Once upon a time in a far away land, there lived a beautiful princess. However, the princess was not happy. Her evil queen stepmother kept her locked away high in an aery, guarded by a terrible dragon. Try as they might, no one could save the princess. Rumor spread that anyone who could save her could have a chance of winning her heart and the hearts of her 2-3 sisters forever. This rumor reached as far as the next kingdom, where a lonely prince, despite searching and searching, could never find a suitable bride. The prince's father was furious at his failures, and ordered him on a dangerous quest. He alone must go to the troubled kingdom and rescue the princess from her terrible plight! Only then could the young prince become King.

And so, the prince gathered up 17 of his finest men and set off to the next kingdom, ready to assail the aery and defeat the fearsome dragon guarding his prize. But the way was perilous and fraught with many turns, and several men were set astray, leaving the prince with fewer and fewer men as the journey toiled on. But when at last the tower housing his bride to be came into view, the prince knew it was only a matter of time until he would claim his prize.

The way to the top was a fearsome feat in itself, littered with monsters and peril. The prince lost even more men, now down to just a handful. Himself and 9 others would have to defeat the dragon themselves. The prince's heart wavered, but he steeled his resolve and thought only of his prize.

When at last they reached the top, they were shocked to see that they were not alone. A hundred other princes in shining armor stood about the aery, milling about and chattering. The prince was shocked! He had expected to be met by the fearsome jaws of a terrible beast when he finally summited this terrifying tower, but instead he was greeted with a line. As he looked about, he saw men of all kinds. Young, old, rich, poor, they all waited here with downtrodden expressions and dejected attitudes. They all sought the princess's heart and those of her 2-3 sisters. In the distance he could see the princess through the door to her keep, and she was beautiful as the sun itself, more beautiful than any fanciful story of her could ever hope to capture.

But Lo! At that very moment the beast swooped down, seemingly appearing from nowhere. All at once the men rushed to it. But the prince was fast and experienced, he drew his sword and struck at it, knowing that the law of this land dictated that whosoever draws first blood on a beast lays claim to it. The prince and his men fought hard for many hours, eventually besting the beast. The men carved up the carcass, taking their minor spoils with little satisfaction. Now, the prince knew, the door to the princess's keep would open to him, and he would fall in love forever with her and have a harem of her sisters.

The prince pulled upon the handle to the door, but it would not budge. He pulled and pulled, struck at the door, cursed, and grew frustrated. He pounded on the door and called out to his princess.

"Princess!" He shouted. "Princess, I have come to rescue you, come with me! You are saved!" The princess looked toward the barred up window in the door. The prince could feel her radiance as she approached.

"I'm sorry, sir," She said, "It seems you were not successful today. Try again in 21-24 hours." Shocked and horrified, the prince was rendered speechless. As he turned from the door and her beauty he saw the other suitors behind him. Their many old, tired, and defeated eyes stared back at him. The prince saw at last with his unfettered eyes that the door to the keep was a wall of solid stone and had no hinges.

On to things we have done this month! Be sure to look at each picture, for there are many extra goodies.

Bahamut V2

Dynamis

Darters

Einherjar

Proto-Omega

Sweet, dependable Ouryu <3

And loot:

Congratulations to Aerides for Monster Jackcoat, Monster Gloves, and Scout's Beret.

Congratulations to Alleya for Denali Gamashes.

Congratulations to Atumre/Septimus for Bard's Cuffs, Goliard Saio, Morgana's Choker, Cleric's Duckbills / Askar Zucchetto and Aslan Cape respectively.

Congratulations to Cadence for Duelist's Tights and Aegishjalmr.

Congratulations to Ceiyne for Bahamut's Hose, Assassin's Vest, and Melee Gaiters.

Congratulations to Daahan for Homam Manopolas and Gambieras.

Congratulations to Gizmosan for Valor Coronet and Homam Cosciales and congratulations to the FBI on a successful sting operation conducted shortly after this picture was taken.

Congratulations to Kazen for Ritter Gorget.

Khelek, in his Goliard Clogs, contemplates religion, while Pastor Bee points him to the path of enlightenment.

Congratulations to Kiara for Usukane Sune-ate, Skadi's Chausses, Black Belt, and Assassin's Poulaines, completing Thief AF2.

Congratulations to Nickolias for Homam Corazza.

Congratulations to Popeh for Bahamut's Staff.

Congratulations to Ragnhild for Saotome DOOOMAAARUUUUUUUUU (lolololol)

Congratulations to Rocl for Morrigan's Robe and Bahamut's Hose.

Congratulations to Slone for Warrior's Mask, Morrigan's Pigaches, and Wyrm Mail, completing full Dragoon AF2.

Congratulations to to Sonomaa for Morgana's Choker, Black Cuisses, Bahamut's Zaghnal, and Saotome Haidate.

Congratulations to Tsukasaz for Bahamut's Staff and Cleric's Mitts.

Honorable mentions not pictured here:

Sendoh: Summoner's Spats, Koga Hatsuburi, Nashira Turban, and Monster Gaiters.

Gorion: Abyss Sollerets, Koga Hatsuburi, Saotome Sune-ate, Scout's Beret, and Warrior's Mufflers.

Mongomong: Morrigan's Robe and Homam Zucchetto.

Tonko: Bahamut's Staff.

And who was sprinkled with enough magical fairy dust to become this month's Lootwhore?

Nikkei!

Congratulations to you on narrowly edging out Atumre's sheer volume with the devastatingly awesome items: Bahamut's Mask, Melee Gloves, and Usukane Hizayoroi.