[PP-F14] The Lich's Calling

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

<<The Lich's Calling>>

This quest takes place on Floor 14
This quest is repeatable

This RP will not count in the benchmark

In a small arena like area with two Barracks on both sides of it, which sits before the pathway into the actual Castle. A crown adorned heavy armored skeletal warrior stands in the middle of the arena with two Skeletal Lichs sitting in the back. Once engaged, the bangs his greatsword on the ground before lifting it above his head. After which a continuous stream of Longsword wielding warriors begin to rush down upon the arena to help save the king. 

Requirements:

-At least one [1] Page (21 or more posts)
-Maximum Party Size of 3
-The Lich King must be defeated
-Repeat completions will only yield <<Darkness Potion>>

Lich King Information:

<<Lich King>> is a respawning Field Boss and has the following statistics:
HP: 350
Damage per Attack: 400
When an allied Skeleton falters while he is still alive. He heals himself for the maximum amount of HP that skeleton had.

Skeletal Warriors Information:

#x <<Shambling Soldier>> is a constantly spawning quest minion as long as Lich King is Alive. (2 every 2 turns)
HP: 100
Damage per Attack: 140
If not killed immediately they will begin to attack each other.

2x <<Skeletal Lich>> is a single time spawning quest minion as long as Lich King is Alive.
HP: 100
Damage per Attack: 140
Dark Coil - Heals allied Undead for 20 health per turn. (Cannot attack enemies)

Rewards:

1. <<Darkness Salve>> Increases Mitigation by 20 at the cost of 3 DMG. Lasts for one thread. Takes a post action to apply.
2. 3 Skill Points

Parties of players are advised.
Recommended Level: 35

 

Locking in Stats

Spoiler

[Level: 44]   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 88/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 18]

 

- Skills -

SP: 171 | SP Used: 164 | SP Unused: 7

 

Heavy Armor: ⅗ Athletics

Searching: 1/5

Charge: 4/5

2H Spears: 5/5 Ferocity | Finesse: 3/3

Martial Arts: 0/5

Concentration

Survival

 

Familiar: Horus the Hayabusa Falcon

Fighter: 3/3

 

- Equipped -

Shi's Talon: Absolute Accuracy, Paralyze, Freeze

Eagle's Splendor: +3 ACC

Atlanta's Haste: +3 EVA

Vanity Heavy Armor

- Battle ready -

*+1 slots due to Dimensional Backpack*

[1x] Antidote Potion [ID#79037]

[1x] Basic Teleportation Crystal

[3x] Healing Crystal [ID#: 78290] [ID#79099] [ID#79100]: Heals 160 HP (Does not require Post action to use)

[4x] Swords Dance Crystal [ID#78988] [ID#79398] [ID#82811] [ID#80342]: +6 Damage for one thread (Does not require Post action to use)

[3x] Power Bars (+6 EP)

[1x] Safe Guard Potion

 

House Room effects

Kitchen

Dining Hall

 

Consumables 

Using Kitchen to Create +3 Protein T1 Food and boost it to +5 with Dining Hall (Costs 4 T1 Mats)
Sharp Attack Cheddar (+1 BD) [ID#81085] 

 

Spoiler

Action: Dimensional Stampede + Charge on Lich King

Beat: [HP: 770/910]   [EP: 74/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 3]   [Mit: 0]

[Lich King:  HP: 0/350 - Dmg: 400]  ID# 92811: BD: 3+5 = 8 = hit! [Dmg: 25 x 15 = 375]

[Shambling Soldier: HP: 100 - Dmg: 140] ID#92812 MD: 5 -3 = miss

[Shambling Soldier: HP: 100 - Dmg: 140] ID#92813 MD: 5 -3 = miss

[Skeletal Lich: HP: 100 - Dmg: 140]  ID#92814 MD: 3 -3 = miss

[Skeletal Lich: HP: 100 - Dmg: 140]  ID#92815 MD: 9 -3 = Crit +1 [Dmg: 140]

Beat stood on the top of the wall surrounding the arena where the lich king stood, being cheered on by his army of undead followers. The sounds they made were grunts and hollow moans, but collectively, they managed to create an ominous roar of cheering that rang through the arena and carried for miles. The young player checked his map and spotted Shield's icon, deciding that Shield would be on the arena floor by the time Beat started the fight. 

"Alright Lich King! I think it's time for a new champion, don't you?!" Beat folding his arms and grinning arrogantly at the dumbfounded lich king as the arena full of demi-lich and skeletons turned to look at the cocky player who was clearly in over his head. Before the king could speak, Beat disappeared at high speed, reappearing just before his spear ran the undead royalty asunder with multiple thrusts that obliterated Beat's target. 

"Alright fools, let's see what you've got!" He said as two soldiers and two lichs came towards him. He weaved through their swords and raking fingers, only taking a hit from a lich.

"One out of four? Not looking too hot guy!"

Edited December 24, 2017 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Consumed Mats x 20

+5 LD
+3 Prosperity

Beat's Items
+3 LD
+3 Prosperity
+3 Protein

Consumed T3 Immolation Potion

Shield leaped in through the door, sweat practically pouring off of his face despite the cold air of the coliseum. He took a deep breath as he hurled himself down from the first row of seating, letting out a bellow of force and exertion just before he hit the ground. There was a moment when his feet threatened not to be able to keep up with the rest of him, but he managed to get them under him properly and brought himself to a controlled stop beside Beat.

"Christ! You could have at least waited for me!" he gasped. He knew that in the real world, running for such great distances would have his lungs burning, but for now he only failed to catch his breath as he stared down the remaining enemies. "I know you probably have everything in hand, but still. On the plus side, I've got a few extra items for you once we put these guys down."

Quote

 

Action: Howl [-10 EN]

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1350/1350 | EP: 116/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[Level: 44]   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 88/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 18]

 

 

Edited December 28, 2017 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Action: Weeping Moon \ -18 EP, + 1 EP

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1350/1350 | EP: 116/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[Level: 44]   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 60/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 3]   [Mit: 0]

[Lich King:  HP: 0/350 - Dmg: 400] 

[Shambling Soldier 1: HP: 100 - Dmg: 140] ID#92927 BD: 9 + 5 = 14 = Crit + 1 [DMG: 22 x 9 = 198]

[Shambling Soldier 2: HP: 100 - Dmg: 140] ID#92928 BD: 5 + 5 = 10 = HIT [DMG: 21 x 9 = 189]

[Skeletal Lich 1: HP: 100 - Dmg: 140]  ID#92929 BD: 3 + 5 = 8 = HIT [DMG: 21 x 9 = 189]

[Skeletal Lich 2: HP: 100 - Dmg: 140]  ID#92930 BD: 3 + 5 = 8 = HIT [DMG: 21 x 9 = 189]

"Well, you were almost here and these guys are nothing. It's floor fourteen and I had good info, they can't handle my damage." Beat said, chuckling as the remaining undead moved around them, now focused on Shield, their bones clattering as they roared at the armored player.

"Lich King had the most health, but with a food buff, he can't measure up. Don't even get me started on these guys, this fight is over." He said, charging his sword art into the tip of his spear and leaping over Shield, catching some air and using the hang time to whirl the weapon around, summoning a twister that shredded the remaining undead forces into pieces. "See?" Beat said, looking at Shield with a grin.
 

"So! You have noms for me?! This seems backwards..." He said, scratching his head and pretending to be confused as he continued to relish his swift victory, closing the quest victory screen that came up. 

 

 

Edited December 28, 2017 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Moving to Floor 21

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+67 HP] Recovery [+6 EN]

Action: Howl [-10 EN]

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1254/1350 | EP: 113/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 57/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 640/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92931 results: Craft: 6 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 9 [+3+1=13 - Hit! 192+1-169=24 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 640/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92932 results: MOB: 9 [+3+1=13 - Hit! 192+1-169=24 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92933 results: MOB: 2 [+3+1=6 - Hit! 192+1-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg] 
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 640/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92934 results: MOB: 10 [+3+1=14 - Hit! 192+2-169=25 dmg]

As the last of them fell, Shield sighed, turning and heading for the exit from which he came. "Well, you're right about one thing. This is only the fourteenth floor, and anything we find here will only be relevant for you for so much longer. Come on," he said heavily. "If we hurry, we can catch a ride back to town with the NPC wagon that brought me and head up to the floor that matters."

An hour later, they were crossing the bridge out of Tomoika on the 21st floor. As they arrived, Shield opened his menus. "Right! I almost forgot. Those items. If we just-" But there was no time to 'just.' out of the shadows, four tall bat-like beasts whose mouths were lined with razor sharp teeth melted out of the dark and spread their leathery wings. "Oh for crying out-" Shield filled his lungs and unleashed his voice.

"Couldn't you just come back in five minutes?" he belted, quickly cueing up  the items he meant to send to Beat before. "Here! These will boost your loot potential substantially." As he explained, he turned his back on the creatures and searched through his menus as four sets of fangs sank into him.

Edited December 28, 2017 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Not joining battle.

Consuming the following: 
+3 LD and +3 Prosperity foods made by Shield as well as Power Bar (+6 EP)

Swapping Atlanta's Haste +3 Eva for Eagle's Splendor + 3 LD

New stats: Eva: 0 | LD: 6 | Prosperity: 3 

Passive EP regen: +1 EP

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1254/1350 | EP: 113/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 67/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0]

"I can grab them, we still have that shared inventory remember?" Beat said as he quickly whipped open his menu, removing the items for their inventory and digging into them, casually glancing up as he chewed to look at the monsters who had managed to mostly avoid the thorns effect of Shield's armor. He cocked an eyebrow as he finished a rather tasty sandwich, "Ah yes, Floor 21, where monsters can actually fight. They still don't do enough damage, but they're a hell of a lot stronger than Lich lord or whatever he was called." 

He began to dig into an over-sized brownie as he flipped through his menus, noting that, if they were going for maximum loot gains, he would want his energy as high as possible. He quickly finished his brownie and retrieved a power bar and began eat it as he quickly flipped through menus to swap his gear to a more loot-finding configuration, "Alright, I'm ready! Let's do this!" 

 

Edited December 28, 2017 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+67 HP] Recovery [+6 EN]

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

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1254/1350 | EP: 110/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 75/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92945 results: Craft: 6 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 3 [+3+1=7 - Hit! 192+1-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92946 results: MOB: 7 [+3+1=11 - Hit! 192+1-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg] 
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 466/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92947 results: MOB: 5 [+3+1=9 - Hit! 192+1-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg] 
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 640/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92948 results: MOB: 9 [+3+1=13 - Hit! 192+1-169=24 dmg]

"These ones don't hit particularly hard," he said, forcing the bat creatures away from him to create distance. "I've fought some that could have taken me down if I hadn't been able to riposte them and turn their attacks against them."

He saw Beat swapping out and pounding down items as quickly as he could and figured that it would be shortly enough until he rejoined. Charging up his energize ability, gathering a small amount of his own pool into a ball which he hurled back to Beat. "Heads up!" he shouted out, turning back to the fray. The things were back on him once again, flapping their great leathery wings as they fought to find a place to sink their many, razor-like teeth into him. He swung his shield to drive them back, but one by one they would dart around to the side or slip behind him to latch on for a brief moment and bite hit neck. This time, however, now that he was used to their attacks, he was able to maintain defensive posture, forcing most of them to take the damage they were due.

Edited December 28, 2017 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Passive [+1 EN]

Action: Weeping Moon + Charge | -15 EP

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1254/1350 | EP: 110/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 61/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 6] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 310/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92950: BD: 10 + 5 = 15 = Crit + 2 [DMG: 27 * 9 = 243 + Paralyze + Freeze]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 328/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92951: BD: 3 + 5 = 8 = Hit   [DMG: 25 * 9 = 225]
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 241/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92952: BD: 7 + 5 = 12 = Hit [DMG: 25 * 9 = 225]
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 415/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92953: BD: 6 + 5 = 11 = Hit [DMG: 25 * 9 = 225]

With his last buff in place, Beat took a leap back as he grinned at the Fanged Horrors who were now attempting to fly backwards for another run, "Let's see if you're ready for this!" He shouted as he closed the distance in an instant, appearing in the center of the group before they could get outside of his weapon's reach, "Oryaaaa!" Beat's battle cry rang out as his charge spear unleashed a circular, pale yellow wave of energy that spun rapidly as it expanded, cutting deeply into his targets who could not evade his precision attacks. 

"Looks like these guys aren't too special. Though that one seems to follow the profile of leader seeing as how he keeps getting a hit in without taking damage. We've seen that a lot on this floor." He remarked, holding his spear up like one would a sword, directing it at the fanged horror of which he spoke, "Don't think we can't see what you're doing."

 

Edited December 28, 2017 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+67 HP] Recovery [+0 EN]

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

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1321/1350 | EP: 101/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 69/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 6] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 310/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - [Frozen/Paralyzed]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 154/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92956: Craft: 4 [No Recovery] MOB: 8  [+3+1=7 - Hit! 192+1-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 241/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92957: MOB: 5  [+3+1=7 - Hit! 192+1-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 328/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92958: MOB: 7  [+3+1=7 - Hit! 192+1-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]

Shield acknowledged Beat's observation with an incline of his head. The trend had not escaped him. Rather, in all of his time farming solo on the floor, it was rare for him to not encounter at least one such 'leader' mob each trip.

"They're especially pesky for my build," he said, gesturing with the bottom point of his shield towards the Fanged Horror which was now one of the only remaining above half health. "My parry is effective, but with the way it's timed, it's next to impossible to hit monsters that hang towards the back, which is precisely what the leaders like to do." 

To his delight, one of the enemies had been frozen, dropping to the ground with a bang and laying motionless as the effect lingered. With one fewer active enemy, it made it much easier to time the attacks of all of those remaining, including the leader. One after another, as they struck, their health diminished.

"That's the way to do it!"

Edited December 28, 2017 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Passive [+1 EN] 

Action: Weeping Moon | -15 EP

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1321/1350 | EP: 101/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 55/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 121/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92960: BD: 6 + 5 = 11 [DMG: 21 * 9 = 189]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92961: BD: 3 + 5 = 8   [DMG: 21 * 9 = 189]
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 52/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92962: BD: 5 + 5 = 10 [DMG: 21 * 9 = 189]
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 139/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92963: BD: 6 + 5 = 11 [DMG: 21 * 9 = 189]

Loot: 

ID#92961: LD : 9 + 7 = 16 CD: 9 = Uncommon Consumable + 5120 col

 

"Yeah, they tend to struggle when we take one of them out of their little equation." Beat said, his eyes on the leader as they sped around the battlefield, trying to find a good vantage point to strike at Shield. Beat used some more advanced footwork and maneuvered a tight circle around his partner, leaving the familiar yellow ring behind in his spear's wake, "Too bad we won't let you have the time to really figure us out!" 

Beat released the restraint on the yellow energy which expanded and faded rapidly, cleaving through the horrors, killing one of them. He pulled up the loot menu to  look at the spoils in advance, "Not bad, lots of col. Good call on the prosperity food." He said, swiping the menu away and smiling in acknowledgement at Shield. With that, he proceeded to maneuver around the battlefield once again, looking for his next opportunity to end the fight outright. 

Soon...

Edited December 29, 2017 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+67 HP] Recovery [+0 EN]

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

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1321/1350 | EP: 92/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 63/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 34/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92965: Craft: 5 [No Recovery] MOB: 8 [+3+1=12 - Hit! 192+1-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 -
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92966:  MOB: 6 [+3+1=7 - Hit! 192+1-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 52/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92967:  MOB: 3 [+3+1=7 - Hit! 192+1-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]

Loot

ID# 92968

LD:18+7=25

CD:11

3,840 Col, 1 F21 Intermediate Dungeon Map

"It more than justifies itself," Shield replied, watching the remaining bat creatures flit around in distress at the loss of their companions. "Since materials are just a part of my trade, I can more or less spend Col to get more materials, so typically, whatever food I make to boost Prosperity, I make back on the first kill and everything from there is just gravy."

By the time the bats had regrouped, Shield already had Beat's energy charged up. He sent it off just as they came screaming down at him, both figuratively and literally. Their fevered screeches rebounded off of the walls, but there were too few of them to create enough confusion to wrong-foot the tank, and one after another, they struck and took the punishment for their attempt. The second of the three burst into shards of light, leaving only two behind. The 'leader' seemed to be glaring at Shield, almost angry that its planning had not gone the way it had hoped.

"Not good enough," he snorted at the thing.

Edited December 29, 2017 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Passive [+1 EN]

Action: Weeping Moon | -15 EP

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1321/1350 | EP: 101/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 49/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID#92973: BD: 8 + 5 = 13 = hit [DMG: 21 * 9 = 189]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 -
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 -
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID#92974: BD: 8 + 5 = 13 = hit [DMG: 21 * 9 = 189]

Loot: 

ID#92973: LD: 4 + 7 = 11 CD: 3   = 2 T3 mats and 3840 col
ID#92974: LD: 18 + 7 = 25 CD: 6 = 5 T3 mats and 8320 col

Total Loot: 
7x T3 Mats
1x Uncommon T3 Consumable

1x [F-21] Intermediate Map

21,120 col

 

I'll have to remember that when I use some of my maps later this week." Beat said cheerfully as he took delight in the leader's frustration. He moved in a tight circle around the screeching horror, making faces and darting in and out of its reach, though he knew the creature could not be taunted into attacking anything other than the impervious Shield. 

"I wonder if floor thirty will have mobs that can switch hate targets or something. I wouldn't think the AI would actually be smart enough to prioritize targets effectively, but maybe a random targeting function." He said as he pondered the idea before intercepting the two horrors as they made their final approach, spinning and cleaving both of them in two. The creatures dispersed into red pixels and Beat smiled at the loot screen before looking to Shield, "Wow, the leader had a ton of money on him. I say we keep going. It's been too long since we really farmed for any length of time." 

Edited December 29, 2017 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+67 HP] Recovery [+0 EN]

Action: Howl [Shield: -10 EN]

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1281/1350 | EP: 83/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 49/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92977 results: Craft: 3 [NoRecovery] MOB: 8 [+3+1=12 - Hit! 192-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92978 results: MOB: 5 [+3+1=9 - Hit! 192-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg] 
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92979 results: MOB: 4 [+3+1=8 - Hit! 192-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg] 
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 640/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92980 results: MOB: 1 [Miss]

Shield nodded in agreement, though less for the original sentiment that Beat had expressed. It was true that they had not farmed together much in recent months, but in all reality, Shield needed stock for his shop. If there was nothing to identify, there was nothing to sell. Fortunately, the game made up their minds for them, and rather than having to seek new foes, another band of Fanged Horrors dropped out of the darkness above them.

With a neat pile of Col sitting in their inventory, Shield felt a good deal of confidence in the upcoming fight. He took his standard breath to unleash upon his enemies, and with a squeeze of his ribcage, he forced the air out, practically knocking the things out of the sky. "Four more loot fodder minions so to munchkin!" he called out, taunting them. "You should see what happened to the ones that came before you."

Not taking kindly to such a challenge, the pack of them charged in. All except one.

"We may have another leader," he called out to Beat, glaring at the only pristine health bar on the field.

Edited December 29, 2017 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Passive [+1 EN] 

Action: Weeping Moon + Charge | -15 EP

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1281/1350 | EP: 83/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 35/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 328/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92983: BD: 3+5 = 8   = Hit [DMG: 25 * 9 = 225]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 328/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92984  BD: 8+5 = 13 = Hit [DMG: 25 * 9 = 225]
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 328/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92985  BD: 1+5 = 6   = Hit [DMG: 25 * 9 = 225]
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 415/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92986  BD: 8+5 = 13 = Hit [DMG: 25 * 9 = 225]

"A smart one eh?" Beat said as he eyed the cautious leader intently. He could tell that the creature was calculating his next move, though Beat wasn't sure what it could be waiting for since Shield's presence was the only one that truly mattered. Even if it was trying to anticipate Beat's next move as well, it was inevitable that the one it would attack would be the player with the most threat, so it was truly just a waiting game for Beat. 

"Come on, you know you want to..." Beat said softly under his breath just before getting his wish. As the previously hesitant creature charged towards Shield, the DPS of the group intercepted it, making sure that the other three were in range as well, "Gotcha!" With short jump and a single lightning fast spin, Beat's spear cleaved through all four, leaving a clean, red gash in each of them.

Edited December 29, 2017 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+67 HP] Recovery [+0 EN]

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

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1255/1350 | EP: 74/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 43/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 241/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92987 results: Craft: 3 [No Recovery] MOB: 5 [+3+1=9 - Hit! 192-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 241/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92988 results: MOB: 4 [+3+1=8 - Hit! 192-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 328/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92989 results: MOB: 9 [+3+1=13 - Hit! 192+1-169=24 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 328/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92990 results: MOB: 5 [+3+1=9 - Hit! 192-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]

As Beat made his way to intercept, Shield was already prepared with another load of energy. He tossed the sphere of light to his partner before preparing for another attack. This time, with the leader wrong-footed from Beat's attack, Shield was easily able to shore up his defenses so that the attack would not go unpunished. However, his his focus to do so, he felt the sensation of more teeth on the back of his neck and knew that another one had found an opening.

"Four is apparently the magic number they need," he growled, reaching back and grabbing it by the scruff of the neck, hurling it off of him. It caught itself midair and swooped upward to join its flapping cohorts. "They may not all be dangerous for me on this floor, but they sure are a nuisance. We need to thin out their numbers a little, I'd say." 

Edited December 29, 2017 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Passive [+1 EN] 

Action: Weeping Moon | -15 EP

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1255/1350 | EP: 74/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 29/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 52/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92994: BD:  5 + 5 = 10 = Hit [Dmg: 21 * 9 = 189]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 52/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92995 BD:  3 + 5 = 8    = Hit [Dmg: 21 * 9 = 189]
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 139/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92996 BD:  6 + 5 = 11  = Hit [Dmg: 21 * 9 = 189]
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 139/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 92997 BD:  2 + 5 = 7    = Hit [Dmg: 21 * 9 = 189]

Beat glared at the creatures as they shrieked proudly, feeling that they were somehow in control of this fight, "Agreed..." he muttered as he charged forward, his spear shining brightly with a familiar pale yellow light as he triggered the art. He seemed to juke to the left as he approached one of the creatures, but, using the weightof his spear to change direction, he had actually used the momentum to begin spinning like a top, the ground tearing apart underneath him as his weapon propelled his spin and allowed him to quickly make his way through each of the creatures.

He finally came to a stop after the final blow, the dust he had kicked up hanging in the air as he surveyed the results of his new method of attack, "The limits of Martial Arts are a little more apparent to me now, or perhaps it was just something I needed to leave behind. This weapon seems to suit me far better."

 

Edited December 29, 2017 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+67 HP] Recovery [+6 EN]

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

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1251/1350 | EP: 71/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 37/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93002 results: Craft: 11 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 8 [+3+1=12 - Hit! 192-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93003 results: MOB: 6 [+3+1=10 - Hit! 192-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 139/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93004 results: MOB: 10 [+3+1=14 - Hit! 192+2-169=25 dmg]
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 52/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93005 results: MOB: 3 [+3+1=7 - Hit! 192-169=23 dmg, THN - 87 dmg]

Loot:

ID# 93006	LD:1+7=8	CD:5	4,480 Col
ID# 93007	LD:19+7=26	CD:4	3,840 Col, 8 T3 Materials

It was hard to argue with the decision to switch, though in his mind, it was purely tactical. True, he always remembered Beat with weapons in his hands back in their days of Crossreign, but the sheer maneuverability of fighting empty-handed seemed more to fit Beat's free-spirited nature. Shield would never complain though. The switch meant far more effective damage.

With the horrors' options running thin, they scrambled momentarily before mounting a new attack. They swirled through the air and pelted down at Shield who met them readily with his own namesake. They rebounded off of the barrier, though one of the pesky creatures had once again slipped away from the others. Shield felt the hooks in his shoulders a moment too late to avoid the bite.

"It's the one that dodged me last time," he growled. "Can they shift leaders, or did the leader just direct that attack to get in a sneak attack with another bat?"

Edited December 30, 2017 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] 

Action: Weeping Moon | -15 EP

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1251/1350 | EP: 71/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 169 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 770/910]   [Energy: 23/88]   [Dmg: 21]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Fanged Horror 1> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - 
<Fanged Horror 2> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - 
<Fanged Horror 3> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93013: BD: 8 + 5 = 13  = Hit [Dmg: 21 * 9 = 189]
<Fanged Horror 4> HP: 0/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93014  BD: 7 + 5 = 12  = Hit [Dmg: 21 * 9 = 189]

Loot: 

ID#93013: LD: 10 + 7 = 17 CD: 5 = 2 T3 Mats, 1x T3 Uncommon consumable, 3840 col

ID#93013: LD: 11 + 7 = 18 CD: 5 = 2 T3 Mats, 1x T3 Uncommon consumable, 3840 col

Total Loot:

19x T3 Mats
3x Uncommon T3 Consumable

1x [F-21] Intermediate Map

37,120 col

"Hard to say, perhaps we're just seeing an anomaly where one is always taking the lead, but it actually just teamwork that tends to favor one of them at a time and, so far, it's gotten hung up on one of them." He said, staring at the leader who was now backing away from him nervously, "Then again, just because you're the leader, doesn't mean you always steal the show, right?" He added, pointing his question at the creature as if it would answer him.  

 Beat walked towards to remaining monsters, tossing his spear from to hand, staring menacingly at the two of them, "I suppose you're about ready for this to end aren't you?" he said, glancing at his energy bar, "Well, so am I." With that, Beat charged forwards and spin on the spot between them as they turned to flee, his spear catching them both in the back and cleaving them in two. 

"More consumables...damn..." He said, wiping away the loot screen.

Edited December 30, 2017 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Swapping Gear:

-Spirit Spines
-Spirit Plate
+Finder's Keeper [Expertise - S&D]
+Seeking Aura [+3 LD]

With the air cleared and the loot dropped, Shield listened to the sounds of the cavern for clues of more approaching monsters, but after a moment of waiting, the silence of the cave persisted. With a nod, he opened his menus as began trading out his gear, replacing his armor with his earrings that served as his biggest aids in finding anything valuable.

"Let's see what new things the twenty-first floor has to offer," he thought aloud, giving his earring a flick as he began poking around, searching for anything of interest in the area. "Well, regardless of what it is that's driving the pack dynamics of the mobs up here, one thing is certain. They're a different breed up here than they were down on floor eleven."

Shield thought back to their countless tussles with ants and centipedes ten floors down from their current position and thought back on just how rudimentary the combat had been. There was hardly a memory in the game he could think of that was a more concrete example of 'hack and slash' combat.

Edited December 30, 2017 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Searching for mats: ID#93026: LD: 3 + 7 = 10 = no mats

Passive: +30 HP

"Well, I hope we can find a chest with something good in it. The last few we've found haven't been too much to write home about." Beat said, keeping his eyes peeled for valuables that liked to hide out in gemstones. Normally, the environment dictated what the different kinds of objects they could as materials were. In caves, this normally meant he could be sure to find precious stones that would fetch a fortune in real life, but were mere materials for crafting in the death game they were all trapped in. Unfortunately for Beat, he was having no luck spotting anything so far. 

"Hmm, nothing over here, you see anything?" He said, his voice echoing through the cave to his partner, hopeful that Shield was having better luck than he was. Despite his bad luck, he wore a small smile on his face, enjoying the ability to farm monsters without having to and without any real stakes other than the stakes that hung over every player's head. 

Edited December 31, 2017 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Dungeon Search: ID# 93030 results: Loot: 9+11=20 - Intermediate Dungeon

As he walked along the stone wall of the cavern, Shield kept his hand on the surface, feeling for any catches or switches that may be hidden. This served a dual purpose, as being closer to a surface meant he would see the glow of his earring more readily if it detected anything of note. After a few long moments of keeping his attention towards the stone, he lost his balance. He could not entirely process why at first, until he realized that the hand he had been somewhat leaning on was passing straight through the wall. He threw his other foot in front of him, stopping himself before he fell completely, and stumbled right through the wall.

He stood in a small passage it by eerie blue-flamed torches that ended at a door shaped like a gaping, fanged mouth resembling those of the bat creatures they had faced. He stuck his arm out through the illusory wall, beckoning to Beat.

"Hey! I found something through here," he called out. "It isn't a chest though!"

Edited December 30, 2017 by Shield