[PP/F21] Delving Deeper 2: Natural Treasure [Closed]

[Hirru 0]

With more players coming to the middle floors and front lines, one could feel the urge to get more production done.  The time was coming when a raid would have more than three teams.  That day seemed so far away before, but the numbers are not lying.  Pretty soon, the newer players will have to come to the front to gain the best gear and levels.  That day was slowly coming to pass, but until then, there was something they had to do.  Work hard and play harder.

That seemed to be the case for the hunter.  Watching the junior players fight ever so hard to gain their freedom while observing them on the lower floors, it made him want to go out and hunt.  Lately, the hunter didn't seem to have the drive to do much anymore, except search for the labyrinths and get them that much closer to the end of this world.  Of his world.

Coming up to the twenty first floor, the hunter figured that he didn't want to go alone.  Not after the fiasco that happened last time he went solo through this floor.  It wouldn't take him long to know who to call up.

Quote

To: @Shield

From: Hirru

Title: Another round of hunting?

Howdy, Shield!  It has been some time since we have gone on a hunt.  It would be great to catch up and salvage some more materials from this floor.

How about it?

Stats:

Spoiler

Hirru Lvl 51

1065 HP
102 Energy
2 Accuracy
1 Evasion
16 Base Damage (17 w/ Ferocity) [21 w/ Ferocity & Charge]
72 Mitigation

Equipment

Loyalty of the Sworn Knight ........ // +9 Damage
Spirit of the Jade Dragon .......... // +2 Accuracy, +1 Evasion
Pride of the Guardian .............. // +54 Mitigation
Blades Cloak ....................... // Vanity
Dimensional Backpack ............... // +1 B.R.I Slot

Battle Ready Inventory

<Teleportation Crystal> x3 ......... // Teleport to a town / out of a dungeon [Uses 2 posts: 1 for use, next to teleport]
<Potion of Blessed Intervention> ... // +27 Mitigation / Heal +120 hp
<Empty>
<Empty>
<Empty>
<Empty>

Skills

One Handed Straight Sword .......... // Rank 5: +5 DMG
Heavy Armor ........................ // Rank 3: +18 MIT
Search and Detect .................. // Rank 5: +5 LD | +5 Stealth Detect
Charge ............................. // Rank 4: +4 DMG on successful first strike
Martial Arts ....................... // Rank 2: +4 Unarmed
Concentration ...................... // +1 to your BD / 5 turn cooldown
Survival ........................... // Heal 45 HP when out of battle each post / Negate environmental damage

Skill Mods

Reveal ............................. // +2 to Labyrinth searches|Post 15 searches
Detect ............................. // +1 to Labyrinth searches|+2 Stealth Detect
Athletics .......................... // +1 Dmg / +45 HP
OHSS Ferocity ...................... // +1 Dmg to all OHSS Sword Arts

 

 

Edited December 23, 2017 by Hirru

[Shield 0]

Quote

[H:0] Shield: [HP: 1330/1330]   [EP: 124/124]   [Dmg: 2]   [Acc: 0]   [Eva: -1]   [Mit: 196] [BH: 66] [THN: 87] [REC: 6] [LD: 5] [PRO: 3]

Shield was just laying out ingredients to prep his breakfast when a message pinged in his notifications. He flicked through the message, smirking to himself and nodding as he made up his mind.

"I'm gonna need to change up my meal plan for the day," he said, clearing the items he had laid out and setting up a new set altogether. "Let's prep enough for both of us."

He whipped up a considerable meal, consisting of a Protein Shake for Hirru, a mitgation steak for himself, and a Loot and Prosperity boost for each of them. He sent off a reply, letting Hirru know he would be delayed, but that the benefits would be worth the wait.

Spoiler

Hirru's Food:

+3 dmg, - 27 mitigation
+3 LD
+3 Prosperity

Shield's Food

+27 mitigation
+3 LD
+5 Prosperity [Dining Hall Bonus]

-24 T1 Materials [Will request 7,200 Col in the end to recoup costs, which we should more than make up in profits]

Consuming T3 Immolation Potion

+30 THN

He sat in the dining hall and pounded his steak and sides before wiping his mouth and taking off for Taft to make use of the teleporter there. Within an hour, he stood by the main rope bridge out of Tomoika, arranging his inventory for the venture. He had his combat gear at the ready, in addition to all of his loot finding gear to hunt for chests. Hirru was a merchant like himself. The opportunity to appraise would be much appreciated, he was sure, and chests were definitely a good way to find items that needed identification. He quaffed an immolation potion as he crossed over, and upon arriving, he found Hirru just on the other side. Shield raised his hand in greeting.

"Well met," he said, opening his menu to begin transferring over items. "Boss fights aside, I haven't seen a lot of you. Has your shop managed with the system updates?"

Edited December 22, 2017 by Shield

[Hirru 0]

Looking through his own inventory, spacing out some things that he needed and some things that were not required.  He would figure that they may require some rations, so he brought some that he bought some time ago.  Though, knowing Shield, they probably didn't need them.  The guy would probably have every single mob going against him anyway, and they wouldn't be able to do much against the hunter.  With that in mind, he assumed the old equipment model by removing his armor and using the dragon bracelets Golden Favor and Jade Spirit to max his potential opportunities.

When Shield came by, the singular question from him as they began an exchange of items would make the hunter grumble slightly.

"Not so well, really.  It's kind of hard when the caravan moves from time to time.  Also doesn't help that people can only find it when either exhausted or intentionally trying to find me."

He sighed heavily.

"The Mysterious Merchant isn't> the best NPC to keep for a shop."

The hunter looked at the items that were being sent to him.  Several food items that could be used for high damage and loot chances.  Especially the protein that would boost his strength, but put his mit into the negatives.  Not that that really mattered.  In recompense, the hunter sent some col Shield's way.

Downing the food as fast as he could, the hunter would look on to his hunting partner.

"Sound the call, whenever."

Used all food items traded
-8000 Col to Shield

Stats have changed.

Spoiler

Hirru Lvl 51

1065 HP
102 Energy
2 Accuracy
1 Evasion
19 Base Damage (20 w/ Ferocity) [24 w/ Ferocity & Charge]
-27 Mitigation
11 Luck (14 for Sub Dungeons, 17 for Detect Mobs/People)

Equipment

Loyalty of the Sworn Knight ........ // +9 Damage
Spirit of the Jade Dragon .......... // +2 Accuracy, +1 Evasion
Favor of the Golden Dragon ......... // +3 Luck Die
Blades Cloak ....................... // Vanity
Dimensional Backpack ............... // +1 B.R.I Slot

Battle Ready Inventory

<Teleportation Crystal> x3 ......... // Teleport to a town / out of a dungeon [Uses 2 posts: 1 for use, next to teleport]
<Potion of Blessed Intervention> ... // +27 Mitigation / Heal +120 hp
<Pride of the Guardian> ............ // +54 Mitigation
<Empty>
<Empty>
<Empty>

Skills

One Handed Straight Sword .......... // Rank 5: +5 DMG
Heavy Armor ........................ // Rank 3: +18 MIT
Search and Detect .................. // Rank 5: +5 LD | +5 Stealth Detect
Charge ............................. // Rank 4: +4 DMG on successful first strike
Martial Arts ....................... // Rank 2: +4 Unarmed
Concentration ...................... // +1 to your BD / 5 turn cooldown
Survival ........................... // Heal 45 HP when out of battle each post / Negate environmental damage

Skill Mods

Reveal ............................. // +2 to Labyrinth searches|Post 15 searches
Detect ............................. // +1 to Labyrinth searches|+2 Stealth Detect
Athletics .......................... // +1 Dmg / +45 HP
OHSS Ferocity ...................... // +1 Dmg to all OHSS Sword Arts

Buffs

Protein ............................ // +3 Dmg | -27 Mit
Luck ............................... // +3 Luck Die
Prosperity ......................... // +3 Col Multiplier

 

Edited December 22, 2017 by Hirru

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive:

Action: Howl [-10 EN]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1326/1330]   [EP: 114/124]   [Dmg: 2]   [Acc: 0]   [Eva: -1]   [Mit: 196] [BH: 66] [THN: 87] [REC: 6] [LD: 5] [PRO: 3] [TNT]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 630/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92710 results: Craft: 5 [No Recovery] MOB: 9 [+1+3=13 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92711 results: MOB: 2 [+1+3=6 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92712 results: MOB: 7 [+1+3=11 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 -  ID# 92713 results: MOB: 7 [+1+3=11 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]

Shield nodded, deciding it was best not to rub further salt into that wound. It was hardly fair that he had himself gathered as much experience only to have the system alter the market and therefore make it harder for other merchants to keep up. He made for the tunnels, venturing down into the underbelly of the twenty first floor, past countless branches that he had explored on other occasions and most of which yielded very little noteworthy results.

One branch of the path, however, caught his eye, and he paused, doubling back to look more closely. While the whole floor was lit by glowing crystals and bio luminescent flora and fauna, the crystals that lined this room produced a brilliance he had seen in very few other places on the floor. As his foot crossed the threshold of the room, the nearest four crystalline structures glowed with a greater intensity and erupted into shards, leaving behind humanoid beings of pure gemstones. Shield took a breath, preempting their attacks to control the battlefield.

"Bring it on, you glorified pebbles!" he bellowed, kicking up dust from the cavern floors with the force of his voice. "Let's see what you've got!"

He lifted his shield in defense as the four creatures charged in. Three of their initial attacks were easily deflected. The fourth snuck past Shield's defenses, though even that strike had minimal impact on him. It did, however, allow the attacker to bypass his defensive damage. "Lucky..." he grumbled under his breath.

Edited December 23, 2017 by Shield

[Hirru 0]

Quote

Passive: None

Action: Attack AOE Shadow Explosion= (20+4)x9= 216 AOE, if hit. [-18 EP]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1326/1330][EP: 114/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:1] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP:  84/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 405/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92716 results: BD: 9 [(21+4x9= 225 DMG]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92717 results: BD: 1 [Miss]
<Gem Golem 3> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92718 results: BD: 2 [Miss]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92719 results: BD: 1 [Miss]

Venturing out into the dank cavern system that made up the majority, if not all of, the twenty first floor; the team of two set out to find the riches of the world.  Which in most cases was on specific mobs.  Fun thing about finding mobs:  you don't really have to find them, as they will always find you first.  That was the case as four giant rock golems that seemed to assemble themselves out of the gemstones and bio-metals of the floor.  It looked like they had hit a jackpot, but time would tell.  With the random chances increasing within the past few weeks, the world seemed to be a hard place to gain anything anymore.  The economy must be in a freefall by now.

As they attacked Shield, the hunter took this chance to strike out against them.  Charging in, he would try to catch all of them in his combo, but the first Gem Golem was very adamant on keeping the hunter's attention on it.  This was very odd behavior, as they should have all been seduced by Shield's voice.

"Extremely lucky, this one is."

@Shield

Edited December 23, 2017 by Hirru

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+66 HP] Recovery [+6 EN]

Action: Energize > Hirru [Shield: -10 EN, Hirru: +8 EN]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 111/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:1] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP:  92/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 405/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92721 results: Craft: 7 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 1 [Miss]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 486/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92722 results: MOB: 2 [+1+3=6 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP: 486/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92723 results: MOB: 3 [+1+3=7 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92724 results: MOB: 10 [+1+3=14 - Hit! 189+2-196=1 dmg]

As dust settled after the initial exchange, Shield frowned. There had been a trend in recent months of mobs getting smarter and more skillful, and he had no cluse as to whether that was due to better AI in the Cardinal system or whether mobs simply became more intelligent and formidable on higher floors. Either way, the second volley began just as roughly. Shield focused his energy, gathering it into a ball which he tossed to Hirru just as the gem golems rounded on him for another attack.

Of the four of them although most of them struck, only half of them managed to encounter Shield's thorns. One, seeming to sense the danger or simply having learned it was not safe to attack him, hesitated, avoiding making the attack altogether, while the other's attack slipped past Shield's defenses altogether and struck him directly in the ribs. It hurt his health very little, but still, between the golems being unusually attentive to the DPS and being particularly adept at avoiding the tank's defensive damage, this fight was off to a - so to speak - rocky start.

Edited December 23, 2017 by Shield

[Hirru 0]

Quote

Passive: +1 EP

Action: Attack AOE Shadow Explosion= (20)x9= 180 AOE, if hit. [-18 EP]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 111/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:2] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP:  75/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 225/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92725 results: BD: 6 [20x9= 180 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 297/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92726 results: BD: 9 [21x9= 189 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP: 288/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92727 results: BD: 10 [22x9= 198 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 393/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92728 results: BD: 6 [20x9= 180 dmg]

Their attacks charged against the grand shield of the paladin, but nothing would get through his thick mitigation.  At least, nothing that could be bring bragging rights to any mob, if they were to live on another day.  No, this was little to nothing, it would seem.  That meant that the hunter didn't need to hold back.  Especially when the tank was also energizing him in the process.  There wouldn't be any sort of long process, unless that one golem kept getting really lucky, to which it was seeming so.

"Let's try a different angle of approach."

The hunter said more to himself as he circled around to try another AOE on the mobs.  This new angle allowed the hunter to bypass the first golem's defensive gaze and attack the other three with ease.  It may have even allowed him to gain the upper hand on one or two of them, as he heard the distinctive sound of a crit somewhere in that volley. 

"That should do it."

@Shield

Edited December 23, 2017 by Hirru
Math correction 1

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+66 HP] Recovery [+0 EN]

Action: Energize > Hirru [Shield: -10 EN, Hirru: +8 EN]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 102/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:1] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP:  83/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 225/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92729 results: Craft: 3 [No Recovery] MOB: 10 [+1+3=14 - Hit! 189+2-196=1 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 217/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92730 results: MOB: 4 [+1+3=8 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP: 201/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92731 results: MOB: 7 [+1+3=11 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 393/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92732 results: MOB: 1 [Miss]

With the last area attack, the battlefield began to look very different. Three of the creatures had dropped down into the yellow portion of their health gauge. That meant a half way point, or at least for those mobs in particular. There was still one holdout, and low and behold, it was the exact golem who had been avoiding Shield's defenses. Regardless, his course of action remained the same. The DPS needed to keep getting his energy supplement. Shield clenched his fist, summoning up energy from his own pool and tossing it over to refill Hirru's.

As he did so, a series of hammering fists continued to rain down on him. He kept a close eye on the health gauges around them. Two of them, the ones who had hit him the most consistently, dipped beyond their yellow down into the red. One, however, continued to remain constant. It seemed that no matter what they did, this one golem was determined to outlast his brethren.

"I've seen this before, but rarely this blatantly," Shield scoffed, gesturing with his hand towards the still green golem. "One monster will occasionally show a different intelligence or skill set to those around it."

Edited December 23, 2017 by Shield

[Hirru 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EP]

Action: Attack AOE Shadow Explosion= (20)x9= 180 AOE, if hit. [-18 EP]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 102/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:3] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP:  66/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP:  36/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92733 results: BD: 9 [21x9= 189 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP:  37/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92734 results: BD: 7 [20x9= 180 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP:  21/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92735 results: BD: 6 [20x9= 180 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 213/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92736 results: BD: 8 [20x9= 180 dmg]

With the current strategy in place, all the hunter had to do was continue with it.  The four gem golems were still trained on Shield, and would stay that way for the foreseeable future.  Unless, he missed any of them at this point, which could possibly happen.  He just hoped that he could keep himself in the proper mind set for it all.  He shouldn't get angry, or anything for missing one or three.  As long as one connects, he'll be fine.

The concentration against any negative emotions paid off.  Yet again, the hunter was able to circle around and deal a heavy blow against all of the golems.  He even took one of them down, which would bring the loot flowing in.  The golem seemed to fall to pieces revealing something unusual in its remains before it reassembled itself.  What was that thing in there?  They would have to check that out later on.  For right now, they still had three more left to kill.

"Well, that won't matter when they're slowly cut down to size."

Edited December 23, 2017 by Hirru
Math correction 2

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+66 HP] Recovery [+6 EN]

Action: Energize > Hirru [Shield: -10 EN, Hirru: +8 EN]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 99/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:3] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP:  74/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP:  0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92738 results: Craft: 9 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 3 [+1+3=7 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP:  37/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92739 results: MOB: 10 [+1+3=14 - Hit! 189+2-196=1 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP:   0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92764 results: MOB: 7 [+1+3=11 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 126/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92740 results: MOB: 4 [+1+3=8 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]

 

Loot:

ID# 92765

LD:2+6=8

CD:1

5,040 Col

ID# 92741

LD:20+6=26

CD:3

5,040 Col, 8 T3 Materials

The numbers had finally begun to thin, which was a good sign. Shield tightened his grip on the strap for the Manticore Mask and clenched his fist, gathering up his next batch of energy. With a deep breath, he opened his palm to inspect the globe of energy he had formed, and with a flick of his elbow and a snap of his wrist, he launched it at his ally.

He turned his eyes back towards the battle field just in time to welcome the next round of incoming strikes. The first attacker vaporized as soon as it struck, its crystalline form giving way to shards of light which dissipated into nothing. The next attack struck past his defenses, but the third golem, that being the clever one who had thus far avoided his attacks, slipped up. In attempting to slide past his shield and attack the tank's head directly, it caught the edge of the Mantiore Mask and its arm was immediately scored with scratches and pocked by scorch marks. For Shield, regardless of the dying enemies, this was the real turning point of the battle.

Edited December 23, 2017 by Shield

[Hirru 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EP]

Action: Attack AOE Shadow Explosion= (20)x9= 180 AOE, if hit. [-18 EP]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 99/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:4] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP: 57/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP:   0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 
<Gem Golem 2> HP:   0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92742 results: BD: 9 [21x9= 189 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP:   0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3
<Gem Golem 4> HP:   0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92743 results: BD: 3+2+1 [20x9= 180 dmg] [Concentration used]

Loot Rolls =
ID: 92744 LD: 6+11= 17 | CD: 3  ============ 5040 Col, 2 T3 Mats
ID: 92745 LD: 8+11= 19 | CD: 12 ============ 3780 Col, 4 T3 Mats

Following the death of the first one, another fell to the combination of Shield's flames and thorns.  A deadly combination that was perfect for all tanks.  It was no wonder that the legendary tank, Tristan, was such a formidable force in his active days.  Though, with certain people gone, I guess he just wants to live a peaceful life with his wife now.  The hunter really wanted to venture with the Twin Phoenix.  He guessed that that day would never come to pass now.  

Circling around Shield, this time, the hunter went in hard against the last two.  They had barely any health left, but that didn't mean that he could cut down on his energy usage.  Shadow Explosion was the only good AOE that he had except for a rank 2, which would be useless.  Instead, he went balls to the wall against the two, and finished them both.  As they shattered to nothing, they were given their first break from the battle.  It may have only taken a minute or so, but the hunter's energy was already halved.

"First group over with.  Let's see what we got?"

Total Treasure
18900 Col
14 T3 Mats
 

Edited December 23, 2017 by Hirru

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+66 HP] Recovery [+0 EN]

Action: Howl [-10 EN]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 90/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:4] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP: 57/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 630/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92746 results: Craft: 4 [No Recovery] MOB: 9 [+1+3=13 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92747 results: MOB: 6 [+1+3=10 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92748 results: MOB: 7 [+1+3=11 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 -  ID# 92749 results: MOB: 8 [+1+3=12 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]

Shield joined Hirru in looking over their spoils. He frowned a little, but nodded none the less and closed the victory window. He had come to expect more while farming monsters on the higher floors, but the statistician in him told him reminded him that this was a part of random variance. There would be times that would prove less profitable, and the best results came from repeated trials.

Speaking of which, just as they had begun to breathe more easily, another cluster of over sized crystals lit and began to brighten before their eyes. Shield shot a glance over to Hirru. "Ready for round two?" Whether or not he was, the crystals broke apart like the first set, revealing an identical batch of monsters. "This must just be a breeding ground for the things!" he said, pausing to pull air into his lungs and unleash it in a gale of air and sound. "Come and crystallize your fate, you pack of pixels!" 

Come they did, and the result was nearly identical to the first group. The first had just managed to avoid punishment, while the remaining three, their clumsy fists failing to use any amount of subtlety, scraped and scorched against Shield's defenses.

Edited December 23, 2017 by Shield

[Hirru 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EP]

Action: Attack AOE Shadow Explosion= (20+4)x9= 216 AOE, if hit. [-18 EP]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 99/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:1] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP: 40/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 630/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92750 results: BD: 1 [Miss]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92751 results: BD: 2 [Miss]
<Gem Golem 3> HP: 348/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92752 results: BD: 9 [25x9= 225 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 357/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92753 results: BD: 8 [24x9= 216 dmg]

There would be no rest for the weary.  Going on to fight four more was their plan all along, even if one was already half tired.  It wouldn't do well to think that using only half of ones energy would require rest.  No one is a pansy in this group of fighters.  Especially with the decent haul that they were gaining from them.  Not that the enemies were going to let them have a rest either.  They too were relentless in their attacks and numbers.  Thinking on what Shield said, there may be a central nest nearby.  Hopefully, they could sneak a peek at some ecological discoveries while they were at it.

Charging into the mobs, the hunter found that the mobs were indeed smarter than the average golem.  The last two seemed to act as a shield for the others, effectively making themselves a literal stonewall against the two fighters.

"I'm beginning to think that these next few floors are going to be a test of mettle soon enough, if the mobs are getting to this level of awareness."

Edited December 23, 2017 by Hirru

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+66 HP] Recovery [+0 EN]

Action: Energize > Hirru [Shield: -10 EN, Hirru: +8 EN]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 81/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:1] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP: 48/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92754 results: Craft: 3 [NO Recovery] MOB: 6 [+1+3=10 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 573/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92755 results: MOB: 10 [+1+3=14 - Hit! 189+2-196=1 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP: 261/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92756 results: MOB: 7 [+1+3=11 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 357/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92757 results: MOB: 9 [+1+3=13 - Hit! 189+1-196=1 dmg]

"You're not kidding," Shield growled over the crashing and grinding of the gem based foes. Despite their lumbering and chaotic swinging, he managed to prepare another parcel of energy which he shuttled over to Hirru through the air. "This floor in general has been full of surprises. I can't imagine what next floor or eventually the upper floors will have in store."

The last thought made Shield very apprehensive, but he kept up his impassive facade, focusing on the battle rather than his thoughts. This time, rather than one leader emerging from the riffraff of other monsters, Cardinal seemed to coordinate this platoon to the players. Rather than hesitate, all four of the golems kept up their assault, two of them swinging at once. Shield raised his Manticore Mask to intercept the attacks, but even as he did, two uppercuts slid underneath the barrier and caught him in the gut. His health remained unphased, but his defensive damage had failed to impact the latter two.

"I'd hate to say that Cardinal is capable of learning from previous fights, but these things seem to be figuring us out."

Edited December 23, 2017 by Shield

[Hirru 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EP]

Action: Attack AOE Shadow Explosion= (20)x9= 180 AOE, if hit. [-18 EP]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 81/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:2] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP: 31/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 393/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92758 results: BD: 4+2 [20x9= 180 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 384/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92759 results: BD: 10 [21x9= 189 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP: 261/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92760 results: BD: 1 [Miss]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 177/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92761 results: BD: 4+2 [20x9= 180 dmg]

Taking into consideration that their plan for the first group could still work, the hunter flanked around the their right side.  Hopefully, with this, they would not be able to see him coming and be more vulnerable as the last group was.  That would be the more positive maneuver, but there would always be that time where nothing goes right.  Sometimes it happens; sometimes it doesn't.  There wasn't much to really do about it, except do it.

Finding his way around to flank, the hunter performed a series of wild slashes in near all directions.  Most of which were aimed at the first two that he missed the first go around.  His luck would be with him as they all connected, except for one that seemed to be too far away for the AOE attacks to strike at it.  A small mistake on his part, but nothing more.  They would get them all in time.

It was around then that Shield said something strange.

"Who's Cardinal?"

Edited December 23, 2017 by Hirru

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+66 HP] Recovery [+6 EN]

Action: Energize > Hirru [Shield: -10 EN, Hirru: +8 EN]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 77/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:2] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP: 39/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 306/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92766 results: Craft: 12 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 6 [+1+3=10 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 297/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92767 results: MOB: 2 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 6 [+1+3=6 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP: 174/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92768 results: MOB: 3 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 6 [+1+3=10 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 177/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92769 results: MOB: 10 [+1+3=14 - Hit! 189+2-196=1 dmg]

"From my understanding, it's kinda the brain behind everything," Shield said, lacking the technical expertise to explain it beyond that. "If there's a part of SAO that thinks, people sometimes refer to it as 'Cardinal.' That's about the best I can tell you."

With that poor attempt at an explanation, he passed over another batch of energy. Hirru was beginning to run low, but as Shield monitored the next barrage of attacks from the crystalline foes, he could see that they were on the back slope of the battle. Shield was beginning to learn from his enemies as well, and no matter how they tried to open him up for attacks, he kept his stance closed so that they would meet the flames of his shield before anything else. It was only at the very end when one of them had managed to bear hug him and pin his arms to his side that one attack finally slipped through. Before any others had a chance, the one that held him reeled back, clutching at its burnt and scraped hands which now glowed red with angry welts.

Edited December 23, 2017 by Shield

[Hirru 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EP]

Action: Attack AOE Shadow Explosion= (20)x9= 180 AOE, if hit. [-18 EP]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 77/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:3] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP: 22/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 108/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92770 results: BD: 10 [22x9= 198 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 108/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92771 results: BD: 9 [21x9= 189 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP:   0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92772 results: BD: 5+2 [20x9= 180 dmg]
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 177/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92773 results: BD: 1 [Miss] 

Loot Roll = ID: 92774 / LD: 20+11=31 / CD: 4 ============ 3780 Col, 8 T3 Materials

Each time the hunter heard the word 'Cardinal' something in the back of his mind told him to 'search for it'.  It was definitely something new.  Something that the hunter had not heard of before.  This 'Cardinal' was supposed to be the "brains" of this world.  If that were so, then it would be the driving force between everything that was going on in this world.  Why all the mobs were heavily angry and easily aggroed, except for when the players are much higher leveled.  That also may explain some other phenomena that happens regularly in this world.

"Hmm.. Interesting."

If anything, that just gave the hunter a proper drive now.  If this Cardinal was the mother brain, then he would be its hunter.  Stopping the brain should calm all of the creatures of this world, and maybe the killing will end.

This thought process would be the only thing that the hunter could think of as he plunged into another area of effect attack against the golems. 

Edited December 23, 2017 by Hirru

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+66 HP] Recovery [+6 EN]

Action: Energize > Hirru [Shield: -10 EN, Hirru: +8 EN]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 74/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:3] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP: 30/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP: 21/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92775 results: Craft: 6 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 4 [+1+3=8 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP: 21/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92776 results: MOB: 3 [+1+3=7 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP:   0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3
<Gem Golem 4> HP: 90/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92777 results: MOB: 7 [+1+3=11 - Hit! 189-196=1 dmg THN: 87 dmg]

They were coming down to the wire, now. Even before their attacks, the creatures were well into their red gauges and slipping closer to death. If Shield could not finish them off, Hirru would with no difficulty, barring unlucky attacks. In the mean time, just in case, it was best to keep supplying the other player. He clenched his non-shield hand and focused as much of his attention there as he could spare. A moment later, he had gathered what he could and tossed it back to Hirru.

"They're on their last legs!" he called out. "I doubt they'll die when they attack me, but they'll be ripe for you to harvest!" 

As he predicted, although each fell prey to his defensive offense, none of the mobs popped. As each strike bounced off his his shield, the attacker fell to a mere sliver of its health.

"Finish the job, Hirru!"

Edited December 23, 2017 by Shield

[Hirru 0]

Quote

Passive: [+1 EP]

Action: Attack AOE Shadow Explosion= (20)x9= 180 AOE, if hit. [-18 EP]

[H:4] Shield: [HP: 1327/1330][EP: 74/124][Dmg:  2][Acc: 0][Eva: -1][Mit: 196][BH: 66][THN: 87][REC: 6][LD: 5][PRO: 3][TNT]
[H:3] Hirru:  [HP: 1065/1065][EP: 13/102][Dmg: 20][Acc: 2][Eva:  1][Mit: -27][LD: 11][PRO: 3]

<Gem Golem 1> HP:  0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92778 results: BD: 8 [20x9= 180 dmg]
<Gem Golem 2> HP:  0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92779 results: BD: 8 [20x9= 180 dmg]
<Gem Golem 3> HP:  0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3
<Gem Golem 4> HP:  0/630 | DMG: 189 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92780 results: BD: 8 [20x9= 180 dmg]

Loot Rolls
ID: 92781/ LD: 12+11=23/ CD: 4============== 6930 Col, 4 T3 Mats
ID: 92782/ LD: 12+11=23/ CD: 3============== 6930 Col, 4 T3 Mats
ID: 92783/ LD:  5+11=16/ CD: 6============== 3780 Col, 2 T3 Mats, 1 Uncommon T3 Consumable [Unverified]

As the Gem Golems neared their red markings, their many broken pieces seemed to glow more orange than ever before.  An erratic pattern could always be seen from within, if one could get close to a gash mark on an enemy, but once could somewhat still see it when looking at their own wounds.  Temporary as they are, they serve as a secondary link to ones health.  If one didn't constantly look at their parties health, they could always look at the gash marks upon them to see how they were doing.  It was said that they start to turn darker as the health bar reaches the red.  So far, the hunter hasn't really seen that to make any positive or negative hypothesis for them.

In the end, however, he was not caring for the gashes that were there, but the ones that he was making.  The end of his final Shadow Explosion came, and the last three Gem Golems shattered, but not before screeching aloud.  This was what all mobs did, but only now was the hunter really concentrating on that.  If all of them were linked by <<Cardinal>>, then was that the last of it from within them, or the final cry from their freed mind.

"Too much to think about..."  

He mumbled while scratching his chin.  Around this time, the loot screen would appear.  The hunter went into the party loot to see how much they accumulated.

Total Treasure
40,320 Col
32 Mats
1 Uncommon T3 Consumable [Unverified]

Edited December 23, 2017 by Hirru

[Shield 0]

Quote

Swapping gear

-Spirit Plate
-Spirit Spines
-Manticore Mask
+Finder's Keeper [+1 expertise - Search & Detect]
+Seeking Aura [+3 LD]
+Raw Passion [+3 Prosperity]

With the combat finally ended, Shield looked around at the remaining crystalline structures around the cavern, but those that were left did not seem large enough to produce more enemies. If he had to guess, they would respawn in time, but for now, it left them time to loot the room properly. Shield flipped through his menus, removing his armor and shield in order to equip the items that would boost their finds as much as possible.

"Gotta make the most of our time here," he said, his armor now replaced by two small silver hoop earrings and a crystal pendant that hung around his neck. "If we're going to find anything worth taking back to our shops, now would be the time. I had hoped it would be a more even split, but I have a feeling we'll come up a little light on actual equipment. I say we divide by role. If it's a defensive item, I should probably take it, while a weapon would be better suited in your hands. Everything else, we split as evenly down the middle as possible."

Edited December 23, 2017 by Shield