Heroica RPG - Quest #136: The Sorcerer's Stone

[Zepher]

A shudder runs through Bobby's body and he glances at the Princess to ensure she is alright. "Yo, your allies are in danger only because they're attacking us, you dig? So like, I'm game for you getting the Brown Nekrastone, but you gotta back the eff up after that and let these dudes do their thing." Bobby can hardly recall why the Hel anyone is fighting anymore at this point. What exactly were the Elves here for again? "Look, I ain't the best with math and like keeping shiz straight, but best way I can figure it is that everyone gets back what Nekrastone they had when there was peace, and everyone goes home, right? Like, you really want your holy war now, Elves? i mean, if that's what you want, attack and get it over with, know what I mean? And if not, piss off, you dig?"

[Purpearljellyblob]

As he continues to check out this "thing(s)" with his "magnifying glass" in a hope to better identity it.

Germ could not identify the five silhouettes better than he already did.

Mhinak steps aside for Marx.

"I'm quite curious, exactly what have the Fenarians done to sin, Latte? I read only small bits of history about them but I don't seem to remember all the details. Surely you can shed some light on this matter, after all, you experienced it first hand."

"Lord Fenari, perhaps if you try to make peace, Krimwood would be less harm to you and yer people. I understand that you do not wish to put your people in harm but I simply cannot allow for Krimwood to be destroyed. I also don't wish to see the extermination of yer people either. Work with me here."

"Same goes with you, General. I also do understand that you see the Fenarians as sinners, even traitors, but try to work for peace. The Fenarians are people too, even if you don't want to believe it. They share similar problems as yer people. You seem to be the only one who doesn't want to try at peace, or at least working for neutrality."

"I CAN SMELL THOSE CURSED SNAKES."

"GUARDIANS, PREPARE YOURSELVES. TODAY IS THE DAY THE BROWN NEKRASTONE RETURNS TO WHERE IT BELONGS."

---

"Simple. If you are born as a soldier, you fulfil your destiny as a soldier. If a soldier decides to be king, the very law and order our society is being built on is disrupted. That is exactly what happens. It is that day that Angmar decided to give orders instead of taking them. That is sin. Angmar is not fit to be leader of Spesialia and as the General of the Star Elves, it is my duty to crush dissidents and enemies, both seen and unseen and to restore balance to this land. Turn around and return underground, Angmar, underground is where you are supposed to be. How dare you resurface, criminal. Last chance before I leash out punishment."

"Ah! The golden boy is at it again." Lord Fenari pulls out the Red Nekrastone and grabs it tightly, the stone glows and emits an aura that rejuvenates the Royal Army. "Recall your army, Oswain. You are in my domain. If the Brown Nekrastone is here, then it is up to us to handle it, with the Guardians. There is no place for elves in Fenario."

General Oswain and the army continue to stand on their ground, unfazed by the power of the Red Nekrastone.

"War is not what we would like to achieve, father. This is suicide. We can never beat the elves."

"You are right." Leaning closer to her daughter, winking at Oswain, "We can never beat the elves with just one Nekrastone."

A shudder runs through Bobby's body and he glances at the Princess to ensure she is alright. "Yo, your allies are in danger only because they're attacking us, you dig? So like, I'm game for you getting the Brown Nekrastone, but you gotta back the eff up after that and let these dudes do their thing." Bobby can hardly recall why the Hel anyone is fighting anymore at this point. What exactly were the Elves here for again? "Look, I ain't the best with math and like keeping shiz straight, but best way I can figure it is that everyone gets back what Nekrastone they had when there was peace, and everyone goes home, right? Like, you really want your holy war now, Elves? i mean, if that's what you want, attack and get it over with, know what I mean? And if not, piss off, you dig?"

"Peace is long gone. Every sunrise is another day of war, waged not at this scale, but it happens. All the Nekrastones are separated for a reason, each protected by respective guardians, and the powers balance each other out. We do not use the powers of the Nekrastones for obvious reasons, but the Blue Nekrastone has to be returned to us, and the Brown Nekrastone to the Guardians. We have no desire to own the other Nekrastones, but as peacekeepers of Spesialia, the Fenarians cannot possess more than one Nekrastone, as the monsters and demons that dwell underground. I am here to keep the Fenarians under the leash, and to ensure they do not lay their hands on the Brown Nekrastone, which I am confident Angmar is very interested in it. That will not happen under my watch. You ask why do we fight? I can crush everyone easily. A better question would be what is worth fighting for? Fenarians' greed and selfishness have clouded their visions and they do not understand the meaning of balance."

"Again with your great speech about maintaining neutrality. Where are the practical aspects of it? Does maintaining this balance feed my starving subjects? Does it give my people a sense of security? All these are just ideals. You do not know how to govern. Real leaders do not hide under the dome and leave everything outside of it to waste. Real leaders turn waste into gold, like I did to Fenario!"

[Yzalirk]

Mhinak turns to the party,

"The more it is talked about, it seems like the Fenarians are the ones who want to possess the most stones for their own benefit. Lord Fenari wants to the use the Red Nekrastone for war whereas Latte Oswain wants to keep balance with them. I actually believe Oswain and I think we should give the Blue Nekrastone to them and, of course, the Brown Nekrastone to the Guardians. Things here will at least be in some balance again."

"General, I agree that these powers should be balanced out and I intend to help see it through. I don't want to even think about what'll happen if one person controls all stones. I'm in favor of yer plan but if they wish to live on the surface, you should let them. It'll be much more easy to keep them at bay when they aren't on their playing field."

"Lord Fenari, if you think a real leader just turns waste into gold, yer a fool. A real leader is loved by his people and doesn't keep the wealth for just himself. If you make so much gold, than why is it yer people still starve? Ask yerself this: do yer people like you?" Mhinak asks Lord Fenari. "Also, you don't decide what happens to the Brown Nekrastone. It belongs to the Guardians, not you or the Star Elves."

[Enceladus]

Zeulord laughs,

"YOU WISH YOUR FINE WORDS WOULD SHATTER OUR ALLIANCE WITH THE ELVES."

"That isn’t an answer Treelord." Says Na’im cooly

A shudder runs through Bobby's body and he glances at the Princess to ensure she is alright.

Na’im throws a nervous glance at Bobby, slightly afraid he might turn and decide to attack everyone around him-the rouge had not been the same since the encounter In the lost path

Germ notices five silhouettes with elongated legless bodies and tails hovering around Toren.

"How wise." Lord Fenari continues to eye at the blur around Toren.

"I CAN SMELL THOSE CURSED SNAKES."

"So those are the weresnakes we have been searching for..." murmurs Na’im curiously "Fascinating. They do not remind me of any weresnakes I have observed across Olegia." Na’im folds his arms waits to see how the weresnakes react to the gaurdians

"Lord Fenari, if you think a real leader just turns waste into gold, yer a fool. A real leader is loved by his people and doesn't keep the wealth for just himself. If you make so much gold, than why is it yer people still starve? Ask yerself this: do yer people like you?" Mhinak asks Lord Fenari. "Also, you don't decide what happens to the Brown Nekrastone. It belongs to the Guardians, not you or the Star Elves."

"It is you who are a fool here master Mihnak! Lord Angmar is the best thing that ever came out of the house of Fenari." says Na'im fiercly "It was he who single-handedly moulded Fenario from a group of improvished refugee’s and soldiers, following the schism, and moulded them into a working nation and a haven or the oppressed and the minorities across Olegia. Fenario could have degenerated into a nation of savages and exiles, like the kobolds, but it did not and that can only be credit to his leadership-and while Lord Angmar may be a genius, he is no god, and even he cannot make food out of nothing to feed his thousands of subjects, especially given star elf incursions and Kobold raids." concludes Na'im, sounding very protective of his old ruler

"El-Alquist got what he deserves by dabbling with forbidden magic. I exist to protect Spesialia, and that is Legovia's will for me, that is the sole purpose for which I was born. Every twitch of my muscle, every action I take, is for the greater good of Spesialia. I have been blessed by Legovia with the knowledge and skills to allow me to carry out my duties as her loyal and faithful servant. You cannot go against someone who has a diety by his side. I have never lost, and never will. Heroes slaughtered my people in Valhullu, your coward Prince ordered an invasion. Do not think you can get away from that."

"Simple. If you are born as a soldier, you fulfil your destiny as a soldier. If a soldier decides to be king, the very law and order our society is being built on is disrupted. That is exactly what happens. It is that day that Angmar decided to give orders instead of taking them. That is sin. Angmar is not fit to be leader of Spesialia and as the General of the Star Elves, it is my duty to crush dissidents and enemies, both seen and unseen and to restore balance to this land. Turn around and return underground, Angmar, underground is where you are supposed to be. How dare you resurface, criminal. Last chance before I leash out punishment."

"Peace is long gone. Every sunrise is another day of war, waged not at this scale, but it happens. All the Nekrastones are separated for a reason, each protected by respective guardians, and the powers balance each other out. We do not use the powers of the Nekrastones for obvious reasons, but the Blue Nekrastone has to be returned to us, and the Brown Nekrastone to the Guardians. We have no desire to own the other Nekrastones, but as peacekeepers of Spesialia, the Fenarians cannot possess more than one Nekrastone, as the monsters and demons that dwell underground. I am here to keep the Fenarians under the leash, and to ensure they do not lay their hands on the Brown Nekrastone, which I am confident Angmar is very interested in it. That will not happen under my watch. You ask why do we fight? I can crush everyone easily. A better question would be what is worth fighting for? Fenarians' greed and selfishness have clouded their visions and they do not understand the meaning of balance."

The red angel's voice reverberates in Na’ims head again Kill him. The war monger has insulted Fenario and my honour once too many times now. Now is the time to strike.

But Na’im considers the general as the others talk, and at last he thinks he understands "You know what I think? I think you have been played for a fool Oswain-In fact, you have been doing exactly what you have been told for far too long. Your supposed friends and allies at court...they have been turning your generals against you, and using your slavish devotion to Legovia to further their own plans. If not how do you explain this, Eh?" Na’im shows El-Aquists memoirs to both Angmar and Oswain "This certainly explains a lot wouldn't you say? Oh and if you think myself, and every other Fenarian here will meekly consent to having our identities robbed by the creed then you are very much mistaken. We aren’t going down without a fight Oswain."

[Yzalirk]

Mhinak shoots Na'im a dirty look,

"I take it he's never heard of imports or the black market?" Mhinak questions. "And speak for yerself. I don't see a point in fighting when I'm trying to help prevent it. I know we're supposed to have yer back and all, laddie, but when yer trying to start a petty bar brawl, I'm not sure if I can help back you up on this."

"General, excuse my friend's insubordinate language, he is speaking out of his big behind about fighting."

[Enceladus]

Mhinak shoots Na'im a dirty look,

"I take it he's never heard of imports or the black market?" Mhinak questions. "And speak for yerself. I don't see a point in fighting when I'm trying to help prevent it. I know we're supposed to have yer back and all, laddie, but when yer trying to start a petty bar brawl, I'm not sure if I can help back you up on this."

"I thought you and master Germ's ah...friends were supposed to represent the black market in these parts? Well, we saw how that turned out-that 'band of brothers' jumped ship and joined the accursed weresnakes at the first opportunity they got. And besides, where would we get imports from? The house of Fenari has no friends outside of Fenario. It is our doom to march on and fight our uneneding war in this twilight land, alone and devoid of outside assistance. What nation would see an opportunity in supplying a nation of exiles, trapped deep underground anyway?"

"If Oswain is not part of the creed's plan then he has nothing to fear from us." glowers Na'im "However, he cannot expect the Fenarians to turn on their heels and march back uderground just like that. They are starving, master Mihnak, and if they return back where they came from empty handed, they will be dooming themsleves to an agonisingly slow death from starvation

[samurai-turtle]

"I thought you and master Germ's ah...friends were supposed to represent the black market in these parts? Well, we saw how that turned out-that 'band of brothers' jumped ship and joined the accursed weresnakes at the first opportunity they got.

And besides, where would we get imports from? The house of Fenari has no friends outside of Fenario. It is our doom to march on and fight our uneneding war in this twilight land, alone and devoid of outside assistance. What nation would see an opportunity in supplying a nation of exiles, trapped deep underground anyway?"

Those "guys" are a bunch of want to be's and cowards. Plus, I warned them not to join the "snakes". And if they get in my way again I probably will kill them, some "friend" I am.

Well, there is the "Wolves". And most of the Dwarves live underground.

Germ could not identify the five silhouettes better than he already did.

Tired of everyone running their mouths and getting nowhere he ended up, bending over and pretending to tying his "shoe". One thing is obvious, the "snakes" are out to get everyone. Then grabbing his "knives" jumps up and attacks the "silhouettes".

[Zepher]

OoC: Sorry that I've been a little quiet, I'm not totally sure what our real options are... it seems like we don't really have one, but maybe I'm just reading things wrong.

Bobby continues to wish fervently that they'd given the Nekrastone to the sea creatures from the beginning of the quest. There wasn't a good answer - regardless of which side ended up with the stone, it appeared they'd wipe out the other side. Was that the final choice of the day? Bobby felt lied to yet again - he'd been told if he gave his soul, Zoot wouldn't kill the dragon. He'd been told if the King showed up, he'd not be a war monger. But neither of those things had come to pass. It seemed that the only choice the heroes could have made passed long ago, and it had been "don't go to Spelesia".

He sits down, defeated. "Yo, Elnath, this is your mess, you gotta give that stone to someone. Like, either way we're responsible for genocide, right, so like what's it matter? The way I see it, neither of these races are any better than the other, because they're both trying to wipe each other out. So I say like, whatever, let them do it. I hope they all die."

[KotZ]

Kiray keeps fingering the hilt of her blade.

[Purpearljellyblob]

OOC: My apologies once again for the long delay. Updates will come tomorrow.

[Purpearljellyblob]

OoC: Sorry that I've been a little quiet, I'm not totally sure what our real options are... it seems like we don't really have one, but maybe I'm just reading things wrong.

Bobby continues to wish fervently that they'd given the Nekrastone to the sea creatures from the beginning of the quest. There wasn't a good answer - regardless of which side ended up with the stone, it appeared they'd wipe out the other side. Was that the final choice of the day? Bobby felt lied to yet again - he'd been told if he gave his soul, Zoot wouldn't kill the dragon. He'd been told if the King showed up, he'd not be a war monger. But neither of those things had come to pass. It seemed that the only choice the heroes could have made passed long ago, and it had been "don't go to Spelesia".

OOC: My apologies once again for the long delay. I have been tied down with work, 14-hours shifts and on-calls. Having said that, I do very much endeavour to finish this quest. I am going to address them now due to concerns/issues that have been raised by my players and I anticipate my work schedule to get busier over the next few weeks.

The current options are clearly defined.

1. The party can give the Blue Nekrastone and the Seal to either General Oswain, Fenarians, the Guardians, the Nagas or to the Queen.

2. The Brown Nekrastone is nearby and I have made it clear enough that the Nagas, who are also nearby, are in possession of it. Players might feel that they have hit a wall in the Star Elf Fenarian conflict despite relentless effort to make peace, but players need to come to the realisation that the Star Elves and Fenarians are vying for something greater, the Brown Nekrastone, which I have made clear enough.

In 136, Heroes seldom make single decisions from fixed choices where one decision can be distinctly isolated from others. Rather, decisions are entrenched in a cycle where situations evolve as the quest progresses and where decisions and actions made by heroes influence each other. Problems projected to heroes can be felt ambiguous by the presence of dynamic information and multiple interacting goals from players and NPCs. These situations do contain the elements of pressure, personal stress and individuals (both players and NPCs) with different roles and goals. Given the multidimensional and complex nature of these decision makings, heroes are then required to make difficult decisions in the presence of conflicts, unfamiliarity, changing conditions, multiple variables. These decision-makings will have an ethical and emotional burden that you will may find challenging. I would like to further stress that these decisions require more than just making defined choices from limited options which is slightly different as seen in other quests. Players are so accustomed to the traditional war-peace notion that when faced with a different challenging scenario that require effective decisions to be made would react negatively and more than often procrastinate or completely avoid the situation. Situations such as these require players to make intuitive on-the-spot decisions with multiple foci, in dynamic contexts with multiple variables/uncertainties where not all the information needed to make them is or can be known. How you decide to conceptualise, articulate and justify your decisions to be made and hence your mental representation of this difficult situation and the outcome you want to achieve to better manage the multiplicity of factors rather than focusing only on the immediate task will be a defining moment for your character albeit a rather confrontational and challenging one.

Example 1. Zoot has made it clear that he would accept a soul for Eckmar's soul. The Princess, Grigorlis have volunteered their souls. The decision was then, for the Heroes to decide who's soul to sacrifice. Na'im has explicitly stated Princess should not be the one, and has volunteered Polly. Polly had made her statement and it was left unchallenged. So the choice left was obvious, Grigorlis. Additionally, Zoot's offer to Na'im and Bobby should not be confused with his original offer. That being said, Zoot, being Zoot, will not hold your hand and warn you that a half-sacrificed soul is not equivalent to a full soul, but I have explicitly stated and implied such a stance.

Example 2. So far many stories have been told of Lord Fenari, one by Elnath, Master Gung Tao, Prince Adaun, and Princess Alaun. One based on historical archives, one based on prophecy, other based on personal hatred, and the last coming from the perspective of peace. All sides are neither right nor wrong. But the true representation of Lord Fenari comes when the players interact with the King himself, in the throne room, and at that point in time where Lord Fenari realises that the Brown Nekrastone is within his grasp. Bain and Oswain have dropped hints about his inherent greed. The players will have to take all of that into consideration.

"General, I agree that these powers should be balanced out and I intend to help see it through. I don't want to even think about what'll happen if one person controls all stones. I'm in favor of yer plan but if they wish to live on the surface, you should let them. It'll be much more easy to keep them at bay when they aren't on their playing field."

"There will be no negotiations, what has been decided will be what it is now. We do not make hasty decisions, unlike your short-lived simpletons from Heroica."

"Lord Fenari, if you think a real leader just turns waste into gold, yer a fool. A real leader is loved by his people and doesn't keep the wealth for just himself. If you make so much gold, than why is it yer people still starve? Ask yerself this: do yer people like you?" Mhinak asks Lord Fenari. "Also, you don't decide what happens to the Brown Nekrastone. It belongs to the Guardians, not you or the Star Elves."

"Just a metaphor, my friend, no need to get so up close and personal with me. But as I said, you may not see it, but I am sure we can all feel the presence of the Brown Nekrastone. It is in my domain and I have every right. Perhaps the Guardians will find it first, perhaps we will find it first. Who knows? Finders keepers." Lord Fenari laughs, albeit having tones of sarcasm mixed in his words.

"That isn’t an answer Treelord." Says Na’im cooly

"PERHAPS NOT THE ANSWER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR."

"It is you who are a fool here master Mihnak! Lord Angmar is the best thing that ever came out of the house of Fenari." says Na'im fiercly "It was he who single-handedly moulded Fenario from a group of improvished refugee’s and soldiers, following the schism, and moulded them into a working nation and a haven or the oppressed and the minorities across Olegia. Fenario could have degenerated into a nation of savages and exiles, like the kobolds, but it did not and that can only be credit to his leadership-and while Lord Angmar may be a genius, he is no god, and even he cannot make food out of nothing to feed his thousands of subjects, especially given star elf incursions and Kobold raids." concludes Na'im, sounding very protective of his old ruler

"Of course, I am not just about laws, rules, punishment, execution. I am flexible." Turning to Na'im, "If I were to be on the other side, your head will be on the ground by now, Fenarian. The In-Blacks are very keen in labelling you as a traitor for my daughter's "abduction". But I value talents and what they can do for Fenario. You might have a place in my council if you continue to impress, cleric."

But Na’im considers the general as the others talk, and at last he thinks he understands "You know what I think? I think you have been played for a fool Oswain-In fact, you have been doing exactly what you have been told for far too long. Your supposed friends and allies at court...they have been turning your generals against you, and using your slavish devotion to Legovia to further their own plans. If not how do you explain this, Eh?" Na’im shows El-Aquists memoirs to both Angmar and Oswain "This certainly explains a lot wouldn't you say? Oh and if you think myself, and every other Fenarian here will meekly consent to having our identities robbed by the creed then you are very much mistaken. We aren’t going down without a fight Oswain."

"General, excuse my friend's insubordinate language, he is speaking out of his big behind about fighting."

"Is this the ultimate goal of your cowardly queen?" Lord Fenari clenches his fists tightly around the Red Nekrastone and draws power from it, attaining an aura that rejuvenates all Fenarians around him. "Remember this, golden boy, if you are going to take us for fools, you will be in a world of pain." Lord Fenari gives Oswain a confident smirk, as if he has something planned for the elves.

"I am well aware of this, but I do not approve of his methods. There are many who were manipulated and blinded by the Fenari's propaganda and continue to worship him. My role is to separate the weeds from the crops, and I believe I have accomplished that." General Oswain shoots Lord Fenari a dead stare, and vice versa, as they proceed cautiously around each other.

He sits down, defeated. "Yo, Elnath, this is your mess, you gotta give that stone to someone. Like, either way we're responsible for genocide, right, so like what's it matter?

"It is a balancing act and we may still feel like we are in the dark but remember this is the nature of life and I trust that heroes will make an effective decision to whom these stones should go to."

"So those are the weresnakes we have been searching for..." murmurs Na’im curiously "Fascinating. They do not remind me of any weresnakes I have observed across Olegia." Na’im folds his arms waits to see how the weresnakes react to the gaurdians

Then grabbing his "knives" jumps up and attacks the "silhouettes".

The way I see it, neither of these races are any better than the other, because they're both trying to wipe each other out. So I say like, whatever, let them do it. I hope they all die."

A huge laughter suddenly burst out from Toren, as though almost in delight for being noticed.

"Well said, Bobby! But I certainly not hope they all die, but rather, they will all die. Great servants of Zoot do think alike, however, that's a great start." Toren lifts himself up, his eyes glowing in red as he extends his right hand at Bobby. "You will be delighted to forge an acquaintance with Zoot's loyal servant, Grand Priest Orein Ederot, also known as the Right Hand, which is me. Heroes, Elnath, Polly, I am sure you will have a lot of questions. But there is one important thing you all should know. The Nagas and I are in this together from the very start, and I have underestimated you Heroes. Yes I betrayed Elnath and Polly's trust. Yes I am in cahoots with the Merfolks. Yes I deliberately directed the ship off course where the Merfolks were. Yes I sent weresnakes to monitor your activities around the land. Yes I sent Twizty, my servant of darkness, to attain the Blue Nekrastone from the old man in Fenario. But no matter, the Nagas and I will kill everyone here and we will combine the Blue, Brown and Red Nekrastones to attain the others to attain invincibility. Then we will sail to Nagashan and we will begin our conquest of Xu. I will make this very quick."

Orein Ederot, with a quick fluid movement of his hands, flew into the high air and then vanished in a wisp of dark smoke. Then reappears as a huge demon.

The sky suddenly turns dark and the silhouettes become significantly visible in darkness.

"PLEASE WELCOME THE SISTERS OF THE SPILT TONGUE."

"Shikokku"

"Seira"

"Yakusai"

"Kyoka"

"LAST BUT NOT LEAST, MY BEST FRIEND..."

"Virginia. We meet again, Marx. We will make it real quick this time."

"OH YOU DON'T, GUARDIANS DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES TWICE!"

"Pfft. I have never lost."

"No Fenarians get hurt under my watch!"

"I really hate to fight, but we also don't want invaders from Nagashan to use the Brown Nekrastone to kill off everyone. Eckmar, all Fenarians by my side."

Orein Ederot reaches out and caressed Virginia's cheek, loving the feel of cold smooth skin against his fingers.

"USE IT." Orein Ederot whispers.

"Absolutely" Virginia reveals the Brown Nekrastone in her hands and grabs it tightly. The stone glows brightly and as it illuminates to its maximum intensity, Virginia forcefully sinks the Nekrastone into her chest. Virginia lets out a huge piercing scream before she transforms into a more sophisticated form, in a form of a giant Naga.

The newly transformed Virginia stretches into full form. Her body was armoured with scales harder than any natural barrier, and her talons wicked. Her hair was of the larger snakes, crushing and constricting snakes that slithers slowly. Virginia sways steadily against the wind as the Brown Nekrastone sits deep in her chest. The aura was subtle, but it rejuvenates the land around her. With her powers, Virginia slams her tail on the ground, and it shook violently, as if an earthquake of the highest magnitude shook the land. The ground spilt into the abyss below and many elves and fenarians fall to their deaths. The Heroes fell, but the Guardians stood firm and Zeulord catches Mhinak and Inki first. At the same time, Malora extends her vines and catches the other Heroes, bringing them to safety. The Nagas are an immediate threat to everyone. Oswain sizes up the demonic wereracoon and the Nagas. The Guardians extend their stride and balance. Eckmar raises his lance at the wereracoon and the Nagas. Lord Fenari simply draws a smirk. The Heroes get ready to face two gigantic foes. By the end of this day, it is either survive or be survived.

PREPARE FOR FINAL BATTLE!

The Enemies

Grand Priest Orein Ederot *Immune to Sudden Death and All Negative Effects**Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Demon

Level: 6

Health: 666/666

Special I: Right Palm of Impending Doom - Minimises the entire party

Special II: Right Palm of Iron Defence - Protects all allies from all damage next round

Special III: Right Finger of Doom - KO attacker and one random member of the party

Passive Special: Deals the Blinded effect to 1 random member of the party

Drops: ???

Objective:

1. Survive Orein Ederot for 5 rounds to move on to next phase

2. Kill off Orein Ederot within 5 rounds for bonus loot

Mistress Virginia *Immune to Sudden Death and All Negative Effects**Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Rock/Plant/Vermin/Humanoid

Level: 72

Health: 600/600

Special I: Formidable Swipe - Throws the attacker into the horizon, rendering attacker out of battle for 2 rounds. Attacker rejoins the battle with 50% of health reduced.

Special II: Regeneration - Spends the next round to restore to full health

Special III: Auto life - Revives all knocked out allies to full health

Special IV: Reflective Aura - Reflects all damage dealt to Virginia at the end of this round equally to the party, if not already KO'd

Passive Special I: Weresnake Arena - Summons a weresnake into the battle next round

Passive Special II: Brown Nekrastone aura - Each member of party regenerates 1 health at the end of every round

Drops: ???

Mistress Shikokku *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid

Level: 20

Health: 250/250

Special: Necromancy - Revives any weresnake(s) KO'd as her undead minion(s)

Drops: ???

Mistress Seira *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid

Level: 20

Health: 250/250

Special: Deathproof - Deals Petrified effect to attacker

Drops: ???

Mistress Yakusai *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid

Level: 20

Health: 250/250

Special: Blades of Gory - Attacks opponent and opponents above and below the BO

Drops: ???

Mistress Kyoka *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid

Level: 20

Health: 250/250

Special: Enchantment - Increases own level by 5

Drops: ???

Weresnake Jaws A *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid/Vermin

Level: 15

Health: 150/150

Special: Deals 14 damage to attacker

Drops: ???

Weresnake Hypno A *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid/Vermin

Level: 10

Health: 150/150

Special: Deals Confused effect to attacker

Drops: ???

Viper Snake Mob *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Vermin

Level: 20 (2x10)

Health: 200/200 (20x10)

Special: Poisonous Fang - Deals Poisoned 2 to attacker

Drops: ???

The Party

Miderun (CallMePie), The Woman Who Killed Sean Cole *Party Leader*

18 year old Female Orc Barbarian

Level 16.5 *Attacks cause Enamored*

Power: 29 (13+16)

Power Bonus: 6 (3 in back row)

Health: 21/23 (8+15)

Gold: 458

Equipment: Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, 1/6 chance of dealing the infected-effect, causing an enemy to lose health equal to 1/3 of their level rounded down at the end of each round, club), Seductive Perfume (Holder deals the enamored-effect, accessory, suitable for women), Lesser Orc Gauntlets: +6 power on the front row, +3 on the back, handwear, suitable only to orcs)

Inventory:

Weapons: Bonaparte Cutlass (WP: 9, doubled if the user has reputation among the Bonapartes), Club (WP:5, Club), Serstyral (WP: 3, axe), War Axe (WP: 9, suitable for suitable for barbarians, alchemists, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators and winged warriors.), Lucustoid Axe (WP: 3), Wicked Javelin (WP: 7, 1/6 chance of dealing the slowed-effect, throwing weapon), Axe (WP:5)

Artifacts: Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear, suitable for anyone), High Heels (Power +1; suitable for women.), Loincloth of the Ancient (SP: 3, Absorbs Earth, footwear), 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), Twizty's Mystery Box (Traps a fraction of the demon's soul in the box; Deals 666 Dark damage OR Poisoned +6, Bleeding +6 OR Cursed effect to opponent, determined by a dice roll. Usable every 6 rounds in a quest. Accessory)

Gems: Opal

Consumables: Mermaid Scale (Increase SP by 1 for the duration of one battle; consumable), Phoenix Essence, 3 Potion, Mead, Grand Potion, Greater Potion (Restores 50 health to the target), Grand Tonic, 7 Venom, Smoke Bomb, Health Core, Orcish Grog (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects to greenskins, but encouraged- and jinxed-effects to others for one battle, consumable.), 4 Gold Bar (A bar of gold, value: 50 gold)

Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk), A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something *Deputy Party Leader*

24 year old Female Human Black Knight

Level 19.5 *Immune to Light, Darkness**Deals Bleeding +2, Double damage to Demonic Foes**Half Damage from Free Hits*

Power: 35 (10+19+6)

Power Bonus: 6

Defense: 21 (10+11)

Health: 23/37 (10+18+9)

Gold: 267

Equipment: Smith’s Katana (WP:10, Darkness elemental, Deals Bleeding +2), Orcish Barbed Shield (SP: 11), Never Blessed Armor (SP: 10, Immune to Darkness, Light, and Blessed, Wearer deals double damage to Demons, suitable to Knights, Barbarians, Regulators, and Skirmishers), Spesialian Spiked Pauldrons (Damage from Free Hits is halved; accessory)

Inventory:

Weapons and Shields: Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Two Fanged Orcish Shield (SP: 7, Immune to Darkness, Shield Bash Replaces Meditate), Spesialian Shield (SP:6, Immune to Blinded, Shield), Greatsword (WP: 5), Wolfhead Aegis (SP:5, enemies that hit the user become afraid, suitable for anyone with Wolfgang reputation; shield.)

Artifacts: Snug Armor (SP: 5, Cannot be De-Equipped, Suitable to all classes that use shields, body wear), Fishy Scale Mail (SP: 6, wearer absorbs water-elemental damage as health, immune to Fire; suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers, and regulators, body wear), Never Blessed Helmet (SP: 8, Immunity to Blinded, Doomed and Blessed, Wearer deals double damage to Holy Enemies, suitable to Knights, Barbarians, Regulators, and Skirmishers),

Gems: Diamond, Emerald

Consumables: 3 Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Nostrum, Ambrosia, Mead, Smelling Salts, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged), Smoke Bomb, 4 Bone, Soma, Ambrosia, 2 Mead, Everlasting Venom (Adds the poisoned by 10-effect to one weapon permanently), Dragon Scale, 4 Fire Bomb, 4 Venom, Tako Sushi (Restores 10 health; consumable), Noxious Venom, Greater Potion (Restores 50 health to the target), Grating Stone, Grand Potion, Dirt Bomb, Floral Bomb, Ice Bomb, Water Bomb

Tools: Bedroll, 2 Shovel

Bobby "Young" Bucks Jr. (Zepher)

19 year old Male Human Rogue

Level 14 *Immune to Cursed**Attacks cause Enamored**Doubles Gold stolen*

Power: 31 (14+11+3+3)

Defense: 3

Health: 23/25 (13+7+2*+3)

Ether: 3 (+3)

Gold: 159

Equipment: Hue and Saturation whip (WP:11; causes Enamored), Nondescript Cape (SP: 3; protects from Cursed effect; suitable for rogues; backwear), Zoot's Mask of Transmorgrifier (WP+3, Power +3, Health +3, Ether +3, doubles amount of Gold stolen, allows wearer assume disguise to any known races in Olegaia to swindle gain their trust, cannot be disequiped, accessory)

Inventory: Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to steal gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold in addition to hiding; suitable to rogues; footwear.), Nice Boots (SP: 1, Footwear: Immune to Earth and Darkness), Fine-tuned Flute (WP:15, user is nimble; instrument), Dagger (WP:5, Dagger), 2 Kobold Sharp Wings (WP:8, Deals Bleeding 1, throwing weapon), Throwing Knife (WP: 3), Mugger's Mask (Head-wear, wearer cannot have gold stolen from them), Spesialian Helmet (SP:2, SP:4 if wearer’s Star Elf, Health +2, Power +2, Suitable for anyone; headwear), Raw Horsehide, 5 Potion, 3 Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Health Core, 2 Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Shovel, Pickaxe, Sapphire, Pixie Dust, Skeleton Decoy, Health Core, Totally Dope Hair Gel (Power +3 when consumed.), Amethyst

Na'im Thamir (Enceladus)

2,314 year old Male Fenarian Cleric

Level 10.5 *1/2 +1/2 chance to double damage/healing output on successful attack**+3 health at the end of each round**Red Nekrastone Aura*

Power: 13 (10+3)

Health: 18/18 (9+9)

SP: 2

Ether: 18/19 (9+5+5)

Gold: 0 (90 gold to Bobby)

Equipment: Nimbus Broomstick (WP:8, 1/2 chance to double damage/healing output on successful attack; Broomstick), Badge of the Smokemaster (Max. Ether +5; User can spend 5 ether in each battle to make the whole party flee; suitable to classes with ether; accessory), F.I.B. Malleable Mask (SP: 2, Regenerates 3 health at end of every round; soul-bound to Na'im, accessory)

Inventory: Shamanic Plate (Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2; Blood Ritual does double damage to the target; suitable for shamans; bodywear.), Fenarian Fedora (Max. health +5, Max. ether + 5; suitable for Fenarians; headwear.), Scroll of Sealing (Enables casting the sealed-effect to the target, making them unable to use a special skill for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, 2 Tonic, Grand Tonic, Shovel, Scroll of Blindness (Enables casting the blinded-effect to the target, making them unable to use a physical attack for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether; Loaned from Germ), Tako Sushi (Restores 10 health; consumable), Skeleton Decoy, 3 Hexed Idol (Causes the Hexed-effect to one humanoid enemy, making it act against an ally instead of the heroes for one turn. Breaks after one use.)

The Demon Germ (Samuraiturtle)

??? years old Male Half Demon Rogue

Level 12 *Immune to Darkness*

Power: 22 (12+8+2)

Defense: 3 (1+2)

Health: 18/20 (7+11+2)

Gold: 143

Equipped: Kobold Sharp Wings (WP:8, Deals Bleeding 1, throwing weapon), Spesialian Helmet SP:2, SP:4 if wearer’s Star Elf, Health +2, Power +2, Suitable for anyone; headwear), Shadow Cloak (SP:1, immune to Darkness; backwear, suitable for anyone)

Weapons: Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1; throwing weapon), Throwing Knife (WP:3), Shuriken (WP:5), Charred Longsword (WP:10 1/6 chance of breaking whenever used, longsword), Kobold Sharp Wings (WP:8, Deals Bleeding 1, throwing weapon), Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:5, doubled against Flying enemies; throwing weapon), Kobold Dagger (WP: 4, dagger)

Gear / Armor: Red Shield (SP: 8)

Gems / Scrolls: -

Consumables: Level-Up Mushroom, Phoenix Essence, Bone, Deadly Venom, 3 Remedy, Noxious Venom, Smelling Salts, Skeleton Decoy, Human Repellent (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from humanoid enemies during one battle unless he is the last hero standing; consumable.)

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass

Others: Gold Ring (worth 15 gold, or can be given to someone else to make them Enamored with the giver), Gold Bar (A bar of gold. Value: 50 gold)

Decamon Cards: Will-o'-Wisp (Fiery 1); Carrion Squirrel (Dark 1) ; Glow Worm (Luminous 1)

Quest Items: Prison Master Key (A key to open any locked doors in the prison, Quest item)

Mhinak (Goliath)

40 Year Old Male Dwarf Ranger

Level 8 *Aligned with The Guardians**Double damage to large enemies*

Power: 22 (8+10+4)

SP: 4

Health: 13/17 (7+6+4)

Ether: 4

Gold: 229

Equipment: Dwarven Portable Catapult (WP:10, double damage to enemies visibly larger than the user; throwing weapon), Anniversary Medal (Power +4, SP +4, Max. Health +4, Max. Ether +4. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year; accessory.)

Inventory: Red Handcannon (WP: 8), Wooden Hand Cannon (WP: 3), Gauntlets of the Legionnaire (Power:+5, Immune to Petrified, handwear), Dwarven Portable Catapult (WP:10, double damage to enemies visibly larger than the user; throwing weapon), Insignia of The Guardians (Grants the Diplomacy job trait, suitable for Mhinak only; accessory), Flameproof Armor (SP:1, no longer flameproof; bodywear, suitable for anyone; Loaned from Kiray), 2 Grand Potion, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, and Telescope [Left Eye], Merman Stylish Gel (Deals Enamoured effect to female gender; consumable), Skeleton Decoy, Saucepan (Allows user to regain 5 health outside of battle 5 separate times. Can be used by multiple people. 4/5 uses left)

Inki The Panther Warrior *Takes suggestions from Mhinak*

1 Year Old Panther Cub

Level 5

Health: 18/25

Rolls:

1-3: Deals Damage 3x level

4-6: Nothing Happens

Note: Inki does not take damage from free hits and does not level up.

Polly Darton *Takes suggestions from party*

25 years old Female Human Barbarian

Level 16

Power: 22 (15+7)

Defence: 3

Health: 21/23 (8+15)

Equipment: Sword of Fire and Light (WP: 7, Fire-Light Elemental, Greatsword) (Loaned from Kiray), Cape of the Uq (SP:3, +2 Health, backwear, loaned from Na'im)

Inventory: Potion (Loaned from Na'im), Pixie Dust (Loaned from Na'im), , Red Shoulder Cape (SP:3; backwear)

Elnath Van Cleef, The Prospector *Takes suggestions from party*

99 years old male Human Sorcerer

Level 22 *Doubles the amount of gold stolen*

Power: 32 (22+10)

Defence: 5

Health: 31/32 (7+21+4)

Ether: 20/22 (+22)

Gold: 1010

Equipment: Golden Staff (WP: 10; staff), Cloak of the Silk Road (SP:5, doubles the amount of gold stolen, backwear)

Inventory: 2 Phoenix essence, Grand Tonic, Grand Potion, Telescope, Magnifying glass, Scroll of Arc Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Ruby (Loaned from Germ), Amethyst (Loaned from Miderun), Opal (Loaned from Na'im)

Quest Items: Shadir Oswain's Noble Seal (Quest item), Blue Nekrastone (Quest item)

The Star Elves *Aligned with The Guardians*

Note: Star Elves will deal damage to the Nagas equal to the combined total damage output from the party, divided equally by the total number of enemies left standing

The Fenarians *Red Nekrastone aura*

Note: Fenarians will deal damage to the Nagas twice the combined total damage output from the party, divided equally by the total number of enemies left standing

The Guardians *Aligned with the Star Elves*

Note: Guardians will deal damage to the Nagas equal to the combined total damage output from the party, divided equally by the total number of enemies left standing

Edited February 7, 2016 by Purpearljellyblob

[Yzalirk]

OoC: It is fine, no need to apologize. This situation is awesome and definitely makes up for anything.

Astonished by the huge possessed Toren, Mhinak grows angry,

"This is not how it was supposed to go down, laddie! I wish there was another way. Yer goin' down ya filthy demon!"

"Sorry Elnath, but we have to put him down. There is no other way."

"Na'im, could you patch me up?"

"This may be our final ride here, laddies, so lets do this! No rest for the wicked."

Mhinak equips his Dwarven Portable Catapult and attacks Grand Priest Orein Ederot from Back Row with Inki.

OoC: If I can do only one action, I will just equip the Dwarven Portable Catapult.

Edited February 6, 2016 by Goliath

[samurai-turtle]

Mhinak equips his Dwarven Portable Catapult and attacks Grand Priest Orein Ederot from Back Row.

OoC: If I can do only one action, I will just equip the Dwarven Portable Catapult.

OoC: I thought you equipped the "catapult" earlier. Glad you did not forget us PJB.

As he is in the air he throws his wrench at Mistress Shikokku far a way as he could. (back)

That comment you made when we first meet makes more sense, about "surviving". Of course, I am surprise you did not try to recruit me for something, "Rat-coon".

[CMP]

What's the damage output of each NPC party?

[Yzalirk]

OoC: I thought you equipped the "catapult" earlier. Glad you did not forget us PJB.

OoC: You are right, I equipped it back on post #941. My equipped weapon never got changed.

[KotZ]

Kiray attacks Oreion from the front with her Sanctified Rito Longsword. "I do double damage to his kind."

[Enceladus]

OOC: Good ot see you back PJB. I also equipped the F.I.B malleable helm a while back BTW, as being level 10, I can equip two artefacts

"So the Fenarians are now at war with the star elves?" says Na'im curiously "I do not know what you fellows did at the outpost, but if it irked the star elves so badly that they would declare war, you have earned my respect for your boldness if nothing else." he says to germ and Mihnak...

His thoughts are interrupted by a hail of arrows landing among the party and pepper his cloak in several places. He curses in Fenarian and equips the F.I.B malleable mask for added protection against any future star elf barrages

"Is this the ultimate goal of your cowardly queen?" Lord Fenari clenches his fists tightly around the Red Nekrastone and draws power from it, attaining an aura that rejuvenates all Fenarians around him. "Remember this, golden boy, if you are going to take us for fools, you will be in a world of pain." Lord Fenari gives Oswain a confident smirk, as if he has something planned for the elves.

"I am well aware of this, but I do not approve of his methods. There are many who were manipulated and blinded by the Fenari's propaganda and continue to worship him. My role is to separate the weeds from the crops, and I believe I have accomplished that." General Oswain shoots Lord Fenari a dead stare, and vice versa, as they proceed cautiously around each other.

"And you would let this happen general?" demands Naim "Under your very nose? Is that doing your job now-At least before you would be able to tell who your enemies were by mere inspection." Na'im shakes his head "You are just as responsible for this as El-Aquist and the creed."

"Of course, I am not just about laws, rules, punishment, execution. I am flexible." Turning to Na'im, "If I were to be on the other side, your head will be on the ground by now, Fenarian. The In-Blacks are very keen in labelling you as a traitor for my daughter's "abduction". But I value talents and what they can do for Fenario. You might have a place in my council if you continue to impress, cleric."

Na’im opens his mouth eagerly to respond but then closes it. He still was largely unsure how he felt about the Fenarians. On one hand, they had driven him into exile, and he had been prepared ot hate them when he returned, but so far they had proven to be by and large, reasonable and helpful

"PERHAPS NOT THE ANSWER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR."

"A master of words indeed Treelord. Truly, I can see why they made you a gaurdian of the krimwood...stubbon and unmoving as the bark of a great oak tree." Na'im says, narrowing his eyes, as he grows steadily more frustrated at the Treelord’s avoidance of his questions

A huge laughter suddenly burst out from Toren, as though almost in delight for being noticed.

"Well said, Bobby! But I certainly not hope they all die, but rather, they will all die. Great servants of Zoot do think alike, however, that's a great start." Toren lifts himself up, his eyes glowing in red as he extends his right hand at Bobby. "You will be delighted to forge an acquaintance with Zoot's loyal servant, Grand Priest Orein Ederot, also known as the Right Hand, which is me. Heroes, Elnath, Polly, I am sure you will have a lot of questions. But there is one important thing you all should know. The Nagas and I are in this together from the very start, and I have underestimated you Heroes. Yes I betrayed Elnath and Polly's trust. Yes I am in cahoots with the Merfolks. Yes I deliberately directed the ship off course where the Merfolks were. Yes I sent weresnakes to monitor your activities around the land. Yes I sent Twizty, my servant of darkness, to attain the Blue Nekrastone from the old man in Fenario. But no matter, the Nagas and I will kill everyone here and we will combine the Blue, Brown and Red Nekrastones to attain the others to attain invincibility. Then we will sail to Nagashan and we will begin our conquest of Xu. I will make this very quick."

Orein Ederot, with a quick fluid movement of his hands, flew into the high air and then vanished in a wisp of dark smoke. Then reappears as a huge demon.

The newly transformed Virginia stretches into full form. Her body was armoured with scales harder than any natural barrier, and her talons wicked. Her hair was of the larger snakes, crushing and constricting snakes that slithers slowly. Virginia sways steadily against the wind as the Brown Nekrastone sits deep in her chest. The aura was subtle, but it rejuvenates the land around her. With her powers, Virginia slams her tail on the ground, and it shook violently, as if an earthquake of the highest magnitude shook the land. The ground spilt into the abyss below and many elves and fenarians fall to their deaths. The Heroes fell, but the Guardians stood firm and Zeulord catches Mhinak and Inki first. At the same time, Malora extends her vines and catches the other Heroes, bringing them to safety. The Nagas are an immediate threat to everyone. Oswain sizes up the demonic wereracoon and the Nagas. The Guardians extend their stride and balance. Eckmar raises his lance at the wereracoon and the Nagas. Lord Fenari simply draws a smirk. The Heroes get ready to face two gigantic foes. By the end of this day, it is either survive or be survived.

Na’im simply stares at the wereraccon with loathing, unable to comprehend the simple looking ranger had the cunning to outfox not only Elnath, but the entire party as well. He took it as a personal insult that he had been unable to unmask the creature before, having usually prided himself on his intelligence

Na’im does not respond to, or thank the guardians for rescuing him, and angrily dusts himself down

Astonished by the huge possessed Toren, Mhinak grows angry,

"This is not how it was supposed to go down, laddie! I wish there was another way. Yer goin' down ya filthy demon!"

"Sorry Elnath, but we have to put him down. There is no other way."

"Na'im, could you patch me up?"

"This may be our final ride here, laddies, so lets do this! No rest for the wicked."

Na'im nods in agreement and clutches the broomstick with both hands "Master Mihnak is right master Van Cleef. This is not the Toren you once knew-that Toren is long dead if he ever really exsisted at all."

Na'im smirks "You sound like you could be the lead hero in some form of play master Mihnak-you know all heroics and saving the princess. But I will certinaly consent to heal you." He then shoots an angry look at oswain "Thanks for nothing general. I sincerly hope sending all those arrows at us was worth it" Na'im says tartly

Na'im heals Mihnak from the back row

[Purpearljellyblob]

What's the damage output of each NPC party?

For example if at the end of round 1, Heroes+Polly+Elnath deal a total of 100 damage, Star Elves will deal 100/9=11dmg to each enemy, Fenarians, 22dmg, Guardians 11dmg, in that order. Since they are fighting their own battles, there is no need to include them in the BO.

[CMP]

Miderun had been left with little more than seething hatred for Oswain and the trees, but the sudden appearance of a demonic priest snapped her out of a brief few moments of letting the leaders hash it out.

"Some bloodshed will be healthy for everyone. Better if it is demon blood." She glared up at the traitorous were-demon-priest-raccoon-hand. "And best is traitor blood."

Battle Order

Kiray

Elnath

Mhinak

Inki

Bobby

Polly

Miderun

Germ

Na'im

Elnath attempts to use his Scroll of Arc Blindness from the back row.

If he is successful:

Polly (and if needed) Bobby attack Orein in the front row. Miderun drinks her Orcish Grog from the back row.

If he is unsuccessful:

Polly attacks Seira from the back row, Bobby attacks Yakusai from the back row, Miderun attacks Kyoka from the back row.

[Zepher]

Bobby rolls his eyes. "Nothing like a big baddie dude to get everyone all together, you know? Betraying your friends is effed up, Toren. No chill. Gotta stick by them, servant of Zoot or not. Mide, what I am doing?" Bobby follows Miderun's actions.

OoC: Back to having some free time, thanks for covering for me CMP!

[Purpearljellyblob]

"Sorry Elnath, but we have to put him down. There is no other way."

Na'im nods in agreement and clutches the broomstick with both hands "Master Mihnak is right master Van Cleef. This is not the Toren you once knew-that Toren is long dead if he ever really exsisted at all."

Elnath did not respond, but it is clear from his listless expression that the sudden betrayal has thrown him off a long way. Polly, on the other hand, is filled with rage.

"And you would let this happen general?" demands Naim "Under your very nose? Is that doing your job now-At least before you would be able to tell who your enemies were by mere inspection." Na'im shakes his head "You are just as responsible for this as El-Aquist and the creed."

"El-Alquist was threading down a path of self destruction. There was no need for me to intervene."

Round 1 of Invaders from Nagashan!

Kiray vs Orein - Critical Mortal Hit (Orein: 666 - (6x2+19+14+6=51x2=102dmg) = 564 health)

>Elnath casts Scroll of Arc Blindness - Failure (-9 ether)

>Mhinak vs. Orein - Aim (Orein: 564 - (10+4=14x2=28dmg) = 536 health)

>Inki vs. Orein - Right Finger of Doom (Inki & Polly K'Od!)

>Bobby vs. Yakusai - Damage (-7 health)

>Polly vs. Seira

>Miderun vs. Kyoka - Miss

Germ vs. Shikokku - Mug (Shikokku: 250 - (3x3+12+2=23dmg) = 227 health, -1 level)

Na'im heals Mhinak - Shield (Party full health, -6 ether)

Free Hits

Kiray vs. Virginia (72/2=36-21=15dmg)

>Elnath vs Siera (20/2=10-5=5dmg)

>Mhinak vs. Jaws A (15/2=8-4=4dmg)

>Bobby vs. Hypno A (10/2=5-3=2dmg)

>Miderun vs Snake Mob (20/2=10dmg)

Passive

Orein - Blinds Bobby

Virginia - Summons Hypno B

Virginia - Aura (+1 to all enemies)

Na'im - Mask (+3 health)

Star Elves - 153/10 = 15 dmg to each enemy

Fenarians - 30 dmg to each enemy

Guardians - 15 dmg to each enemy

The Enemies

Grand Priest Orein Ederot *Immune to Sudden Death and All Negative Effects**Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Demon

Level: 6

Health: 477/666

Special I: Right Palm of Impending Doom - Minimises the entire party

Special II: Right Palm of Iron Defence - Protects all allies from all damage next round

Special III: Right Finger of Doom - KO attacker and one random member of the party

Passive Special: Deals the Blinded effect to 1 random member of the party

Drops: ???

Objective:

1. Survive Orein Ederot for 5 rounds to move on to next phase

2. Kill off Orein Ederot within 5 rounds for bonus loot

Mistress Virginia *Immune to Sudden Death and All Negative Effects**Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Rock/Plant/Vermin/Humanoid

Level: 72

Health: 540/600

Special I: Formidable Swipe - Throws the attacker into the horizon, rendering attacker out of battle for 2 rounds. Attacker rejoins the battle with 50% of health reduced.

Special II: Regeneration - Spends the next round to restore to full health

Special III: Auto life - Revives all knocked out allies to full health

Special IV: Reflective Aura - Reflects all damage dealt to Virginia at the end of this round equally to the party, if not already KO'd

Passive Special I: Weresnake Arena - Summons a weresnake into the battle next round

Passive Special II: Brown Nekrastone aura - Each member of party regenerates 1 health at the end of every round

Drops: ???

Mistress Shikokku *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid

Level: 20 19

Health: 168/250

Special: Necromancy - Revives any weresnake(s) KO'd as her undead minion(s)

Drops: ???

Mistress Seira *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid

Level: 20

Health: 190/250

Special: Deathproof - Deals Petrified effect to attacker

Drops: ???

Mistress Yakusai *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid

Level: 20

Health: 190/250

Special: Blades of Gory - Attacks opponent and opponents above and below the BO

Drops: ???

Mistress Kyoka *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid

Level: 20

Health: 190/250

Special: Enchantment - Increases own level by 5

Drops: ???

Weresnake Jaws A *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid/Vermin

Level: 15

Health: 90/150

Special: Deals 14 damage to attacker

Drops: ???

Weresnake Hypno A *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid/Vermin

Level: 10

Health: 90/150

Special: Deals Confused effect to attacker

Drops: ???

Weresnake Hypno B *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Humanoid/Vermin

Level: 10

Health: 90/150

Special: Deals Confused effect to attacker

Drops: ???

Viper Snake Mob *Brown Nekrastone aura*

Type: Vermin

Level: 14 (2x7)

Health: 140/200 (20x7)

Special: Poisonous Fang - Deals Poisoned 2 to attacker

Drops: ???

The Party

Miderun (CallMePie), The Woman Who Killed Sean Cole *Party Leader*

18 year old Female Orc Barbarian

Level 16.5 *Attacks cause Enamored*

Power: 29 (13+16)

Power Bonus: 6 (3 in back row)

Health: 11/23 (8+15)

Gold: 458

Equipment: Oculoid Claw (WP: 13, 1/6 chance of dealing the infected-effect, causing an enemy to lose health equal to 1/3 of their level rounded down at the end of each round, club), Seductive Perfume (Holder deals the enamored-effect, accessory, suitable for women), Lesser Orc Gauntlets: +6 power on the front row, +3 on the back, handwear, suitable only to orcs)

Inventory:

Weapons: Bonaparte Cutlass (WP: 9, doubled if the user has reputation among the Bonapartes), Club (WP:5, Club), Serstyral (WP: 3, axe), War Axe (WP: 9, suitable for suitable for barbarians, alchemists, beast warriors, infiltrators, regulators and winged warriors.), Lucustoid Axe (WP: 3), Wicked Javelin (WP: 7, 1/6 chance of dealing the slowed-effect, throwing weapon), Axe (WP:5)

Artifacts: Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear, suitable for anyone), High Heels (Power +1; suitable for women.), Loincloth of the Ancient (SP: 3, Absorbs Earth, footwear), 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), Twizty's Mystery Box (Traps a fraction of the demon's soul in the box; Deals 666 Dark damage OR Poisoned +6, Bleeding +6 OR Cursed effect to opponent, determined by a dice roll. Usable every 6 rounds in a quest. Accessory)

Gems: Opal

Consumables: Mermaid Scale (Increase SP by 1 for the duration of one battle; consumable), Phoenix Essence, 3 Potion, Mead, Grand Potion, Greater Potion (Restores 50 health to the target), Grand Tonic, 7 Venom, Smoke Bomb, Health Core, Orcish Grog (Grants encouraged- and inspired-effects to greenskins, but encouraged- and jinxed-effects to others for one battle, consumable.), 4 Gold Bar (A bar of gold, value: 50 gold)

Kiray Nastayo (KingoftheZempk), A Hero Who Is Actually Worth Something *Deputy Party Leader*

24 year old Female Human Black Knight

Level 19.5 *Immune to Light, Darkness**Deals Bleeding +2, Double damage to Demonic Foes**Half Damage from Free Hits*

Power: 35 (10+19+6)

Power Bonus: 6

Defense: 21 (10+11)

Health: 22/37 (10+18+9)

Gold: 267

Equipment: Smith’s Katana (WP:10, Darkness elemental, Deals Bleeding +2), Orcish Barbed Shield (SP: 11), Never Blessed Armor (SP: 10, Immune to Darkness, Light, and Blessed, Wearer deals double damage to Demons, suitable to Knights, Barbarians, Regulators, and Skirmishers), Spesialian Spiked Pauldrons (Damage from Free Hits is halved; accessory)

Inventory:

Weapons and Shields: Sanctified Rito Longsword (WP:6, doubled against Flying enemies; longsword), Two Fanged Orcish Shield (SP: 7, Immune to Darkness, Shield Bash Replaces Meditate), Spesialian Shield (SP:6, Immune to Blinded, Shield), Greatsword (WP: 5), Wolfhead Aegis (SP:5, enemies that hit the user become afraid, suitable for anyone with Wolfgang reputation; shield.)

Artifacts: Snug Armor (SP: 5, Cannot be De-Equipped, Suitable to all classes that use shields, body wear), Fishy Scale Mail (SP: 6, wearer absorbs water-elemental damage as health, immune to Fire; suitable for knights, dragoons, skirmishers, and regulators, body wear), Never Blessed Helmet (SP: 8, Immunity to Blinded, Doomed and Blessed, Wearer deals double damage to Holy Enemies, suitable to Knights, Barbarians, Regulators, and Skirmishers),

Gems: Diamond, Emerald

Consumables: 3 Potion, Banana (Restores full health when eaten), Nostrum, Ambrosia, Mead, Smelling Salts, Mediocre Pongcanis Brew (Encouraged + Enraged), Smoke Bomb, 4 Bone, Soma, Ambrosia, 2 Mead, Everlasting Venom (Adds the poisoned by 10-effect to one weapon permanently), Dragon Scale, 4 Fire Bomb, 4 Venom, Tako Sushi (Restores 10 health; consumable), Noxious Venom, Greater Potion (Restores 50 health to the target), Grating Stone, Grand Potion, Dirt Bomb, Floral Bomb, Ice Bomb, Water Bomb

Tools: Bedroll, 2 Shovel

Bobby "Young" Bucks Jr. (Zepher)

19 year old Male Human Rogue

Level 14 *Immune to Cursed**Attacks cause Enamored**Doubles Gold stolen**Blinded 3 rounds*

Power: 31 (14+11+3+3)

Defense: 3

Health: 23/25 (13+7+2*+3)

Ether: 3 (+3)

Gold: 159

Equipment: Hue and Saturation whip (WP:11; causes Enamored), Nondescript Cape (SP: 3; protects from Cursed effect; suitable for rogues; backwear), Zoot's Mask of Transmorgrifier (WP+3, Power +3, Health +3, Ether +3, doubles amount of Gold stolen, allows wearer assume disguise to any known races in Olegaia to swindle gain their trust, cannot be disequiped, accessory)

Inventory: Swift Boots (Changes HIDE into STEAL & HIDE, allowing the wearer to steal gold equal to the target’s level if it carries gold in addition to hiding; suitable to rogues; footwear.), Nice Boots (SP: 1, Footwear: Immune to Earth and Darkness), Fine-tuned Flute (WP:15, user is nimble; instrument), Dagger (WP:5, Dagger), 2 Kobold Sharp Wings (WP:8, Deals Bleeding 1, throwing weapon), Throwing Knife (WP: 3), Mugger's Mask (Head-wear, wearer cannot have gold stolen from them), Spesialian Helmet (SP:2, SP:4 if wearer’s Star Elf, Health +2, Power +2, Suitable for anyone; headwear), Raw Horsehide, 5 Potion, 3 Grand Potion, Grand Tonic, Health Core, 2 Remedy, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Shovel, Pickaxe, Sapphire, Pixie Dust, Skeleton Decoy, Health Core, Totally Dope Hair Gel (Power +3 when consumed.), Amethyst

Na'im Thamir (Enceladus)

2,314 year old Male Fenarian Cleric

Level 10.5 *1/2 +1/2 chance to double damage/healing output on successful attack**+3 health at the end of each round**Red Nekrastone Aura*

Power: 13 (10+3)

Health: 18/18 (9+9)

SP: 2

Ether: 12/19 (9+5+5)

Gold: 0 (90 gold to Bobby)

Equipment: Nimbus Broomstick (WP:8, 1/2 chance to double damage/healing output on successful attack; Broomstick), Badge of the Smokemaster (Max. Ether +5; User can spend 5 ether in each battle to make the whole party flee; suitable to classes with ether; accessory), F.I.B. Malleable Mask (SP: 2, Regenerates 3 health at end of every round; soul-bound to Na'im, accessory)

Inventory: Shamanic Plate (Max. Health +2, Max. Ether +2; Blood Ritual does double damage to the target; suitable for shamans; bodywear.), Fenarian Fedora (Max. health +5, Max. ether + 5; suitable for Fenarians; headwear.), Scroll of Sealing (Enables casting the sealed-effect to the target, making them unable to use a special skill for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.), Potion, Grand Potion, Remedy, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bedroll, 2 Tonic, Grand Tonic, Shovel, Scroll of Blindness (Enables casting the blinded-effect to the target, making them unable to use a physical attack for the next three rounds. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether; Loaned from Germ), Tako Sushi (Restores 10 health; consumable), Skeleton Decoy, 3 Hexed Idol (Causes the Hexed-effect to one humanoid enemy, making it act against an ally instead of the heroes for one turn. Breaks after one use.)

The Demon Germ (Samuraiturtle)

??? years old Male Half Demon Rogue

Level 12 *Immune to Darkness*

Power: 22 (12+8+2)

Defense: 3 (1+2)

Health: 20/20 (7+11+2)

Gold: 143

Equipped: Kobold Sharp Wings (WP:8, Deals Bleeding 1, throwing weapon), Spesialian Helmet SP:2, SP:4 if wearer’s Star Elf, Health +2, Power +2, Suitable for anyone; headwear), Shadow Cloak (SP:1, immune to Darkness; backwear, suitable for anyone)

Weapons: Wrench (WP:3, decreases the target’s level by 1; throwing weapon), Throwing Knife (WP:3), Shuriken (WP:5), Charred Longsword (WP:10 1/6 chance of breaking whenever used, longsword), Kobold Sharp Wings (WP:8, Deals Bleeding 1, throwing weapon), Sanctified Rito Gypsy Dart (WP:5, doubled against Flying enemies; throwing weapon), Kobold Dagger (WP: 4, dagger)

Gear / Armor: Red Shield (SP: 8)

Gems / Scrolls: -

Consumables: Level-Up Mushroom, Phoenix Essence, Bone, Deadly Venom, 3 Remedy, Noxious Venom, Smelling Salts, Skeleton Decoy, Human Repellent (Makes the user impervious to direct attacks from humanoid enemies during one battle unless he is the last hero standing; consumable.)

Tools: Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass

Others: Gold Ring (worth 15 gold, or can be given to someone else to make them Enamored with the giver), Gold Bar (A bar of gold. Value: 50 gold)

Decamon Cards: Will-o'-Wisp (Fiery 1); Carrion Squirrel (Dark 1) ; Glow Worm (Luminous 1)

Quest Items: Prison Master Key (A key to open any locked doors in the prison, Quest item)

Mhinak (Goliath)

40 Year Old Male Dwarf Ranger

Level 8 *Aligned with The Guardians**Double damage to large enemies*

Power: 22 (8+10+4)

SP: 4

Health: 13/17 (7+6+4)

Ether: 4

Gold: 229

Equipment: Dwarven Portable Catapult (WP:10, double damage to enemies visibly larger than the user; throwing weapon), Anniversary Medal (Power +4, SP +4, Max. Health +4, Max. Ether +4. The values will increase by 1 with each passing year; accessory.)

Inventory: Red Handcannon (WP: 8), Wooden Hand Cannon (WP: 3), Gauntlets of the Legionnaire (Power:+5, Immune to Petrified, handwear), Dwarven Portable Catapult (WP:10, double damage to enemies visibly larger than the user; throwing weapon), Insignia of The Guardians (Grants the Diplomacy job trait, suitable for Mhinak only; accessory), Flameproof Armor (SP:1, no longer flameproof; bodywear, suitable for anyone; Loaned from Kiray), 2 Grand Potion, Smoke Bomb, Phoenix Essence, Bone, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, and Telescope [Left Eye], Merman Stylish Gel (Deals Enamoured effect to female gender; consumable), Skeleton Decoy, Saucepan (Allows user to regain 5 health outside of battle 5 separate times. Can be used by multiple people. 4/5 uses left)

Inki The Panther Warrior *Takes suggestions from Mhinak**K'Od*

1 Year Old Panther Cub

Level 5

Health: 0/25

Rolls:

1-3: Deals Damage 3x level

4-6: Nothing Happens

Note: Inki does not take damage from free hits and does not level up.

Polly Darton *Takes suggestions from party**K'Od*

25 years old Female Human Barbarian

Level 16

Power: 22 (15+7)

Defence: 3

Health: 0/23 (8+15)

Equipment: Sword of Fire and Light (WP: 7, Fire-Light Elemental, Greatsword) (Loaned from Kiray), Cape of the Uq (SP:3, +2 Health, backwear, loaned from Na'im)

Inventory: Potion (Loaned from Na'im), Pixie Dust (Loaned from Na'im), , Red Shoulder Cape (SP:3; backwear)

Elnath Van Cleef, The Prospector *Takes suggestions from party*

99 years old male Human Sorcerer

Level 22 *Doubles the amount of gold stolen*

Power: 32 (22+10)

Defence: 5

Health: 27/32 (7+21+4)

Ether: 11/22 (+22)

Gold: 1010

Equipment: Golden Staff (WP: 10; staff), Cloak of the Silk Road (SP:5, doubles the amount of gold stolen, backwear)

Inventory: 2 Phoenix essence, Grand Tonic, Grand Potion, Telescope, Magnifying glass, Scroll of Arc Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Ruby (Loaned from Germ), Amethyst (Loaned from Miderun), Opal (Loaned from Na'im)

Quest Items: Shadir Oswain's Noble Seal (Quest item), Blue Nekrastone (Quest item)

The Star Elves *Aligned with The Guardians*

Note: Star Elves will deal damage to the Nagas equal to the combined total damage output from the party, divided equally by the total number of enemies left standing

The Fenarians *Red Nekrastone aura*

Note: Fenarians will deal damage to the Nagas twice the combined total damage output from the party, divided equally by the total number of enemies left standing

The Guardians *Aligned with the Star Elves*

Note: Guardians will deal damage to the Nagas equal to the combined total damage output from the party, divided equally by the total number of enemies left standing

[samurai-turtle]

Do you bleed? Well you are going to. Kobold Sharp Wings (un-equipped) at Mistress Shikokku from the back.

[Zepher]

Bobby drinks a remedy from the back row, and once his vision clears he stares down Toren. "Striking down Polly," he says, shaking his head sadly.

[CMP]

"Bobby, wait," remarked Miderun, stamping on the snakes that were snapping at her ankles. "That....dust. Do you think, maybe, it would help Kiray?" she stressed the word dust as she blinked a bit confusedly at Bobby's pouch of pixie dust. She then followed the rogue's gaze to the barbarian on the ground, and she got an idea. "It does not look healthy...can you...uh, stumble to Kiray and give her that remedy instead? She can cut into that demon's heart." Miderun dashed over to Polly's side, pouring a Phoenix Essence into her mouth from the back row. She sat up, barely conscious, but did manage to get it together enough to use her Pixie Dust on Kiray from the back row.

Elnath repeats.

Miderun should be at 13 health. Battle Order to come.

As far as this plan goes, Kiray is the only one who can deal substantial damage so I figure we just buff the hell out of her and hope Elnath can blind everyone.

[Zepher]

"You got it!" says Bobby as he uses his remedy on Kiray instead.