[PP-F5] <<Blood in the Sand>> Chumming with Newbs

[Freyd 0]

Fortaleza was starting to feel like an unofficial second home - or maybe a favourite vacation spot, like a place where he'd once given in to sales pressure and bought a time share for no good reason whatsoever.  Freyd was waiting around in what passed for the main plaza of the small desert outpost, where the local teleportation gate served as a convenient waypoint for travellers.  @Vie, @Katoka and @Ruler had all been sent the party invite.  Freyd snickered... party invite.  There was actually some small element of risk that the sand shark might actually injure one of them, but anything more than that would require outright interference from on high.  He doubted that Cardinal wanted another rematch so soon after their last encounter.

Freyd wore the same garb as during their meeting in the guild hall of Firm Anima, where he'd made the offer to run them all through their paces.  It would make him easier to recognize, though the party tracker should lead them to him easily enough.  He thought back fondly on the help he'd received from more experienced players when he first started out, not so long ago.  

"Time to pay our debts forward, right Persi?"  A pair of brilliant blue eyes opened from between stacked barrels next to him, revealing the presence of his shadowy familiar.  She was just content to soak up the warmth of her native landscape, and resumed her napping while they waited for the others to arrive.

Spoiler

Name: Freyd
Level: 33
HP: 660/660
EN: 66/66

Stats:
Damage: 14
Mitigation: 44
Evasion: 1
Accuracy: 4
KEEN:1
HLY:2
BLD:12

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Forgiven Disobedience (T1-2HSS, ACC 1, HOLY 1, BLD 1)
Armor: Skirmisher's Garb (T2-LA, MIT 2, EVA 1)
Misc: Assassin's Cowl (T2-Trinket, ACC 2, KEEN 1)

Skills:
2H Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 2]

Extra Skills:
Disguise
Familiar Mastery: Fighter 3
Survival

Mods:
Precision
Finesse - Rank 3

Battle Ready Inventory:
Starter Healing Potion (50 hp)*3
Teleport Crystals*2
Divinity's Wait (T1 Mit 3)*5
Liquor of Light (T1 DMG 3)*5

Housing Buffs:
Rested: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
Hard Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Item Stash: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Col Stash: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll

Guild Hall Buffs:
Lucrative: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters receive +1 crafting attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters receive +2 crafting attempts per day.
Col Deposit: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild: n/a

Wedding Ring: n/a

 

 

[Katoka 0]

Katoka was surprised by the intensity of the heat she felt, even though this was a desert she didn't expect the Cardinal system to make her feel so hot. Fanning herself with her hand she looked around the plaza of the meeting area she was sent. This was the firs time she had been this high in Aincrad other than to visit the guild hall so she was not familiar with this floor. She took her time to walk around the area in search of Freyd as well as hoping from one small shaded area to another.

It didn't take her long to find the hooded individual standing in wait, she made her way over and waved, "H-Hey Freyd, thanks again for having me along. I wouldn't be comfortable this high up without someone who knew the area." She smiled and looked around nervously, "So uh, what exactly are we hunting again?"

Spoiler

Name: Katoka
Level: 4
HP: 80
EN: 8
SP: 4/9

Damage: 4
Mitigation: 0
Accuracy: 0

Inventory

Weapons/Tools:

Curved Sword | Rare (+2 Damage)

Armor:

Starter Armor (Female) | Vanity

Consumables:

(3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)
(5) Tier One Health Potions of Rare quality. (+40 HP)
(1) Tier One Damage Potion of Uncommon quality. (+1 Damage)
(1) Tier One Over-Health Potion of Special quality. (+50 HP to maximum HP for remainder of thread)

 

Edited July 15, 2020 by Katoka

[Vie 0]

Vie's UI pings and she accepts the party request from Freyd- there was no doubt the four were going to face a frightening beast today... Well frightening for three of the four most likely. The girl stretches, feeling a bit of regret for not taking some sort of flask from the vault as she hadn't realized just how dry the environment would be. She probably should've taken Freyd's advice, the game was more realistic than she gave it credit for. Vie stood up from where she had been observing the sandstone environment and walked towards the meet up point finally, hoping she hadn't gotten the time wrong and that she wasn't too late. She spent a little time looking around for the mediocre man until she saw both Katoka and Freyd talking to each other. The small redhead waved as she approached the two, "Hello Katoka, Freyd!" She shouted at them before hearing Katoka voice a question, "I believe there's a pesky sandshark that's fit to stab." was her slightly concerning response, while she hoped to be of help to some degree. "Oh, and nice to see you again. Don't think this is the only quest we'll go on," Vie turns to Katoka and gives her a smile.
 

Spoiler Vie | Lv. 4 | HP: 80/80 | EN: 8/8 | DMG: 2 (1 base, 1 skill) Equipment Weapon: Rapier [Vanity] Armor: Light Armor [Vanity] Skills One-Handed Weapons [R1] Battle Ready Inventory Consumables: Starter Healing Potions [3]

Edited July 15, 2020 by Vie

[Ruler 0]

Ruler stepped off Fortaleza's not-so-grand teleportation terminal and eyed her party right off the back. The different colors plus the party tracker made them easy to spot out in the crowd, even if it was a wasteland of sand on this floor. She approached the group, finding it slightly difficult to walk in the heels of her armor through sand. With a wave, she greeted the group, towering over the other females she was partying with and nearly standing taller than Freyd thanks to her boots.

"Good day to you all. As I introduced myself at the guild hall, you may call me Ruler." She looks around the group for a moment trying to remember names. Her eyes tracked to each person as she said their names. "Vie, Freyd, and Katoka. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I apologize if my original introduction was sheepish. I was rather nervous heading up to floor 22 to meet people I didn't know at all."

Spoiler

Name: Ruler
Level: 4
HP: 80/80
EN: 8/8

Stats:
Damage: 6
Accuracy: 3

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Flag of War[THAS/Rare/T1] DMG II
Armor: Maiden's Garb[Light Armor/Perfect/T1] MIT II; EVA I
Misc: Maiden's Forgiveness[Trinket/Perfect/T1] ACC III

Skills:
Two-Handed Assault Spear [Rank 1]

Extra Skills:

Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
Starter Healing Potions(50hp)*3
Ice Cream Mochi - LD III*3

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:
Lucrative: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters receive +1 crafting attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters receive +2 crafting attempts per day.
Col Deposit: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

 

[Freyd 0]

"Ah, good.  I'm glad to see that you all made it."  Pulling down his cowl for their benefit, and courtesy, his face looked a bit more weathered, out here in the wilderness.  His reddish brown eyes also had a softer look, with less edge or intensity.  

"This is a basic monster hunt, and a good opportunity to test your skills and teamwork.  The sand shark packs a bit of a wallop for characters of your level, but I'll make sure to draw its attention early on.  We're not taking any chances today.  Should I miss on my first attack, you must let it remain focused on me.  Hold for my signal before you strike."  His gaze was piercing and dead serious as he looked at each of them in turn.  Freyd would not put them in danger unless they complied.  They would each experience tragedy by other means in Aincrad.  There was no need to introduce it so soon.

[Katoka 0]

Katoka was happy to see some familiar faces joining on their hunt. "I look forward to having more adventures with you Vie, I can't wait to what kind if fun we can have." she smiled at the red head and turned towards her fellow, "It's nice to see you again Ruler." she bows, feeling the need to be formal with her as she has a very regal aura to her. Back to Freyd she takes careful note of his instructions, since this is a monster that could probably deal them more damage than she would normally see on floor one, she was beginning to feel very anxious of the coming fight. She bowed, "I'll be in your care Freyd-senpai." She began to nervously play with her hair and fiddle with her gear. While she waited she opened the UI and began to look through her sword arts so she was ready for the coming fight.

[Vie 0]

Another blonde she hadn't quite taken note of previously approached the group. Vie hadn't remembered her at all from the guild hall, but she tried her best to pretend to. While attempting to recall having met Ruler in the first place she replies to the girl's voiced qualms, "That's completely understandable." Freyd then begins, having seen that everyone was now gathered. As the male pulled down his hood, his demeanor seemed altered in some way. She couldn't pinpoint whether it was his voice, expression, or a mixture of the two. The redhead appreciated how genuinely concerned he was for them, and nodded along trying her best to not internally trail off or space out as the topic at hand seemed important. He appeared to always speak in a professional manner, never taking a break. She understood that perhaps this was a monumental thing- fighting and going on missions- and their lives were at risk, but somewhere internally she wondered whether he ever just relaxed. Wasn't it what they were here for in the first place afterall? As his final words fell out, she awoke into an alert state external from her mind, and gave him a thumbs up while regretting having not paid complete attention. His eyes stared daggers at her which was quite terrifying to say the least- but it definitely encouraged her to follow his lead, not that she was going to stray far from it in the first place.

Edited July 19, 2020 by Vie

[Ruler 0]

Ruler exchanged her pleasantry with Katoka by bowing back to her slightly. Alicia was from the States, but she knew enough about Japanese culture to know that it was disrespectful to not return a bow. "The pleasure is mine."

Freyd, explained their mission. This would be the real first time that she had fought something more than just respawning monsters. An actual boss monster would be a lot more dangerous the best she could do was simply agree to his terms and be ready to fight if it was necessary. She removed the pole arm from her back, wrapped in the long cloth of its banner. One could never be too safe.

"I will ensure that nothing ambushes us from behind while we make our way there." Ruler nods in return to Freyd after he is done speaking. She was ready to head out and get this quest finished posthaste.

[Freyd 0]

"Good.  Let's get out there and find this thing.  I suspect that this won't take very long.  Persi, would you lead the way please?"  A part of his long shadow, stretched out by the morning light, broke off.  Two brilliant blue eyes opened within the autonomous portions which took on certain feline qualities as it strutted with great self-importance between all of the gathered players and headed for the gates.  Freyd just rolled his eyes and nudged them forward, appreciating Ruler's offer to bring up the rear.

As soon as they cleared the safe sword, a gaudy looking white straight blade nearly five feet long appeared in his hands.  It's intricately crafted hilt and cross guard were trimmed with tightly wound red cloth and trimmed in gold accents.  Despite its appearance, there was a certain majesty to the blade and Freyd bore it with pride and confidence, reminded that it was a gift from an elder player from when he first set foot beyond the walls of the Town of Beginnings.  "Forgiven Disobedience," he said, seeing them eye the blade.  "A fine and aptly named gift from a friend.  It has served me well.  Always be prepared out here.  We may not get much warning."

[Katoka 0]

Katoka tried not to squeal when she saw the adorable shadow creature appear. Instead she kept her composure and only made a small squeak that she was certain they had heard. She wondered if finding a familiar would be beneficial to her, it seemed they were popular and could be helpful in battle after all. She noticed her guild mates all getting into their positions and she follow suit, staying in the middle with Vie. She saw Freyd summon a weapon that looked like it was viscous in battle. As he told them to be prepared she drew her curved sword from it's sheath and held it ready in case she needed to attack at any time.

"How far do we need to travel before we find the creature?" she asked, her tone a bit nervous. She had not researched this quest as thoroughly as she would have liked ahead of time to be prepared.

[Vie 0]

Vie watched in awe as the dark haired male summoned his familiar of which had an entire personality of its own. Such complex tamed mobs made her sorry for the soon-to-be-dead sand shark a little. While Freyd pushed them towards and through the gates, she saw the likewise confused gaze of the guards at their post as they passed. Vie blushed slightly, embarrassed that they seemed to be troublesome to the experienced adventurer in the eyes of outsiders. As they exited the safe zone, Freyd had equipped his weapon that he appeared to hold quite dear. Finally taking his advice, the girl equips her vanity rapier. It wasn't anything too special, but it was hers, so it had some sort of significance to her. The redhead looked to her side to see Katoka and smiled, glad to be with someone who seemed as nervous and curious as she felt internally. Standing beside her had given her a form of self-confidence that she hadn't previously had. Her hair swayed quite abruptly, leading her to believe some form of wind picked up- perhaps a sandstorm was developing. She covers her hair so the wind doesn't impede with her vision too much. "I hope it's not too far," the girl voices her concerns with a bit of a quiver audible.

[Ruler 0]

The picking up of the wind meant even more loose sand was finding its way into Alicia's eyes. Of all the things that it had to be, it was a sandstorm. The floor couldn't have been a tropical jungle or a nice warm sunny beach? Well, whatever they had to deal with, she would be ready for it. She wasn't so nervous as the other girls in their group were. Being on higher floors was scary, but she always maintained a stony gaze to threat like this. It was just the natural response. Clear minds make good calls.

Following behind the group, she watched the rear, ensuring that nothing caught the other two women in their party off guard. She wouldn't even need to act on something coming at them if she saw it ahead of time Freyd would surely whip around and murder it instantly if she called it out. While she was not the best with making light conversation, she was sure that it would help take the worry off the minds off the lower players of the group if someone talked about something less pressing.

"How did you all come to join Firm Anima?" Ruler asked, turning back around to face them while she spoke. "I was a solo player until I realized that it would probably be less stressful and more fun to join a band of players who also want to get stronger."

[Freyd 0]

Freyd enjoyed his companions' reactions when he told them that he had literally joined the guild moments before he met them in the hall.  He'd quested with several of its members a short while back and was intrigued when he received an unexpected invitation to join.  "It seemed like the appropriate time," was his rather vague response.  He let the three woman chat as they traveled, answering any questions that were posed, but asking few in return.  It was simply his way, and knew all too well the perils of this floor for the unwary.  His role was that of escort and protector today, and he took that duty seriously.

There was no visible warning as a massive maw of teeth suddenly burst from the sand next to Katoka, it's multiple rows of razor sharp teeth half-closed around her innocent young face.  Instead of mauling their unsuspecting prey, they and the gigantic beast to which they were attached exploded into a starburst cloud of mirror-like shards that showered the entire party along with the sands expelled by its eruption.  When everything had settled, all that remained was a pure white blade still on guard six inches in front of Katoka's face.  Wisps of snow-like silt drifted off it's surface accompanied by the slightest hint of song from heaven's host embodied in its holy mien.

Freyd slowly lowered the blade to his side, watching Katoka for any reaction, as if gauging her nerve.  "Not bad," he added, after lingering a moment longer.  His eyes scanned their surroundings for a moment before his stance finally relaxed.  "Well, I guess that's it then.  Shall we head back?"

@Katoka

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:660/660 | EN:57/66 (-9)| DMG:14 | MIT:44 | EVA:1 | ACC:4 | KEEN:1 | HLY:2 | BLD:12 -> rested
Katoka | HP: 80/80 | EN 8/8 | DMG: 4
Vie | HP: 80/80 | EN: 8/8 | DMG: 2
Ruler | HP: 80/80 | EN: 8/8 | DMG: 6 | ACC: 3

BD:  8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 182 damage to Sand Shark.  Killed.

Sand Shark | HP: 0/125 (-182)| DMG: 50
 

 

Edited July 21, 2020 by Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Katoka 0]

"I joined because after sitting in the Town of Beginnings for so long, I realized that it would be safer to have people to rely on than to be solo." nodded in response to her own answer. Katoka then turned and watched in slow motion as the sand next to her exploded into a geyser, exposing the creature they came to hunt. It's rows of teeth snapped open and were centimetres from her face before the explosion of polygons and sand blew her hair back. Now there was Freyd's blade there where the sand shark had once been. He complimented her composure but in reality she was frozen in place, the fact was that the monster was so fast that it had given her so little time to react, but what had her more quite was the fact that he had killed it on one swift motion. It was then that she really had an idea of the gap in their strength.

"I-Yeah, we should head back I guess." her voice was a hoarse so she took a swig of water to cover the face that she had been terrified in those swift moments. "I need to get stronger" she said to herself.

[Vie 0]

The girl was shocked when Freyd had said he, too, was a new member of Firm Anima. Gosh he did a lot of grinding in his free time. No wonder he's so grumpy, he just wants a hug and some relaxation time. She considers giving him a hug from behind, but decides against it unsure if she could handle being stabbed by him on 'accident'. "I think playing while having a community around you is more enjoyable than the contrary," was her response to Ruler's question.

After a little while of emotional abuse from the obnoxious wind and having to alter her head's position every couple of minutes to avoid the sand being practically hurled at her and hindering her vision... She glances over at Katoka to make sure she's alright and not too nervous about the foe they would soon encounter. It was then that she saw the monster they were here to defeat. Her grip on the rapier sort of nervously shivers, but just before she's able to possibly swipe at the creature to protect the blonde- with one move from the male it crystalizes and dissipates away. The redhead stares wide-eyed despite the sandy wind. Tears fall down her cheeks as Vie questions what would've happened without the man's presence, "I-I'm so sorry... If Freyd wasn't-- If I could've-- I'm not sure what I would've done," she speaks a bit inaudibly and wipes the tears away. As the group begins their return, she walks a little closer to Katoka and sort of situates her palm into a position that might allow them to hold hands. 'I only want to comfort her,' the girl repeats in her head trying to make an excuse become a reality. She encloses the petite girl's small hand with hers and intertwines their fingers while blushing and averting her eyes in an embarrassed manner. "I'm just... worried that another monster might attack. Are you alright?" The excuse now voiced she realizes how small, soft, and warm her hands are.

Edited July 21, 2020 by Vie

[Ruler 0]

The moment that the shark had burst from the from the sand without warning Ruler whipped around and took a swing at it. If she was faster she may have hit it at the same time as Freyd, but it looks like he was more than capable of serving it back to the Cardinal with a single fatal blow. The intention of the enemy was to got for who was likely the weakest link of them all, Katoka. She was glad to see that no one was harmed, at least.

Vie made some comments about herself not being capable of protecting her, when she didn't even get hurt. Seemed a bit counter-intuitive. Alicia walked over and placed her hand on Vie's shoulder, smiling at both of them. "Vie, you should not blame yourself for something that you cannot control. Freyd offered us to come because her knew it could be dangerous and he did exactly what he promised: To protect us. Everything went smoothly, if a little surprising, but I would say that is a pretty good success. If we keep practicing, we'll all be able to do that same stuff that Freyd can. Just give it some time."

Ruler took a glance at Katoka and smiled to her as well. Her health bar was untouched, but it still felt natural to ask her. "Are you alright?"

[Freyd 0]

"I need to get stronger" Katoka had said to herself.  She was putting up a brave front.

"Yes you do," he replied, more bluntly than he meant.  "That's why we're here.  All of us need to get stronger.  I was you not long ago, and you will be where I am soon enough.  The rest of us are here to help make that happen."  He nodded approvingly towards Ruler for asking Katoka if she was alright.  It was the proper question.  "There are plenty of things in Aincrad that will kill us if we are unprepared, or don't take this seriously.  I won't sugar-coat truth where others will sell you delusions of ease and happiness.  This place has become a game that is no longer a game.  This is today's real lesson: we need to adapt."

Freyd looked at each of his companions in turn.  He could see where they were shaken, but saw resolve within them too.  "Firm Anima, indeed," he added with appreciation.  "Steel your nerves, and know that you can count on my blade when you need it.  That is what it means to be in this guild.  Come on.  Let's get you out of this heat and back to someplace more comfortable."

[Katoka 0]

Freyd's words were indeed blunt, but they didn't sound like they were harmful in any way, they were words that they all needed to hear. Katoka nodded to him and turned around to Ruler who had put her hand on her shoulder, "I'll be fine, I think." she turned to Vie, "All three of us are too weak now to have done much. Don't beat yourself up about it." as they walked back she did accept her hand in her trembling one. It was a comfort to her, having that touch of another to help calm her. She blushed as their fingers intertwined and she also looked to the side, "I-I'll be alright. I think with Freyd senpai here any monster should be no issue." she was surprised that Vie was being this forward with her, but it wasn't unwelcome, still held her hand though through the trip back to the safe zone.

[Vie 0]

As the group takes their journey back, Ruler gives her some advice. "It's just that if we had gone here without him, the fact that death is a possibility in the first place when it comes to such a quest sort of feels unsettling for me is all... It doesn't hurt to be a little cautious I think." Upon further thinking about the subject she continues with, "I've probably ought to have a bit more faith in my comrades though- you're right..." She replies to the blonde, realizing the error of her ways quite quickly and glad that she too showed concern despite her rather rigid demeanor. After their brief interaction, Freyd attempts to make this adventure into some form of lesson, this doesn't get through to Vie. Her mind's too focused on Katoka whose hands are small and soft in hers. Though it was a little awkward that their fingers were intertwined, the physical contact was comforting to her. She catches the end of Freyd's sentence and responds to him with an apology of sorts as she felt was only right, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to discount your victory, it was in no way meant to be a form of disrespect. Thanks for defeating that beast for us."

[Ruler 0]

Alicia felt relieved as her and the rest of the group passed through the safe zone border into the city of Fortaleza. The was something about returning to the safe zones that just set her heart at ease.

Once everyone had finished talking, Ruler put her hands on her hips and smiled to them. She looked up to Freyd specifically. "Thank you so much for letting use tag along with you, and thank you so much for protecting us in the process. I hope to become strong enough to help you one day, so I may return the favor. All of you're company was grand today. While I wish we could do another quest, I think that will be it for me today. Should any of you need me, you know how to contact me as you all have me on your friends lists, or at least in the guild list. Please, take care of yourselves." With a wave, the maiden turned and headed for the teleporter. She would be finding an inn on a higher floor tonight. Maybe they were better the higher you went up.

Spoiler

Rewards:

SP: 3 quest; 1 page; 1 event
Col: 100 per player

Sand Armor Potion - MIT +27 (Consumable)