[PP-F14] The Lich's Calling

[Beat 0]

Quote

Passive: +1 EP

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

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1100/1350 | EP: 113/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:3/4/3/3] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 61/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Battle Bat 1> HP: 39/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0 - ID# 93176 - BD: 6 + 5 = 11 [DMG: 27 * 9 = 243]
<Battle Bat 2> HP: 108/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0 - ID# 93177 - BD: 6 + 5 = 11 [DMG: 27 * 9 = 243]
<Were-Bat 3> HP: 237/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 - ID# 93178 - BD: 1 + 5 - 1 + 1 = 6 [DMG: 27 * 9 = 243 - 42 = 201] Concentration Used
<Were-Bat 4> HP: 411/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 - ID# 93179 -  BD: 7 + 5  - 1 = 11 [DMG: 27 * 9 = 243 -42 = 201]

Loot:

ID#93176: LD: 16 + 7 = 23 CD: 1 = 8085 col, 4 T3 Materials

ID#93177: LD: 7 + 7 = 14 CD: 4 = 4410 col, 2 T3 Materials

Beat watched the creatures move about, noting how winded the weaker ones they had dealt with before his episode appeared to be. He moved in for the kill and fed his spear more energy that it used to leave a pale yellow streak behind him as he sped through each of the bat-like creatures, spinning like a top and using his spear like the blade of a buzzsaw. 

"Gotcha!" He said excitedly as two of the creatures screamed and dissolved into red pixels the flew away as the stronger creatures shrieked in pain and momentarily broke off their attack on Shield, retreating to the darkness the covered the upper reaches of the ceiling. 

"Go ahead and hide, I'll wait!" Beat shouted after them, grinning at his handwork with pride. He knew that their enemies would not give them much of a reprieve from their relentless assault, but it felt could to cause them to retreat. 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+67 HP] Recovery [+0 EN]  Healer [Cooldown: 3/5]

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

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1048/1350 | EP: 101/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 69/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Battle Bat 1> HP: 39/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Battle Bat 2> HP: 108/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Were-Bat 3> HP: 237/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 - ID# 93180 - Craft: 1 [No Recovery] MOB: 2 MOB: 3 [+1+1=5 - Miss]
<Were-Bat 4> HP: 324/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 - ID# 93181 -  MOB: 5 [+1+1=7 - Hit! 315-196=119 dmg - THN: 87 dmg]

Shield watched as the heavy hitters clambered their way up the walls into the dark. It seemed out of character for them. They were strategic, but not cowardly. Or at least that seemed to be the case so far. As he searched the dark with his eyes, he charged up another energy ball which he tossed in Beat's direction, still keeping his eyes upward.

Two dark masses took shape above him, and quickly. He rolled to the side, avoiding the first of the falling Were-Bats, but feeling the graze of the second creature's fist. It was one of the more effective sneak attacks Shield had seen from mobs, and to an extent, it had worked, though not well enough for the one that hit to avoid damage. He came back up onto his feet and jumped back, giving himself more room between himself and the monsters.

"Dirty trick, but nothing we can't handle," he grunted, holding up his shield as a barrier for what he hoped to be one of their last chances to attack.

Edited January 2, 2018 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EP] 

Action: Dimension Stampede | -14 EP

Concentration Cooldown: 1/5

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1048/1350 | EP: 104/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 56/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Battle Bat 1> HP: 0/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Battle Bat 2> HP: 0/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Were-Bat 3> HP: 0/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 - ID# 93186: BD: 6 + 5 - 1= 10 = Hit [DMG: 27 * 15= 405 - 42 = 363]
<Were-Bat 4> HP: 324/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 -

Loot: 

ID: 93186: LD: 19 + 7 = 26 CD: 11 = 6300 col, 1x [F-21] Intermediate Dungeon Map

"hmm" Beat narrowed his eyes at the two creatures as he considered a better strategy now that the two werebats were within single-target kill range. It made little sense to leave the two of them alive for the rest of the fight if both could be killed in the same amount of the time that an area of effect technique would take to do the job. 

"You're done!" He shouted at the bat Shield had just dodged. The beast had hit the ground harder than it had intended after missing its target and was just standing up when Beat sent the first of many strikes through its body. With each strike, the creature's health pool dwindled, its mitigation only delaying its inevitable demise. With a grunt, Beat put the 'nail in the coffin' and delivered the finishing blow, removing the werebat from the battlefield. 

"Only one left! Let's end this!" 

Edited January 2, 2018 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+67 HP] Recovery [+6 EN]  Healer [Cooldown: 4/5]

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

[H:4] Shield - HP: 996/1350 | EP: 101/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 64/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Battle Bat 1> HP: 0/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Battle Bat 2> HP: 0/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Were-Bat 3> HP: 0/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1
<Were-Bat 4> HP: 237/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 -  ID# 93188 results: Craft: 10 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 4 [+1+1=6 - Hit! 315-196=119 dmg - THN: 87 dmg]

The remaining Were-Bat looked around the battlefield. Seeing no allies, it threw back its head and opened its fanged jaws, letting out a shrill screech that was just at the edge of Shield's audible range. He could feel his spine lock up in response to the noise, not causing physical pain, but still causing him to cringe out of reflex. The bat charged, slamming its hands against the ground to propel itself forward with each lurching stride. In the few moments that Shield had, he sent off another ball of energy for Beat to replenish his waning stores.

With one last effort, it threw itself forward into the air, bringing both fists down over the top of Shield. He took a knee, holding his shield with both hands as the impact struck, sending a shock into his arms despite the extra bracing.

"He's easily within range," Shield called out. "Finish him quick!"

Edited January 2, 2018 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] 

Action: Dimension Stampede

Concentration Cooldown: 2/5

[H:4] Shield - HP: 996/1350 | EP: 101/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 63/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Battle Bat 1> HP: 0/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Battle Bat 2> HP: 0/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Were-Bat 3> HP: 0/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1
<Were-Bat 4> HP: 237/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 -  ID# 93189: BD: 1+5 -1 = 5 = Miss. -2 EP

"Right!" Beat shouted as he infused his spear with his second strongest sword art and took off, dust kicking up from the ground as he sped towards his target. Once he was in range, he struck out, targeting the seemingly unaware creature's chest. 

"What?!" Beat shouted in surprise as the creature snatched his spear and tossed it aside along with its wielder. Beat was thrown into the wall of the passage as the beast shrieked with battle vigor, proud of its momentary victory. Beat quickly recovered and rose to his feet, glaring at the creature as it stared at him, almost as if it was daring him to try again. 

"You think you can do that again?" Beat said defiantly, "Somehow I doubt it." Grinning, Beat brandished his spear at his enemy, declaring that his next hit would end the fight for good. 

You won't get the lucky twice! I promise!

Edited January 2, 2018 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+67 HP] Recovery [+6 EN]  Healer [+135 HP - Cooldown: 0/5]

Action: Parry [-5 EN]

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1198/1350 | EP: 103/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 63/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Battle Bat 1> HP: 0/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Battle Bat 2> HP: 0/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Were-Bat 3> HP: 0/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1
<Were-Bat 4> HP: 237/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 - ID# 93198 results: Craft: 10 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 1 [Miss]

It was Shield's turn to be surprised this time. If these were only the mobs of the dungeon, he knew that the boss was going to be something else entirely. Around his neck, he felt the twitching of his familiar's tail and knew that she was ready to heal him again. He gave a nod, and in response, she reared up out of his collar and struck with her fangs, sinking them deep into his virtual veins. In combination with his own natural healing, his health gauge was boosted back fairly close to full. Even if the beast were to critically strike him, it would not be a problem.

"You're a lot less dangerous without your friends," Shield growled, holding the Manticore Mask up in front of him. "This thing is a pain, but right now, that's about all we can call him. Take your time and place your shot. We're not in a hurry anymore."

Edited January 2, 2018 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] 

Concentration Cooldown: 3/5

Action: Dimension Stampede

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1198/1350 | EP: 103/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 49/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Battle Bat 1> HP: 0/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Battle Bat 2> HP: 0/735 | DMG: 252 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | EVA: 0
<Were-Bat 3> HP: 0/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1
<Were-Bat 4> HP: 0/1050 | DMG: 315 | MIT: 42 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 - ID# 93221: BD: 5 + 5 -1 = 9 = Hit [Dmg: 27 * 15 = 405 - 42= 363]

Loot: 
ID # 93221: LD: 8+7 = 15 CD: 3 = 6300 col, 2 T2 Mats

Total Loot: 
39x T3 Mats
3x Uncommon T3 Consumable

1x Rare T3 Consumable

1x T3 Perfect Armor/Shield

2x [F-21] Intermediate Map

90145 col

Beat heeded Shield's advice and took a moment to study the creature who seemed to be watching both him and the tank at the same time. This one had definitely performed better than its companions and had apparently orchestrated some of the higher level maneuvers they had seen them display so far in the battle. Floor twenty one certainly had to offer, especially inside its dungeons, where the stakes rose even higher. 

Just like in that damn arena...

None could argue that the stakes rarely got higher that th inside of the arena where Beat had been forced to fight for the lives of himself and others. With Shield's health nearly full once more, Beat's nerves calmed and the pressure was negligible once again. 

This is nothing!

He charged forward and closed the gap instantly, whistling loudly, evoking a screech from Horus who stole the creatures attention as Beat thrusted his spear through its stomach. It wailed as Beat pulled his weapon back and struck again, his eyes cold and relentless. With their enemies gone, Beat straightened up and took a deep breath, allowing himself to relax. 

"That was different."

Edited January 3, 2018 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

+45 HP - Energy Regen [1/3] Healer [Cooldown 1/5]

Shield - HP: 1243/1350 | EP: 103/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 63/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 5]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

Swapping Gear:

-Spirit Spines
-Spirit Plate
-Manticore Mask
+Raw Passion [+3 Prosperity]
+Finder's Keeper [Expertise - S&D]
+Seeking Aura [+3 LD]

Activating Mod:

Justified Riposte

Shield lowered the Manticore Mask, taking a deep breath as he straightened up. That had started as a much closer fight than he was comfortable with. It had been very infrequently that he had been been put in positions where he had to decide whether to heal or not. While he had more crystals, that could not be the strategy by which to beat whatever boss was ahead.

"Beat, you're on your own for energy on the boss fight," Shield said, his tone steady but serious. "I'm going to need to go full defensive. I have a little bit of restorative consumable in our inventory you can use if you need to, but if that's how higher level monsters fight, then the boss is going to be even worse. I think I'm going to activate my stun mod as well, so I won't be howling right away. If the boss isn't stunned, then don't attack, or he's going to swing at you next. I can absorb that first hit and buy myself time to howl properly."

It was a slight gamble that could prolong the fight, but he did not much like the idea of taking the full brunt of a boss attack any more than he could help it. He opened his menu and traded out items, hoping to maybe find something valuable before the next fight.

Edited January 3, 2018 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] 

Concentration Cooldown: 4/5

Action: Consuming Spot-On Tea T1 Rare [92916] [Acc +2] 

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1198/1350 | EP: 103/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 50/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 6]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

"RIght..." Beat said cooly, distracted by the menus he was pulling up. He was currently searching through their shared inventory to find something to help with the creatures' ability to read his movements better. If there were more elites in the next room or if the boss was anything like them, he would want to do something to further increase his already impressive precision. 

"Ah, Spot on Tea! That should do the trick." He said happily as he pressed a button on his menu and summoned a lightly steaming cup of tea into his hand. He slowly sipped the concoction, carefully studying the flavor for its contents. His training as a chef had substantially improved his palate, so he was always testing it whenever he ate something he hadn't made himself. 

"Not bad, did you find this?" He remarked to Shield, trying to lighten the mood before going into what he was sure to be the hardest encounter so far. 

[Shield 0]

Quote

+45 HP - Energy Regen [2/3] Healer [Cooldown 2/5]

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1288/1350 | EP: 103/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 50/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 6]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

Searching for mats:

ID# 93231 results: Loot: 14+12=26 - Success! [1 Material]

"I did," Shield said, glad to see someone finally using his consumables aside from himself. "I've found a number of them. I think Cardinal has a sense of humor, or at least those who programmed it does. I think it looked at my profile's age and decided I liked dad puns. All of the consumables I find are like that."

He moved to the edge of the room, wandering around in a wide perimeter to try to hit as much of the room as possible. His earring lit up after a few paces, casting a light golden glow as the golden wire inlaid in the silver hoop acted like a filament. Looking at the ground, he spotted a patch of something on the ground. He went to tap it, but his finger dipped part way into it. It was room temperature and slimy. He checked the item tag and had to hold down his lunch.

"Guano? ...REALLY!?" he coughed, tapping the menu item to store the item away. "Stupid alchemic reagents."

Edited January 3, 2018 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Quote

ID# 93238: 2 + 7 = 9 = no mats (4 Total)

Passive: +1 EP Concentration Cooldown: 5/5 Done!

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1288/1350 | EP: 103/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 51/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 6]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

Beat chuckled as he tossed the empty cup away before it dissipated in to white, luminescent pixels, "Somehow that makes sense. You sort of seem like the dad pun kind of dad." 

Beat's face wore a small smile, most likely due to the somewhat relaxed air that had settled around them despite the likelihood that they were being watched. It was a welcome change to the erratic shouting he had been spewing minutes before. He reopened his menus and continued to search for additional solutions to the power scaling, eventually looking through the skill section, potion one of the newer mods that had been added with the most recent patch. 

"Looks like I'll be taking precision after this if it gives me enough points. If nothing else, it'll give me some more options for gear." He said, reading the description of the skill and pursing his lips at his insufficient skill point pool. 

Edited January 3, 2018 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Searching for chest: ID# 93241 results: Loot: 3+12=15 - Chest found!

+45 HP - Energy Regen [3/3] Healer [Cooldown 2/5]

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1333/1350 | EP: 126/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 51/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 6]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

"Definitely," Shield replied regarding the Precision mod. "We've been lucky and haven't needed it very often, but we're getting to that point where things are going to be harder to hit, and fairly often. Especially in the fights that matter."

Shield continued wiping guano off of his fingers, not even paying attention at first to where he was walking. When he looked up, the wall was ablaze with the golden light of his earring, and behind a small collection of stalagmites, there seemed to be a recess into the wall.

"Hold the phone," he said, kneeling down behind the stone formations, lowering his head to peer inside. His earring's light fell onto a small chest that had been hiding back in the dark. "We have something back here! A chest! Keep lookout, Beat!" He got down on all fours, squeezing himself back into the hole as best he could to be able to reach the object. It was difficult to fit, but he soon found himself within arm's reach. He pulled out a golden key from his inventory, crossing his fingers.

Edited January 3, 2018 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Quote

Searching for mats: ID# 93246: LD: 16 + 7 = 23 = 1 T3 Mat found (5 Total)

Passive: 3 rounds out of combat: Full EP!

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1333/1350 | EP: 126/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 88/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 6]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

"Yeah, Mothra was insanely good at reading our attacks. We were just fortunate that it was so susceptible to stuns that we could nullify its biggest strength." Beat said, still flipping through the skills section of the menus, reading each skill thoroughly, looking for any differences in old skills that may have gotten a change or wording update that changed the way the skill would interact with other things. 

Beat's attention was completely derailed as Shield indicated the chest. The fighter excitedly ran over and turned away from Shield, following the older player's suggestion and keeping an eye out for trouble, finding the challenge of not watching the opening of the chest agonizing. His eyes scanned through the darkness that was only somewhat alleviated by the blue light from the torches that lit the walls, but his combat instincts were sharp enough that he was sure that they were in no danger, at least for the moment. 

Edited January 3, 2018 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Using Golden Key. Opening chest.

ID# 93247

LD:14+7=21

CD:5

5,400 Col, 10 T3 Materials, 1 T3 Perfect Consumable, 2 T3 Perfect Weapon

Shield held out the golden item in front of the lock, listening to the familiar clinking of light metal as it evaporated into the air. The chest popped open and a display list came up in front of the open gap. He began to read off the contents.

"Col and crafting materials, obviously," he began, thumbing through the list. "And... what's this... a consumable and two weapons, all of which are top quality and unidentified. Looks like we'll each have some goodies waiting for us once we're back in my shop."

The chest disappeared in a shattering of light shards, each of which melting into the air and disappearing altogether. He muscled his way back out, which was considerably more difficult than getting inside in the first place. With a heave, he hoisted himself back onto his feet and dusted off.

"This trip just got a lot more rewarding, eh?"

Edited January 3, 2018 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Quote

Searching for Mats: ID# 93249:  LD: 3 + 7 = 10 = no mats (5 Total)

"Hell yeah!" Beat said as he turned around and eyed the items Shield had found. It was the best haul they had found out of a chest for as long as he could remember and it was certainly a welcome change. The possibilities were endless as to what they could be and, while the consumable was far from the most interesting or exciting item in the chest, it would still likely be useful to one of them. 

"I wish we could bail and go identify those weapons now! I could really use another weapon with absolute accuracy." He said as he looked through his inventory, trying to decide what would make for a good addition to his arsenal. For him to give up his current weapon, the weapons in that chest would need to provide a significant damage boost to justify giving up the precision he had been enjoying so far. 

Edited January 3, 2018 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Swapping Gear:

+Spirit Spines
+Spirit Plate
+Manticore Mask
-Raw Passion
-Finder's Keeper
-Seeking Aura

With the discovery of the chest, and such a rich one at that, Shield felt fairly certain that the room would only yield small finds from there. With their health and energy fully restored, it was time to venture on. He pulled his menu up, returning both of his earrings and his pendant to his inventory to retrieve his shield and armor. He turned back to Beat.

"Remember," he said, his words slow and purposeful. "If we find the boss and he isn't stunned by my counterattack, hold off. Don't attack until I get the chance to pull aggro. I know it's not a complicated sentiment, but it's different from our usual plan of attack, so I wanted to be sure."

With that, he took a deep breath and struck out down the passage to the unexplored reaches of the bat infested tunnel. It had been a while since a dungeon had stuck so intently to a theme like this. It hearkened back to the ant mazes and the Egyptian tombs they had explored on lower floors. He wondered what lay in store ahead of them.

[Beat 0]

Spoiler

Searching for mats: ID# 93253: LD: 1 + 7 = 8 = no mats (5 Total)

"Right. Let's just hope the boss doesn't have any elites with him. That could get hairy really quickly for you." Beat said, returning Shield's gaze before opening his menus once again as he followed closely behind the tank. 

Everything is as good as it is going to be, so we just have to see what a dungeon boss on this floor looks like.

After only a few moments, they came to a small doorway that seemed to open into a large, open area. Their only option for forward progress was a small stone staircase that descended downwards as it protruded from the wall. The stairs were lit by the same, pale blue torches they had seen before and it followed the wall as it curved around, giving the players a good view of the vast stalactites that occasionally hung low enough to catch a little of the torch light. Eventually the spiral revealed an enormous platform at the bottom of the stairs, void of anything they could see, but certainly ominous. 

"Here we go..."

Edited January 3, 2018 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

Action: Parry [-5 EN]

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1334/1350 | EP: 126/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7 | PRO: 3
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 88/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 6]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Drac> HP: 1383/1575 | DMG: 420 [9 - 426/231 AoE] [10 - 504/252 AoE] | MIT: 105 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 [Stun]
ID# 93255 results: Craft: 3 [No Recovery] MOB: 6 [+2+1=9 - Hit! Parry Proc 420/2-196=14 dmg - Riposte - 420/2-105=105 dmg - Stunned! Cooldown: 0/3 THN: 87 dmg]

<Bat Swarm 2> HP: 640/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93256 results: MOB: 1 [Miss]
<Bat Swarm 3> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93257 results: MOB: 5 [+3+1=9 - Hit! 192-196=1 dmg - THN: 87 dmg]
<Bat Swarm 4> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93258 results: MOB: 6 [+3+1=10 - Hit! 192-196=1 dmg - THN: 87 dmg]

The platform hung in the middle of a great, bottomless chasm. It was impossible to even really see what was holding it up without sticking one's head over the edge, which Shield was not particularly eager to do. At the end of the platform, there stood an altar of some sort. It was too far at first to see clearly. Shield held out his sword to his side in an abrupt motion, silently urging Beat to hang back until he had properly started the fight. As he inched forward, the altar turned out to be not an altar but a sarcophagus.

"Oh-" Shield thought aloud, but before he could finish expressing his consternation, he felt rather than saw or heard something by his elbow. He whipped around, seeing the figure that had apparently simply appeared beside him. It was human, or something like it, though its skin was a pale blue. The features were fair and the skin was immaculately smooth. There was no malice in its eyes, but as two health bars appeared around it, the malicious intent was clear. The name simply read 'Drac.'

Shield brought up his sword and the Manticore Mask to prepare for the opening attack, but rather than charging him, the vampire silently and suddenly vanished. With a swish of clawed fingers beside his ear, Shield barely heard the attack in time. He hurled himself to the side, knocking the claws upward just as they would have pierced him. He felt the dissonant vibration from the clash through the hilt of his sword. The vampire was rooted to the spot, clutching his forearm that must have felt the same shock he had.

Out of the blackness above, three streams of bats screamed out of the darkness, swirling around the tank and enveloping him. He beat them back with his sword, but more to clear the air than anything. The thousands of tiny claws and teeth did next to nothing to harm him, while those who managed to sink their fangs in vanished in clouds of light shards.

"I'm fine! Don't worry about the bats! Just focus Drac," he called, hiding his face behind his shield.

Edited January 3, 2018 by Shield

[Beat 0]

Quote

Action: Dimension Stampede + Charge | -14 EP

[H:0] Shield - HP: 1334/1350 | EP: 126/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7 | PRO: 3
[H:0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 74/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 6]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Drac> HP: 1023/1575 | DMG: 420 [9 - 426/231 AoE] [10 - 504/252 AoE] | MIT: 105 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2: | ID# 93259- BD: 5 + 6 - 0 = 9 = hit [DMG: 31 x 15 = 465 - 105 = 360] [Stunned]

<Bat Swarm 2> HP: 640/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 -
<Bat Swarm 3> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 -
<Bat Swarm 4> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 -

Beat did as he was told and hung back, towards the opposite side of the platform, but he did take the opportunity the walk the back of the circular platform's perimeter, gauging distances and making sure he would be able to maneuver without having to look where he was going. Speed was king here and he wouldn't have time to be checking his footing in the heat of battle.

"Beside you!" Beat shouted as the vampire appeared next to Shield. The tank, handled the assault in the usual fashion, managing to stun the creature, leaving him wide open for attack. "Nice!" He shouted as he charged in, disregarding the weaker creatures and sending his spear through the pale creature how managed to see Beat, but was unable to do a thing about it. Beat's spear hit home and skewered the monster several times before the stun effect wore off. The creature vanished once again with a hiss, leaving the three henchmen behind. 

Edited January 3, 2018 by Beat

[Shield 0]

Quote

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

Action: Howl [-10 EN]

[H:4] Shield - HP: 1347/1350 | EP: 118/126 | Dmg: 2 | Acc: 0 | Eva: -1 | Mit: 196 | BH: 67 | THN: 87 | REC: 6 | LD: 7 | PRO: 3
[H:1/0/0/0] Beat   [HP: 910/910]   [Energy: 74/88]   [Dmg: 27]   [Acc: 6]   [Eva: 0]   [Mit: 0] [LD: 7] [Prosperity: 3]

<Drac> HP: 1023/1575 | DMG: 420 [9 - 426/231 AoE] [10 - 504/252 AoE] | MIT: 105 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 2 - [Stunned]

<Bat Swarm 2> HP: 553/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93260 results: Craft: 10 [Recovery Proc] MOB: 5 [+3+1=9 - Hit! 192-196=1 dmg - THN: 87 dmg]
<Bat Swarm 3> HP: 466/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93261 results: MOB: 6 [+3+1=9 - Hit! 192-196=1 dmg - THN: 87 dmg]
<Bat Swarm 4> HP: 466/640 | DMG: 192 | ACC: 3 - ID# 93262 results: MOB: 5 [+3+1=9 - Hit! 192-196=1 dmg - THN: 87 dmg]

Even though Drac had disappeared, Shield knew that it would be unable to muster itself before he could finish doing what he did best. With a deep breath, he threw back his head and howled into the air, mocking the ghastly creatures of the dungeon.

"What's the matter?" he bellowed at the bats. "Your master too cowardly to face me after such a pitiful attack?"

In all actuality, Shield had rarely felt attacks so powerful. If not for his stonewall mod, it likely would have knocked him back several feet and put his rear on the stone. In the mean time, his voice blew back the torrent of wings and clicking madness, only to have them rush back in and swallow him up once again. This time, with their anger incited, even more of the creatures fell to his defenses, bursting left and right like bubbles on blades of grass. 

Edited January 3, 2018 by Shield