[F5-SP] <<Feeding Your Enemy>> - Freyd

[Freyd 0]

Fortaleza was even less hospitable than Freyd had read.  Its walls were in a perpetual state of decay under the oppressive heat and gaze of the burning sun.  Bits of mortar crumbled as dust into the wind from between the sandstone blocks as you watched.  The people were as parched as the landscape, with taut, leather-like skin and sallow eyes that bulged ominously from their sockets as they silently watched you pass.  Freyd swore that he could hear one old man's eyeball creak as they turned, the rest of him so desiccated as to be locked in place.  Loosening his new cassock a bit at the neck, he was amazed that it fit so comfortably, even in this climate.  It would likely take some time to complete his search.  He had prepared as best he could with limited resources.  Taking inventory of the available shops and vendors as he walked through the small town, he left its relative safety behind and wandered into the wilds.

Spoiler

General
Level: 9 | HP:  180/180 | Energy: 18/18

Stats
DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | REC 1 | KEEN 1, HOLYDMG 1 | BLEED 1

Skills
R2 2H-SS, R1 Light Armor, Disguise

Mods
None

Housing Buffs
None

Equipment (In use)
Forgiven Disobedience (T1E3-2HSS) - ACC 1, HOLYDMG 1,  BLEED 1
Enduring Guile (T1 Light Armor) - MIT 1, REC 1, SAV 1
Justicar’s Vambraces (T1 Trinket) - ACC 1, KEEN 1

Equipment (Standby)
Flashy Distraction (T1 shield)

Consumables
(3x)Starter Healing Potions(50HP)
(1x) T1 Damage Potion of Uncommon quality. (+1 Damage)
(1x) T1 Over-Health Potion of Special quality (+50 HP to maximum HP for thread)
(1x) T1 Liquor of Light (DMG III)
(1x) T1 Divinity's Wait (MIT III)

 

Edited June 12, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

"That didn't take long!"

He'd barely made it down the trail from Fortaleza and entered the dry mesa that surrounded the town.  The heat seemed even more oppressive out in the open, and harsh winds battered you constantly.  Freyd thought nothing of it when a large, long tumbleweed came rolling his way, until it unfurled itself and revealed a whirling ball of gnashing teeth and claws.

A sudden gust threw the thing's aim off and he was able to roll out of its path, calling his blade to hand to help ward of further attacks.  

No wonder people came here to grind.  The environment was hostile enough, but the mobs were even moreso. The tumbleweed careened into a turn and started rolling back his way, weaving back and forth to keep its line of attack as unpredictable as possible.  Placing Forgiven Disobedience into a high guard, Fred waited for it to close.  He'd already learned much from its first pass.

Spoiler

[0] Freyd: 180/180 | 14/18 (-4) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> trigger SAV 1 

[0] Irate Tumbleweed : Min Loot: 90/90 | DMG: 27

 

Edited June 6, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

He dodged low, bringing his blade up in a wide arc and caught the creature off guard.  It aimed high and instantly regretted the choice of tactics when the white blade cleaved into its central mass.  Wobbling unsteadily, it landed.  A mesh-stained gash in its side made it more difficult for the creature to roll, but that was still its best mode of attack.  Without speed and mobility, the tumbleweed became vulnerable.  Freyd just needed to keep it up and he'd gain a significant advantage.  The tumbleweed trilled as it bounced off a nearby boulder to alter its trajectory, cutting down the time until its next pass.  Freyd, meanwhile, had moved to higher ground, where his foe would have to expend some of its momentum before reaching him.  Taking a chance, he raced down the slope towards it, hoping to use its own trick against it.  The white blade sang in the wind as they hurtled towards each other.

Spoiler

[1] Freyd: 180/180 | 11/18 (-4) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> +1 EN, used and re-trigger SAV 1 , trigger KEEN 1

[0] Irate Tumbleweed : Min Loot: 70/90 (-20)| DMG: 27

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

The tumbleweed changed course erratically at the very last second and caught Freyd mid-stride and out of position.  He was going to take the hit, and so rolled with the impact.  Spun around by the beasts claws, he used the power of the strike to drive his counter and just managed to clip it as it passed.  Both in close and unable to gain the upper hand, they dueled in close.  Branch-like appendages clashed with Freyd's white blade repeatedly as each sought to overwhelm the other.  A quick bat from his bracers gave them both some distance to work with as they prepared their next moves. 

Hoping to keep his opponent reeling, Freyd charged, striking relentlessly.  It was agile and kept pace, but was unavoidably giving ground and would soon be pinned with its back to a crevice.  Unable to risk losing any more ground, the ball-like creature unfurled, assuming a humanoid form and dug its vine-like feet into the ground.

Spoiler

[2] Freyd: 166/180 (-14) | 11/18 (-4) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> +1 EN , used and re-trigger KEEN 1 , spent SAV 1

[0] Irate Tumbleweed : Min Loot: 50/90 (-20) | DMG: 27

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

It proved to be a fatal error, or would soon enough.  The tumbleweed dug in, like it was setting roots, and Freyd seized that moment to drive Forgiven Disobedience through its body at full speed.  The force of the impact rang with the snapping of its heart branch, accented by the white sword's choral accompaniment.  Coming to a stop just next to it, Frey kept the blade firmly within it and watched as its health bar dove quickly towards zero.  It scrabbled and scratched at him, but managed only superficial cuts.  Flailing about, it squawked feebly, realizing that the end was near.  White 'blood' flowed from its fatal wound, weakening it steadily.

Freyd's expression was blank.  Not cold, but focused on the task and the moment.  He watched dispassionately as the thing before him shrieked its faltering defiance in his face.  This was what was required to move on, and someday hopefully get home.

Spoiler

[3] Freyd: 153/180 (-13) | 7/18 (-4) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> +1 EN , used and re-trigger KEEN 1 

[0] Irate Tumbleweed : Min Loot: 10/90 (-28 -12 bleed) | DMG: 27  -> bleed 12 ends next turn

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

Freyd watched it as its existence faded before his eyes.  Should he simply wait and let the sword's effect bleed it out?  Was that cruel?  It was just a game.  But his conscience gnawed at him.  If he did as he was considering, how would he be any different than any mob in the game, allowing the mechanic to absolve him of responsibility for his actions?

It's the most optimal approach. 

True, but it makes me no better than the system that oppresses us all.  We may win our freedom, but our souls will not survive.

Freyd forcefully wrenched the blade from the creature, dealing enough damage in the process to kill it instantly.  The motes of data released by its death reflected in the deep brown of his otherwise unremarkable brown eyes before he closed them.

"There will be many, many more."  Collecting his loot, Freyd kept Forgiven Disobedience in hand.  It would not do to be caught off guard out here a second time.

Spoiler

[4] Freyd: 140/180 (-13) | 5/18 (-4) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> +2 EN , used and re-trigger KEEN 1 

[0] Irate Tumbleweed : Min Loot: 10/90 (-20 -12 bleed) | DMG: 27  (12 bleed, ends.)

Loot Roll:

720 col (3* hp + hp bonus from roll + [2 x (2*hp)] from CD & LD both even)

T1 Rare trinket

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

"Few are so considerate," came a voice from the direction of the path he'd just left.  An old woman had come up the road and evidently watched the final moments of his battle.  She was dressed as a traveling gypsy, complete with cliched colourful clothing, bandana and excess of bling.  "What brings you to this place, stranger?"

"I'm looking for a metaphorical mongoose," Freyd replied, turning his attention to her, fully.

She tilted her head in confusion.  

"There are many such creatures in these deserts," she said, not fully understanding his meaning.

"Forgive me," Freyd added.  "I'm not trying to be obtuse.  A friend in the Town of Beginnings implied that it was a creature well suited to my nature.  I'm seeking a companion to aid me in my adventures."

"Ah!" she clamored, excitedly.  A quest icon appeared suddenly above her head.  "That sounds much more like something I may be able to help you with."

[Freyd 0]

"Many beasts roam this wasteland, some better suited to your needs than others.  Choose wisely, for such a bond is not easily broken once forged."

"Take this," she said, handing him a small satchel.  "It contains what you need to tame the beast of your choice.  Be patient.  You will find what you seek with enough effort."

With that, she continued up the road towards Fortaleza, the quest icon vanishing from above her head.  Freyd received a game notification that he had picked up a new quest and related items had been added to his inventory.  Reviewing the requirements, he turned away from the path and wandered deeper into the desert.  Crags and valleys marred the terrain, breaking up what he'd originally expected to be a relatively flat area.  He'd never been to an actual desert before and had only movies and television to fall back on for references.  In SAO, you essentially had to rewrite your expectations for something between the two.

[Freyd 0]

****

Freyd had been traveling for hours, searching for suitable candidates, but nothing caught his fancy.  Scorpions were too ruthless and deceitful.  The desert hawks he'd spotted overhead were impressive hunters, but seemed too detached from the action.  As calculating as he could be, he preferred to be in the midst of the action.  The flaming desert tortoise he'd spotted would have been great for a tank, but he was aiming for DPS.  The were-hyena, or gnoll - whichever it was supposed to be - was disqualified on the basis of its humanoid form.  The thing had also laughed incessantly, which would inevitably grate against his nerves.  Reviewing his notes proved equally demoralizing:

Crabblesnake - impractical

Giant rhino beetle - too creepy-crawley

Blood vulture - sent the wrong impression, and smelled bad

Phase spider - kept looking at him like he was a potential meal

Ocelot - possibly, but surrounding mobs too high level to approach

Baby Carrion Crawler - ewww

[Freyd 0]

Wandering randomly about the desert hadn't proven particularly effective, so far.  Most of the creatures Freyd encountered simply didn't qualify.  They were often too large, humanoid, or invalidated by other quest parameters.  Even those that met the criteria didn't complement his particular build.  He needed a damage-based familiar, but wanted something other than an obvious brute.  

You're being too finicky.  Just pick the first useful critter that comes along.

That's exactly what he would have done in other games, and would have likely done here too if circumstances hadn't changed.  This choice would actually say something about him, becoming part of his identity.  He'd watched some players treat their familiars like beloved pets, or even surrogate children.  It could be a bit awkward and off-putting, depending on how far they took it.  He wanted - no, needed - something that would remind him of who he was, and could keep him on the right path.  It was a tricky proposition.

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

Sounds of clattering rocks and the scraping of metal on sand alerted Freyd to danger.  It was coming from just around the corner.  Sword drawn, he moved to investigate.

The narrow gorge he'd been exploring had seemingly been unoccupied until this point.  Instead, he'd wandered right into the middle of pit full of iron vipers.  Two of the deadly creatures lay dead, their necks broken by a set of wicked bites.  The third was facing off against the invader: an actual mongoose, sorta.  It was pitch black, with skin made of shadow-stuff rather than flesh and fur.  Only its sky blue eyes stood out in the enveloping shadows.  The vipers were much larger, and their metallic skins were notoriously difficult to penetrate. 

'A bit more literal than I expected,' Freyd thought to himself, 'but it would do nicely.'

Despite its impressive performance, the mongoose had paid dearly for its achievement.  Multiple piercing wounds were visible upon its shadowy form, and though it was likely resistant to their venom, its injuries were still severe.

[Freyd 0]

Freyd's instincts uncharacteristically got the better of him.

"Hey, you overgrown slinky!  BACK OFF!"

His flurry cut deep between its scales, causing it to hiss and writhe as it twisted around to face  a new opponent.  The snake's fangs were nearly four inches long and gleamed like daggers in the dim light.  It lashed out at him, but Freyd parried then rolled to get closer to the mongoose.  It was too far into the gorge for him to protect, and he was also aware that it might view him as a foe and strike him from behind.  The viper coiled itself protectively, but also to get ready to strike.  Freyd imagined it looking strangely like a large metal donut, with a faucet-like head sticking up.  It was a far less intimidating opponent than the fierce killer before him.

Sparing an instant to glance at the mongoose, he saw its health bar dipping into the red.

Spoiler

[1] Freyd: 180/180 | 14/18 (-4) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> triggered SAV  and KEEN 1 

[0] Iron Viper : Min Loot: 70/90 (-20) | DMG: 27  

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

Freyd unleashed upon the snake, battering it with strikes so rapid that it couldn't react.  Forgiven Disobedience became a lightning flash of dazzling white as he hit, over and over, forcing it to shelter in within its coiled mass.  He had never felt such fury while wielding his sword arts.  The sheer passion of it was nearly overwhelming, and he had to back off to refocus.

The viper, meanwhile, was completely dazed, and surely wondering what ill fate had just befallen it to lose both of its companions and then have its victory snatched away from it with the arrival of this raging maniac!  Beside it, the corpses of the other two vipers burst into brilliant clouds of light, temporarily blinding it on top of its previous ailments.

Shaking its head to clear away the pain, it narrowed its gaze on the black blur holding the white pain-stick and moved to claim a new meal.

Spoiler

So... just figured out that I should have been using the MD for the monster's attacks, instead of rolling and using a separate BD for them.  I will be doing this correctly from now on.

[2] Freyd: 180/180 | 9/18 (-7) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> +2 EN, spent SAV 1 and re-triggered KEEN 1 

[0] Iron Viper : Min Loot: 50/90 (-20) | DMG: 27  -> Stunned this turn.

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

The viper's speed was unbelievable.  It was instantly around him him, coiling and swirling in a wide sphere like he'd suddenly been engulfed by a lethal ball of razor wire with a deadly bite to boot.  Freyd kept his arcs wide to keep enough room around him open, biting deep into its flanks in the process.  If it managed to tighten its cage, he'd be finished.  

He flinched as the blade-like edges of its armored scales tore at his right shoulder. Turning Forgiven Disobedience into the tide like a tiller , he carved himself an opening and escape route.  The iron viper lashed viciously at him, and made him pay for his achievement, but it had suffered too many injuries to maintain its trap and was forced to pull back.  Sensing an opportunity, and keenly aware of how little time the shadow mongoose might have remaining, Freyd braced himself against the gorge wall and pushed off to launch himself forward.

 

Spoiler

[3] Freyd: 166/180 (-14)| 6/18 (-3) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> +1 EN, spent and re-triggered KEEN 1 

[0] Iron Viper : Min Loot: 30/90 (-20) | DMG: 27  

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

Freyd twisted his ankle as he launched.  Pain suppression took care of most of the actual ouch, but his trajectory was thrown off and he tripped on a small boulder.  It looked like the perfect dodge as the serpent snapped its jaws just over his head while he fell.  Freyd knew that he couldn't have deliberately pulled of that move if he'd tried, but was grateful for a bit of good fortune.  He swatted the serpent's head away with the flat of his blade as it turned to adjust its attack, dealing no damage but granting him a momentary reprieve to recover and regain his footing.  

His sense of urgency was peaking.  The mongoose was nearly dead.  He'd had to wrap this up quickly if he was to have a chance to save it.  The extra effort required by these new sword arts was also wearing him out faster.  Throwing in everything he could muster, Freyd moved continued the fight.

Spoiler

[3] Freyd: 166/180 | 4/18 (-3) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> +2 EN, spent KEEN 1, triggered SAV 1

[0] Iron Viper : Min Loot: 30/90 | DMG: 27  

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

His strikes hacked through the snake's armored hide and bit deep, pushing it firmly onto the defensive, but it wasn't dead yet.  

'Damn, these things are tough', he thought to himself, his breathing ragged from exertion.  The new gear was helping, but it was still a slog to bring these foes down.  He was also able to take on more dangerous enemies.  A rare smile cross his face as he recalled his epic duel with the twins, Bacon Bits 1.0 and 2.0, in the field just outside of the Town of Beginnings.  It hadn't been that long ago, but felt life it.

"Hang on there, little one," he voiced to the limp, shadowy form just a few feet away.  

'A few breaths more', he told himself, 'always just one more.'  Steeling his resolve, drove him onward, strike after strike.  The iron serpent was becoming desperate and found that it was just as committed to the battle and would not even consider retreat.

 

Spoiler

[4] Freyd: 166/180 | 2/18 (-4) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> +2 EN, triggered KEEN 1, spent and re-triggered SAV 1

[0] Iron Viper : Min Loot: 10/90 (-20)| DMG: 27 

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

Freyd's arms shook with the weight of the ongoing effort, but managed one last direct charge.  The serpent flailed and hissed as the blade sank deep into its flesh.  Then it froze, momentarily, before shattering into a thousand motes of light and data that hovered gently in the air before vanishing.  Freyd slumped to one wobbly knee, hanging desperately onto Forgiven Disobedience to keep him from falling over.  His injuries were negligible, but he'd gone all out to beat this thing and was feeling a bit light-headed and short of breath.  Placing one hand on the ground to brace himself, he suddenly remembered the mongoose.  It's small form was rested, perfectly still, only a few feet away.  It's health bar was in the final percentile.  Was he too late?  Struggling to get to his feet, he stumbled over to check on its condition.  Kneeling beside it and ignoring any risk of attack, he pulled out a healing potion, hoping that it might be enough.

Spoiler

[5] Freyd: 166/180 | 2/18 (-2) | DMG: 5 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | KEEN 1 | Bleed 1 | Holy 1 -> +2 EN, triggered KEEN 1, spent SAV 1

[0] Iron Viper : Min Loot: 10/90 (-20)| DMG: 27 -> killed before acting

Loot:

450 col (3* hp + [2* hp ] from even LD)

(2x) T1 crafting materials (CD even)

T1 Rare Trinket

 

Edited June 7, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

He was too late.

Just as he brought the potion up to the creature's lips, it started glowing brightly and de-materialized into a thousand tiny brilliant shards of light.  Freyd's eyes widened and watched as the cloud enveloped him.  There was something incredibly serene about the moment.  He felt connected to something - some force or presence still lingering around him.  He reached up and touched one of the motes, feeling warmth upon his fingertip as it winked out of existence.  The remaining motes extinguished themselves, leaving him alone in the darkening gorge.  It was time to head back to Fortaleza and rest for the night.  The search would continue tomorrow.

"Maybe you'll have re-spawned by then, little one," he said aloud, "and we can find each other again."

Wary of more serpents in the area, Freyd headed towards the nearest climbable surface and returned to the road.  The sun was just touching the horizon when he emerged.

Spoiler

Need LD equal to or over 15

 

Edited June 8, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

The Cactus Hack was quiet that night.  There weren't many options for inns in Fortaleza, and this one seemed the least run down.  Approaching the bar, Freyd noticed a message carved into the seat on on the stools:

'ReSerVeD for THose SeeKING FaMILiars'

He stood, staring at it for a minute.

"If you're taking that long to process it," said the barkeep, "you probably qualify."

He tossed a pewter mug full of something dark in front of Freyd.

"No luck today?"

Freyd took a drink.  It turned out to be water, but he was parched and grateful for it.  Glancing over the edge of the mug, he held up his other hand, pinching his fingers to within a millimeter of touching.  The barkeep shook his head.

"That's worse than not finding anything at all."  He grabbed the stained rag from his shoulder and gave the bar a quick wipe.  "Can I get you something to eat?"

"Anything but snake," was Freyd's only reply.

[Freyd 0]

The barkeep was kind or wise enough to let Freyd finish his meal before pressing him with any more questions.  The bar was empty, save for the two of them.  Business was slow.

"So," he started cautiously, "What was it you were looking for?"

Freyd tapped the edge of his empty mug and waited for a refill before responding.

"Some shadowy, mongoose-looking thing with bright blue eyes," he replied, after downing half of its contents again.

His companion's face gave away his surprise.

"I've heard of those.  Can't say that we've had too many out here looking for them as familiars."

Freyd's palm full of coin jingled loudly as it struck the table.  It was clearly more than would be needed to cover his bill.  His face remained expressionless.  This had become a business transaction.

"You'll fit in well around here," said the barkeep, deftly sliding them into his apron without a sound.  "My name's Gidrick," he added, without offering his hand, "and if its the blue shadow mongoose you're seeking, you'll want to try over by El Paso del Diablo."