[F22|PP]<<Witch of the West>>Is this really safe???

[Shye 0]

Floor twenty-two, why did Shield invite her all the way up this floor. The coward of a teenager looked around Coral. It seemed like a pretty regular city and it looked like a pretty regular environment as well. Hopefully it would stay that way and there wouldn't be any more sharks that swam in sand. The redhead swiped her toothpick of an arm and pulled up her HUD, navigating over to the tank that had called her up here in the first place. A timid, shaking finger opened the message box and started to type.

"I'm here by the teleport area. I'm too afraid to move around the safe zone without losing track of where I am, could you come and pick me up from here?' She wrote out as quickly as possible and pushed send. Once the 'delivered' message came up, she moved over to the side and took a seat on the stone ground surrounding the transportation pad. She wouldn't move from this spot until Shield got here and ushered her to where they were going.

@Shield

Spoiler

General
Level: 6 | HP:  120/120 | Energy: 12/12

Stats
DMG: 2 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 0 | Rec 1

Skills
First Aid | R1+1

Equipment(In use)
Shinkyuu Hari: BLD 2; DMG 1
Gaea Foundation: Expertise/Recovery
Tough Cloth: EVA 3

Equpiment(Standby)
Butterfly Headphones: LD 3

 

Edited May 5, 2020 by Shye

[Shield 0]

Quest

Spoiler

Floor 22
<<Witch of the West>>
Recommended Level: 25 | Party Limit: 4
Repeatable: Yes, Only for Item
Credit: @Itzal

Rewards:

Each participant receives:

• 3 Additional SP
• (+1) CD Consumable

Objectives:

• Must defeat 4 Flying Monkeys
• Must defeat 1 Elite Flying Monkey per player
• Must defeat The Witch (unless every participant has already defeated The Witch previously)

Summary:
Deep past the Forest of Memories stands The Castle of the Witch. Rumors have spread around the town about a woman was seen walking around the floor's peaceful meadows and lake's edges, collecting ingredients for her sinister experiments. A few players that have had the misfortune of encountering the woman claim to have heard her spout threats of a terrible curse that she plans to unleash upon the otherwise peaceful floor of Aincrad. On more than one occasion, the main settlement of Coral has seen the shadow of winged beasts raiding their storerooms in the dead of night and stealing supplies and fleeing without a trace before any of the villagers could manage to catch them in the act. The two have said to be connected, and lately the villagers have started asking players if they might be able to find the witch in her castle and put a stop to whatever foul experiments she's running.

Trekking past the edge of the forest, you first see nothing out of the ordinary, but then you hear it. The sounds of wings flapping, and suddenly monkeys surround you. This quest is almost starting to sound like a childhood fairy tale you might have heard of. The monkeys stand in the way of the darkened brick of the castle that awaits you, the sinister glow of black fire flickering from torches affixed to the wall.

Those who have already felled the wicked witch once before will no longer find her brewing potions in the solitude of her castle, but after defeating the winged monkeys that still loyally defend it players will find that the vials they could have sworn were empty before have been mysteriously refilled.

Monster Stats:

 

• <<Flying Monkey>>
  • 150 HP
  • 70 DMG (35 minimum)
  • 20 MIT
     
• <<Elite Flying Monkey>>
  • 220 HP
  • 90 DMG (45 minimum)
  • 35 MIT

• <<The Witch>>
  • 700 HP 
  • 100 DMG (minimum 50)
  • 70 MIT
• Potion of Fireball:  On a natural MD 9 she throws a vial of swirling flames at the player's feet, engulfing them in fire. Deals 120 AoE damage, and applies burn to the target(s) dealing 24 burn damage per turn for 2 turns.
• Poisoned Dagger: On a natural MD 10 she lands a critical hit on the player that has dealt the most damage to her. That player is paralyzed for one turn and poisoned, taking 16 damage per turn for 3 turns.
• Unnatural Swiftness: At 200 HP and below, she drinks a potion to grant her +1 evasion for the rest of the fight.

Requirements:

• At least one [1] Page (20 or more posts)

Shield

Spoiler

» Shield, The Immovable Object

• Modified HP:
• Modified EN:
• Modified MIT:
• Modified ACC:
• Modified DMG:
• Modified EVA:
• Battle Heal:
• Search:
• Temp Buff:
• Temp Buff:
• Temp Buff:

» Base Stats

• Base HP: 1850
• Base EN: 176
• Base MIT: 169
• Base ACC: 0
• Base DMG: 2
• Base EVA: -1
• Battle Heal: 85 HP
• Search: +5

» Items Equipped:

• Manticore Mask - T3 Perfect Shield - Flame Aura I / Taunt / Mitigation I
• Stinging Nettle - T3 Perfect Heavy Armor - Envenom (Defensive) I / Thorns II
• Blessed Greaves - T3 Demonic Heavy Armor - Mitigation II / Holy Blessing II
• Wedding Ring [+18 MIT]
• Hammerspace Backpack (HB) +1 BR item (allows stacks up to 7)

» Battle-Ready Inventory:

• Golden  Keys ^x3 | Unique Item | +2 Search on Chests
• Basic Teleportation Crystal ^x4 | Good Item | Teleports player to the Town of Beginnings
• Safeguard Potion ^x3 | Perfect Tier 1 | Safeguard
   

» Skills:

• Searching | 5 Ranks | +5 Bonus to LD, +0 to Stealth Detect
• Battle Healing | 5 Ranks | While in combat, recover 1% per rank (85HP) at the beginning of your turn
• First Aid | 5 Ranks | +4% HP per rank (+20% HP) on Post Action
• Picking | Purchased | +3 LD when opening chests
• Heavy Armor | 5 Rank | +35 Mitigation
• Energize | Purchased |  Restore 8 EN to target
• Block | 5 Ranks | +25 Mitigation
• Howl | Purchased | +2 Hate against each opponent (up to 4)
• Fighting Spirit | Purchased | +1 Hate when using Howl or Focused Howl
• Parry | Purchased | 3 Turn Cooldown | 5 Energy | Reduces incoming damage by 50%
• Fishing | Purchased | Fish for equipment and gain prestige among old men

» Extra Skills:

• Concentration | No Ranks | Gain +1 BD for a single attack | 5 Turn Cooldown
• Familiar Mastery: Healer |  3 Ranks | +135 HP (Does not require post action)
• Martial Arts | 1 Rank | +1 Base Damage per slot with Unarmed Weapons
• Meditation | Purchased | Recover an additional 15 EN on Post Action | 3 Turn Cooldown
• Survival | Purchased |  Increases out of combat health regen to (15xTier) 45 per post

» Mods:

• Athletics: +1 DMG +45 HP
• Focused Howl: +4 Hate against single target on Post Action
• Dismantling: +2 LD when opening chests
• Stone Wall: +Gain 10 MIT and 45 HP from heavy armor. Reduces DOT by 25%. -1 to Evasion.
• Sharpness: Gives target +[Target's Tier] to Base Damage for 2 turns | 1 Turn Cool Down
• Justified Riposte: A successful Parry also stuns the target for 1 turn. | 3 Turn Cool Down
• Vengeful Riposte: A successful Parry returns 50% of DMG back to your opponent - mitigatable. | 3 Turn Cool Down

When Shield received the ping of the message, he was already most of the way to Taft's teleportation plaza. "Yeah, yeah, I'll be there soon," he sighed, dismissing the message without responding to it. He stepped across the threshold and onto the teleportation pad itself. "Teleport, Coral!" His body vanished in the light display, and his feet hit the ground eleven floors up, doubling his floor height from where he had just been. "Hey, Shye," he said, raising his hand in greeting. Shortly after, he pulled a potion from his belt and popped the cork, motioning for the lower leveled player to follow. "Do you have a profession yet?" Shield asked before draining the contents of the bottle. His armor was suddenly bathed in a familiar red haze - his immolation potion's effect.

He began making his way to the edge of town and off towards the deepest cluster of woodland he knew of on the floor. The further they walked, the more the trees began to take on menacing qualities. Their leaves began to thin, soon disappearing altogether, as the branches became more twisted and finger-like. Some of them even seemed to have knots and horned shapes on them like those of human faces.

Edited May 5, 2020 by Shield

[Shye 0]

Shye got up quickly before Shield left without her. He was straight to business today. Being a high level player must keep a person busy, especially when they were doing their best to help out lower level players.

"Oh, no not yet. I was thinking it would be best to do Alchemy though. I could make neat little perfumes and makeup with it." She said, with a shy smile. "A-And make healing potions of course..."

She stuck close behind him making sure not to get lost in woods without her tank. "What's the plan for me today? Am I sitting on the side lines again? I actually have a full set of gear now! My armor will make me more difficult to hit and I have a weapon now!" The girl reached into the box that was attached to her side on a belt. Upon opening, Shield could see a ton of cosmetic items like makeup and perfume, but she pulled out something odd. A large set of needles, there were a ton. At least 20 in her hand and even more inside. "Here they are."

@Shield

[Shield 0]

Spoiler

Searching for Materials - ID# 146261 results: Loot: 17+5=22 [1 Material found]

Total Loot

Materials: 1

"You'll get to do some fighting today," Shield said, turning his eyes skyward. In the distance there was a very faint sound of cackling voices and the beating of large wings. "Maybe sooner rather than later. In any case, I asked about your profession because the item from this quest can help in crafting. It's an especially hot commodity for merchants, since so much of what we do is luck." Up ahead, a tower began to loom in the distance, rising up over the tree tops. At their feet, a thin mist began to creep along the ground, curling around their ankles. "In order to find the potion we're after, we'll need to slay the witch who makes it, as well as her flying monkey guards and her elite monkeys which are her escorts."

The mist was rolling higher up on their legs now, creeping as high as mid-calf of Shield. The trees were now twisted and gnarled, almost wicked in appearance. "The monkeys you should be safe to handle. The witch, I'm afraid, has some nasty AoE, so you'll need to sit that part of the quest out. You'll get some chances to get your needles dirty. Just a heads up. Don't stun anything, and as always, don't worry about healing me unless I ask." As the monkey calls grew louder, Shield spotted a dark, sickly brown looking mushroom, picking and storing it away for later.

Edited May 5, 2020 by Shield

[Shye 0]

Shye watched the monkeys descend upon them in a horde. Her instinct was to run and hide, but then she remembered what Shield told her. Tenacity, determination, and a level-head. If not a better time to practice a combat situation where she could get hit then when? She picked one of her needles, the first to be used and took a few steps back, watching them surround Shield. He was probably about to do something to get there attention, so she could safely make an attack.

As they came down, her tiny frame seemed to fade into the mist The monkeys surrounded Shield while she moved to be a bit sly, getting behind one of the flying chimps, taking her large needle and jamming the metal directly into the enemies neck. It let out a squeal of pain and turned to her with an angry expression. The needle stuck out of its neck. Her breathing was uneven, but controlled enough to keep her from having attack. "Y-You chose the wrong team to harass!" The girl choked out with hairs on her neck standing on end.

@Shield

Shye: 120/120 | 11/12 | BLD: 2 | DMG: 2 | Rec: 1 | EVA: 3
Shield:

Flying Monkey 1: 149/150 (-1)| MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35)
Flying Monkey 2: 150/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35)
Flying Monkey 3: 150/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35)
Flying Monkey 4: 150/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35)

Edited May 5, 2020 by Shye

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [N/A]

Action: Howl vs. Monkeys [-7 EN]

[H:1/0/0/0] Shye:    HP: 120/120 | EN: 11/12 | BLD: 2 | DMG: 2 | Rec: 1 | EVA: 3
[H:4/4/4/4] Shield: HP: 1780/1850 | EN: 169/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 169 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4 

Flying Monkey 1: 149/150 (-1)| MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35) - ID# 146263 results: MOB: 2+1=3 - Miss
Flying Monkey 2: 51/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35) - ID# 146264 results: MOB: 8+1=9 - Hit! 70-169=35 min dmg [THN Proc - 99 dmg]
Flying Monkey 3: 150/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35) - [ENV 18 - 4/4 Remaining] ID# 146265 results: MOB: 9+1=10 - Hit! 70+1-169=35 min dmg [ENV Proc]
Flying Monkey 4: 150/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35) - ID# 146266 results: MOB: 3+1=4 - Miss

The first blood of the fight had already been spilled. However, as a result, there was now an angry monkey with a low leveled player in its sights. Shield took advantage of the chaos and took a deep breath. Pressurizing the air in his lungs, he projected his air and his volume at the creatures that were swarming around them. "BEEN SEEING A LOT OF YOUR UGLY FACES LATELY," he crowed, the wind from his lungs knocking a couple of the primates off course. Suffice it to say, they did not much care for his tone.

They regained their formation and took off in a line, barreling through wide sweeping arcs in the sky. They wheeled in midair, charging at Shield. He slapped the surface of his shield with his blade. "Come on then!" he called out as a challenge. The first one missed him entirely. A couple of them did. However, one of therm connected, and it immediately regretted its success. Its arms lit up with gashes and scrapes and burns. "You guys are going to have to do better than tha-" Another attack struck. This time raking across  his eye. However, just like always, his self mending was already hard at work.

Edited May 5, 2020 by Shield

[Shye 0]

Shye moved away from the monkeys just as Shield roared in a rumble so deep that it seemed to shake the ground. Shye watched the mob instantly turn on him, letting her take a sigh of relief. It was stressful to see something trying to destroy you and easily have the capability to do so. She took a few seconds to use her breathing techniques to calm herself before making her next move. Really quick though, she peaked up at their health bars and made sure Shield was fine after those attacks. Yep, full HP.

Now, on to the next needle. It was difficult to predict a flying, erratic target like these monkeys. The needles gripped in her hand met only air as she snuck up on another one of the mobs, having no effect on them. Her energy replenished though, thankfully she had a lot more than she used to. "This is... This is... The redhead stuttered trying to keep her breath from going haywire. "Wow I'm having a hard time here..."

@Shield

[H:1/0/0/0] Shye:    HP: 120/120 | EN: 11/12 | BLD: 2 | DMG: 2 | Rec: 1 | EVA: 3
[H:4/4/4/4] Shield: HP: 1850/1850 | EN: 169/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 169 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4 

Flying Monkey 1: 149/150 (-1)| MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35)
Flying Monkey 2: 51/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35)
Flying Monkey 3: 150/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35) [ENV 18 4/4]
Flying Monkey 4: 150/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70(Min: 35)

Edited May 5, 2020 by Shye

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+92 HP] Holy Blessing [+48 HP]

Action: Vengeful Riposte [-4 EN]

[H:1/0/0/0] Shye:    HP: 120/120 | EN: 11/12 | BLD: 2 | DMG: 2 | Rec: 1 | EVA: 3
[H:4/4/4/4] Shield: HP: 1745/1850 | EN: 169/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 169 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4 

Flying Monkey 1: 35/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) - ID# 146461 results: MOB: 8+1=9 - Hit! - 70-169=35 min dmg [THN - 99 dmg, Riposte - 70/2-20= 15 dmg]
Flying Monkey 2: 51/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) - ID# 146462 results: MOB: 4+1=5 - Miss
Flying Monkey 3: 33/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) -  ID# 146463 results: MOB: 8+1=9 - Hit! - 70-169=35 min dmg [THN - 99 dmg] [ENV 18 - 3/4]
Flying Monkey 4: 51/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) - ID# 146464 results: MOB: 5+1=6 - Hit! - 70-169=35 min dmg [THN  - 99 dmg]

Shye was still warming up, having a little difficulty landing a hit on moving targets. That was alright though. What she needed above all else was experience. "Don't worry about the misses. They're going to happen, and they're going to happen a lot. Slow yourself down. Focus on each new attack as they come." 

The monkeys were rallying for another charge now, sweeping through the air and gathering into formation, one by one. It almost seemed as if each monkey was hiding behind the one ahead of it to mask its attack until the last second. Unfortunately for them, Shield had seen their attacks countless times before. He held out his blade, aiming it and putting it through the face of the one in front, then turning his body forty five degrees and holding out his shield. The other three monkeys came one at a time, bouncing harmlessly off of the Manticore Mask. Each of them had now suffered considerably at Shields defenses. "Usually it doesn't go that smooth, but I'll take it!"

Edited May 5, 2020 by Shield

[Shye 0]

Chelsea took cover as they came back for their next attack. Best not to get in the cross fire, she wasn't sure how many attacks she would be able to survive against these things, so no need to test it. If it wasn't safe, Shield wouldn't have brought her here though.

Shield let her know that she should be calming down. Yeah, he's right, the middle of a fight was no place for doubts or regrets. Just keep out of the way and you'll be fine Chels. Shield could see her doing her breathing techniques once again, in and out slowly, helping keep her mind cool and clear.

"Alright! I've got this." The girl said taking her thin needle in her skinny fingers, creeping up behind one of the monkeys to get a sneaky attack off on it. She raised the piercing metal and attempted to shove the second one into its neck. Unfortunately, the mob flew higher into the air causing her to just barely miss her mark. "Right... Misses, no worries, this is just practice."

(Rolled wrong character sorry ;-;)

[H:1/0/0/0] Shye:    HP: 120/120 | EN: 11/12 | BLD: 2 | DMG: 2 | Rec: 1 | EVA: 3
[H:4/4/4/4] Shield: HP: 1745/1850 | EN: 169/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 169 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4 

Flying Monkey 1: 35/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35)
Flying Monkey 2: 51/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35)
Flying Monkey 3: 33/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) [ENV 18 - 3/4]
Flying Monkey 4: 51/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) 

Edited May 5, 2020 by Shye

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+92 HP] Holy Blessing [+48 HP] Cool Downs [Parry - 1/2 remaining] [Vengeful Riposte - 2/3 remaining] 

Action: None

[H:1/0/0/0] Shye:    HP: 120/120 | EN: 11/12 | BLD: 2 | DMG: 2 | Rec: 1 | EVA: 3
[H:4/4/4/4] Shield: HP: 1745/1850 | EN: 170/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 169 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4 

Flying Monkey 1: 35/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) - ID# 146468 results: MOB: 9+1=10 - Hit! - 70+1-169=35 min dmg [ENV Proc] [ENV 18 - 4/4]
Flying Monkey 2: 0/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) - ID# 146469 results: MOB: 5+1=6 - Hit! - 70-169=35 min dmg [THN - 99 dmg]
Flying Monkey 3: 15/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) - ID# 146470 results: MOB: 9+1=10 - Hit! - 70+1-169=35 min dmg [ENV Proc] [ENV 18 - 4/4]
Flying Monkey 4: 51/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) - ID# 146471 results: MOB: 2+1=3 - Miss

The fight was going about as well as could be expected, considering those in the fray were not meant to deal damage. Still, Shield had done his fair amount of solo grinding, and this was in some ways just more of that. It was a grind, or at least the combat portion was. On the other hand, there was another player who was directly benefiting from the grind, so it was much more valuable than otherwise.

Another rallying call of hooting monkeys, and another swooping aerial formation to coordinate their attacks. Shield stood at the ready, trying his best to read their movements. As they streamed in, the first slipped past his shield, digging its little jagged fingers into his throat and raking across. The second, less lucky than the first, made contact with Shield's shield and armor, shattering on the spot. The third, like the first, managed to dodge around his defense and rake its jagged nails across his eyes. However, those two that stuck and were left alive both now were filled with venom. The last, seeing the confusing display of complete lack of concern on the part of their target and the odd effects upon striking him, pulled out of its attack dive early, missing him by inches. "Always one or two that get scared and miss."

Edited May 5, 2020 by Shield

[Shye 0]

Shye maneuver through the combat trying to dodge the whirlwind of monkeys swarming around her tank. Every once in a moment, she would nearly crash directly into one of the mobs, barely stopping on a dime to avoid such a thing.

Chelsea watched the enemies basically dive bomb Shield like it was choreographed for such an occurrence. Maybe the AI in the game was a little smarter than she anticipated it to be. The important thing was the enemy with practically no HP remaining. Adrenaline was kicking in a bit, and whether it was through desperation to prove she could be tenacious like Shield, or just an instinct in a fight kick in the wound, she rushed through the battle field, past Shield and onto the monkey with only a smidgen of hp remaining. The thin needle went straight through its head, causing it to bleed some fake digital blood. She removed the needle and waited for it to die from the bleed effect.

"Wh-Who's next?!" She barked, obviously a bit worked up. Even though she was able to work through it, Shield could still see the fear that Shye was trying to hide in her eyes.

@Shield

(I meant to hit threeeee I'm sorry brain scattered)

[H:1/0/0/0] Shye:    HP: 120/120 | EN: 11/12 | BLD: 2 | DMG: 2 | Rec: 1 | EVA: 3
[H:4/4/4/4] Shield: HP: 1745/1850 | EN: 170/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 169 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4 

Flying Monkey 1: 35/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) [ENV 18 - 4/4]
Flying Monkey 3: 14/150 (-2+2)| MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) [ENV 18 - 4/4] | BLEED[1/2]
Flying Monkey 4: 51/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35)

Edited May 5, 2020 by Shye

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+92 HP] Holy Blessing [+48 HP] Cool Downs [Parry - 0/2 remaining] [Vengeful Riposte - 1/3 remaining] 

Action: None

[H:1/0/0/0] Shye:    HP: 120/120 | EN: 11/12 | BLD: 2 | DMG: 2 | Rec: 1 | EVA: 3
[H:4/4/4/4] Shield: HP: 1745/1850 | EN: 170/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 169 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4 

Flying Monkey 1: 17/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) - ID# 146496 results: MOB: 9 70+1-169=35 min dmg [ENV Proc] [ENV 18 - 4/4]
Flying Monkey 3: 0/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) [ENV 18 - 3/4] | BLEED[1/2]
Flying Monkey 4: 0/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) - ID# 146497 results: MOB: 6+1=7 - Hit! - 70-169=35 min dmg [THN - 99 dmg]

The battlefield was beginning to deteriorate into chaos. The monkeys' formation was breaking down. Shye was having a moment, and the remaining monkeys seemed to sense their own mortality and whipped themselves into a frenzy. One of them burst into a shower of light and polygons, leaving only two remaining. They did their best to rally, but as they did so, they bumped and jostled one another, eventually turning on each other and screeching and baring their teeth mid flight. With them not paying attention to the tank, Shield managed to grab one of them out of the sky and pin it under his arms. The monkey was reduced to a blind panic, scratching and scraping at Shield before the close contact depleted its health altogether, and it burst in Shield's arms.

"That last one is a goner," Shield sighed, relaxing and stretching out his shoulders. "You can go after it if you like, but it's gonna end about the same way no matter what in a few seconds here." With that, he started walking towards the witch's tower. The last remaining monkey, of course, did not leave him alone, but its health was beginning to drain, almost all the way to nothing.

Edited May 6, 2020 by Shield

[Shye 0]

Shye followed behind him, not too closely until the chimp dissipated. She remembered him saying not to heal her for this fight, or else she would be subject to the damage that the witch could dish out. Unlike the shark, the witch had AoEs that would fill the entire battle field with damage that Shield couldn't protect her against. That meant that there was no way that she would be walking into battle with him. In fact, she would be as far away as she could stand and still get credit for the quest completion.

"I'll stay as far back as possible and avoid the AoE's. Th-They'll kill me if I get too close...wont they? No second chance like with the shark." The girl shook a little just being reminded of instant death. As they came near to the castle, she slowed down until she stopped at a safe point, far enough to watch the battle where she wouldn't be in danger. "G-Good luck Shield! I'll be back here!"

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+92 HP] Holy Blessing [+48 HP] Cool Downs [Vengeful Riposte - 0/3 remaining] 

Action: None

[H:1/0/0/0] Shye:    HP: 120/120 | EN: 11/12 | BLD: 2 | DMG: 2 | Rec: 1 | EVA: 3
[H:4/4/4/4] Shield: HP: 1850/1850 | EN: 171/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 169 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4 

Flying Monkey 1: 0/150 | MIT: 20 | DMG: 70 (Min: 35) [ENV 18 - 3/4]

The last monkey tried to follow after the escaping players, but no sooner did it begin making a beeline for Shield than it shattered, scattering its many polygons into the air and vanishing. "Exactly. The last fight I tend to rush ahead so I catch the monkey elites before they've peeled off from the witch's side. She," he said, pointing to the tower that was growing ever taller ahead of them, "is in the top of that tower. Now the tower itself is safe, but you shouldn't go any further than the spiral stair that leads to the top."  He flipped through his HUD, double checking to make sure that his Immolation effect was still up and going strong.

"The nice thing about this quest is that once you've completed it, you'll never have to fight the witch again unless you do it with someone who hasn't yet completed the quest," Shield said, giving a resolute nod. "That said, it's hard to find players willing to really grind this quest, so I usually have to fight the witch regardless. Suffice it to say... we've grown a little weary of seeing one another. You'll see for yourself soon."

[Shye 0]

Shye was nervous as they walked into the castle. She was worried about getting caught up in crossfire, but Shield had done an amazing job at keeping her alive so far. There was no reason to stop believing in his protection now. Subconsciously moving closer to the tank as they got deeper into the castle.

"E-Even these nicer looking floors can look terrifying when you they pull out this kind of stuff for them..." She said basically a footstep behind Shield at this point. Nothing really threatened them at this point. "Are you sure nothing will bother me while I wait on you fight to finish? I'm worried..." The spiral stair case was starting to come into view.

"So I guess I should stay down here then? You can handle everything up there ri- Well, you wouldn't do it if you couldn't... Right. Sorry." It was apparent that she was feeling anxious.

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [N/A]

 Action: Vengeful Riposte [-4 EN]

[H:4/4/4/4] Shield: HP: 1800/1850 | EN: 167/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 169 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4

<<Elite Flying Monkey 1>>HP: 220/220 | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35 - ID# 146685 results: MOB: 4+1=5 - Miss
<<Elite Flying Monkey 2>>HP: 220/220 | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35 - ID# 146686 results: MOB: 2+1=3 - Miss
<<The Witch>> HP: 600/700 | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70

Witch attack vs. Shield - ID# 146687 results: MOB: 7+1=8 - Hit! - 100-169=50 min dmg [THN - 99 dmg, Riposte - 100/2-75=1 dmg]

• Potion of Fireball: MD 9 [120 AoE + Burn 24 / 2 turns]
• Poisoned Dagger: MD 10 [Crits player who has dealt most dmg to her. PAR / 1 turn + PSN 16 / 3 turns]
• Unnatural Swiftness: 200 HP or less [+1 EVA permanently]

Shield gave Shye a nod. "You'll be fine while you're down here," he said, giving her a brief salute before turning to the stair and making his way up to the top. It ended at the same trap door, which he threw open. Climbing up onto the landing, he already heard the witch cackling.

"Eeeeeheeheehee! I'll get you my pretty!" she taunted, her back still to the entrance. "And your little d-" she glanced back and her shoulder sagged. Immediately she took off her hat and threw it at the wall. "You!? AGAIN!?" She shrieked, and she launched herself at Shield. She raked at him with her long, spindly claws, impaling herself on his sword in the process, but caring very little. It wasn't until the commotion started that the remaining flying monkeys swooped into the window and saw the chaos. Seeing how much harm the witch was doing to herself by attacking the heavily defended player, they forewent attacks and instead attempted to peel the witch off of Shield.

Edited May 6, 2020 by Shield

[Shye 0]

Chelsea watched the man take his leave and head up the spiral stair case after he was done talking. She stayed at the bottom of the stair case, able to hear some sounds of the battle going on upstairs. She was sure that Shield would be fine, but hopefully she could do more in the future for him. Though she was starting think that Shield was pretty much invincible. The girl sighed quietly and took a seat on the bottom of the stairs.

Her eyes watched the health bar connected to her HUD. It ticked down then went straight back up. Was a healer really that useful for someone like Shield? Her presence here felt only like it was slowing him down. Though, like Mari told her: She was a low level still and needed to be sure that she could level up and improve her confidence. If she couldn't take care of herself, she wouldn't be able to take care of anyone else in combat.

@Shield

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+92 HP] Holy Blessing [+48 HP] Cool Downs [Parry - 1/2 remaining] [Vengeful Riposte - 2/3 remaining] 

Action: None

[H:0/0/0] Shield: HP: 1755/1850 | EN: 168/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 181 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4

<<Elite Flying Monkey 1>>HP: 220/220 | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35 -ID# 147047 results:  MOB: 3+1=4 - Miss
<<Elite Flying Monkey 2>>HP: 220/220 | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35 [ENV 4/4 remaining] - ID# 147048 results: MOB: 10+1=11 - Hit! - 90+2-181=45 min dmg

<<The Witch>> HP: 501/700 | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70

Witch attack vs. Shield -  MOB: 5+1=6 Hit! - 100-181=50 min dmg, [THN - 99 dmg]

• Potion of Fireball: MD 9 [120 AoE + Burn 24 / 2 turns]
• Poisoned Dagger: MD 10 [Crits player who has dealt most dmg to her. PAR / 1 turn + PSN 16 / 3 turns]
• Unnatural Swiftness: 200 HP or less [+1 EVA permanently]

The flying monkeys finally managed to peel the witch off of Shield, sending her stumbling back, reeling and wailing with pain and anger. "You constantly come into my workshop and disrupt my most delicate procedures just to get the same potion, over and over again!?" Shield paced in a slow circle around the center of her tower workshop, unperturbed by her howling. "Don't you have anything to say for yourself!?"

Shield turned his eyes to her and gave a little shrug. "Would it kill you to put out some refreshments?"

This set the witch off again, but her guards got to Shield first. The first missed entirely, chattering angrily as it circled for another opening. The second managed to slash its bony fingers across Shield's throat. It was a solid hit, but it did no more damage to the tank than any other attack would have, and it immediately began to heal. The witch was up to bat next, raking her claw-like hands over his shoulder, but once again, her hands became marked by the spiny armor Shield wore. The scrapes and burns sent her back once again, clutching at her hands. "What are you made of, anyway!?" she spat angrily.

 

 

 

Edited May 8, 2020 by Shield

[Shye 0]

Shye continued to just watch the green health bar on her screen go down and then straight back up almost instantly. It was so boring to stand here and do absolutely nothing, but she definitely didn't want to be up there where she would die nearly instantly. The girl sighed heavily, closing her menu and looking down at her feet. There was nothing for her to do in here...

Sounds came from down the corridor, the cawing of the monkeys? It was getting louder! They were heading this way, straight for her. She quickly stood up and scrambled to get behind something. A large statue propped up near a window provided enough space to hide as they passed by. She huddled up behind it with her back to the statute and covered her mouth to ensure that her breathing couldn't even be hear.

"Hurry up Shield, please..." The girl thought as the sound of flapping wings deafened the hallway.

@Shield

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+92 HP] Holy Blessing [+48 HP] Cool Downs [Parry - 0/2 remaining] [Vengeful Riposte - 1/3 remaining] 

Action: None

[H:0/0/0] Shield: HP: 1755/1850 | EN: 169/176 | DMG: 2 | EVA: -1 | MIT: 181 | BH:92 | HB: 48 | THN: 99 | ENV: 18/4

<<Elite Flying Monkey 1>>HP: 220/220 | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35 [ENV 4/4 remaining] - ID# 147063 results: MOB: 10+1=11 - Hit! - 90+2-181=45 min dmg

<<Elite Flying Monkey 2>>HP: 202/220 | DMG: 90 (min 45) | MIT: 35 [ENV 3/4 remaining] - ID# 147064 results: MOB: 1 - Miss

<<The Witch>> HP: 402/700 | DMG: 100 (min 50) | MIT: 70

Witch attack vs. Shield - ID# 147065 results: MOB: 8+1=9 - Hit! - 100-181=50 min dmg, [THN - 99 dmg]

• Potion of Fireball: MD 9 [120 AoE + Burn 24 / 2 turns]
• Poisoned Dagger: MD 10 [Crits player who has dealt most dmg to her. PAR / 1 turn + PSN 16 / 3 turns]
• Unnatural Swiftness: 200 HP or less [+1 EVA permanently]

Upstairs, the battle raged on, if by 'raging on' one meant 'continued to go exactly the same as it had already been going.' The monkeys, galloping through the air, once again took it in turns to critically strike and altogether miss Shield, while the witch, meanwhile continued to look for and fail to find any holes in his defenses. She scraped and clawed, but nothing got through without causing her intense pain. Shield yawned, opening his HUD and then his inbox. He pulled up Shye's contact information and began penning her a message.

Long Battle

Shye, This might be a little while. Not sure what's up with the monkeys, but they're swinging blindly and not having the common courtesy to die on my thorns. Feel free to entertain yourself, and if the witch drops before the monkeys, you're more than welcome to come up and hop into the fray. Shield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He hoped she wasn't getting too bored. By now, Shield was well accustomed to the pacing of a tank solo fight, but not everyone had the same patience for sheer grind of it all.

Edited May 8, 2020 by Shield