[SP-13] Too Close to Home <<3rd Arabian Night>>

[Freyd 0]

Quest: 3rd Arabian Night

Freyd received the invite just as he was getting ready to head back to tear a strip from Ali after his recent debacle on the beach outside of Coral.  Having to go fight his way to his own reward after already completing the quest hadn't been part of the deal.  Nor had fighting an army of angry animated lawn chairs that proved to be the thieves guarding the loot in the first place.  Red eyes narrowed as he noticed the location of the meet.  Angel's Share was two blocks from his shop and home.  This was getting too personal, and he didn't care for it.

Ali and Cassim were busy talking nonsense at each other to have noticed, but even their companion was surprised that she hadn't heard the door open or close.  Freyd's fists slammed loudly onto the table as he sat down, shaking their drinks and startling the breath from all three set of lips as he did so.

"Freyd!  By the gods, you scared me half to death!"  Ali was drunk, and smelled.  His brother was in no better shape, and both of them were ranting about some perceived slights.  Trying to raise his own issues with them wasn't going to get him far, with both in their current states.

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 | EN:191/191 | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/2 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95

Consumed:

Spoiler

Viperion | T3 Toxic Venom [24/2] | 155268
Liquor of Light | DMG 3 | 173504
Breakfast Fry | Protein 2 | 172358 + Filled
Divinity's Wait | T3 MIT 3 | 166930
Creme Brulee | ACC 2 | 171798
Smores | EVA 2 | 172067
Berry Crumb Bars | LD 3 | 172798
Cinnamon Round Sticks | PROSPERITY 3  | 149380-1
Field Rations +2 | +120 HP | (15/20) [http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-merchant-freyd-edges-safe-zone/?do=findComment&comment=623998]

Stats:

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows
Level: 88
HP: 1790/1790 (+120)
EN: 191/191

Stats:
Damage: 20 (+3+3)
Mitigation: 79 (+45-45)
Evasion: 2 (+2)
Accuracy: 4 (+2)
BH:89 (+6)
VAMP OFF:179 (+12)
HLY:6
FLN:6
LD:5 (+3)
(Prosperity 3)
(Tx.Ven 24/2)

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 5]
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
Tracking

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

Past quest choices:

1st Night (Hero) - https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20355-sp-05-let-me-get-this-straight/?do=findComment&amp;comment=629074

2nd Night (Honest) -https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20516-sp-f07-a-jobs-a-job/?do=findComment&amp;comment=631785

 

[Freyd 0]

"I should be scaring you much farther than halfway, after the nonsense I had to go through to get my own reward."

Cassim stepped in, sensing that someone had to prevent his brother from stuffing his foot any farther down his own throat.

"Please, friend Freyd, you know my brother to be a passionate, but soft-headed soul.  He meant well."

"Like he did when he left you to die at the hand of the same set of bandits?"

"Ahh... um.  A good point, but your efforts have not been in vain.  Our business is booming, and it is all thanks to you!"

Freyd, leaning back into his seat and crossing his arms in front of him, seemed far from convinced.  Cassim blathered on about this injustice, and that misfortune, blah blah blah.  Freyd was tuning out, studying the woman sitting across from him instead.  Slight in stature, but poised and bearing a solid build, she was the only one of the three at the table seemingly worthy of his attention.

[Freyd 0]

“Slander!” shouts Ali with all his might.

“Aye brother! Those dirty thieves are spreading lies about us!” Cassim added excited, empathizing by slamming his more than half emptied mug on the table. 

“Morgiana, here," he added, pointing at their silent comrade, "brought us the news.  They would ruin our prospects before we can even explore them!  Can we rely on your skills once more, friend Freyd? Can you and Morgiana go deal with those who spread lies about us?” he continued.  Another quest window instantly appeared before him.

Freyd groaned.  These two were way more work than they were worth, and he didn't trust them one bit after the shenanigans they'd pulled during the last quest.

"Is this on the level?" He was asking the pink-haired woman, with the pristine white gown.  It would be easy to mistake her for one of the locals, but maybe that was the point.  Her nod was enough.

"Fine.  But when this is done, you two are going to leave me alone for awhile." 

[Freyd 0]

Morgiana's ability to keep to herself already put her leaps and bounds ahead of the two desert headcases.

"How in the world did you ever get mixed up with those two?  Honestly!  I've tried to help them out, but trouble just seems to want to hug them, and squeeze them and call them both 'George'!"

The girl blinked in response.

"Nevermind.  The reference won't mean anything to you.  Now, where are these hooligans supposed to be hanging out?"

"Just beyond the walls, by the old monastery.  They have a small hideout in a ruined cabin nearby."

Freyd stopped dead in his tracks.  His shop and home were in those ruins.  The cabin was well-known to him.  He and Persi had come across it during her training.  The Whisper fumed at the notion that content could spawn so close to home without warning.

"Lead the way.  I won't be far behind.  Don't worry.  You'll be safe."

Freyd activates Hiding
ID #182198 | LD: 1+8+1=10 (Success)
*Applied +1 LD bonus from Potted Tanabata Bamboo Tree (1/thread)

[Freyd 0]

The roof of the hut exploded inward as Freyd crashed though it, blade drawn and ready to slash enemies to pieces.  To their credit, these thieves were no slouches, scattering instantly and in opposing directions.  This forced him to over-extend his swings, preventing the full extent and effectiveness of the assault he had intended.  It still worked pretty well, with most of them in the red, just not quite dead.  Then they went to town on him, circle-kicking the hell out of the Whisper as he struggles to mount an effective defense.  The catch with being a mass combat fighter is that you are often surrounded.  In this particular case, against well-trained foes, it was proving to be a real liability.  The reality check completed itself as a heavy, booted foot made contact with his abdomen, knocking him flat against a nearby wall and suctioning the air from his lungs.

Well... that didn't quite go as planned.

Spoiler

Roll to maintain Stealth
ID # | LD: 5+8=13 (success)

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

ID #182200 | BD: 6 (Autohit, Assassin +3, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (35*12=420-36=384) damage to Elder Thief #1.
ID #182201 | BD: 1 (Autohit, Assassin +3).  Freyd deals (29*12=348-36=312) damage to Elder Thief #2.  
ID #182202 | BD: 2 (Autohit, Assassin +3).  Freyd deals (29*12=348-36=312) damage to Elder Thief #3.
ID #182203 | BD: 3 (Autohit, Assassin +3).  Freyd deals (29*12=348-36=312) damage to Elder Thief #4.

Morgiana attacks Elder Thief #2 (separate roll required)
ID #182204 | BD: 1 (misses)  

Elder Thief #1 attacks Freyd (separate roll required)
ID #182630 | MD: 3+3-4=2 (miss).  Elder Thief #1 misses Freyd.  

Elder Thief #2 attacks Freyd (separate roll required)
ID #182205 | MD: 2+3-4=5 (miss).  Elder Thief #2 misses Freyd.  

Elder Thief #3 attacks Freyd (separate roll required)
ID #182206 | MD: 7+3-4=6 (hit; CD 6).  Elder Thief #3 deals (15-79=1) damage to Freyd.  Freyd is stunned.

Elder Thief #4 attacks Freyd (separate roll required)
ID #182207 | MD: 6+3-0=9 (hit; CD 6).  Elder Thief #4 deals (15-79=1) damage to Freyd. Freyd already stunned.

Freyd | HP:1908/1910 (1910-1-1) | EN:175/191 (191-16) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/2 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | STUNNED | STUN CD (0/3)
Morgiana | HP: 645/645| MIT: 65 | ACC 2 | EVA 2 | DMG: base 30 (+3 on nat 9, +5 on nat 10) | Burn (8-10) 24/2 | Flame Aura (24 def/20 off)

Spoiler

• Crescent Moon - 3x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun/ [On a successful hit, CD roll 1-4]
• Tornado Kick - 1x4*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 5-8]
• Acupuncture - 4x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 1-5]
• Tornado Spin - 1x7*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 6-10]
• Embracer - 1x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 11-20]
• Twisted Rod - 3x3*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 1-10]
• Snapping Twig - 5x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 11-20]

(H: 1, 0) Elder Thief #1 | HP: 16/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2 (400-384)
(H: 1, 0) Elder Thief #2 | HP: 88/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2 (400-312)
(H: 1, 0) Elder Thief #3 | HP: 88/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2 (400-312)
(H: 1, 0) Elder Thief #4 | HP: 88/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2 (400-312)

Spoiler

• Infinite - 5x1*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 1-3]
• Tri Pierce - 3x1*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 4-8]
• Cross Edge - 2x4*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, MD roll 1-5]
• Armor Pierce - 1x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, MD roll 6-10]
• Shadow Stitch - 3x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12]

Note: Morgiana and Elder Thieves get their own rolls.

 

[Freyd 0]

Morgiana's timing was perfect, leaping into the fray from the door and catching one of the thieves off guard.  His form shattered as her foot passed through his chest, exploding like a halo of orange shards around her as she landed gracefully amidst the battle.  Freyd, meanwhile, was laid out on his ass, still trying to figure out which was was up and how breathing was supposed to work.  The remaining thieves pummeled him as best they could, but their attacks failed to amount to more than nuisance strikes.  He tried swatting them away with his arm, but the damned thing didn't seem to be working properly at the moment, and just flailed lazily behind the field of stars floating before his eyes.

Blinking repeatedly to to clear his vision, he tried standing only to discover that his legs had been replaced by rubber bands that promptly crumpled beneath it.

"What's wrong with you?  Ali and Cassim said that you were an amazing warrior.  Get up!"

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN at start of turn.
Freyd regains +2 HP from BH

Freyd is stunned and takes no action.

Morgiana attacks Elder Thief #2 (separate roll required)
ID #182208 | BD: 4+2=6 (hit; CD 9, LD 16, x10 SA).  Morgiana deals (30*10=300-36=264) to Elder Thief #2.

Elder Thief #1 attacks Freyd (separate roll required)
ID #182631 | MD: 5+3=8 (hit).  Elder Thief #1 deals (3*15=45-79=1) damage to Freyd. 

Elder Thief #3 attacks Freyd (separate roll required)
ID #182209 | MD: 1 (miss).  Elder Thief #3 misses Freyd. 

Elder Thief #4 attacks Freyd (separate roll required)
ID #182210 | MD: 3+3-0=6 (hit; CD 5).  Elder Thief #4 deals (3*15=45-79=1) damage to Freyd. 

Freyd | HP:1908/1910 (1910+2-1-1) | EN:176/191 (175+1) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 (0) | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/2 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | STUNNED | STUN CD (1/3)
Morgiana | HP: 645/645| MIT: 65 | ACC 2 | EVA 2 | DMG: base 30 (+3 on nat 9, +5 on nat 10) | Burn (8-10) 24/2 | Flame Aura (24 def/20 off)

Spoiler

• Crescent Moon - 3x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun/ [On a successful hit, CD roll 1-4]
• Tornado Kick - 1x4*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 5-8]
• Acupuncture - 4x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 1-5]
• Tornado Spin - 1x7*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 6-10]
• Embracer - 1x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 11-20]
• Twisted Rod - 3x3*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 1-10]
• Snapping Twig - 5x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 11-20]

(H: 1, 0) Elder Thief #1 | HP: 16/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2 
(H: 1, 0) Elder Thief #2 | HP: 88/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2 (88-264)
(H: 1, 0) Elder Thief #3 | HP: 88/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2  
(H: 1, 0) Elder Thief #4 | HP: 88/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2 

Spoiler

• Infinite - 5x1*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 1-3]
• Tri Pierce - 3x1*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 4-8]
• Cross Edge - 2x4*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, MD roll 1-5]
• Armor Pierce - 1x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, MD roll 6-10]
• Shadow Stitch - 3x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12]

Note: Morgiana and Elder Thieves get their own rolls.

 

[Freyd 0]

Pushing himself from the floor with an effort of will, Freyd thrust his blade into the nearer thief who had already whirled to face Morgiana.  Her arrival not only took the pressure off, but also provided him the opportunity he needed to attack them from behind.  They fell swiftly, suddenly flanked by the two warriors.

"There must be more than forty of these guys total. I swear, it feels like I've killed nearly that many of them already."

Morgiana looked skeptically towards him, brown eyes partially concealed beneath flowing pink hair.  She seemed to be making her own assessment of his worth, based on what Cassim and Ali had told her of his exploits.  For his part, Freyd didn't particularly trust the brothers, but they had wormed their way into his fledgling heart with their clumsy ambitions and barren guile.  If he didn't help them get ahead, no one else would.  Or worse, they might just fall victim to their own desires.  Having allies that could feed him quests and owed him some favours also wasn't a bad thing.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN at start of turn.
Freyd regains +2 HP from BH

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE, +6 for hits): 18 EN - (Rested 2/2; Finesse 3) = 14 EN

ID #182632 | BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy +6).  Freyd deals (33*12=396-36=360) damage to Elder Thief #1.
ID #182211 | BD: 2+6=8 (hit).  Freyd deals (26*12=312-36=276) damage to Elder Thief #3.
ID #182212 | BD: 3+6=9 (hit).  Freyd deals (26*12=312-36=276) damage to Elder Thief #4.  

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 (1909+2) | EN:163/191 (176+1-14) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/2 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | STUN CD (2/3)
Morgiana | HP: 645/645| MIT: 65 | ACC 2 | EVA 2 | DMG: base 30 (+3 on nat 9, +5 on nat 10) | Burn (8-10) 24/2 | Flame Aura (24 def/20 off)

Spoiler

• Crescent Moon - 3x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun/ [On a successful hit, CD roll 1-4]
• Tornado Kick - 1x4*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 5-8]
• Acupuncture - 4x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 1-5]
• Tornado Spin - 1x7*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 6-10]
• Embracer - 1x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 11-20]
• Twisted Rod - 3x3*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 1-10]
• Snapping Twig - 5x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 11-20]

(H: 3, 0) Elder Thief #1 | HP: 0/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2 (16-360)
(H: 2, 0) Elder Thief #3 | HP: 0/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2 (88-276)
(H: 2, 0) Elder Thief #4 | HP: 0/400 | MIT: 36 | ACC 3 | SAV 1 | DMG: base 15 (+5 on nat 9, +10 on nat 10) | Bleed 24/2 (88-276)

Spoiler

• Infinite - 5x1*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 1-3]
• Tri Pierce - 3x1*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 4-8]
• Cross Edge - 2x4*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, MD roll 1-5]
• Armor Pierce - 1x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, MD roll 6-10]
• Shadow Stitch - 3x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12]

Note: Morgiana and Elder Thieves get their own rolls.

 

[Freyd 0]

"You have a very strange combat style."  her comment was meant to provoke, more than compliment.

"Thanks," Freyd replied, scanning the room for any change since he had last visited.  "You fight competently."  If she was going to be prickly, he meant to show that he could dish it back in the same manner.

A shallow 'hrmpf' was her only reply, though he caught her smiling as she turned to examine the dregs of the ruined cabin.  

"They were waiting for a meet."  Leather-clad fingers splayed a collection of loose parchment scattered on a nearby stool that had somehow survived the fracas.  "No," he corrected, glancing at muddy boot tracks on the punky wood-slat floor.  "They've already had it."  His gaze led to the exit opposite from where Morgiana had entered.  

"Damn.  We're already behind.  Let's move."  The rusted hinges of the remaining door crumbled as he attempted to swing it open, causing the leaf to fall back and splatter into the muddy ground beyond.  Living in a ruin on this floor had long since inured him against these sorts of things.  He simply stepped on the fallen door and walked out.

 

Spoiler

Searching for Cave of Wonders | ID #182213 | LD: 9+8=17 (Failed)

 

[Freyd 0]

Their search led the into the hallowed swamp, basically: Freyd's backyard.  Twisted, rotten trees with gnarled branches suggested that it might have once been an orchard, or possibly some kind of vineyard.  Both were possible and in keeping with the presence of the monastery, though nothing now survived that could be harvested.  The corruption of floor 13 had been nearly complete by the time it was halted.  All efforts to reverse the damage had also failed. 

Freyd's thoughts drifted to his foray into the central ruins, along with Lessa, Jomei and ChaseR.  Despite their efforts, it seemed as though little could be done to purge the taint that afflicted these lands, at least not yet.  As upper floors were cleared, who know what might be found or strength discovered to help them sweep aside the doom upon this place.  He couldn't just give up on it.  It felt too much like the fate that had befallen all of the players in SAO.

Spoiler

Searching for Cave of Wonders | ID #182214 | LD: 9+8=17 (Failed)

 

[Freyd 0]

Moving at a slow run, Freyd was able to track their foes with relative ease due to the softness of the ground and ample flora.  They veered north, towards a series of low hills in the centre of the swamp.  Hastily, they wove their way between the boughs and fetid pools until they came upon an unexpected dead end.  Two bodies, side by side, felled from behind and bleeding still from fresh injuries as the corpses slowly disintegrated in the mud.  

"They were doubling back on their tracks when this happened."  He pointed to the reversing footprints before them, that led to a nearby cave mouth.  Something lingered there, with twin, golden eyes glaring at them.

"And my guess is that this is whatever killed them."  Samael's Pride manifested in an instant as Freyd lurched onto the offensive, preferring not to grant initiative to their likely enemy.  It was a gable, but in keeping with his instincts.  Morgiana followed on his right, taking a queue from his actions.  Whatever she had seen had been enough to merit trusting him.

Spoiler

Searching for Cave of Wonders | ID #182215 | LD: 19+8=27 (Success)

[Freyd 0]

Green-tinged, golden fur flashes before him as the beast struck wildly overhead, too slow to catch either of them.  Was it some sort of leonid guardian?  Freyd didn't wait to find out and started cutting it to pieces.  Morgiana came at it from the sides only to find it spinning in some sort of sort-art like defense that crashed against both of them, slathering their clothes and armor.  Whatever green goo matted its manic fur seeped into them and triggered a warning message.

"Poison?  Great.  You okay?"  It didn't look too bad, and Morgiana's stats appeared to actually be half-decent for an NPC.  She could hold her own.  

"What's your deal, anyway?  You don't look like you're related to Ali and Cassim.  How did they get you involved?"

She looked hesitant, and also focused on the battle.  Freyd chose the timing of his question deliberately.

"I'm here on behalf of a potential investor."

That was cryptic.

Spoiler

Freyd activates Charge.

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Rested 1/2; Finesse 3) = 9 EN

ID #182216 | BD: 2+6-1-1=6 (hit, Charge +5).  Freyd deals (31*13=403-65=338) to Cave Guardian.

Morgiana attacks Cave Guardian (separate roll required)
ID #182217 | BD: 1 (misses)  

ID #182216 | MD: 2. Tornado Twist procs, automatically dealing 175 AoE damage  and applying T2 Envenom (off*2) (12/4).
  Freyd takes (175-79=96) damage.
  Morgiana takes (175-65=110) damage.

Freyd | HP:1802/1910 (1910-96-12) | EN:182/191 (191-9) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/2 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | Envenom 12 (1/4)
Morgiana | HP: 523/645 (645-110-12) | MIT: 65 | ACC 2 | EVA 2 | DMG: base 30 (+3 on nat 9, +5 on nat 10) | Burn (8-10) 24/2 | Flame Aura (24 def/20 off) | Envenom 12 (1/4)

Spoiler

• Crescent Moon - 3x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun/ [On a successful hit, CD roll 1-4]
• Tornado Kick - 1x4*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 5-8]
• Acupuncture - 4x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 1-5]
• Tornado Spin - 1x7*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 6-10]
• Embracer - 1x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 11-20]
• Twisted Rod - 3x3*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 1-10]
• Snapping Twig - 5x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 11-20]

Cave Guardian | HP: 397/735 | MIT: 65 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1 | DMG: 150 | Envenom (Off*2) | Envenom (Def*2) (735-338)

• Tornado twist ( 175 AoE Damage) - On its starting post, the mob activated a AoE skill that auto-hits all the members of the player party that engages it in battle. The scorpion's body starts spinning around raising the sand in its vicinity. The Envenom status effect apply to all players hit by this mob's ability. This ability affects Morgiana as well. This ability activated once every two full rotations.

 

 

[Freyd 0]

Tag-teaming the beast had proven effective.  Despite its frenzied flailing, they were able to close in and stab at it repeatedly, and to good effect.  The fuzzy, green, lion-thing's health dipped to yellow and then red.  Moments later, it expired, bursting into a harmless could of pixels and light. Morgiana watched as Freyd's weapon drank from the cloud to restore his own health, which was also barely affected by the creature's venomous bile.

"So, you are capable, after all?"

The returning red glare from beneath Freyd's cowl was his only reply.  Alertness having been triggered by the change in her tone and potential for revelation, he waited.

"Interesting.  I'll be sure to report accordingly."

"To whom?"

She smiled, dodging the question.  The sweet innocence of her appearance had always been suspect, but there could be no better confirmation of its falsehood than this moment.  Freyd kept his weapon ready, half-expecting another dozen scantily-clad ninja-monks to could bursting out of the shadows.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN at start of turn.
Freyd regains +95 HP from BH

Galaxy Destroyer (x13): 13 EN - (Rested 2/2; Finesse 3) = 9 EN

ID #182218 | BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy +6).  Freyd deals (33*13=429-65=364) to Cave Guardian.  Envenom refreshed.  Tox.Ven. applied.

Freyd regains 191 HP from VO (capped)

Morgiana attacks Cave Guardian (separate roll required)
ID #182219 | BD: 10 (Crit +5; CD 6; x4 AoE).  Morgiana deals (35*4=140-65=75) damage to Cave Guardian.  Envenom refreshed. 

Freyd | HP:1898/1910 (1802+95+191(max)-12) | EN:174/191 (182+1-9) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/2 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | Envenom 12 (1/4)
Morgiana | HP: 511/645 (523-12) | MIT: 65 | ACC 2 | EVA 2 | DMG: base 30 (+3 on nat 9, +5 on nat 10) | Burn (8-10) 24/2 | Flame Aura (24 def/20 off) | Envenom 12 (1/4)

Spoiler

• Crescent Moon - 3x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun/ [On a successful hit, CD roll 1-4]
• Tornado Kick - 1x4*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 5-8]
• Acupuncture - 4x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 1-5]
• Tornado Spin - 1x7*(Basic Damage) & AoE / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 6-10]
• Embracer - 1x1*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 9-10, LD roll 11-20]
• Twisted Rod - 3x3*(Basic Damage) & Stun / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 1-10]
• Snapping Twig - 5x2*(Basic Damage) / [On a successful hit, CD roll 11-12, LD roll 11-20]

Cave Guardian | HP: 0/735 | MIT: 65 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1 | DMG: 150 | Envenom (Off*2) | Envenom (Def*2) | Tox.Ven 24 (1/2) (397-364-75-24)

• Tornado twist ( 175 AoE Damage) - On its starting post, the mob activated a AoE skill that auto-hits all the members of the player party that engages it in battle. The scorpion's body starts spinning around raising the sand in its vicinity. The Envenom status effect apply to all players hit by this mob's ability. This ability affects Morgiana as well. This ability activated once every two full rotations.

 

[Freyd 0]

Instead of an attack, she delivered a note: instructions leading to a nearby location known to him as an abandoned transfer depot with barns and granaries long-since abandoned in the outer reaches of floor 22.  His fingers grasped the paper, their eyes remaining locked for several seconds before she finally released it.  Who was she really, and who would go to these lengths to gauge his abilities.  The absence of an icon confirmed that she was an NPC.  Weird.

Taking advantage of the benefits of a fresh kill, Freyd triggered his abilities and vanished in plain sight, promptly exiting the cave and receiving notification of quest completion.  

Might just be part of the standard quest, leading to the next leg that hasn't yet been revealed.

Perhaps.  It might also be set on a floor beyond those which have been explored to date.

Heading back towards Angel Point, Freyd wondered what other ridiculous schemes Ali and Cassim had in store for him.  Being directed against all of these extra criminal hideouts and organizations made him wonder whether they were using him to clear out their own competition.  Was he making room for them to muscle in?  Perhaps, though it seemed more likely that Morgiana and her mysterious backers might be the one pulling strings for such intent.

***

Post action: Freyd consumes Mega-Duper Anti-Everything Sauce [170304] to negate Envenom effect.

Freyd regains +1 EN.

Free skill action: Activate Vanish (-6 EN).  ID #182220 | LD: 7+8=15 (success)

Freyd | HP:1910/1910 | EN:169/191 (174+1-6) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/2 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | VANISH CD (0/3)

[Freyd 0]

[Scene shifts to floor 22]

Emerging from the portal in Coral, Freyd marveled at the ever-present sense of serenity that still hovered over the small settlement.  The scars from the Sundered Spire's attacks still lingered, yet the local continued to live their hollow lives as if nothing had happened.  It was true.  Ignorance truly was bliss.  Shaking his head, Freyd set his course to follow the western shore, or where it used to be.  Only a large crater remained, along with dozens of rowboats and small sailing vessels resting in the dry lake bottom.

Approaching the appointed depot stealthily, the presence of some form of smuggling operation was immediately obvious.  Hopping a low fence, Freyd positioned himself to strike at the first group and lanced into their ranks to frightened calls of alarm.  To his own surprise, they reacted quickly and he found himself pummeled by as many blows as he'd dealt.  The potential of betrayal at Morgiana's hands immediately came to mind.

***

[Sub-dungeon map 167250 used]

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN.

Maintain Stealth: ID #182221 | LD: 13+8=21 (Success)

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

ID #182222 | BD: 4 (Autohit, Assassin +3).  Freyd deals (29*12=348) damage to Smuggler #1.
ID #182223 | BD: 9 (Autohit, Crit +1, Assassin +3, Holy +6).  Freyd deals (36*12=432) damage to Smuggler #2.  Tox.Ven applied.
ID #182224 | BD: 1 (Autohit, Assassin +3).  Freyd deals (29*12=348) damage to Smuggler #3.
ID #182225 | BD: 10 (Autohit, Crit +2, Assassin +3, Holy +6).  Freyd deals (37*12=444) damage to Smuggler #4. Tox.Ven applied.

Freyd regains 0 HP from VO.

ID #182222 | MD: 2-4= (-2) (miss).  Smuggler #1 misses Freyd.
ID #182223 | MD: 9 (Crit +1).  Smuggler #2 deals (265-79=186) damage to Freyd.
ID #182224 | MD: 9 (Crit +1).  Smuggler #3 deals (265-79=186) damage to Freyd.
ID #182225 | MD: 9 (Crit +1).  Smuggler #4 deals (265-79=186) damage to Freyd.

Freyd uses Gungnir Shard: Haniel's Modesty (T3 Perfect HP Rec [Instant] (1/5) +180 HP

Freyd | HP:1532/1910 (1910-186-186-186+180) | EN:154/191 (169+1-16) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | VANISH CD (1/3)

Smuggler #1: HP: 422/770 | DMG 264 (770-348)
Smuggler #2: HP: 314/770 | DMG 264 | Tox.Ven 24 (1/3) (770-432-24)
Smuggler #3: HP: 422/770 | DMG 264 (770-348)
Smuggler #4: HP: 302/770 | DMG 264 | Tox.Ven 24 (1/3) (770-477-24)

 

[Freyd 0]

A running slash sundered two wagon wheels and toppled the overloaded vehicle onto two of the smugglers, their cries smothered by the crash of bags and barrels, followed by the puffs of digital death.  Grasping a handful of grain, he whipped it into the eyes of the remaining pair following up quickly with a series of stabbing thrusts.  One countered, getting lucky on a wild swing and sinking his hand axe into the Whisper's arm.  More voices could be heard coming from the closest barn.  They'd get reinforcements soon enough.  A subtle gesture sent Persi darting around the corner and ready to harry them from the rear the moment they arrived.  

All manner of goods and containers were gathered around the depot, which seemed rather lively for having supposedly been abandoned.  Marks and brands from many mercantile were recognizable, but no obvious sign of who might be behind this pilfered product for profit.  He'd find out soon enough.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH.
Freyd activates Charge.

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

ID #182226 | BD: 4+6-1=9 (hit, Charge +5).  Freyd deals (31*12=372) damage to Smuggler #1.
ID #182227 | BD: 8+6-1=13 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (37*12=444) damage to Smuggler #2.
ID #182228 | BD: 2+6-1=7 (hit, Charge +5).  Freyd deals (31*12=372) damage to Smuggler #3.
ID #182229 | BD: 4+6-1=9 (hit, Charge +5).  Freyd deals (31*12=372) damage to Smuggler #4.

ID #182226 | MD: 1 (miss).  Smuggler #1 misses Freyd.
ID #182228 | MD: 10 (Crit +2) Smuggler #3 deals (266-79=187) damage to Freyd.

Freyd | HP:1440/1910 (1532+95-187) | EN:139/191 (154+1-16) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95

Smuggler #1: HP: 50/770 | DMG 264 (422-372)
Smuggler #2: HP: 0/770 | DMG 264 | Tox.Ven 24 (2/3) (314-444-24)
Smuggler #3: HP: 50/770 | DMG 264 (422-372)
Smuggler #4: HP: 0/770 | DMG 264 | Tox.Ven 24 (2/3) (302-372-24)

Smuggler #5 and #6 arrive.

Loot Rolls:

Loot Smuggler #2: ID #182230 | LD 1+8=9; CD 8 (incorrectly listed as Smuggler #1 in roller)

7276*Col
2*T3 Materials
T3 Rare Trinket #182230a

Loot Smuggler #4: ID #182231 | LD 12+8=20; CD 6 (incorrectly listed as Smuggler #3 in roller)

8085*Col
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield 182231a
T3 Perfect Trinket #182231b
 

[Freyd 0]

The last of the original smugglers fell to his blade just as two more rounded the corner.

"Persi!  Now!"  

Leaping at them from the side, the frenzied shadow mongoose raked and rended her way through their ranks, throwing off their defenses and leaving them exposed, just as he had hoped.  Wading into them from the side, he managed to give one a proper clip, trailing shadow from his blade while the other dropped and rolled to get Persi off its chest.  Light and shadow played off each other as Freyd danced around the battlefield, seeming to be everywhere and nowhere all at once.

"Rell!  Call for help!  I'll keep him busy."

"Help?  Busy!?  He felled the rest of the crew before we'd even rounded the corner!  I'm getting out of here!"  His efforts failed immediately as living shadow wrapped itself around his legs and sent him rolling, ass over tea kettle, into a nearby pile of hay bales.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH.

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +6 for hits): 18 EN - (Finesse 3) = 15 EN

ID #182232 | BD: 2+6=8 (hit).  Freyd deals (26*12=312) damage to Smuggler #1.
ID #182233 | BD: 5+6=11 (hit).  Freyd deals (26*12=312) damage to Smuggler #3.
ID #182234 | BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Smuggler #5
ID #182235 | BD: 6+6=12 (hit, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (32*12=384) damage to Smuggler #6.

ID #182234 | MD: 1 (miss).  Smuggler #5 misses Freyd.
ID #182235 | MD: 3-4=(-1) (miss).  Smuggler #6 misses Freyd.

Freyd | HP:1535/1910 (1440+95) | EN:125/191 (139+1-15) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | VANISH CD (2/3)

Smuggler #1: HP: 0/770 | DMG 264 (86-312)
Smuggler #3: HP: 0/770 | DMG 264 (86-312)
Smuggler #5: HP: 770/770 | DMG 264
Smuggler #6: HP: 386/770 | DMG 264 (770-384)

Loot Rolls:

Loot Smuggler #1: ID #182236 | LD 19+8=27; CD 7

10510*Col
4*T3 Materials
T3 Perfect Weapon #182236a
T3 Perfect Weapon #182236b
T3 Perfect Weapon #182236c

Loot Smuggler #3: ID #182237 | LD 9+8=17; CD 3

4851*Col
4*T3 Materials
T3 Rare Consumable #182237a
T3 Rare Weapon #182237b
 

[Freyd 0]

"Tell me who you're working for, and I might let you live."  It was a lie, delivered in his best, baritone batman voice for better effect.  Freyd had no intentions of letting them go, but he wasn't above saying whatever was needed in order to get the information he sought.  

"Not a chance," called out the more spirited of the two, only to have his neck burst sideways with the rapid lateral sword slash.  The rest of him exploded a moment later.

"What about you, Slinky?  How talkative do you feel?"

The prone man's eyes went wide, even as his pants fell to his ankle through the wriggling he attempted to help him get away.  It wasn't working at all.

"It's Feldermann, okay?!  We're just hired labour.  I don't know anything!"

His sword flared black as it pierced the man's chest, pinning him to the rich, black earth for only an instant before the seal broke and unleashed the void.  Nothing remained an instant later.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH.
Freyd activates Charge.

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +4 for hits): 16 EN - (Finesse 3) = 13 EN

ID #182238 | BD: 3+6-1=8 (hit, Charge +5).  Freyd deals (31*12=372) damage to Smuggler #5.
ID #182239 | BD: 8+6-1=13 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (37*12=444) damage to Smuggler #6.

ID #182238 | MD: 7-4=3 (miss).  Smuggler #5 misses Freyd.

Freyd | HP:1630/1910 (1535+95) | EN:113/191 (125+1-13) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | VANISH CD (3/3)

Smuggler #5: HP: 398/770 | DMG 264 (770-372)
Smuggler #6: HP: 0/770 | DMG 264 (386-444)

Foreman #1 & #2 arrive.

Loot Rolls:

Loot Smuggler #6: ID #182236 | LD 15+8=23; CD 9

9702*Col
4*T3 Materials
T3 Perfect Consumable #182246a
 

[Freyd 0]

"Tough luck, chum.  Nobody's supposed to know that name."  Two burly-looking fellows wielding shortwords and clad in ribbed leather armor had wandered onto the scene from the direction of the barns.  "Guess we have a nosy neighbour, eh, Grung?"  His partner offered only a toothless grimace and chuckle in response.  

"Let's take him down.  The boss'll want to tear a few strips from his hide, after this mess.  Better his than ours!"  Turning his attention back to where Freyd had been standing, he found nothing but the last, disintegrating pixels of his former lackey. 

"What the... Aaargh!"

Cleaving past him from the shadows, Freyd trailed the back of his blade across his hamstrings, black mist following behind him as he ran.  'Toothy' tried to react, but wasn't near quick enough and nearly lost his arm in a pathetic attempt at a parry.  Both flailed and spun wildly, unable to pinpoint the placement of their attacker, moving to fight back to back instead.

"Was it just the one?  It moved too fast to get a good look."

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH.
Freyd activates Vanish (-6 EN)

Stealth roll: ID #182249 | LD: 13+8=21 (success)

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +6 for hits): 18 EN - (Finesse 3) = 15 EN

ID #182250 | BD: 7 (Autohit, Assassin +3, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (35*12=420) damage to Smuggler #5.
ID #182251 | BD: 7 (Autohit, Assassin +3, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (35*12=420-44=376) damage to Foreman #1.
ID #182252 | BD: 5 (Autohit, Assassin +3).  Freyd deals (29*12=348-44=304) damage to Foreman #2.

ID #182251 | MD: 8+1-4=5 (miss).  Foreman #1 misses Freyd.
ID #182252 | MD: 3+1-4=0 (miss).  Foreman #2 misses Freyd.

Freyd | HP:1725/1910 (1630+95) | EN:93/191 (113+1-6-15) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | VANISH CD (0/3)

Smuggler #5: HP: 0/770 | DMG 264 (398-420)
Foreman #1: HP: 724/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (1100-376)
Foreman #2: HP: 796/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (1100-304)

Loot Rolls:

Loot Smuggler #5: ID #182253 | LD 5+8=13; CD 3

4851*Col
4*T3 Materials
T3 Rare Trinket #182253a
 

[Freyd 0]

Bolting from behind another series of boxes, Freyd flung himself against the two men with a relentless barrage of blows meant to keep them off balance.  It worked against the more talkative of the two, but Toothy had been biding his time and bit back with a swipe of his own blade.   Freyd rolled to evade, but the fight moved out of the shadows and into the open field.

"Feldermann, huh?  You're a crew out of Taft, then."  It was a statement, not a question. Freyd made it his business to know the major players throughout the tower, including who was trustworthy or more likely crooked.  Feldermann had been on his watch list for awhile, so this wasn't surprising news.

"A bit risky, isn't it?  Trying to move this stuff so far from your normal base of operations carries extra risk.  What is it that you boys are looking to sell, beyond just the cover-up goods?"  A quick slash slices the top of a nearby crate clean off, spilling assorted weapons out into the fertile soil.  

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH.
Freyd activates Charge.

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +2 for hits): 14 EN - (Finesse 3) = 11 EN

ID #182254 | BD: 7+6-1-1=11 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (37*12=444-44=400) damage to Foreman #1.
ID #182255 | BD: 1 (miss) Freyd misses Foreman #2.

ID #182254 | MD: 6+1-4=3 (miss).  Foreman #1 misses Freyd.
ID #182255 | MD: 10 (Crit+2).  Foreman #2 deals (332-79=253) damage to Freyd.

Freyd | HP:1567/1910 (1725+95-253) | EN:83/191 (93+1-11) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/3 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | Vanish CD (1/3)

Foreman #1: HP: 324/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (724-400)
Foreman #2: HP: 796/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1

 

[Freyd 0]

"That was a really bad move, bub.  No one messes with the boss' stuff without losing a few vital organs.  We're gonna- urk!"

A razor-thin line of black swept over the mob's throat, dissolving the digital mesh that made up its flesh and causing it to slough down over its torso.  Moments later the entirety of its form was sitting in a colourful pile of orange pixels ready to be picked up by the wind, or just to vanish into nothingness if it was more convenient.  The blade went on to knock astray a poorly attempted parry, then whirls and stab at the man's co-conspirator.  Green dipped to yellow as his health suffered from the strike.  Toothy knew he was in trouble as the Whisper whipped past him and went on to cut and jab at him repeatedly.  Freyd had mastered his rotations, and new full well how best to keep the pressure on.  

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN.
Freyd regains 95 HP from BH.

Calamity Disaster (x12 AoE +4 for hits): 14 EN - (Finesse 3) = 13 EN

ID #182259 | BD: 7+6-1=12 (hit, Fallen +6).  Freyd deals (32*12=384-44=340) damage to Foreman #1.
ID #182260 | BD: 3+6-1=8 (hit).  Freyd deals (26*12=312-44=268) damage to Foreman #2.

ID #182260 | MD: 8+1-4=5 (miss).  Foreman #2 misses Freyd.

Freyd | HP:1662/1910 (1567+95) | EN:71/191 (83+1-13) | DMG:26 | MIT:79 | EVA:4 | ACC:6 | VAMP OFF:191 | HLY:6 | FLN:6 | Tx.Ven 24/2 | LD:8 | PROSP 3 | BH:95 | Vanish CD (2/3)

Foreman #1: HP: 0/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (324-340)
Foreman #2: HP: 528/1100 | DMG 330 | MIT: 44 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 (796-268)

Loot Rolls:

Loot Foreman #1: ID #182262 | LD 10+8=18; CD 11

12705*Col
2*T3 Materials
T3 Rare Trinket #182262a