[SP-F4 & F24] <<Essence of Steel>> We built this home on monster bones

[Baldur 0]

The cold stung as Baldur stepped out of the warmth of Mari's home. It had been a surreal afternoon. He had originally come out here to think, and then move on to attempt getting another Essence of steel for his spare katana, but he had been waylaid by finding out that that was not, in fact, the BGM for the floor, but rather the self-esteemless Mari. She had been delightful company, when she hadn't suddenly gone into bouts of self-flagellation and depression. Hopefully the advice he had given her, and her home, and her new friends would help rebuild her self-esteem and worth and she could come back out of her shell. With how much of a recluse she seemed to be, he doubted they would ever cross paths again unless he came to her house.

Only time will tell.

Baldur took the all too familiar path down to the bones that would summon the <<Frost Beast>> and see if it was free to spawn, or if someone else had gotten it already.

Thankfully, the bones seemed to be tarettable, which meant he could summon the mob. Usually there were players camped out here to harvest the precious stone that would let you upgrade equipment. The cold did seem to damper those who hadn't taken the Survival skill yet.

Without fear, Baldur walked up to the bones and kicked them, it should be enough to summon the monster. Then, with a pre-animated cinematic flare, the monster seemed to tear its way free from the ice beneath the bones.

Baldur didn't even give the creature a chance to act. He was waiting, and with his simple <<charge>> <<Iai>> the monster was dead and dropped him the precious <<Essence of Steel>>.

That's the last one I need for now. I can finally get this other Katana ready to use.

---

<<Baldur>> HP: 1350/1350 EN: 122/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC
<<Frost Beast>> HP 0/250 DMG 160 - Partial Phase: attacks always deal a minimum of 24 DMG

ID#138498 BD:4+6=10 (hit)
Iai: 22+5=27*15=297 DMG Dealt, -10 NRG (rested)
MD: 1(miss)

Baldur Stats for Thread

Spoiler

» Baldur, The Gaijin Samurai

• Modified HP: 1350
• Modified EN: 132
• Modified MIT: 94
• Modified ACC: 6
• Modified DMG: 22
• Modified EVA: 3
• Battle Heal: 54
• Search: +3
• Temp Buff: +2 DMG Potion (T2)
• Temp Buff: +2 ACC Food
• Temp Buff: +3 LD
• Temp Buff: +3x prosperity
• Kitchen: +1x prosperity

» Base Stats

• Base HP: 1350
• Base EN: 132
• Base MIT: 79
• Base ACC: 3 (4 and does not automatically miss on 1s with Warden's Fury)
• Base DMG: 19 (with fighting familiar)
• Muramasa Base DMG: 22 (No bonus from familiar)
• Base EVA: 3
• Battle Heal: 53 HP
• Search: +0

» Items Equipped:

• Warden's Fury - Absolute Accuracy/2 Paralyze
• OR Muramasa - +12 Damage
• Montsuki haori - 54 DMG MIT/+1 EVASION
• Emerald Teardrop - +2 ACC/+1 EVASION
• Hammerspace Backpack (HB) +1 BR item (allows stacks up to 7)

» Battle-Ready Inventory:

• Muramasa or Warden's Fury
• Basic Teleportation Crystal ^x1 | Good Item | Teleports player to the Town of Beginnings
• Max Mass HP Recovery Crystal ^x7 | Perfect T2 Item | +30*Target Tier (30/60/90)
• Max T2 HP Recovery Crystal II ^x5 | Perfect T2 Item | +180 HP
• Safeguard Potion ^x3 | Perfect Tier 1 | Safeguard
• HB: Lucky Rabbits Foot | Perfect Tier 1 Trinket | +3 LD
• EWL: Medium Evasion Snack | Rare Tier NA | Grants +2 Evasion
• EWL: Immolation Potion | Merchant Item | 30 thorns Damage
• EWL: Max T1 Mitigation Crystal | Perfec Tier 1 | +15 Mitigation
• Closet:

» Housing Bonus:

• Rested: -1 Energy on first 2 uses
• Filling: Add 1 extra slot to food
• Item Stash: +1 Battle Ready Inventory slot
• Relaxed: Out of Combat regen 5*Tier and recover all energy in 2 turns

» Skills:

• Searching | Rank 0/5 | +0 Bonus to LD, +0 to Stealth Detect
• Battle Healing | 4 Rank | While in combat, recover 1% per rank (45HP) at the beginning of your turn
• Charge | 5 ranks | +1 base damage per rank (+5 damage) once per opponent per combat
• One Handed Curved Sword | Rank 1/5 | Novice
• Katana | Rank 5/5 | Grand Master
• Light Armor | 5 Rank | +25 Mitigation
• Concentration | No Ranks | Gain +1 BD for a single attack | 5 Turn Cooldown
• Familiar Mastery: Fighter |  3 Ranks | +9 base damage (Does not stack with equipment)
• Survival | Purchased |  Increases out of combat health regen to (15xTier) 45 per post
• Extended Weight Limit | Purchased | Increases Battle Ready Inventory by 3
• Parry | Purchased | 3 Turn Cooldown | 5 Energy | Reduces incoming damage by 50%
• Quick Change | Purchased | Swap Equipment as a free action | 3 Turn Cooldown

» Mods:

• Athletics: +1 DMG +30 HP
• Katana Precision: +1 to Accuracy
• Katana Ferocity: +1 damage on katana sword arts
• Sprint & Acrobatics: +1 Evasion
• Finesse: Rank 3 | -3 Energy cost to sword arts

Quest for Thread

Spoiler

Floor 4
<<The Essence of Steel>>
Recommended Level: 20
Repeatable only to acquire the Essence of Steel item drop

Rewards:

• 1 SP (first completion only)
• Last Hit Item: <<Essence of Steel>> [Unique Item]*: Use to enhance one weapon, armor, or accessory and increase its rarity by one level. [ex. An Uncommon Weapon becomes a Rare Weapon]. Only one Essence of Steel is dropped in a thread.

Requirements:

• At least 1 page of RP (20+ posts)
• Defeat the <<Frost Beast>>

Summary:

In the vast frozen wastelands of Floor Four there lies the skull of what once must have been a huge beast. Reaching four feet from the ground, with pale ivory coated in a thin blanket of powdery snow, the bone is thick with a huge square jaw that shows off lengthy rows of serrated teeth on each side. Its jaw hangs slack,  Only a few bones have been left scattered around its base, just inviting curious adventurers to investigate. Is this just a piece of the environment, meant to remind players of the dangers and harsh blizzards that sweep through the landscape? Or is it something more?

Outline:

If the giant skull is struck by one of the bones, the <<Frost Beast>> is awakened! It will typically target the person who hit the skull, but players are free to initiate combat (the <<Frost Beast>> does not automatically attack first). Only one <<Frost Beast>> may be spawned/fought in a thread while taking the quest.

The <<Frost Beast>> is a respawning field boss with the following statistics.

HP: 250
DMG: 160
MIT: 0
ACC: 0
EVA: 0
Ability: [Partial Phase]: <<Frost Beast>>'s attacks always deal a minimum of 24 DMG instead of a minimum of 1 DMG when calculating Mitigation. 

*To use an <<Essence of Steel>>, post the item to enhance in your Evaluation topic along with its enhancements before and after the upgrade. Players may choose any standard enhancements that are legal to the type of item they are upgrading when they submit the upgrade for approval.

-1 Yui's Grace
Uses Slime Farm +2 SP: Next use 4/22/2020

Edited June 29, 2020 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

"Paraneze"

The flash of light suddenly enveloped Baldur and whisked him off to the twenty-fourth floor. This was it. The floor which would become his home. He had decided on the moniker long before he though to invest, but the gaijin samurai took a long time to decide where he would rest his metaphorical hat. Rest his haori?

It was a long jaunt from the plaza to the to the portal out in the water. A crescent moon of light floated over the top of the turbid oceanic waters. In the floating tower it seemed more like a lake, but Baldur could tell that this archipelago had been taken from the ocean due to the brine scent in the water. A small dingy was moored up to a wooden dock, and Baldur would need to use it and the remo to guide his way out to the portal. Once there, he would be teleported up to the top of the island he now stood in the shade of.

---

+1 NRG
<<Baldur>> HP: 1350/1350 EN: 123/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC

Edited June 29, 2020 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

The gaijin samurai's steps echoed on the wooden plank as he made his way to the dingy. There was a pole there for him to pole his way out to the torii gate that rose above the water. According to the info broker, this would teleport him up to the island he wanted to go to. As the wanna-be samurai poled his way out there, he saw something large and dark swimming under the water. He pulled the pole up and let the momentum carry him through the gate. When the bright light receded, the horizon stretched forever, and Baldur felt his breath taken away by the sight.

This would be perfect after all.

The momentum carried him to the land, and island on top of a floating island. The perpetual water falling off the edge but never running out.

Peace. It filled him with peace.

At least until the wolves arrived. Their grey furr seemed matted with some kind of sick looking mange. The title above their health bar said <<Corrupted Wolf>>.

Well, this would be quick word. Baldur set his hand on <<Warden's Fury>> and then braced to charge. There was a clap of thunder and the blue and orange blur struck each of the four wolves before ending up behind them.

---

ID#138499 BD: 9 (Crit +1 dmg) 224 DMg Dealt MD Paralyzed
ID#138500 BD: 4 216 DMG dealt MD4 (miss)
ID#138501 BD: 7 216 DMG Dealt MD8-3 EVA = 5 (miss)
ID#138502 BD: 10 (Crit +2 dmg) 232 DMG Dealt MD5 Paralyzed
*note: Baldur cannot miss. On a BD1+6 absolute accuracy =7 so even with -1 from charge = 6 (hit)

<<Baldur>> HP: 1350/1350 EN: 112/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -12 EN, +1 EN (rested 2/2)
<<Corrupted Wolf 1>> HP: 436/660 DMG: 200 Paralyzed
<<Corrupted Wolf 2>> HP: 444/660 DMG: 200
<<Corrupted Wolf 3>> HP: 444/660 DMG: 200
<<Corrupted Wolf 4>> HP: 428/660 DMG: 200 Paralyzed

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

Gravel was thrown into the air as Baldur skid to a stop, turning to face the wolves. Two were paralyzed by Mac's Special Sword, a gift to him from his good old friend. He turned to face the wolves and do it again, smoothly flowing into the stance of Amatsu no Homura. The system quickly took over, and once again he launched himself into the pack of wolves, his movements carried far faster than he ever could have in the real world. It was a pitty that his own skills weren't tested here as they would have been were this real, but the rush of moving faster than human capability had its own rush.

He spun to a halt near the skiff again, but the last wolf he had paralyzed was still there, facing him where he had originally been, and it launched itself at him, catching his arm and drawing out the red wire mesh of his true form.

---

ID#138503 BD: 7 176 DMG Dealt MD 4-3 (miss)
ID#138504 BD: 6 176 DMG dealt MD 3-3 (miss)
ID#138505 BD: 8 176 DMG Dealt MD Paralyzed
ID#138506 BD: 4 176 DMG Dealt MD 9 (crit) = 201-94 = 107 DMG Dealt to Baldur
*note: Baldur cannot miss. On a BD1+6 absolute accuracy =7 so even with -1 from charge = 6 (hit)

<<Baldur>> HP: 1243/1350 EN: 99/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN, +1 EN
<<Corrupted Wolf 1>> HP: 260/660 DMG: 200 
<<Corrupted Wolf 2>> HP: 268/660 DMG: 200
<<Corrupted Wolf 3>> HP: 268/660 DMG: 200 Paralyzed 
<<Corrupted Wolf 4>> HP: 252/660 DMG: 200 

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

As the wolf clung to Baldur's arm, another wolf came up to attack him as well. The pack rushing in on him. Taking his sword, Baldur drew it across the wolve's throat, lighting jumping from <<Warden's Fury>> and into the wolf, paralyzing it and letting the gaijin free. He began to move, but was too slow as the other wolf connected as Baldur tried to spin away, giving him a slight gash. Nothing to write home about, but annoying none-the-less. He quickly activated his sword art once more and danced through the pack of wolves with superhuman grace and cut them all down.

So close to finishing them off, but not quite.

Tsk.

He held the sword out threateningly while he began to back up away from the water to where he could maneuver better. They might spread out to try and surround him, but since he had an AoE sword art and they did not, it actually worked in his favor.

---

ID#138507 BD:5              176 DMG Dealt MD 2
ID#138508 BD:5              176 DMG dealt MD 9 201-94=107 dmg dealt
ID#138509 BD:6              176 DMG Dealt MD 1
ID#138510 BD:10 (crit)  192 DMG Dealt MD Paralyzed 
*note: Baldur cannot miss. On a BD1+6 absolute accuracy =7 so even with -1 from charge = 6 (hit)

<<Baldur>> HP: 1190/1350 EN: 87/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN, +1 EN, +54 BH, -107 HP
<<Corrupted Wolf 1>> HP: 84/660 DMG: 200 
<<Corrupted Wolf 2>> HP: 92/660 DMG: 200
<<Corrupted Wolf 3>> HP: 92/660 DMG: 200 
<<Corrupted Wolf 4>> HP: 60/660 DMG: 200 Paralyzed 

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

Taking his bait, the wolves took a moment to spread out. They harried his steps, true, but they didn't all come at him at once, they tried to circle him again. This gave him just enough time for the sword art to recharge and he used it the moment it was ready. He had practiced this for how long? Had it been five or six years now? It was beyond the point that it beggard belief. Perhaps time passed differently here than in the real world.

It was the only thing that made sense for why they weren't dead yet.

His eyes focused on the wolves, targeting them in the order he wanted to attack and suddenly shot forward. The brilliant white light of Warden's Fury cut through each of their forms and dispersed their pixels into the  afternoon air. The gaijin samurai once more whipped his sword around in a noto, and then sheathed the blade before turning his attention to the landscape before him.

---

ID#138511 BD:3  176 DMG Dealt MD Dead
ID#138512 BD:8  176 DMG dealt MD Dead
ID#138513 BD:5  176 DMG Dealt MD Dead
ID#138514 BD:5  176 DMG Dealt MD Dead
*note: Baldur cannot miss. On a BD1+6 absolute accuracy =7 so even with -1 from charge = 6 (hit)

<<Baldur>> HP: 1244/1350 EN: 76/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN, +1 EN, +54 BH, 
<<Corrupted Wolf 1>> HP: 84/660 DMG: 200 138518: 4,620 Col+ LD19+3 CD8: 1 Perfect Armor/Shield, 2 Perfect Consumables, +2 bonus mats, +1,320 Col
<<Corrupted Wolf 2>> HP: 92/660 DMG: 200 138519: 4,620 Col+ LD8+3 CD4: 1 Rare Trinket, +1,320 Col, +1,320 Col
<<Corrupted Wolf 3>> HP: 92/660 DMG: 200 138520: 4,620 Col+ LD19+3 CD:11: 1 Perfect Trinket +3,300 Col (HP*5) +2 material, +2 material
<<Corrupted Wolf 4>> HP: 60/660 DMG: 200  138521: 4,620 Col+ LD2+3=5 CD: 3 (nothing) +1,320 Col, +1,320 Col

Std Col = HPx3(+4x prosperity) =7x 

Loot Thus Far:
28,380 Col
6 Mats
1 Perfect Armor/Shield ID: 138518a
2 Perfect Consumables ID: 138518b, 138518c
1 Rare Trinket ID: 138519
1 Prefect Trinket ID: 138520

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

"This is exactly what I wanted." Baldur said with a smile as he wandered through some of the only slightly hilly terrain. There were several small islands here, each one large enough for a structure, and water would flow between them almost making a series of island houses, but there appeared to be a larger one in the distance. Maybe for the main hou--

"Ow!" Baldur called out as he was hit by a thrown coconut.

It hadn't done him any damage, but now he was surrounded by four mangey baboons.

"Alright, I have to clear this of mobs. But couldn't you at least let me look around first to be sure I want this island?"

Thunder clapped as Baldur shot forward again, striking each of them and paralyzing the one who hit him with the coconut. White and gold arcs of light cutting the afternoon air as well as the baboons.

---

<<Baldur>> HP: 1298/1350 EN: 65/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN, +1 EN, +54 BH
<<Corrupted Baboon 1>> HP: 484/700 DMG: 200 ID#138522 BD 8 MD Paralyzed Amatsu + Charge = 22+5=27x8= 216 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 2>> HP: 484/700 DMG: 200 ID#138523 BD 1 MD 1 (miss) Amatsu + Charge = 22+5=27x8= 216 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 3>> HP: 484/700 DMG: 200 ID#138524 BD 6 MD 4 (miss) Amatsu + Charge = 22+5=27x8= 216 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 4>> HP: 484/700 DMG: 200 ID#138525 BD 3 MD 7-3 EVA (miss) Amatsu + Charge = 22+5=27x8= 216 DMG Dealt

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

The baboons seemed to be startled by Baldur's immediate rush on them, the force of his charge blowing each of them down onto their colorful ass. Without waiting for them to move, Baldur struck at each of them once more. They tried to jump at him, but he was already moving and they collided into one another.

If only I had a barrel right now.

His two attacks had already put the baboons below half of their health, but that was due to the power of his charge.

It would be another few attacks yet before he could clear them off the island.

I wonder what their respawn timer is? The gaijin samurai mused as his steel blue eyes surveyed the messy knot of monkey cousins. They did untangle themselves fairly quickly, though one screeched in annoyance and slapped another one. It was interesting that they acted in a way he would have expected them to. Did they take programming from animals for some of the monsters?

---

<<Baldur>> HP: 1350/1350 EN: 53/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN, +1 EN, +54 BH
<<Corrupted Baboon 1>> HP: 308/700 DMG: 200 ID#138526 BD 7 MD 1 (miss) Amatsu = 22=27x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 2>> HP: 308/700 DMG: 200 ID#138527 BD 6 MD 1 (miss) Amatsu = 22=27x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 3>> HP: 308/700 DMG: 200 ID#138528 BD 2 MD 4 (miss) Amatsu = 22=27x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 4>> HP: 308/700 DMG: 200 ID#138529 BD 4 MD 1 (miss) Amatsu = 22=27x8= 176 DMG Dealt

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

The <<Corrupted Baboons>> did not seem to want to take this sitting down anymore. They were on their feet and charging at Baldur, but they were not coming in any sort of formation like the wolves did. They were random and chaotic which both worked for and against them.

The first baboon came at him in a leap, but Baldur cut down from a Jodan stance and struck it with such force that it procced his lighting and threw it to the side, paralyzed.

The second came at him swiping at his leg, but Baldur took a step back and brought the sword up, cleaving through its form but not killing it.

Third came at him from the side and Baldur shoulder checked it before it was in position, and then cut it as it fell to the ground.

The last one finally got him, dropping onto him from above and cracking a coconut over his head, but Baldur grabbed it by the scruff with his left hand and threw it to the ground, piercing it with his katana.

---

<<Baldur>> HP: 1243/1350 EN: 41/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN, +1 EN, -107 DMG
<<Corrupted Baboon 1>> HP: 124/700 DMG: 200 ID#138530 BD 9 CRIT MD 2 (miss) Amatsu = 23=27x8= 184 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 2>> HP: 132/700 DMG: 200 ID#138531 BD 7 MD 1 (miss) Amatsu  = 22=27x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 3>> HP: 132/700 DMG: 200 ID#138532 BD 6 MD 6 (miss) Amatsu  = 22=27x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 4>> HP: 132/700 DMG: 200 ID#138533 BD 7 MD 10 CRIT Amatsu  = 22=27x8= 176 DMG Dealt | Babs 201 DMG - 94 MIT = 107 DMG to Baldur

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

With all of the babs laid out from their previous charge, Baldur took a step back and activated his sword again, this time it carried him through their remaining forms, shattering them into pixels of luminous color, catching the afternoon sunlight and sprinkling it onto the ground around him, though they winked out of existence before they could alight somewhere.

Baldur took the moment to sheath his sword, ritually, with a noto. He took a deep breath, letting go of the adrenaline of combat, and then refocused his eyes on his mission here. The island.

"Alright, where were we again?" He walked along the water, seeing the outline of each of the smaller islands that ended up here in this lagoon of a floating island. He wondered if maybe this is what the early venetians thought when they had been out scouting for a new, safe home. Away from the raiding celts. What would that have looked like? If only they could have known what that city would turn into.

---

<<Baldur>> HP: 1297/1350 EN: 41/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN, +1 EN, +54 BH
<<Corrupted Baboon 1>> HP: 124/700 DMG: 200 ID#138534BD 1 MD Dead Amatsu  = 22=27x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 2>> HP: 132/700 DMG: 200 ID#138535BD 6 MD Dead Amatsu  = 22=27x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 3>> HP: 132/700 DMG: 200 ID#138536BD 9 CRIT MD Dead Amatsu = 23=27x8= 184 DMG Dealt
<<Corrupted Baboon 4>> HP: 132/700 DMG: 200 ID#138537BD 3 MD Dead Amatsu  = 22=27x8= 176 DMG Dealt

LOOT IDs
138538 LD 12+3=15  CD 11 | 4,900 Col + 1 Rare Armor/Shield & 1,400 Col, +1,400 Col (even), +2 Mats (odd)
138539 LD 14+3=17    CD 7 | 4,900 Col + 1 Rare Consumable & 1 Rare Armor/Shield, +1,400 Col (Even), +2 Mats (odd)
138540 LD 19+3=22    CD 1 | 4,900 Col + 1 Perfect Armor/Shield & 1 Perfect Weapon, +2 Mat (odd), +2 Mat (odd)
138541 LD 5+3=8        CD 4  | 4,900 Col + 1 Uncommon Consumable, +1,400 Col (even), +2 Mat (odd)

Std Col = HPx3(+4x prosperity) =7x 

Loot Thus Far:
53,580 Col
16 Tier 3 Mats
1 Perfect Weapon ID: 138540b
1 Perfect Armor/Shield ID: 138518a, 138540a, 
2 Rare Armor/Shield ID: 138538, 138539b
2 Perfect Consumables ID: 138518b, 138518c
1 Rare Consumable ID: 138539a
1 Uncommon Consumable ID: 138541
1 Prefect Trinket: 138520
1 Rare Trinket ID: 138519

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

The island was beautiful, though the light was growing brighter. That meant that the sun was about to descend below the sky horizon line of the upper floor. It would shine straight in from the side here. He wanted to see that, the whole island painted with the red light of the setting sun.

I bet it would look beautiful.

He smiled to himself and found a nice rock to sit on, where the lagoon water lapped near by.

That smell, was that salt? No, it was too faint. The salt smell was from the water below.

The gaijin samurai reache down into the water with a finger and then tasted it. No salt. Was this a fresh water lagoon? That idea struck Baldur as something he hadn't considered before. That meant that he could turn this whole thing into quite the fishing pond. Maybe stock it with some koi fish.

I would like that. It would remind me of home.

1/2 out of combat turns

<<Baldur>> HP: 1342/1350 EN: 42/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC +1 EN, +45 OOC Healing

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

Baldur sat there, watching the sun slowly set and then begin to drift down to the 22nd floor. And then he heard some movement further ahead on the next island. The large island where he envisioned the main house going. This wasn't the sound of wolves or baboons though, this was the sound of men.

Orange Players?

Baldur reprimanded himself for jumping to the conslutsion that it was orange players because they were lurking at night. It was always good to be cautious but even a roving band of orange players weren't going to come after him. Not here. Not the Baldur. He wasn't a famous frontliner, unless you were in the frontline circle, but most people knew about him because of his distinct appearance. They would know he was a frontliner. Orange players would tend to avoid those. Even though Baldur wouldn't kill them, they didn't know that.

So Baldur snuck over to the island to see what he could see.

2/2 out of combat turns

<<Baldur>> HP: 1350/1350 EN: 132/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

As Baldur snuck through the foliage as only someone without stealth could do, he came upon a team of squatters. They were NPCs, given away by the crystals floating above their heads, and they were sitting around a fire eating. There was no question of morality to Baldur. They were NPCs, this was an island he wanted. Their purpose was either to kill him, or give him exp and allow them to clear the tower and escape.

He crouched down, charging up his sword art, power whirling at his feet, before he shot forward through the darkness like some kind of magical pinball, bouncing from one target to the next as his sword roared with thunder twice, paralyzing two of the numbers as they reached for their weapons. The two he didn't managed to lock in place swung at him with whatever they had on hand, throwing rocks and coals from the fire and jabbing at him with a pointy stick one of them had been playing with.

Baldur just swatted them all way.

---

<<Baldur>> HP: 1350/1350 EN: 119/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN
<<Brigand Squatter 1>> HP: 468/700 DMG: 200 ID# BD 10 CRIT MD PARALYZED Amatsu + Charge = 22+2+5=29x8= 232 DMG Dealt
<<Brigand Squatter 2>> HP: 484/700 DMG: 200 ID# BD 5 MD 7-3=4 (miss) Amatsu + Charge = 22+5=27x8= 216 DMG Dealt
<<Brigand Squatter 3>> HP: 484/700 DMG: 200 ID# BD 5 MD 6-3=3 (miss) Amatsu + Charge = 22+5=27x8= 216 DMG Dealt
<<Brigand Squatter 4>> HP: 484/700 DMG: 200 ID# BD 8 MD PARALYZED Amatsu + Charge = 22+5=27x8= 216 DMG Dealt

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

"Oye!" One of the Brigands shouted as it broke free from the paralytic lighting that bound it in place previously. He draw a sword but was not fast enough. Baldur cracked him once more with the <<Warden's Fury>> and sent another surge of lighting into the brigand, sending him crashing back to the ground.

"Anyone else?" Baldur taunted to have a little fun.

"Oye!" Another brigand tried to emulate the first now that it was on its feet, and Baldur hit that one, also sending it to the ground paralyzed.

I really am starting to love this sword.

The other two charged Baldur as one, but the gaijin samurai charged them as well, ducking under their attack and taking the legs out from both of them with one large, curved attack and flipping them onto the ground. They weren't paralyzed, but they weren't going to be much danger to him for much longer.

---

<<Baldur>> HP: 1350/1350 EN: 107/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN, +1 EN
<<Brigand Squatter 1>> HP: 276/700 DMG: 200 ID# BD 10 CRIT MD PARALYZED  Amatsu = 22+2x8= 192 DMG Dealt 
<<Brigand Squatter 2>> HP: 308/700 DMG: 200 ID# BD 1 MD 4 (miss) Amatsu = 22x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Brigand Squatter 3>> HP: 292/700 DMG: 200 ID# BD 10 CRIT MD PARALYZED  Amatsu = 22+2x8= 192 DMG Dealt
<<Brigand Squatter 4>> HP: 308/700 DMG: 200 ID# BD 5 MD 5 (miss) Amatsu = 22x8= 176 DMG Dealt
*note: Baldur cannot miss. On a BD1+6 absolute accuracy =7 so even with -1 from charge = 6 (hit)

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

"Oye!" One more the bandits said as he stood up from where Baldur had left him, but it wasn't the one Baldur needed to be watching, and a spear suddenly pierced through Baldur's form, erupting from his stomach as he was pierced from behind. Thankfully, no pain flooded Baldur's mind, only thing tingling discomfort that wracked him, and the shock that blossomed from such an action. It was rare that anything this visceral hit him. The wolves and baboons were one thing, but to see a weapon pierce  you was more mentally traumatic. It rarely happened to Baldur unless it was a boss monster.

With He tried to move, but when he couldn't free himself from the spear, he instead moved the sword to activate his sword art. The system assisted him in ways he could never do on his own, and moved him with a speed and power that whipped the spear used around until it pulled back and the shaft of wood and metal was ripped from Baldur's form, but now they were almost all dead.

---

<<Baldur>> HP: 1242/1350 EN: 95/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN, +1 EN
<<Brigand Squatter 1>> HP: 100/700 DMG: 200 ID#138550 BD 2 MD 6-3 (miss) Amatsu = 22x8= 176 DMG Dealt 
<<Brigand Squatter 2>> HP: 132/700 DMG: 200 ID#138551 BD 5 MD 7-3 (miss) Amatsu = 22x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Brigand Squatter 3>> HP: 116/700 DMG: 200 ID#138552 BD 7 MD 4-3 (miss) Amatsu = 22x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Brigand Squatter 4>> HP: 132/700 DMG: 200 ID#138553 BD 5 MD 10 CRIT Amatsu = 22x8= 176 DMG Dealt | 202 DMG - 94 MIT = 108 DMG Dealt to Baldur
*note: Baldur cannot miss. On a BD1+6 absolute accuracy =7 so even with -1 from charge = 6 (hit)

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

And then, with the final flourish of his sword, it was over. The final AoE cut them down where they stood, and left Baldur alone at their campfire.

He warmed his hands at the fire for a long moment, enjoying the peace and quiet that settled over the small clearing down. The sky was turning a deep purple and headed to night.

"I guess I'm going to see what this place looks like after dark." He smiled to himself and let the fire burn. Soon this campfire would probably despawn and go back to the clearing it was, but it might not if he stayed here, so Baldur layed back on the dirt, with his head propped up on one of the downed trees that served as a bench and just relaxed. He would let the time go, watch the sky changed, and then see what he thought of the view from what may end up being his own island home.

---

<<Baldur>> HP: 1296/1350 EN: 83/132 MIT: 94 ACC: 6 DMG: 22 EVA: 3 BH: 54 LD: +3 PSP: x3 | Paralyze BD8-10 | Abslt ACC -13 EN, +1 EN, +54 BH
<<Brigand Squatter 1>> HP: 100/700 DMG: 200 ID#138555 BD3 MD (miss) Amatsu = 22x8= 176 DMG Dealt 
<<Brigand Squatter 2>> HP: 132/700 DMG: 200 ID#138556 BD5 MD (miss) Amatsu = 22x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Brigand Squatter 3>> HP: 116/700 DMG: 200 ID#138557 BD8 MD (miss) Amatsu = 22x8= 176 DMG Dealt
<<Brigand Squatter 4>> HP: 132/700 DMG: 200 ID#138558 BD4 MD (miss) Amatsu = 22x8= 176 DMG Dealt 
*note: Baldur cannot miss. On a BD1+6 absolute accuracy =7 so even with -1 from charge = 6 (hit)

Std Col = HPx3(+4x prosperity) =7x 

ID#138558 LD 3+3=6 CD 9  : 4,900 Col + 1,400 Col & 1 Rare Trinket +2 Mats, +2 Mats
ID#138559 LD20+3=23 CD4: 4,900 Col + 1 Perfect Trinket, 1 Perfect Weapon + 1,400 Col, +1,400 Col
ID#138560 LD2+3=5 CD11  : 4,900 Col + Nothing + 1,400 Col, +2 Mats
ID#138561 LD2+3=5 CD11  : 4,900 Col + Nothing + 1,400 Col, +2 Mats

Loot Thus Far:
80,180 Col
24 Tier 3 Mats
2 Perfect Weapon ID: 138540b, 138559b
2 Perfect Armor/Shield ID: 138518a, 138540a, 
2 Rare Armor/Shield ID: 138538, 138539b
2 Perfect Consumables ID: 138518b, 138518c
1 Rare Consumable ID: 138539a
1 Uncommon Consumable ID: 138541
2 Prefect Trinket: 138520, 138559a
2 Rare Trinket ID: 138519, 138558

Edited April 3, 2021 by Baldur

[Baldur 0]

He must have dozed off a bit here and there, because when he finally realized it was dark, it was already full dark. A bit of the moon shone in through the side of the floor and onto the placid waters of the lagoon, shining off its mirror like surface and illuminating the trees that surrounded the gaijin samurai.

He pushed himself to his feet and walked to the water's edge. He could see something glowing off in the distance, but from here, he just saw the moon in the sky and in the water. It cast a pale glow on everything around him and the soft flow of water and the rush of it as it spilled over the edge settled peace once again into Baldur's heart. Only this time, he wasn't attacked by everything.

"Maybe that's it then? Maybe that's everything?"

He pulled out his inventory and took out the special pre-order edition housing deed he had gotten.

"Alright, here we go."

And he activated it.

[Baldur 0]

The sun was dawning by the time that Baldur hit the accept button on the housing deed's special UI. The island went... wonky... for a moment, everything seemed to shift, and then suddenly he was standing on a wood walkway, instead of muddy ground. Behind him, the shoji panel doors were drawn open and he could see into the room filled with tatami mats. Above, though he couldn't see them, fireworks shot into the air to celebrate his new home. He didn't think anyone else could see them, but there they were.

This was it. His new home.

He finally had a place to call his own that wasn't a temporary rented room at an inn or a friends house or above his shop on the first floor.

This is it.

"I've made it." He smiled as he noticed the buffs that now appeared near his status bar. They weren't amazing, but they were certainly useful.

[Baldur 0]

As the light filtered in from the morning now instead of the evening, baldur felt speed beginning to overwhelm him. He turned to his new home and walked inside, though just as he was about to set foot inside he stopped. He had just been standing in muddy ground. So he sat down, took off his boots, and then walked onto the tatami mats for the first time in bare feet. There was something special to him about that first step. This was his place.

He would have the others over soon. First he needed to furnish the house. Then he'd get the other to help him move in and get it feeling like a home. He had specifically designed it with Crozeph and Calrex in mind as guests, but others who needed a place to stay as well. Perhaps Cordelia would come over and help him out with the dojo.

So many new options opened up to him, he suddenly wondered why he waited for so long.

[Baldur 0]

The room was warm and pleasant. The water rolling off the island and falling into the ocean was far enough that it wasn't loud, but close enough to be heard. Birds began to chirp in the trees and gardens around him. A soft breeze filtered through the trees and over the lagoon to rattle the shoji panels slightly in their place. It was a summer breeze that came through, warm and humid, but with the moving of the breeze it was nice enough to not bother him. Baldur just laid down on the tatami floors, his haori spreading out behind him.

People and furniture could wait.

He was home now. He was safe. This was his.

And then Baldur slept. He really slept for what felt like the first time, in a very long time. Untroubled dreams came to the battle worn gaijin samurai. Dreams of garden parties, and laughing over food with good friends.

The way to spend his last days.