[PP | F01] The Lesson's Continue, and they are still not making me pay

[Asmura 0]

With each step the cinnamon glazed scone bounced as it remained clenched inside the jaw of a running child. Her midnight color locks whipped around fervently as each hasty step sprung her forward toward her desired destination. Despite having Kiluia wake her up early with the most delicious breakfast that had every graced her stomach she was late. The scone that dangled from her lips was the last remints of beautiful breakfast that was sure to be cold upon arriving back home; but that didn’t matter. Asmura was late; well, late in her mind. In reality there had been no previously agreed up meeting time or location; however, she had been trying to get to the town square early in order to contact her adventure partner for the next series in the Beginners Quest. 

As she rounded the corner to the square at the Town of Beginnings it was discovered that the place was not as busy as normal. Maybe it was due to the early time or day, or maybe there was something else going on that Asmura was not privy too. Either way, it was much better than the anticipated crowd. Finding a spot along the exterior of the square allowed her to observe the scene discreetly; as well as well as finish the scone in peace. Taking a large chunk and chewing the spice and square filled her mouth. As she went to take the second bite a the menu was opened with a leisurely gesture. Happily munching on the next bite the menu was opened and The Whispers icon popped up. Without another thought a message was sent. 

Spoiler

 

To: Freyd - The Whisper in the Shadows
From: Asmura

Hey Freyd! If you're not busy I would like to invite you to the third beginnings quest. I'll be on the first floor waiting. If you can't make it, that okay too. Just let me know. 
Thanks

-A

 

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

~~~~~~~~~

Spoiler

Name: Asmura
Level: 12
HP: 240 / 240
EN: 24 / 24

Stats:
Damage: 6
Mitigation: 6
Evasion: 1
Accuracy: 3

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Frostbound (3 DMG)
Armor: Suit of Light  (2 MIT | 1 EVA)
Misc: Frostlass Hoop Earrings (3 ACC)

Skills:
One Handed Weapons | Rank 2 - Journeyman (2 DMG)
Light Armor | Rank 1 (5 MIT)

Extra Skills:
N/A

Mods:
N/A

Battle Ready Inventory:
5 Starter Healing Potions (heals 50 HP)

Housing Buffs:
Rested: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat

Guild Hall Buffs:
N/A

Wedding Ring: 
N/A

 

Edited December 3, 2020 by Asmura

[Freyd 0]

"Did you leave any for the rest of us, or will they need a week to restock?!"  Freyd's teasing voice bellowed over the steady clatter and hum of the gathered patrons.  He knew full well how much young Asmura fancied her food, so it didn't surprise him to find her stuffing her face with such gusto.

"Geez, kid.  Leave some for the rest of us!  And come with me.  We've got you a quest to get done."  Though playful, there was a subtle sense of haste behind her friends' words, as if he could see storm clouds gathering beyond the horizon. 

"What trouble have you been up to?  And don't say 'none' or I will be very disappointed!"  Freyd beamed her a small smile and a mischievous wink as he strode away towards Hannah's grove.  It wasn't far from Lyle's shop, and actually located inside the city itself.  Travelling with him always seemed to carry a certain urgency and sense of adventure, as if 'stuff' was about to happen, and they needed to get to it promptly.

Freyd | HP:1750/1750 | EN:187/187 | DMG:20 | MIT:79 | EVA:2 | ACC:4 | VAMP OFF:175 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | LD:5 | BH:87

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows
Level: 86
HP: 1750/1750
EN: 187/187

Stats:
Damage: 20
Mitigation: 79
Evasion: 2
Accuracy: 4
BH:87
VAMP OFF:175
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 5]
Martial Arts [Rank 4]
Quick Change [Obtained]

Extra Skills:
Disguise
Familiar Mastery: Fighter 3
Survival
Meditation

Active Mods:
Precision - 2HSS
Finesse - Rank 3
LA Athletics
Ferocity - 2HSS
LA Sprint and Acrobatics
Vanish
Vengeful Riposte
Surprise Attack (Assassin)

Inactive Mods:
Night Vision

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:

 

[Asmura 0]

As the last bite was stuffed in her mouth a joking, familiar voice boomed over the crowd. As always, The Whisper appeared to come out of nowhere like a shadow in the night. Due to her mouth being full Asmura was unable to respond; however, she did hop off the bench and then join her partner in the crowd. Despite the difference in size between the two the small girl managed to keep up. Finally, after the last piece had been thoroughly chewed was, she able to respond. After all, she had not been raised in a barn.

“Yes, I left some behind,” Asmura pouted playfully, “And me? Get into trouble? Never.” Innocently a grin spread across her face and batted her eye lashes. Playing hide-and-go-seek, epic games of tag, and pranking Haine with the help of Kiluia; it had been the most fun she had in a while. “I can’t help the fact that some familiars decided to turn again their handlers and help me win a game of hide-and-go-seek. They made their own choice and it had nothing to do with the offering of a bribe in the form of food.” It wasn’t grand, but the memory of Haine and Kiluia’s faces would never leave her mind, as well as the laughs shared after that. “What about you? Anything interesting gone on?”

[Freyd 0]

"Oh, there's always something going on," he said, laughing at the irony of Haine being overwhelmed on account of food and familiars.  It was simply too appropriate.  His days had glossed over into one gigantic blur, of late.  There were more things needing to be done than hours in the day to do them.  One of the advantages of such a plain and unassuming face is that most people never bothered to register fatigue upon it.

"Be sure to take that safeguard potion you got from Tealeaf, okay?  I don't want to explain to your parents how you got flattened by a 'cave sumthinorother' because you forgot to drink the secret mojo sauce."    He glanced down at her, suddenly plotting a bit of revenge on Haine's behalf.  "Besides," he whispered clandestinely in her ear, "it's also supposed to make you a few inches taller."  Freyd's face revealed nothing as he spoke the lie blatantly to the child.  Wow... I'd be a terrible dad, or an awesome one.

Approaching the noted clearing, he paused and took in the scene.  Before them stood a beautiful, pastoral urban park, complete with its small lake and streams that entered and exited through ornately decorated culverts.  Small decorative bridges leapt over the winding creek and fish could be seen swimming in the clean, crystal clear water.  A pair of swans lazily wandered in the water, moving slowly that a nearby artist had managed a reasonable painting of their stroll.

"Ah, there she is," Freyd said, pointing at the painter.  "Go give her the thing."

[Asmura 0]

As predicted the man clad in the black was as elusive as ever. There were times were cracks in the mask grew wider and ever closer to shattering; however, in a stunningly short amount of time those cracks would be repaired it was back to life as usual. Asmura hoped that there was someone that Freyd trusted enough to be rely on. While distracted by her own thoughts some part of her recognized that he was staying something. Without thinking her head was nodding up and down; agreeing to whatever was being said. Then, like a cat in the night, there was Freyd right next to her.

"Besides, it's also supposed to make you a few inches taller."  

There was a moment where confusion was etched onto her face. Taller? What was supposed to make her taller? After a second it dawned on her that the only item he could be talking about was that potion from Tealeaf. “Really?” Asmura questioned, the slightest bit of hope in her voice, “Do you think I could grow as tall as you?”

The question faded into the air as they arrived at the place where they were supposed to meet the next person. Following Freyd’s pointed finger her eye landed on a lanky, beautiful women who was sketching. With thin rimmed brown glasses that milk chocolate colored hair. Slowly, the shy girl approached the figure. After several seconds of awkwardly standing there like a statue the figure addressed her. After a few minutes of talking, well Ms. Hannah did all the talking, Asmura made her way back to Freyd.

“We get to go treasure hunting,” Asmura grinned, excitement vibrating off her being. Hannah had told her direction to the cave, so a hand was flung out pointing to the direction they needed to go. Placing her foot on a conveniently located rock Asmura hooked her finger, “Let’s go find ye treasure!”

[Freyd 0]

Freyd grabbed Asmura by the shoulder as she was practically ready for liftoff. 

"Slow down, little frantic!  Drink your safeguard potion so that the cave thingy doesn't smash you in the face real hard.  You're going to have to fight this thing on your own and I won't want to see that amazing bandana get a scratch on it!"  He patted her on the shoulder to temper her enthusiasm by just the tiniest bit.  "Do it now. The cave's not far and it'll last until something hits you.  Trust me."  A pair of red eyes shone beneath his cowl, but with concern instead of mischief.  He took care of his own, and that meant the guild, in this bizarre world.  How strange is was for him to think of this disparate group as his family, and yet it was the closest thing he had truly every had to one.

Taking Asmura to a low ridge just outside the Town of Beginnings, he instructed her to collect whichever gem she pleased, but to watch out for the cave guardian.  "And... drink the potion," they said together, his smaller companion having gotten the importance of it.  "I'll wait here.  Come find me once you've found that treasure."  Nudging her towards the cave mouth, he looked around for a suitable place to sit and wait.  This wasn't going to take long.

[Asmura 0]

With the flick of a wrist the menu appeared with a small ‘pop’ and the potion that Freyd had mentioned was selected from her inventory. As it materialized into her hand wide eyes watched as bubbles rose to the top and relapsed what air was left in the potion. Immediately, the smell hit her nose and Asmura turned away in disgust. It smelled like that awful cherry cough medicine that had to be taken when she was sick that one winter. With a glace cast toward her companion she frowned. There was a strange look in his eyes; almost like he was worried about her or something. Letting out a breath, one hand pinched the bridge of her nose and the other brought the potion to her mouth. “Here goes nothing,” Asmura stated, in a strange throaty voice before gulping the potion down. As the last drop disappeared into her mouth the bottle ceased to exist.

Nudged forward furrowed brows stared into the darkness of the cave. It appeared to be hollow; and the only light was that which streamed in a few feet before fading into pitch blackness. Honestly, Asmura thought that Freyd was going to accompany her into the darkness but based on the way this was looking he was not. “Right. You can do this. You’re not scared,” Asmura murmured to herself taking a step toward the cave, “you’re capable, and smart.” Another few steps. Before even realizing it, the cave barrier had been passed and alone in the darkness she stood. It was cooler than expected inside the cave, and a light wind breeze blew through the opening tousling the raven locks slightly. Turning, she could see the outline of Freyd outside as her eyes continued to adjust.

“See you soon!” Asmura called, her voice bouncing off the cave walls and echoing through the seemingly never-ending abyss. The noise must have stirred a few bat-like creatures because a few of them flew past her form and into the daylight. "Well, this is going to be fun." Asmura remarked to none on but herself. 

~~~~

Drank Safeguard - it blocks the damage from the first successful attacks that hits the player.

Edited January 3, 2021 by Asmura

[Freyd 0]

Perched on a wide, smooth rock, he'd found himself a nice, soft mossy spot to sit on and started opening up various UI windows, checking up on correspondence and various reports from different agents assigned to search for this, that, or the other thing.  A memory surfaced of going to swimming lessons with his father.  He would repeat the same monotonous movements over and over again in a vain attempt to train his muscles to perform in a manner that would keep the instructors from yelling at him.  All the while, he was watching the collected gaggle of parents sitting in the bleachers, behind glass, looking like they were meant to be the ones on display.  Each of them had their noses glued to a screen, or looked like idiots while blathering on about something vapid and trivial to who knows who on the other side of a bluetooth device.  Half the time, he wondered if there was actually anyone listening on the other end or if they were just talking for the sake of hearing themselves.

'I won't be like that,' he thought, scolded himself, and all of the windows instantly closed.

[Asmura 0]

Further and further away from the comforting light of day and into the darkness Asmura wandered. Every little sound seemed to be exemplified by as it echoed throughout the air and deeper into the depths. It was hard to tell where everything was with the lack of light; however, her eyes were slowly adjusting enough to see the outlines of the shadows in the cave. So far, it appeared to be a wide, open space with moist air and damp craggy walls. There was bolder located every several feet that appeared to have been worn down by the air the grazed through the cave.

After what felt like hours of wandering a spot that would be suitable to start looking for stones was discovered. Crouching down small finger started to dig through the earth in search of precious stones. Several minutes passed and nothing was found.  Moving onto the next spot she started to dig again. This process went on for several more times before a glowing, emerald stone was found in the ground. As the pulled in from the ground the cave around proceeded to glow a dim green. Grinning, Asmura held the stone close to face and admired smooth surface of the stone.

Somewhere, deep in the guts of the cave a creature awoke from its slumber. Beady, black eyes blinked as they adjusted to the surrounding darkness. A mouth decorated with pointed, jagged teeth opened and a screech erupted from its’ gut. It was time to hunt.

[Freyd 0]

There was no screaming.  That was either really, really good, or really, really bad.  There was no way this cave-boss-thing could really hurt her, was there?  Freyd's mind raced through all of the variables and permutations.  The odds were infinitesimally small that it could kill her, and certainly not before she could manage to eek out a screech or two.  So everything had to be just fine.

Summoning one of his many half-finished cups of coffee, he sat and sipped the mostly cold drink, shifting his thoughts to how he could potentially keep them warm in whatever otherspace they went to whenever he dismissed them.  Myriad other thought exercises flooded his mind, along with a lengthy to-do list that required completion before he joined the front lines for the floor 25 boss raid.  The list seemed to lengthen every time he reviewed it.  Time passed as he cycled through his chores and duties, wondering how he could best perform them all with the time that remained, never really absorbing the magnitude of the final destination.  This is simply how he was: organizing, task-driven, overly focused.

[Asmura 0]

The screech was enough to cause the brightly colored amulet to tumble out of calloused finger's and land onto the floor of the cave. It's glow cast some light into the darkness but it wasn't enough to see if anything lingered where the light didn't touch. Backing up to the cave wall the sword that lay innocently on her hip was drawn and held; ready for anything to happen. At this point her heartbeat was so loud she was sure that Freyd could hear it outside. Then the words that Freyd stated came to the forefront of her mind, "...cave thingy doesn't smash you in the face real hard..." Right, how she could forget about the "cave thingy?" Suddenly, out of the darkness a claw raked toward her chest. Asmura was barely able to dodge the claw, roll to pick-up the emerald, and then face toward the beast. Only, it wasn't there anymore.

Feeling the panic rise in her chest the young girl used to light in an effort to see the creature. The panic must have been messing with her head because she thought something had moved in the darkness. Lunging forward she hit nothing but cold dense air. Holding the crystal out desperate eyes scanned the darkness and waited. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

Cave Guardian: 

180958

5

4

20

5

Asmura

Cave Guardian vs. Asmura

2021-01-02 18:08:57

MOD: 5 [MISS]

Asmura:

180959

1

10

18

10

Asmura

Asmura vs. Cave Guardian

2021-01-02 18:14:39

BD: 1 [MISS]

Players: 
Asmura: LVL: 12 | HP: 240 | EN: 22/22 (-2 for miss) | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1 | MIT: 6 | DMG: 6
Weapon: Frostbound (3 DMG)
Armor: Suit of Light  (2 MIT | 1 EVA)
Misc: Frostlass Hoop Earrings (3 ACC)

Skills:
One Handed Weapons | Rank 2 - Journeyman (2 DMG)
Light Armor | Rank 1 (5 MIT)

Creature: 
Cave Guardian: HP: 20 | DMG: 50 (on first successful hit only, and this additional damage will be absorbed by the Safeguard Potion provided from the 'The Second Lesson, Is Also Free' quest) / 5 (Does not gain bonus damage from Critical Hits)

Edited January 3, 2021 by Asmura

[Freyd 0]

*Flick*

*Clink*

"Again?!  Honestly, how do I suck this bad at this game?"

Persi had just scored another point in their best of five series of finger football.  Best of three hadn't gone so well, and Asmura was taking her time with things.  

"Just tell me she hasn't found twelve of them, and tossed them all as 'not pretty enough.'"  Lining up his shot, his fingers skewed and sent the pebble wide as a smallish screech emanated from the cavern.

"I stand corrected.  She must have just found one," he said to Persi, who was laid out on her back on a nearby rock, apparently sunning herself.  The image of a shadow mongoose soaking in the sunlight was as noteworthy as it was disturbing.  His wayward shot plinked off to the right of her head, causing the sliver of an azure eye to open and regard him with disdain.  Rolling over, she collected the missing stone and returned, promptly scoring another point, and winning another game in the process.

"Urrrrrhhhh."  Freyd groaned.  "Best of seven?!"

[Asmura 0]

There was more movement just a couple feet away. Again, her body instinctively moved forward to at least graze the creature. Nothing but air once again. Even with the dim light of the crystal Asmura could feel the darkness closing in; edging closer and closer to her being until there was nothing but it and herself. Desperately, the air in her lungs attempted to catch-up as it pushed air rapidly through her mouth. The moment of distraction would cost; from the shadows the creature appeared. It attempted to tear it's claws her flesh of Asmura's back as it greedily reached for the crystal. Unfortunately for the creature, the momentum of its attack pushed the small body forward and the gem out of its' reach. Falling flat on her face Asmura rolled onto her back with the curved sword up and faced the creature. Its eyes were dull, purple gems and sharp claws dragged on the floor of the cave. Over it head <<Cave Guardian>> lit up in the darkness. It looked like a small, smoky purple gremlin; and it started to step toward her. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spoiler

 

[x4] Bear Knock (4 Energy) - The user makes four hard blows in random places on the opponents body.
Asmura: ID#180960 | BD: 2 (MISS)
Cave Guardian: ID#180960 | MOD: 6 (MISS DUE TO POTION)

Players: 
Asmura: LVL: 12 | HP: 240-50=190 | EN: 20/24 (-2 for miss) | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1 | MIT: 6 | DMG: 6
Weapon: Frostbound (3 DMG)
Armor: Suit of Light  (2 MIT | 1 EVA)
Misc: Frostlass Hoop Earrings (3 ACC)

Skills:
One Handed Weapons | Rank 2 - Journeyman (2 DMG)
Light Armor | Rank 1 (5 MIT)

Creature: 
Cave Guardian: HP: 20 | DMG: 50 (on first successful hit only, and this additional damage will be absorbed by the Safeguard Potion provided from the 'The Second Lesson, Is Also Free' quest) / 5 (Does not gain bonus damage from Critical Hits)

 

 

 

 

Edited January 13, 2021 by Asmura

[Freyd 0]

"Persi!  You're just a monster!  Have you no sense of mercy!?"

They were up to 'best of nine' now, Freyd's hand-eye coordination continuing to suffer.  He'd never been any good at these sorts of things, though secretly he loved to play it up and let Persi think she was all that.  It was good for her mood and morale, and he didn't need trivial victories.  The Whisper's eye was always on the bigger picture, as it was with Asmura.  Sure, he could have wandered into the cave and whip-kicked the guardian to death, but what would that have accomplished?  She would eventually have to fight on her own, or with others less capable than herself.  Before that moment came, she had to face danger and find courage.  Fortune would throw her foul moments.  Only an internal flame forged by her own hand could carry her through them.  He was just a torch-bearer, here to help her find her way.

"Come on, you ravenous beast!  BEST OF ELEVEN!"

Never let them see you give up.

[Asmura 0]

Several steps were taken toward the childlike body that laid on the floor of the dark cave. The claws that extended from the creature’s feet raked against the ground with every step. As the sound echoed through the empty space it fully dawned on Asmura that she was alone. No Freyd. No Kiluia. No Haine. Just herself, the emptiness, and the shadows on the wall. Which meant that no one was going to come save her. Eye narrowing and lips thinning tiny hands grasped the stone in one hand and the sword the other. Rolling, Asmura stood to face the creature. Then she would have to take care of it herself. Yes, she was scared but that didn't mean she was helpless. As the sword charged and started to glow the creature took it chance. Claws outreached for her to gaze skin once again, but the small girl was quicker. She ducked under the extend claw arm and then started her attack. Four, solid blows hit the creature’s body - knocking it back several feet. Then, before narrowed eyes, the creature started to disappear. Grinning to herself she tucked the sword away and then followed the tunnel back out to her partner. Pride at her accomplishment radiated off of the tiny body in waves.  

~~~~~

Spoiler

[x4] Bear Knock (4 Energy) - The user makes four hard blows in random places on the opponents body.
Asmura: ID#181285 | BD: 4  | 4+3=7 | 6x4=24 DMG(HIT)
Cave Guardian: ID#181285 | MOD: 2 (MISS)

Players: 
Asmura: LVL: 12 | HP: 190 | EN: 16/24 (-4 for hit) | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1 | MIT: 6 | DMG: 6
Weapon: Frostbound (3 DMG)
Armor: Suit of Light  (2 MIT | 1 EVA)
Misc: Frostlass Hoop Earrings (3 ACC)

Skills:
One Handed Weapons | Rank 2 - Journeyman (2 DMG)
Light Armor | Rank 1 (5 MIT)

Creature: 
Cave Guardian: HP: 20-26=0 HP | DMG: 50 (on first successful hit only, and this additional damage will be absorbed by the Safeguard Potion provided from the 'The Second Lesson, Is Also Free' quest) / 5 (Does not gain bonus damage from Critical Hits)

 

Edited January 21, 2021 by Asmura

[Freyd 0]

Freyd heard the death roar and smiled.  It was way off the appropriate register to be hers.  By the time Asmura emerged from the cavern, grinning like she'd eaten the Cheshire Cat whole, his expression had returned to that of the un-satisfiable mentor.  

"That took quite a while.  Were you gathering other shinies, or something?"  A single eyebrow lifted, not scolding, but signaling just enough false judgement to string her along.  The glint in her eyes, reflecting the gem she held so proudly before her, fractured his false severity.  The edges of his lips curled upward. 

"Damn it!"  He scolded himself, through a rueful grin.  "I was going to be all stoic and stuff."  Freyd's imperious stance deflated almost instantly, returning him to the more common relaxed poise to which Asmura was accustomed.  A quick glance confirmed that she had no injuries.  His faith had been well-placed.  One more test remained, and then she'd be ready for the open world.

"I take it everything went well?"