[SP-F22] - Gemini Bound - Chapter 1

[Freyd 0]

Freyd spared as much time as he thought he could afford sorting things out in the aftermath of the Battle of Cratered Lake.  The sudden and violent purge of his Gemini, and the manner of their parting,  had left him concerned about the potential consequences of leaving such a creature on the loose.  What if it retained some of his memories?  What if it chose to pretend to be him?  What if it could do the same to other players?

"Ugh.  Not good."

Having made his way back into the wilds of floor twenty two, it was the last place he had seen the thing.  Hopefully, some signs remained from which to pick up its trail.  This entire scenario felt too much like jumping down the rabbit hole, but he had few alternatives.  Cardinal, the Sundered Spire, or just a plain old vengeful shadow, he really wasn't sure what he was dealing with anymore.  Worse - it could be all of those things combined.

Freyd Consumes:

Titan's Strength (Damage +3): 160245
Lemon Berry Palmiers (LD 3): 157834-1 (+1 filling)
Well-Done Steak - Protein +2: 158158-3
Divine Wrath (T1 - MIT 15): 153982
Cinnamon Rounded Sticks (Prosperity 3): 149380
Red Velvet Meringue (EVA 2): 162628
Artisan Carrot Cake - Accuracy +2:  149859

(x3) Water Canisters (@650 col) – used 3/9 (http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19650-f22-the-black-odyssey-r1r5maxmerchants/?do=findComment&comment=620557)

Spoiler

Name: Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows
Level: 50
HP: 1030/1030
EN: 100/100

Stats:
Damage: 24
Mitigation: 64
Evasion: 4
Accuracy: 4
LD: 10
HLY:6
BLD:36
Prosperity 3

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Grief's Harbinger (T3-2HSS, ACC 1, HOLY 1, BLD 1)
Armor: Skirmisher's Garb [T2 LA, MIT 2, EVA 1]
Misc: Wayfinder (LD 3)

Skills:
2H Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 5]
Searching [Rank 3]

Extra Skills:
Disguise
Familiar Mastery: Fighter 3
Survival

Mods:
Precision
Finesse - Rank 3
LA Athletics
Ferocity
LA Sprint and Acrobatics

Battle Ready Inventory:
Starter Healing Potion (50 hp)*3
Teleport Crystals*2
Turkish March *2
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik*5
Golden Key*5
T3 Blank Dungeon Map*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

 

[Freyd 0]

"What took you so long?"

To his considerable surprise, Freyd found himself suddenly surrounded by duplicates of Yuki - the colloquially known 'Pink Paladin' and his first acquaintance in Aincrad.  It was by her grace and generosity that he found the courage to brave the wilds of this world and begin the very journey that brought him here.  But, where Yuki's cocky and occasionally overconfidence should have shone, all four doppelgangers  sported blazing alien eyes of red.

"So, it's going to be like this, is it?  A gauntlet of familiar faces?"

"Yeah!  It is, and the way you fight, you might as well give up right now, 'cuz you can't possibly hope to beat the BEST TANKS IN THE GAME!"  They claimed the last part in unison, because nothing so defined Yuki as her pride in her righteous role as a defender.  

"Let's see about that.  You wouldn't let me fight last time we met.  I've learned a thing or two."

Vanity Tag: @Zajcica

Spoiler

 

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:88/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (256 + 36 bleed = 292) damage to False Gemini #1.  Stunned.
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #2.  Stunned.
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (248 + 36 bleed = 284) damage to False Gemini #3.  Stunned.
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #4.  Stunned.

False Gemini #1 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (400 - 292) (36 Bleed, 1/2)  Stunned.
False Gemini #2 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)
False Gemini #3 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (400 - 284) (36 Bleed, 1/2)
False Gemini #4 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)

[Freyd 0]

Grief's Harbringer sang its dark dirge as it sliced through the false Yukis, felling them beneath his and Persi's combined onslaught with remarkable ease.  Too much ease, actually.  The real Yuki could have withstood anything he had to throw at her.  The Gemini were toying with them, testing their abilities and resolve.  How had they managed to multiply?  Were they dividing a single mob into lesser fragments?  It might explain their poor performance.  

"Wait... where are we?"  Calling up his map, Freyd groaned at his discovery.  "The Forest of Memories.  Yeah... nothing to feed on there, at all!  The damned things must be dipping into past backup files to create copies of themselves."  He had no way of knowing how many such files actually existed, or if his theory was even correct.  Still, thinning their ranks didn't seem like a bad place to start.  Maybe it would provide some more clues about what was actually happening.  Sword raised defensively, he and Persi wandered deliberately into the deeper, denser parts of the woodlands.

Vanity Tag: @Zajcica

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:73/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 15 EN

BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals (288 + 36 bleed = 324) damage to False Gemini #1.  
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (384 + 36 bleed = 420) damage to False Gemini #2.  
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #3. 
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #4.  

False Gemini #1 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (108 - 324) (36 Bleed, 2/2)
False Gemini #2 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 420)
False Gemini #3 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (116 - 408) (36 Bleed, 1/2)
False Gemini #4 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288) 

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #1 (ID 167213 - LD: 7 + 10 = 17; CD 7):

2,640 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Rare Consumable [167213a]
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167213b]

Loot for False Gemini #2 (ID 167214 - LD: 14 + 10 = 24; CD 1):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Perfect Trinket [167214a]
1x Perfect Weapon [167214b]

Loot for False Gemini #3 (ID 167215 - LD: 4 + 10 = 14; CD 7):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Rare Weapon [167215a]
1x Uncommon Consumable [167215b]

Loot for False Gemini #4 (ID 167216 - LD: 18 + 10 = 28; CD 12):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
[F22] Map of Intermediate Dungeon  [167216] 
 

 

 

[Freyd 0]

Tiny shadows followed them from above, hiding amidst the tree canopy, despite their relatively sparse spacing.  Traces of purple provided clues about who they might be facing next.

"Come down and play, Sin-chan.  You're having about as much luck at stealth as you did against those giant skunks."

Found small figures dropped down to the ground around him, daggers shining in the dim light and they danced between eager hands.

"Heya Freyd!" They all spoke at once.  Creepy.  "It's so nice of you to come out and play!"

"Sorry kiddo, but I'm afraid that the game has to be a little more real this time.  Nothing personal."

Red eyes gleaming, which should have been green, they snarled like a pack of feral wolves, and attacked.  Damn, she's fast.  It's probably a good thing that I remember her as having terrible aim.  Their initial attack failing miserably, Freyd launched his own, merciless assault.

Vanity Tag: @Assassin

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:61/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #5.  Stunned.
BD: 2 + 4 = 6 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #6.  Stunned.
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (248 + 36 bleed = 284) damage to False Gemini #7.  Stunned.
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (256 + 36 bleed = 292) damage to False Gemini #8.  Stunned.

False Gemini #5 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)  Stunned.
False Gemini #6 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192)  Stunned.
False Gemini #7 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (400 - 284) (36 Bleed, 1/2)  Stunned.
False Gemini #8 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (400 - 292) (36 Bleed, 1/2)  Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

Just as they attacked at once, the four, frail-looking girls folded beneath his blade, one by one.  The real Assassin had far greater reserves of strength and resolve.  He considered himself fortunate that they were but poor imitations of the real thing, and drawn from the earliest days of his adventures.  Grief's Harbinger, meanwhile, seemed particularly incensed by the child-Gemini and trailed screeching shadows as it cut them down with resolute and righteous wrath.  

Freyd watched coldly as his 'friends' tiny forms vanished into wispy bursts of light, hoping that she would never face such a fate, and certainly not by his hands.

He hadn't seen her in a long time and promised himself that he would find her again when this ordeal ended.  She needed to know that there were others thinking of her.  Persi suddenly skittered to alertness, detecting something that he couldn't even sense.  Another threat approached.

Vanity Tag: @Assassin

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:46/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 15 EN

BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #X. 
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #X. 
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals (288 + 36 bleed = 324) damage to False Gemini #X.  
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (384 + 36 bleed = 420) damage to False Gemini #X.  

False Gemini #5 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 408) (36 Bleed, 1/2)  
False Gemini #6 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 408) (36 Bleed, 1/2)    
False Gemini #7 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (116 - 324) (36 Bleed, 2/2)  
False Gemini #8 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (108 - 420) (36 Bleed, 1/2)  

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #5 (ID 167217 - LD: 17 + 10 = 27; CD 3):

2,640 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
2x Perfect Consumables [167217a] [167218b]
2x Perfect Armor/Shield [167217c] [167217d]

Loot for False Gemini #6 (ID 167218 - LD: 1 + 10 = 11; CD 7):

2,640 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Rare Weapon [167218a]
1x Uncommon Consumable [167218b]

Loot for False Gemini #7 (ID 167219 - LD: 6 + 10 = 16; CD 3):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Rare Consumable [167219a]
1x Rare Weapon [167219b]

Loot for False Gemini #8 (ID 167220 - LD: 2 + 10 = 12; CD 6):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
1x Rare Weapon [167220a]
1x Uncommon Consumable [1667220b]
 

[Freyd 0]

"Well, this different," came from mirror voices to the east and west.

"Yes, very different," came two more from the north and south.

The latter set became apparent first, busting into existence as if from nothingness, but with forms made entirely of subdued, sublime light.  The voice was loosely familiar, bu he had heard it so sparingly that it took a moment to place it.  "NIGHT?"

"No.  We are NIGHT.  They are the other thing."  Two other presences, black on black, emerged from the shadowed woods.

Not good.  Freyd knew full well how dangerous a woman she was, and his sole encounter with her had hardly been tempered by the rumours he'd heard.

"We gave you a perfectly good blade," they chattered in unison, "and yet you use that abomination instead.  Tsk. Tsk."  They drew their own remarkable blades, in a style similar to his own.  "Let's see if it's any good."

Freyd gave them a brief salute with the sword, promising to deliver a worthy performance.

Vanity Tag: @NIGHT

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:34/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #9.  Stunned.
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #10.  Stunned.
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (256 + 36 bleed = 292) damage to False Gemini #11.  Stunned.
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #12.  Stunned.

False Gemini #9 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #10 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #11 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (400 - 292) (36 Bleed, 1/2)  Stunned.
False Gemini #12 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

Impossibly, multiple DAYs and NIGHTs fell at the same time.  

"She would be so disappointed in the lot of you," Freyd mocked, thankful that their skills did not live up to the real deal.  NIGHT was widely regarded as one of the greatest warriors in Aincrad when it came to use of the two-handed straight sword.  It had been a strange and wholly unexpected gift to have her bequeath Forgiven Disobedience to him on his very first outing from the Town of Beginnings.

Honestly, he wondered if she'd somehow just dropped it, or mailed it to the wrong person.  Given her quirky personality, it was entirely possible.  The only real sense of her he'd managed to glean during their brief foray together was that she was as paranoid about the Cardinal system as he was.  Perhaps that edge worked against the Gemini today, and led to their defeat.  It was a pleasant fiction.

Vanity Tag: @NIGHT

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:19/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 15 EN

BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #9.  
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #10.  
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals (288 + 36 bleed = 324) damage to False Gemini #11.  
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #12.  

False Gemini #9 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #10 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #11 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (108 - 324) (36 Bleed, 1/2) 
False Gemini #12 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #9 (ID 167221 - LD: 8 + 10 = 18; CD 6):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
1x Rare Consumable [167221a]
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167221b]

Loot for False Gemini #10 (ID 167222 - LD: 10 + 10 = 20; CD 1):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Perfect Consumable [167222a]
1x Rare Trinket [167222b]

Loot for False Gemini #11 (ID 167223 - LD: 20 + 10 = 30; CD 8):

7,480 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD + [7*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
3x Perfect Weapons [167223a] [167223b] [167223c]

Loot for False Gemini #12 (ID 167224 - LD: 1 + 10 = 11; CD 11):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167224]
 

[Freyd 0]

Was he going to have to fight everyone he had ever met?!  That simply wasn't going to be possible.  There were too many by now.  Had they harnessed some power from the Forest of Memories to assail him?  Would the same happen to anyone else who entered this place, or only those whose defeated Gemini had turned against them?  How had this even happened? 

First the Sundered Spire's schemes shattered his understanding of the nature of this world.  Then they literally shattered its fabric by tearing open the barriers between floors and tearing the Lake of Reflections down into the floor below, along with a whole lot of players.  Something had saves a lot of lives that day.  Maybe the spirits of the Tanabata festival were not to be treated so trivially?  The Battle of Cratered Lake had followed.  He was still trying to piece together what had happened.  Skalaugh the Reaver had forced them all to reconsider their perspectives on life in this world.

***

Freyd rests (EN  recovery 1/2)

[Freyd 0]

In the aftermath, he had returned to the scour the outskirts of Coral clear of any lingering threat from a separate surface attack that he, Mari and Cordelia had foiled.  Most of the credit was theirs.  He had merely been the messenger.  Perhaps it might be more accurate to think of himself as an elite janitor?  The title held some appeal.  

Somehow, during all this chaos, that damnable Gemini of his had clawed its way out of his innards and decided to go running loose.  Who knew that they could even do that!?  He never heard of it before, but was also keenly concerned at the harm it could cause if left unchecked.  It had to be found, and before everyone started thinking it was him, or acting as a member of Firm Anima.  

How the hell would he even explain this to Raidou?  Heh.  Probably as bluntly and factually as possible.  That seemed to work with him, and was basically his own approach to everything anyway.

***

Freyd rests (EN recovery 2/2) - Energy restored.

Vanity Tag: @Raidou

[Freyd 0]

"You really shouldn't stand out here gawking like that," came a familiar jovial voice, echoing from just beyond the edge of the clearing.

"Yeah.  You look kinda stupid with your mouth hanging open like that.  Need us to shut it for ya?"  The sound of knuckles cracking followed.

"You'll attract flies," the last two answered.  Dad jokes.  

"Kiluia," Freyd said aloud, recognizing his friend's sense of humour and playful banter.  He was almost glad to hear it, until he saw the four scorched figures emerge from the darkness.  Third degree burns covered most of his torso, arms and head.

"Ugh... you're never going to let that go, are you?  It was one time!"

"Yeah?  Let's see how you feel it when we set your face on fire!"  Like four funnel clouds set ablaze, the false figures of Kiluia frenzied as they lashed out to grasp and tear at Freyd.  For his part, the janitor was thankful that he and Kil had spent so much time questing together.  It gave him all the insight he needed to learn the man's patterns and use them against these pretenders.

Vanity Tag: @Kiluia Seiko

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:88/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 2 + 4 = 6 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #13.  Stunned.
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #14.  Stunned.
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #15.  Stunned.
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (248 + 36 bleed = 284) damage to False Gemini #16.  Stunned.

False Gemini #13 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #14 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #15 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #16 | HP: 116 | DMG: 150 (400 - 284) (36 Bleed, 1/2)  Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

Anticipating their lines of attack, Freyd dodged and forced two of them to collide with each other, where they exploded.  The concussive force was enough to send Freyd and the other two doppelgangers flying into a tight copse of trees where the slower speed and space needs of his sword were hampered against the strength and ferocity of the false Kiluia's attacks.  His prowess with martial arts had always been impressive.  Here, it became an inconvenience.

Damn.  Did he have to be so fast?  That was it.  Freyd knew that Kiluia's passions ran deep.  They also tended to lead him to over-commit when he struck, leaving him temporarily exposed.  From their fight with the monkey king, he also knew exactly how to use the environment against him.  Giving ground, he let the two false gemini believe that they were actually beating him back.  In truth, he was drawing them into a thicker patch of trees.

Vanity Tag: @Kiluia Seiko

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 (-87)| EN:77/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 4 for hits): 16 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 11 EN

BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #13.  
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #14.
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #15. 
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #16, but still deals 36 bleed damage.

MD: 9 (Crit +1).  False Gemini #14 deals (151 - 64 = 87) damage to Freyd. 
MD: 6 - 4 = 2 (miss).  False Gemini #16 misses Freyd. 

False Gemini #13 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288) 
False Gemini #14 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 
False Gemini #15 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 408) 
False Gemini #16 | HP: 80 | DMG: 150 (116 - 36) (36 Bleed, 2/2)  

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #13 (ID 167234 - LD: 16 + 10 = 26; CD 1):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
2x Perfect Consumables [167234a] [167234b]
2x Perfect Armor/Shield [167234c] [167234d]

Loot for False Gemini #15 (ID 167235 - LD: 17 + 10 = 27; CD 2):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
2x Perfect Consumables [167235a] [167235b]
2x Perfect Armor/Shield [167235c] [167235d]
 

[Freyd 0]

Their amber eyes burned red with the corrupting influence of the gemini, and they fell for the trap. A series of short strikes from Freyd's blade forced them together in the middle of the glade, right where he wanted them.  They were about to launch another series of taunts against him.  A half-dozen trees came crashing down on them instead, replacing their jibes with curses.  

"Monkey's ball, Kiluia.  You should have seen that one coming."

Two puffs of crystalline light burst from beneath the fallen trees, as if confirming his assertion.  Frey knew full well that the real Kiluia would never have fallen for such a simple trick, yet these things had been lured with relative ease.  Whatever these memory-gemini were, at least they weren't too bright.  It was something to be thankful about, especially if some of his most fearsome acquaintances were also going to manifest.  Speaking of which...

Vanity Tag: @Kiluia Seiko

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:65/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 4 for hits): 16 EN - (Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 12 EN

BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #14.  
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #16.  

False Gemini #14 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #16 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (80 - 288) 

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #14 (ID 167238 - LD: 2 + 10 = 12; CD 7):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Rare Weapon [167238a]
1x Uncommon Consumable [167238b]

Loot for False Gemini #16 (ID 167239 - LD: 3 + 10 = 13; CD 8):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Rare Weapon [167239a]
1x Uncommon Consumable [167239b]
 

[Freyd 0]

A quartet of beauteous screeches assailed his ears from all sides as Haine's fair form emerged from the shadows.  

"What have you done to our beloved?!  Freyd, how could you?"

Guilt.  Really?  Did she not know him at all?  Freyd's instincts remained on edge.  While her interests often fell well outside his own, he also recognized that the captain of Firm Anima's assault division merited the title.  He'd seen her combat prowess first hand and on more than one occasion.  'Just' a beautiful face, she was not.  He an Haine had never held any animosity for each other, not even in a playful sense, so he wondered how this particular encounter was meant to play out.

"And what of Mishka, and Pengu?!  Would you slaughter them as well?"

Oh.  The familiars.  Animal lover.  Right.  Not good.

Haine's four forms instantly burst apart, each transforming into a separate horde of shadowy familiars, not unlike his own.  Each one was linked in some way to assorted pet-like minions belonging to the various players he had traveled and fought with during his time in Aincrad.

Vanity Tag: @Haine

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:53/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #17.  Stunned.
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #18.  Stunned.
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (256 + 36 bleed = 292) damage to False Gemini #19.  Stunned.
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #20.  Stunned.

False Gemini #17 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #18 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #19 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (400 - 292) (36 Bleed, 1/2) Stunned.
False Gemini #20 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

One by one they fell; the tiny companions of every ally and acquaintance he had ever met.  He heard Haine's furious and anguished cries with each one he struck down.  

She really did care about them, didn't she?  It was as if she believed them her children.  Could it be that just that, or did she leave behind a family she cared about in the real world?  Were they merely her substitutes?  It didn't matter right now.  Freyd had no choice but to block out her pleas as each of the tiny critters fell to his advance.  These damnably insidious gemini would stoop to any level in order to slow or deter him, which he could ill afford.  Every moment his 'evil twin' remained loose multiplied the scale of trouble and shenanigans which he might manage.

Haine's cries died with the last of the familiars.  Now, where to search next?  Distant lights, deeper in the woods drew his attention.

Vanity Tag: @Haine

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:943/1030 | EN:38/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 15 EN

BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #17. 
BD: 7 + 4 = 11 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #18.  
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #19. 
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #20.  

False Gemini #17 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 408) (36 Bleed, 1/2) 
False Gemini #18 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288) 
False Gemini #19 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (108 - 408) (36 Bleed, 1/2) 
False Gemini #20 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (208 - 408) (36 Bleed, 1/2) 

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #17 (ID 167248 - LD: 1 + 10 = 11; CD 11):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167248]

Loot for False Gemini #18 (ID 167249 - LD: 15 + 10 = 25; CD 5):

5,720 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [7*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
3x Perfect Weapons [167249a] [167249b] [167249c]

Loot for False Gemini #19 (ID 167250 - LD: 15 + 10 = 25; CD 12):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
[F22] Map of Intermediate Dungeon [167250]

Loot for False Gemini #20 (ID 167251 - LD: 1 + 10 = 11; CD 12):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD + [2*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167251]
 

[Freyd 0]

Sparing a moment to collect his wits, Freyd reviewed the array of false figures that had been conjured to assault him thus far.  Yuki, Assassin, Night were the first other players he had encountered after finding the courage to set forth from the Town of Beginnings.  Each of them had helped him formatively in some way.  Yuki had shown him the nerve that it took to survive in the wilds of Aincrad, and how to be fearless.  Assassin had shown him the value of determination... and the value of a weapon that could hit more than one target.  He'd never say that last part to her face.  Night had gifted him Forgiven Disobedience, the two-handed straight sword that carried him to where he was now, and set him on a course to mastering its fighting styles.  Each of the three women had helped him get his start, and he was thankful for that.

***

Freyd rests (EN recovery 1/2)

Freyd recovers 60 hp

Vanity Tag: @Zajcica @Assassin  @NIGHT

[Freyd 0]

Kiluia and Haine, were both good friends in very different ways.  Amber eyes, as Kiluia was sometimes called, was just starting out when Freyd met him, and invited him to join a quest with Eruda and Raidou.  It was hard to believe where such a simple meeting would lead.  The man himself was troubled by gaps in his past, possibly the result of nerve gear damage.  They never had explored that, but Freyd suspected that some trauma lay behind it, and that Kiluia actually preferred to steer clear.

Haine remained a mystery in many ways.  An aloof and beautiful maiden, seemingly fragile and obsessed by life simplest pleasures one moment, then kicking ass and taking names on the battlefield an instant later.  Freyd had never quite managed to reconcile the two images, and yet she made it work.  The two had seemed close, but whatever relationship connected them seemed as tumultuous as their own passion-prone personalities.  

***

Freyd rests (EN recovery 2/2) - Energy restored

Freyd recovers 60 hp (back at max)

Vanity Tag: @Kiluia Seiko @Haine

[Freyd 0]

A small blue haze was coming towards him from the same direction where he had seen the lights in the distance.  A young woman approached, barely over five feet in height, with the cherubic face of a child, though he knew her to be older and wiser than her appearance let on.  Katoka - one of Firm Anima's most recent and prominent recruits, she had great heart.  Naturally, the gemini would turn that against him in this maddening delusion.

"So, what will it be, little blue samurai?  Hunting shadow dragons today, are you?"  He meant himself, but the reference to their past shared hunting experiences proved unnecessary.  The quip about her height was enough to alight a frothing rage in her eyes, causing the false gemini to split into four and charge.  Her katana skills were clearly still under development.  Though he recalled Katoka's struggles with the random number generator being as troubling as his own.

Vanity Tag: @Katoka

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:88/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (256 + 36 bleed = 292) damage to False Gemini #21.  Stunned.
BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (256 + 36 bleed = 292) damage to False Gemini #22.  Stunned.
BD: 2 + 4 = 6 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #23.  Stunned.
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #24.  Stunned.

False Gemini #21 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (400 - 292) (36 Bleed, 1/2) Stunned.
False Gemini #22 | HP: 108 | DMG: 150 (400 - 292) (36 Bleed, 1/2) Stunned.
False Gemini #23 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #24 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

Poor Katoka's shades were swiftly and decidedly defeated.  Freyd glared disapprovingly at each one, like some sort of mentor or teacher disappointed by a promising student.  Their attacks were barely synchronized and timed too far apart to ever be effective.  Katoka would be harder on herself for such errors than anything any of her peers would bring to bear upon her.  That's who she really was, and someday soon she would show that to the world.  Many had already seen it in the Battle of the Cratered Lake.

"She is so much better than you have demonstrated here."  He scolded them.  "Katoka fights with true and noble intention.  Each of you is but a hollow shell that cannot hope to aspire to her grace.  Return to whatever pits of inequity spawned you, and never assume her form again."  He stabbed the last shadow through the heart, as if to reinforce his point, the fake girl's eyes bulging out at the realization of her failures.

Vanity Tag: @Katoka

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:73/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 2

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 15 EN

BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (384 + 36 bleed = 420) damage to False Gemini #21.  
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals (288 + 36 bleed = 324) damage to False Gemini #22.  
BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy 6, Bleed 36).  Freyd deals (372 + 36 bleed = 408) damage to False Gemini #23. 
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #24.  

False Gemini #21 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (108 - 420) (36 Bleed, 1/2)
False Gemini #22 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (108 - 324) (36 Bleed, 2/2)
False Gemini #23 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 408) (36 Bleed, 1/2)
False Gemini #24 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #21 (ID 167264 - LD: 11 + 10 = 21; CD 11):

5,280 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [6*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Perfect Consumable [167264]

Loot for False Gemini #22 (ID 167265 - LD: 19 + 10 = 29; CD 12):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
[F22] Map of Intermediate Dungeon [167265]

Loot for False Gemini #23 (ID 167266 - LD: 8 + 10 = 18; CD 1):

3,520 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
1x Rare Consumable [167266a]
1x Rare Weapon [167266b]

Loot for False Gemini #24 (ID 167267 - LD: 1 + 10 = 11; CD 12):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even CD + [2*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd LD)
1x Rare Armor/Shield [167267]
 

[Freyd 0]

"That was hardly fair.  You just beat up a child and taunt her as if she could have done better.  What kind of monster are you?   And you pretend to be her friend?"

Here was another familiar voice.  Usually exceedingly courteous, if occasionally slightly smarmy, this version loosed venom without hesitation.  It had to be Vie.

"Strange that you should be the one to come to her defense," Freyd countered, wondering how far he could push the false gemini.  Did their assumed identities actually have any depth or nuance, or were they just superficial skin puppets meant to drive victims insane.  Too bad for them that he was already well-entrenched in his own particular issues.  His mind would not be so easily dislodged by lies and delusions.  If Descartes himself tried to dislodge him, Freyd would likely just smash his face into the nearest blunt object and ask him whether he felt the experience was real.

Vanity Tag: @Vie

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:61/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Tempest (x8 AoE Stun +8 for hits): 16 EN – (Rested, Finesse 3) = 12 EN

BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #25.  Stunned.
BD: 6 + 4 = 10 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #26.  Stunned.
BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #27.  Stunned.
BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 192 damage to False Gemini #28.  Stunned.

False Gemini #25 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #26 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #27 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.
False Gemini #28 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150 (400 - 192) Stunned.

[Freyd 0]

He couldn't recall much about Vie's actual fighting style, but her duplicates favoured martial arts.  Maybe they were planning to scold him to death?  That wasn't likely to work either.  Jibes and insults struggled to find purchase on Freyd.  He simply ignored them as distractions.  His ego was immune to their barbs by simple dearth of caring in general.  He treated everything directed at him as input, to be assessed, sorted for potential and relevance, then discarded once its use had expired.  Most other considerations simply fell by the wayside during the process.

Fake Vie was faring little better than the other gemini, though one managed a particularly artful dodge by pulling off the splits to get under his swing.  She sneered defiantly at him, celebrating her minor triumph. Freyd's retort was to cut down the other three copies of before her eyes.  His cold stare promised that she would shortly share the same fate.

Vanity Tag: @Vie

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1030/1030 | EN:48/100 | DMG:24 | MIT:64 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | LD 10 | Prosperity 3

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 6 for hits): 18 EN - (Rested, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 13 EN

BD: 8 + 4 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #25.  
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #26.  
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses False Gemini #27.
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 288 damage to False Gemini #28.   

MD: 6 - 4 = 2 (miss).  False Gemini #27 misses Freyd.

False Gemini #25 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288) 
False Gemini #26 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)
False Gemini #27 | HP: 208 | DMG: 150  
False Gemini #28 | HP: 0 | DMG: 150 (208 - 288)

Spoiler

Loot for False Gemini #25 (ID 167278 - LD: 20 + 10 = 30; CD 7):

6,600 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [2*hp] from even LD + [7*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
2x T3 materials (odd CD)
3x Perfect Weapons [167278a] [167278b] [167278c]

Loot for False Gemini #26 (ID 167280 - LD: 9 + 10 = 19; CD 9):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from loot roll) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
4x T3 materials (odd CD & LD)
1x Perfect Weapon [167280]

Loot for False Gemini #28 (ID 167281 - LD: 2 + 10 = 12; CD 2):

4,400 col ([6*hp] base & prosperity III + [4*hp] from even CD & LD) +10% from Col Stash & Col Deposit
1x Rare Trinket [167281]