Pinball 1 Posted September 17, 2019 #1 Share Posted September 17, 2019 (edited) Not a day went by after his completion of the Second Arabian Nights quest that he got another message from Ali. Pinball was a little bit surprised that he'd gotten another request so soon, considering how much time he'd had in-between the first two. But that was neither here nor there. If this was another chance for him to get a little bit stronger before doing what he had to do, then he'd jump on the oppurtunity. But god, was he tired. Pinball was wearing his disguise, now. He had to grow accustomed to it somehow, and wearing it on quests seemed like the easiest way to do that. Stifling a yawn as Pinball traveled up the floors, one by one, taking the longest route possible to make his way to his destination. Walking was something that, unlike the disguise, he was used to. But it took time, and as he walked the sun began to set, slowly ducking below the edge of the floors of Aincrad. Player Stats: Spoiler ~Skills/Stats~ Level: 56 Health: 1120 | Energy: 112 DMG: 15 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 Skills: Combat skills: ►N/A Weapon skills: ►<<2H Assault Spear>> [50/50]: Rank 5 - Grandmaster ►<<1H Straight Sword>> [50/50]: Rank 5 - Grandmaster Armor skills: ►N/A Extra skills: ►<<Familiar Mastery: Fighter>> [18/18]: Rank 3 - Grandmaster ►<<Martial Arts>> [0/50]: N/A ►<<Survival>> ~ Active Utility Skills: ►<<Hiding>> [50/50]: Rank 5 - Grandmaster ►<<Extended Mod Limit>> [2/10]: Rank 1 - Novice Modifiers: ►[Active] <<2H Assault Spear: Ferocity>>: +1 Base DMG ►[Active] <<2H Assault Spear: Finesse>> ~ Rank 3 ►[Active] <<Sneak Attack: Assassin>> ►[Active] <<Hiding: Vanish>> ►[Active] <<Hiding: Untraceable>> ►[Active] <<Hiding: Blindside>> Inventory »[Equipped] [Demonic] Cold Fervor: +2 Freeze, Phase, Cursed »[Equipped] [Perfect] Dragon’s Skin: +3 EVA »[Equipped] [Perfect] Warrior’s Focus: +3 ACC Battle Ready: » [3x] Teleportation Crystal » [2x] Greater Curative Potion: +120 HP » [5x] Spinach-Artichoke Dip: +2 EVA » [5x] Hummus Dip: +2 Acc » [Uncommon OHSS] Tyrfing: Absolute Accuracy House Buffs: Spoiler Housing Buffs: “Well Rested”: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat “Squeaky Clean”: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down) “Filling”: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30 “Relaxed”: Increases HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. “Item Stash”: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot Edited November 9, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted September 18, 2019 Author #2 Share Posted September 18, 2019 Making his way to this inn felt weirdly similar to the last time he'd been summoned by Ali. He had to travel across a floor, get to the town in question, sneak inside, and then find the actual meeting place. If Floor 13 hadn't been such a creepy graveyard of a floor, he'd be worried about even getting inside. Security tended to be a bit on the lax side around there, though, so he had no trouble slipping through the openings the guards of the settlement left wide open. Choking Neo's buffs down as he snuck through the town, Pinball was quick to find the inn and even quicker to enter. His disguise equipped, he brushed a few strands of white hair out of his eyes before really taking in his surroundings. This time, the inn was full. It must have doubled as a bar, because, well, everyone was drunk. Absolutely wasted. The drunkest of the croud were none other than Ali and his recently rescued friend, Cassin. Consuming Buffs: Unique Consumable - Troll’s Blood: +2 DMG Meal - Tofu Burger: +2 DMG {House Buff: Filling} -> +3 DMG Snack - Spinach-Artichoke Dip: +2 EVA Snack - Hummus Dip: +2 ACC Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted September 18, 2019 Author #3 Share Posted September 18, 2019 And they were shouting up a storm. "Slander!" proclaimed Ali with all of his might. Even then, his voice was practically drowned out by the uproarious sounds of the NPCs around them. Cassin nodded with a drunken grin, emphasizing by slamming a half-emptied mug onto the counter. "Aye, brother! Those filthy thieves, spreading lies about us!" Were these NPCs ever not drinking? They reminded him of his dad. That's when Ali noticed him - a glance, at first, and he turned away for a moment, but quickly reverted his gaze, wide-eyed and smiling. "Kobold, my friend! Morgiana, this is Kobold! Come, come, come!" He beckoned Pinball forward. Morgiana, it would appear, was a pissed off looking redhead staring off into space. How much did they pay her-? "Can I rely on your skills once more, friend-?" Ali whispered, before Pinball even had a chance to sit down. It seemed like Ali wasn't in too much of a friendly mood. It was kind of a nice change, honestly. At least he wouldn't have to awkwardly make his way through another poorly scripted conversation. Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted September 18, 2019 Author #4 Share Posted September 18, 2019 Skip ahead. Pinball accepted the quest, Morgiana was sent along with him to help fight the group of thieves or whatever (apparently she was not Ali's hussy), and they were off. Again, in search of a cave - and again, seeking out some sort of closely guarded secret that only god knows why is relevant to the questline. The Three Nights felt more like standalones, than anything. He wasn't sure why they could only be followed in a certain order, other than the fact that there were different NPCs asking you to do the quest. The thieves got progressively stronger, maybe? The rewards got better? He wasn't quite sure. But he certainly wasn't going to ask Morgiana about her friends' poor business ventures. She was passive aggressive from the start. Always two feet ahead of him, always avoiding looking at him when she could help it. But Pinball didn't care. He kind of liked the silence. He just wished that he could go at it alone. Like, completely alone. So he was sort of annoyed. Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 9, 2019 Author #5 Share Posted November 9, 2019 (edited) "A true warrior wouldn't cower the way you seem to," Morgiana would say, her back turned to him. Pinball didn't know how to react. NPC dialogue was usually scripted, right? So he figured it was just best to go along with it. He shrugged, one hand holding his spear up against his shoulder, the other in his pocket. "Really," he huffed, unamused. "Yes, really," the redhead practically spat, "it's a wonder you've survived this long, shrinking like you do when a boot crushes a leaf." "Mmhm." After that, it didn't seem like she had much to say to him... but lo and behold, this sort of conversation would happen three more times before they even found the cave. You're tired, you're slow, you're ugly, you're stupid. The insults never stopped, and it felt like they only got worse and worse as time went on, the quality of the jabs deteriorating along with Pinball's patience. By the time they were ambushed by the bandits, Morgiana was on thin ice, to say the least. Edited November 9, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 9, 2019 Author #6 Share Posted November 9, 2019 (edited) The Elder Bandits came down on them without warning; no sound, no sight, no smell until they appeared, their heads wrapped in cloth, each dressed identically in black and clutching daggers in their left hands. A few choice slurs popped into Pinball's mind, none of which he capitalized on at the moment. It really wasn't his style. Silently, both parties threw themself into the fray. Pinball's spear cut through each of them in a flash, a whirlwind of ice, purple energy, and a shadowy trail. Morgiana, on the other hand, seemed to focus on a single target. Namely, the one he'd missed with his AoE. The girl through what looked like a weak uppercut to the stomach, sending the bandit reeling in a blaze of embers. The Elder staggered before falling to one knee, fire eating at his torso, pitifully and absolutely Stunned. Though the Elder Bandits had tried to use the element of surprise to their advantage, they'd quickly found themselves overwhelmed by the sheer force of the lone NPC and her PC follower. Action Taken: Sword Art - [Weeping Moon] [-11 EN/+1 EN] {Well Rested} Elder Bandit Group: ID#128390 BD: 7-5= 3 (Miss!) Elder Bandit 1: ID#128391 BD: 8+5= 13 (Hit!) ~ 23*9= 207-36= 171 DMG + FREEZE Elder Bandit 2: ID#128392 BD: 7+5= 12 (Hit!) ~ 23*9= 207-36= 171 DMG Elder Bandit 3: ID#128393 BD: 4+5= 9 (Hit!) ~ 23*9= 207-36= 171 DMG Elder Bandit 4: ID#128395 BD: 1 (Critical Miss!) Morgiana's Attack: ID#128396 BD: 9 (Crit+1) ~ 33*3*1= 99-36= 63 DMG + STUN + 24 BURN to [ELDER BANDIT 4] [H:3] Pinball: 1120/1120 HP | 102/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ | Phase [H:2] Morgiana: 645/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 65 MIT | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 8-10/24 Burn / 2/T2 Flame Aura Elder Bandit 1: 219/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD [FROZEN] Elder Bandit 2: 219/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD Elder Bandit 3: 219/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD Elder Bandit 4: 313/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD [STUNNED] [BURNED 1/2] Edited November 9, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 9, 2019 Author #7 Share Posted November 9, 2019 (edited) The fight was going Pinball's way, and that much was obvious from the beginning. Though the Elder Bandits carried their weapons in a way that demanded respect - at least, in terms of monsters - Pinball was stronger. He was faster. And he was better with his weapon than both the NPC following him and the Elder Bandit mobs before him. To say the Elder Bandits were trying their damndest to turn the tide would be an understatement; unfortunately, there was no tide for them to turn. Pinball and the follower were a force of nature, and there was no stopping them once they charged into action. They each took turns striking, slashing, punching, and stabbing, in a dance of ice, fire, shadow, and light. The health of the enemy party fell in turn. They could barely defend themselves. It was in Pinball's best interest to beat them now - they were more nuisances than anything, and if this questline had taught him anything, it was that there's always a boss at the end of the tunnel. Er, or the cave. Action Taken: Sword Art - [Weeping Moon] [-11 EN/+1 EN] {Well Rested} Elder Bandit Group: ID#128397 BD: 10 (Crit+2) ~ Elder Bandit 1/2 Tri Pierce - 25*3= 75 DMG + 24 BLEED + 24 BLEED Elder Bandit 1: ID#128402 BD: 1 (Critical Miss!) Elder Bandit 2: ID#128403 BD: 8+5= 13 (Hit!) ~ 23*9= 207-36= 171 DMG Elder Bandit 3: ID#128404 BD: 6+5= 11 (Hit!) ~ 23*9= 207-36= 171 DMG Elder Bandit 4: ID#128405 BD: 2+5= 7 (Hit!) ~ 23*9= 207-36= 171 DMG Morgiana's Attack: ID#128406 BD: 6+2= 8 CD: 9 (Hit!) ~ 30*1*1= 30-36= 1 DMG + STUN to [ELDER BANDIT 1] [H:6] Pinball: 997/1120 HP | 92/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ | Phase [BLEED 1/2] [H:3] Morgiana: 645/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 65 MIT | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 8-10/24 Burn / 2/T2 Flame Aura Elder Bandit 1: 218/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 4 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD [STUNNED] Elder Bandit 2: 48/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD Elder Bandit 3: 48/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD Elder Bandit 4: 118/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD [STUNNED] [BURNED 2/2] Edited November 9, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 9, 2019 Author #8 Share Posted November 9, 2019 (edited) The battle lasted all of fifteen seconds. One after another the bandits fell, whether it be to an icy stab or a fiery punch. They dropped their daggers, their black garb ripped to shreds and their morale likely equally so. There was a brief moment after each one of their Health Bars' hit zero where they paused, falling to one knee, clutching their stomachs like they'd hurl. And that was when they burst into shards, turning what was to Pinball tangible data into dust. The group of bandit leaders' weapons lingered on Aincrad for just a moment longer than their owners, though soon after they, too, disappeared. Pinball took a step back, gave his spear an experimental twirl, and brought it to rest on his shoulder. Even if Cold Fervor was somehow destroyed - which had only happened once before, mind you - it was Cursed, and would reappear in his hands in the blink of an eye. Action Taken: Sword Art - [Weeping Moon] [-13 EN/+1 EN] {Well Rested} Elder Bandit Group: ID#128410 BD: 5-5= 0 (Miss lol bye bye) Elder Bandit 1: ID#128411 BD: 4+5= 9 (Hit!) ~ 23*9= 207-36= 171 DMG Elder Bandit 2: ID#128412 BD: 8+5= 13 (Hit!) ~ 23*9= 207-36= 171 DMG Elder Bandit 3: ID#128413 BD: 7+5= 12 (Hit!) ~ 23*9= 207-36= 171 DMG Elder Bandit 4: ID#128414 BD: 4+5= 9 (Hit!) ~ 23*9= 207-36= 171 DMG Morgiana's Attack: ID#128415 BD: 8+2= 10 CD: 1 ~ 30*3*1= 90-36= 54 DMG to [ELDER BANDIT 1] [H:10] Pinball: 973/1120 HP | 80/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ | Phase [BLEED 2/2] [H:4] Morgiana: 645/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 65 MIT | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 8-10/24 Burn / 2/T2 Flame Aura Elder Bandit 1: 0/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD Elder Bandit 2: 0/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD Elder Bandit 3: 0/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD Elder Bandit 4: 0/400 HP | 15 (20/25) DMG | 36 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 Savvy | 8-10/24 BLD Edited November 9, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 9, 2019 Author #9 Share Posted November 9, 2019 (edited) "You are weak." Morgiana delivered the finishing blow to the Elder Bandit, reducing it to nothing more than digital ash. "I'm... sorry?" "No apologies," she spat. As soon as the words left her mouth, a window appeared in front of Pinball. An invitation, to a Half-Loss Duel, issued by this NPC. "Actions speak louder than words, coward." Coward? Pinball knew he was a pretty big coward, sure, but... what exactly had he done here? What would happen if he declined the duel? It was probably a part of the quest, right? So many questions ran through his head in that instant, a good amount of which would go unanswered. Without missing a beat, Pinball came to a decision. "...Whatever. You've been annoying me anyway." A click, and it was started - no timers, no time for second guessing. Morgiana might be strong - and she might give him a good amount of experience if she kicked the bucket. He didn't need a follower. Action Taken: Sword Art - [Dimension Stampede] [-13 EN/+1 EN] {Well Rested} Pinball: ID#128416 BD: 4+5= 9 (Hit!) ~ 23*15= 345-89= 256 DMG Morgiana: ID#128417 BD: 6-3= 3 (Miss!) Pinball: 953/1120 HP | 68/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ | Phase [FLAMES: 20 DMG] Morgiana: 389/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 89 MIT | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 20 Flames | 8-10/24 Burn OOC: For my own sanity i split up flame aura damage and mitigation, adding it to the total mit since the effect is the same Edited November 11, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 9, 2019 Author #10 Share Posted November 9, 2019 (edited) The fierceness of the clash was... underwhelming. Morgiana didn't even land a hit. Pinball was too quick, and her attempted strikes were lacking in both speed and power. Pinball didn't let up one bit, though. He was out for blood. Except not really. As they clashed, they were just as quickly thrust apart. Pinball never made the first move. As he skidded to a stop, he froze, waiting patiently for the NPC to come back to try and follow up. For a moment, she didn't. "The strength of the weak is endearing," the redheaded girl said with a grimace, "but I am not one to be swayed so easily." "Okay...?" Morgiana launched herself forward once more, her blazing gauntlets leaving a trail of embers behind her. In turn, Pinball snapped his spear forward, sending a simple thrust towards her chest. This movement gave her pause, if only for a moment, and she managed to stop and swerve out of the way. The blow only nicked her armor. It was becoming more and more evident that Pinball was toying with her. Action Taken: Sword Art - [Mighty Charge] [-3 EN/+1 EN] {Well Rested} Pinball: ID#128418 BD: 6+5= 11 (Hit!) ~ 23*4= 3 DMG Morgiana: ID#128419 BD: 3 (Miss) Pinball: 953/1120 HP | 66/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ | Phase [FLAMES: 20 DMG] Morgiana: 389/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 89 MIT | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 20 Flames | 8-10/24 Burn OOC: For my own sanity i split up flame aura damage and mitigation, adding it to the total mit since the effect is the same Edited November 11, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 9, 2019 Author #11 Share Posted November 9, 2019 (edited) And yet still she came back for more. In a way, the ladies just couldn't get enough of him, huh? Yikes. Morgiana went for a straight jab, trying to dance around the spearsman to distract him from the actual punch. It didn't work. In a flash, Pinball's spear was spinning through the air, one hand always on the weapon, like he was on the color guard. He caught the spear with his other hand, locking it into place, just as the punch landed, impacting the wood. Cold Fervor let out a grown under the force. Morgiana's teeth were bared. She was visibly sweating. Pinball was unimpressed. SNAP! Cold Fervor finally gave, snapping in half like a pencil. Morgiana, thinking this was an attack, leapt backwards as Pinball discarded the two broken segments. They disappeared in a flash of blue light, reforming once more into Pinball's hands. It was a weapon that would never fail him. Action Taken: Sword Art - [Dancing Spear] [-1 EN/+1 EN] {Well Rested} Pinball: ID#128420 BD: 1 (Miss) Morgiana: ID#128421 BD: 5 (Miss) Pinball: 953/1120 HP | 66/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ | Phase Morgiana: 389/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 89 MIT | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 20 Flames | 8-10/24 Burn Edited November 11, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 9, 2019 Author #12 Share Posted November 9, 2019 (edited) Another exchange was soon to follow. Morgiana just wouldn't let up. She hopped in place, audibly sighing as she searched for an opening - anywhere - on the boy in front of him. The only problem was, he was never NOT wide open. Pinball's stance was relaxed, like he wasn't even fighting. After an attack, his spear would always come to rest on his shoulder, the other hand being placed firmly in his pocket or to the side similarly. It was hard to exploit someone who was by all means easily exploitable. But there was no hesitation in his strikes. There was no instant where he wasn't able to snap his spear into place just where it needed to be, despite seemingly being at ease only moments before. The only thing for her to do, then, was to bite the bullet. Morgiana rushed forward, her fists raised... ... ...and before she could process what had just happened, she was facedown in the dirt behind him. Action Taken: Sword Art - [Dancing Spear] [-6 EN/+1 EN] Pinball: ID#128422 BD: 5+5= 10 (Hit!) ~ 23*6= 138-89= 49 DMG Morgiana: ID#128423 BD: 3 (Miss!) Pinball: 933/1120 HP | 61/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ | Phase [FLAMES: 20 DMG] Morgiana: 340/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 89 MIT | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 20 Flames | 8-10/24 Burn Edited November 11, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 9, 2019 Author #13 Share Posted November 9, 2019 (edited) Morgiana was quick to her feet, swiping the dirt off her face in one moment, her gauntlets raised in the next. She spun around, ready to defend against an attack, but Pinball was gone. The only thing that left of him were faint trails of shadow, rising into the air like smoke, but even those, too, were gone in seconds. "Come out, you filthy coward!" Morgiana cried, her head snapping from one place to the other. "This is exactly what I mean! You fight with no honor! Like a caged animal, you indiscriminately scratch and claw at your enemies! You lack precision! Empathy! You lack the very thing that makes you human, in combat and out!" There would be no response. Morgiana was absolutely seething, practically frothing from the mouth out of nothing but pure frustration. How could she possibly be losing to someone like this? To this skinny, gloomy looking young man? To this monster? Action Taken: [Vanish] [-6 EN/+1 EN] Pinball: ID#128425 LD: 13+7= 20 Stealth Rating Morgiana: ID# (Beats Passive Detection) Pinball: 933/1120 HP | 56/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ | Phase {Vanish 1/3} Morgiana: 340/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 89 MIT | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 20 Flames | 8-10/24 Burn Edited November 11, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 9, 2019 Author #14 Share Posted November 9, 2019 (edited) Try as she might, Morgiana wasn't able to find Pinball. The fighter left no trace behind, no sound to tip her off in his direction. For the first time in her programmed 'life,' there was nothing that Morgiana was able to do. And then the air shifted. Time seemed to almost slow down. A chill ran up her back. She twisted, slowly, ever-so-slowly... ...and looked death in the face. Pinball emerged from nothing but fiery shadows, like a demon ripping its way out of Hell. Morgiana knew that this was the end. Her health was too low - the warrior had been holding back the entire fight. But that purple glow was the same attack he'd used to start. The very same attack that'd practically ripped her to shreds. Her entire body flinched, preparing for the end. How could she lose to this weakling? This man who held himself without even the smallest amount of dignity? She felt blow after blow impact her head on. She couldn't bare to watch. And then everything stopped. She opened her eyes. Morgiana was lying prone now, staring up at the stoic face of Pinball. His spear rested on his shoulder, and seeing her come to consciousness, he flicked his chin. "Come on. We're finishing the job." Action Taken: Sword Art - [Dimension Stampede] [-14 EN/+1 EN] // SNEAK ATTACK! +3 DMG, -1 ACC TO TARGET Pinball: ID#128426 BD: 6+3= 9 (Hit!) LD: 18+7= 25 Stealth Rating ~ 23+3= 26*15= 390-89= 301 DMG Morgiana: ID# Pinball: 913/1120 HP | 43/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ | Phase {Vanish 2/3} [20 FLAMES] Morgiana: 39/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 89 MIT | 1 ACC | 2 EVA | 20 Flames | 8-10/24 Burn Edited November 11, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 11, 2019 Author #15 Share Posted November 11, 2019 (edited) And without another word, Pinball was off. He walked away like nothing had even happened. Morgiana was shocked - shocked and confused. By all means, she should be dead. The man who'd bested her was supposed to grant her that. It was the fate of those unfortunate enough to fall in battle. That was just the way things were; the way things should be. It was infuriating to know that even on her last legs, this man would not grant her even that favor. She pushed to her feet and followed him. Pinball was a slow walker, so the girl caught up with minimum effort. "I will fight by your side," Morgiana hissed, "but I do not - and will not - respect you as a warrior. You are below me. It is best that you remember that, child." She sped off in front of him - which honestly, was all well and good. It spared Pinball the ceaseless insults she'd throw her way if she wasn't. Hopefully now he could get some peace and quiet. Searching for Cave: ID#128796 LD: 6 (Failure) +60 HP // EN 1/2 +20 HP to Morgiana (T2 Out of Combat Healing) Edited November 11, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 11, 2019 Author #16 Share Posted November 11, 2019 (edited) Wordlessly traveling along a dusty, eerily quiet dirt road, Pinball equipped his old cloak. In a brief burst of vibrant energy, the raggedy, hooded scraps of his first guild's uniform materialized around him. He remembered the day he had this thing made like it was yesterday. It had seen better days, for sure - but it held memories that Pinball sometimes found himself wishing he could relive. The Emerald Harbingers. What had ever happened to them? It felt surreal to even think about. Atzo, the leader at the time, had invited Pinball to join when he needed it the most. Way back when he'd still fought with a dagger. Before all of the heartbreak and killing. Back when times were simpler. Easier, on the mind and on the heart. In the distance, there loomed a cave. Dug into the side of a mountain, displaced sand hanging lazily over its entrance like a fog. Swapping: Cold Fervor: +2 Freeze, Phase, Cursed [FOR] Cloak of the Harbingers - +3 LD Searching for Cave: ID#128798 LD: 18+3= 21 (Success! Cave found!) +60 HP // EN 2/2 +20 HP to Morgiana Edited November 11, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 11, 2019 Author #17 Share Posted November 11, 2019 "Stay here. You'll die." Blunt and to the point. Pinball really did have a way with the ladies. It was too bad, then, that Morgiana was practically programmed to throw herself at the enemy. They both knew what was lurking ahead - some sort of Cave Guardian. It was and has been the golden rule of this quest line. There was always a cave, and there was always a creature guarding that cave. But the difference between Pinball and Morgiana was that one of them was concerned for the others' rapidly approaching demise. That is, of course, if he couldn't convince her to ease up a little. She was set in her ways. His words fell on deaf ears. "Then I will die a warrior's death," she replied, unfaltered by his warning. "An honorable thing I pray you never have the chance to experience." Pinball frowned. He didn't understand why throwing your life would ever be considered an honorable thing. Swapping: Cloak of the Harbingers: +3 LD [FOR] Cold Fervor: +2 Freeze, Phase, Cursed +60 HP +20 HP to Morgiana Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 11, 2019 Author #18 Share Posted November 11, 2019 (edited) From the earth erupted the aptly named Cave Guardian. It was... a large scorpion. How unique? Pinball gave his weapon a twirl as Morgiana bum-rushed the thing, gauntlets literally blazing. But the Cave Guardian reacted even before she closed the distance. The eruption had kicked up sand, and now the monster was using that as a sort of tornado - each tiny particle of sand hit Pinball like hail, eating away at chunks of his health. The recovery he'd managed to accumulate during his brief respite had all but been reversed, leaving him just as beaten up as he'd been at the end of his fight with Morgiana. The redheaded girl herself took more of a beatdown than Pinball did. It looked like the sand inflicted them with some sort of poison debuff - a DoT effect that would spell certain doom for the girl who'd been so intent on going out like a warrior. It was funny, then, that she'd die like heroes of old. Poisoned; essentially stabbed in the back, their life dragged away from them in a display that was pathetic in when juxtaposed by their accomplishments. Good for her. Action Taken: Sword Art - [Dimension Stampede] [-13 EN/+1 EN] {Well Rested} Cave Guardian - Tornado Twist: 175 Mitigable DMG to Pinball and Morgiana // 20 Flame Aura DMG to Cave Guardian Cave Guardian: ID#128801 BD: 7+4= 11 (Hit!) ~ 23*15= 345-65= 280 DMG Morgiana: ID#128802 BD: 1 (Crit Miss!) [H:1] Pinball: 906/1120 HP | 100/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ [ENVENOM: 1/4] [H:0] Morgiana: 1/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 89 MIT | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 20 Flames | 8-10/24 Burn [ENVENOM: 1/4] Cave Guardian: 435/735 HP | 150 DMG | 65 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA | [2 Slots] T2 Offensive Envenom | [2 Slots] T2 Defensive Envenom Edited November 12, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 12, 2019 Author #19 Share Posted November 12, 2019 (edited) Only seconds later, Morgiana's digital life was snuffed out by the Cave Guardian's Envenom. Pinball grit his teeth, spinning his spear and snapping his weapon into place. Two more hits? One more, maybe, if he Vanished and got lucky. But that was a waste of time. Pinball didn't need to Vanish. He wasn't in any danger, and this was something he could finish himself. Even now, only moments after it used the skill that spelled the death of Morgiana, Pinball could see another one in the works. It was charging up for another round. He wouldn't let it get that far. Pinball unleashed a second Dimension Stampede, a burst of bright purple light, ice, and shadow mingling with the sandy haze in the air. When the dust settled, Pinball stepped back, twirling his spear some more, revealing a frozen solid scorpion. Pinball exhaled sharply. Didn't they actually make scorpion lollipops? He could have sworn he read it in a magazine or something once. Action Taken: Sword Art - [Dimension Stampede] [-13 EN/+1 EN] {Well Rested} Cave Guardian - Tornado Twist: Cooldown [1/2] Cave Guardian: ID#128839 BD: 9 (Crit+1) ~ 24*15= 360-32= 328 DMG + FREEZE Morgiana: ID# [H:3] Pinball: 894/1120 HP | 88/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ [ENVENOM: 2/4] [H:0] Morgiana: 0/645 HP | 30 (33/35) DMG | 89 MIT | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 20 Flames | 8-10/24 Burn [ENVENOM: 2/4] Cave Guardian: 107/735 HP | 150 DMG | 65 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA | [2 Slots] T2 Offensive Envenom | [2 Slots] T2 Defensive Envenom [FROZEN] Edited November 12, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
Pinball 1 Posted November 12, 2019 Author #20 Share Posted November 12, 2019 (edited) Another brief exchange, and it was done as quick as it had started. The Cave Guardian fell to Pinball's Cold Fervor, pieces that once made up its body shattered into oblivion. Pinball stepped back, resting his spear on his shoulder. The Cave Guardian had only lasted three attacks? And Morgiana had fallen to the very first. Like he'd told her. Oh, well. Pinball stepped out and away from the cave. NPCs were strange. Some were intelligent; barely distinguishable from humans, when it came down to it. Take the Dark Elf Council. It was the perfect example of human-like mobs. So human-like, in fact, that it'd caused a split between the frontliners. A split that still hadn't fully mended. Other NPCs were, well, like Morgiana. Stubborn. A one-track mind. Programmed replies and statements. Barely any variety to them as characters. It was nearly always obvious which NPC Kayaba favored over another. Action Taken: Sword Art - [Dimension Stampede] [-13 EN/+1 EN] {Well Rested} Cave Guardian - Tornado Twist: Cooldown [2/2] Cave Guardian: ID#128845 BD: 10 (Crit+2) ~ 25*15= 375-32= 343 DMG + FREEZE + Oh its dead [H:5] Pinball: 882/1120 HP | 76/112 EN | 23 DMG | 5 EVA | 5 ACC | 8-10/36 FRZ [ENVENOM: 3/4] Cave Guardian: 0/735 HP | 150 DMG | 65 MIT | 3 ACC | 1 EVA | [2 Slots] T2 Offensive Envenom | [2 Slots] T2 Defensive Envenom [FROZEN] Edited November 12, 2019 by Pinball Link to post Share on other sites
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