Acanthus

The decrepit bar greeted Acanthus with a mournful whistle as she forced the crooked door shut. Her mind was still racing. There had to be someone here. This was the exact location—she had triple checked. Her heart pounded. —Haru’s heart pounded. Mr. Nakatani had dropped her right into the middle of the table. It was barely 20:30 and the drinks were flowing freely. “Slow down, Eiji!” A short man in glasses playfully slapped the back of the wiry boy sitting next to him, who appeared to be halfway through his first plate already. “Gods know where you put that. I miss having your kind of

On the House Acanthus slammed the tavern door open. Breathless and nearly doubled over, she managed her question through half a dozen wheezing coughs. “Where… where—are—you?” “Where are ya goin’, Masuda?” Haru craned her neck to look at the clock. 20:00 on the dot. She remained frozen, foot halfway out the door as the rest of her coworkers observed her like an animal in a zoo. Gingerly, her foot returned inside. “I usually leave work around this time.” Her confidence faltered for just a moment. “I—I have all my projects finished and I’ve made sure the lab equipment is

“I understand the need for a good routine. I myself enjoy some light calisthenics to wake up along with the sunrise. The sea breeze doesn’t quite match real life, but… it has to do, doesn’t it?” Acanthus moved to the front of the group to try and get a better glimpse of the path. There were a few options ahead of them, and she waited to see what Wildfire would do. They stopped to adjust their lenses and survey the area. Both Nymoria and Wildfire had asked similar questions: why this quest? Acanthus began to talk as she checked the area for tracks or clues, using her search skill to p

Acanthus nodded solemnly, the humor entirely lost on her. “Children are hard workers. I’m sure he would see them helping in your shop and realize how much the arrangement benefits both you and the children. Although I don’t know if learning a trade here would really translate into the real world if they get back...When they get back.” Her voice softened at the mistake. “Does, um, does Wulfrin have a shop? Oh, you said he was a blacksmith already. Forgive me.” A warm, black lump of fur distracted her from her conversational tailspin. Kumaki's mouth contained a trace amount of cookie—just e

smack

I'll give you your next break >:( Recovery. +1 EN. +0 HP Main Action: ST-1 -> Morningstar (-8 EN) ROLLID | BD 7 + 4 - 4 | Hit! 8 * 10 = 80 + 20 = 100 damage. Swift Action. Vampire Noble's Knife (-2 EN) | Additional 20 damage (included above). +20 HP. Acanthus | HP: 236/440 | EN: 5/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 56 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | BURN: 14 (2/2) | FTK (7/7) Morningstar | HP: 9/450 | EN: 12/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | FLN: 4 | PARA-V | SUSHI

I can just paste the exact last block Recovery. +1 EN. +18 HP Swift Action. Nothing Main Action: Paralyzed Morningstar, you scallywag. You absolute blaggard Acanthus | HP: 248/440 | EN: 14/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 56 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | BURN: 14 (2/2) | FTK (7/7) Morningstar | HP: 109/450 | EN: 8/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | FLN: 4 | PARA-V | SUSHI

No smack Recovery. +1 EN. +18 HP Swift Action. Nothing Main Action: Paralyzed Morningstar, you scallywag. You absolute blaggard Acanthus | HP: 230/440 | EN: 13/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 51 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | BURN: 14 (1/2) | SHATTER: -5 (3/3) | FTK (6/7) Morningstar | HP: 109/450 | EN: 8/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | FLN: 4 | PARA-V | SUSHI

smack(:nod:) Recovery. +1EN | +18 HP Swift Action. None. Main Action: ST-1 -> Morningstar (-8 EN) 243117 | BD 6 + 4 - 4 | Hit! 10 * 8 = 80 damage. Acanthus | HP: 249/440 | EN: 12/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 51 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | BURN: 14 (2/2) | SHATTER: -5 (2/3) | FTK (5/7) Morningstar | HP: 109/450 | EN: 15/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | HLY: 4 | FRZ | SUSHI

No smack Recovery. +1 EN. +18 HP (32 - 14). Swift Action. None. Main Action: Rest (+10 EN) Acanthus | HP: 249/440 | EN: 19/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 51 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | BURN: 14 (1/2) | SHATTER: -5 (1/3) | FTK (4/7) Morningstar | HP: 189/450 | EN: 4/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | HLY: 4 | FRZ | SUSHI

Smack Recovery. +1 EN. +18 HP (32 - 14). Swift Action. None. Main Action: ST-II -> Morningstar (-11 EN) 243098 | BD 6 + 4 - 4 | Hit! 10 * 11 = 110 damage. Acanthus | HP: 256/440 | EN: 8/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | BURN: 14 (0/2) | FTK (4/7) Morningstar | HP: 189/450 | EN: 9/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | HLY: 4 | FRZ | SUSHI

Smack Recovery. +1 EN. +0 HP. Swift Action. None Main Action: ST-I (-8 EN) 243094 | BD 8 + 4 - 4 | Hit! 10 * 8 = 80 damage. Acanthus | HP: 278/440 | EN: 18/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | BURN: 14 (2/2) | FTK (3/7) Morningstar | HP: 299/450 | EN: 18/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | HLY: 4 | FRZ | SUSHI

THREAD SUMMARY Experience Acanthus | [Word Count: 6068/10 = 606.8] * [True Tier: 7] * [Group Factor: 0.5] = 2124 * 2 = 4248 EXP Jomei | [Word Count: 6068/10 = 606.8] * [True Tier: 12] * [Group Factor: 0.5] = 3641 * 2 = 7282 EXP Wulfrin | [Word Count: 6068/10 = 606.8] * [True Tier: 6] * [Group Factor: 0.5] = 1820 * 2 = 3640 EXP Kiyabu | [Word Count: 6068/10 = 606.8] * [True Tier: 2] * [Group Factor: 0.5] = 607 * 2 = 1214 EXP Col Acanthus | 318 col (Laurel Wreath) Jomei | 546 col (Laurel Wreath) Wulfrin | 273 col (Laurel Wreath) Kiyab

THREAD SUMMARY Winner is Acanthus (close fight though! gg) (Word Count does not include Kindling's Introduction) Experience Acanthus | [Word Count: 2917/10 = 291.7] * [True Tier: 7] * [Group Factor: 0.7] = 1429 * 2 = 2858 EXP Vigilon | [Word Count: 2917/10 = 291.7] * [True Tier: 7] * [Group Factor: 0.7] = 1429 * 2 = 2858 EXP Col Acanthus | 428 col (Laurel Wreath) Vigilon | 428 col (Laurel Wreath)

Chilly Recovery. +1 EN. +18 EN Swift Action. None Main Action: None (Frozen) You best hope your luck keeps up Acanthus | HP: 278/440 | EN: 25/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | BURN: 14 (1/2) | FROZEN | FTK (2/7) Morningstar | HP: 379/450 | EN: 5/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | HLY: 4 | FRZ | SUSHI

stop that!!! Recovery. +1 EN. +18 HP. Swift Action. Antidote Crystal (-2 EN) | All negative status effects cleared (Freeze, Burn, Shatter) Main Action: ST-I -> Morningstar (-2 EN) 243022 | BD 4 + 4 - 4 | Miss. Acanthus | HP: 324/440 | EN: 24/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | FTK (1/7) Morningstar | HP: 379/450 | EN: 12/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | HLY: 4 | FRZ | SUSHI

oof ouch owie my bones Recovery. +1 EN. +18 HP Swift Action. Forgotten King's Authority (-5 EN) Frozen removed. Main Action: ST-I -> Morningstar (-2 EN) 243009 | BD 4 + 4 - 4 | Miss. Acanthus | HP: 372/440 | EN: 27/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 51 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | BURN: 14 (0/2) | Shatter: -5 (2/3) | FTK (0/7) Morningstar | HP: 379/450 | EN: 17/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | HLY: 4 | FRZ | SUSHI

Smack Recovery. +1 EN. +18 HP (32 HB+BH - 14 burn) Swift Action. None Main Action: ST-1 -> Morningstar (-2EN) 243006 | BD 1 + 4 - 4 | Miss. Acanthus | HP: 415/440 | EN: 33/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:5651 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 | BURN: 14 (2/2) | Shatter: -5 (1/3) Morningstar | HP: 379/450 | EN: 24/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | FLN: 4 | PARA-V | SUSHI

smack Recovery. +1 EN. +18 HP (32 HB+BH - 14 burn) Swift Action. None Main Action: ST-II -> Morningstar (-2 EN) 243003 | BD 2 + 4 - 4 | Miss. Acanthus | HP: 418/440 | EN: 34/43 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:14 | HB: 18 | LD:3 Burn 1/2 Morningstar | HP: 332/450 | EN: 33/43 | DMG: 9 | ACC: 4 | AA | EVA: 4 | REC: 2 | LD: 4 | FLN: 4 | PARA-V | SUSHI

Initiative: 242993 | LD 20 Acanthus had dreaded this moment since her brief lapse of judgment on floor nine. Hadn’t she earned a little more time before dealing with Morningstar? When she had seen the scheduled fight, her heart dropped. Three draft messages lay abandoned in her messages folder, begging Minako to reconsider the match, or even just threatening to forfeit before the fight started. But those drafts remained unsent, and now she was here. Acanthus’s mind clouded over, desperate to stay away from the feelings that had overtaken her in the midst of battle. Memories grew blac

smack Recovery. +1 EN. +7 HP Main Action. Rest +10 EN 242986 | CD 2 | (1) Madness gained. (2 total) Swift Action. Sanity Tablets. (-2 EN) (2) Madness removed. Prevent the next 2 madness. [5] Acanthus | HP: 168/200 | EN: 12/38 | DMG: 10 | MIT:56 | ACC:3 | AA | FL.AURA: 4 | THORNS:18 | BH:7 | HB: 9 | LD:3 [0] Hirru | HP: 105/200 | EN: 27/38 | DMG: 1 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | BH: 7 | HLY BLS: 9 | MENDING: 2 | REC: 2 | THRNS: 18 | PARA | ENV-0 8 | LD: 3 | Hype 2/3 CD 3/3

THREAD SUMMARY Experience. [Word Count: 5499/10 = 549.9] * [True Tier: 7] * [Group Factor: 1] = 3849 + 1500 (quest) = 5349 * 1.1 (Slime Farm) = 5883 EXP Col. 400 (bonus) + 577 (Laurel Wreath) + 1500 (quest) = 2477 col

Softly, like handling a newborn child, Haru lifted her Dad from the floor. She recalled her de-escalation exercises from the hospital, but she never thought she’d be using them here. “Dad, I solved a cipher in one of the later journals.” Noboru stared wildly around the room. “Really? Really?? What did it say? No, wait, I want to solve it—” She cut in, “no, Dad, Mom said this was urgent. She said you have to start taking your meds again.” He shook his head. “She wouldn’t say that, she can’t talk to me unless I’m listening.” “She said… She said she needs a break.” Haru bit her lip unti

The creature had fallen silent, and appeared to be looking at her with pleading eyes.

Spoiler content: the following post contains spoilers for the quest <<To Shine a Light.>> The staff worked really hard to make a really neat quest with a reveal; personally, I think you’re doing yourself a disservice to not work through the puzzles and experience the reveal yourself. Because not many people have done this quest at the time of reading, I’m keeping the narrative below as spoiler-free as possible. Run the quest if you’re interested in all the juicy details.