Heroica RPG - Quest #48: Death's Homecoming

[Fugazi]

Galen was in awe of the daunting Progg and couldn't find the words to express his fear. Trying to focus on something else, he thought longingly of a nice meal in Heroica Hall. But it was hard to keep his mind from the towering monster before him. Sighing, he tightened his grip on the Goblin Wrench.

[Endgame]

"And you are cleansed of sin? My purpose is to wipe out all who propagate the disease - do you think Heroica ever truly solves a problem? You only seek to prolong the lives of those who exist only to spread chaos and destruction to all of Olegaia. All your kind has done and ever will do is destroy everything they set their gaze upon. You think you know humanity? I've lingered around this planet for millenniums - observed your kind for thousands upon thousands of years. Everything changed - culture, technology, language, weapons, governments. And yet, there are things that refuse to change with the times: War! Corruption! Destruction! All at the hands of humanoids! I wanted to have faith in your kind - truly, I did. For hundreds of years I maintained hope that your verminous kind would learn from their past failures and pave a better future. But it will never happen - it can never happen! Evil begets evil; hatred begets hatred. The only way to truly purge this world is to destroy the cause of the problem!"

Now then, Druid... I believe you mentioned that only an idiot toys with his prey? Very well then..."

The Perfect Regret draws a spike like symbol in the air, the rune hissing with power. It bursts into shards of light, the all-too-familiar black Myriad Spikes shooting from the ground. Instead of impaling the heroes, however, they wrap and entangle themselves around the party's feet. Poor Punii gets complete entombed by the ethereal barbs. They all struggle, but are unable to break free. Immobilized, the heroes look on defeated as the beast charges up... His teeth gnash and the barbs on his body fan out, each one illuminated ina ghastly purple aura. Intricate runes run up and down his scepter, the weapon vibrating with pure power. His eyes grow brighter then ever, blinding coronas of light staring back from the abyss inside his shell. Coils of magic slither around his tail, the spikes on his tail rotating as they gather energy. The very air seems to distort around the beast, the party's vision going hazy as they look at the abomination before them.

"Since you seem so eager to join all of those who you slaughtered in the afterlife, I will waste no time sending you there - I've saved my deadliest attack, just for you!"

Hal closes his eyes and braces himself for the impact. He speaks over the roar of The Regret's magicks, his voice dire:

"This... this may be the end, heroes. If we fall here... I'm glad it is with you fellows. You're the bravest people I've encountered... If we're to die here, let us at least die with peace of mind."

"N-no! NO! We... w-we *wheeze* came so far... was there really no way *cough* of winning here? Was this all for nothing...?"

Will the heroes converse among themselves before the end?

[Jedi master Brick]

"For Ennoc! For Heroica! For Eubric! Face death with pride. Even if he kills us he would of lost, he would never understand the joys of life."

[Bricksandparts]

"It's not over, it's an Illusion! Don't look at his eyes! This isn't over!"

[Dannylonglegs]

The Druid, illuminated by the blue light of the moon, only snickered. His cape billowing in the wind, his iron clad hand clenching his bow.

"Do it." He dared. "Wipe the diseased world clean." He challenged, with the ferocity of a cornered tiger. "Let's not play games any longer." He stood firm in his place across from the monstrosity of flesh and carapace, a sentinel of iron and torn, whipping fabric, behind his party.

Edited April 5, 2013 by Dannylonglegs

[Capt.JohnPaul]

Alexandre stares in disbelief as Johon says "It's just an illusion." Umm.. does anyone remember what happened last time someone said that?"

[Endgame]

QM Note: Update schedule! Tomorrow morning EST I hope to get up the next event, then I should be able to kick off the true final battle in the afternoon. This quest is just about over! For now, you can roleplay.

[Bricksandparts]

"What do you mean, last time? He is making our surroundings fake, he's hiding a weakness! He knows we can destroy him if given the chance." Johon concentrates on trying to get out of the regret's mental grasp. He was creating fear in their heads. Johon them tries observing their surroundings, hopefully more clear now.

[Endgame]

QM Note: Only got 30 minutes to write this one up, so if you see any spelling mistakes...

Johon them tries observing their surroundings, hopefully more clear now.

This reality seemed all too real - it was no illusion, and neither was the massive attack about to come their way.

The Perfect Regret's tail churns with dark energy, coils of magic shooting out of it as it prepares to release the power stored within it. An aura surrounds The Perfect Regret's body, glowing brighter and brighter as the final minute drew closer and closer. Finally, when it seemed like the tail was about to blast out all of the bottled up magic, a silvery thread entangles itself around the tail... and wrenches it away from the heroes! The tail lets loose as it is redirected, a corona of dark magic erupting from the appendage. It effortlessly tears hole after hole through four floors of the town hall, before finally piercing straight through the building and hitting the ground with a BANG! The resulting explosion left a massive, smoldering crater; if that beam had hit the party, they would have been vaporized in a moment. The party's mouth goes agape as they watch the scene take place...

"Hm? Some foul play going on behind the scenes, I see..."

In a feat of herculean strength, The Perfect Regret whips his tail around, and flings the being on the other end of the string up into the air: Elder Aranoc!

"Gaaaahhh...!!"

The thread snaps and the gargantuan spider goes tumbling through the air, his arachnid body illuminated by the moonlight. With a sadistic chuckle, The Perfect Regret does something unexpected: A giant Myriad Needle erupts from his palm, impaling Aranoc! The Elder howls in pain as the needle rends through his body as he descends, the spike tearing a giant gash into his body. He hits the roof and begins to convulse in pain, blood gushing out of the huge wound on his underbelly. The heroes rush to his side, and speak to the dying elder. His breath was labored, the glow in his eyes flickering - Sylph hurries and tries to mend the spider's wounds, but it is to no avail.

"H-h-heroes... When you first met me, I was a puppet of The Regret. A mindless fool, a slave to his own strings... Gnnrk! I... I wanted to help you... I wanted to to aid you in this final battle. But... but there was also another cause for coming here in my heart. Vengeance. Hatred. It blinded me, heroes... I tried to play the hero, but look what has become of me. Sylph, Johon, Elgar, Alex, Romulus, Galen, Punii, Hal... Win this battle. Hnnnrgh...! I-It doesn't matter that I'm not human. Win this battle, and end this genocide. For everyone.

It gives me peace that, although in our first encounter, you saved me from a terrible fate... I was able to do the same. May fortune always smile upon you, and Mercuito bring wealth and happiness to your lives."

The party all does their best to mend the creature's wounds, but it was futile: their ether drained from their previous bout, all they could do was take the edge off of the pain. The party looks solemnly at the dying spider, the noble creature who had given his life to save theirs. His death couldn't be in vain. he speaks, his voice bittersweet:

"T-thank you, heroes. Thank you all."

And with that, the Elder's eyes slowly close... and seal shut. Elder Aranoc... was dead, killed at The Regret's hands!

"A-Aranoc... you *wheeze* saved us..."

"Luosh will remember you as a hero, elder. I can promise you that."

Suddenly, a familiar voice sounds behind them:

"I couldn't agree more - Heroes. The Elder made the ultimate sacrifice. Don't let it be for naught."

Aquos?!

A ghostly apparition of Aquos stands next to the corpse of Aranoc, a thoughtful look in his eyes. He was not there to mock them - he was here to mourn.

"Come to join me in the slaughter of these "heroes", Aquos?"

"No, Prometheus. Not at all."

There is a certain sincerity in the fallen prince's voice as he stares defiantly into the eyes of The Perfect Regret - a trait only demonstrated in his final moments. Was he truly not here to fight?

Edited April 5, 2013 by Endgame

[Dannylonglegs]

Sylph stood up from the dying animal, a sadness in his actions. Suddenly, he saw Aquos. "What?" he breathed at the improbability of it.

[Jedi master Brick]

"Hello Aqous. So what are you here for?"

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"Aquos! What has happened?"

[Fugazi]

Still shaken from Aranoc's sudden entrance and just as sudden demise, Galen jumps when he sees Aquos' tendrils edging towards the group.

"Aquos? Has the Regret summoned you just like the Bleeding? Are all of our dead enemies coming back to exact vengeance on us?"

The prince didn't appear to be in a fighting mood though, so Galen was more puzzled than ever.

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"Maybe he has seen the light, and will help us. We did restore his eyesight, which was his only wish." Alexandre WHISPERS, so the regret cannot hear.

[Dannylonglegs]

"Maybe he has seen the light, and will help us. We did restore his eyesight, which was his only wish." Alexandre WHISPERS, so the regret cannot hear.

"Maybe." Stated Sylph, a hollowness to his voice. "But I'm sure Regret already knows about that. 'Lord of the Dead' remember?"

[TheBoyWonder]

Romulus, battered and bloodied, places a hand onto the roof and pushes himself upwards. Then, he sees Aranoc fall.

"No. Not another."

Then Aquos appears. Romulus suddenly remembers those fateful moments where he stabbed the giant progg.

"I'm sorry."

Then, he stands tall, taller than previously. He knew he was a disgrace, he knew he wasn't human, and he knew that dark magic exerted by The Regret would stop his transformation.

He had lost his identity. He had betrayed everyone. Was violence and brutality the answer? No. There must be another way. Suddenly, he pulls out that white mask. He places that on his face. But that wasn't it.

He equips the hide of the suffering, and the scarlet hood, before shouting.

"Galen, pass me Combrys. Now. Sylph, seal me. It won't have any effect as I haven't mastered ether yet, even though that beasts corruption of my body has made me feel stronger in the etherial sense. And one little thing. That sealing will allow me to get more power."

Romulus smiles an unearthly grin, before downing a mead.

"Time to avenge all those who have fallen."

[Dannylonglegs]

Romulus, battered and bloodied, places a hand onto the roof and pushes himself upwards. Then, he sees Aranoc fall.

"No. Not another."

Then Aquos appears. Romulus suddenly remembers those fateful moments where he stabbed the giant progg.

"I'm sorry."

Then, he stands tall, taller than previously. He knew he was a disgrace, he knew he wasn't human, and he knew that dark magic exerted by The Regret would stop his transformation.

He had lost his identity. He had betrayed everyone. Was violence and brutality the answer? No. There must be another way. Suddenly, he pulls out that white mask. He places that on his face. But that wasn't it.

He equips the hide of the suffering, and the scarlet hood, before shouting.

"Galen, pass me Combrys. Now. Sylph, seal me. It won't have any effect as I haven't mastered ether yet, even though that beasts corruption of my body has made me feel stronger in the etherial sense. And one little thing. That sealing will allow me to get more power."

Romulus smiles an unearthly grin, before downing a mead.

"Time to avenge all those who have fallen."

"Wise words." Spoke Sylph. "You may redeem yourself yet." Sylph Sealed Romulus.

[Endgame]

Aquos gives a slight chuckle, the rain passing right through his translucent battle.

"Would say I'm here "in the flesh"... but that'd be a lie."

The dead Progg looks wistfully through his transparent tentacle, his body a greenish silhouette of what it once was.

"The Regret has no hand in my appearance here... With all the dead Proggs you've been summoning, did you really think that one spirit couldn't slip through the cracks?"

"...Prometheus is dead."

"If you say so.

Heroes... when you defeated me, I was faced with the dillemma., Master of life and death he may be, but not even The Regret can pry into the minds of the deceased. There was a bit of a debate going on in my head: I was certain that humans were nothing more then disgusting creatures, designed only to be destroyed. And yet... A band of men - those who bested me in battle, no less! - bestowed upon me the greatest gift I could ever ask for. Sight truly is a beautiful thing, heroes, and I thank you for it. But that led to a greater issue - was I wrong? Was I blind not only literally, but metaphorically? Was the purpose I had led my people to wrong? I came to a conclusion... Mankind has contains good beings, as well as those who deserve to be destroyed. To wipe them all out is folly - a Pyrrhic feat not much different from just destroying Olegaia all together. You can't just tear it up and hope to restart. In that aspect, I am quite glad Proggs like Beatrice, Punii, the Toxiproggs - and many others, I hope - were not swept away by me and my siblings' propaganda. The source of the problem - the true issue here -"

Aquos points an accusatory tentacle at The Perfect Regret, the colossal beast standing silent in the tranquil rain.

"Is you, Prometheus!"

The two stare each other down, the tension in the air rising higher and higher.

"...Have you anything to say?!"

"I don't need to. I already know two individuals who have some select words to share with you..."

The eldritch abomination snaps his finger, tendrils of dark ether shooting off as they do so. They slither across the rain-drenched roof and burrow into the floor, runes of darkness spreading outwards as they dig in. From the two portals clamber out massive claws, a freezing frost billowing out of one portal and red static streaming out of the other. The dark forms of two Proggs clamber out slowly, reentering the realm of the mortals... The entire roof shakes as the pair of gigantic Proggs claw out of the portal. Color returns to their bodies, the two forms gaining a translucent complexion as they are fully revealed. The phantoms of Rhodus and Eidolon stood before the party! Their eyes are narrowed into slits, none too pleased with their brother's betrayal. They hiss at the tentacled middle child, wasting no time launching into a tirade.

"It is like a grand old family reunion! Such a shame that one of us is less loyal then the others..."

"Aquos, you treasonous - you're my brother! Please, see some sense - even with your sight resotred, you are more blind then ever!"

"Rhodus, Eidolon... Even Prometheus. I'm sorry. But I cannot stay idle while you commit these atrocities - the destruction you will bring will extinguish as much good as bad!"

The Party:

Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!*

unknown age, unknown race Druid

Level 21.33

Power: 29 (21+7+1)

Defense: 0

Health: 37/37c(21+17+7+1)

Ether: 14/24 (5+16+1)

Gold: 37

Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow. Every successful hit drops the target's SP by 1) , Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), 20-20 glasses (headwear, +1 turn of effect for scrolls)

Inventory: Mockthril Rod (WP:7), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, 2 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs,Ice Bomb, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 6 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Helmet (Max. health +1), Quartz, Tale of the Invincible King, Psych Documents, Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Journal of The Wound, Sword Fragment (2), Emerald, Trial Brew x3, Suffering's Journal, Sword Fragment (3)

Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider

Level: 22.33

Power: 34 (22+8+4)

Health: 39/39 (22+8+1+7+0)

Shield Power: (5)

Ether: ~/0

Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed* *Stunned* *Poisoned!*), *Natural Respite*

Negative effects: (none)

Gold: 2387 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M)

Equipment: Sword of Decay (WP:8)(once the target is inflicted with damage they lose a quarter of the power of the strike each following turn for three turns. the effect cannot be compounded with more strikes. Suitable to Mages, Knights and Barbarians.) Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights, Bravado Boots (1/6 chance of being Lucky at the beginning of every battle), Scarlet Hood (+4 to power, immunity to stunned)

Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. Dog Statuette - (suitable for anyone, SP: 1, once named (Rover), speaking the name summons a dog almost certainly to tag along on madcap adventures and make snippy comments.), Hide of The Bleeding (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone)

Extra Weapons: Greatsword (WP:3), Meteor Blade (WP:8, Light elemental), Focal Staff (WP:5, Focus Fire-Roll a 3 for 5 ether Suitable for clerics and mages)

Tools: Shovel (1), Pick-axe (2), Magnifying Glass (1), Magic Compass (1)

Consumables: Potion (5), Venom (2), Trial Brew (1), Remedy, Smelling Salts

Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (1), Topaz (1)

Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (2), Scroll of Confusion (1)

Quest items: (None)

Elgar Gligin (played by Jedi master Brick)

Level 21.33 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!* *Lucky!*

Power: 32

Defense: 6

Health: 31/31

Ether: 4/20

Gold: 621

Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental enemies and double from Electric elemental enemies) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile)

Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, Venom x4, Spade, Pickaxe, 4 Potions, Trickster's Mask of the Elf(Accessory, Changes user's appearance into an Elf),Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the badly poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic x3, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking), Phoenix Incense

Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul)

Level 20 Paladin, 20 year old elf male *Lucky!*

Power: 30

Defense: 13

Health: 40/40

Ether: 10/20

Gold: 157

Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10 *Crumbling!* ;ignores SP, +1 gold per successful strike), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 10) (Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for Knights and Barbarians), Dapper Hat (Headwear, wearer has a 1/6 chance of becoming encouraged at the start of each battle)

Inventory: Potions (5), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Elixir, Feather Duster of DOOM (WP: 1) Deadly Venom

Lycan Romulus Dean (played by TheBoyWonder)

Level 15 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned* *Encouraged!* *Sealed!*

Power: 35

Health: 19/19

Gold: 751 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal)

Equipment: Combrys (WP: 15 18, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Scarlet Hood (Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned) Hide of The Suffering ^{(Bodywear, Power +7 when under a negative status effect. Doesn't stack.)}

Inventory: Bedroll, Staff of The Frog Paladin (WP:6, ^{1/6 chance of Amphibianocs Blessing (protects from damage)}), Throwing Dagger (WP6), Deadly Venom, Venom x3, Sylvania's Cowl^{(grants Animal Talk to Wearer)}, Garnet, Scarlet Hood ^{(Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned)}, Garnet, Phoenix Essence x2, Pugilist Gloves^{(Power +2, protects from weakened)}

Galen Woodward (Fugazi) *Encouraged!* *Blessed!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!*

36 year old male human Rogue

Level 17.5

Power: 27 (17+10)

Defense: 1 (+1)

Health: 27/27 (7+15+4)

Gold: 4168

Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately)

Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom x2, Grand Potion x2, Fire Bomb, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10 ,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Trial Brew x3, Goblin's Wrench (WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Smokebomb, Potion, Phoenix Essence, Deadly Venom, Plague Venom, Throwing Dagger (WP6)

"No... we *wheeze*.. we beat you!"

Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist

Jellies: Red x5, Green x5, Blue x5

"Nrrrghhh...!"

Hal Bohrd, Luosh Guard Captain

Level 19.5

Power: 29

Defense: 3

Health: 30/36

Gold: 50

Equipment: Halberd (WP: 10) Luoshian Armor (SP: 3, Bodywear)

Inventory:

Rolls:

6: Charge! Does damage to the target equal to all conscious party member's WP added together. The special effects in the weapon (such as decay) are not transmitted.

5: Critical Hit: WPx3+Level

"Sound the horns of war - the finale is near!"

Phantom Aquos, Minstrel

Level 20

HP: 38/38

SP: 2

Ether: 12/12

Equipment: Phatom Carapace (SP: 2), Percussus (WP: 9)

Inventory: Tonic x2, Grand Tonic, Mead

[TheBoyWonder]

"Brothers, I ask you to listen to Aquos. He speaks sense. Humans created you, Heroes healed your poor brother. He was cursed with the ailment of blindness, but we healed him. I myself know what it is like to be a traitor, and Aquos is not one. Aquos strives for the greater good, an eventuality where Humans and Proggs live side by side, without massacre or opression, but as equals. This would grant you the freedom you've always wanted, and no more proggs would fall, bar The Regret. I repeat. Listen to your brother, consider both mine and his words. Then if you agree, help us. If you disagree, for your brothers sake, please stay out of the fight."

[Bricksandparts]

"This. Ends. Here. Regret, Eidolon, Rhodus... You all know that this will not end in your favor, I never thought I would have talked to either of you again, and you both know that you have failed, multiple times. You are ignorant of our feats over you and that you have no where to hide. You probably won't listen to our advice, but think about it. It's a hopeless battle, give up. You'll probably stay and fight rather, but you will fail. I hate killing anyone or anything, but I can't let your life end more than you have already." Johon readies his weapon as he faces the final opponents. "IT'S OVER 9000!!!"

OoC: What did you say about Aquous? Something about he would never become a good-guy?

[TheBoyWonder]

"Johon, steady your blade. Don't attemp to wage another war just yet."

[Endgame]

"You think that you're in a position to persuade? Virulent fools!"

"I will have no more of your insolence - an Emperor I may no longer be, but I remain a fighter nonetheless!"

The Regret laughs at the party's feeble attempts at diplomacy, his bellowing laughter ushering in a rumbling veil of black clouds overhead. The starry sky is covered, only the full moon managing to shine through the cover of darkness.

"HAHAHAAAAHAHAHAHAH! You think of yourselves as equals to me? I wield power greater then any foe in Heroica has possessed... a terrifying strength, borne from the regret of my soul and tempered by the hatred in my heart! Hatred has been the driving force behind Proggkind for eons... The cause of this invasion! I have become the master of my misery, and become a being more powerful then any of you pathetic creatures you have ever faced! But... if you are so eager to rush to your demise, who am I to deny you your final wish? You shall perish, knowing that your failure has damned all of humankind to a future of pain and suffering!

I am baffled how such lowly creatures came so far... but that matters not. You stand before The Perfect Regret, hatred and despair incarnate. Savor this fight, heroes - for it shall be your last! Let this be the ultimate showdown between man and Progg!"

The Perfect Regret and the phantasmal princes advance on the heroes, all of them drawing their weapons at once. The beats proved terrifying, but it was finally time to end this - before them stood the source of all of this misery. A mentor to the three brothers after their father's disappearance this abysmal creature could very well have been the one who molded them into the monsters they became. This being was the puppetmaster behind this entire ordeal - every innocent life lost this bloodstained night could be traced back to him. Deep inside of the abomination was a heart of gold, but it had long since withered away from the years of hate and misery. All that was left was a horrifying monster, an omnicidal Progg who would wreck havoc should he be let out of this battle alive. The Bleeding, The Wound, The Suffering, Rhodus, Aquos, and Eidolon... all had been destroyed. The only thing that remained was the hateful creature before them, a being hellbent on the destruction of mankind. The heroes had gone through so much tonight... but, at long last, they were given the opportunity to end this once and for all. It was just as The Perfect Regret had said: This was to be the ultimate showdown between man and Progg!

Prepare For The True Final Battle!

"Prepare for the end, heroes!"

Perfect Regret, Level 48 Ancient *Neutral!*

HP: 2150/2150

SP: 26

Ether: Infinite

Immune to all Scroll Effects, Sleep, and Stun!

Specials:

Darkness Beckons: Perfect Regret sweeps the party with a devastating spell, dealing damage to the entire party equal to each hero's level (Disregarding SP!). All heroes a 2/3 chance of receiving all of the negative status effects The perfect Regret currently has.

Puppetmaster: Perfect Regret stares into the soul of the hero who rolls Special Damage, bewitching them instantly. A Puppetstring is created - the Hexed hero can only be free when the string is destroyed.

End Of The World: Perfect Regret musters up all of the despair in his soul. In a crippling blast he does a crippling 40 damage to the entire party, each hero having a 1/6 chance of having all of their positive effects removed.

Specials decided by die roll.

Passive Specials:

Contagion: Any negative effects Perfect Regret has will be inflicted back on rolls of Damage. (Can be remedied or removed for 5 ether.)

You Don't Amuse Me: Perfect Regret's free hits cannot be prevented by healing.

Hanging On A Thread: Perfect Regret cannot be destroyed until all of his limbs and his scepter are destroyed. Until then, he has a minimum of 1 HP. Defeating Perfect Regret ends the battle.

Drops:

The Regret's Tome, Hide Of The Regret, Sword Fragment 4, Mead, Nostrum, Smelling Salts, 720 gold

Calamity Claw, Level 29 Ancient *Neutral!*

HP: 825/825

SP: 7

Immune to Sealing, Blinding, and Sleep!

Specials:

Pillar Needle: A giant spike of darkness erupts from the Calamity Claw's palm. All heroes in the row of the hero who rolled Special Damage take 24 damage (disregarding SP) and have a 1/2 chance of becoming Badly Poisoned. (Can be remeided or removed for 8 ether.)

Rend: In a giant swipe, the Calamity Claw hits all heroes for 26 damage. The hero who rolled Special Damage has their Max HP reduced by 7 for the rest of the battle.

Specials decided by die roll.

Passive Specials:

Catch!: Catches and throws back any of Punii's bombs, the blast doing no damage to the Perfect Regret and 20 damage to the entire party.

Block: The Calamity Claw's presence boosts the Perfect Regret's SP by 3 and his level by 1.

Drops:

Nothing.

Cataclysm Claw, Level 29 Ancient *Neutral!*

HP: 825/825

SP: 7

Immune to Sealing, Blinding, and Stun!

Specials:

Spellspinner: The cataclysm claw carefully weaves a healing spell, restoring 150 health to all enemies.

Pillar Needle: A giant spike of darkness erupts from the Calamity Claw's palm. All heroes in the row of the hero who rolled Special Damage take 24 damage (disregarding SP) and have a 1/2 chance of becoming Badly Poisoned. (Can be remeided or removed for 8 ether.)

Specials alternate.

Passive Specials:

Catch!: Catches and throws back any of Punii's bombs, the blast doing no damage to the Perfect Regret and 20 damage to the entire party.

Block: The Calamity Claw's presence boosts the Perfect Regret's SP by 3 and his level by 1.

Drops:

Nothing.

Perfect Regret's Tail, Level 33 Ancient *Neutral!*

HP: 1125/1125

SP: 11

Immune to Sealing, Blindness, Sleep, and Stun!

Specials:

Jab Onslaught: In a blur of speed and magic, the Perfect Regret's Tail hits the entire party for 27 damage. All heroes have 1/6 chance of beoming marked by the tail, taking 8 damage (disregarding SP!) per round until it is defeated.

Piercing Blow: The spikes on the Perfect Regret's Tail lock into a drill formation and spin rapidly. They slam into the hero who rolled Special Damage, doing 34 damage (disregarding SP!) and nullifying all of their positive effects.

Mute Bomb: The Perfect Regret's Tail charges up and releases a ball of white noise. The explosion halves the current ether of all ether users and has a 1/2 chance of Sealing them for three rounds. (Can be remedied or removed for 4 ether.)

Specials decided by die roll.

Drops:

Nothing.

Nemesis Scepter, Level 32 Dark/Mechanical *Neutral!*

HP: 975/975

SP: 14

Immune to all Scroll Effects, Sleep, and Stun!

Specials:

Evil Aurora: The Nemesis Scepter casts a spell over the entire party. All heroes have a 1/3 chance of becoming Weak and a 1/3 chance of becoming Fragile for 3 rounds. (Can be remedied or removed for 6 ether.)

Mimicry: The Nemesis Scepter uses a random special from The Regret or The Regret's Soul's arsenal from the previous phase. Appease the Horde does nothing.

Specials decided by die roll.

Passive Specials:

Hands Off: The Nemesis Scepter is dropped when both claws are destroyed, halving its current SP and HP.

Win-Win: The Nemesis Scepter can use Tactical actions without any consequences.

Drops:

Nothing.

"Time for a drop of vengeance!"

Phantom Rhodus, Level 33 Ancient

HP: 750/750

SP: 19

Specials:

Sub-Zero: Rhodus lets loose a freezing blast, doing 22 damage to the entire party (disregarding SP!)

Ice Armor: Rhodus generates a layer of ice around all enemies, boosting their SP by 2 permanently.

Specials alternate.

Immune to Sealing, Blinding, and Sleep!

Passive Specials:

Cold Shoulder: All heroes that target Phatom Rhodus have a 1/3 chance of Shivering. (Can be remedied or removed for 3 ether.)

Drops:

Nothing.

"No mercy for you, treasonous little brother - anything but!"

Phantom Eidolon, Level 36 Ancient

HP: 950/950

SP: 9

Immune to all Scroll Effects!

Specials:

Brute Force: With a roar Eidolon rushes 3 random heroes, doing 34 damage to all of them. The hero who rolled Special Damage is Stunned next round. (Can be remeided or removed for 4 ether.)

Shock Whip: Eidolon coils a volt of electrictiy into a whip, and sweeps the entire party with it. All heroes have a 1/2 chance of becoming Shocked. (Can be remeided or removed for 6 ether.)

Drops:

Nothing.

Tactical Actions:

-Each of Perfect Regret's limbs (scepter included) can go into four positions: Defensive, Offensive, Healing, or Neutral.

-When in Defensive position, the limb may defend any enemy (including itself). The defended enemy has their SP boosted by 4, but the defender has their level reduced by 2.

-When in Offensive position, the limb may bolster any enemy (including itself). The bolstered enemy has their Level boosted by 3, but the bolstering enemy has their SP cut in half.

-When in Healing position, the limb may heal any enemy of one status effect (including itself). The healer takes damage equal to their level x2, disregarding SP and Fragile effects.

-Neutral position does nothing, but also has no consequences.

-At the end of every round, the QM may pick what position each limb goes in to.

The Party:

Sylph Solanum (Dannylonglegs) *Party Leader!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!*

unknown age, unknown race Druid

Level 21.33

Power: 29 (21+7+1)

Defense: 0

Health: 37/37c(21+17+7+1)

Ether: 14/24 (5+16+1)

Gold: 37

Equipment: Shrapnel Bow (WP: 9, Bow. Every successful hit drops the target's SP by 1) , Ranger's Quiver (WP +1 to bows and crossbows), 20-20 glasses (headwear, +1 turn of effect for scrolls)

Inventory: Mockthril Rod (WP:7), Scroll of Frailty, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Confusion, 2 Potions, 1 Grand Potion, Tonic, Venom, Smoke Bomb, 2 Fire Bombs,Ice Bomb, 3 Water Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, Floral Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Magnifying Glass, 6 Bones, Signet Ring, Saber Teeth, Journal of The Bleeding, Sword Fragment (1), Helmet (Max. health +1), Quartz, Tale of the Invincible King, Psych Documents, Merry Bow (WP:7, ranged, steals 1 gold with each successful hit except Shield-skills), Journal of The Wound, Sword Fragment (2), Emerald, Trial Brew x3, Suffering's Journal, Sword Fragment (3)

Johon [AKA Alf Gregory] (Bricksandparts) 25 years old male human Barbarian > Raider

Level: 22.33

Power: 34 (22+8+4)

Health: 39/39 (22+8+1+7+0)

Shield Power: (5)

Ether: ~/0

Positive effects: *Immune to:* (*Fragile*, *Cursed* *Stunned* *Poisoned!*), *Natural Respite*

Negative effects: (none)

Gold: 2387 (186G(1), 0GB(50), 0CB(50), 0GO(80), 0CC(70), 0GC(100), 0M)

Equipment: Sword of Decay (WP:8)(once the target is inflicted with damage they lose a quarter of the power of the strike each following turn for three turns. the effect cannot be compounded with more strikes. Suitable to Mages, Knights and Barbarians.) Heavy Armour – SP:5, protects from fragile-effect, suitable for barbarians and knights, Bravado Boots (1/6 chance of being Lucky at the beginning of every battle), Scarlet Hood (+4 to power, immunity to stunned)

Extra Artefacts: Helmet (+1 max health), Blessed Amulet – Protects from cursed-effect. Dog Statuette - (suitable for anyone, SP: 1, once named (Rover), speaking the name summons a dog almost certainly to tag along on madcap adventures and make snippy comments.), Hide of The Bleeding (Backwear, restores 10 HP and 5 ether for every enemy the wearer kills, suitable for anyone)

Extra Weapons: Greatsword (WP:3), Meteor Blade (WP:8, Light elemental), Focal Staff (WP:5, Focus Fire-Roll a 3 for 5 ether Suitable for clerics and mages)

Tools: Shovel (1), Pick-axe (2), Magnifying Glass (1), Magic Compass (1)

Consumables: Potion (5), Venom (2), Trial Brew (1), Remedy, Smelling Salts

Elements: Aquamarine (1), Emerald (1), Topaz (1)

Scrolls: Scroll of Sleep (1), Scroll of Blindness (1), Scroll of Sealing (2), Scroll of Confusion (1)

Quest items: (None)

Elgar Gligin (played by Jedi master Brick)

Level 21.33 Evoker *Immune to Fragile!* *Lucky!*

Power: 32

Defense: 6

Health: 31/31

Ether: 4/20

Gold: 621

Equipment: Mockthril Crossbow (WP:11), Chainmail (SP: 2, Bodywear: half damage from Fire elemental enemies and double from Electric elemental enemies) Emerald Hood (SP: 4, headwear, protects from Fragile)

Inventory: Fauxthril Longbow (WP: 5),Smoke Bomb, Bedroll, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz, Opal, Venom x4, Spade, Pickaxe, 4 Potions, Trickster's Mask of the Elf(Accessory, Changes user's appearance into an Elf),Scroll of Poisoning (Grants target’s weapon the badly poisoned effect for one battle at the cost of 5 ether), Needlessly Large Rod (Non-Artifact Item, Curses a random enemy. Usable once per battle.) Does not prevent free hits. Grand Potion x3, Scroll of Sleep, Scroll of Blindness, Scroll of Confusion, Scroll of Sealing, Fireworks, Remedy, Tonic x3, Dualis Scepters (WP: 8, Club/Staff, Dual-striking), Phoenix Incense

Alexandre le Chevalier (Played by Capt.JohnPaul)

Level 20 Paladin, 20 year old elf male *Lucky!*

Power: 30

Defense: 13

Health: 40/40

Ether: 10/20

Gold: 157

Equipment: Sword of the Elven Blademaster (WP: 10 *Crumbling!* ;ignores SP, +1 gold per successful strike), Cross Heater Shield (SP: 10) (Mail of the Renegade Commander (SP: 3; Damage of all Free Hits is halved; suitable for Knights and Barbarians), Dapper Hat (Headwear, wearer has a 1/6 chance of becoming encouraged at the start of each battle)

Inventory: Potions (5), Bedroll, Smoke Bomb, Tonic x2, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Potion, Grand Tonic, Scroll of Sealing, Elixir, Feather Duster of DOOM (WP: 1) Deadly Venom

Lycan Romulus Dean (played by TheBoyWonder)

Level 15 Rogue *Immune to weakened* *Immune to Stunned* *Encouraged!* *Sealed!*

Power: 35

Health: 21/21

Gold: 751 (95 gold owed to Thormanil and 30 to Loreal)

Equipment: Combrys (WP: 15 18, consecutive successful strikes raise Combry's WP by 1, unsuccessful strikes drop it to it's base WP), Scarlet Hood (Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned) Hide of The Suffering ^{(Bodywear, Power +7 when under a negative status effect. Doesn't stack.)}

Inventory: Bedroll, Staff of The Frog Paladin (WP:6, ^{1/6 chance of Amphibianocs Blessing (protects from damage)}), Throwing Dagger (WP6), Deadly Venom, Venom x3, Sylvania's Cowl^{(grants Animal Talk to Wearer)}, Garnet, Scarlet Hood ^{(Headwear, Power +4, Protects from Stunned)}, Garnet, Phoenix Essence x2, Pugilist Gloves^{(Power +2, protects from weakened)}

Galen Woodward (Fugazi) *Encouraged!* *Blessed!* *Lucky!* *Hastened!*

36 year old male human Rogue

Level 17.5

Power: 27 (17+10)

Defense: 1 (+1)

Health: 27/27 (7+15+4)

Gold: 4168

Equipment: Murkwood Thread (WP: 10), Chimera Headdress (Headwear, Suitable for Rangers and Rogues, +1 SP +4 Health), Stretchy Rubber Band (Accessory, returns thrown weapons immediately)

Inventory: Fauxthril Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Throwing Dagger (WP:4, ranged), Bedroll, Venom x2, Grand Potion x2, Fire Bomb, Goblin's Wrench(WP:10 ,retrievable), Black Katana (WP:8), Trial Brew x3, Goblin's Wrench (WP:10,retrievable), Cast, Leather Armour (SP:1), Hide of The Wound (+6 power to throwing weapons), Smokebomb, Potion, Phoenix Essence, Deadly Venom, Plague Venom, Throwing Dagger (WP6)

"Oh... oh my *wheeze* god...!"

Punii, 2 month year old Progg Alchemist

Jellies: Red x5, Green x5, Blue x5

"Sweet Ennoc...!!"

Hal Bohrd, Luosh Guard Captain

Level 19.5

Power: 29

Defense: 3

Health: 30/36

Gold: 50

Equipment: Halberd (WP: 10) Luoshian Armor (SP: 3, Bodywear)

Inventory:

Rolls:

6: Charge! Does damage to the target equal to all conscious party member's WP added together. The special effects in the weapon (such as decay) are not transmitted.

5: Critical Hit: WPx3+Level

"Time to end this!"

Phantom Aquos, Minstrel

Level 20

HP: 38/38

SP: 2

Ether: 12/12

Equipment: Phatom Carapace (SP: 2), Percussus (WP: 9)

Inventory: Tonic x2, Grand Tonic, Mead

Let the True Final Battle... BEGIN!

Edited April 7, 2013 by Endgame

[Fugazi]

Galen throws Romulus's weapons back to the werewolf.

"I will be watching you, turncoat."

"Should I consider using Plague Venom, or can it end up more of a liability given that it can be turned back on us?"

OoC: Oh so this is no battle against monsters, this really is a battle against the QM! A totally different challenge!

[Capt.JohnPaul]

"Crikey that be a megabluckin' tough boss monster!"

[Dannylonglegs]

"Shut-up and die abomination." barked Sylph.

"Aquos, I'm afraid we may have started off on the wrong... appendage. Glad to have someone of your talents on board. Sing this monster to sleep! Fiends, Rome, Countrymen, we're going to want to chop off his claws as quickly as humanly/proggly possible. Unfortunately, that includes one of the enemies that can fall asleep. Fortunately, it can't throw bombs back if it's sleeping (of course it'll wake up after that, but as long as Aquos sings it back to sleep that round, we'll be OK.) Any poison would be fine, and I'll nurture anyone who contracts it, but ultimately somewhat futile considering that the QM opponents can be healed. "

Punii: Make Jellies

Sylph: Frail Claw A, BR

Sylph: Frail Tail, BR

Alex: Reggie, BR

Johon: Claw A, BR

Hal: Blue, BR

Rome: Claw A, BR

Galen: Staff, BR

Galen: Tail, BR

Elgar: Claw A, BR

Aquos: Nanny's Lulliby