[F13-SP] <<Training your Friend>> Clearing the Outskirts

[Freyd 0]

With Liminal Blind complete, Freyd had finally established a home base he deemed sufficiently secure and away from the prying and ever-vigilant digital eyes of the insidious Cardinal system.  He could never truly let down his guard, of course, but this was an important step forward.  From this location, he could maintain vantage over the data processing hub he was convinced was concealed within the cathedral at Angel's Point - one of the few safe zones on this otherwise abysmal level.  Persistence, his newly acquired blue shadow mongoose familiar, was happy to scamper about, chasing small mutated rodents and other relatively harmless critters that roamed the grounds of the monastery beneath which Liminal Blind was concealed.

Persi did as she pleased, most of the time, despite Freyd's occasional attempts at direction.  He'd let it go, as she was preternaturally skilled at staying out of the way.  Hunting down Cardinal's innocent-looking critter spies only endeared her further.  But, with everything else on his agenda settled, now seemed like an appropriate time for the two of them to get better acquainted.  If they were to work more effectively together, a few things need to be clarified.

 

Spoiler

General
Level: 12 | HP:  285/285 | Energy: 24/24

Stats
DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | REC 1 | KEEN 1 | HOLYDMG 1 | BLEED 1 | IMM 1

Skills
2HSS – Rank 3
Light Armor – Rank 1

Mods
None

Extra Skills
Disguise

Housing Buffs
Advanced Training (+2 SP, 1/month)
Multipurpose (+1 LD/SR/SD/Prosp roll per thread)
Rested (-1 EN first two posts per combat)
Clean (-20% DOT dmg, first time per thread)
Filling (Increase one food item effect by +1 T1 slot)
Item Stash (+1 Battle Ready slot)
Col Stash (+5% col from monsters & chests)
Relaxed (+[5*Tier]hp regen per post, EN regen in 2 posts)

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)
None

Ready Slots:
(3x)Starter Healing Potions(50HP)
(1x) T1 Damage Potion of Uncommon quality. (+1 Damage)
None
None
None
None

Consumed:

Second Level Courage (T1 Rare Consumable: Over Health 2) - increased to OH3 by 'Filling'
Acquisition ID: #153157 | Identification ID: #152242

Berserker Draught (T1 Rare Consumable: DMG 2)
Acquisition ID: #153158 | Identification ID: #152242

Immolation Potion (T1: IMM 1)

(Bought from own store)
 

 

Edited June 14, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

They wandered out beyond the monastery walls, into the fog-bound ruins surrounding Angel's Point, where the threats became more real than those conjured by Freyd's fractured mind.  Fetch and other similar games had become a common feature of their limited time together, but its success depended more on Persi's desire to play than formal cooperation.  A pecking order was required to better facilitate their cooperation during combat.  Fortunately, their intuitions already seemed aligned, based on their prior encounter with a giant scorpion, after their initial meeting on floor five.  Freyd's plan was simple, for once:  put them into situations of shared danger and force them to work together.

Persi was swift and nimble.  Her strength lay in natural predatory instincts for teasing and taunting foes into making bad moves that left them vulnerable to critical strikes.  It played well with Freyd's own approach, which was a more direct 'stabby-stabby' style combined with mobility.  Neither of them were keen on, or suited to, standing out in the open and wailing on enemies while they did so in return.

[Freyd 0]

It didn't take them long to encounter one of the diseased - humanoid mutants that were supposedly victims of whatever narrative plot device had devastated this level.  Basically, it was a zombie.  

"I'll go at him dead on," Freyd whispered to Persi. "You natter at him from the left, okay?"  

Persi's brilliant blue eyes just stared at him from within the silhouetted darkness of her roiling, shadowy form.  He tried hand gestures, thinking it couldn't hurt, but the mongoose lost interest and started sniffing at his pockets for snacks.

"After," Freyd replied, perhaps a bit too forcefully.  Persi jumped back a bit.  The diseased took notice also, and started shambling their way.

"Go around, quick!" Freyd repeated, then drew his weapon to attack.

Persi stuck her head out from behind tree that had concealed them, watching him curiously as he charge towards danger.  Freyd couldn't help wonder if she was thinking that people were crazy and debating whether she should have stayed in her Canyon near Fortaleza.

[Freyd 0]

Apparently, shambling was a precursor to a full out agile sprint on this floor.  The twisted figures features were so distorted and distended that he couldn't even recognize its gender.  The scraps of rotting clothing that still clung to its body were crusted in blood and muck, and provided no additional clues.  It didn't matter.  It wasn't about to let them leave.

"Dangit.  Fast zombies."  Freyd cursed himself for having forgotten that particular detail from his research.

His attack missed, having held his swing expecting a slower moving target.  It collided with him, making a horrible squelching sound, as if most of its flesh had liquified.  

Eww.

Persi was nowhere to be found.  Looks like he was on his own, for the moment.  Maybe she was sneaking around for a better angle.  It was a nice idea, but he didn't really believe it.  Grasping the blade of his sword, he slammed the creature in the chest and sent it stumbling a few steps, giving him enough time to re-establish his grip.

Spoiler

[0] Freyd: 260/285 (-25)| 24/24 (-1) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | IMM 1 -> Rested

 Diseased #1:  120/130 (-10)| DMG: 39

 

Edited June 15, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

The zombie-thing came at him again, despite getting licked by the flare of the immolation potion he'd taken before they wandered beyond the walls.  This time, Freyd was ready.  A heavy pommel strike to the head knocked it off balance, followed by a hard downward strike that tore through its sickened flesh like a hot knife through rancid butter.  The smell was foul, but at least the celestial qualities of the sword transformed the spilled goo into that marshmallow-like substance instead.  

It wailed in pain and frustration.  Freyd gave it a swift kick to the chest, sending it tumbling into an adjacent ditch, where it floundered in the muddy ground and lay exposed for a follow-up strike.

"Where the heck is that mongoose," he said to himself.  Taking a moment to glance around while the zombie was flailing helplessly below him, he could see no sign of her.  Everything else in the surrounding area was still and quiet.

Spoiler

[0] Freyd: 235/285 (-25)| 21/24 (-5 +1 +2) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | IMM 1 -> Rested, triggered Rec 1, +1 crit, triggered holy, triggered bleed, triggered keen

 Diseased #1:  43/130 (-55 -12 bld -10 imm)| DMG: 39 -> bleed 12 next turn

 

Edited June 15, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

A quick strike lopped off the zombie's head, sending it spinning off into the distance, exploding into a ball of light as both pieces burst into data and disappeared. Not much loot to be had, unfortunately.  It didn't matter.  There would be many more opportunities for that.

Having finished off his opponent, he returned to search for Persi only to find her two feet behind him, standing on her hind legs and watching the last of the zombie's motes raining down gently all around her.

"Oh, sure, now you come out," he quipped, placing his hands on his hips after dismissing his weapon.  The smirk on his face belied any frustration that might have been carried in his voice.

Persi just tilted her head in response, then frolicked about, dancing between the last of the falling mote and pouncing on them as they touched the ground.

We have some work to do.

Spoiler

[0] Freyd: 235/285 | 21/24 (-5 +1 +2) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | IMM 1 -> spent and re-triggered keen

 Diseased #1:  0/130 (-40 -12 bld)| DMG: 39 -> bleed 12 

Loot:

682 col ([3*hp] + [2*hp] for even CD) +5% col stash

2x T1 Mats (odd LD)

  

 

Edited June 15, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

Freyd flopped down on the ground and motioned Persi over with a finger.  She sauntered over, cautiously, not really sure what wiggling one of his awkward limb-tip tentacles was supposed to mean.

"If we're going to work as a team," he started, "it means that we're going to have to figure out some basic ways to communicate.  I'm guessing by the way you're looking at me, that you probably don't understand anything I'm saying."

The mongoose stared at him intently for a moment, before getting distracted by a play of light in the fog and tree canopy behind him.

"Persi," Freyd said.  Something in the way he said it actually got through to her.  It wasn't harsh or loud, but firm and even in tone.  He noted it for future reference, as it was the first time he'd ever successfully garnered and kept her attention.   She tried looking away again, slower this time.

"Persi," he repeated.  She stayed focused on him.  It seemed demeaning, but they had to start somewhere.

"Persi," he repeated once more, altering his tone.  Freyd hoped the change of intonation would eventually lead to expectation of follow-up instruction.  They spent the rest of that session working on 'fetch', 'stay', 'run', and a few other basic commands.  He had no illusions that this was going to happen overnight.

Spoiler

CD 7+ Required.  1 of 4 successes achieved.

 

Edited June 15, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

Freyd and Persi spent another week inside the monastery grounds, working on simple commands and positive reinforcement.  Their success was still spotty, but improving gradually.  Lack of intelligence wasn't a problem.  Persi was sharp as a whip, and her senses were keener than Freyd's by far.  She was simply strong willed and independent, and, while she had accepted him, he wasn't quite a pack mate yet.

Their wanderings around the monastery grounds had also revealed some interesting finds.  The place was quite large, and clearly intended to be populated in the later versions of the game.  There were multiple clues as to potential design intentions, most swirling around the idea of a last redoubt when the plague that had devastated the inhabitants of this level made its final play against the survivors.  It might have made an interesting recurring event.  Persi proved adept a finding hidden nooks and crannies throughout, including multiple loot drop points.  Being within the safe zone, they were never used.  Their search helped to refine their coordination and use of action commands.  Slowly, as she felt more comfortable thinking of Freyd's instructions as part of cooperative effort, Persi became accustomed to his gestures and 'suggestions'.

 

 

[Freyd 0]

"Get'em Persi!"  Freyd whispered as loud as he dared.

The shadow mongoose stared at him, hesitating for a moment, then darted quietly into the underbrush.  He could see it scampering around to the left, creating a small furrow in the blanket of fallen leaves in the woods.  There was something strangely reminiscent of a Bugs Bunny cartoon about the whole thing.  He lost sight of her trail as she crested a small rise, and then there was nothing. 

Freyd shifted uncomfortably, crouched as he was between the large exposed roots of an ancient maple tree.  Scanning the landscape revealed no sign of her.  The diseased simply stood where it was, turning its head randomly as it was programmed to do.  Then, suddenly, Freyd swore he saw its eyes glow red and it wheeled in place to face the direction where Persi had vanished.

"Awww... hell."  Freyd called his bleached white greatsword to hand and released a battlecry as he emerged from his hiding place and charged.

[Freyd 0]

Propelling himself across the shattered forest landscape, Freyd lanced through his opponent, severing its right arm, then striking with a spinning pommel strike send it sprawling off balance.  It landed on its face with a *splorch*, struggling to regain its footing.  Its head embedded itself in the muck where it had landed.  The creature cared not a whit as it tore its body free, leaving most of its face behind in the process.

Eww.

Freyd spared a moment to glance around for Persi, but found no evidence of her presence. 

Combat training might take some more practice.

He gave the zombie a swift kick to the backside, sending it crashing back into its own face.

"Stay down for a minute," he added, flatly.

"Persi!  This is the 'him' you're supposed to be after!"  He pointed down at the struggling thing at his feet.  "Where did you run off to this time?"

He looked around again in the direction where the mongoose's trail had vanished.

 

Spoiler

[1] Freyd: 280/285 | 20/24 (-4) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | IMM 1 -> rested, triggered keen 1

 Diseased #2:  90/130 (-40)| DMG: 39 

 

Edited June 16, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

A duplicate image of himself remained where the zombie could flail in utter futility at it while he wandered around searching for his familiar.

"Where could you have run off to?"  he wondered, pulling up a few of the yellowish, mossy fronds covering most of the ground in the surrounding area.  The flora on this level was deliberately unappealing, but had it really been necessary to add the stench?   The faceless, jaw-less thing behind him had finally figured out his little ruse and scampered up out of its muddy hole.  

"Hey, Persi," he said aloud, on the off chance that she was actually listening.  "This is supposed to involve you darting around this thing, making it waste its energy and exposing it to attacks by your beloved co-...er...fighter?"  He needed to figure out the jargon.  Who knew what a mongoose's sensitivities might be?  Everyone was so touchy about language these days.  The zombie might have agreed, but could no longer produce any intelligible vocal sounds.

Spoiler

[2] Freyd: 280/285 | 18/24 (-4 +2) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | IMM 1 -> rested, triggered Rec 1, spent and re-triggered Keen 1, used Disguise (recharge in 3), triggered Savvy 1

 Diseased #2:  50/130 (-40)| DMG: 39 

 

Edited June 17, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

The shambling humanoid thing snuffles and snorted at it reached for him.  One swift slice later, its upper half met the fronds.  It took Freyd a moment to realize that its legs were still moving toward him.  A second slice bisected them and ended the fight.  When the motes cleared, Persistence was revealed behind them, standing proudly on her hind legs with a small rodent of some kind in her mouth.

"Huh.  Maybe targeting isn't so much your thing."  He did his best to appear grateful as he accepted the rat-thing, rubbing her head and neck in thanks.  "Don't worry," he added, "we'll figure it out."

Gathering their loot, they moved deeper into the fallen woods, searching for other prey.  He was certain that Persi thought of them as such.  If they were to make this work, he would need to understand her way of thinking, and find a way to make her get at least some of his.  The latter would be the tougher bit.

 

Spoiler

[3] Freyd: 280/285 | 14/24 (-5 +1) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | IMM 1 -> spent and re-triggered Keen 1, used Disguise (recharge in 2), spent Savvy 1

 Diseased #2:  0/130 (-nuff)| DMG: 39 

Loot:

955 col ([3*hp] + [2*hp] for even CD + [2*hp] from roll) +5% col stash

2x T1 Mats (odd LD)

1x T1 Rare Armor/Shield

 

 

Edited June 17, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

They felled another half-dozen diseased that afternoon.  Persi was starting to catch on by the end of it, actually dancing around the intended target, instead of dashing after local critters.  It was another step in the right direction.

***

They practiced daily over the week that followed.  Recognition of vocal patterns and tone was improving, but Freyd couldn't help wondering if he was training Persi or the other way around.  If he was truly honest with himself, doing both was probably required.  He admired her guile and speed.  She relied on his strength and him being agile enough to keep up with her.

Persi had also taken to clinging to his vestment whenever they wandered into Angel's Point.  With her eyes closed, she was nigh invisible to all but the most discerning.  None of the NPCs seemed aware of her presence at all.  It was an unexpected and welcome bonus that also enabled him to subtly whisper commands while she was close.  Their daily strolls soon became part of the overall training regimen.

Spoiler

Training requires CD 7+ roll.  2 of 4 successes.

 

Edited June 18, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

The basics were more or less under control by the time they braved the wilds once more.  Freyd walked the woods with his blade out and ready while Persi pranced beside him, hopping around and sniffing at every nuanced change in odour or the texture of the surfaces upon which they stood.  This was a very different environment from the desert canyons on floor five where Freyd had found her.  The heavy for made her coat slick and gave her an otter-like quality.  Freyd thought it suited her well.

It didn't take long to find another target - yet another member of the diseased.  This one was dressed in collapsing pieces of armor poorly covering what was left of its flesh.  Still, it might make a slightly tougher target.  It was time to see how their recent efforts panned out.

"Get'em, Persi!"

The mongoose dashed beneath the fronds on the forest floor, as it had the last time, but emerged near the shambling humanoid.  Darting across in front of it that even Freyd could hardly see her, it was enough to get the mob's attention and set it chasing after the tiny creature.  Freyd charged and caught the zombie from behind.

Spoiler

[1] Freyd: 285/285 | 21/24 (-4 +1) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | IMM 1 -> rested, triggered Rec 1, triggered Keen 1, triggered Savvy 1

 Diseased #3:  90/130 (-40)| DMG: 39 

 

Edited June 18, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

The zombie spun full round to face Freyd, only to have Persi dart again beneath its feet.  Its arms flailed wide, unable to decide at which target they were aiming.  Freyd took the opportunity provided and gave it another deep gash to the torso, ripping loose some of its ad-hoc armor in the process.  Letting loose something between a gurgle and berserker's cry of rage, the thing went nuts.  Flailing and flopping all around, it was comically ineffective.  That didn't mean it couldn't be dangerous.  

Signalling at Persi to hold back, Freyd was trying out various non-verbal queues to see how well attuned their instincts had becomes.  The mongoose hopped back and forth at the edges of the underbrush, just outside the zombie's range, but causing enough commotion to sustain its aggravation.  Freyd circled around to the opposite side with deliberately heavy footfalls and his white sword on a high guard, ready to swoop down as soon as the moment was right.

Spoiler

[2] Freyd: 285/285 | 19/24 (-4 +2) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | THORNS 1 -> rested, triggered Rec 1, spent and re-triggered Keen 1, spent and re-triggered Savvy 1

 Diseased #3:  50/130 (-40)| DMG: 39 

 

Edited June 18, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

It veered towards Freyd, allowing Persi to scramble up its backside only to leap back to where she'd started as it pawed at its own neck and head.  Nothing remained to block Freyd's thrust.  Forgiven Disobedience slid clear through the zombie's chest, poking awkwardly out the other side.  Freyd had been careful not to accidentally spear the mongoose at the same time.

"Better," he admitted, pleased with their results.

Their action could be far better synchronized, but that would come.  The very fact that they had reached a point where he and Persi could understand each other, somewhat, was a major accomplishment.  They were limited to dart and feint tactics, for the moment, but refinement would follow.

Persi, for her part, seemed to be enjoying the game.  Freyd was still clumsy and too direct to ever be a proper mongoose, but she had learned to see where his size could be of use while she dipped and bopped around.  The idea of sinking her teeth into these rotting meat sacks wasn't overly appealing anyway.

Spoiler

[3] Freyd: 285/285 | 15/24 (-5 +1) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | THORNS 1 -> spent and re-triggered Keen 1, spent and re-triggered Savvy 1

 Diseased #3:  10/130 (-40)| DMG: 39 

 

Edited June 18, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

A twist and terrible squelching sound were all that were required to finish the fight.  The diseased dissipated into fractured bits of data and Freyd's sword was clean once more.  Persi danced about his feet, excited about her own performance and eager for more.

Freyd actually laughed.  It was a rare and welcome sound, for both of them.  

"If you want a go at another one, go find it!"  Persi stared at him, bobbed her head a few times, then darted into the brush.

Collecting his meager loot, Freyd followed after her, keeping his eyes and ears open.  He didn't trust that Persi wouldn't bring a horde of those things down on them, thinking that more would equal greater fun.  He found her standing on her hind legs, staring at the clouds beyond the edge of the map.  He'd forgotten that it was this close to Angel's Point.  Grabbing a nearby rock, he threw it over the edge, watching it sail away into infinity.  

Spoiler

[4] Freyd: 285/285 | 11/24 (-5 +1) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | THORNS 1 -> spent and re-triggered Keen 1, spent  Savvy 1

 Diseased #3:  0/130 (-40)| DMG: 39 

Loot:

409 col ([3*hp]) +5% col stash

4x T1 Mats (odd CD & LD)

 

Edited June 18, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

(Perspective change: viewpoint is now Persi's)

Persi watched the stone's flight from the moment it left Freyd's hand - or, as she preferred to think of him: 'Lummox'.  He was an awkward thing.  Too tall and lanky, stumbling around all over the place.  She only stood on her hind legs to get a better vantage.  He actually tried to walk that way!?  It was SO ridiculous!  The only advantage she could see was the insane reach he had with that sharp white stick-thing he popped out of nowhere every once in a while.  (No, not that kind of stick!  Behave!)

She'd initially followed him out of floor five out of sheer curiosity.  To his credit, he had helped protect her family from several predators and equally obnoxious intruders in their den.  It was his ferocity in trying to save another blue shadow mongoose from a trio of vicious iron vipers that had truly endeared him - even if he was kinda funny-looking.

Spoiler

Training requires CD 7+ roll.  2 of 4 successes.

 

Edited June 19, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

These throwing exercises he insisted on performing were enjoyable, but Lummox's aim didn't seem to be improving.  Every throw seemed farther, and always in a new, random direction.  He truly lacked a mongoose's focus and pride in ... hey!  What's that?!  A box of light had suddenly appeared on the ground before her.  Persi approached cautiously, sniffing and circling it, keeping on her toes in case it chose to attack.  What was it?  Where did it come from?  She stood on her hind legs, twisting her head one hundred and eighty degrees in either direction.  Why were Lummox's people so inflexible?  He couldn't even look directly behind him.  So impractical!  The light shimmered and flickered away up the nearby masonry wall, stopping well above her reach.  Flustered that she'd missed her chance to pounce on it, Persi tried climbing the blocks, but they were worn and slick with age.  The shopkeeper next door had closed their window, changing the angle of the reflected window.

[Freyd 0]

"GEDDEMPURZEE!"

She had come to understand that this booming command - why were bipeds always so loud - was intended to indicate the direction of their prey.  Darting through the underbrush, she came upon their latest enemy.  It was another of these rotten biped-things.  Eww.  Stinky.   Wasn't there anything edible out here worth finding?  Still, it was fun and Lummox seemed to enjoy this particularly game.  He must, because he brought them out here to play again after every few sleeps.

She popped out near the creature, jumping to and fro with great excitement and agitation.  It nearly slices off its own ankles trying to reach down and catch her.  Some of the bones in its squishy torso were sticking out in weird ways.  It didn't look right, and the ugly spurs obstructed its movement.  So silly!  They were probably to make it feel better by turning it all sparkly.  That Lummox could be such a thoughtful clod.

Spoiler

[1] Freyd: 285/285 | 20/24 (-4) | DMG: 8 | EVA: 0 | MIT: 14 | ACC: 2 | SAV 1 | BLEED 1 | HOLY 1 | KEEN 1 | THORNS 1 -> rested, triggered Keen 1, triggered Savvy 1

 Diseased #4:  90/130 (-40)| DMG: 39 

 

 

Edited June 19, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows