Heroica RPG - Quest#75: Falling Stars

[Sandy]

Tarn leads the party to the Thumb.

The aoi is addressing the village elders when he sees the party returning.

"Is there something more you want? You people apparently don't know what is good for you..."

Elder Baihu shakes his head.

"Please, milord. Be merciful to these people, they do not know the customs of our land..."

"Our land? This land belongs to the aoi, Loremaster, like it always has."

The guards suddenly move closer to the Thumb, as if to wait for an order.

[CMP]

Atramor strode up to the aoi with the rest of the party, his arms crossed. As much as he would've liked to have taken a more...straightforward route, he knew their best chance was for a diplomatic solution.

"We were wonderin' what remained in store for the village here. Don't want them to be punished just because the rebels chose the waterfall up their as their base."

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn nodded and followed up Atramor's words. "The people of this village were instrumental in helping us find the bandits. Without their help we would never have navigated the treacherous falls. The Loremaster and the other Elders should be commended."

[Sandy]

"The people of this village were instrumental in helping us find the bandits. Without their help we would never have navigated the treacherous falls. The Loremaster and the other Elders should be commended."

"Is that so? What did you think we were going to do to these werepanthers, then? Slaughter them all out of a whim? While it is true that there might be followers of those rebels among them, we will use civilized manners in finding that out. We aoi did not get to our position by butchering innocent people."

"Instead we forced them to do what we wanted."

"Young Ji Pei, my patience is truly wearing thin with you! Now get out of my sight, every single one of you, or I will have you dragged to the Ark to face trials at the Citadel in the Clouds!"

"Please go, my friends. Baokun will be alright, I am sure..."

The desperate eyes of the old werepanther revealed his true feelings. What will the party do?

[Rumble Strike]

Despite the danger Tarn fleetingly wished he could see this Citadel in the Clouds that the Thumb mentioned. He was sure it would be a beautiful sight, perhaps a white domed city surrounded by red clouds...

He stared at the Loremaster intently, knowing that the Elder was trying to protect them, but Tarn still could not go without making sure.

"I do not mean to be a hindrance, sir. I mean no disrespect to the ruling Council and do not by any means question the integrity and the reasonableness of yourself or your guards in the service of it. As long as you give your word that these villagers will not be harmed, we will leave."

Edited September 2, 2013 by Rumble Strike

[Sandy]

"I do not mean to be a hindrance, sir. I mean no disrespect to the ruling Council and do not by any means question the integrity and the reasonableness of yourself or your guards in the service of it. As long as you give your word that these villagers will not be harmed, we will leave."

Tarn felt the Thumb sizing him up, despite the helmet covering the aoi's face.

"That's the kind of humbledness I expect from an inferior being. I don't know what you think you could do to me and my guards if we decided we wanted to hurt the werepanthers, but to your fortune that is not why we are here. The werepanthers are not our enemy. Once we have finished our investigations here in Baokun and at the falls, we will leave the village and it's people to continue their lives as usual."

QM Note: If there's nothing more any of you wants to do, I will post the quest's conclusion next.

[Flare]

Benji, although disgruntled at not finding the thin-spined merchant Sham Poo, was ready to go

OoC: Humbledness? The word you want is humility .

Edited September 3, 2013 by Flare

[-obelix-]

Thalion looked at the disgruntled Benji, and approached him, "Master Benji, thank you for the loan, but I don't think I will be needing these anymore now that I have Zirconia." He bows and hands back Aquamarine, Emerald and 2 Grand Potions Benji had given him earlier...

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn inwardly smiled. He knew that by laying it on thick to the Thumb, he would more likely get him to agree. He bowed respectfully to the Thumb. "I appreciate your time in this matter. We will be on our way."

OOC: I am happy to have the conclusion posted

[Flare]

Thalion looked at the disgruntled Benji, and approached him, "Master Benji, thank you for the loan, but I don't think I will be needing these anymore now that I have Zirconia." He bows and hands back Aquamarine, Emerald and 2 Grand Potions Benji had given him earlier...

"Thank you my friend, thank you for returning them."

[CMP]

Atramor glanced at the elder, crossed his arms, and nodded at the Thumb. He didn't want to have to stir up a war in the process of keeping the village unharmed. This was probably as good as it'd get.

"Think that's everythin'. I'm ready to head out."

[-obelix-]

"Thank you my friend, thank you for returning them."

Thalion smiled and nodded, "My pleasure, as always. But, if you don't mind, can I have my hood back? I'd like to use it.... As master Atramor said, this Duplovian helmet is really nice as it was designed to battle mages - specifically, but its a death sentence if you don't have enough potions."

Thalion quickly turned, "That reminds me, master Atramor... In all the commotion I forgot to thank you for the Ratsbane. Allow me to rectify that and accept this." He bows and hands Atramor a Topaz. "To complete the Pheles Rod." He adds with a smile.

He looks around and nods, "I think that would be everything, I am ready to head back as well."

Edited September 3, 2013 by -obelix-

[Costy]

"I'm done here."

[Flare]

Thalion smiled and nodded, "My pleasure, as always. But, if you don't mind, can I have my hood back? I'd like to use it.... As master Atramor said, this Duplovian helmet is really nice as it was designed to battle mages - specifically, but its a death sentence if you don't have enough potions."

Thalion quickly turned, "That reminds me, master Atramor... In all the commotion I forgot to thank you for the Ratsbane. Allow me to rectify that and accept this." He bows and hands Atramor a Topaz. "To complete the Pheles Rod." He adds with a smile.

He looks around and nods, "I think that would be everything, I am ready to head back as well."

Benji returns to Thalion the Emerald Hood.

[Rumble Strike]

"Benji, as we never found Sham to see if we could get you some Mythril, is there anything in my inventory would would like?"

[-obelix-]

"If it is Mythril you are looking for Benji, you could look for my friend, Alexander Vandangant, when we are back at the Hall. We got some on our last quest and you could ask him if he is willing to sell you a piece...", Thalion says, as he puts on his Emerald Hood.

[Sandy]

Only being able to hope that the aoi leader carries out his promise and leave Baokun's residents in peace, the party heads back to the Destiny's Bounty, where Vincent and Dr. Gioconda are already starting up the machines. Jun gazes up at the flying contraption.

"Feels odd to go back home, after all these months. Hell, for the longest time I thought I never had to smell Eubric ever again."

The airship ride back to Eubric goes smoothly with no run-ins with rocs or any other sort of creatures. Days go by literally on wings, and sooner than the heroes know it, Eubric Freeport looms ahead of them.

Dr. Gioconda then approaches Tarn and Tesni carrying a shiny handcannon on her hands.

"I got it finished at the nick of time! Isn't it a beauty? I found a Xuese carving on one of the parts, and Lee told me that it translated as Divine Cannonade, so I guess we'll call it that. But which one of you wants it?"

Monalisa lifts up the handcannon, expecting one of the two to take it from her.

Divine Cannonade (WP:11; gives blessed- and transcended-effects to user; hollow; handcannon)

When they arrive to Eubric, the party bids farewell to Monalisa and the automata.

"I hope you realize that even though the Tritech Company uses technology developed partially by the Aoi, we are all citizens of Eubric. So don't be under the assumption that Xu is trying to take over these islands through us, even though it's lead by such pompous figures as the Thumb of the Blue Hand. We only work in the name of progress. Oh, and I'll take back those unused toolboxes now. Thanks for testing out the G.E.M., I'm excited that they worked so well in practice. Something has to be done to their fragileness towards ethereal energy waves, though..."

"UH-OH, BACK TO THE OP-ER-ATING TA-BLE WE GO!"

"DO NOT BE OF-FEND-ED IF WE DO NOT RE-MEM-BER YOU THE NEXT TIME WE MEET."

"LET US FIGHT SIDE BY SIDE AGAIN, NO-BLE HE-ROES."

"BUH-BYE!"

The heroes then hopped onto a wagon with Lee, Jun and Vincent and travelled to the Ji Pei Palace. The guards on the doors looked sombre. The captain of the guard came up to tell that there had been an accident at the construction site of the guildhouse of the bakers. Jun immediately started to run to her mother's chambers. There they met Shanxian lying on the bed. She hugged her son long and hard.

"Jun! My little Jun! I thought I lost you for good! The gods have been merciful to me, at long last... Please tell me, were you hurt?"

"Mother, I am alright, but what has happened to you?!"

"Tell me the names of the culprits and they will be dead as soon as I catch them!"

"No, that can wait. Please, Lee, bring me the Qilin Blade so I can reward these wonderful people that brought joy back to my life."

Shanxian looked at the heroes with teary eyes as Lee fetched the legendary blade of the Ji Pei family. Judging by the flatness of the bedsheets, the ambassador had lost both of her legs...

"Which one of you brought me the head of the one who took my son away from me? That person will be the new carrier of this blade, one of the finest ever made."

Qilin Blade (WP:15, damages undead, ignores row and SP; longsword)

What will the party tell Shanxian?

Party:

Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie)

30 year old male human Witch

Level 29

*Poisoned Hits*

*Negative Effects Last 1 Round* *Immune to

Water

,

Lightning

and

Wood

*

*Aura*

Power:

49

(29+20)

Defense:

10

(4+6)

Health:

79/110

55/55

(7+28+8+6+6)

Ether:

15/27

(1+29-3

)

Gold:

1072

Equipment:

Pheles Rod

(WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling health but drawing all attacks to them,

fire

,

ice

,

earth

,

wind

,

light

,

darkness

elemental staff),

Galactic Armor

(SP:6, Max. Health +6, immunity to

light

,

darkness

and doomed; bodywear),

Rat's Hide

(SP:4, backwear),

Amulet of the Court

(Negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to

water

,

lightning

, and

wood

, accessory),

Inventory:

Tiger Claws (WP:12/24 against humanoids; dual strike dagger)

,

Conspirator (WP: 15, deals the

Blinded

effect,

darkness

elemental, longsword)

,

General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 8, shield),

Counterstrike Gloves

(When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear)

,

Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants

Animal Talk

, headwear), Ruby (

Fire

),

Topaz (

Lightning

),

Potion,

3 Health Cores,

2 Grand Tonics,

Ether Core, 2

Elixirs, Remedy, 2

Phoenix Essences, 2 Mulled Wines

, Soma,

Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb,

Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row),

Shovel, Pickaxe

Benji Carvenhall

, the Dragonslayer

(Flare)

28 years old male half-elven Beast Warrior

Level 35

*Natural Respite*

*Gains Triple XP*

*Immune to

Asleep

,

Blinded

,

Confused

,

and

Weakened

Effects

and

Wood

Element*

Power:

48

(35+10+3)

Defense:

6

(6)

Health:

56/56

(6+34+15+1)

Gold:

1722

(owes 500 to Alexis Fenral)

Equipment:

Kusarigama (WP:10, whip),

Medal of Glory (gain triple experience from battles, immunity to

asleep, blinded, confused, frail, and weakened effects; accessory)

,

Brown Dragon Girdle (Power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors; bodywear)

, Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, suitable for rangers, barbarians and Beast Warriors; backwear)

Inventory:

Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15;

darkness-

,

ice-

,

fire-

,

wind

-,

earth-

elemental

),

Grogmas Handcannon (WP:12 + the number of the round of battle),

Flagpole (WP:3, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance),

Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors; headwear),

Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin),

Tricorne (headwear, SP:3),

Emerald (

Wood

), Aquamarine (

Water

),

Topaz (

Lightning

), Diamond (

Light

),

Potion (2),

Grand Potion (14),

Health Core (8),

Remedy (6), Elixir, Phoenix Essence (5),

Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3),

Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (3), Mead (5), Mulled Wine (3), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3),

Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb,

Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel,

Skeleton Decoy, Bone

Nagure (Costy)

34 year old Male Yeti Berserker.

Level 20

*Natural Respite* *Avoid ground traps*

*Immune to

Ice

,

Fire

,

Earth

,

Petrified

,

Fragile

and

Blinded

*

*Counterstrike*

Power:

35

(20+15)

Defense:

25

(12+10+3)

Health:

37/37

(8+19+10)

Gold:

205

Equipment:

Stone Hammer (WP: 15,

Earth

&

Darknes

s-elemental, hammer),

Shield

(SP:10),

Yeti Fur Coat

(

SP:12, immunity to

Ice,

Fire,

Fragile and Blindness

; suitable for yetis only, bodywear),

C

ounterstrike Gloves

(

After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his level; handwear),

White Dragon’s Greaves (SP:3, avoid traps on the ground, immunity to

earth

and

petrified

; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; footwear)

Inventory:

Xiaolin's Bident

(WP:16; instantly kills Aoi;

ice

- and

lightning

-elemental spear),

Tiger Slayer (WP:10/20 against enemies with “tiger” in their name; spear),

Axe of the Croise (WP: 10,

Light

-elemental axe),

Helmet (SP:1), Potion x2, Grand Potion x8, Remedy x2, Elixir,

Phoenix Essences x2,

Phoenix Incense, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2,

Smoke Bomb x3,

Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pickaxe

Tarn Valco

(Rumble Strike)

*Party Leader*

22 year old human male Raider

Level 24 2/3

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to

Weakened

*

*Counterstrike*

Power:

49

(24+25)

Defense

: 6

Health

: 40/40

(7+23+7+3)

Gold

: 1984

Equipment

:

Great Blade (WP:25, cannot be equipped with a shield, greatsword),

Darksteel Armor (SP:6, Max. Health +3, Immunity to

Weakened

; bodywear), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves

(handwear, after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level)

Inventory

:

Helbaerend

(WP:10;

water

-,

ice

- and

lightning

-elemental;

hollow (Great Potion); axe)

,

Lion’s Heart

(WP:13,

darkness

-elemental,

stun

-effect; greatsword),

Bagpipes (WP:8,

wind

-elemental instrument), Fauxthril Spear (WP:6, spear),

Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to

darkness

; suitable to Black Knights only),

Amulet of U'Kin Nobility (Grants Diplomacy to wearer when addressing a U'Kin),

Death Mask (Increases assassination chances to 1/3 when the target’s health is lowered to 1/3; suitable to assassins; headwear),

Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), Opal (

Ice

),

Potion

, Grand Potion x2,

Health Core,

Grand Tonic, Remedy, Elixir,

Phoenix Essence x2,

Mead x5, Nostrum x5,

Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2,

Shovel, Pickaxe, Bucket, Bone x2

Tesni Hightribe (Peppermint_M)

Level 31 2/4

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to

Afraid

*

Power

: 58

(31+20+3+4)

Defense

: 14

(8+2+4)

Health

: 36/50

(8+29+10+2)

Gold

: 1291

Equipment

:

Fàelàn (

WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire,

fire

-elemental longsword))

,

Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:8, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear)

Inventory

:

Ġ

eofon

(WP:20, 4x damage to enemies weak to water, axe),

Mellt (WP:10,

ice

- and

lightning

-elemental; hammer)

,

Cysgodion (WP:11,

darkness

-elemental; greatsword),

Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14,

light

-elemental; longsword),

Cryfder (WP:6),

Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument),

Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), 2

Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them; accessory),

Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), Samurai Helmet (WP:4, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors),

King's Crown (Headwear, protects against Doom and Petrified, Suitable for all classes),

Phoenix Dress (Max. Ether +5, full ether restored upon revival, immunity to

fire

and

lightning

, suitable only to female mages, clerics, chi monks, minstrels and necromancers; bodywear),

Ruby (

Fire

), Scroll of Sleep, Remedy, Tiger Balm, Elixir, 2 Phoenix Essences, 5 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom,

Smoke Bomb,

2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning, Head of Kai Tsi (quest item)

Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-)

213 years old male elf Sorcerer

Level 19 1/2

*

Immune to

Sealed

and

Fragile

*

Power:

32

(19+13)

Defense

: 7

(3+4)

Health:

27/27

(5+18+4)

Ether:

22/29

(5+18+1+5)

Gold

: 517

Equipment:

Batarang (WP:13,

darkness

-elemental throwing weapon),

Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from

Se

aled

-effect),

Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile; headwear)

Inventory:

Veritas/Equitas (WP:10, Dual Strike; daggers

)

,

Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, dagger),

Sleeper (WP:5, melee/throwing weapon, deals

Asleep

, Hollow [

Grand Potion

]),

Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to

Magic and Healing, headwear

),

Cloak of Espionage (

allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle; backwear)

,

Snake Eye Charm

(Protects from

Petrified

-effect),

Zirconia

(Contains all elements; cannot be merged into equipment)

,

Amethyst (

Darkness

), Diamond (

Light

),

Garnet (

Earth

), Ruby (

Fire

), Opal (

Ice

),

Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty

, Scroll of Weakening

,

Potion,

Health Core, Grand Tonic

, Remedy, Elixir, 2 Phoenix Essences, Nostrum,

Deadly Venom,

Smoke Bomb,

Bedroll

, Magic Compass, Bone

[-obelix-]

Thalion bowed, "My lady... I think I speak for all of us when I say we are more then happy to have found Jun unharmed and to see you reunited with him. As for the "Stars of Destiny", we all fought together to bring them down, but the one who struck the final blow to their leader was mistress Tesni..."

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn thanked Monalisa for all her help on this quest. He was in awe of the woman, and Vincent. Such brilliant minds. He knew Tesni would be OK with him giving the Divine Cannonade to Benji.

On arrival at the Ji Pei Palace Tarn was distressed to see the Ambassador's condition.

"Lady Shanxian, it pains me to see you so, although I am delighted to have brought Jun back to you. You remember myself and Tesni tried before to rid the world of the 108 Stars of Destiny, well in a testament to her spirit, tenacity and strength, it was Tesni who delivered the final blow to the so-called Protector of Justice, although everyone here fought valiantly in dispatching the horde of enemies faced. I can ask for no braver comrades."

Edited September 4, 2013 by Rumble Strike

[Flare]

Benji bows to Tarn "Thank you kindly, sir."

He gasps in horror as he sees Shanxian: "Let me have one more task, if it pleases you, to track down and rip apart the wicked creatures who have dared to wound your highNESS." Benji's transformation into a reptilian stops halfway. "OH, AND IT WAS TESNI WHO LOPPDD OFF THE BLOODY HEAD. I SUPPOSE THE MYTHICAL BLADE WILL GO TO HER THEN. BAH."

[Sandy]

Lady Shanxian looks at the barbaric woman with curiosity.

"So it was you, then? It delights me to see that the strongest person in such a powerful group is the lone woman. You are a testament that we women are capable of so much more than just child-bearing and housekeeping - and even those things we do with pride and diligence. No offense to you gentlemen. Please, show me the head. I want to look upon the bastard who kept my son away from me."

"Mother, wait..."

But Tesni had already pulled Kai Tsi's head out of the bag.

"An aoi? How could this be...?"

"That's Master Kai Tsi, my former instructor at the Pagoda of Nine Elements. He turned on the other Tao Warriors and formed the 108 Stars of Destiny. But they weren't a band of robbers, like we heard, but a group of rebels set to end the rule of the Council of the Blue Hand. Kai Tsi had seen enough of oppression from the Aoi, and decided..."

"Jun! You stop that treasonous talk right now!"

The ambassador's happiness had turned to shock and anger.

"We Aoi have always ruled Xu, ever since the dawn of civilization! You call oppression what is our birthright. We are guests here in the Free Islands, so our supremacy does not extend here, but in our own homeland we are the rightful rulers. Do not ever question that!"

Jun opens his mouth to argue back, but seeing his legless mother glare at him angrily makes him back down.

"I apologize, mother. I should not have upset you."

"You are forgiven, Jun. I understand that those people must have put a lot of silly thoughts into your head, but you are still young and easily impressionable. Let us talk about this issue later, if you wish. Now, as for you, Tesni - here is the blade of my late husband that has been passed through generations in the Ji Pei family. I would have liked Jun to have it one day, but without you he would not be here to get it anyway, so you deserve it. Wield it with honor, like Jeung and his forebearers did before you."

Tesni took the Qilin Blade from Shanxian's hands. The ambassador then looked at all the heroes.

"I do not mean to undermine your efforts, either, gentlemen. You all and Tesni are fast friends of the Ji Pei from here-on out. You did us - and Xu - a great service by vanquishing those rebels and bringing me back my only son - my pride and joy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

"Yeah, I guess I ought to thank you as well."

"As do I. It was a pleasure to see that the G.E.M. automata worked wonderfully in conjuction with living warriors in a real combat situation. I truly hoped they were of use to you in your mission, as I intend to develop them even further.

But Lee Long did not say anything to the heroes. Instead, his face was red with shame. He turned to Shanxian once more.

"Milady, I have utterly and miserably failed you. I should never have gone along to this mission - these people were more than capable of dealing with the Stars on their own, especially with the machines on their side. My place should have been here with you, to protect you from all harm. I must ask that you release me from my servitude, so I can go drown myself into the Eubric Bay."

"My dear Lee, even you could not have prevented the building from collapsing on us. The guards I had with me were killed in the incident, so you could have been too. I am glad that you are still alive to continue to stand by my side. And now I will need you more than ever, after losing my legs..."

"Shanxian, I may very well be able to help you with that. You see, I've been developing these ether-induced prostheses..."

The heroes saw it best to leave the Ji Pei and their servants alone to discuss their family matters. Tarn and Tesni had gotten retribution from their earlier failure, and they and the others could return to the Hall with their pouches full of wondrous items from the other side of the world.

~THE QUEST IS SUCCESSFUL!~

Party:

Atramor Gibbin (CallMePie)

30 year old male human Witch

Level 29

*Poisoned Hits*

*Negative Effects Last 1 Round* *Immune to

Water

,

Lightning

and

Wood

*

*Aura*

Power:

49

(29+20)

Defense:

10

(4+6)

Health:

79/110

55/55

(7+28+8+6+6)

Ether:

15/27

(1+29-3

)

Gold:

1072

Equipment:

Pheles Rod

(WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling health but drawing all attacks to them,

fire

,

ice

,

earth

,

wind

,

light

,

darkness

elemental staff),

Galactic Armor

(SP:6, Max. Health +6, immunity to

light

,

darkness

and doomed; bodywear),

Rat's Hide

(SP:4, backwear),

Amulet of the Court

(Negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to

water

,

lightning

, and

wood

, accessory),

Inventory:

Tiger Claws (WP:12/24 against humanoids; dual strike dagger)

,

Conspirator (WP: 15, deals the

Blinded

effect,

darkness

elemental, longsword)

,

General's Dagger (WP: 7, pierces SP, cannot be upgraded, dagger), Robust Shield (SP: 8, shield),

Counterstrike Gloves

(When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear)

,

Sylvania's Cowl (Suitable for anyone, grants

Animal Talk

, headwear), Ruby (

Fire

),

Topaz (

Lightning

),

Potion,

3 Health Cores,

2 Grand Tonics,

Ether Core, 2

Elixirs, Remedy, 2

Phoenix Essences, 2 Mulled Wines

, Soma,

Deadly Venom, Smoke Bomb,

Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row),

Shovel, Pickaxe

Benji Carvenhall

, the Dragonslayer

(Flare)

28 years old male half-elven Beast Warrior

Level 35

*Natural Respite*

*Gains Triple XP*

*Immune to

Asleep

,

Blinded

,

Confused

,

and

Weakened

Effects

and

Wood

Element*

Power:

48

(35+10+3)

Defense:

6

(6)

Health:

56/56

(6+34+15+1)

Gold:

1722

(owes 500 to Alexis Fenral)

Equipment:

Kusarigama (WP:10, whip),

Medal of Glory (gain triple experience from battles, immunity to

asleep, blinded, confused, frail, and weakened effects; accessory)

,

Brown Dragon Girdle (Power +3; immunity to wood; suitable to rangers, rogues, alchemists and beast warriors; bodywear)

, Scaly Skin of the Allanoid (SP:6, suitable for rangers, barbarians and Beast Warriors; backwear)

Inventory:

Crossbow of the Pongcanis (WP:15;

darkness-

,

ice-

,

fire-

,

wind

-,

earth-

elemental

),

Grogmas Handcannon (WP:12 + the number of the round of battle),

Divine Cannonade (WP:11; gives

blessed

- and

transcended

-effects to user; hollow; handcannon),

Flagpole (WP:3, +3 SP to the whole party whenever equipped, lance),

Unicorn Helmet (SP:1; the wearer can only receive one negative effect at a time, with a new effect replacing the old one; usable by barbarians, knights, dragoons, infiltrators, regulators, skirmishers, and winged warriors; headwear),

Ratmancer's Cowl (headgear, the wearer's physical attacks deal double damage against vermin),

Tricorne (headwear, SP:3),

Emerald (

Wood

), Aquamarine (

Water

),

Topaz (

Lightning

), Diamond (

Light

),

Potion (2),

Grand Potion (14),

Health Core (8),

Remedy (6), Elixir, Phoenix Essence (5),

Phoenix Incense (2), Dragon Scales (3),

Nostrum (3), Smelling Salts (3), Mead (5), Mulled Wine (3), Venom, Smoke Bomb (3),

Lightning Bomb, Fire Bomb 2x, Water Bomb,

Magic Compass, Pickaxe, Bedroll, Shovel,

Skeleton Decoy, Bone

Nagure (Costy)

34 year old Male Yeti Berserker.

Level 20

*Natural Respite* *Avoid ground traps*

*Immune to

Ice

,

Fire

,

Earth

,

Petrified

,

Fragile

and

Blinded

*

*Counterstrike*

Power:

35

(20+15)

Defense:

25

(12+10+3)

Health:

37/37

(8+19+10)

Gold:

205

Equipment:

Stone Hammer (WP: 15,

Earth

&

Darknes

s-elemental, hammer),

Shield

(SP:10),

Yeti Fur Coat

(

SP:12, immunity to

Ice,

Fire,

Fragile and Blindness

; suitable for yetis only, bodywear),

C

ounterstrike Gloves

(

After the wearer is struck by a Free Hit, he counters with strength equal to his level; handwear),

White Dragon’s Greaves (SP:3, avoid traps on the ground, immunity to

earth

and

petrified

; suitable to knights, dragoons, skirmishers and winged warriors; footwear)

Inventory:

Xiaolin's Bident

(WP:16; instantly kills Aoi;

ice

- and

lightning

-elemental spear),

Tiger Slayer (WP:10/20 against enemies with “tiger” in their name; spear),

Axe of the Croise (WP: 10,

Light

-elemental axe),

Helmet (SP:1), Potion x2, Grand Potion x8, Remedy x2, Elixir,

Phoenix Essences x2,

Phoenix Incense, Mead x2, Deadly Venom x2,

Smoke Bomb x3,

Chaotic Bomb (Causes 100 random elemental damage to all opponents), Pickaxe

Tarn Valco

(Rumble Strike)

*Party Leader*

22 year old human male Raider

Level 24 2/3

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to

Weakened

*

*Counterstrike*

Power:

49

(24+25)

Defense

: 6

Health

: 40/40

(7+23+7+3)

Gold

: 1984

Equipment

:

Great Blade (WP:25, cannot be equipped with a shield, greatsword),

Darksteel Armor (SP:6, Max. Health +3, Immunity to

Weakened

; bodywear), Noble Mask (Wearer gains gold equal to the number of enemies after each victorious battle; headwear), Counterstrike Gloves

(handwear, after the wearer is struck by a Free Hit they counter with strength equal to their level)

Inventory

:

Helbaerend

(WP:10;

water

-,

ice

- and

lightning

-elemental;

hollow (Great Potion); axe)

,

Lion’s Heart

(WP:13,

darkness

-elemental,

stun

-effect; greatsword),

Bagpipes (WP:8,

wind

-elemental instrument), Fauxthril Spear (WP:6, spear),

Skull Shield (SP:6; immunity to

darkness

; suitable to Black Knights only),

Amulet of U'Kin Nobility (Grants Diplomacy to wearer when addressing a U'Kin),

Death Mask (Increases assassination chances to 1/3 when the target’s health is lowered to 1/3; suitable to assassins; headwear),

Horned Hat (SP +1, Power +1, suitable for barbarians and beast warriors; headwear), Opal (

Ice

),

Potion

, Grand Potion x2,

Health Core,

Grand Tonic, Remedy, Elixir,

Phoenix Essence x2,

Mead x5, Nostrum x5,

Venom x2, Smoke Bomb x2,

Shovel, Pickaxe, Bucket, Bone x2

Tesni Hightribe (Peppermint_M)

Level 31 2/4

*Natural Respite*

*Immune to

Afraid

*

Power

: 58

(31+20+3+4)

Defense

: 14

(8+2+4)

Health

: 36/50

(8+29+10+2)

Gold

: 1291

Equipment

:

Fàelàn (

WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire,

fire

-elemental longsword))

,

Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:8, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear)

Inventory

:

Ġ

eofon

(WP:20, 4x damage to enemies weak to water, axe),

Mellt (WP:10,

ice

- and

lightning

-elemental; hammer)

,

Qilin Blade (WP:15, damages undead, ignores row and SP; longsword),

Cysgodion (WP:11,

darkness

-elemental; greatsword),

Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14,

light

-elemental; longsword),

Cryfder (WP:6),

Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument),

Rebel's Dagger (WP: 5), 2

Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them; accessory),

Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), Samurai Helmet (WP:4, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors),

King's Crown (Headwear, protects against Doom and Petrified, Suitable for all classes),

Phoenix Dress (Max. Ether +5, full ether restored upon revival, immunity to

fire

and

lightning

, suitable only to female mages, clerics, chi monks, minstrels and necromancers; bodywear),

Ruby (

Fire

), Scroll of Sleep, Remedy, Tiger Balm, Elixir, 2 Phoenix Essences, 5 Venoms, 2 Deadly Venoms, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom,

Smoke Bomb,

2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Aquamarine Lamp of Summoning

Thalion Dwinlas (-obelix-)

213 years old male elf Sorcerer

Level 19 1/2

*

Immune to

Sealed

and

Fragile

*

Power:

32

(19+13)

Defense

: 7

(3+4)

Health:

27/27

(5+18+4)

Ether:

22/29

(5+18+1+5)

Gold

: 517

Equipment:

Batarang (WP:13,

darkness

-elemental throwing weapon),

Robe of the Archmagi (SP:3, Max. Ether +5, protects from

Se

aled

-effect),

Emerald Hood (SP:4, Immunity to Fragile; headwear)

Inventory:

Veritas/Equitas (WP:10, Dual Strike; daggers

)

,

Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, dagger),

Sleeper (WP:5, melee/throwing weapon, deals

Asleep

, Hollow [

Grand Potion

]),

Duplovian Helmet of the Guard (SP:2, Immune to

Magic and Healing, headwear

),

Cloak of Espionage (

allows the wearer to examine enemy stats before a battle; backwear)

,

Snake Eye Charm

(Protects from

Petrified

-effect),

Zirconia

(Contains all elements; cannot be merged into equipment)

,

Amethyst (

Darkness

), Diamond (

Light

),

Garnet (

Earth

), Ruby (

Fire

), Opal (

Ice

),

Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Frailty

, Scroll of Weakening

,

Potion,

Health Core, Grand Tonic

, Remedy, Elixir, 2 Phoenix Essences, Nostrum,

Deadly Venom,

Smoke Bomb,

Bedroll

, Magic Compass, Bone

[Rumble Strike]

Tarn bowed at the Lady Shanxian's words. "It has been an honour helping you, Ambassador. Jun is a brave and skilled warrior, and Lee is one of the bravest and strongest souls I have met, You are lucky to have him by your side. I am pleased to have finally completed our mission for you, and wish you a successful recovery. Fare thee well."

[CMP]

Atramor remained mostly quiet. He wasn't very talkative once what needed to be done had been done, especially not with such strange company. He found it much easier to talk when there was a job to do.

"Hope ya' heal up well. Jun, Lee, Mr. Legonardo. Good to know there's at least a handful of decent people in this city."

The witch walked out of the Palace in relative silence. McCafferey looked quite less flustered now that they'd gotten off the airship.

'~You did...well. Gone is the careless, impetuous rogue who'd overthrow such haughty beings without considering the ramifications. This path is far more...significant.~'

He merely grumbled in response, regardless of her satisfaction and the success of the Quest. Even if they had done what was right in Xu....he preferred being the careless, impetuous rogue.

[-obelix-]

Thalion bowed, "As master Tarn said, it was an honor to help you my lady. Should you ever need me again, know that I would be more than happy to help you. Master Jun, Legonardo, Lee it has been so nice to meet and work with you."

He turned to the party, "Gentlemen, my lady, it was my pleasure and honor to serve with you. I guess we'll meet back at the Hall..."

[Sandy]

QM Note: As a final treat, here's the picture with all the 108 Stars of Destiny in front of the Pagoda of Nine Elements, that was supposed to be posted after Quest #50. It was really fun to design all of them, too bad they're all dead and gone now!

And if you missed the info, they are based on a group of bandits with the same name from a Chinese classical novel called "Water Margin".