[F16-PP] One Huge Rope (Snake out of Water)

[Gaius 0]

Racking his brain at the thought of pushing himself, the show that Raidou & Freyd presented had been stuck in his dome a few days now. He didn't like being inferior. "I'll show both you assholes." Gaius yelps slamming down a nearly empty cup of coffee. Preparing himself in earnest, collecting his gear up and preparing to find something to better himself. He needed to catch up, and he knew it. A glaive that served him well in hand. A flash of light rips him up numerous floors to a random one, no idea in mind what he was shooting for.

Transcribing a message to anyone that would listen:

To Guild Chat: "Yo uh, I don't really do this. But I am going to get stronger, anyone want to tag along?"

 

With a hard swallow, he sends the message through the guild chat. He wasn't one to be humble, it stung his brain admitting it. 

Tasty: Well Done Steak Combined (Feast): Protein +2:  174831, 174838 [0/4]

Gaius Consumes: Titan's Strength (+3 DMG), Well Done Steak Feast Portion {Filled/+3 DMG/-30 Miti} [1/4]

Mega Slime Farm Activated: +2 SP upon Thread Closure

Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:82/82 | DMG:22 | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2

Spoiler

Gaius, The Sweeping Typhoon
Level: 41
HP: 850/850
EN: 82/82

Stats:
Damage: 22
Mitigation: 6
Accuracy: 1
H.M.:4
REC:2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Dragoon's Journey [2HAS] (T2/Perfect) Damage 2, Bleed 1
Armor: Dragoon's Plate MK. II [Heavy] (T2/Perfect) Mitigation 1, Heavy Momentum 2
Misc: Assault Division Bracelet: [Trinket] (T1/Perfect) Accuracy 1, Recovery 2

Skills:
Two Handed Assault Spear [Rank 5]
Heavy Armor [Rank 3]
Charge [Rank 1]

Extra Skills:
Disguise
Familiar Fighter R1

Mods:
Finesse Rank 3
Ferocity
Athletics

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystal*1
Vocal Augmentation - Resonation [T1/Perfect/Support/Instant] +60 HP*2
Bird Seed (T2/Rare/Snack) Vitality 2*1
Boar Hide Belt [Trinket] (T1/Perfect) [+3 Loot Dice]

Housing 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)
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.
Col Stash: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
Advanced Training: +2 SP to a thread. Limit one use per month [1/1]

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.

 

Edited January 14, 2021 by Gaius

[Kasumi 0]

A phrase flashes through her HUD rather abruptly, a still being put together ring held in her grip. Turns out this engagement ring Sam ordered still needed some final touches, and she was working almost tirelessly to complete it. "Gaius?" Kasumi remarks reading the message, it struck her as odd as he was hardly the type to fit the bill to ask for assistance. Faintly recalling the time she had to deck him because he was so bull headed.

He was more likely to stick his neck out and lose it.

Sending back a response that she'd join him as quickly as she could, attempting to cause him to pause before he could jump the gun. Switching from her artisan attire into her battle gii, she rushed out the door toward the plaza. Waiting for some reply from the Dragoon, the one that shifted slightly in demeanor during val halla in a jarring twist. Let's just see how much he's changed?

Tasty: Artisan Carrot Cakes Combined (Accuracy +2: 175455-1, 175857) into Feast [0/4]

Kasumi Consumes: Artisan Carrot Cake Feast Portion (Accuracy +2) [1/4], Titans Strength (+3 Damage), Well Done Steak Feast Portion (Filled/Protein +3) [2/4]

Mega Slime Farm Triggered: +2 SP upon Thread Closure

Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:78/78 | DMG:19 | ACC:5 | BLD:24 | LD:3

Spoiler

Kasumi, The Blossom
Level: 39
HP: 780/780
EN: 78/78

Stats:
Damage: 13
Accuracy: 3
BLD:24
LD:3

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Mugen's Lineage - Growth [T2/Perfect] Damage 2, Bleed 1
Armor: Mugen Tenshin Decree [T1/Perfect] (3 Accuracy)
Misc: Orange Hair Tie [T1/Perfect] (+3 Loot Dice)

Skills:
Martial Arts [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 3]
Hiding [Rank 3]

Extra Skills:
Concentration

Mods:
Finesse Rank 3
Ferocity
Athletics

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystal*1
Vocal Augmentation - Resonation [T1/Perfect/Support/Instant] +60 HP*2
Bird Seed (T2/Rare/Snack) Vitality 2*1
White Red-trimmed Gee [T1/Perfect] (3 Evasion)

Housing 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)
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
Tasty: Turn 2 identical food items into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 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 (Hiding): +1 Rank to the Hiding skill.
Advanced Training: +2 SP to a thread. Limit one use per month [1/1]
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]: 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.

 

Edited January 14, 2021 by Kasumi

[Raidou 1]

Deep in a myriad of studied papers, purchased after a discussion littering the ground around him. Like a scholar lost in a riddle difficult to solve, he looked near-insane buried in his work. Every piece seemed to offer no answers, none with any effort to change things. A single ring causes him to stir so bright and early. Rubbing tired eyes and correcting his lenses, he begins to read what it said.

It was from Gaius, and with a slight grin, the gambit had worked. Another small pittance that he owed to Freyd. Instead of bucking them off, the horse was broken and could finally be taught to ride. "About time." Raidou remarks reaching for his steel laid beside him, wrapping the scabbard around his midsection and ripping his robe from the floor. A type and click of his menu, a message typed and sent in rapid presses:

To Gaius: You finally understand, I'll be there.

Triggering Tracking, Raidou homes in on the male on floor 16: "Snake out of water." He remarks and shatters a teleport crystal to lunge upward.

Raidou Consumes: Artisan Carrot Cake Feast Portion (Accuracy +2) [2/4], Titans Strength (+3 Damage), Well Done Steak Feast Portion (Filled/Protein +3) [3/4], Lemon Lavender Bar (+2 Evasion), Potion of Obsidian Flesh [Compound: 3] (Mitigation T3/+45)

Raidou | HP:1790/1790 | EN:176/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:3 | ACC:5 | REC:1 | TAUNT | LD:7 | BH:89

Spoiler

Raidou, Firm Anima Vanguard Captain
Level: 88
HP: 1790/1790
EN: 176/176

Stats:
Damage: 26
Mitigation: 106
Evasion: 3
Accuracy: 5
BH:89
REC:1
TAUNT
LD:7

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Auric Sol - Corona [T3/Perfect/2HSS]: Damage 3
Armor: Emissary Garb [T3/Perfect/L.A] Loot Dice 2, Recovery 1
Misc: Commander's Scrutiny - Duress [T1/Perfect/Trinket]: +2 Accuracy, Taunt

Skills:
Gatherer [Obtained]
Two Handed Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Extended Mod Limit R3 [Obtained]
Parry [Obtained]
Howl [Obtained]
Battle Healing [Rank 5]
Fighting Spirit [Obtained]
Light Armor [Rank 5]
Searching [Rank 5]
Charge [Rank 5]
Extended Weight Limit [Obtained]

Extra Skills:
Concentration
Familiar Mastery: Protector
Survival

Active Mods:
Focused Howl
Finesse Rank 3
Athletics
Sprint and Acrobatics
Tracking
Ferocity
Justified Riposte
Precision

Inactive Mods:
Vengeful Riposte
Emergency Recovery
Detect
Bull Rush
Reveal
Stamina

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystal*1
Pillar Fragment [Unique/Glowstone]
Eternal Watch - Tenacity [T3/Perfect/Trinket]: Recovery 2, Accuracy 1
Mass Heal Crystal*5
Tactician's Gaze - Ogma [T1/Perfect/Trinket]: +3 Accuracy
Red Wanderer's Robe [T1/Perfect/L.A] +3 Evasion

Housing 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)
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.
Col Stash: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
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 []: 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

 

[Freyd 0]

"Zugaikotsushima."

It really didn't roll off the tongue.  Gaius' message had piqued Freyd's interest for two simple reasons.  The first was motivated by curiosity.  He had never been to floor sixteen, and felt like he should be able to say that he'd done so at least once.  The second, and more alluring, was the lone quest there noted in his log as still outstanding.  A flash of black was all the Quip and Dingo saw as he had raced for the central plaza in Angel's Point.  The two siblings offered each other knowing glances and shook their heads synchronously in response.  They knew him and his weird habits well enough to guess what this was all about.  Only the darkened storefront of Quaestor's Quisine, his neighbour's shop, caught his attention in his flight to the portal.  The man still hadn't returned, but his shop was still there, so he was still alive somewhere.

"After this," Freyd told himself, not wanting to intrude on his friend's privacy, but starting to grow concerned.

Spotting the trio of Animaniacs huddled by the floor's unimpressive quest board, Freyd hailed them with a flick of the wrist salute from his cowl.

***

Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:187/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93

Freyd Consumes:
Well Done Steak Feast Portion (Filled/Protein +3) [4/4]
Artisan Carrot Cakes Combined (Accuracy +2: 175455-1, 175857) into Feast [3/4]
Berry Crumb Bar | LD +3  [172784]
Smores | EVA +2 [171926]
Mini Cheesecake | T3 MIT 3  [177102]
Liquor of Light | DMG 3  [173497]
Viperion | T3 Tox.Ven. (24/2) [155356]
Field Rations (+120 Max HP) - [http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-merchant-freyd-edges-safe-zone/?do=findComment&comment=623998]

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows
Level: 86
HP: 1750/1750 (+120)
EN: 187/187

Stats:
Damage: 20 (+3+3)
Mitigation: 79 (+45-45)
Evasion: 2 (+2)
Accuracy: 4 (+2)
BH:87 (+6)
VAMP OFF:175 (+12)
HLY:6
FLN:6
(Tox.Ven T3 [24/2])
LD:5 (+3)

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
Untraceable

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:

 

[Gaius 0]

Swallowing his pride and puffing out his chest, Kasumi replied. Alright, she was easy to get along with sort it seemed. Transposing it and sending her the location, when Raidou simply appears moments after he receives a reply. This fucking guy fiddled with the board trying to keep his composure. "I didn't quite expect you to show up." Gaius remarked to the man in red as Kasumi shows up seconds later.

It was becoming quite the party building, he was expecting maybe one other dude. Finding the quest and selecting it as Red looked to him in that placid demeanor. A couple of steps and another flash of the gate shows The Spook. The hell was the meaning of this? Were they just waiting for someone to say something? The dragoon started to get the feeling he was some princess that needed saving. "Great." Gaius barks out with a sarcastic tone before correcting it with a chuckle. "More the merrier?" but it sounded like a question, these guys were starting to make him a little on edge already.

Edited January 14, 2021 by Gaius

[Kasumi 0]

A single destination received from Gaius gives her direction, and leaping to the warp gate she looks at a listing for names of unlocked settlements. "Floor 16, Zugaikotsushima." She mutters, and a tear sends her spiraling into the bog of sticky wet moisture. "This is uh interesting..." As she scans the stagnant town with a tiny amount of NPC working throughout. Her sights set dead ahead and notice Raidou. "oh..." Folding her arms behind her back as the gate triggers again, and her captain at her rear. "What quest did you pick Gaius?" The blossom looked to him as if he had chosen something insane for these two to be taking an interest. Peeling straight the wraps around her hands, avoiding direct eye contact with the whole of the two captains now in her presence, making her quite a bit nervous.

They all still had some unfinished business, and this entire affair had caught her completely off guard.

[Raidou 1]

A fix of his lenses on the bridge of his nose as he responds to Gaius. His eyes affix to his gloves, pulling them tighter as the mirror on his face shields his eyes from view. "You shouldn't be surprised, the guild is always working together to make things happen. This is just the first time you've asked." The nomad remarks as he shifts open his menu allowing Gaius to play with the board. He recalls the gist of the fight entirely, knowing full well what they were getting themselves into. Freyd appears, and somewhere Raidou knew he would be here. But not for his own reasons, but he was not dull enough to not recognize how directly the whisper had been taking steps to push everyone up in ranks. Knowing full well his target, a flare of green as Tracking redirects from Gaius to Habinishu, and within seconds it's lit on his map. "The boss is still alive." He looks to the whisper and uploads the coordinate to him, knowing full well he could hunt it down without issue. Business as usual, for he had questions and uneasy ground he'd like to avoid and stay on task.

Raidou activates Tracking, Bypassing LD check/Post Restriction for Habinishu, Next Attack automatically Hits

[Freyd 0]

"Kasumi, with me."  Freyd's tone was firm and unyielding.  This was a test of her abilities, as much as it was another guild-based quest run.  Better to start with something easy.  "The target is protected and will absorb the first few hits directed at it.  Basic attacks only, at the onset, then Raidou can grab its attention.  I expect you to show me your strength in the moments that follow."  Red irises peered from the edges of his eyes as he began to move towards the coordinates provided by the vanguard captain.  Black blade in hand, he leapt upwards and along the branches of the tree canopy, clearly expecting her to follow.  He'd heard tales of her power, and seen it first hand in their shared battle against the wasp queen.  It was poorly paired with an excessively timid temperament.  She would have to move beyond that before the lives of others could be entrusted to her, even if only as a participant in a larger group.  Deadweight wasn't a luxury that the players of Aincrad could afford.

They nearly walked on the damned thing.  Had Raidou not been so precise in his targeting, they might have never had noticed the green-grey tube dangling loosely from the heavy branches like just another moss-covered limb.   A quick tap on Kasumi's shoulder and a pointed finger revealed their foes and their direction of attack.

Spoiler

Basic attack (1 EN)

ID #181297 | BD: 6+6=12 (hit).  (LD: 17+8=25.  Hit confirmed).  Safeguard #1 consumed.

Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:186/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:78/78 | DMG:19 | ACC:5 | BLD:24 | LD:3
Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:82/82 | DMG:22 | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
Raidou | HP:1790/1790 | EN:176/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:3 | ACC:5 | REC:1 | TAUNT | LD:7 | BH:89

Hebishinu | HP: 600/600 | DMG: 140 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 2

If lands 9-10 on BD, adds Paralyse or Toxic Venom. On CD, if the dice is 1-6, its Toxic Venom. If 7-12, its Paralyze, along with the +1 or +2 Damage from the roll
Slick Body: Hebishinu is covered in a slime that prevents attack from causing damage for two turns (Has 1/2 Safeguards applied)
Special: PCs must roll a 10 or more on the LD to land an attack, as the serpent hides within the water and trees.

Hebishinu requires its own separate roll.

 

[Gaius 0]

Holding fast to Raidou as the other two seem to quickly disappear without a moment to spare. "Oh right, spooks." he remarks as he notices, then his attention shifts to the only body he could see as he headed out with fast steps. "Hey wait up." So it was true then, it wasn't because it was Gaius but was because he was a guild member. As if it somehow overwrites his personality completely. "So you all just help out everyone with a guild tag?"

"Precisely, but remain focused."

"Without any question?"

"Yes, Gaius. But snake."

A sudden slam and twist of black from Freyd cold clocks a huge set of teeth that were about to bite off a talkative head. "Holy shit when did that show up?" his polearm appears and begins to swirl, causing loose leaves and debris to scatter around his feet. It had come within inches of trying to eat him.

Spoiler

Basic attack (-2 EN, Miss)

ID# 181298 results: Battle: 8, Loot: 4 (Failed/Missed)

Heavy Momentum Triggered: +4 Base Damage on next Successful Attack

Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:186/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:78/78 | DMG:19 | ACC:5 | BLD:24 | LD:3
Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:80/82 | DMG:22{4} | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
Raidou | HP:1790/1790 | EN:176/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:3 | ACC:5 | REC:1 | TAUNT | LD:7 | BH:89

Hebishinu | HP: 600/600 | DMG: 140 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 2

If lands 9-10 on BD, adds Paralyse or Toxic Venom. On CD, if the dice is 1-6, it's Toxic Venom. If 7-12, its Paralyze, along with the +1 or +2 Damage from the roll
Slick Body: Hebishinu is covered in a slime that prevents an attack from causing damage for two turns (Has 1/2 Safeguards applied)
Special: PCs must roll a 10 or more on the LD to land an attack, as the serpent hides within the water and trees.

Hebishinu requires its own separate roll.

 

Edited January 14, 2021 by Gaius

[Kasumi 0]

Keeping in tow with Freyd's movements, he was leagues beyond what she had on tap already. Although deft and nimble as she mirrored his movements as best as she could, he was much more nimble than what his appearance would lead her to believe. Her eyes peeled to him alone as she pays a nod to his orders, aiming to make due and follow suit. A charge of her heels and a kneel low, before a shutter.

*Plunk*

The tree she'd found was not quite as solid as her captains, and as she prepped to pounce it gave way. A shatter and tumble which covers her in moss green water and algae with a splash. A whimper on her face, but not in demeanor trying her best to keep calm beet red and embarrassed as she shakes a hand tossing a string of the stuff away like slime. She'd need a bath.

Basic Attack [x1], -2 EN, Miss

ID# 181301 results: Battle: 1, (Critical Miss), Loot: 9+3=12

Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:186/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:76/78 | DMG:19 | ACC:5 | BLD:24 | LD:3
Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:80/82 | DMG:22{4} | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
Raidou | HP:1790/1790 | EN:176/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:3 | ACC:5 | REC:1 | TAUNT | LD:7 | BH:89

Hebishinu | HP: 600/600 | DMG: 140 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 2

If lands 9-10 on BD, adds Paralyse or Toxic Venom. On CD, if the dice is 1-6, it's Toxic Venom. If 7-12, its Paralyze, along with the +1 or +2 Damage from the roll
Slick Body: Hebishinu is covered in a slime that prevents an attack from causing damage for two turns (Has 1/2 Safeguards applied)
Special: PCs must roll a 10 or more on the LD to land an attack, as the serpent hides within the water and trees.

Hebishinu requires its own separate roll.

Edited January 15, 2021 by Kasumi

[Raidou 1]

Gaius almost loses his head to huge teeth, and with surprise, the dragoon seems to understand the gravity of what he was dealing with. Now broken from the droning conversation, Raidou pushes past him and connects a blow of his own with Freyd's like a giant pair of scissors. The rough shedding skin is sheered clean, peeling back and exposing the very fresh and weak skin beneath. Looking off to Kasumi who was nursing herself in a puddle, and Gaius focusing full force at building his pressure. "Not quick enough, pick up the pace." Raidou ushers them both, pushing them on to an edge. Still unfit for true combat but it was clear they were trying. A huge jaw latches across his right shoulder as he pivots, punctured clean through and out his chest are two large fangs. A twist and pump of red fog, a misplaced set of glasses, and a glare that could cut through stone perhaps they'd understand now.

"This is no game! Act and fight, no distractions." Punching the steel through its mouth and ripping it off to one side with enough force to send a broken tooth skipping through the water before it shatters. Shoving his offhand into the opening and grabbing a fistful of the tongue, a handle to hold it still.

Spoiler

 

Basic Attack [x1], -1 EN

ID# 181303 results: Battle: 4, Instant Hit [Tracking], Loot: 6+7=13 dealing 26x1=26 (Safeguard #2 cleared)

ID# 181304 results: Battle: 7+2-3=6, Hit vs. Raidou! dealing 140-106=34 DMG!, Craft: 10

[H: 1] Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:186/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:76/78 | DMG:19 | ACC:5 | BLD:24 | LD:3
Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:80/82 | DMG:22{4} | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
[H: 3] Raidou | HP:1756/1790 | EN:175/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:3 | ACC:5 | REC:1 | TAUNT | LD:7 | BH:89

Hebishinu | HP: 600/600 | DMG: 140 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 2

If lands 9-10 on BD, adds Paralyse or Toxic Venom. On CD, if the dice is 1-6, it's Toxic Venom. If 7-12, its Paralyze, along with the +1 or +2 Damage from the roll
Slick Body: Hebishinu is covered in a slime that prevents an attack from causing damage for two turns (Has No Safeguards applied)
Special: PCs must roll a 10 or more on the LD to land an attack, as the serpent hides within the water and trees.

Hebishinu requires its own separate roll.

 

 

[Freyd 0]

Leaping from his perch, on high, Freyd fell harder than an angel from heaven upon his foe.  Pride flared with brilliant, blazing white light that streaked over his shoulders. It trailed behind him like a pair of dazzling gossamer wings just as he smashed into their foe.  The impact nearly severed its tubular form completely, slicing and drinking deep from the serpent's innards.  Hebishinu's health bar crashed into the yellow range in an instant.  Despite its slime-coated armor, the creature writhed as it reeled from the blow and fell into the murky water below.

"It's exposed!  Hit it now, before it slithers away!" 

Fortune was fickle.  The first lesson here was about persistence, and for Kasumi.  Red eyes gazed over towards the pink operative, her minimal clothing soaked and clinging provocatively.  Freyd's passions ran cold in the midst of combat, saved for the warmth of a single green-haired beauty.  There was no place in his fledgling heart for any other interest, and his motivations well beyond mere physical attraction.  The second lesson was about focus, but meant for Gaius.  Freyd had less confidence that he would manage, but the most successful tests yielded unexpected results.

Prove my expectations wrong.

Spoiler

Freyd activates Charge.  (Disregard.  Forgot that Charge could not be used against this target.)

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Rested 2nd/2, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 8 EN.

ID #181305 | BD: 9 (Crit +1, Charge +5, Holy +6).  Freyd deals (13*33=429-100=329) damage to Hebishinu. (LD: 12+8=20 = hit)

[H: 3] Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:178/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:76/78 | DMG:19 | ACC:5 | BLD:24 | LD:3
Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:80/82 | DMG:22{4} | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
[H: 3] Raidou | HP:1756/1790 | EN:175/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:3 | ACC:5 | REC:1 | TAUNT | LD:7 | BH:89

Hebishinu | HP: 271/600 | DMG: 140 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 2 (600-329)

If lands 9-10 on BD, adds Paralyse or Toxic Venom. On CD, if the dice is 1-6, it's Toxic Venom. If 7-12, its Paralyze, along with the +1 or +2 Damage from the roll
Slick Body: Hebishinu is covered in a slime that prevents an attack from causing damage for two turns (Has No Safeguards applied)
Special: PCs must roll a 10 or more on the LD to land an attack, as the serpent hides within the water and trees.

Charge is unusable, as trees and water block from a straight attack (This includes mods)

Hebishinu requires its own separate roll.

 

[Gaius 0]

A lunge upward as a bark from them both causes him to stir, a memory of the mines stuck in his head like glue. A hum like electric pulse casts a ring from where he jumps, causing the water to ripple from the force. "I'll fuckin' Hit it!" As he drops like a stone with enough force to punch the polearm through its thick hide in a crash that sounds like a detonation of TNT.

The water displaces and creates a spray of white mist, beneath the obscurity a flash of blue and a scattering of glass like confetti. Like rain, it settles and revealing a man soaked to the bone. "That good enough?" He looks to them both with a scowl on his face, looking for some approval or anything. "I don't exactly get what the hell I am supposed to be doing, what I am doing wrong. You mother fuckers are always barking orders at me like I am supposed to just get it." His chest puffs up.

"That is what I wanted Gaius, to stop treating this like a joke."

Dimension Stampede [x15], -12 EN

ID# 181306 results: Battle: 7+1=8, Hit!, Craft: 9 [+2 EN], Loot: 10 {Success} dealing 26x15=390-100=290 DMG!

Heavy Momentum Fades

Spoiler

 

[H: 3] Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:178/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:76/78 | DMG:19 | ACC:5 | BLD:24 | LD:3
[H:1] Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:70/82 | DMG:22 | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
[H: 3] Raidou | HP:1756/1790 | EN:175/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:3 | ACC:5 | REC:1 | TAUNT | LD:7 | BH:89

Hebishinu | HP: 271/600 | DMG: 140 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 2

If lands 9-10 on BD, adds Paralyse or Toxic Venom. On CD, if the dice is 1-6, it's Toxic Venom. If 7-12, its Paralyze, along with the +1 or +2 Damage from the roll
Slick Body: Hebishinu is covered in a slime that prevents an attack from causing damage for two turns (Has No Safeguards applied)
Special: PCs must roll a 10 or more on the LD to land an attack, as the serpent hides within the water and trees.

Charge is unusable, as trees and water block from a straight attack (This includes mods)

Hebishinu requires its own separate roll.

 

 

Edited January 15, 2021 by Gaius

[Kasumi 0]

An open hand placed into the stagnant water as she attempts to remove her butt from it before she's washed with more of the stuff to what sounds like an explosion. It was just a tornado of flashing lights and power, and at that moment she was too late. Now drenched and feeling like she failed another test, Kasumi opens her inventory and removes a polish stone. Wearing white would remove the water but not the smell. It may end up making her brand of stealth screwed up, removing a bottle of pinkish oil and dabbing it behind her ears.

The boys were arguing it would appear, and she seeks out Freyd and pays a bow. "I'm sorry." offering an apology to her captain, not quite up to his caliber she felt as though she was slowing him down considerably. Silently the blossom hoped that she could bridge that gap, and show him that she was trying. It seemed that at every possible turn she had a way of building a bad impression and he'd soon think her useless.

Kasumi exchanges Orange Hair Tie [T1/Perfect] (+3 Loot Dice) for White Red-trimmed Gee [T1/Perfect] (3 Evasion)
Athletics reactivates

New stat block:
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:78/78 | DMG:20 | EVA:3 | ACC:3 | BLD:24

[Raidou 1]

He stood there after the rebuttal, eyeing Gaius and his machismo attitude with his held fast and firm demeanor. The guy was clearly irritated and perhaps that was Raidou's mistake in his absence and expecting development from the male. "Every time you play with them instead of dealing with the problem slows you down or puts your team at risk. I wish you would see that despite the box and the helmet this is no game." The red wanderer bridged the gap between them with anger swelled in his iris still flickering from the fight. "I want efficiency, I want progress, and I want safety. Kill what needs to die with your team, put them down as fast as you fucking can. Can you handle that? Stop playing with your food, take this seriously and help the rest of the guild get the hell out of here without this boastful cocky nonsense. It will get you nowhere and get you killed. Enough of this lone wolf baggage, when you are with a party act like it." Placing a single solitary finger to the lenses on the bridge of his nose before he smiles and puts a hand to Gaius's puffed out chest and shoves him, proving that he wasn't as frightening as he thought he was.

Raidou exchanges Emissary Garb [T3/Perfect/L.A] Loot Dice 2, Recovery 1 for Red Wanderer's Robe [T1/Perfect/L.A] +3 Evasion

New stat block:
Raidou | HP:1790/1790 | EN:176/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:6 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | LD:5 | BH:89

[Freyd 0]

'Good luck,' Freyd thought to himself, but said nothing.  Gaius' temperamental impulsiveness reminded him too much of ChaseR.  Here was a ton of raw potential, but it was too raw and unbridled, especially by its owner.  Both men seemed to have the same problem, judging it to be easier to lash out against any attempt to hone them than to actually put in the effort themselves.  A common trait among children, and those who never learned how to push past its failings.  

"While we are together, I suggest a follow-up exercise.  We need to face something more challenging, together."

***

[Scene shifts to floor 22 - Freyd uses Intermediate dungeon map #165933]

Entering the familiar landscape of the Forest of Memories, Freyd had led them here in silence by the shortest route possible.  Firm Anima's guild hall was on the far side of the woods, still some distance away.  Not particularly dense, by forest standards, the woods soon parted to reveal a clearing of ash and burnt out husks that were once part of the serene magnificence of this place.  Almost a hundred feet in diameter, this blighted area was a near perfect circle.  

"The enemy that attacked us after Tanabata made a last stand here with the remnants of their second front.  They sought to salt the earth out of spite.   Just like the lake, the wounds here have lingered."  Freyd's gloved hand clenched something from thin air, unfurling it to reveal some sort of map that disintegrated as he pressed his thumb upon an icon at its base.  Wind whipped up suddenly and swirled the ashes at their feet.  The coiling, black dust twirled itself into a pair of writhing arms that arched ten feet into the air and linked to outline an opening below them.  A fiery field of red light and intense heat washed over them as the portal opened, revealing glimpses of some infernal landscape beyond, partially obscured by thick, sulfurous smoke.  

"Raidou is correct.  When facing dire enemies, teamwork means survival.  This is no longer a trivial quest.  Let's see how you do against the real deal, when our common home is on the line."

Just as he finished his warning, and challenge, six humanoid figured emerged from the portal.  Black armor covered their forms, save for grey, ashen faces the surfaces of which were cracked and broken by veins of molten fire and eyes that blazed with white hot flame.  Wasting no more time, he threw himself at the enemy slashing viciously into the first four.  The final pair guarded the gate like sentinels, bearing massive black slabs of basalt like shields before them.

Spoiler

Freyd activates Charge.

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

ID #181343 | BD: 5+6-1=10 (hit, Charge +5).  Freyd deals (12*31=372) damage to Scorched Invader #1.
ID #181344 | BD: 3+6-1=8 (hit, Charge +5).  Freyd deals (12*31=372) damage to Scorched Invader #2.
ID #181345 | BD: 8+6-1=10 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (12*37=444) damage to Scorched Invader #3.
ID #181346 | BD:10 (Crit +2, Charge +5, Holy +6].  Freyd deals (12*39=468) damage to Scorched Invader #4.  Tox.Ven applied.

Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:162/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:78/78 | DMG:20 | EVA:3 | ACC:3 | BLD:24
Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:70/82 | DMG:22 | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
Raidou | HP:1790/1790 | EN:176/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:6 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | LD:5 | BH:89

[H :0,0,0,0] Scorched Invader #1: HP: 398/770 | DMG 264 (770-372)
[H: 0,0,0,0] Scorched Invader #2: HP: 398/770 | DMG 264 (770-372)
[H :0,0,0,0] Scorched Invader #3: HP: 326/770 | DMG 264 (770-444)
[H: 0,0,0,0] Scorched Invaderd #4: HP: 302/770 | DMG 264  (770-468)

 

[Gaius 0]

A puffed out chest didn't know what to think and as he stared down at the male who was slightly smaller in stature, wearing glasses and shifting him about with a shove. He paused and the circuiting in his head was on overload. But as he looked to Raidou earnestly, working his way through his frustration he found a smile on the bastard's lips. He knew that smile, it was his own. The same one he wore on the regular that said I don't take shit from anyone. Shoving him back with an open hand, surprised at how solid he was, the dude could take some punishment. "All right, fuckin' alright." he defuses with a grin of his own. "You want to go swat mode on this shit, when all I wanted was to have fun. I guess we got to get the hell out of here sometime."

Another nudge, but it was more playful. Debating punching Red square in the face for not just laying it out earlier. A look to the whisper, and a nod and slamming his fists together forces out a deep purple shaded armor he'd never worn. "Count me in, let's give them hell."

*** Transition ***

As soon as the birth of the lot arrives, Gaius flips his hands and shifts ripping clean fuel of wind. One broad stroke tears through the field, sliding behind the spook with a torrential wind that pressed them back and tore away at their remaining health bars. Spinning himself as he upheaves one using his polearm like a spatula. "Kasumi, like Val Halla. Batter up!" Sliding his feet and a flare in green paints the edge, spinning the glaive and docking it behind his right shoulder.

Spoiler

Gaius triggers Charge R1 (+1 Base, -1 Accuracy), Weeping Moon [x9, hesitantly] 12 EN {9-3 [Finesse] + 6 [3 Targets Hit]}

ID# 181347 results: Battle: 9, Craft: 11 [+4 EN], Minor Critical [+1 Base] vs. Scorched Invader #1 dealing 24x9=216 DMG
ID# 181348 results: Battle: 8-1+1=8, Hit vs. Scorched Invader #2 dealing 23x9=205 DMG
ID# 181349 results: Battle: 3-1+1=3, Whiff vs. Scorched Invader #3
ID# 181350 results: Battle: 7-1+1=7, Hit vs. Scorched Invader #4 dealing 23x9=205 DMG

Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:162/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:78/78 | DMG:20 | EVA:3 | ACC:3 | BLD:24
Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:63/82 | DMG:22 | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
Raidou | HP:1790/1790 | EN:176/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:6 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | LD:5 | BH:89

[H :1,0,2,0] Scorched Invader #1: HP: 182/770 | DMG 264
[H: 1,0,1,0] Scorched Invader #2: HP: 193/770 | DMG 264
[H :1,0,0,0] Scorched Invader #3: HP: 326/770 | DMG 264
[H: 2,0,1,0] Scorched Invaderd #4: HP: 97/770 | DMG 264

 

Edited January 16, 2021 by Gaius

[Kasumi 0]

Corrected Raidou's HP for OOC recovery, mb

Feeling displaced as Freyd had no acknowledgment of her failure or the apology that followed soon after she held to silence. The girl knew that she had messed up and it was a waste of her captain's time for her to be babied by him. The blossom knew she'd have to try harder and work more toward her goals if she wished to be of ample service. Pushing down her fears and that nagging insecurity she keeps pace with the others.

*** Transition ***

Distracted and keeping her distance, she listens intently but feelings swell and provide her no focus. As the conflict begins her head is clearly not on straight, a set up by Gaius fully and obviously missed as the vaulted enemy simply plummets. Failure begets failure when one is allowed to dwell on it, and for but a moment she contemplated another apology. "Like val halla?" A glance to her hand and a recall of the conversation she held with Griswold, Shiina, and the others. Balling her hand into a fist and peeling the cable tighter around her palm. "Again Gaius." she asked of him, and a flicker of pink petals and she was gone.

Spoiler

All Might [x15] vs. Scorched Invader #3, Concentration activated!, Concentration CD [0/3]

ID# 181351 results: Battle: 1, Aww honey

Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:162/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:76/78 | DMG:20 | EVA:3 | ACC:3 | BLD:24
Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:63/82 | DMG:22 | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
Raidou | HP:1786/1790 | EN:176/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:6 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | LD:5 | BH:89

[H :1,0,2,0] Scorched Invader #1: HP: 182/770 | DMG 264
[H: 1,0,1,0] Scorched Invader #2: HP: 193/770 | DMG 264
[H :1,0,0,0] Scorched Invader #3: HP: 326/770 | DMG 264
[H: 2,0,1,0] Scorched Invaderd #4: HP: 97/770 | DMG 264

 

Edited January 16, 2021 by Kasumi

[Raidou 1]

Battle Healing Triggers, +89 HP

A mixed exchange that ends up as he would have hoped. He assumed that like Mari or Hidden, even Chase that Gaius wanted to hit him. He expected as much and was fully prepared to lose another pair of glasses if it meant finally bridging that gap. But it doesn't end as he had expected. A simple shove, and a change in demeanor entirely instead. "Val Halla?" Raidou recalled his own affair and looked to Freyd, it was the first he had been made aware that they had taken it upon themselves to run it. Perhaps he'd mistaken them entirely, and with that same perplexed look the whisper offers a retort.

*** Transition ***

No stranger to the mechanisms of the Spire and its army, but not quite as versed in it as the captain who ran them down like rats. Silence as he ponders who had been on this unknown mission between them. A gate opened by the O&I captain, offering the sitrep before Raidou pipes in "Agreed, a mere 200 or so yards away is the hall filled with people weaker than us, that would soon burn if this is not handled. Monsters, player killers. These pose a real threat, that weapon you hold was forged out of metals who's node was saved by someone stopping a boss from running amok. It's time you learned to pay it forward and protect those weaker than you. So they may, in turn, cover your back when you dive into the depths of hell." As the map vanishes, a small legion appears. With no surprise, Freyd was first in the fray, but at his back was Gaius working with him. The dragoon remarks to Kasumi about it causes further confusion. So she was there The question was what the hell happened in there? They survived it, and this was the first he was hearing of it. As Raidou's steel screams and erases the pack, it was simply on autopilot.

Spoiler

Spoiler

Calamity Disaster [x12], -17 EN { 12-3 [Finesse] + 8 [4 Hits]}, Charge 5 [+5 DMG, -1 ACC]

ID# 181352 results: Battle: 5+5-1=9, Hit vs. Scorched Invader #1 dealing 31x12=372 DMG
ID# 181353 results: Battle: 8+5-1=12, Hit vs. Scorched Invader #2 dealing 31x12=372 DMG
ID# 181354 results: Battle: 9, Minor Critical [+1 DMG] vs. Scorched Invader #3 dealing 32x12=384 DMG
ID# 181355 results: Battle: 8+5-1=12, Hit vs. Scorched Invader #4 dealing 31x12=372 DMG

Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:162/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:76/78 | DMG:20 | EVA:3 | ACC:3 | BLD:24
Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:63/82 | DMG:22 | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
Raidou | HP:1790/1790 | EN:159/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:6 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | LD:5 | BH:89

[H :1,0,2,0] Scorched Invader #1: HP: 182/770 | DMG 264
[H: 1,0,1,0] Scorched Invader #2: HP: 193/770 | DMG 264
[H :1,0,0,0] Scorched Invader #3: HP: 326/770 | DMG 264
[H: 2,0,1,0] Scorched Invaderd #4: HP: 97/770 | DMG 264

Forgot I could loot these goofs

ID# 181374 results: Craft: 4, Loot: 16+5=21
ID# 181375 results: Craft: 9. Loot: 18+5=23
ID# 181376 results: Craft: 10, Loot: 1+5=6
ID# 181379 results: Craft: 11, Loot: 13+5=18

Total Loot:
28798*Col
6*T3 Materials
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield #181374a
T3 Perfect Weapon #181374b
T3 Perfect Consumable #181375a
T3 Rare Trinket #181376a
T3 Rare Trinket #181379a

[Freyd 0]

Freyd had caught mention of the Val'halla dungeon as well, but made no fuss about.  That Gaius and Kasumi had run it and survived was deserving of recognition, but there was a different test at hand.  Self-confidence must be preserved in the moment, not simply thought deserved because of past achievements.  The girl, in particular, seemed to be struggling.  Freyd denied his encouragement in order to gauge her mental state.  She was O&I.  Bad things happened to members of the division all the time, and must often be faced in solitude.  Two further lessons presented themselves.  Would she pick herself up and pull through it?  Would she ask for help if she could not?  Both were fair and valid.  It was something that had taken him too long to learn, as well:  just because they often worked alone, it didn't mean that they had to.  This outing could prove most informative.

Both sentinels advanced upon them the moment their brethren fell.  Freyd knew that more would come and surged ahead to occupy them while the rest of his party regrouped behind him.

"Expect two captains, and then some sort of boss."  His words were meant for the junior members.  Raidou knew full well what was coming.  "If we can keep them at the portal, they'll be forced to fight us one at a time."  Catching Kasumi's gaze, his eyes blazed with intensity as he nodded for her to proceed.  His confidence in her had not wavered.  She deserved to know that, at least.

Now, if only she'd bop them with those bean bags....

Shut up, Montjoy.

Spoiler

Freyd activates Charge.

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE, +2 from hits): 14 EN - (rested 2nd/2, Finesse 3, Turn Recovery) = 14 EN

ID #181368 | BD: 7+6-1=12 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (12*37=444) damage to Scorched Invader #5
ID #181369 | BD: 1 (miss)

Freyd | HP:1870/1870 | EN:148/187 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:187 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | TOX.VEN. 24/2 | LD:8 | BH:93
Kasumi | HP:780/780 | EN:76/78 | DMG:20 | EVA:3 | ACC:3 | BLD:24
Gaius | HP:850/850 | EN:63/82 | DMG:22 | MIT:6 | ACC:1 | H.M.:4 | REC:2
Raidou | HP:1790/1790 | EN:159/176 | DMG:26 | MIT:106 | EVA:6 | ACC:5 | TAUNT | LD:5 | BH:89

[H :1,0,0,0] Scorched Invader #5: HP: 326/770 | DMG 264 (770-444)
[H: 0,0,0,0] Scorched Invader #6: HP: 770/770 | DMG 264