CMP

"She's the one, actually."

The skull practically giggles at Sylph. “Not bad, not bad, color me impressed But still, my Master expects only the best!” "You’re a bug slayer, one of the greatest vermin around already think you a sadist. Today your job is just a bit tough But your quad-imbued blade will fight through the rough Just up ahead you see the foul things Bright Widow, Firefly, Volt Ant – all ready to sting! You rush into battle, blade raised high In a single sweep, all of them die! You’ve done a good job, now you polish your steel With gems are in it, what makes this doom real?" "The sellsword stays here almost all the time, as do the red woman and Boris over there. Nobody else has a room."

"Indeed, I have little direct experience with the mystic side of ether, unless you count having to dodge spells thrown at you on a daily basis."

Party Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces, (Played by Palathdaric) 463-year-old male "hermit" Paladin *Party Leader* Level: 16 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 12 Health: 36/36 Ether: 25/25 Gold: 250 Equipment: Cross of Light (WP:10; Light; Staff), Fashionable Shield (SP:7), Ethereal Cloak (Backwear; SP:2; Max Ether +4), Tricorn (Headwear; SP:3) 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), Tonic, Grand Tonic (2), Ether Core (2), Remedy (2), Soma, Phoenix Essence, Neutralizer, Venom (2), Deadly Venom (5), Paralyzing Venom (2), Smoke Bomb (5), 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), Tasty Pretzel (Consumable) - 1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption., , Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle) Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 19 years old male human barbarian. *Inspired* *Sealed, 4 rounds* *Immune to Fragile* Level: 12.5 Power Bonus: 7 under a negative effect Defense: 4 Health: 19/19 Gold: 6 Equipment: Titanic Axe (WP:11, Earth-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile), Hide of The Suffering (Bodywear, Power +7 when under a negative status effect. Doesn't stack.) Inventory: Spear (WP: 9, spear), Twin Axe (WP: 5, dual-strike, axe), 2 Death Progg claws, 4 Bones, Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Mead, Peacekeepers totem (Grants the "Diplomacy"-job trait; suitable to Erik only; accessory), Sharkskin Armour (SP +1, immune to water; bodywear) Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede) 1000 year old Male Vampire Black Knight *Immune to Stunned, Water and Fire* Level: 16 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 9 Health: 36/36 Gold: 5 Equipment: Voltedge (WP: 13, Lightning-elemental; greatsword/longsword, venom'd), Gloves of the Undead Assassin (For every enemy the wearer kills, it gains 5 HP, Immunity to Water, Usable by anyone, Handgear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Impervious Shield (SP: 5) (Grants immunity to Fire) Inventory: Venom x4, Bedroll, Remedy, Smelling Salts x3, Mead x2, Shuriken (WP:5, Wind), 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), Bone, Bow (WP: 4), Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Soma, Mulled Wine, Crow-Claw Dagger (WP: 6, 50/50 chance to stun enemy on successful attack, Darkness) Nessa Anárion 59 years old female elven Ranger Level: 13 Power Bonus: 1 WP Defense: 2 Health: 19/19 Gold: 9 Equipment: , Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills, Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1), Ranger's Cowl (SP: 2, usable by Rangers only (Headwear)) Inventory: Bedroll, Magic Compass, Venom (3), Nostrum (2), Mead, Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, 8 Potions, Psuedos Hood (can damage undead with normal attacks), 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)), Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) unknown age, unknown race Druid *Immune to Sealed* Level: 22.66 Power Bonus: 1 WP Defense: 3 Health: 38/38 Ether: 30/30 Gold: 77 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 10, Bow. Every successful hit drops the target's SP by 1) , Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), 20-20 glasses (headwear, +1 turn of effect for scrolls), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear; SP: 3; Max Ether +5, immune to "Sealed") 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, 4 Tonics, 1 Venom, 1 Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 1 Ice Bomb, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Floral Bomb, 6 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 Soryx Dourskull (NPC, controlled by Myrddyn) 42 years old male wereviper Hunter *Immune to Darkness and Hexed* *Favors Demons* Level: 15 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) The skull's grin widens at Dreyrugr. “That does sound like Master, only he is so smart But that riddle could be solved by any old fart. I’ll give you two more, then let you in, Don’t fear, my patience shan’t wear thin.” ‘Imagine you’re a knight, with a blade of four jewels And you’re scaling a mountain past volcanic pools. You’re slaying a Dragon, in its fiery coat But its enjoying its dinner – an old Mountain Goat! You’re not a fool, you’re set to raise Hel Your sword will kill both, equally well! You finish them quick, they hadn’t a chance Which gems have earned you this Dragonsbane Lance?” You can continue asking question, but I highly suggest finishing up before the party actually enters the fight. Sorry, I didn't notice you hadn't waited upstairs with Erik. "Sixteen rooms. But why I should go gossiping about my own patrons?"

The party assembled at the foot of the stairs, followed by the strange demon hunter. "Excellent. You can trade your equipment once we reach the room...we may be waiting for some time anyway before engaging the target." Soryx Dourskull joins the party. Party Monk Pretzel and His 99 Pieces, (Played by Palathdaric) 463-year-old male "hermit" Paladin *Party Leader* Level: 16 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 12 Health: 36/36 Ether: 25/25 Gold: 250 Equipment: Cross of Light (WP:10; Light; Staff), Fashionable Shield (SP:7), Ethereal Cloak (Backwear; SP:2; Max Ether +4), Tricorn (Headwear; SP:3) 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), Tonic, Grand Tonic (2), Ether Core (2), Remedy (2), Soma, Phoenix Essence, Neutralizer, Venom (2), Deadly Venom (5), Paralyzing Venom (2), Smoke Bomb (5), 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), Tasty Pretzel (Consumable) - 1/3 chance each of granting lucky, hastened and encouraged-effects upon consumption., , Rito Feather (consumable, grants the hastened- and blessed-effects upon use for one battle) Erik Tyrvarr (Myrddyn) 19 years old male human barbarian. *Inspired* *Sealed, 4 rounds* *Immune to Fragile* Level: 12.5 Power Bonus: 7 under a negative effect Defense: 4 Health: 19/19 Gold: 6 Equipment: Titanic Axe (WP:11, Earth-elemental, has 1/6 chances of inflicting petrified-effect; axe), Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile), Hide of The Suffering (Bodywear, Power +7 when under a negative status effect. Doesn't stack.) Inventory: Voltedge (WP: 13, Lightning-elemental; greatsword/longsword), Spear (WP: 9, spear), Twin Axe (WP: 5, dual-strike, axe), 2 Death Progg claws, 4 Bones, Barbarian's Boots (Natural Respite>Restoration; footwear), Mead, Peacekeepers totem (Grants the "Diplomacy"-job trait; suitable to Erik only; accessory), Sharkskin Armour (SP +1, immune to water; bodywear) Dreyrugr (Vash the Stampede) 1000 year old Male Vampire Black Knight *Immune to Stunned, Water and Fire* Level: 16 Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 9 Health: 36/36 Gold: 5 Equipment: Crow-Claw Dagger (WP: 6, 50/50 chance to stun enemy on successful attack, Darkness), Gloves of the Undead Assassin (For every enemy the wearer kills, it gains 5 HP, Immunity to Water, Usable by anyone, Handgear), Black Knight's Armour (SP:4, protects from stunned-effect), Impervious Shield (SP: 5) (Grants immunity to Fire) Inventory: Venom x4, Bedroll, Remedy, Smelling Salts x3, Mead x2, Shuriken (WP:5, Wind), 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), Bone, Bow (WP: 4), Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, Soma, Mulled Wine Nessa Anárion 59 years old female elven Ranger Level: 13 Power Bonus: 1 WP, + 3 to Werewolf, +4 to Aquatic Vermin Defense: 2 Health: 19/19 Gold: 9 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)), Ranger's Quiver (WP: +1), Ranger's Cowl (SP: 2, usable by Rangers only (Headwear)) Inventory: Bedroll, Magic Compass, Venom (3), Nostrum (2), Mead, Smelling Salts, Phoenix Essence, 8 Potions, Psuedos Hood (can damage undead with normal attacks) Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) unknown age, unknown race Druid *Immune to Sealed* Level: 22.66 Power Bonus: 1 WP Defense: 3 Health: 38/38 Ether: 30/30 Gold: 77 Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 10, Bow. Every successful hit drops the target's SP by 1) , Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), 20-20 glasses (headwear, +1 turn of effect for scrolls), Robe of the Archmagi (Bodywear; SP: 3; Max Ether +5, immune to "Sealed") 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, 4 Tonics, 1 Venom, 1 Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs, 1 Ice Bomb, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 1 Floral Bomb, 6 Bones, Trial Brew x3, Helmet (Max. health +1), Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), 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 Soryx Dourskull (NPC, controlled by Myrddyn) 42 years old male wereviper Hunter *Immune to Darkness and Hexed* *Favors Demons* Level: 15 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) The heroes, led by their new companion, head upstairs. Soryx pauses outside one of the doors in the hall. There's a grinning skull hanging from the doorknob, covering up whatever lock there might be. "Here we are," he mutters softly. "Any moment now..." The skull suddenly clicks its hinged jaw, and begins to speak in a comedic, disturbingly bright voice, as if practiced. “Welcome back Master! You’re home early Forgive my excitement, I missed you sorely. Just like you asked, I have riddles made up You know, to ensure it’s really you, not some nut.” “’Elements mean everything, especially to a mage Armed with the rights ones, your opponents will rage. None are like others, each has its strength and its flaws Which four combined have, of the latter, none at all?”

"What's the cargo?"

Pretty nice. Seems like a offensive Paladin. Only a few things I think could be changed, it's very overpowered The additional health and ether is massive, they should both be lowered. The Turn Undead should also have a much lower multiplier. On a normal spell, that's 500 damage to Demons and Undead, and 700 on a critical, which is just an insane amount of damage. The options of both Sword and Board and Shield Bash is a little too much in my opinion, I think you'd be better off changing at least one to a regular Hit. Empowered Smite is very, very powerful. Every single Undead on the field is instantly killed, in addition to 105 damage to every single enemy, and a 50% chance to stun each? I think maybe you should remove the insta-undead kill and lower the power to just WP + SP + Level with the chance to stun. Intervene, though, is very cool.

Sorry everyone, the rest of the family showed up unexpectedly for a mass suicide. Then we realized that probably wouldn't count as a win and just went out to dinner. I'll vote: The Usurper (Trumpetking). The case on him seems to have disappeared for some reason, and he's been pushing me pretty repeatedly to get my vote in on time, which, while a nice gesture, doesn't exactly sound townie. Seems more like he's trying to get on my good side or look helpful, both of which are good things to do when under suspicion for only acting helpful. Sorry if it sounds like I'm stabbing you in the back, but I've taken the earlier arguments against you into mind as well. Hollow usefulness is completely pointless. Quit trying to look so townie and do something townie, or at least do nothing to avoid looking like you're trying too hard.

"I'm to pick up shipping contracts, khrnmalv. Unless you need something shipped, you can not help." "Fifty coins a night."

"Why don't you go ask her yerself?" snapped the sellsword, taking a swig from his drink and turning his glare onto Sylph.

Maybe that's just how clean he wants to keep his nose. Natnail threw a venomous glare at the orange woman. "No, she don't live here. Started coming around a week or two ago and hasn't stopped since. Bard's been here for a while, and I can't agree more, awful racket that bastard makes." Hah. "Zasies. I'm just here to pick up work."

Boris tilted his head towards the orange woman chatting with Nessa. "Couldn't say, sir, but when the dust cleared the dreadlocked fellow was through the wall and out the building. Quillius only just started repairing the hole." "Getting a job on behalf of rest of my-" She paused. "Why so interested, khrnmalv?" "Not much strange, the snake guy over there's been hanging' around quite a lot and hasn't drunk a thing, always on edge like he'll be attacked. I ain't heard nothing about any Blue Assassins, but ye'd best keep yer nose clean of anyone who deals with them." The hairy fellow looked up. "What kinda drinksir?" The Inn of the Winking Gargoyle Ambrosia - Causes the reinforced-effect, double the target's defense for the duration of one battle. Costs 43 gold. Flame-distilled Brandy - Causes the encouraged- and the immune to ice-effects for the duration of one battle. Costs 23 gold. Mulled Wine - Causes the inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle. Costs 48 gold. Rum - The favorite drink of any common pirate, giving it to them makes them your friend. Does not work on pirate leaders, though. Costs 7 gold.

Atramor glanced around. "As much as I would love to accept such a gracious offer, I believe Ellaria is much better suited to the throne than I."

He just wants to get Inspired for a coin.

"Indeed it is...seems as if the songs of war and battle are oft the most requested. As for bad things happening around here, well, there was a fight the other day between the man at the bar and the Selkreeth in the corner."

Soryx appraises Erik with beady yellow eyes. "Perhaps you could. If you could help me gain entrance to his room, it would move things along and lower the risk of collateral damage significantly. I can show you to the door and its lock whenever you are prepared, but I must warn you we are sure to have a fight on our hands if we enter. Perhaps you have companions to assist us," Soryx suggested, casting an eye towards Dreyugr and Sylph, obviously suspicious of their true occupations.

"Of course. I am more a demon hunter than mercenary or sellsword, you see. I have studied the subject quite extensively, and are full aware of the threat such beings can pose to our world with the right conditions. My jobs general consist of slaying those who would call them to this world. My current target is a necromancer I believe is staying at this inn, skilled in the conjuring both the undead and the demonic. I have found his room, but it's locked with a rather complex mechanism I have been unable to crack. I assume he knows I am here. Now it is only a matter of time before he must leave, though given my way I would prefer not to endanger the rest of the inn."

"You may called me Soryx Dourskull. My sincerest apologies Mr. Tyrvarr, I've seen nobody of either house. I'm not sure what Blue Assassins look like - that's more or less the point of assassins - but I did see a fellow in blue around here not two hours ago. I could not say when he entered or left, however, my focus is to find my own target."

"Aye. Cheap place and few rats, hah. Best employer? Most of my business is protectin' trade caravans bound for other cities overland or seas. As for the best, any one that can serve a decent drink on the road." "That it does, sir." Boris smiled as Dreyugr tossed a coin into his jar, the third of the day. "Indeed, it's a shame that us creative types are so reliant on how others see our work to expect any kind of profit...the events around here are plenty exciting enough for me, I must say. Between the barfights, conversations, and travelling sellswords, there's always something of interest to pay attention to. Now a bard can't go around giving his life story for such a pittance, I'm afraid, but perhaps there's some particular topic you'd like to hear about? A lot passes through taverns like these..." The mercenary was now sitting silent away from the orange lady, and unlike most of the bar, he nursed no drink in his hand. "Of course. Who do I have the pleasure of chatting with?" he hissed, coolly, yet softly. The orange woman looked up at the elven ranger. "Merchant? The red one is, I think, used to have some man along but stopped showing his face few days ago," she explained in her gargling, foreign voice. "I was supposed to meet another, different merchant, but didn't show. Damn vahnrksk."

"Only about a month or so, sir. I travel around a lot, most aren't willing to tip the same bard twice..."

Everyone who was in the bar before remains, save for the hooded girl Nessa annoyed out.

Sofia stared for a moment, as if surprised Nessa could even ask such a question. "Very well, yes." You don't have to move from Rorik's room to downstairs as a group if you don't want to. As long as you're all in the same building.

Sofia narrows her eyes at it through the window, then shakes her head. The other building appears to just be a smaller, abandoned pub. The wound is on the front of Rorik's throat. "I don't. I was making a point."

Atramor shuffled backward and muttered to Tesni. "Think you're up, mate..."

There's the Operire from Quest 51, but they're a little more than a merchant company.