CMP

Maybe change the name to Chaos Regulator, or something like that? If they want to stop Chaos, why are they defending it?

And you were going to kill him off anyway. Cool.

That...was different. You're the one who gave him the instant kills.

Stupid Assassins. Killing my recurring NPCs. Right in the middle of conversation.

That is an excellent question. On with the battle! Round Two of Automaton Attack Arthur uses Scroll of Frailty on Jules - Failure Success, -1 ether Arthur attacks Jules with light, back row - Special Damage Confuse (Jules is Confused, -1 ether) Thalion attacks Filmore with ice, back row - Spell (7 + 5 = 12 damage, -1 ether) De'kra attacks Jules with Explosive Handcannon, back row - Lethal Aim (8 x 2 = 16 damage, sudden death) Illdria attacks Filmore with Rapier, back row - Critical Hit ((5 x 2) + 25 = 35 damage, Filmore is Badly Poisoned) Barur attacks Guardian Sentinel with SOTCB, back row - Hit ((10 + 7)/2 - 5 = 4 damage, Guardian Sentinel is immune to effects) The second round is a flurry of special effects. Arthur makes Jules Fragile and Confused, but before he can revel in the power of scrolls, De'kra (intentionally or not) mercilessly slits the man (who incidentally he was just having a compelling conversation with)'s throat. And by 'slits his throat', I mean 'blows a gaping hole through his throat'. Illdria drives her rapier deep into Filmore, the magically-produced venom infecting his blood, while Barur hardly dents the automaton. The poison takes its toll on Filmore. Enemies Ji Pei Guardian Sentinel Level 35 Electric Humanoid Health: 549/555 Defense: 5 Special I: Overheat – Shoddy assembling results in a more unconstrained behavior. The Guardian Sentinel loses 5 Defense, but gains 5 Levels. It also deals 5 fire elemental damage, ignoring SP and row to everyone in battle. Special II: Tri Dazer Pro – The Guardian Sentinel lowers the target’s Power, current and Max Ether, current and Max Health, and Defense by 5. All stats are restored when the Sentinel has been defeated. Special III: Sentinel – The Guardian Sentinel takes a more defensive position, losing 5 Levels but gaining 5 Defense. His Defense is applied to the entire enemy party next round. Specials go 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, etc. Drops: Guardian Halberd, Reflective Gauntlets, Ether Core, Advanced Automaton Parts Immune to sudden death and negative effects Filmore "Ow, jeez!" Level 18 Humanoid *Badly Poisoned* Health: 108/166 Special I: Hack ‘n’ Slash – Filmore wildly cuts at the party, dealing 1-6 damage to each member. Special II: Fixer Upper – Filmore hurriedly repairs the Guardian Sentinel, healing it for 4-120 health. Used only if the Ji Pei Guardian Sentinel is injured. Drops: Advanced Automaton Assembly Diagrams, 15 gold Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz) *Immune to Sealed* *Party Leader* *Lucky* Level 18.5 Sorcerer Power: 30 Health: 21/28 Ether: 3/28 Defense: 3 Gold: 21 Equipment: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Darkness elemental), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, lent to Barur Tormek; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent, lent to De'kra), Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Ruby (Fire, borrowed from Barur Thormek) Bedroll, Shovel, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning(Grants target’s weapon the badly poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Grand Tonic, Holy Bomb, Remedy, 3 Cobblestones, 2 Bonaparte Cadet Uniforms, Blunt Dagger (WP: 1, dagger, lent to De'kra), Shipping Logs, Assorted Bonaparte Letters Barur Thormek (played by Aveal the black sheep) Level 10.5 Cleric Power: 17 Health: 17/18 Ether: 14/14 Defense: 1 Gold: 139 Equipment: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Robe of the Magi (SP: 1), Ancient Crown (First successful strike deals the Cursed effect, headwear, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII) Inventory: Topaz (Lightning, lent to Thalion Dwinlas), Ruby (Fire, lent to Arthur Justus Regulus VII), Potion, Remedy, 2 Venoms, 5 Bones, Bedroll, 2 Tonics, Rune Staff (WP: 4), Mulled Wine (Causes the Inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle.) De'kra (played by Tanma) *Immune to Enamored* *Immune to Confused* Level: 20 Assassin Power: 27 Health: 24/31 Defense: 0 Gold: 118 Equipment: Kapura (WP:7, Fire), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII), Heart Locket(Protects from enamored effect and confused effect) Inventory: Explosive Handcannon (WP: 8, double WP to rock monsters), Chiara (WP:7, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5, loaned to Thalion Dwinlas), Fauxthril Hand Cannon(WP:7), Blunt Dagger (WP: 1, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII) Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass, Potions (10), Grand Potions (3), Remedy (3), Phoenic Essence (3), Smoke Bombs (2), Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb Thalion Dwinlas (played by -obelix-) *Inspired* Level 7 Mage Power: 12 Health: 7/11 13/22 Ether: 6/11 Defense: 1 Gold: 14 Equipment: Shadeuax Dagger (WP: 5, borrowed from De'kra), Leather Cap (SP:1) Inventory: Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning, borrowed from Barur Thormek) 2 Potions, Bedroll, Dagger (WP: 3) "Well, I....I guess he had that coming..." Captain Illdria (controlled by -obelix-) Level 25 Rogue Power: 30 Health: 21/31 Gold: 40 Equipment: Rapier (WP: 5, Badly Poisoned), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory) Party leader, please post the battle order. Everyone else, please say whether you want to attack/cast a spell/heal/use an item/flee, etc. -Obelix-, you are in control of Illdria's actions for the battle in addition to your own.

"Babeleth is hardly populated. It'd rather it gain dust in a warehouse than it be in operation daily for who knows how long. Perhaps if you were not being paid to bring this machine back to Eubric, you could see it from my angle." Just noticed De'kra's Defense was at 1 despite the Cloak of the Blue Assassin being unequipped. Fixed now.

"The mere potential for destruction on such a scale can corrupt hundreds with ease. I know that very well. The farther away it is from Eubric, the less damage it can do."

Round One of Automaton Attack Arthur uses Nostrum - (Arthur gains Lucky effect) Arthur uses Scroll of Poisoning on Illdria's Rapier - Failure Success, -5 ether De'kra attacks Jules with Explosive Handcannon, back row - Lethal Aim (8 damage, no sudden death) Illdria attacks Filmore with Rapier, back row - Damage (18/2 = 9 damage) Thalion uses Mulled Wine - (Thalion gains Inspired effect) Barur attacks Guardian Sentinel with SOTCB, back row - Special Damage: Malfunction (Guardian Sentinel -5 Defense, +5 Levels, 1 lightning damage to everyone) The party prepares themselves. Thalion and Arthur swallow some drinks, while Illdria's Rapier obtains a sickly green hue. It doesn't prevent Filmore from deflecting her attack and leaving a slash on her arm. De'kra's handcannon misfires, nicking Jules, and the Guardian Sentinel seizes up, beginning to crackle - jolts of electricity are shot through the room, and it seems even more aggressive. When the smoke clears slightly, the heroes can see sparks dancing across its armor. Enemies Ji Pei Guardian Sentinel Level 35 Electric Humanoid Health: 553/555 Defense: 5 Special I: Overheat – Shoddy assembling results in a more unconstrained behavior. The Guardian Sentinel loses 5 Defense, but gains 5 Levels. It also deals 5 fire elemental damage, ignoring SP and row to everyone in battle. Special II: Tri Dazer Pro – The Guardian Sentinel lowers the target’s Power, current and Max Ether, current and Max Health, and Defense by 5. All stats are restored when the Sentinel has been defeated. Special III: Sentinel – The Guardian Sentinel takes a more defensive position, losing 5 Levels but gaining 5 Defense. His Defense is applied to the entire enemy party next round. Specials go 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, etc. Drops: Guardian Halberd, Reflective Gauntlets, Ether Core, Advanced Automaton Parts Immune to sudden death and negative effects Filmore "Ow! See, just...just imagine that but a hundred times bigger in Eubric-!!" Level 18 Humanoid Health: 165/166 Special I: Hack ‘n’ Slash – Filmore wildly cuts at the party, dealing 1-6 damage to each member. Special II: Fixer Upper – Filmore hurriedly repairs the Guardian Sentinel, healing it for 4-120 health. Used only if the Ji Pei Guardian Sentinel is injured. Drops: Advanced Automaton Assembly Diagrams, 15 gold Jules "Oh dear." Level 22 Dark Humanoid Health: 213/222 Special: Dementia – Jules casts a illusion over the hero’s mind. The hero is Hexed for the next round, Afraid for the next 3, and Cursed for the duration of the battle. Drops: Scepter of Divine Affinity Immune to Sealed effect Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz) *Immune to Sealed* *Party Leader* *Lucky* Level 18.5 Sorcerer Power: 30 Health: 21/28 Ether: 5/28 Defense: 3 Gold: 21 Equipment: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Darkness elemental), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, lent to Barur Tormek; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent, lent to De'kra), Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Ruby (Fire, borrowed from Barur Thormek) Bedroll, Shovel, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning(Grants target’s weapon the badly poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Grand Tonic, Holy Bomb, Remedy, 3 Cobblestones, 2 Bonaparte Cadet Uniforms, Blunt Dagger (WP: 1, dagger, lent to De'kra), Shipping Logs, Assorted Bonaparte Letters Barur Thormek (played by Aveal the black sheep) Level 10.5 Cleric Power: 17 Health: 17/18 Ether: 14/14 Defense: 1 Gold: 139 Equipment: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Robe of the Magi (SP: 1), Ancient Crown (First successful strike deals the Cursed effect, headwear, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII) Inventory: Topaz (Lightning, lent to Thalion Dwinlas), Ruby (Fire, lent to Arthur Justus Regulus VII), Potion, Remedy, 2 Venoms, 5 Bones, Bedroll, 2 Tonics, Rune Staff (WP: 4), Mulled Wine (Causes the Inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle.) De'kra (played by Tanma) *Immune to Enamored* *Immune to Confused* Level: 20 Assassin Power: 27 Health: 24/31 Defense: 0 Gold: 118 Equipment: Kapura (WP:7, Fire), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII), Heart Locket(Protects from enamored effect and confused effect) Inventory: Explosive Handcannon (WP: 8, double WP to rock monsters), Chiara (WP:7, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5, loaned to Thalion Dwinlas), Fauxthril Hand Cannon(WP:7), Blunt Dagger (WP: 1, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII) Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass, Potions (10), Grand Potions (3), Remedy (3), Phoenic Essence (3), Smoke Bombs (2), Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb Thalion Dwinlas (played by -obelix-) *Inspired* Level 7 Mage Power: 12 Health: 7/11 13/22 Ether: 7/11 Defense: 1 Gold: 14 Equipment: Shadeuax Dagger (WP: 5, borrowed from De'kra), Leather Cap (SP:1) Inventory: Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning, borrowed from Barur Thormek) 2 Potions, Bedroll, Dagger (WP: 3) "...I don't like the looks of that thing." Captain Illdria (controlled by -obelix-) Level 25 Rogue Power: 30 Health: 21/31 Gold: 40 Equipment: Rapier (WP: 5, Badly Poisoned), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory) Party leader, please post the battle order. Everyone else, please say whether you want to attack/cast a spell/heal/use an item/flee, etc. -Obelix-, you are in control of Illdria's actions for the battle in addition to your own.

There was an opportunity to get a Whiskey (an interesting item I found in Quest 25) in Quest 51. I also tried to incorporate the original Automaton's special into the advanced one. But I think creating both specials and items is a very cool part of being a QM. There should be a good balance between tying in the old stuff and creating new stuff. I was very happy to see the Glass Dagger pop up in Quest 39.

In a random and not at all discouraging note to Quest 51ers, the automaton was awfully close to have 666 health, and oddly enough entirely by coincidence. But I'm sure you'll do fine.

Oh, right, you have some sort of PM thing going on. Well, it's been about 36 hours, and all of you have had the opportunity to post anyway, so... "Hmm." "Complex as it is...this would explain much. Filmore?" "This thing c-could do far worse than guard!" "Indeed it could...if that's the case, why do you want to protect it so badly?" Filmore's standing right in front of one wall of the cargo. The heroes and the better half of the crew all stare. He blinks, looking at each person with terror in his eyes, and quickly pries open the nearest crate with his sword, and reached inside for a moment before whipping his hand away. From the interior of the crate, a tall red and gold figure rose. Its armoring looked effective and ornate, but beneath its metal skin came assorted whirs, clanks, and whistles. With slow, jerky movements, it picked up two odd rods from its side, and linked them together, forming a brutal-looking halberd. Filmore fiddled with something on its back nervously, and it took gradual, but heavy steps out of the crate, headed towards the party. His companion advanced hesitantly. Jules glanced at Illdria. "I cannot help but think he may be right. No offense to you, heroes and/or sellswords, but this is quite a farfetched story. In my personal experience, technology can be even more destructive than magic...I would not want to see this device returned to Eubric." "Hmph. Only figures you would be the one to defy my orders to stand up for your opinion. If we're to fight, so be it-" In a flash, she draws her rapier. "-But do try not to destroy my ship." Melvin takes a few steps back from the scene. "Best of luck, heroes! I'd help, but, eh...I dunno how much good sausages would do against the thing." Knife-Tongue pauses, throws his Scarf to Illdria, and follows suit. "Pweaf ake cawe of fhaf, cap'm, am fhe hewoef 'oo." Illdria joins the party, while Jules, Filmore, and what's doubtlessly the automaton reach the heroes. PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Enemies Ji Pei Guardian Sentinel Level 30 Mechanical Humanoid Health: 555/555 Defense: 10 Special I: Malfunction – Shoddy assembling results in a more unconstrained behavior. The Guardian Sentinel loses 5 Defense, but gains 5 Levels. It also deals 1 lightning elemental damage, ignoring SP and row to everyone in battle. Special II: Tri Dazer Pro – The Guardian Sentinel lowers the target’s Power, current and Max Ether, current and Max Health, and Defense by 5. All stats are restored when the Sentinel has been defeated. Special III: Sentinel – The Guardian Sentinel takes a more defensive position, losing 5 Levels but gaining 5 Defense. His Defense is applied to the entire enemy party next round. Specials go 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, etc. Drops: Guardian Halberd, Reflective Gauntlets, Ether Core, Advanced Automaton Parts Immune to sudden death and negative effects Filmore Level 18 Humanoid Health: 166/166 Special I: Hack ‘n’ Slash – Filmore wildly cuts at the party, dealing 1-6 damage to each member. Special II: Fixer Upper – Filmore hurriedly repairs the Guardian Sentinel, healing it for 4-120 health. Used only if the Ji Pei Guardian Sentinel is injured. Drops: Advanced Automaton Assembly Diagrams, 15 gold Jules Level 22 Dark Humanoid Health: 222/222 Special: Dementia – Jules casts a illusion over the hero’s mind. The hero is Hexed for the next round, Afraid for the next 3, and Cursed for the duration of the battle. Drops: Scepter of Divine Affinity Immune to Sealed effect Party Arthur Justus Regulus VII (played by Flipz) *Immune to Sealed* *Party Leader* Level 18.5 Sorcerer Power: 30 Health: 22/28 Ether: 10/28 Defense: 3 Gold: 21 Equipment: Sir Roderick's Sword (WP:12, Darkness elemental), Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max Ether +5, Immune to Sealed), Lens of Speed Reading (Accessory, Allows a scroll to be read in addition to a normal action. Suitable for scroll users.) Inventory: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, lent to Barur Tormek; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Healing Staff (WP:5; heals instead of damaging), Ancient Crown (First successful strike of battle deals Cursed effect, borrowed from Atramor Gibbin), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent, lent to De'kra), Opal (Ice), Amethyst (Darkness), Topaz (Lightning), Diamond (Light), Ruby (Fire, borrowed from Barur Thormek) Bedroll, Shovel, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Armor Sundering (Reduces target’s SP by 5 and has a 50/50 chance of success), Scroll of Poisoning(Grants target’s weapon the badly poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Scroll of Luck (Grants target the lucky-effect for one battle. Costs 10 ether.), Grand Tonic, Holy Bomb, Remedy, Nostrum, 3 Cobblestones, 2 Bonaparte Cadet Uniforms, Blunt Dagger (WP: 1, dagger, lent to De'kra), Shipping Logs, Assorted Bonaparte Letters Barur Thormek (played by Aveal the black sheep) Level 10.5 Cleric Power: 17 Health: 18/18 Ether: 14/14 Defense: 1 Gold: 139 Equipment: Staff of the Cultist Battlemage (WP: 7, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII; 50% chance of Fleeing upon being KO'd; suitable for Mages and Clerics), Robe of the Magi (SP: 1), Ancient Crown (First successful strike deals the Cursed effect, headwear, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII) Inventory: Topaz (Lightning, lent to Thalion Dwinlas), Ruby (Fire, lent to Arthur Justus Regulus VII), Potion, Remedy, 2 Venoms, 5 Bones, Bedroll, 2 Tonics, Rune Staff (WP: 4), Mulled Wine (Causes the Inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle.) De'kra (played by Tanma) *Immune to Enamored* *Immune to Confused* Level: 20 Assassin Power: 27 Health: 25/31 Defense: 1 Gold: 118 Equipment: Kapura (WP:7, Fire), Cloak of Deception (Free hits against the wearer have a 1/6 chance to be redirected to a random opponent, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII), Heart Locket(Protects from enamored effect and confused effect) Inventory: Explosive Handcannon (WP: 8, double WP to rock monsters), Chiara (WP:7, Electricity), Shadeaux Dagger(WP:5, loaned to Thalion Dwinlas), Fauxthril Hand Cannon(WP:7), Blunt Dagger (WP: 1, borrowed from Arthur Justus Regulus VII) Cloak of the Blue Assassin(SP: 1), Cloak of the Elven Spy, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Shovel, Magnifying Glass, Magic Compass, Potions (10), Grand Potions (3), Remedy (3), Phoenic Essence (3), Smoke Bombs (2), Dirt Bomb, Ice Bomb Thalion Dwinlas (played by -obelix-) Level 7 Mage Power: 12 Health: 7/11 Ether: 7/11 Defense: 1 Gold: 14 Equipment: Shadeuax Dagger (WP: 5, borrowed from De'kra), Leather Cap (SP:1) Inventory: Ruby (Fire), Opal (Ice), Topaz (Lightning, borrowed from Barur Thormek) 2 Potions, Bedroll, Dagger (WP: 3), Mulled Wine (Causes the Inspired-effect, doubling the target's current and maximum health for the duration of one battle.) Captain Illdria (controlled by -obelix-) Level 25 Rogue Power: 30 Health: 31/31 Gold: 40 Equipment: Rapier (WP: 5), Scarf of Misfortune (Wearer deals the Jinxed effect on every third round, accessory) Party leader, please post the battle order. Everyone else, please say whether you want to attack/cast a spell/heal/use an item/flee, etc. -Obelix-, you are in control of Illdria's actions for the battle in addition to your own.

Amazing prizes, and awesome entries. Good luck to everyone.

One of the best ones so far. That ocean landscape is just gorgeous.

Well, it's not really a competition, anyway. There wouldn't be much of a point.

That's what I've taken to doing, too.

Typing in the BBC code manually still qualifies under annoying, compared to the old editor.

Yeah, trying to run battles in this deranged text editor is annoying. And when you do it in MS Word, you can't even copy and paste images back and forth...

I want to hear everyone's response/opinion anyway, it's a pivotal choice on how to react.

"Aye, we were all doing a low-key Quest in Strivvi, but word got out about us so we were shipped back here."

Atramor nodded, reaching into his abnormally clean (to him, at least) new cloak and handing over Nyx's Explosive Staff, unused since it was lent. To replace it, he slid one of the unidentified shots in front of Boomingham to himself, downing it in an instant. "Shame about the mission bein' cut short, but I can't say I didn't miss the hall...hardly got to spend any time here after Dastan."

Bigfoot makes more sense than my guess. I thought she was a giant halfing. Rumble Strike, you didn't count the Fragile effect, I think Corlo should be defeated. It lasts for the rest of the round (I think) and then the next three. Scuba got there first.

"I want to hear this story from all of you, not just your ringleader."

I like leaks, but I can appreciate a teaser. I like the idea, but while the photo effects are cool, seeing as how they're only photographing the back of the figures again, I don't think it's really necessary. Still, it's a nice marketing tactic and shows how in-tune TLG is getting with its fans. As for celebration of Series 9's launch, I'd like to see something new and more unique than another CMF vig contest. Maybe a 'design a teaser' contest of some kind.

It's more of a weakness inherent in the whole 'Lawful Good ultimately righteous hero' thing than with Cronk himself. He just has too much hope for people. I half suspect him, if he goes on the Quest, to try and spare Wren, hoping she'll seek redemption. And to almost every other person, it's just too much of a risk. He's too good for his own good, to most.