Journey to Pravoka (FFD)

Pravoka Group 1
Just outside the walls of Cornelia, Max, Bob, Atma, and Muteki faced the city for what could be the last time in awhile. They each reflected for a moment before confidently striding north into the forests towards the newly erected bridge. And who wouldn't be confident with two sturdy fighters, a versatile red mage, and a wily black mage?

The bridge was… less carefully engineered than they hoped. The Dave Mlinko rope bridge in all its rickety splendor spanned the hundred foot gap between Cornelia and the wilderness. Looking down, the four could still make out the splattered corpse of one of the bridge workers. The men shivered in unison before crossing the bridge one at a time... and the brittle wooden planks held. Good grief.

In a clearing on the other side, Bob's growling stomach raised the agreeable idea to rest and eat. They shared a hearty portion of juicy meat and thick bread using the generous rations provided by the King. Atma and Muteki spoke of recommendations made by their fans that the city of Pravoka would be a day or two to the east. With Bob and Max in agreement, the group once again set forth on their journey only to be accosted by the first encounter of the trek.

Battle 1
Bob recognized them immediately. The wild-eyed snorting horses faced him once again. Bob warned his allies, "watch out. They hit harder than most anything we met on Cornelia and they're can strike twice simultaneously."

[Battle begins. Targets MADPONY1234.]

(muteki)

"I may not be a" Muteki paused while looking around to make sure none were around "a wimpy white mage, but I can try to stop these horses from doing anything."

Round 1

MADPONY3: 2-Hits 8-Damage against Bob

MADPONY2: 2-Hits 5-Damage against Max

Muteki successfully casts SLEP on MADPONY1,3,4

Max: 1-Hit 18-Damage against MADPONY1

MADPONY4 remains asleep

MADPONY1 remains asleep

DragonAtma: 1-Hit 15-Damage against MADPONY1. MADPONY1 wakes up!

Bob: 1-Hit 25-Damage against MADPONY2.

[HP Update: Max 110/115, Bob 103/111, DragonAtma 89/89, Muteki 75/75. Two asleep and two awake. Please enter your commands]

(muteki)

"Now that we got them out numbered I guess I no longer have to worry." Muteki stated as his face changed into its demented/insane look, all the while Muteki was pulling out his dagger and running to slash at MadPony2's hind left hamstring.

Round 2

Muteki: 1-Hit 12-Damage against MADPONY2

Bob: 1-Hit 37-Damage against MADPONY2. Terminated.

MADPONY3: 1-Hit 13-Damage against Muteki

Max: 1-Hit 23-Damage against MADPONY1. The crazed horse is near death.

MADPONY4 remains asleep

DragonAtma: Misses against MADPONY1

MADPONY1: 2-Hits 5-Damage against Max

[HP Update: Max 105/115, Bob 103/111, DragonAtma 89/89, Muteki 62/75. Please enter your commands. Targets MADPONY134.]

Round 3

MADPONY1: 2-Hits 5-Damage against Max

Muteki: Casts Fire on MADPONY3 for 11. Muteki yells an oath at the misfire.

Bob: 1-Hit 25-Damage against MADPONY3. A solid slash severely wounds the evil equine.

MADPONY4 remains asleep (wow!)

Max: Misses against MADPONY4

MADPONY3: 2-Hits 2-Damage against DragonAtma

DragonAtma: 1-Hit 20-Damage against MADPONY1. Terminated. The horse crumples in a heap.

[HP Update: Max 100/115, Bob 103/111, DragonAtma 87/89, Muteki 62/75. Please enter your commands. Targets MADPONY34.]

Round 4

Max: 1-Hit 37-Damage against MADPONY4

MADPONY4: Wakes up!

MADPONY3: 1-Hit 3-Damage against Bob

Bob: 1-Hit 35-Damage against MADPONY3. Terminated.

DragonAtma: stabs MADPONY3 as it falls lifeless to the ground.

Muteki: Casts Lit on the deceased MADPONY3 which only causes Atma's feather to perk up at the static electricity.

[Autobattling with this fight well in hand]

Muteki: 1-Hit 12-Damage against MADPONY4

Bob: 1-Hit 18-Damage against MADPONY4. Terminated.

Victory: Party members gain 126 experience and 15 gold

[HP Update: Max 100/115, Bob 100/111, DragonAtma 87/89, Muteki 62/75]

What would be a terribly difficult battle for many parties with their experience, these well armed warriors handily dispatched the horses. They continued east for several hours through some open plains, a small desert, and into a large forest. The forest was thick with bramble and the two fighters took turns in the lead. Further back, the two magi straightened their hats and feathers and kept a sharp lookout for approaching enemies.

Bob's Past
Bob recalled his past when he was a child he use to love to play outside with toy swords and that drove him into being a veteran guard of Cornelia. As for his origin, Bob himself did not know and it was all in good hope that he could discover them.

As a boy his parents enrolled him to the well-known Fighters Camp. The instructor was the legendary warrior, Fighter (8-bit theater anyone?). After hours, days, months and years and before he knew it himself he became a nice, young and handsome adult. As he was in Fighters Camp he grew weary in practising sword-fighting and grew a love for art. Though he was no great painter he tried his best. But everyone knew in Coneria that if you wanted earn a living off something it had better be not painting. In his class there was a Honor group and the normal group, he made the honor group but barely so he asked his instructor why he just made it and he said: " Well Bob you fight like no other but just you don't have a passion for it". After these words Bob vowed to him self that he would not let his all time passion of fighting disappear. As years passed he moved on the Conerian Guard force with his friend Max. Easily they both passed the exams and soon they both outclassed everyone else in the Conerian guards. The elite guards on the King asked them if they wanted to join, he decided it would be too much hassle so he asked his friend Max who also rejected the offer so they turned down the offer made at them. On one day as there guard duty Bob approached his friends about the appearance of the mysterious 4 travelers.

"Hey guys whats with the guys with funky cloaks walking around the city" questioned Bob.

"Beats me, hey apparently its a rumor that the King might have them do the Imp night outside our city's gates" replied Steve.

"Hah, there probably going to survive like we did remember? Those Imps were more scared of us then the executioners!" laughed Bob.

Bob had just thought of a idea for him and his friend Max that he had never even bothered of thinking since he was still in Fighters Camp. Being a adventurer. Surely it was pure suicide to most ordinary folks but the two warriors were NOT ordinary folks. The monsters took care of the last pair that had left the city just 2 days ago. Rumour says that they had been torn in shreds by Ogres. They didn't want to just quit, that would be way to dull. He wanted a way for people to remember them two. So for a few days they were kept busy while thinking of a plan. In the morning Bob and Max would go and spar which was strictly prohibited in Conerian streets. Then the commander stepped up to them and asked them to stop it but obviously they didn't so there friends had to carry them all the way back to the nearest outpost and the commander was red with rage and kicked Max out first.

"Ouch" thought Bob that must have hur- BAM! a metal shoe kicked him right on the chest and Bob fell on one of the main stands in the market.

"Hey buddy nice of you to join me" replied a voice on the next stand.

Bob looked to his side and saw Max with a grin on his face.

Battle 2
At long last, they finally spotted some in a small clearing. [Enemies approach. Targets OGRE12 CREEP12. Please enter your commands.]

Round 1

CREEP2: 1-Hit 4-Damage against DragonAtma

Muteki: Casts Fire on CREEP2 for 108. Dead creepy thing.

Bob: 1-Hit 12-Damage against OGRE2

OGRE1: 1-Hit 21-Damage against Muteki

CREEP1: 1-Hit 4-Damage against Max

Max: 1-Hit 10-Damage against OGRE2

DragonAtma: Casts Fire on CREEP1 for 88. The second creep bites the dust.

OGRE2: Misses against Max

[HP Update: Max 96/115, Bob 100/111, DragonAtma 83/89, Muteki 41/75. OGRE12 remain. Please enter your commands.]

(muteki) A sickening crunch is heard as the Ogre's club meets Muteki's frail body. Muteki slowly got up after being knocked to the ground and pulled out a healing potion. "Let's see just how strong these things are."

Round 2

DragonAtma: 1-Hit 12-Damage against OGRE2

Bob: 1-Hit 26-Damage against OGRE2

OGRE2: 1-Hit 10-Damage against Bob

OGRE1: 1-Hit 13-Damage against Max

Max: 1-Hit 12-Damage against OGRE2. The ogre's life force is nearly 2/3 drained.

Muteki chugs a HEAL potion for 30 HP

[HP Update: Max 83/115, Bob 90/111, DragonAtma 83/89, Muteki 71/75. OGRE12 remain. Please enter your commands.]

(muteki)

"That stuff really works! Alright, time to...." Muteki trailed off as he noticed that there were only two giant Ogres left. "Well, I really prefered them drunk, but let's see if the same poking strategy works on the sober ones." Muteki walked back into the combat zone and started poking at Ogre2's foot.

Round 3

Muteki: 1-Hit 1-Damage against OGRE2. Muteki scratches an "M" into the ogre's foot.

Max: 1-Hit 20-Damage against OGRE2

OGRE1: 1-Hit 5-Damage against Bob

Bob: 1-Hit 19-Damage against OGRE2. Terminated. Bob cleaves straight through the leg.

DragonAtma: 1-Hit 2-Damage against OGRE1

[HP Update: Max 83/115, Bob 85/111, DragonAtma 83/89, Muteki 71/75. OGRE1 remains. Please enter your commands (I'll autobattle after this next round).]

(muteki)

Muteki jumped out of the way as the Ogre's falling body nearly landed on him. Sadly the Ogre's foot was top part down (uhh.... face down??) and the effects of rigor mortis made it way to heavy for Muteki to lift, so he decided to carve his name into the other Ogre's foot.

Round 4

Muteki: 1-Hit 3-Damage against OGRE1

OGRE1: 1-Hit 3-Damage against Bob

Max: 1-Hit 20-Damage against OGRE1

Bob: 1-Hit 10-Damage against OGRE1

DragonAtma: 1-Hit 12-Damage against OGRE1. The ogre is almost half-dead.

[Autobattle]

Muteki: 1-Hit 3-Damage against OGRE1. Muteki managed his whole name on this ogre's foot.

DragonAtma: Misses against OGRE1

OGRE1: 1-Hit 12-Damage against Max

Bob: 1-Hit 27-Damage against OGRE1.

Max: Critical! 1-Hit 54-Damage against OGRE1. Max leaps to the ogre's side and runs his sword through its rib cage.

[HP Update: Max 71/115, Bob 79/111, DragonAtma 83/89, Muteki 71/75. Please let me know if you healed in the interim.]

Victory: Party members gain 258 experience and 105 gold

The warriors continued traveling eastward. As night settled in, Muteki pointed to the horizon. "See that light in the distance? That must be it." Emboldened by the magi's find and the promise of a comfortable bed at the inn, the four adventurers pressed on into the night. The walls had just emerged into view, their pace quickened, and ... a seemingly random horde of enemies stood between them and their goal.

Battle 3
[Battle begins. Targets *takes deep breath* IGUANA12, GRWOLF12, GRIMP12, WOLF123.]

Round 1

GrWOLF2: 1-Hit 11-Damage against Max

Muteki: Misses against GrIMP1

IGUANA2: 1-Hit 6-Damage against Bob

GrWOLF1: 1-Hit 3-Damage against Max

Max: 1-Hit 28-Damage against Iguana1.

WOLF3: 1-Hit 1-Damage against DragonAtma

DragonAtma: 1-Hit 8-Damage against Iguana1

Bob: 1-Hit 16-Damage against Iguana1

GrIMP2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against DragonAtma

GrIMP1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Bob

WOLF1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against DragonAtma

IGUANA1: 1-Hit 19-Damage against Bob. The lizard fights back against its three attackers.

WOLF2: 1-Hit 15-Damage against Muteki

[HP Update: Max 57/115, Bob 53/111, DragonAtma 80/89, Muteki 56/75. Please enter your commands for round 2.] (muteki)

(muteki)

"Damn puny thing! If only I had a Catclaw from back home." Muteki muttered to himself after the miss on the two wolves that were standing side by side.

Muteki then got up and shouted "We need to get rid of the small fry first! They can pose a serious threat when in large groups like this! It is things like them that are the reason black magic that can attack a large area, and therefore a bunch of enemies, were created!" After his miniature speech Muteki readied his dagger and went after one of the wolves that dodged his last attack. (Wolf1)

Round 2

GrWOLF2: 1-Hit 6-Damage against Max

WOLF2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against DragonAtma

WOLF1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

WOLF3: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Bob

GrWOLF1: 1-Hit 9-Damage against Max

IGUANA1: 1-Hit 7-Damage against DragonAtma

DragonAtma: 1-Hit 4-Damage against IGUANA1

GrIMP1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Bob

IGUANA2: 1-Hit 9-Damage against Max

Bob: 1-Hit 11-Damage against IGUANA1

Max: 1-Hit 21-Damage against IGUANA1. IGUANA1 clings to life.

Muteki: 1-Hit 15-Damage against WOLF1. A Zoro-esque M in the side of the wolf leaves it near death.

GrIMP2: Misses against Max

[HP Update: Max 32/115, Bob 51/111, DragonAtma 72/89, Muteki 56/75. Please enter your commands for round 2.]

Round 3

GrWOLF1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Bob

WOLF1: 1-Hit 15-Damage against Muteki

IGUANA1: 1-Hit 5-Damage against Max

Bob: 1-Hit 21-Damage against IGUANA1. Terminated with prejudice.

GrWOLF2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

Muteki soaks Max in a HEAL potion for 30 HP

IGUANA2: 1-Hit 20-Damage against Bob

WOLF2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Bob

GrIMP1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

WOLF3: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Bob

GrIMP2: Misses against Max

DragonAtma: 1-Hit 12-Damage against IGUANA2

Max: 1-Hit 27-Damage against IGUANA2

[HP Update: Max 55/115, Bob 28/111, DragonAtma 72/89, Muteki 41/75. Please enter your commands. IGUANA2 GrWOLF12 GrIMP12 WOLF123 remain]

Round 4

GrWOLF1: 1-Hit 10-Damage against Max

WOLF3: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

WOLF2: Misses against Bob

GrWOLF2: 1-Hit 7-Damage against Bob

WOLF1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

Bob: 1-Hit 23-Damage against IGUANA2

Muteki: 1-Hit 10-Damage against WOLF1. Terminated. Muteki gets his revenge.

GrIMP1: 1-Hit 13-Damage against Muteki

IGUANA2: 1-Hit 20-Damage against Max

DragonAtma: Casts Cure on Bob for 24 HP

Max: Critical! 1-Hit 50-Damage against IGUANA2. Terminated. Max unleashes his full fury on the lizard.

GrIMP2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Bob

[HP Update: Max 23/115, Bob 44/111, DragonAtma 72/89, Muteki 28/75. Please enter your commands for round 3. GrWOLF12 GrIMP12 WOLF123 remain]

Round 5

GrWOLF2: 1-Hit 4-Damage against Bob

Muteki throws another HEAL at Max for 30 HP

WOLF3: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

WOLF2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

Bob: 1-Hit 39-Damage against GrWOLF2

GrWOLF1: Misses against Bob

GrIMP2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against DragonAtma

GrIMP1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

Max: 1-Hit 33-Damage against GrWOLF2. Terminated. Bob and Max high-five before moving on.

DragonAtma: Casts Cure on Muteki for 23 HP

[HP Update: Max 50/115, Bob 40/111, DragonAtma 71/89, Muteki 51/75. Please enter your commands for round 3. GrWOLF1 GrIMP12 WOLF23 remain]

Round 6

WOLF3: 1-Hit 1-Damage against DragonAtma

GrWOLF1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

WOLF2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

Muteki: 1-Hit 11-Damage against WOLF2

DragonAtma: 1-Hit 15-Damage against GrWOLF1

GrIMP1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

Bob: 1-Hit 27-Damage against GrWOLF1

Max: Critical! 1-Hit 74-Damage against WOLF3. The wolf is cleaved cleanly in two.

GrIMP2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

[HP Update: Max 46/115, Bob 40/111, DragonAtma 70/89, Muteki 51/75. Please enter your commands. GrWOLF1 GrIMP12 WOLF2 remain]

Round 7

GrWOLF1: 1-Hit 19-Damage against Muteki

WOLF2: Misses against Muteki

Muteki: 1-Hit 9-Damage against WOLF2. Terminated.

Max: Critical! 1-Hit 66-Damage against GrIMP1. Terminated. Max is on fire!

GrIMP2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Max

Bob: 1-Hit 26-Damage against GrWOLF1. The wolf whimpers in agony.

DragonAtma: 1-Hit 16-Damage against GrIMP2. Terminated.

[Autobattle]

GrWOLF1: 1-Hit 27-Damage against Muteki. Muteki's arm is gashed open.

Muteki: 1-Hit 16-Damage against GrWOLF1. Terminated with a counter-attack.

Victory: Party members gain 300 experience and 49 gold

DragonAtma is now L6! 28HP, Str, Int, Vit, Luk, L3 spell charge

Max is now L5! 25HP, Str, Agi, Vit, Luk

Bob is now L5! 24HP, Str, Agi, Vit, Luk

The last yelp escaped from the wolf's mouth just as a feathered friend burst from the surrounding foliage. It was HIM and he sure was a welcome sight on a dark, moonless night. His calm presence and navigational assistance were both welcome, for he led near-wordlessly led the group to the entrance of Pravoka. [see Pravoka post on page 4 and feel free to stay at the inn, begin shopping, and strategize with your allies in terms of questing / battling]

Pravoka Group 2
The four reflected upon their Cornelian experiences in their own ways. Some were shorter, some were more harrowing, but it was all just the beginning.

The four met at the bridge, which as the previous group discovered, was not exactly a feat of engineering. The Dave Mlinko rope bridge in all its rickety splendor spanned the hundred foot gap between Corneria and the wilderness. Dave grumbled a bit that his first mark of fame would be so shoddily constructed. He noted a visit to the king was needed when he returned to this place.

The group crossed the bridge uneventfully and noticed a small stream of smoke in the distance. "Suppose we should check into it," said Atma. The group agreed silently.

Just a few steps later, two lizards emerged from their den in the ground and approached the four.

Battle 1
[Battle begins. Targets IGUANA12]

Round 1

The group thought Atma spoke earlier. HIM chuckled quietly at his excellent mimicry skills.

IGUANA1: Misses against Dave Mlinko

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 20-Damage against IGUANA2

Guy: 1-Hit 8-Damage against IGUANA2

IGUANA2: 1-Hit 6-Damage against HIM

John: 1-Hit 7-Damage against IGUANA1. The iguanas scaley skin defends them well.

HIM: 1-Hit 9-Damage against IGUANA1

[HP Update: HIM 82/88, Dave 99/99, Guy 84/84, John 80/80. Please enter your commands for round two]

(Guy)

Guy felt as if he had awoken from a dream. A nice, restful, but disturbing dream. It seemed like he hadn't been himself lately. Perhaps the shock of the iguanas attack had jolted him back to his senses. He had been in a bit of a stupor from joining Dave on his trip to the bar, but not the reasons he wished. If there was any truth to what the guard had said before he was silenced by Dave, then there was a bit of a problem. Even if there wasn't, Dave had still killed a (seemingly) innocent man. This was inexcusable to Guy's line of thinking. He hadn't become a white mage to wantonly kill men. As his teacher had said back in Cornelia to a question Guy had posed about the differences between black and white mages "A black mage wields the power of death, but a white mage wields the power of life."

Guy had no problem killing men who had done evil deeds. Or at least assisting in the kill. His business with Garland had proven that, even if he hadn't landed a blow on him. But innocent men? A different story. Conflicting emotions ran through Guy. Dave's actions disturbed him deeply, and truthfully, he didn't want him around right now. But he needed his strong arm and fighting skills. Perhaps this was the purpose he was looking for in this journey, redemption of a man. Perhaps that purpose laid over the treeline where the smoke was coming from. Perhaps his purpose was just to make it home to Melmond. The future was uncertain indeed. But Guy would not be able to find that purpose if he was eaten by a giant iguana.

Therefore, Guy drew back his stylish new hammer, and went back to work on disposing of Iguana2.

Round 2

IGUANA1: 1-Hit 20-Damage against HIM

HIM: Misses against IGUANA1

John: 1-Hit 5-Damage against IGUANA1

IGUANA2: 1-Hit 7-Damage against HIM. HIM growls at the double strike and his miss.

Dave Mlinko: Critical! 1-Hit 50-Damage against IGUANA2. Dave's brutal strike even surprised himself a little.

Guy: 1-Hit 12-Damage against IGUANA2. Terminated. Guy capably finishes the victim of Dave's critical strike.

[HP Update: HIM 55/88, Dave 99/99, Guy 84/84, John 80/80. Fairly healthy IGUANA1 remains. Please enter your command.]

(Guy)

Glancing around at the battlefield after his hammerstrike, Guy noticed the only warrior with a mark of battle on him was HIM. However, the wounds appeared to be something that could wait until the battle was ended. So Guy hefted his hammer and struck at the remaining iguana.

Round 3

HIM: 1-Hit 5-Damage against IGUANA1

IGUANA1: 1-Hit 13-Damage against Dave Mlinko

John: 1-Hit 10-Damage against IGUANA1

Guy: 1-Hit 8-Damage against IGUANA1

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 9-Damage against IGUANA1

[Autobattling the sickly iguana]

HIM: 1-Hit 14-Damage against IGUANA1

IGUANA1: Critical! 1-Hit 68-Damage against Guy. An inconceivable gnawing leaves Guy staggered.

John: 1-Hit 9-Damage against IGUANA1

Guy: 1-Hit 12-Damage against IGUANA1

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 7-Damage against IGUANA1. Terminated.

Victory: Party members gain 153 experience and 25 gold

[HP Update: HIM 55/88, Dave 86/99, Guy 18/84, John 80/80. Please enter your command and let me know if you healed in the interim.]

John: Casts Cure on Guy for 28 HP Guy: Casts Cure on himself for 29 HP

Battle 2
No sooner had the three magi and black belt regrouped from their previous battle than do two madponies approach from the north. "Two battles with the bridge still in sight. Sheesh," muttered John, still wondering how that iguana managed to maul him so badly.

Round 1

MADPONY2: 2-Hits 2-Damage against HIM

HIM: 1-Hit 13-Damage against MADPONY1

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 21-Damage against MADPONY2

MADPONY1: 2-Hits 12-Damage against Dave Mlinko

Guy: 1-Hit 22-Damage against MADPONY2. A nice hit with Guy's new hammer.

John: 1-Hit 13-Damage against MADPONY1

[HP Update: HIM 53/88, Dave 74/99, Guy 75/84, John 80/80. Please enter your commands. MADPONY12 remain.]

Round 2

MADPONY2: 2-Hits 28-Damage against Guy

HIM: 1-Hit 12-Damage against MADPONY1

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 28-Damage against MADPONY1. Terminated.

MADPONY1: 1-Hit 1-Damage against HIM

Guy: 1-Hit 12-Damage against MADPONY2

John: Misses against MADPONY1

[Autobattle]

HIM: 1-Hit 20-Damage against MADPONY2. Terminated.

Victory: Party members gain 63 experience and 7 gold

[HP Update: HIM 54/88, Dave 74/99, Guy 47/84, John 80/80. Please let me know if you heal in the interim.]

The party continued uneventfully for the remainder of the day and into the night, where they set up camp. They weren't far from Pravoka and that gave them hope they would survive their first lengthy journey. John took the first watch of the night and admirably maintained his sense of awareness after such a long day of traveling. His weary body still had enough energy to intuit something was awry. With the snap of a nearby twig, John tapped the appendages of his comrades to awaken them. Thanks to John and the clumsy ogre, they weren't ambushed, but this would no doubt prove a terribly difficult battle.

Battle 3
(Guy)

(cures self again before the battle.)

"zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz"

(poke)

(Snorts, rolls over) "zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz."

(poke Poke POKE)

(Yawn), "Oh, John, 'sit my turn to watch already?......what's that look on your face for? Why is everyone up already? And why are there imp's behind you? And..........whoa those things are huge!" Guy had noticed that HIM had taken some wounds, but was unsure if he healed himself before settling down for the night or asked John to cure him. Perhaps he had decided to tough it out. Regardless, there was a more pressing matter at hand.

"Perhaps the mages should engage the imps while the fighters engage the other things."

Stifling a yawn, Guy moved toward Imp1. If the more experienced fighters saw fit to change strategy, He would adjust after this first strike.

[Battle begins. Targets OGRE123 IMP123456. Glad you saved some heal spells for this doozy]

Round 1

[I split the difference on HIM with a cure before battle and an attack during]

Guy: Casts Cure on himself for 19 HP

HIM: Casts Cure on himself for 32 HP

OGRE2: 1-Hit 18-Damage against HIM

OGRE3: 1-Hit 10-Damage against HIM

OGRE1: 1-Hit 29-Damage against Guy

HIM: 1-Hit 20-Damage against OGRE3

IMP2: 1-Hit 1-Damage against HIM

John: 1-Hit 15-Damage against IMP2. Terminated handily as John takes over Muteki's IMP2 duties.

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 16-Damage against OGRE3.

IMP4: 1-Hit 1-Damage against HIM

IMP1: 1-Hit 2-Damage against Guy

IMP3: 1-Hit 3-Damage against Dave Mlinko

Guy: 1-Hit 13-Damage against IMP1. Terminated with a hammer crunch.

IMP6: 1-Hit 1-Damage against HIM

IMP5: 1-Hit 3-Damage against Dave Mlinko

[HP Update: HIM 55/88, Dave 68/99, Guy 35/84, John 80/80. Please let me know if you heal in the interim.]

Round 2

HIM: 1-Hit 14-Damage against OGRE3 [assuming work is still too busy. Come back soon!]

OGRE3: 1-Hit 9-Damage against HIM

Guy: Casts Cure on himself for 26 HP

John: 1-Hit 12-Damage against IMP3. Terminated.

OGRE1: Misses against Dave Mlinko

IMP5: 1-Hit 1-Damage against HIM

IMP4: 1-Hit 1-Damage against HIM

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 22-Damage against Ogre3

IMP6: 1-Hit 1-Damage against Dave Mlinko

OGRE2: 1-Hit 25-Damage against John

As the two sides prepared for the next onslaught, a rustling in the bushes interrupted the proceedings. "Oh great, more of them?!" John assumed the worst.

What appeared was four more adventurers, each less experienced than the four already engaged. Much to the relief of Dave and his allies, the four newcomers signaled their intentions to assist. The octet was now composed of two black belts, two thieves, and a quartet of magi.

(Merged from Dungeon Group)

[HP Update: HIM 44/88, Dave 67/99, Guy 61/84, John 55/80. Please enter your commands.]

(Dave)

"Hang in there HIM,we're wearing these guys down!"

Dave felt alive once again.The death of the guard had passed long ago and Dave was poised and ready for fighting.The fact that HIM was fighting alongside him was even better.Out of all the adventurers he traveled with,Dave respected HIM more than anyone else due to the fact that the two were alike in some respects.Both were fighting for purposes they valued as much as their lives,both were good at their craft in combat,both were silent and kept to themselves.They were just two warriors outcast by their respective societies for reasons out of their control.

Dave's reverie was broken by the realization that there were two more Ogres waiting to mash them into a fine paste.He had to step up now and take charge of the battle.

He heard John say something about more enemies and quickly turned his head to see who was coming.All he saw 4 adventurers that lept into the enemies,fighting hard.Dave saw one of them go after the first Ogre with a sword,then looked closer at him and thought he looked......familiar.Dave,however,ignored him,noticing that the Ogres were distracted,so Dave lept into the first one,swinging at the legs.

Round 3

Stephen: 1-Hit 11-Damage against OGRE1.

Obsidian: 1-Hit 8-Damage against IMP6. Terminated. The newcomers score their first kill.

ToST: 1-Hit 5-Damage against OGRE2.

Eric: 1-Hit 5-Damage against OGRE1.

HIM: Misses against OGRE3 [good to have you back Morgren] =)

Guy: 1-Hit 12-Damage against IMP5. Terminated.

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 18-Damage against OGRE3. The ogre falls to his knees but remains alive.

OGRE2: Misses against John

John: 1-Hit 14-Damage against IMP4. Terminated. Only ogres remain now.

OGRE3: Misses against Obsidian

OGRE1: Misses against HIM. All three ogres miss their marks!

The newcomers must have brought some good fortune with them. A full round of melee surpassed without a single hit scored by the enemies.

[HP Update: HIM 44/88, Dave 67/99, Guy 61/84, John 55/80, Stephen 78/78, Obsidian 50/50, ToST 81/81, Eric 70/70. Please enter your commands. OGRE123 remain.]

(Guy)

(LOL at El Grande Pravoka)

Watching the newcomers act, Guy could not help but wonder what had happened to the group that departed earlier. He heard from a bridge worker returning to Cornelia that they had passed by the bridge earlier that day. He trusted they were well off, as they were composed of sturdy warriors. And Muteki. Scanning the battlefield Guy saw Him standing over the third ogre, prepared to finish it. He looked at the first and second ogres. Dave was attacking the second ogre, while the first one seemed to be swarmed with people. Knowing that Dave alone was enough to take on the single ogre, Guy ran over to the first Ogre and raised his hammer, hoping to crush it's chest with his hammer. Or at least make a dent in it.

Eric's Past
Still bashing the ogre (1), Eric reflected on his past. Who can predict that becoming a bodyguard would lead him off a ship, onto another, and finally escaping here? What was he thinking then...?

At the port, many things were flowing through Eric's mind. What caused his friend to try to find out this truth, at the cost of friendship with Eric, and even the land itself was rotting, and yet his friend had ignored the troubles that had fallen on everyone. Maybe the "research" caused it...

Ah, a job. Bodyguards needed to protect a ship for routine trading. Eric, with no desire to stay on the land, in fear of it rotting beneath his feet, and with no other jobs catching his interest, quickly walked onboard the ship, and got himself hired. Even better: The ship was steam-powered -- Meaning no sail which could rot, leaving them stranded.

Well, this ship needed bodyguards. Hmm, not one bodyguard, but more? Eric silently thought over what sort of person would also come onboard. Time passed, and the ship was eventually out on the open sea. Taking his time, Eric walked around the deck, looking out on the sea, thinking over once more about what happened. His thoughts were interrupted when he saw the other bodyguard: A Black Mage.

Irrational fear gripped Eric at the sight. Why'd he have to come!? A black mage! And looking this way! He's going to destroy- No... He was hired to protect this ship... I can't... Eric looked around desparately. A tiny island. He'll be able to get away from that black mage, and think over the situation when he calms down. He feigned seasickness, asking to get on solid ground quick. A sick bodyguard is no help, after all.

And there, on the island, Eric had packed a little food just before walking around on it. The cliff would be a good spot to stop. After settling down on a chosen spot, Eric thought over that "friend" he once had. He was a black mage, and he couldn't ask for better buddies. They helped each other a lot with whatever work was needed. Fire for the stove, carry the wood there... But one day, something happened... Do all black mages turn this way? ... Eric soon spotted the black mage from the ship following him. What is it he wants?

A short talk between Eric and this black mage calling himself Obsidian took place. When Eric heard Obsidian asking about the "seasickness", Eric became silent. It's obvious now that the sickness was faked, but the trip to the island was relaxing in any case.

Finally, the two got up, and before they reached the ship, a pack of wolves blocked their way. While the battle was over quickly, Eric couldn't help but flinch a little from the bolt of lightning Obsidian launched at the wolves. There was one thing certain, though... If Obsidian didn't come, Eric would surely be fresh meat for the local wildlife.

After another battle, being captured and fighting their way through yet another battle with an extra two aquaintences, Eric already entrusted his padded training suit to Obsidian.

Back into the present already, Eric continues to focus on the task at hand. The very thing I once feared, I now depend on... Crazy how the world works.

(Anyone else's stories I happen to conflict with by making this? Just a little something I thought up, and had decided to post before I forget.)

Round 4

HIM: 1-Hit 5-Damage against OGRE3

ToST: 1-Hit 8-Damage against OGRE2… tastes like chicken.

OGRE3: Misses against Dave Mlinko

Stephen: 1-Hit 4-Damage against OGRE1

Eric: 1-Hit 14-Damage against OGRE1. Eric mangles the giant's hand with his nunchuck.

Obsidian: 1-Hit 3-Damage against OGRE1

OGRE1: 1-Hit 32-Damage against Stephen. Stephen staggers back from the crushing blow.

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 15-Damage against OGRE2

OGRE2: 1-Hit 17-Damage against John

Guy: 1-Hit 7-Damage against OGRE1

John: Critical! 1-Hit 26-Damage against OGRE1. A white mage with the best strike of the battle!

[HP Update: HIM 44/88, Dave 67/99, Guy 61/84, John 38/80, Stephen 46/78, Obsidian 50/50, ToST 81/81, Eric 70/70. Please enter your commands. OGRE123 remain. OGRE3 has been on the brink of death for a few rounds now.]

Round 5

John: Casts Cure on himself for 19 HP

OGRE3: Misses against Dave Mlinko

HIM: 1-Hit 6-Damage against OGRE3. Terminated. The courageous ogre falls with a thud.

OGRE2: 1-Hit 24-Damage against John

ToST: Misses against OGRE2

Stephen: 1-Hit 8-Damage against OGRE1

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 13-Damage against OGRE2

Eric: 1-Hit 9-Damage against OGRE1

Obsidian: 1-Hit 2-Damage against OGRE1

OGRE1: 1-Hit 29-Damage against John. John's cure charge just barely spared his life.

Guy: 1-Hit 12-Damage against OGRE1. Terminated. The white mages are on a roll.

[HP Update: HIM 44/88, Dave 67/99, Guy 61/84, John 4/80, Stephen 46/78, Obsidian 50/50, ToST 81/81, Eric 70/70. Please enter your commands. Only OGRE2 remains but he looks pretty healthy still]

Round 6

Obsidian: 1-Hit 1-Damage against OGRE2

John: Casts Cure on himself for 19 HP

Stephen: Misses against OGRE2

HIM: 1-Hit 11-Damage against OGRE2

Eric: Misses against OGRE2

ToST: 1-Hit 6-Damage against OGRE2

Dave Mlinko: Misses against OGRE2

Guy: Casts Cure on John for 16 HP

OGRE2: 1-Hit 33-Damage against Guy. The ogre roars menacingly but seems to realize he's in trouble.

[HP Update: HIM 44/88, Dave 67/99, Guy 28/84, John 39/80, Stephen 46/78, Obsidian 50/50, ToST 81/81, Eric 70/70. Please enter your commands. Only a defiant OGRE2 remains]

(HIM)

HIM exhales crimson lace. The liquid sprinkles it's random pattern to the dirt before the group. No longer feeling a need for vengeance or revenge or blissfulness, HIM takes a calculated stab to the remaining Ogre.

The others went down a bit quicker than HIM had expected. Surely the cousins of these giants to the frosty north where a more impressive lot than these excuses for an Ogre. He had noticed that not one spell was uttered from them.

Slowly he began to entertain the possibility that was further way from home than he once suspected.... but did little to trouble him further.

Round 7

Eric: Critical! 1-Hit 38-Damage against OGRE2

Dave Mlinko: 1-Hit 9-Damage against OGRE2. Terminated.

Victory: Party members gain 310 experience and 155 gold

Dave Mlinko is now L6! 27HP, Str, Agi, Vit, Luk

Guy is now L5! 3HP, Str, Agi, Int, Vit, L2 and L3 spell charge

John is now L5! 4HP, Str, Agi, Int, Vit, L2 and L3 spell charge

Stephen is now L4! 25HP, Str, Agi, Vit, Luk

Obsidian is now L4! 21HP, Str, Int, Vit, Luk, L1 spell charge

ToST is now L4! 23HP, Str, Agi, Int, Vit, Luk

Eric is now L4! 26HP, Agi, Vit, Luk

After a long and arduous trip, the octet of adventurers finally reached Pravoka in the pitch black of the night. [Please see the Pravoka post below for an introduction to the city]

"Bwahaaaaaa! Welcome, welcome! I thought the Kraken had swallowed you two. Oh ho ho, and these must be some newfound friends that helped you find your way home. Please, allow me to express my gratitude and purchase all of you rooms at the inn." The jovial head merchant of Pravoka, boss of Obsidian and Eric, met the group at the city entrance and waddled through the streets towards the inn. While not a luxurious or well-kept inn, the beds felt heavenly compared to the cold, damp earth.

[Congratulations to Group 2 for edging out Group 1 to Pravoka. I will wait to post quests until Group 1 arrives next update, but in the meantime feel free to begin]