[F02 - PP] Of Ghosts and Shadows <<Return of the Queen>>

[Koga 0]

Spoiler

Koga
Level: 32
Health: 640
Energy: 64
DMG: 15 // EVA: 0 // MIT: 36 // ACC: 4
BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10

Skills
>> Katana V

Extra Skills
>> Familiar Master: Fighter III
>> Survival

Inventory
>> T2 Demonic Katana <<Tsuki no Hikari>> [Burn // Blight // Cursed // Fallen]
>> T1 Perfect Necklace <<White Owl Necklace>> [Accuracy // Accuracy // Accuracy]
>> T2 Demonic Light Armor <<Wrathful Bracers>>  [Cursed // Mitigation // Mitigation // Regen]

Battle-Ready Inventory
---

Buffs
>> <<Well Rested>> -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat.
>> <<Squeaky Clean>> The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down).
>> <<Relaxed>> Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

Right, Koga had almost forgotten. There were some field bosses that liked to respawn and come back even stronger than before. And also, they seemed to hold grudges, or maybe that was just in Koga's head. In any case, here Koga was, back on the 2nd Floor, to kill the same Wasp Queen he had before. Hopefully this time she'd stay dead...well at least for him. Last time it had been a pretty easy fight, but then he'd had Shion with him, and they'd both been massively overleveled for that fight. He doubted that'd be the case this time.

Okami yawned at Koga's feet as the wolf and his master walked along, apparently not as concerned about the fight ahead as Koga was. "Look man, we haven't solo'd a field boss in...well, ever, I think. We always had Shion or...Noct...we're on our own this time." Another huff. "Whatever...if you need your ass saved, don't come calling to me."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Edited November 24, 2020 by Koga

[Freyd 0]

Another darkly-clad figure emerged from the portal in Urbus' central square.  Slightly taller than Koga, he looked like a scout if you were an optimist.  Most simply considered him an assassin or other similarly styled ne'er-do-well.  A cowl of rich, charcoal-coloured wool draped itself casually over his head concealing most of his features, though a slight and pale face could be seen from the nose then when her turned.  Freyd cocked his head as he stared at the platform's other occupant, wondering if his Gemini had fallen loose again.

"Nice look," he added quietly with seemingly genuine praise.  "Did I hear you mention that you were heading after the Queen?  She's a tad on the prickly side, in her reincarnated form.  I'm after the item she drops for a friend of mine.  If you need a hand, I can assist.  My price would be her stinger.   Deal?"

A black-gloved hand extended itself silently from his far side, revealed as much to reveal that it carried no weapon as to offer greetings.  

"Call me Freyd."

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1630/1630 | EN:175/175 | DMG:20 | MIT:79 | EVA:2 | ACC:4 | VAMP OFF:163 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | LD:5 | BH:81

Spoiler

Name: Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows
Level: 80
HP: 1630/1630
EN: 175/175

Stats:
Damage: 20
Mitigation: 79
Evasion: 2
Accuracy: 4
BH:81
VAMP OFF:163
HLY:6
FLN:6
LD:5

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Samael's Pride (T3-2HSS, VO 1, HOLY 1, FLN 1)
Armor: Skirmisher's Garb (T3 LA, MIT 2, EVA 1)
Misc: Night Shades (T3-Trinket, ACC 3)

Skills:
2H Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 5]
Searching [Rank 4]
Battle Healing [Rank 5]
Parry [Obtained]
Energist [Obtained]
Charge [Rank 5]
Extended Mod Limit R3 [Obtained]
Hiding [Rank 4]
Martial Arts [Rank 3]
Quick Change [Obtained]

Extra Skills:
Disguise
Familiar Mastery: Fighter 3
Survival
Meditation

Mods:
Precision
Finesse - Rank 3
LA Athletics
Ferocity
LA Sprint and Acrobatics
Night Vision
Vengeful Riposte

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystals*5
Gungnir Shard: Haniel's Modesty (T3 Perfect HP Rec [Instant]*5
Flash of Rejuvenation (Mass HP Rec [Instant] (+30*Tier HP)*5
Fruit-Infused Tea (T3 HP Recovery)*5
Imugi's Inspiration (T3 Mass HP Recovery)*5
Mega-Duper... Sauce (Antidote 3)*5
Grave Injustice (T3-2HSS, ACC 1, Keen 1, Abs. ACC)*1

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
Delicious: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Skylight (Searching): +1 Rank to the Searching skill.
Angler: +1 material gained when fishing
Advanced Training: +2 SP to a thread. Limit one use per month [0/1]
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
Decor [Potted Tanabata Bamboo Tree]: This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.

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:
Kumatetsu Statue: +1 Base Damage for a thread

Wedding Ring: n/a

 

[Koga 0]

The flashes of blue light as people entered and exited the town's main portal had become a phenomenon that Koga had learned to ignore of over the past few years. Call it Aincrad's version of catching a plane. Utterly unremarkable. But every once in a while, even the unremarkable draws your attention from the corner of your eye. And it is for that reason that Koga found himself watching as a shockingly familiar man stepped out of the portal.

Koga gave the man a once over, and then twice, and a third time, just to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. It wasn't the man's garb that struck Koga, to be fair he didn't dress too differently anyways and thought nothing of it. It was the man's face. This guy looked like he could have been Masato and Akiara's older brother. Honestly, there wasn't enough to say that he wasn't either. "Uhm thanks," Koga replied to the man's compliment a little slower than he'd intended, still remarkably confused at the striking similarities between them.

"Just the Stinger, ey?" Koga honestly couldn't remember the last time he'd used one of the boss drops that weren't an actual weapon or piece of armor. And sometimes he didn't even use those...most of the time he just hoarded all the loot in a storage closet in his house..."Call it a deal, Freyd." Koga reached out and offered a hand to shake, sealing the agreement. "You can call me Koga."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Edited December 4, 2020 by Koga

[Freyd 0]

Shaking hands to seal the deal, Freyd had them on their way into the wilds within minutes.

"We'll need to pick the sentries off first to expose the hive itself."  His tone was neutral as he spoke, and carried an air of practiced confidence meshed with a hefty dose of pragmatism.  Freyd came across as a no-nonsense drill sergeant as he outlined tactical details to help them successfully complete their mission.  A blade of pure black, like the void itself, appeared in his hand as they crossed beyond the bounds of Urbus and made their way towards their destination.  It looked like a hole in space, sealed in the tiniest, fragile-looking skin of white light.  Catching a look in Koga's eyes, he thought it best to explain.

"PKers don't care what floor you're on, only whether you're in a safe zone or close enough to call for aid.  I find it best to be prudent."  A subtle twist of the wrist was all it took to activate his defenses.  "What will you be using today?"

(Freyd activates Vengeful Riposte, -5 EN)

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1630/1630 | EN:170/175 | DMG:20 | MIT:79 | EVA:2 | ACC:4 | VAMP OFF:163 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | LD:5 | BH:81 | Vengeful

[Koga 0]

And off on the hunt they were. The swordsman nodded along as his new partner began to devise a plan of sorts. Koga never had much of a mind for strategy. His plans usually consisted of 'take whatever advantageous position he could find and then hit them till they died.' Surface level at best. His strengths came to life in the fight itself, adapting when shit hit the fan. At least, usually. His mind flashed back to a not-so-distant memory, reminding him that some situations couldn't be salvaged.

Koga looked at the odd weapon, more out of curiosity than alarm, but Freyd must have noticed that much at least as he made a comment about PKers. Once again, the swordsman only nodded. It was a fair thing to do. "I guess I've been lucky enough to never run into an orange player before then," he said. Even still, his left hand drifted to the katana that was fastened to his waist. "That happen to you often?"

To answer Freyd's question, Koga lifted the dark blue katana slightly out of its place on his hip. The weapon never came off, even in safe zones. The one exception was his home and his shop. He just didn't feel right without it. "Katana," the man said, as if the distinctive wrappings on the hilt weren't enough. "I've never seen a sword like yours before though. Where'd you get it?"

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

Sparing a downward glance at the eerily silent blade, Freyd frowned.  "You know, that's a good question.  It was a bit of loot I picked up and identified in my shop."  He left it as implied that he was a merchant by trade.  A quick jab at the air summoned the data on the weapon's source and a saddened smile spread across Freyd's face.  "That figures."  He waved off Koga's reaction and explained.  "Shortly after the Tanabata event, I ventured into the Forest of Mysteries near Coral and there...eh... how do I put this... respawned by Gemini?  The thing ran off into the woods and started making copies of itself as it fled, each appearing like some I knew.  This one... was of a good and noble friend with a stoic heart.  He could hardly have given me a better gift, even if it was only delivered through hit shadow."

A droning hum could be heard through the thin patch of trees ahead as they approached their destination.  "Be ready, Koga.  They'll be on us the moment we clear the tree line.  No sooner had his companion nodded his consent than the Whisper was rushing forward to cut down those he could through the element of surprise.  

Spoiler

Freyd activates Charge

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +X for hits): 20 EN - (Rested 1/2, Finesse 3) = 16 EN

ID #180213 | BD: 7+4-1=11 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (12*31=372-25=347) damage to Bee Minion #1.
ID #180214 | BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Bee Minion #2.
ID #180215 | BD: 8+4-1=12 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (12*31=372-25=347) damage to Bee Minion #3.
ID #180216 | BD: 7+4-1=11 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (12*31=372-25=347) damage to Bee Minion #4.

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1630/1630 | EN:154/175 | DMG:20 | MIT:79 | EVA:2 | ACC:4 | VAMP OFF:163 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | LD:5 | BH:81 | Vengeful
Koga | HP: 640/640 | EN: 64/64 | DMG:15 | MIT:36 | EVA:0 | ACC:4 | BRN: 24 | BLT: 24 | FLN:4 | RGN: 10

[1,0] Bee Minion #1: HP 250/250 | DMG 125 | MIT 25 (250-347)
[0,0] Bee Minion #2: HP 250/250 | DMG 125 | MIT 25
[1,0] Bee Minion #3: HP 250/250 | DMG 125 | MIT 25 (250-347)
[1,0] Bee Minion #4: HP 250/250 | DMG 125 | MIT 25 (250-347)

Bee Minion #5 arrives!

 

[Koga 0]

Tanabata. That's the second time Koga had heard mention of that event being somehow linked to strange occurrences. Come to think of it...hadn't NIGHT also mentioned something about that Gemini quest too? Questions for another day.

Having to kill shadows of his friends though. That sounded like it would be traumatic, even for the most hardened of souls. Koga stole a glance over at Freyd. A sad smile indeed.

"Your friends, huh? That sounds-" before Koga could finish his sentence, the droning of insectile wings reached his ears, and the man quieted himself as Freyd gave a final set of instructions.

The taller of the two burst from trees, and in a mere moment had clipped the wings of three of the Wasp Queen's soldiers. That was Koga's cue he supposed. Judging by their level, Koga wouldn't be able to one shot any of these fluttering insects like his new pal over there, but he could still do a hefty amount of damage.

His sword still in his scabbard, Koga rushed in, just as a new Bee Minion arrived. In an instant, Koga drew his sword and slashed at the survivor of the first group, and knocked it to the ground before it could attack Freyd. More than half the Bee's health disappeared in that one blow, and by the time the Bee got back into the air, Tsuki's Burn and Blight had reduced the little bugger to less than half of that. Even still, Koga could tell that the damned thing would survive with just a pixel of health remaining. Of course it would...

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP: 1630/1630 | EN: 154/175 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 4 | VAMP OFF: 163 | HLY: 6 | FLN: 6 | LD: 5 | BH: 81 | Vengeful
Koga | HP: 640/640 | EN: 51/64 (64 -13) | DMG: 15 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 4 | BRN: 24 | BLT: 24 | FLN: 4 | RGN: 10

[0, 0] Bee Minion #1: HP: 0/250 | DMG 125 | MIT 25
[0, 1] Bee Minion #2: HP: 51/250 (250 -151 -24 -24) | DMG 125 | MIT 25 | BRN 1/2 | BLT 1/2
[0, 0] Bee Minion #3: HP: 0/250 | DMG 125 | MIT 25
[0, 0] Bee Minion #4: HP: 0/250 | DMG 125 | MIT 25
[0, 0] Bee Minion #5: HP: 250/250 | DMG 125 | MIT 25

Koga uses <<Iai>> on Bee Minion #2
ID: 180292
BD: 13 (9 +4) <<Crit +1>> <<Stun>> <<Burn>> <<Blight>> [-13 EN, Well Rested 2/3]
DMG: (15 +1) * 11 = 176 -25 = 151

Bee Minion #2 is Stunned

Bee MInion #2 is affected by Burn [-24 HP]
Bee Minion #2 is affected by Blight [-24 HP]

Bee Minion #5 attacks Freyd
ID: 180293
MB: 0 (2 -2) <<Miss>>

 

Edited December 20, 2020 by Koga

[Freyd 0]

"It was necessary," Freyd replied coldly.  "And they were mere duplicates - false copies meant to fool and distract from the main goal: to hunt my own wayward shadow."  Freyd paused to look upon the silhouette of himself cast upon the ground beneath him by the noon sun.  It waved, without him doing so first, which was creepy as hell.  The distraction threw off his timing, leading to a late swing and one of the bees slipping by him, its wings coated in black, bilious gunk that seemed to have been set on fire.  The Whisper's shrewd eyes recognized the enhancements for what they were, as a function of his own training in appraisals. 

Another bee had joined the fate - a latecomer - and was dispatched with a flare of darkness and the screeching suction sound of void unleashed.  Only the flaming one was left.  Despite Koga's watchful gaze, the man never flinched or showed a hint of emotion as he fought.  Maybe he'd become that hard from the experience.  Even more frightening was the thought that he might have been so beforehand.

Spoiler

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +4 for hits): 16 EN - (Rested 2/2, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 11 EN

ID #180294 | BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Bee Minion #2.
ID #180295 | BD: 8+4=12 (hit, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (12*26=312-25=287) damage to Bee Minion #5.

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP: 1630/1630 | EN: 143/175 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 4 | VAMP OFF: 163 | HLY: 6 | FLN: 6 | LD: 5 | BH: 81 | Vengeful
Koga | HP: 640/640 | EN: 51/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 4 | BRN: 24 | BLT: 24 | FLN: 4 | RGN: 10

[0, 1] Bee Minion #2: HP: 51/250  | DMG 125 | MIT 25 | BRN 1/2 | BLT 1/2
[0, 0] Bee Minion #5: HP: 0/250 | DMG 125 | MIT 25 (250-287)

 

[Koga 0]

The way Freyd spoke, it was cold. Calculated. And what was that about hunting his own shadow? Koga's interest was piqued. But you know what they say about curiosity. It kills cats. Or in this case, saves stupid Bee Minions.

As Koga had been charging his next sword art to finish off the buzzing insect, Freyd's words had uncharacteristically distracted him, and the swordsman found himself stumbling towards the ground. At the same time, the Bee Minion began to charge at Koga, so Koga did the only thing he could think of. Roll over and stick his sword in the air.

Amazingly, the tip of Tsuki's blade connected with the belly of the beast, throwing it off kilter and careening at Freyd's feet, all the while dealing a measly 1 point of damage. Nice job Koga.

"Please just fucking kill it so we can move on," Koga groaned from his comfy bed of grass.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP: 1630/1630 | EN: 143/175 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 4 | VAMP OFF: 163 | HLY: 6 | FLN: 6 | LD: 5 | BH: 81 | Vengeful
Koga | HP: 640/640 | EN: 50/64 (51 -1) | DMG: 15 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 4 | BRN: 24 | BLT: 24 | FLN: 4 | RGN: 10

[0, 1] Bee Minion #2 | HP: 2/250 (51 -1 -24 -24)  | DMG 125 | MIT 25

Koga attacks Bee Minion #2
ID: 180301
BD: 10 (6 +4) <<Hit>> <<Fallen>> [-1 EN, Well Rested 1/3]
DMG: (15 +4) * 1 = 19 -25 = 1

Bee Minion #2 attacks Koga
ID: 180301
MD: 5 <<Miss>>

Bee Minion #2 is affected by Burn [-24 HP]
Bee Minion #2 is affected by Blight [-24 HP]

 

Edited December 20, 2020 by Koga

[Freyd 0]

It was an odd tactic.  Freyd couldn't help but wonder if RNGjebus was messing for Koga on that one, but he did make contact.  The bee wobbled erratically, then crashed at his feet, its wings literally melting into some sort of translucent marshmallow-like substance.  It buzzed so feebly that it actually seemed pathetic.  He tipped it over with the flat of his blade, seeing the small scratch left on its underbelly by Koga's attack.  The cowl titled and red eyes beneath it seem unbalanced by confusion.

"What did you do to this thing?"  It still lingered, its health so low that you couldn't actually see any red on the bar.  Freyd speared it on the end of his sword, then spun and flung it like an improvised trebuchet, watching it explode on the hive mouth.  The thing exploded into a thousand fractal shards like a  powdery snowball striking a brick wall, or fan blade.  

*POOF*

More buzzing sounded from within, and moments later the queen and her retinue emerged.  

"How about: no more of that?  M'kay?"

Spoiler

Straight (x2): 2 EN - Finesse 3= -1 EN +1 Turn Recovery

ID #180302 | BD: 5+6=11 (hit).  Freyd deals (2*20=40-25=15) damage to Bee Minion #2.

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP: 1630/1630 | EN: 143/175 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 4 | VAMP OFF: 163 | HLY: 6 | FLN: 6 | LD: 5 | BH: 81 | Vengeful
Koga | HP: 640/640 | EN: 50/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 4 | BRN: 24 | BLT: 24 | FLN: 4 | RGN: 10

[0, 1] Bee Minion #2 | HP: 0/250 | DMG 125 | MIT 25 (2-15)

 

[Koga 0]

Koga dug the blade of tip of blade into the earth as he hoisted himself back onto his feet. "What? No more slapping them with a  sword, making them rot from the inside out, setting them on fire, and then poking them with a stick?" Koga said with a sarcastic bile aimed at himself and his impressive display of stupidity.

The swordsman got on his feet just in time to watch the Bee's corpse explode against the earthen mound called a 'hive'. The buzzing that echoed from within sounded like a tornado as it ramped up the decibels until the Queen and her royal guard exploded outwards and charged straight for the two players.

"I got this, no mistakes this time," Koga assured Freyed as he stepped forward, his blade already beginning to glow blue. There was a quick flourish as the insects approached their harassers, followed by a sudden explosion of blue light as Koga span on his heels, striking all four of the Bees. "Your turn."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP: 1630/1630 | EN: 143/175 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 4 | VAMP OFF: 163 | HLY: 6 | FLN: 6 | LD: 5 | BH: 81 | Vengeful
Koga | HP: 640/640 | EN: 34/64 (50 -16) | DMG: 15 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 4 | BRN: 24 | BLT: 24 | FLN: 4 | RGN: 10

[0, 1] The Queen | HP: 455/500 (500 -45) | MIT 75 | DMG 200 | BLOODCLOT | PARALYTIC IMMUNITY
>> Matriarch’s Sting: On a CD of 6+, The Queen stings the player with the most hate, causing Paralysis and 24 Bleed Damage for two turns
[0, 1] Bee Minion #6 | HP: 155/250 (250 -95) | MIT 25 | DMG 125
[0, 1] Bee Minion #7 | HP: 147/250 (250 -103) | MIT 25 | DMG 125 | BURN 2/2 | BLIGHT 2/2
[0, 1] Bee Minion #8 | HP: 123/250 (250 -127)| MIT 25 | DMG 125

Koga uses <<Amatsu no Homura>> [-16 EN]
ID: 180303
BD: 8 (4 +4) <<Hit on The Queen>>
DMG: 15 * 8 = 120 -75 = 45

ID: 180304
BD: 7 (3 +4) <<Hit on Bee Minion #6>>
DMG: 15 * 8 = 120 -25 = 95

ID: 180305
BD: 13 (9 +4) <<Crit +1 on Bee Minion #7>> <<Burn>> <<Blight>>
DMG: (15 +1) * 8 = 128 -25 = 103

ID: 180306
BD: 12 (8 +4) <<Hit on Bee Minion #8>> <<Fallen>>
DMG: (15 +4) * 8 = 152 -25 =127

 

Edited December 20, 2020 by Koga

[Freyd 0]

Koga's self-depreciating snarl earned him a wry grin.  They both knew that he screwed up.  It happened, and he owned it.  Even more impressively, he learned from it.  Those were qualities to be appreciated in Freyd's eyes.  Things never went wholly according to plan, and most often the plan got tossed out the window.  That didn't it wasn't worth having, and it was critical that you be able to adapt when it fell apart.  Koga had those traits, or so it seemed.  They would have to talk after the fight was over.

"Nicely done!  Come at her from the right.  I'll keep her focus on me, if I can."

The Queen's escort were wiped out an instant later, by a series of precision strikes.  The fractal mortar strikes exploded around Freyd as their bodies hit the ground, providing the opening he needed to strike at the prize.  Leaping from a loose boulder by the mouth of the hive, his blade bit deep into her thorax, just next to where her wings were connected on the right side.  The mob squealed and veered, losing some of her mobility and struggling to keep afloat.

"NOW!"

Spoiler

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE + 8 for hits): 20 EN - (Rested 1/2, Finesse 3) = 16 EN

ID #180307 | BD: 5+4=9 (hit).  Freyd deals (12*20=240-75=165) damage to The Queen.
ID #180308 | BD: 3+4=7 (hit).  Freyd deals (12*20=240-25=215) damage to Bee Minion #6.
ID #180309 | BD: 8+4=12 (hit, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (12*26=312-25=287) damage to Bee Minion #7.
ID #180310 | BD: 4+4=8 (hit).  Freyd deals (12*20=240-25=215) damage to Bee Minion #8.

ID #180311 | MD: 5-2=3  (CD 3, no effect).  The Queen misses Freyd.

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP: 1630/1630 | EN: 127/175 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 4 | VAMP OFF: 163 | HLY: 6 | FLN: 6 | LD: 5 | BH: 81 | Vengeful
Koga | HP: 640/640 | EN: 34/64 (50 -16) | DMG: 15 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 4 | BRN: 24 | BLT: 24 | FLN: 4 | RGN: 10

[1, 1] The Queen | HP: 290/500 | MIT 75 | DMG 200 | BLOODCLOT | PARALYTIC IMMUNITY (455-165)
>> Matriarch’s Sting: On a CD of 6+, The Queen stings the player with the most hate, causing Paralysis and 24 Bleed Damage for two turns
[1, 1] Bee Minion #6 | HP: 0/250 | MIT 25 | DMG 125 (155-215)
[1, 1] Bee Minion #7 | HP: 0/250 | MIT 25 | DMG 125 | BURN 2/2 | BLIGHT 2/2 (147-287)
[1, 1] Bee Minion #8 | HP: 0/250 | MIT 25 | DMG 125 (123-215)

 

[Koga 0]

Koga didn't take the time to notice Freyd's apparently pleased countenance. His mind was focused on the battle, and he wasn't about to let himself get distracted again. As much as he despised living at this point, he couldn't disappoint his companion.

"Copy that!" Koga called back in response to Freyd's orders before swiftly dashing off to the side and swinging back around to watch as Freyd obliterated the Queen's entourage. The pixelated remains of the bees fell around Freyd like glowing blue snow as the man flew through the air, poised to strike. For a moment, it seemed like time had stopped, and Koga thought he was watching the Grim Reaper carry out his duty.

Time suddenly moved once more, and Freyd plunged his weapon into the Queen, and Koga knew this to be his opportunity. Before Freyd had even called out, Koga was already moving in. No more than a few feet away, and Koga stepped heavily, shifting his weight forward before leaping into the air. The man span through the air as he let out a war cry, a spiral of blue light trailing behind him.

With loud crack, Koga brought his katana down on the Queen's back, splitting the carapace in two and her wings burst into black flames.

Koga landed lightly on his feet, but despite the powerful blow he'd just dealt, he still seemed unhappy. The damned thing was still alive.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP: 1630/1630 | EN: 127/175 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 4 | VAMP OFF: 163 | HLY: 6 | FLN: 6 | LD: 5 | BH: 81 | Vengeful
Koga | HP: 640/640 | EN: 19/64 (34 -15) | DMG: 15 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 4 | BRN: 24 | BLT: 24 | FLN: 4 | RGN: 10

[1, 2] The Queen | HP: 110/500 (290 -180) | MIT 75 | DMG 200 | BLOODCLOT | PARALYTIC IMMUNITY | BURN 2/2 | BLIGHT 2/2
>> Matriarch’s Sting: On a CD of 6+, The Queen stings the player with the most hate, causing Paralysis and 24 Bleed Damage for two turns

Koga uses <<San Ge>> against The Queen
ID: 180358
BD: 14 (10 +4) <<Crit +2>> <<Burn>> <<Blight>> [-15 EN]
DMG: (15 +2) * 15 = 255 -75 = 180

 

Edited December 22, 2020 by Koga

[Freyd 0]

Freyd's freaky black blade vanished suddenly as he reaches out and snares the Queen's wings, snapping them down awkwardly as flips his weight and pivots himself into the air above her, gravity pulling him back down on top of her.  Driving his fist into the section of chitin Koga had just cracked, awkward pop resounded from within her as she was suddenly pummeled into the ground by the power of a... sword art?!  Freyd free fell, expecting his prey to be stunned, ready to smash her giant head open with a perfectly executed maneuver. 

Except she wasn't, and promptly smashed him with a head butt and sent him reeling sideways where he skidded to a stop, somehow back upright like a black cat.  A pair of confused red eyes glared at her in confusion, until memory washed over and closed them in embarrassment, his cowl dipping slightly.

"Awww.. dammit!  That would have looked so cool!"

He spared Koga a sheepish smile and shrug.

"I forgot.  She's immune to stuns."

Spoiler

Freyd uses quick change to disarm Samael's Pride and use only his fists.

Five Swords (x5 Stun): 8 EN - (Rested 2/2, Turn Recovery) = 6 EN

ID #180360 | BD: 5+3=8 (hit).  Freyd deals (5*17=85-75=10) damage to The Queen.

Freyd forgot that she's immune to stun, cuz he's showing off and being a moron!

ID #180360 | MD: 2-2=0 (miss), CD 4 (no effect)

The queen suffers 24 burn and 24 blight damage.

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP: 1630/1630 | EN: 122/175 | DMG: 20 17 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 4 3 | VAMP OFF: 163 | HLY: 6 | FLN: 6 | LD: 5 | BH: 81 | Vengeful
Koga | HP: 640/640 | EN: 19/64 (34 -15) | DMG: 15 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 4 | BRN: 24 | BLT: 24 | FLN: 4 | RGN: 10

[2, 2] The Queen | HP: 52/500 | MIT 75 | DMG 200 | BLOODCLOT | PARALYTIC IMMUNITY | BURN 1/2 | BLIGHT 1/2
>> Matriarch’s Sting: On a CD of 6+, The Queen stings the player with the most hate, causing Paralysis and 24 Bleed Damage for two turns

 

[Koga 0]

That had been the first time Koga had ever seen a quick change before. It reminded him of something straight out of a video game. And then Koga remembered that he was, in fact, inside of a video game. That was a skill he would have to file away and grab for himself one of these days.

Despite the impressive display as Freyd quite literally pummeled the Queen into the ground with what Koga assumed was a Martial Arts skill, the man still seemed slightly dissatisfied after being pushed away by the over sized insect. Embarrassed even. This time, Koga did spare the man a glance. And an amused smile of his own. "Don't worry about it," the swordsman replied as he raised his sword into a high guard, staring down the Queen who appeared unsure of who to target next. "I still gotta pay you, remember? Which means..."

Koga disappeared for a moment, replaced by a small cloud of dust, before he suddenly reappeared above and behind the Queen, "I need the last hit!"

One more devastating blow, right into crack in the Queen's defenses. Tsuki no Hikari cleaved her way through the squishy digital flesh of the Queen before coming out the other side, and be rewarded with glowing blue snow of a her own for her efforts.

A small window popped up in front of Koga as he sheathed his katana. Exp gains. Col. And yup, the last hi reward. Koga summoned the item from his inventory, and showed the shiny black stinger to Freyd with a grin. "I'll give this to you back in town, yeah?"

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP: 1630/1630 | EN: 122/175 | DMG: 20 17 | MIT: 79 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 3 | LD: 5 | BH: 81 | Vengeful
Koga | HP: 640/640 | EN: 19/64 (4 -15) | DMG: 15 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 4 | BRN: 24 | BLT: 24 | FLN: 4 | RGN: 10

[2, 2] The Queen | HP: 0/500 (52 -150) | MIT 75 | DMG 200 | BLOODCLOT | PARALYTIC IMMUNITY | BURN 1/2 | BLIGHT 1/2
>> Matriarch’s Sting: On a CD of 6+, The Queen stings the player with the most hate, causing Paralysis and 24 Bleed Damage for two turns

Koga uses <<San Ge>> against The Queen
ID: 180380
BD: 8 (4 +4) <<Hit>> [-15 EN]
DMG: 15 * 15 = 225 -75 = 150

Koga gets last-hit reward: Matriarch’s Holy Stinger

 

Edited December 22, 2020 by Koga

[Freyd 0]

A great goofy grin spread across Freyd's face at Koga's remark.

"Yeah, yeah.  That sounds good.  Nice finish, by the way.  Your skill with the blade reminds me of Katoka's.  She's a spirited blue samurai, also from Firm Anima."  Straightening himself back into a standing position, he spared a moment to stretch before surveying the scene.  "Not a bad day's work.  You're good in a fight."  An outstretched hand ushered his companion forward, back in the direction of Urbus. 

"We may need more people like you soon, on the front lines.  Keep training, and call on me when you need help doing so.  I know a good investment when I see one."  Stuffing his hands into his pockets, as if he were simply out for an evening stroll, the Whisper whistled softly to himself as he wandered away from the scene of battle, urging his shadow to stop dawdling and keep up.  Koga couldn't help but feel like the man's dark silhouette, which somehow ignored his movements, had somehow been assessing him.

[Koga 0]

"I'll take that as a high compliment," Koga said with a grin of his own as he joined Freyd in the walk back to Urbus. "So, Firm Anima, huh?" Koga said as the Stinger disappeared once more, back into his inventory. "I've been hearing a lot about you guys. Really organized from what I've been told. What's your opinion, from the inside?" It was a casual question, but one that could easily be misconstrued as fishing for some kind of information. To be honest, Koga wasn't sure himself why he was asking. Maybe to get an idea of what guild life was like. Maybe to see how all this Frontline stuff was going. Maybe just out of curiosity for how quickly they seemed to have risen to power. Koga didn't really pay attention to guild politics. In fact, he did his best to avoid it at all costs. Well, whatever his reasons for asking, they didn't really matter at the end of the day.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

Organized?  Oh, God, if he only actually knew.

"There's a loose grouping of responsibilities, and people assigned to lead the effort for each, but I wouldn't call it a hierarchy.  Officially, it's a crafting guild, but one with enough capable fighters to put a small army on the field - a very well-equipped army.  We have all kinds and all levels, but I can get you a brochure if you'd like?"   Freyd chuckled, wondering how many other people had mentioned the guild to him already.

"I'm not really much of a recruiter.  If you're looking for a place to find people in the same boat as yourself, who support each other, then it might be for you.  I'd vouch for your fighting skill, not that it's a prerequisite or anything.  What's your profession again?"  Freyd honestly couldn't recall whether the man had said, but it always made people more willing to share information if they thought they already had.

"Seek us out, if you're interested.  If not, call me whenever you need to run quests.  I get around and like to help out.  Not quite sure how that started, but..."  Rising shoulders formed a shrug, as if the Whisper had somehow fallen into something.  Or, just maybe, he was right where he had meant to be.

[Koga 0]

"Blacksmith," Koga answered, although to really say he was a blacksmith would indicate he was somewhat successful at his craft. The abysmal amount of attempts it took him to make even a single craft would indicate otherwise. It was like the RNG gods had cursed him and all he ever made.

"I'm uh, not really looking to to join a guild though." Koga chuckled softly, a hint of uneasiness in his voice. The idea of joining a guild still made him nervous. Would that feeling ever go away? "I guess I was just curious is all. After spending...what, five years in the game so far, and never being told about a guild until now, piqued my interest, ya know?" Koga wasn't sure what was more impressive though. The fact that Firm Anima had made enough of a name for itself that people were talking about it, or that he had somehow managed to avoid all mention of guilds for the last five years.

"Oh, thanks for the help again, by the way. You're a damn good fighter yourself. I'd wager you fight on the Frontlines, right?"

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

[Freyd 0]

A tiny, knowing smile curled the edges of Freyd's mouth as he listened to Koga, hearing himself saying the same thing.  Koga reminded him of himself at the same level, wanting to stand apart and on his own.  He'd had no intention of joining a guild either.  It had just sort of happened, but he quickly grew to see the benefits.  He'd make his own choices, as it should be.  Freyd wasn't trying to pressure the guy.

"I get it, and no pressure, of course.  It was my pleasure to assist.  I make a special point out of helping out good people I encounter along my travels here, and would say without hesitation that you qualify."  Freyd nodded his acknowledgement.  "I'll be heading to the Frontlines for the first time shortly.  There's a lot of momentum building.  A lot it riding on this battle.  I have a bit of time left, though, so if you need a hand with anything please feel free to call."

He turned and vanished into the busy streets of Urbus.  Several minutes passed before Koga realized that the man had never requested his promised payment.

***

Quest Rewards:

Freyd receives:

2 SP (1 page, +1 event)
Queen’s Honey: [Perfect Potion: +3 Damage for one thread].

Koga receives:

4 SP (1 page, +1 event, +2 quest)
3,400 col
Queen’s Honey: [Perfect Potion: +3 Damage for one thread].
[Last Hit Reward] Matriarch’s Holy Stinger (Consumable): [Unique Item: Grants the Wielder double the Bleed Damage for one thread].