok was saved, and thanks to Heroica I still had a hand in that. But perhaps..." Grishnod sighed. "Perhaps the phoenix has risen again, for the last time. If tradition is no longer what Clan Irlaz needs...then I will grant it what it does." "I yield." Bastala, arms still crossed, blinked twice. "You...what?" "I grow tired of our endless arguments, Bastala. I will not live out the rest of my days leading a clan that does not need me, my line ended and daughter exiled by my own hand. If Baltarok is changing...if even the outsider heroes can see that, where I cannot...then I am no longer the leader Clan Irlaz needs." "Oh. I see. I....well, very well, then." The half-orc looked quite surprised, awkwardly reaching her hand out to Grishnod to shake. "Thank you...father. I'm glad you were able to see this, it is...well, this is simply what I wanted all along, you know, Baltarok changing, I mean." "I know. I have little doubt you will guide that change as necessary." "And in that vein, clan leader Bastala, I would like to formally offer Baltarok an alliance with the Star Elves of Spesiala, on behalf of her Majesty Queen AnairÎ Alphieth." Vivienne buried her axe in the stones of the floor. "And heroes, I do apologize for this situation, though I was merely obeying Spesiala's own will in the matter. I am uncertain if it is worth anything to you all, but my defeat was sound, and I, too, yield," she added, bowing her head. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS!!! Everyone gains experience. The enemies drop 3 Ethereal Essences and the Champion's Voulge. Party leader, how will the loot be divided? x3 Ethereal Essences (Revives a fallen ally with full health and ether and the transcended effect) Champion’s Voulge (WP: 14, gains 1 WP when the hero protects an ally by reducing or preventing Damage or Special Damage, axe) "No need to be like that, Aunt Vinyenne. I will...bring that matter to the next Clanmeet, then." She turned towards the heroes, with a surprisingly gracious smile. "Thank you. I almost didn't think this would work. I feared to bring even Haldor in on this...but on top of that, it was as bloodless as I had intended. I suppose this Trial of the..Three...Circles? is ended. I will ensure Baltarok is changed for the better moving forward, I assure you." "Consider me assured," interrupted Tra-Serral dryly. "Dwinlas and the ogre are right in that while you argue over this, the lives of the other clan leaders remain at stake. And you remain responsible." "Responsible is a rather strong word. I was responsible only for Grishnod, and now that the Silken Savior is done for, I think that perhaps it's best that I cooperate so mine is the only new clan leader appointment this evening, hm? I promise nothing, this Wandering Silence is surprisingly careful for how little it seems to actually want the clan leaders dead. But if there is any information I can give you, I most certainly will." Party Nerwen Calmcacil, Champion of the North Kingdoms (Chromeknight) *Party Leader* 265 year old female elven Shaman Level 41.8 *Immune to sealed* *Gains Double EXP* *Restoration* *Absorbs last element* *Counterstriking* Power bonus:,+8 Defense: 1 Health: 63/63 Ether: 49/50 Gold: 293 Equipment: Mourning Star (WP: 10; fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), Lesser Ethereal cloak (SP:1, Max. ether +3, immune to sealed; backwear), Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles; accessory), Chameleon Vest (Max. Health +10, the user becomes able to absorb the last element it was damaged with; bodywear), Counterstrike Gloves, Barbarians boots (natural respite becomes restoration) Inventory: Weapons: Nocturne Flute (WP:6; causes asleep-effect; instrument), Mutt's Flute (WP:10; inflicts Weakened-effect; instrument), Party Maracas (WP:4; user is hastened; instrument), Battered wooden flute (WP:6; Darkness-elemental; instrument), Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14; Light-Elemental, Meditate becomes hits; longsword), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Singing Sword (WP 10; causes bleeding, longsword/instrument) Artifacts: Leather armour (SP:1; Bodywear), Zap-Tap Badge (1/2 chance to Electric counterstrike an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory), Shield (SP: 5), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3; Immunity to Ice and Water; Bodywear; Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2; Immune to Blind), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired; Accessory; Suitable for Paladins), Trickster's Mask of the Angel, Razor (user is Blessed and Immune to Bleeding, Enraged, and Encouraged; May take up any artifact slot; requires a shaved head), Helm of the Lord of Light (Immune to Light and Jinxed; headwear; Suitable for Knights), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Encore Plectrum (if the same Battle Song is sung for more than one round in a row, the song’s ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable to minstrels; accessory.) Spell Items: Opal (2), Topaz (2), Diamond (2), Amethyst, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Ruby, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion, Hundred Hero Hymn (Inspired-effect to all allies for 10 ether; song), Consumables: Phoenix Essence (3), Potions (10), Grand potion (2), Tonics (3), Grand tonic, Ether Core (2), Ambrosia (4), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Neutralisers (2), Tiger Balm (2), Nostrum (2), Smelling Salts (2), Venom (4), Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale (lucky & blessed), Titan Heart (encouraged & inspired), Fire Bomb, Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bomb, Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bomb, Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Red Death Blood (Once applied to a weapon the first successful hit deals doomed, consumable) (2), Sushi (restores 5 health and ether), Feather of Lithe (user is nimble for three rounds, 1/3 chance to avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits), Grating Stone, Bright Polish (2), Meads (3), Mulled Wines (2) Tools/Treasure: Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Telescope Skrall, Krakenwhacker, Titan Smiter (Waterbrick Down) 81 year old male ogre Hunter Level 44.6 *Natural Respite* *Favors Humanoid and Ancient enemies* *Immune to fragile, blinded, and confused* *1/3 chance to revive when KO'd* Power Bonus: +2 WP for bows and crossbows Defense: 11 Health: 58/58 Gold: 3366 Equipment: Unlucky Crossbow (WP: 13, causes jinxed Effect, poisoned by 10), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Moone Greaves (SP: 3), Vorpalis Talisman (1/3 chance of instantly resurrecting with 1 HP and 1 Ether upon being knocked out; accessory), Inventory Weapons: Oversized Greatsword (WP:16, double damage on targets that are clearly smaller than the hero, greatsword), Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP,light,lightning,water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Giant Hammer (WP: 13, deals Confused); Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12, double WP against beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30, user is slowed and immune to hastened, axe) Artifacts: Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from battles, accessory), Paper Doll (Immunity to Hexed) Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Immunity to Weakened), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"; accessory), Winged Sandals (Immune to bound and slowed, footwear), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear, lent by Thalion) Consumables: 3 Potions, Phoenix Essence, 3 Phoenix Incenses, 10 Meads, 8 Nostrums, 3 Remedy, 3 Smelling Salts, Deadly Venom, 9 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, 6 Bone, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, 2 Neutralizers, Letter of Recommendation, Tools/Treasure: Spyglass (Reveals if there are spies and eavesdroppers in the vicinity when used; tool) Lord Lawrence Boomingham, True Hero Who is Actually Worth Something (Zepher) 48 year old male human Vindicator Level 37.5 *Immune to darkness, fire, fragile, sleep, weakened, and blinded* *Affluence* *1/2 chance of being reinforced* *Zweihänder Grip* Power Bonus: +5 on the front row Defense: 8 Health: 60/60 Gold: 318 Equipment: Scupperer (WP:17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Vest of Faded Trials (SP:8, 1/2 chance of granting reinforced effect at the start of every battle, Immune to Fragile; Suitable for Knights, Barbarians, Dragoons, Skirmishers, Regulators, Vindicators; bodywear and headwear), Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; footwear.) Inventory: Weapons: Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Venom Fang Blade (WP:9, causes poisoned equal to WP; longsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Frozen Saber (WP: 15; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7), Artifacts: Crown of the Desert King (SP:6; absorbs fire, wind, and earth; suitable for Boomingham only, headwear.), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), 2x Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear), Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, 2x Remedy, 2x Phoenix Essence, Danab's Apple (Revives all fallen party members, restores full health and ether to the whole party and removes all negative effects from them; consumable), 12x Mead, 4x Smelling Salt, 4x Nostrum, 2x Ambrosia, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Stun Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, 2x Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Bone, x2 Bright Polish, Tarok's Blood (The user deals double damage to humans and no damage to orcs for the duration of one battle) Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away), Mythril Shard Thalion Dwinlas, Super Sleuth, School Inspector (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Mystic Knight Level 34.25 *Immune to all elements, sealed, blinded, weakened, confused, sleep, fragile, cursed, doomed, sudden death, poisoned and bleeding* *Nimble* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 39/45 Ether: 37/44 Gold: 1063 Equipment: Alpha and Omega (WP: 13, dual healing/spellcasting at the cost of 2 ether, Hollow [Grand Potion stored], staves), Ribcage Shield (SP:11; 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), Norgh Armor (SP:5, Immunity to Darkness, Light, Fire, Ice, Water, Wood, Wind, Lightning, Earth damage and Sealed, Blind, Fragile, Weaken, Sleep and Confused, bodywear), Blessed Amulet (Protects from Cursed-effect; accessory), Sterile Gloves (Immunity to Poisoned and Bleeding, handwear), Elven Boots (Wearer is permanently Nimble; suitable to elves; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Despair (WP: 21, darkness-elemental, physical attacks and spells deal double damage to enemies inflicted with any negative effects, staff), Nightfall (WP: 11, Darkness-elemental, absorbs 2 health on successful hits, Hollow [Grand Potion], dagger), Sleeper (WP: 4, deals Asleep to enemies it hits, Hollow Upgrade [Grand Tonic], melee/throwing weapon), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP: 10, deals Stunned on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Essence]) Broomstick (WP:9, ranged), Handy Shield (SP:4, Immune to Blinded) Artifacts: Slightly Less Lucky Die (Randomly causes the Lucky or Jinxed effect when used, costs 3 ether), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing, headwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Heart Locket (Protects from Enamored-effect; accessory), Snake-Eye Charm (Protects from Petrified-effect; accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory), Paper Doll (Protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear, lent to Nerwen), 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), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile, headwear), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding (SP:3, provides SPECIAL GUARD against Undead Enemies, backwear), Tin Helmet (Protects from Confused and Hexed effects; headwear), Sharkskin Hide (SP: 1, doubles water elemental spells, bodywear, suitable for mages, necromancers, chi monks, and weather mages) Spell Items: Zirconia (Gem containing all elements; cannot be merged into equipment), 3 Amethysts, (Diamond, Aquamarine, Opal, Garnet, lent to Tra-Serral), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Elemental Aura Consumables: Earthwyrm Fang (Grants the Encouraged, Lucky, Reinforced, and Blinded effects for the duration of one battle), Copy of The Eubric Herald (Gives the target the transcended and inspired effects for the duration of one battle), Kraken Fang (Grants hastened and reinforced effects when consumed), Grand Potion (7), Potion (4), Remedy (24), Mead (5), Smelling Salts (9), Nostrum (5), Mulled Wine (4), Elixir (3), Ambrosia, Ether Core (2), Grand Tonic (6), Phoenix Essence (4), Bone (2), Smoke Bomb, Blind Bomb (2), Seal Bomb, Sleep Bomb (2), Deluxe Skeleton Decoy, Feather of White, Feather of Flight (2), Demon Repellent, Skeleton Decoy (2) Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Mythril Shard, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 at magic shops) Olmstyr, Strakvaun (Controlled by Chromeknight) 35 years old male orc Vindicator Level 41.2 *Half Damage from Humans* *Immune to stunned, weakened, fragile, blinded, asleep, and afraid* *Zweihänder Grip* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 15 Health: 57/65 Equipment: Serstyr (WP: 25, light-elemental, longsword), Strakvaun’s Longcoat (SP: 6, backwear, immune to stunned, weakened, fragile, blinded, asleep, and afraid, suitable for the Strakvaun), Orc-Made Chainmail (SP: 9, half damage from humans, bodywear, suitable for Olmstyr), The Righteous Hand (Vindicators in the party can use any of the oaths in the wearer’s inventory, handwear, suitable for vindicators) Inventory: Health Core, Phoenix Essence, Oath of Reclamation (Vindicator’s Oath: After the targeted enemy damages an ally, the enemy immediately becomes stunned, and the vindicator becomes encouraged.), Vindicator’s Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert class) Tra-Serral, Kahzvaun (Controlled by Zepher) 26 years old female orc Chi Monk Level 34.25 *Immune to confused, hexed, enamored, enraged, asleep and afraid* *Lethal* *Nimble* Power Bonus: +40 Defense: 0 Health: 42/42 Ether: 26/27 Equipment: Touch of Malice (The wearer has a 1/6 chance of instantly killing enemies with Martial and Chi Hits, but cannot heal allies, handwear, suitable for chi monks), Kazhvaun’s Cloak (Wearer is nimble, immune to confused, hexed, enamored, enraged, and afraid, backwear, suitable for the Kahzvaun), Broken Chains of Tarokai (-10 health and ether, +10 power multiplied by the number of greenskins in the party, bodywear, suitable for descendants of Tarokai) Inventory: 2 Grand Potions, Amethyst, Ruby, (Diamond, Aquamarine, Opal, Garnet, lent by Thalion) Daske, Marykvaun (Controlled by Waterbrick Down) 21 years old female hobgoblin Dragoon Level 31.25 *Immune to bound, slowed, jinxed, poisoned, bleeding, and petrified* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 20 Health: 50/53 Equipment: Dragon’s Tongue (WP: 20, pierces defense, wood-elemental, spear), Baltarok Buckler (SP: 15, shield), Marykvaun’s Greaves (SP: 5, immune to bound, slowed, jinxed, poisoned, bleeding, and petrified, legwear, suitable for the Marykvaun), Ally’s Shoulderguards (The dragoon absorbs all attacks that would knock out their dragon, accessory, suitable for dragoons), Ancient Dragoon Visor (Grants a dragoon's companion The Last of His Kind: Uses Fury from Above as its SHIELD and manifests its element early, headwear, suitable for the last Baltarok dragoon) Inventory: 3 Remedies Aazy, Aazuuldrahkcand (pet dragon controlled by Daske) 2 years old male dragon Hatchling Level 31.25 *The Last of His Kind* Health: 8/31 Element: Wood

That is always the case. There's no item to my recollection specific to base classes, there wouldn't really be any point in that.

"The what?" Atramor pokes around the bundle of loot he'd just stolen only to find a very small child taking up the majority of it. "Oh. Freakin' hell." He scratches his chin and moves to hand the infant off to Byblos from the back row. "Here, uh, take this mate, I'm no damn good with kids. Of course this couldn't happen last quest."

Thought of that, but time travel. I think overhealing was my suggestion for High Cleric, actually.

There just aren't that many healing Expert Classes. Alchemist, Chi Monk, Minstrel. I figured one more sort of flavor would be interesting. Like I said, preventative healer. That breaks time.

Undeterred, Atramor repeats his maneuver.

That's the reason Rewound Damage costs 3 ether. The class is designed to be something of a preventative healer, but it can burn through ether fast, too. Frozen-effect doesn't exist. But I picture it being something like a weaker petrified or a beefed-up stun/slow. That's how Rewind was up until a few hours ago when I changed it right before uploading this picture to Flickr. It no longer specifies that it has to be before the Timebreaker. It's just referring to the first Special Damage/Damage that round. But I do like that idea. I should point out this class was heavily inspired by Jeb's Time Thief class from a while ago. But edited heavily. Basically, the thought process was "how can I make healers cool." And here you go.

"Bastala and I's plan was put together well before I was contacted by the Wandering Silence, with a contract to kill Grishnod." "But Vivienne told me about the offer, and I ended up making this delightful little group an even better one: I would provide them with all the information necessary to remove and impersonate dear father, in exchange for the resources to carry it out. They get a big fat opportunity by disguising as him...not that it seemed to work, huge surprise there....and I don't have to worry about anyone getting in my way when father and I finish this trial of ours. And no. Recent events have made it clear the clan leaders want the same things I do; for Baltarok to claim a place of power in the world. If you need proof, look around you. A High Kingdoms king was just present at the Zardalvohl feast. In case it wasn't clear, that simply doesn't happen." "Tradition's led Baltarok since its inception. When the Kingdoms decided to build a bridge it almost immediately sparked a war that Heroica just barely was able to stop. Now you want to forge an alliance with elves we hardly know?" Grishnod gave Bastala a stern sideways look. The half-orc shrugged. "You're right. We were clinging to tradition for a very long time. Look where it got us." "My daughter is deluded. Tarvalk and Gor would never stand for an alliance with the Star Elves. A change in Zardalvohl, yes. But a cemented alliance? Baltarok has never done that in all its history. Tradition is what orcs stand upon, it is the foundation of what we are. That will never change." "Hm, perhaps that was a little over dramatic of me." "My father was thought dead for a year immediately preceding the Battle of Augustus Bridge. My elder brothers were killed when he was captured by nords of the north...so naturally the role of clan leader fell to me. Heroica rescued him later, and when he returned and sought to reclaim his place as leader of Clan Irlaz, he adhered to his oh-so-predictable traditions and challenged me to the Trial of the Three Circles. Some old business where two would-be clan leaders fight, usually to the death." Bastala waved her hand dismissively. "The usual orcish thing. Tradition dictates a trial does not end until somebody yields or somebody dies." "You will recall I spurred tradition to spare your life." Grishnod crossed his arms. Bastala's smile tightened into a bitter frown. "So you'll do it to spare me, but not to spare Baltarok. How open-minded of you, father. In either case, the point is, my father initiated this little ritual, Lord Boomingham, several years ago. I suppose that technically was a coup as well. The trial does dictate the winner becomes clan leader, is that correct?" She raised her eyebrows to Grishnod, who merely glared back. "I thought so. So, really, I'm just finishing a fight that he started. The other clan leaders would certainly respect that." "She isn't one of us." "Oh how you wound me." Bastala smirks a bit. "There was a time when I called you friend, you know." "There was also a time when you respected your elders. Things change, elf-spawn."

Miderun repeats.

I'm not sure when an oath is supposed to take effect after the hit is successful. I'll just put it at the start of the round, I suppose. Round Three of the Silken Savior Olmstyr declares Oath of Reclamation on Silkenstride - (Olmstyr encouraged, Vivienne stunned) >Tra-Serral vs. Eludio - Critical Chi Hit (142x2/2 - 16 = 126 damage, Eludio KO'd, -1 ether) >Nerwen uses Scroll of Weakening on Silkenstride - Failure (-1 ether) >Thalion uses Scroll of Frailty on Silkenstride - Success (Vivienne fragile, -1 ether) >Thalion vs. Silkenstride (Despair, Darkness) - Special Damage Great Spell (76x2x2x2 - 20 = 588 damage, -1 ether) >Olmstyr vs. Silkenstride - Hit (91x2x2/2 - 20 = 162 damage, Olmstyr can declare a second oath) >Daske vs. Silkenstride- Hit (51x2/2 = 51 damage) >Aazy does nothing >Boomingham vs. Silkenstride - Shield: Supernatural Smite (173x2x2x2/2 - 20 = 692 damage, Vivienne poisoned by 10, no weaken) >Skrall vs. Silkenstride (Hunter's Crossbow) - Aim (14x2x2x3 - 20 = 148 damage) >Grishnod does nothing Vivienne - Bleeding and poisoned by 10 (15 damage) Spirit Channel Vivienne calls upon Ethereal Wisp B Tra-Serral 'exorcises' Eludio with a swift slice from her blade. From there, it's a matter of crippling the so-called Silken Savior. Nerwen and Thalion read from their scrolls while Olmstyr kneels briefly, murmuring a short prayer in orcish. Boomingham's monstrous blade carries its debuffs along with it. In the end, Vivienne has an almost-lethal cocktail of negative effects on her, and the party takes advantage. Thalion's spell with the crippling staff of Despair nearly melts her shield with the power o darkness, leaving her open for some fierce strikes by Daske and Olmstyr, attacking in trained unison. Skrall's bolt only grazes her, but the hunter's smart choice in weaponry causes the effects to multiply anyhow. Boomingham, finally settling into his new role, calls upon...some kind of otherwordly force. Ennoc? Pseudos? Barty??? In any case, Scupperer very nearly takes Vivienne's arm off, and the elf collapses, momentarily. Enemies Vivienne Silkenstride *Immune to instant kill, blinded, sealed, hexed, jinxed, confused, and cursed* *Bleeding* *Stunned* *Fragile, 3 rounds* *Poisoned by 10* Level 70 Humanoid Health: 127/2080 Defense: 20 Special I: Favor of Legovia – Vivienne gives the blessed-effect to the spirit with the lowest health. Special II: Star of Spesiala – Vivienne deals 5 damage ignoring row and defense to the first hero in the battle order, 10 to the second, 15 to the third, etc. Used when all spirits are blessed or defeated. Passive Special: Spirit Channel – Vivienne calls upon an increasingly stronger Ethereal Wisp at the end of every third round. Drops: Champion’s Voulge (WP: 14, gains 1 WP when the hero protects an ally by reducing or preventing Damage or Special Damage, axe) Party Nerwen Calmcacil, Champion of the North Kingdoms (Chromeknight) *Party Leader* 265 year old female elven Shaman Level 41.4 *Immune to sealed* *Gains Double EXP* *Restoration* *Absorbs last element* *Counterstriking* Power bonus:,+8 Defense: 1 Health: 63/63 Ether: 49/50 Gold: 293 Equipment: Mourning Star (WP: 10; fire-elemental; inflicts Fragile-effect; mace), Lesser Ethereal cloak (SP:1, Max. ether +3, immune to sealed; backwear), Medal of Valor (Double experience from battles; accessory), Chameleon Vest (Max. Health +10, the user becomes able to absorb the last element it was damaged with; bodywear), Counterstrike Gloves, Barbarians boots (natural respite becomes restoration) Inventory: Weapons: Nocturne Flute (WP:6; causes asleep-effect; instrument), Mutt's Flute (WP:10; inflicts Weakened-effect; instrument), Party Maracas (WP:4; user is hastened; instrument), Battered wooden flute (WP:6; Darkness-elemental; instrument), Sword of the Warrior of the Light (WP: 14; Light-Elemental, Meditate becomes hits; longsword), Bent Crowbar (WP: 8; 3x damage to Mechanic enemies; hammer), Singing Sword (WP 10; causes bleeding, longsword/instrument) Artifacts: Leather armour (SP:1; Bodywear), Zap-Tap Badge (1/2 chance to Electric counterstrike an opponent who has dealt damage to a hero, equal to the hero's level; Accessory), Shield (SP: 5), Nordic Stomach Guard (SP: 3; Immunity to Ice and Water; Bodywear; Suitable for Barbarians, Regulators, and Beast Warriors), Shield of the Red Lizard (SP: 2; Immune to Blind), Seal of the Warrior Priestess (At the beginning of the battle the user has a 1/6 chance to be Transcended, a 1/6 chance to be Blessed, and a 1/6 chance to be Inspired; Accessory; Suitable for Paladins), Trickster's Mask of the Angel, Razor (user is Blessed and Immune to Bleeding, Enraged, and Encouraged; May take up any artifact slot; requires a shaved head), Helm of the Lord of Light (Immune to Light and Jinxed; headwear; Suitable for Knights), Sylvania's Cowl (Permits Animal Talk, Headwear), Encore Plectrum (if the same Battle Song is sung for more than one round in a row, the song’s ether cost for the consecutive rounds is halved; suitable to minstrels; accessory.) Spell Items: Opal (2), Topaz (2), Diamond (2), Amethyst, Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine, Ruby, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Fragile, Scroll of Confusion, Hundred Hero Hymn (Inspired-effect to all allies for 10 ether; song), Consumables: Phoenix Essence (3), Potions (10), Grand potion (2), Tonics (3), Grand tonic, Ether Core (2), Ambrosia (4), Elixirs (2), Remedies (6), Neutralisers (2), Tiger Balm (2), Nostrum (2), Smelling Salts (2), Venom (4), Mulled Wine, Dragon Scale (lucky & blessed), Titan Heart (encouraged & inspired), Fire Bomb, Ice Bombs (2), Lightning Bomb, Water Bombs (2), Dirt Bombs (2), Air Bomb, Bone, Milk (restores 15 HP and 15 Ether), Red Death Blood (Once applied to a weapon the first successful hit deals doomed, consumable) (2), Sushi (restores 5 health and ether), Feather of Lithe (user is nimble for three rounds, 1/3 chance to avoid rolls of COUNTER and DAMAGE and Free Hits), Grating Stone, Bright Polish (2), Meads (3), Mulled Wines (2) Tools/Treasure: Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Telescope Skrall, Krakenwhacker, Titan Smiter (Waterbrick Down) 81 year old male ogre Hunter Level 44.4 *Natural Respite* *Favors Humanoid and Ancient enemies* *Immune to fragile, blinded, and confused* *1/3 chance to revive when KO'd* Power Bonus: +2 WP for bows and crossbows Defense: 11 Health: 46/58 Gold: 3366 Equipment: Unlucky Crossbow (WP: 13, causes jinxed Effect, poisoned by 10), Hunter's Quiver (Bows and Crossbows +2WP, allows Hunters to favor two types of enemies, back wear), Tricorne (SP: 3, head wear), Heavy Armor (SP: 5, wearer is immune to fragile, blind, and confused effects, body wear), Moone Greaves (SP: 3), Vorpalis Talisman (1/3 chance of instantly resurrecting with 1 HP and 1 Ether upon being knocked out; accessory), Inventory Weapons: Oversized Greatsword (WP:16, double damage on targets that are clearly smaller than the hero, greatsword), Composite Bow (WP:12, ignores SP,light,lightning,water, wood, and earth-elemental; bow), Giant Hammer (WP: 13, deals Confused); Hunter's Crossbow (WP:12, double WP against beasts, fire, ice, wind, and darkness-elemental), Axe of the Minotaur Champion (WP: 30, user is slowed and immune to hastened, axe) Artifacts: Medal of Glory (Wearer gains 3x experience from battles, accessory), Paper Doll (Immunity to Hexed) Pugilist's Gloves (+2 Power, Immunity to Weakened), Lucky Doubloon (Grants "Special Guard"; accessory), Winged Sandals (Immune to bound and slowed, footwear), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear, lent by Thalion) Consumables: 3 Potions, Phoenix Essence, 3 Phoenix Incenses, 10 Meads, 8 Nostrums, 3 Remedy, 3 Smelling Salts, Deadly Venom, 9 Smoke Bomb, 2 Dirt Bombs, Fire Bomb, 5 Water Bombs, 6 Bone, Blind Fury, Grating Stone, 2 Neutralizers, Letter of Recommendation, Tools/Treasure: Spyglass (Reveals if there are spies and eavesdroppers in the vicinity when used; tool) Lord Lawrence Boomingham, True Hero Who is Actually Worth Something (Zepher) 48 year old male human Vindicator Level 37.25 *Immune to darkness, fire, fragile, sleep, weakened, and blinded* *Affluence* *1/2 chance of being reinforced* *Zweihänder Grip* *Encouraged* Power Bonus: +5 on the front row Defense: 8 Health: 60/60 Gold: 318 Equipment: Scupperer (WP:17; darkness-, fire- and earth-elemental; inflicts bleeding and poisoned by 10; has 1/2 chance each to inflict blinded, sealed, weakened and fragile; greatsword), Tome of Affluence (+10 Gold if equipped for the entirety of a battle; grants immunity to fragile, asleep, weakened, blinded, darkness and fire; accessory), Vest of Faded Trials (SP:8, 1/2 chance of granting reinforced effect at the start of every battle, Immune to Fragile; Suitable for Knights, Barbarians, Dragoons, Skirmishers, Regulators, Vindicators; bodywear and headwear), Fighting Boots (Power +5 on the front row; suitable to barbarians, knights, rogues, beast warriors, chi monks, dragoons, harlots, infiltrators, marauders, skirmishers, regulators, vindicators and winged warriors; footwear.) Inventory: Weapons: Epidemic Halberd (WP:8, causes all negative effects that the user has to the target when attacking; halberd), Venom Fang Blade (WP:9, causes poisoned equal to WP; longsword), Lullaby Wand (WP:6, inflicts asleep), Silver Sword (WP: 18, Longsword), Frozen Saber (WP: 15; light-, ice- and wind-elemental; inflicts stunned; great sword), Round Metal Shield (SP:7), Artifacts: Crown of the Desert King (SP:6; absorbs fire, wind, and earth; suitable for Boomingham only, headwear.), Venomari Helmet (SP:2, absorb poison as health; helmet), Hood of Belthazar Bluehood (Power +4; Ether -6; headwear), Scarlet Hood (SP:4, grants immunity to stunned), Chains of the Pongcanis Chief (Hero Pierces SP if fighting from Front, Enemies ignore SP if hero fights from the back row, cannot be removed in battle), Amulet of Optimism (Adds the confused-effect to all attacks; accessory, suitable to Erdathcath only), 2x Prayer Beads (Makes the wearer permanently blessed; accessory.), Counterstrike Gloves (If the wearer is damaged by a Free Hit, they counter with strength equal to their level; handwear.), Crimson Suit of Armor (SP:12, allows wearer to pose as Crimson Bear Knight; takes three artifact slots: bodywear, headwear and footwear), Spell Items: Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Recklessness (Encouraged and Fragile; costs 5 Ether; 50/50 chance), Emerald Lamp of Summoning (0/3), “True Love Serenade” (restores 50 health to the rest of the party per round; costs 10 ether; Battle Song) Consumables: Potion, 2x Remedy, 2x Phoenix Essence, Danab's Apple (Revives all fallen party members, restores full health and ether to the whole party and removes all negative effects from them; consumable), 12x Mead, 4x Smelling Salt, 4x Nostrum, 2x Ambrosia, Fire Brandy (Encouraged, Immune to Ice), Fireball Whiskey (Immunity to Fire One Battle OR 20 Fire Damage All Enemies), Hamantasch (Lucky, Blessed), Jinxy Juice, 2x Floral Bomb, Seal Bomb, Poison Bomb, Stun Bomb, Seth Bomb (Deals 100 darkness-elemental damage to all opponents when used.), Feather of Flight (Allows the user to flee from the battle when used.), Hair of the Dog, 2x Grating Stone, Oculoid Miasma, Oculoid Fireworks, Saber Teeth, Bone, x2 Bright Polish, Tarok's Blood (The user deals double damage to humans and no damage to orcs for the duration of one battle) Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away), Mythril Shard Thalion Dwinlas, Super Sleuth, School Inspector (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Mystic Knight Level 34 *Immune to all elements, sealed, blinded, weakened, confused, sleep, fragile, cursed, doomed, sudden death, poisoned and bleeding* *Nimble* *Lucky* *Hastened* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 16 Health: 39/45 Ether: 37/44 Gold: 1063 Equipment: Alpha and Omega (WP: 13, dual healing/spellcasting at the cost of 2 ether, Hollow [Grand Potion stored], staves), Ribcage Shield (SP:11; 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), Norgh Armor (SP:5, Immunity to Darkness, Light, Fire, Ice, Water, Wood, Wind, Lightning, Earth damage and Sealed, Blind, Fragile, Weaken, Sleep and Confused, bodywear), Blessed Amulet (Protects from Cursed-effect; accessory), Sterile Gloves (Immunity to Poisoned and Bleeding, handwear), Elven Boots (Wearer is permanently Nimble; suitable to elves; footwear) Inventory: Weapons: Despair (WP: 21, darkness-elemental, physical attacks and spells deal double damage to enemies inflicted with any negative effects, staff), Nightfall (WP: 11, Darkness-elemental, absorbs 2 health on successful hits, Hollow [Grand Potion], dagger), Sleeper (WP: 4, deals Asleep to enemies it hits, Hollow Upgrade [Grand Tonic], melee/throwing weapon), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP: 10, deals Stunned on successful hits, Hollow [Phoenix Essence]) Broomstick (WP:9, ranged), Handy Shield (SP:4, Immune to Blinded) Artifacts: Slightly Less Lucky Die (Randomly causes the Lucky or Jinxed effect when used, costs 3 ether), Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to Magic and Healing, headwear), Winged Sandals (Protects from Bound and Slowed effects, footwear), Heart Locket (Protects from Enamored-effect; accessory), Snake-Eye Charm (Protects from Petrified-effect; accessory), Shackles of War (Prevents anyone from fleeing battles; accessory), Paper Doll (Protects from Hexed-effect; accessory), Cloak of Espionage (Allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle, backwear, lent to Nerwen), 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), Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile, headwear), Cloak of Necrotic Shielding (SP:3, provides SPECIAL GUARD against Undead Enemies, backwear), Tin Helmet (Protects from Confused and Hexed effects; headwear), Sharkskin Hide (SP: 1, doubles water elemental spells, bodywear, suitable for mages, necromancers, chi monks, and weather mages) Spell Items: Zirconia (Gem containing all elements; cannot be merged into equipment), 3 Amethysts, (Diamond, Aquamarine, Opal, Garnet, lent to Tra-Serral), Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Elemental Aura Consumables: Earthwyrm Fang (Grants the Encouraged, Lucky, Reinforced, and Blinded effects for the duration of one battle), Copy of The Eubric Herald (Gives the target the transcended and inspired effects for the duration of one battle), Kraken Fang (Grants hastened and reinforced effects when consumed), Grand Potion (7), Potion (4), Remedy (24), Mead (5), Smelling Salts (9), Nostrum (5), Mulled Wine (4), Elixir (3), Ambrosia, Ether Core (2), Grand Tonic (6), Phoenix Essence (4), Bone (2), Smoke Bomb, Blind Bomb (2), Seal Bomb, Sleep Bomb (2), Deluxe Skeleton Decoy, Feather of White, Feather of Flight (2), Demon Repellent, Skeleton Decoy (2) Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, Telescope, Magic Compass, Mythril Shard, Crystal Ball (Worth 50 gold, 100 at magic shops) Olmstyr, Strakvaun (Controlled by Chromeknight) 35 years old male orc Vindicator Level 41 *Half Damage from Humans* *Immune to stunned, weakened, fragile, blinded, asleep, and afraid* *Zweihänder Grip* *Encouraged* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 15 Health: 57/65 Equipment: Serstyr (WP: 25, light-elemental, longsword), Strakvaun’s Longcoat (SP: 6, backwear, immune to stunned, weakened, fragile, blinded, asleep, and afraid, suitable for the Strakvaun), Orc-Made Chainmail (SP: 9, half damage from humans, bodywear, suitable for Olmstyr), The Righteous Hand (Vindicators in the party can use any of the oaths in the wearer’s inventory, handwear, suitable for vindicators) Inventory: Health Core, Phoenix Essence, Oath of Reclamation (Vindicator’s Oath: After the targeted enemy damages an ally, the enemy immediately becomes stunned, and the vindicator becomes encouraged.), Vindicator’s Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert class) Tra-Serral, Kahzvaun (Controlled by Zepher) 26 years old female orc Chi Monk Level 34 *Immune to confused, hexed, enamored, enraged, asleep and afraid* *Lethal* *Nimble* *Inspired* *Encouraged* Power Bonus: +40 Defense: 0 Health: 42/42 39/84 Ether: 26/27 Equipment: Touch of Malice (The wearer has a 1/6 chance of instantly killing enemies with Martial and Chi Hits, but cannot heal allies, handwear, suitable for chi monks), Kazhvaun’s Cloak (Wearer is nimble, immune to confused, hexed, enamored, enraged, and afraid, backwear, suitable for the Kahzvaun), Broken Chains of Tarokai (-10 health and ether, +10 power multiplied by the number of greenskins in the party, bodywear, suitable for descendants of Tarokai) Inventory: 2 Grand Potions, Amethyst, Ruby, (Diamond, Aquamarine, Opal, Garnet, lent by Thalion) Daske, Marykvaun (Controlled by Waterbrick Down) 21 years old female hobgoblin Dragoon Level 31 *Immune to bound, slowed, jinxed, poisoned, bleeding, and petrified* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 20 Health: 50/53 Equipment: Dragon’s Tongue (WP: 20, pierces defense, wood-elemental, spear), Baltarok Buckler (SP: 15, shield), Marykvaun’s Greaves (SP: 5, immune to bound, slowed, jinxed, poisoned, bleeding, and petrified, legwear, suitable for the Marykvaun), Ally’s Shoulderguards (The dragoon absorbs all attacks that would knock out their dragon, accessory, suitable for dragoons), Ancient Dragoon Visor (Grants a dragoon's companion The Last of His Kind: Uses Fury from Above as its SHIELD and manifests its element early, headwear, suitable for the last Baltarok dragoon) Inventory: 3 Remedies Aazy, Aazuuldrahkcand (pet dragon controlled by Daske) 2 years old male dragon Hatchling Level 31 *The Last of His Kind* Health: 8/31 Element: Wood Grishnod (Controlled by -obelix-) 51 years old male orc Raider Level 25 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 8 Health: 24/39 Equipment: Chained Chair (WP: 15, deals the bleeding-effect, whip) Ceremonial Cloak (SP: 8, backwear) Inventory: Nothing "...Spesiala....will not...stand for this." She pushes herself back up to her feet. An ethereal glow surrounds Vivienne as another wisp forms in front of the party, noticeably more powerful than before. Grishnod glares at it, then at Vivienne. He raises his weapon to help finish the duo, but he is...interrupted. A flash of vibrant green electricity precedes a blinding series of flashes of electricity throughout the enclosed, darkened room. When they settle, a 'new' figure is standing in the party's midst, looking a lot less dapper than when they last met. She surveys the carnage in the room. "Well. Hmph. So much for privacy. I expected you to get the others, but I certainly did not anticipate how loose the tongues of 'professional' assassins are." Her gaze slips to the Silken Savior. "Aunt Vinyenne, are you alright?" "He was very right. These heroes are no pushovers." "Aunt." It's very difficult to read Grishnod's reaction. His tone is dry and lifeless. "Oh, good. At least you're still here, father." Bastala crosses her slim arms. "The prodigal daughter returns." "So this second capture, this is your doing as well?" The clan leader shakes his head, quite exhausted. "I grow weary of your ploys, Bastala. Do know how it feels to be betrayed by your own child, not once, but twice?" "I was NOT behind your capture by the nords," snaps back Bastala. "You truly are the most heartless father in Baltarok; I mourned you, and my brothers, for a whole year, while I lead Clan Irlaz, alone." "I came back." "Only to act as though nothing had happened. Like you could take back your place and reverse everything I had done, everything you had failed to do. Have you looked around? Times are changing. You have your place back, but you still can't stop it. I told you as much on that bridge.That's why I left, or have you forgotten how you drive away your last of kin?" She rolls forward without waiting for a response. "I, on the other hand, decided to seek out the rest of mine. It took a lot of searching. You really did try your hardest to bury anything related to mother." "Bastala," interrupted Grishnod, voice hardened. She ignored him. "So I found Aunt Vinyenne, in the forests of Spesiala. An ambassador now. Must've inherited the title from mother. And I told her everything." "You are not the only heroes who have had business in this part of the world. Heroica had a hand in multiple incursions with the Star Elf army last year. It's my belief there was quite the misunderstanding on both sides. Not a particularly uncommon occurrence. The Star Elves have grown too isolated. Much like your Baltarok," she added, eyeing Olmstyr, who was trying to dissect the situation in his head. "So, my niece and I came to make an arrangement." "Spesiala and Baltarok are to have an official alliance." "Gauzn il zard orahk. Your time spent in Spesiala has driven you insane." "I don't settle for half-measures father. Baltarok is taking its place in the world one great stride at a time. Karstaal would take up the alliance in a heartbeat. Tarvalk would-" "It would have to be unanimous. Baltarok is simply not ready for that. There would be riots, it....would take decades, if ever. I will not agree to that." "You don't have to. So long as you yield." Lightning sparked between Bastala's bracelets. Raw ethereal power energized the air in the room. "We never did finish our trial, father." "So while the other clan leaders are set to die, you seek to wrest power from me once more?" "You have heroes here." Bastala's confident smile found its way back to her lips. "This night was over before it started. Aunt Vinyenne is not the Silken Savior, father. I am. And I have no intention of killing my own father. I'm better than you think I am. Just so long as you yield. Surely you agree with me, heroes? There needn't be any more violence here. I had enough of that at the bridge." "You're asking us to start a coup, Bastala." "Coup's already started, dear Olmstyr. I'm asking you to make it bloodless."

It's fine. The way I read Vindicator, you declare an oath after you successfully hit an enemy. So, Olmstyr could use one here, and yes, the Vindicator (or in this case you) would need to declare which one to activate. Note that because Olmstyr is level 40 he can have up to two oaths active at a time (but I think he can only declare one per attack).

If somebody wants to give an action for Nerwen and Olmstyr/a battle order, I'll be happy to run the round.

Thoughts?

"You mean dishonorable and pointless," grumbled Miderun, striking forth at Bugbear Archer B from the front row. "Something more like last fight would be better. No need to fight like a...whatever it is you are, Suulncund."

Thanks for running the round. Did you take into account Byblos' Well-read (2/3 chance on scrolls?)? It doesn't take long for Atramor to cut his way between Decarabia's legs by slicing one out instantly, and in the course of a few seconds the claw-ravaged demon keels over like any dead spider, the rogue thief flipping her over from underneath in a spray of black blood. "Can't say I ain't disappointed. At least Naamah put up a fight. Who's next?" The rogue thief smirks and slashes at Glasya from the front row with his Mythril Claws, dual-striking to also slash Gusion.