CMP

I don't think she would've taken the damage from the Counter. I believe 'targeting' just means for rolls and for Free Hits. I believe area of effect Specials from enemies targeting a different hero would still affect her even if the enemy was enamored with her.

Miderun doesn't even stop to wipe the blood off her shield, merely shaking off the stray drops clinging to her hair as she charges at Mad Cow B from the front row, Orokuul aimed right at its flank. Damn, I thought I had unequipped the Seductive Perfume at some point but it's actually been on this entire time. Miderun should be inflicting the enamored-effect with her attacks.

Now that seems appropriately powerful.

"Well, I'm glad to hear your tribe still remembers him that way, Mister Skrall. A lot of enslaved orcs see him as a traitor to their race without realizing he was once a slave too," remarks Olmstyr sadly. "In either case, that's certainly an opinion everyone can agree on. He did more for our race than anyone and we paid an enormous price for it." "What do I think? Well," he hesitated, "Truthfully, I don't know if I can overstate how significant he is to everyone in Baltarok. These huge preparations you're seeing? This day of great celebration in a country that's struggled to survive for a millenia? This is just to mark his greatest failure. Personally? I think he gave Baltarok a real chance...a chance we've squandered for far too long. I'm hoping these are the days that make all of those sacrifices worth it in the end." "Yes, Haldor told me of your, uh, experience in the war. I'm sure you'll have a lot of admirers at the feast." Olmstyr chuckled lightly. "That sounds just like the type of name they'd give an orcish leader. And you're right, Tarokai never had any interest in going in that direction. Straight to the head of the dragon. Straight to Ennon." "Yes, strategy wasn't exactly the strong suit of the Invasion. Numbers and determination certainly were. Many were freed slaves just as he was, picking up weapons they didn't know how to use and marching to the front. Give someone a cause good enough and they'll take on the whole world; and Tarokai had a damn good one." "Point being, he was an extremely important person. A thousand years of nothing but infighting and imprisonment, and one slave who broke his chains set out to fix that. To give us a chance we never had. Can't fault people for wanting him dead, he had the biggest army the world had ever seen as his back and had just destroyed one of the most developed kingdoms in Olegaia. Ask anyone in Baltarok what they think of Tarokai, and, dead or alive, you'll get answers ranging from 'hero' to 'god'." "And that's why Zardalvohl is so important. Truthfully I was a bit surprised Heroica didn't seem to have its own celebration planned, it was an end for Baltarok just as much as it was a beginning for Heroica. You see, Zardalvohl - 'death of glory' is the day on which Tarokai was killed. Little over two and a half centuries ago, this was the day that everything changed for the orcs. For a very long time it's traditionally been a day of mourning. A day away from the harsh realities of Baltarok to look back and recognize the most important orc who ever lived. I think humans have a similar tradition; funerals? Except this one lasts a full day, and spans an entire country. Stocks of food are broken out - and this is one of only two days a year you'll see a Baltarok orc drink. Families gather from far and wide, each city sings the chant of Tarok's Requiem, shaking the very heavens. It used to be one great, sad affair." "But a lot's changed in the past few years. Now the clan leaders want Zardalvohl to stand not for the death of an era, but for the beginning of a new one. Heroica directly contributed to this new era, so of course they wanted you to be part of it. But unfortunately, as you well know, that's not all you're here for." Olmstyr paused in front of a bolted door with an old orcish symbol carved into the stout wood. He pushed it open with some difficulty, revealing what looked like a very dilapidated bar. "You're also here to help the Vauno keep our clan leaders alive." "Right! And the easiest way to do that is to kill whatever wants them not alive. So that'll be fun, yeah? I hear you're all pretty good at that!" The young hobgoblin punched Skrall in the arm as though he had some kind of inside joke with the stranger. "This is Daske, the Marykvaun, or the...Arbiter, I suppose, in your tongue. You'll notice the dragon, he-" "Is eating." The young hobgoblin stopped, then her eyes lit up. "Oh! You're probably wondering WHY there's a dragon, a REAL dragon anyway, in Baltarok. Well, Aazy here is kind of the last one in our dusty little corner of the world, so that makes me the only Baltarok dragoon around." "Thus your presence." The quieter orc stared intently into the roaring fireplace. "I am Tra-Serral. The Executor. The she-elf has sufficient information regarding my skills." The party's guide had barely even gotten to open his mouth to introduce the female orc. He closed his eyes, took a slight breath, then turned back to the party with a somewhat apologetic expression. "...Right. And I am the Vindicator, or Strakvaun. The three of us make up the Vauno. And this, er," Olmstyr gestured a bit sheepishly at the half-wrecked tavern behind him. "This is our headquarters. It's no Heroica Hall at the moment, but believe me, the Vauno used to be a big deal back when Tarokai was alive." "They're here for their money Olmstyr, not our history. We should discuss these assassinations."

I have no idea how LEGO got here from the amazing Ewok Village.

SHIELD still needs a buff, I feel like. Maybe something like Dragoon's Celestial Wrath, where each person in the party strikes too? It'd fit in with the leader-like qualities of the class.

Sorry for your loss. Talk all the time that you need.

You ass, do you know how long I spent recoloring that stupid Robin Hood hat in that picture and now it's a tricorne? "Er, yes, it certainly is!" The orc raised his voice to be heard over the cheers from the crowd. "Probably best not to rile them up even more, Mister Boomingham, here I was thinking Bastala could get you here quickly and quietly." He sighed but then smiled a bit. "Who am I kidding, subtlety isn't the strong suit of her or Heroica." "And hopefully on the rest of the evening too Miss Ca-" "STAALRAHK! STAALRAHK!" "Wait!! I haven't gotten a look at the human!" At last, Olmstyr shook his head and raised his voice even louder. "ALRIGHT, EVERYBODY! QUIET DOWN, DOL TROV DAZ TAROKSH KAN, BACK OFF THE HEROES, PLEASE!" The orc managed to wave off most of the surrounding fans, a considerable feat for just one man. "I know we're all honored to have Heroica back in Baltarok, but they're here on Vauno business, and we all know how important these things are, so give us some space here." He directed everyone back to their various tasks, nodding and waving at the last few as they ran off. "Col, col, dol ul dir droog, there are still preparations to make." He ran his hand through his hand and chuckled when they were finally all gone, turning back to the party. "Sorry about that. As I was saying, I'm Olmstyr. I'm the one who brought Heroica to Baltarok in the first place, helping bring the clans together and deal with a-" he scratched the back of his neck. "-situation regarding a bridge. Heroica really pulled through there and I'm hoping for similar results here." "We've been having a bit of a renaissance as far as society is concerned ever since we started rebuilding Imaestym." He motioned to the city around them. "It got ransacked pretty terribly when heroes were last here, but we've got more money than orcs could typically ever need thanks to the bridge and other benefactors, so Karstaal over there-" he tilted his head towards the man on stage dishing out orders. -"spared no expense get things back up and running as soon as possible. The finishing touches are being put on the palace now, as you can see." "More importantly, Baltarok's got a bigger role than ever in foreign politics. The High Kingdoms still don't want to deal with us, but, well." Olmstyr gave a pleased grin. "Now they don't really have a choice in the matter. We've been working with one of the territories there, the Kingdom of the Red Lizards, to free as many slaves as possible across the whole continent. Slow going, but it's progress. We've had traders coming through, we're building a new shipyard. No problems in dealing with other nations, yet. Bastala may not be in power, but between her, Karstaal, and a few changing opinions among the clan leaders, Baltarok is being changed, for the better." "Which brings us to today. Zardalvohl." Olmstyr paused, hand on the pommel of his sword, and lead the way down the street, away from the palace. "How much do you know about the Orcish Invasion, heroes? Or, more importantly, about Tarokai?"

Blackhawk Down 2: The Snowbird

You'd have to track down whoever Miderun got it from. I'm sure it was no one of importance.

Miderun roars as her blade cuts into the cow with ease, and she repeats the strike.

"Hm. True enough, I suppose.." Bastala eyed Nerwen with a slightly suspicious gaze before shrugging one shoulder and sipping her wine. "Once and future, mh? Perhaps we do have much in common, Lord Boomingham." The half-orc mage gave a sickly sweet smile. "Oh, I'm sure we'll find some way to pass the time. And believe me, there's plenty of fun and adventure in Baltarok to go around. Wouldn't want to keep it all to myself, would I? Here's hoping you can find it in yourself to forgive us for whatever grisly transgression our southern relatives have done to you...if you've history with the orcs, then certainly you'll be able to spot all the changes I've been helping make around here. Our days of unruly barbarism are hopefully now in the past. Or they will be, once dear father gets out of that throne of his." Bastala sighed softly. Haldor's face reddens slightly, though whatever's annoyance and whatever's embarrassment seems to get tangled up in the process. "No, but maybe I should tell her about the last time you tried protecting orcs." There's a pause....and then a pleased, teasing grin rises up in the nord's beard, and he laughs heartily, clapping Boomingham on the shoulder. "Nice to see you too, Lawrence." "Feels like an age since I've killed a good dragon. I've handled more than my fair share of wyverns in Baltarok but they're nothing compared to the big ones. Heh, or even the little ones that are on your side." "Good." Bastala reaches underneath her hood. There's a strange amulet slung around her neck with an oddly-shaped gem embedded in the center. She grasps the fitted jewel and twirls the amulet between her fingers a few times. The air starts to crackle gently. "Convenient little cantrip, is it not? My mentor taught me this trick...certainly beats dealing with ships. Assuming this works properly, and of course it will, you should end up right in the middle of Imaestym, right in front of the orc you're meeting. Do tell Olmstyr I said hello. And father, when you see him," she sniffs as an afterthought. "See you around, lads. Let me know when we've got another army stirring up right underneath the Hall, alright?" The air sparks and jolts, and the heroes all feel as though they are struck through with a thunderbolt. ---------- A barrage of feelings and sensations hit them all at once, and linger for only an instant. The strange thrill of falling from a great height, the adrenaline of being locked in a fight to the death, and the smell of very strong perfume mingled with a very recent glass of expensive wine. Their eyelids force shut on reflex as a millisecond of energy is shot through their entire bodies. When they open again, the heroes are halfway around the world in an unfamiliar city. A wave of nighttime heat crashes over them as they look around. The air is incredibly arid, very dry and very dusty. And yet the immediate area is more civilized than they'd expect. Tall, imposing stone buildings ring what looks like a bustling town square. A multitude of orcs yell at eachother and heft around a huge variety of materials - foodstuffs, casks of grog, and what looks like construction supplies for an effort going on right in front of them. A gaping hole in the largest building in front of them exposes a brightly lit interior, resembling the great hall of many a High Kingdoms castle. In front of it, on the outside, is a stone stage, with a richly-dressed orc under a shade directing his fellows in between long drags from a tall oil pipe. "Hah, no, mauwtirn! There is absolutely no drinking during the Requiem! Roll those casks inside, and taste them first, King Valentino will arrive any moment and we CANNOT let the first foreign noble in our land in centuries perish right in the middle of dinner! Suulokuul! is this last hole going to be patched up any time soon?" "Yes, clan leader! Just one m-" "All I need to know, good man! Vahlser, get those banners up now! Mincerind, get the next one stitched together, oh, hm, ten minutes ago! Jaret, what in the world are you standing around for?!" "Ah. Apologies, Karstaal. I had every resident informed when the chant of the Requiem will begin. There should be no trouble getting everyone rounded up." "Excellent! If everyone attends, it'll be the biggest chant in a century. This year Zardalvohl's is going to be in the legends, I tell you." Karstaal took a long drag on his pipe, which seemed to calm his enthusiastic demeanor somewhat. "Ahh. Everyone is proceeding as I have foreseen. This is year we stop moping around for a full day. This is the year Zardalvohl means something real. Something great!" He lifted the mouthpiece of his pipe to lips again before pausing, and looking down below him. An older orc with long, shaggy hair and a well-tailored coat was glancing around intently. "That is, assuming we don't all die halfway through the celebration." "Well, you don't need to worry about that any longer, old friend." The orc smiled as the heroes appeared suddenly in the city square, drawing more than a few eyes. "These are the heroes I rounded up for the job. Heroes, my name is Olmstyr, I bro-" "Wait, did you say heroes?!" An archer up on a nearby balcony pricked up his ears and completely abandoned his post to look down at the four of them. "Of Heroica? The Staalrahk are here?" The guard looked around the square. "THE HEROES ARE HERE! THE HEROES HAVE RETURNED ONCE MORE! EV STAALO DAL STAALRAHK ADH AZHTAKH TAN BALTAROK!" The heroes were immediately beset by a mob of adoring fans. "They're back! They've come to restore Baltarok again!" "They were right, the heroes are back!!" "You saved my brother at the bridge!! If there's anything at all you need-" "Holy foink! Can I get your oinkograph?!" "Shut up Mincerind, you bastards still owe me money!" "Taroksh oshuul, I know that elf, she was at the riot, she killed all those sarl-" "Iz true! Iz true!! Heroez I am your biggez fan!" "Best. Zardalvohl. EVER!!!" "Oof. Worse than I expected." Olmstyr gave a nervous chuckle as the party was surrounded by cheering orcs.

"You and Kiray can cut them down - I will deal with this...creature." Miderun swung her sword at Mad Cow A from the front row. "I know I didn't believe it at first when my father told me of Heroica. Sounded like another absurd legend humans would spread...but here we are."

"Then perhaps you should seek out more discerning women, Lord Boomingham." Bastala winked, with a playful smirk. "Royal blood, hm? Blood is more valuable in Baltarok than royalty is in all the world, but then perhaps those with great expectations are more prepared...hmm. I wonder what dear Olmstyr is playing at, bringing a prodigious royal such as yourself into our humble little soiree? I suppose that is between you and him." Her lips curled into an even wider, thoughtful smile, her eyes wandering slightly as if predicting the outcome of a favorite play. Absentmindedly she flicked a wrist at a wine bottle on the bar counter and it sailed through the air to fill a goblet nearby Boomingham. "Hah, always keeping busy, eh? Don't well know the tales they're telling back here or at home, but in Baltarok they might be a bit....exaggerated. Nice that they've got something to look up to these days, I suppose." "Alas, no. Allow me to spoil a bit of your assignment to you; you're coming to Baltarok during a very tumultuous holiday, to protect four clan leaders who evidently value being present to make a few speeches more than their own crusty green skins." Bastala rolled her eyes. "I'm not an idiot, so I'm going on my own holiday rather than sticking around and get in your way while you hunt for a handful of assassins. Haldor, being the dear that he is, is accompanying me as always. Don't worry, though. You'll have the entirety of the Vauno to assist you; that is, the other 'princess' of Baltarok -a maladjusted killer- as well as a random farmgirl that happened to have a dragon slither its way onto her shoulder, and of course dear Olmstyr who's holding it all together. He is perhaps a bit more capable than the other two. He's the one who got Heroica into Baltarok in the first place, after all." "I can promise most of it is even drier and dirtier than she remembers," explained Bastala succinctly in a rather matter-of-fact tone. "However, you luckily won't be dealing with most of it. The clan leaders will all be gathered in Imaestym for the duration of Zardalvohl. Imaestym is Clan Musalnav's capital - in case you don't know what that means, it means it's the only city in Baltarok actually worth seeing. Karstaal, the clan leader there, has spent more gold than I can count importing materials from the High Kingdoms for its reconstruction. It was heavily damaged just before the Battle of Augustus Bridge, courtesy of a few royal renegades biting off more than they could chew." "A few more years of work and the city will be the finest jewel in Baltarok -well, hm. Second finest, perhaps." "Good to be here. Ah, shame it can't be for long..." Haldor trailed off a bit, looking around a few familiar and unfamiliar faces lounging around. "No," replied Bastala, somewhat stiffly compared to her remarks to the others. "I single-handedly created the opening of archmage. Nobody else in Baltarok would be suitable for the hypothetical role; Karstaal was ecstatic when I suggested it, being a High Kingdoms tradition, of course. But don't get confused by that, Lady Calmcacil. It would be a great tragedy to find you on the wrong side of this battle again, hmm?" "Now, is that everything, or shall I bring us all to Baltarok now. I'm afraid I won't have very long to chat once we're there...by that, I mean I won't be coming along with you. Once I send you there I'm off to my own holiday with Haldor. I had the loveliest little tower constructed for the summer in the northern reaches. It'll do until this assassin business blows over." Party Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight) *Party Leader* 265 year old female elven Shaman Level 40.4 *Immune to sealed* *Gains Double EXP* *Restoration* *Absorbs last element* *Counterstriking* Power bonus:,+8 Defense: 1 Health: 62/62 Ether: 49/49 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), Health Core, 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 (Waterbrick Down) 81 year old male ogre Hunter Level 43.4 *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: 57/57 Gold: 3366 Equipment: Unlucky Crossbow (WP: 13, causes jinxed Effect), 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) Consumables: 3 Potions, Phoenix Essence, 3 Phoenix Incenses, 10 Meads, 8 Nostrums, 3 Remedy, 3 Smelling Salts, 2 Deadly Venoms, 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 (Zepher) 48 year old male human Vindicator Level 36.25 *Immune to darkness, fire, fragile, sleep, weakened, and blinded* *Affluence* *1/2 chance of being reinforced* *Zweihänder Grip* Power Bonus: +5 Defense: 8 Health: 59/59 Ether: 36/36 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, Health Core, 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), 13x 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 Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away), Mythril Shard Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Mystic Knight Level 33 *Immune to all elements, sealed, blinded, weakened, confused, sleep, fragile, cursed, doomed, sudden death, poisoned and bleeding* *Nimble* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 17 Health: 44/44 Ether: 43/43 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:12; 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 [Nothing stored], dagger), Sleeper (WP: 4, deals Asleep to enemies it hits, Hollow Upgrade [Nothing stored], melee/throwing weapon), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP: 10, deals Stunned on successful hits, Hollow [nothing stored]) 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), 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), Amethyst (Darkness) x3, Diamond (Light), Aquamarine (Water), Opal (Ice) Garnet (Earth),Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, 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 (8), Potion (4), Remedy (24), Mead (5), Smelling Salts (10), Nostrum (5), Mulled Wine (4), Elixir (3), Ambrosia, Ether Core (2), Grand Tonic (7), Phoenix Essence (5), 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)

"Heh, no promises, mate." Atramor leaned back in his seat, eyeing the quest board as one of the notices was filled out. All that was left was Goetia...

Now I'm starting to get worried your quest is going to be out of Miderun's league.

"Haldor Skovgaard, at yours." The nord shakes Thalion's hand vigorously. "Still a hero of Heroica, looks like, seein' as how we didn't have any trouble just..." "Popping in?" The slender orc woman snickers softly. "Haldor here was one of many heroes who came to Baltarok's aid a few years back. Unlike them, however, his determination ran a tad....fiercer He stayed on as a highly valued ally of mine, helping me do more than my fair share in rebuilding after the Second Sacking of Imaestym...long story, dear....and perhaps more importantly, promoting views of a more open-minded Baltarok." "Ahh, no need to overstate things, milady," interrupted Haldor, rubbing the back of his neck. "Certainly has been a lot of work, but we're doing plenty of good." "Mh, modest as always. Oh, but where are my manners?" She curtsied slightly before Thalion, with an oddly piercing look and smile. "I am Bastala, finest -in several ways- sorceress in all of Baltarok, disowned princess pariah of Clan Irlaz, newly appointed archmage of Clan Musalnav, and master wine connoisseur. I do certainly hope you're at my service, your service is precisely while you're here to provide, is it not?" A spark of pink electricity bounced between a few of her lithe fingers as she examined her fingernails. Thalion finally placed the strangely familiar grace of her movements and acuity of her gaze - Bastala clearly had some sort of elven blood in her. "Oof!" Haldor's chainmail armor provided little defense against the sheer enthusiasm behind Skrall's bear hug. Haldor could barely even pat Skrall's back, much less return the hug with his arms pinned. He cracked his neck as he was set down, returning the old ogre smile with one of his own. "Long indeed, Skrall - damn, it's good to see a familiar face again. Feels like the past few years have been a dream, almost. Kill any good goddesses lately?" Haldor couldn't help but grin a bit. "Quite a delight to meet you as well, Skrall Tradolrok. Indeed, Haldor's been at my side for some time now lending his considerable expertise in...various fields. Haldor seemed quite pleased to see your name on our little guest list; he's told me quite a bit of your exploits. I'm sure Olmstyr jumped at the opportunity to have a orogcund return to the homeland, so things lined up quite nicely, wouldn't you say?" "Alas, I am merely serving as your transportation for this little venture. I'm neither your employer nor contact, I'm afraid; that would be the Vauno, the...homely little organization Olmstyr restarted. I do however support your presence during Zardalvohl wholeheartedly - who wouldn't want the great heroes of Heroica gracing Baltarok with your presence once again?" "If you'd like any information concerning Baltarok, I'd be more than delighted to oblige. There's certainly been plenty going on in the past several years. Anything pertaining to your job, however, is, mh, out of my hands."

"A strange man in the hall. Looked like he's been a hero for a while, so no telling where it's been..."

I think the issue Flipz is bringing up is the entire purpose of the Expert Classes. There's no defined advancement, it's more of a branch-off. I really like that, but that's its role. The Basic and Advanced classes should be pretty much eclipsed by Veteran and Master Classes though, because that's more of a direct advancement in my opinion. Paragon and Prophet (and Mime) are amalgamations of the Basic Classes just like Advanced ones, but, well, they just get an extra one in there. I think the most basic progression path in terms of class tiers are Basic > Advanced > Master.

Miderun also nods, shifting the increasingly lethal weapon in her hand. "I thought so too. Never been much for the sword but it works well." She turns to Kiray. "Lead the way."

The quartet of heroes bound to Baltarok don't have to go very far to find those they're intended to meet with. In fact, some of them may not even have to get up from their seat, because the pair that had arrived to collect them seemed to have found their way straight into Heroica Hall itself...one of them intimately familiar with the place, and the other still soaking in the distinctly foreign atmosphere. "I see why you all spend your time here now. I really ought to have one of these establishments built in Imaestym..." Party Nerwen Calmcacil (Chromeknight) *Party Leader* 265 year old female elven Shaman Level 40.4 *Immune to sealed* *Gains Double EXP* *Restoration* *Absorbs last element* *Counterstriking* Power bonus:,+8 Defense: 1 Health: 62/62 Ether: 49/49 Gold: 425 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), Health Core, 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), Tools/Treasure: Shovel, Bedroll, Magnifying Glass, Telescope Skrall (Waterbrick Down) 81 year old male ogre Hunter Level 43.4 *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: 57/57 Gold: 3366 Equipment: Unlucky Crossbow (WP: 13, causes jinxed Effect), 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) Consumables: 3 Potions, Phoenix Essence, 3 Phoenix Incenses, 10 Meads, 8 Nostrums, 3 Remedy, 3 Smelling Salts, 2 Deadly Venoms, 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 (Zepher) 48 year old male human Vindicator Level 36.25 *Immune to darkness, fire, fragile, sleep, weakened, and blinded* *Affluence* *1/2 chance of being reinforced* *Zweihänder Grip* Power Bonus: +5 Defense: 8 Health: 59/59 Ether: 36/36 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, Health Core, 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), 13x 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 Tools/Treasure: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Vindicator's Seal (Grants access to the Vindicator expert job class; cannot be given away), Mythril Shard Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-) 213 years old male elf Mystic Knight Level 33 *Immune to all elements, sealed, blinded, weakened, confused, sleep, fragile, cursed, doomed, sudden death, poisoned and bleeding* *Nimble* Power Bonus: 0 Defense: 17 Health: 44/44 Ether: 43/43 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:12; 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 [Nothing stored], dagger), Sleeper (WP: 4, deals Asleep to enemies it hits, Hollow Upgrade [Nothing stored], melee/throwing weapon), Duplovian Swift Halberd (WP: 10, deals Stunned on successful hits, Hollow [nothing stored]) 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), 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), Amethyst (Darkness) x3, Diamond (Light), Aquamarine (Water), Opal (Ice) Garnet (Earth),Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Weakening, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, 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 (8), Potion (4), Remedy (24), Mead (5), Smelling Salts (10), Nostrum (5), Mulled Wine (4), Elixir (3), Ambrosia, Ether Core (2), Grand Tonic (7), Phoenix Essence (5), 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) Welcome to the quest everyone. Please double check your stats to make sure everything's correct, I re-arranged them to my own preferences to the quest but I didn't change anything. Please complete all Marketplace purchases before confirming here and let me know what's changed when you do.

The air is briefly static in Heroica Hall - the sort of tension right before the strike of lightning and clash of thunder in a storm. And for once, it is not in fact a metaphor for restless heroes or enormous quests. Lightning does literally strike inside, yet not a mark is left upon the floor of a saloon. A tall, oddly slender orcish woman, that certainly was not present before, gives a lazy smile and brushes the tiniest bit of soot off the hem of her dress, while a more sturdily built nordic fellow seems to be mid-sentence. "-on't work if there's-" He pauses, and blinks a few times, looking around with an odd sense of recognition. His brow furrows and he scratches his beard. "Bloody hell Bastala, can you give me a moment of warning next time?" "Well, you seemed doubtful. I thought perhaps a proper demonstration was in order....ooh, wine." Without missing a beat the woman scoops up a goblet off the counter and takes a sip. Scherazade looks about ready to bite her head off, perhaps also literally, but upon noticing the nord she's served plenty over the years, as well as the list he's carrying, she stifles her rebukes into a growl and continues cleaning a few plates. "Are the drinks always this lovely here in this sweet little city of yours? Mmh, such a strange flavor...and free, you say?" "Aye, it's....hold up, do you mean Eubric, or the wine?" "Heehee. Ah, a shame we can't stay longer, but I daresay we may be running just a sliver behind schedule anyhow...the heroes, if you would, dear?" The nord pins a note on top of one of the current quests on the quest board, and goes to stand beside the woman, who is now sampling yet another drink, both now awaiting the arrival of the party at their spot at the bar. Chosen Heroes for Quest #150: A Moment of Silence Lord Lawrence Boomingham, Level 36.25 Vindicator (Zepher) Skrall, Level 43.4 Hunter (Waterbrick Down) Thalion Dwinlas, Level 32 Mystic Knight (-obelix-) Nerwen Calmcacil, Level 40.4 Shaman (Chromeknight) *Party Leader*

That's part of why I made the demon's SHIELD the way it is: to make the demonologist have to replace them more often, costing health. Mortal Slaughter costs health, and getting attacked still costs health too, you know. I do like the demon costing health either way. True, I didn't even consider that for Unbound. Yeah, it creates an interesting parallel with Dragoon (which is a feasible 'Master Class' as well) where instead of a dragon working side by side with the dragoon and being a powerful force in itself, the demon is inexorably tied to the demonologist and is pretty much purely around to augment his abilities and serve as a blood thrall.

One of my favorite classes to work on. So, a lot's happened since the last batch of edits. Dragoon's super different, we've got Weather Mage, we've got Decamon Drafter. Demonologist has always had elements of Dragoon, but with the major changes, it left some versions of this class pretty underpowered compared to, say, a level 50 Dragoon. So, what I've done here is to try and differentiate it. I've left most of what you've done intact, JimBee. Spells were cut but scroll casting remains. Sacrificial Hits were dropped simply because the demon's attacks already have that mechanic, but I did change Critical Mortal Hit to Mortal Slaughter, which is an area of effect attack that costs health. Master Classes got an extra job trait since the last edit so I added 'Your Unholiness', because the class needed more in-battle traits than out-of-battle ones, which it's got plenty of already. I used nimble simply because none of the Veteran Classes used it yet. Might change it. Demons work differently. Like I said, edits to Dragoon and the addition of other classes made this one a bit redundant. So, the SHIELD now just works for all demons, and instead, each demon has some special abilities they inflict on their basic attacks (which have been simplified like dragons). I tried to keep the flavor of the archdemons in place with them, and all of them are made to buff the demonologist, rather than the demon. I think it does a good job of preserving the feel of the different sins while actually providing buffs. The old unique SHIELDS were good, but too similar to Weather Mage, and also the drawbacks were a bit much. So this time the drawbacks are all on the demons. With them and the new SHIELD, I tried to make the differences between dragon and demon clear: one is a long-term battle companion, the other is a minion to be used and disposed of regularly. I thought about changing demonologist's SHIELD, because it's basically Decamon Drafter's, and I still might, but as it stands it seems fine to me. Too powerful? Not powerful enough? Remember it's intended to be a Master Class, not an Expert. I think most of what I've done here is trimming it out and making it simpler while trying to preserve the unique bits about the class, and I think I've done a decent job in that department. DEMONOLOGIST (Requires making a deal with a demon) These corrupted souls have made a pact for power. Additional Health: +30 Weapons: Demonologists can use powerful weapons like staves, broomsticks, longswords, maces, hammers and scythes. They can also use scrolls at the cost of health instead of ether. Job Traits: Hellish Command - The demonologist can use the powers of the seven deadly sins to manipulate others into doing their bidding; Waking Nightmare - The demonologist can receive crucial information or vulgar reprimanding from their pacted demon; Unholy Sacrifice - The demonologist can sacrifice the health of their demonic minion under their control to restore twice the health sacrificed to themselves or an ally; Demonic Minion - The demonologist maintain a demonic minion at all times that can do their bidding; Your Unholiness - If there are currently demons in the enemy party, the demonologist is nimble while the enemy demons are enamored with the demonologist at the start of battle. Battle Style: Demonic - Demonologists sacrifice health to unleash the powers of hell on their enemies. 1. SHIELD - Advocatus Diaboli - The demonologist opens a portal to Azazot, allowing the powers of the seven archdemons to be unleashed all at once. Minons of all seven archdemons are summoned into battle, bound to do the demonologist's bidding for one turn before being banished. This costs no health. 2. MORTAL SLAUGHTER/GREATER LIFE DRAIN: The demonologist attacks all enemies with strength equal to their weapon power added to their level and the amount of health they have lost. They then take damage equal to the number of targets struck. (WP 15x2 + 50 + 10 lost health = 90 damage to 10 targets, 10 damage taken). Instead of attacking the demonologist can drain health from the enemy by an amount equal to two times their level. 3. MORTAL HIT/LIFE DRAIN: The demonologist attacks with strength equal to their weapon power added to their level and the amount of health they have lost. (WP 15 + 50 + 10 lost health = 75 damage). Instead of attacking the demonologist can drain health from the enemy by an amount equal to their level. 4. MORTAL COUNTER/LESSER LIFE DRAIN: The demonologist is struck by the opponent's attack but attacks right back with strength equal to their weapon power added to their level and the amount of health they have lost. Instead of attacking, the demonologist can drain health from the enemy by an amount equal to half their level. 5. MIRROR DAMAGE: The demonologist is struck by the opponent's attack, but if the demonologist survives, they reflect the attack to cause the same amount of damage to the opponent regardless of defense or distance. 6. SPECIAL MIRROR: The demonologist is struck by their opponent's special attack, but the demonologist reflects it back to cause the same effect on the opponent. DEMONIC MINION The demonologist maintains a demonic ally to do their bidding. There are seven different demonic minions demonologists can have, but they only have one active at a time, except when SHIELD is rolled. Switching demonic minions costs 10 health from the demonologist, and can be done outside or inside combat at the cost of the demonologist's turn. Forming a pact with other demons potentially allows demonologists to summon new types of minions. Each type of demonic minion deals elemental damage corresponding to its type, and its attacks all have a special effect called a sin. All sins are nullified when the demon is defeated. The demonic minion can be healed the same way heroes can, but once killed they must be resummoned by the demonologist at the cost of 10 health and one turn. It cannot carry, equip, or use items, but items can be used on them. [Name of Demon] (demonic minion of [demon type], controlled by [player name]) Level: (Equal to the demonologist's and grows with them) Base Health: 50 (+1 per level up) Element: (Based on demon type) Torment: (Based on demon type) The demonic minion fights with the following skills, attacking the target the demonologist demands: 1. SHIELD: Damnation - The demonologist is done with their current servant. They sacrifice the demon, instantly killing it, and absorbing health equal to twenty times the demon's current health. The rest of the health is divided equally among the enemies as regular damage, ignoring row and defense. 2-4. DESTRUCTION: The demon deals elemental damage equal to its level at the cost of 3 of the demonologist's health. The demonologist can sacrifice more health to increase the attack's multiplier, adding one multiplier for every 3 health sacrificed. ((Level 50) x 3 (9 health sacrificed) = 150 elemental damage) 5. DAMAGE: The demon is struck by the opponent's attack. 6. UNBOUND: The demon is freed from the demonologist's control, dealing elemental damage to the demonologist equal to its level and then leaving battle immediately. Servant of Abraxas: Element: Lightning Sin: Pride - This demon increases the defense of the demonologist by 3 with each successful hit. Servant of Ahriman: Element: Wind Sin: Envy - This demon steals health equal to half of their damage dealt for the demonologist on successful hits. Servant of Leviathan: Element: Water Sin: Sloth - This demon can take an extra turn in place of the demonologist's turn, or vice versa. Servant of Marilith: Element: Fire Sin: Vengeance - This demon deals additional damage based on how much health the demonologist has lost. Servant of Mephisto: Element: Ice Sin: Gluttony - All attacks targeting the demonologist are redirected to this demon. Servant of Naamah: Element: Earth Sin: Greed - This demon steals gold for the demonologist equal to the enemy's level if they carry gold on successful hits. Servant of Rosier: Element: Wood Sin: Lust - This demon's attacks cause targets to be enamored with the demonologist.

Miderun strikes Direwolf C from the front row.