[PP - F24] <<Piasuhon>> Leading the Charge - Shield & Freyd

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] [+40 HP] Cool Downs - Focused Howl [3/4]

Shield - HP: 824/860 | EN:128/128 [EN Refresh - 2/2]

Post Action: Searching for Dungeon - ID# 190495 - Loot: 12+6=18 [Dungeon Found!]

"Jungle it is," Shield quipped back, bringing the spyglass up to his eye and pausing, scanning the edge of the jungle and the nearby features for any irregularities. "Now if we're going to be successful, we're better off making sure we can see as much area as possible. Visibility inside of the actual trees is going to be extremely limited..."

Shield steered them towards the beach that skirted the edge of the jungle itself, pausing now and then to bring the spyglass back to his eye in order to scan the jungle's tree line, as well as the depths beyond, as much as visibility would allow. It was not exactly the easiest scouting in the world. However, on occasion, as he swept his scope from side to side, he would feel a slight squeeze on his arm.

Glancing down, he noticed Lilith's little snout poking from his sleeve. Following the direction she pointed, he saw a patch of darker jungle. It was subtle, but even with the shade from the overarching canopy, there should have been more light. Adjusting the spyglass, he magnified the dark spot as much as he could. There, in the darkness, he could make out stones and stalagmites and a ceiling that sloped down into a much deeper darkness.

"And there we have it!"  Shield handed the spyglass over to Freyd to show him what he had seen. "Dark patch, through the trees. Right at your 1 o'clock."

Edited April 25, 2021 by Shield

[Freyd 0]

Freyd adjusted his trajectory and kept pace, scanning their surroundings for signs of other mobs.  Dungeon entrances sometimes drew others, as he and NIGHT had found out in that really bizarre one with all the mutant melty-thingies in it.  That had just been creepy.  His eyes drifted momentarily to the small creature dipping its nose out from Shield's sleeve.  

"Ah, so you do have a familiar.  I wondered when it would make an appearance.  They seem to be less active, in general, than I recall.  Persi's former combat prowess seems to have been transferred to me, though she can still jump in to good effect from time to time."  Freyd mused aloud at whether the prevalence of the popular pets would wane in the wake of their reduced utility.  "Training allocations seems to be a fraction of what they once were.  Players may no longer be able to afford to invest in them, if the benefits have waned.  Still, people are not easily separated from their attachments."

They stood together on the threshold to the dungeon's entrance.

"Shall we?"

Spoiler

EN refreshed
Double or Nothing (CD 2/2)

 

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] [+40 HP] Cool Downs - Focused Howl [4/4]

Shield - HP: 880/860 | EN:128/128

Post Action: Swapping Gear

Seeking Aura [-3 LD] > Manticore Mask [+88 THN, +ANTFZ]

Note: Due to clerical error, Shield has not been including Immolation Potion +2 in his THN. Total going forward will be 118

As they crossed the threshold, Shield's fingers swiped through the air once again, reversing their steps from before and banishing his trinket in favor of his shield once again. Out of the corner of his eye, in his HUD, the last of his abilities was refreshed, and his health gauge completely refilled. "I think we somehow timed that just right." Shield glanced around, trying to make out the specifics of the cavern they were trespassing. Thus far, he had not spotted any signs of life, outside of generic jungle generation as one would expect of Cardinal.

As they walked onward, the path continued to slope downward. The further they descended, the less natural the cavern became. Walls smoothed into flattened surfaces. Stalactites disappeared, and very soon, torches began to line the walls. "Well, I think we can rule out this being a random rock formation that just happens to look like a dungeon."

[Freyd 0]

A simple nod was all that seemed warranted as the two men made their way into the subterranean corridor.  The stone was clearly carved and several sections had even been reinforced with masonry, but all seemed aged and long-abandoned.  Shuffling movement in a broader cavern ahead drew Freyd's attention as he moved silently ahead to sneak a peek.  

"Pirates," he whispered back to his companion.  His fingers signaled four, with a waver, suggesting that there might be more afield that he simply couldn't spot from their current vantage.  It was a small enough group.

"I'll hit them hard.  You get the attention of any remnants."  Turning, he charged around the bend to the mixed sound of shattering fractals, sundered wood and and explosion of coins that implied a disrupted card game of some sort.  Yelps of alarm followed, along with rapidly plummeting health bars and a severe loss of parrot plumage. 

"Uh... You might just want to spare yourself some wasted cooldowns," Freyd suggested.  One pirate was already down and the remaining trio were already in very bad shape.  In fact, they looked like they had been before Freyd even struck.  Bits of severed, rotten flesh lay strewn all about the cave.  "These won't take long to mop up."

Spoiler

Post Action | Odin's Wrath (CD 0/4) (x18 AoE, 16 EN +2/hit): 24 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 21 EN.  Charge (CD 0/3) (8 EN)

ID #190504 | BD: 8+7-1=14 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +8).  DMG (18*40=720)
ID #190505 | BD: 5+7-1=11 (hit, Charge +5). DMG (18*32=576)
ID #190506 | BD: 5+7-1=11 (hit, Charge +5). DMG (18*32=576)
ID #190507 | BD: 5+7-1=11 (hit, Charge +5). DMG (18*32=576)

Shield - HP: 860/860 | EN:128/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:88 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 95/124 (124-21-8) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

Zombie Pirate #1 | HP: 0/620 | DMG: 186 (620-720)
Zombie Pirate #2 | HP: 44/620 | DMG: 186 (620-576)
Zombie Pirate #3 | HP: 44/620 | DMG: 186 (620-576)
Zombie Pirate #4 | HP: 44/620 | DMG: 186 (620-576)

Loot Zombie Pirate #1: ID #190508 | LD: 3+8=11 | CD: 8

T3 Rare Weapon [190508a]
T3 Uncommon Consumable [190508b]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
3255 col (HP[620]*5 - incl. +2 CD even +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 2, 2021 by Freyd

[Shield 0]

Quote

Post Action: Basic Attack > Zombie Pirate #2

ID# 190511 - Battle: 5 - Miss

Shield - HP: 860/860 | EN:128/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:88 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 95/124 (124-21-8) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

Zombie Pirate #1 | HP: 0/620 | DMG: 186 (620-720)
[1,1]Zombie Pirate #2 | HP: 44/620 | DMG: 186 (620-576)
Zombie Pirate #3 | HP: 44/620 | DMG: 186 (620-576)
Zombie Pirate #4 | HP: 44/620 | DMG: 186 (620-576)

190512 - MOB: 4-3=1 - Miss
190513 - MOB: 5-3=2 - Miss
190514 - MOB: 8-3=5 - Miss

As much as Shield abhorred standing around and doing nothing, there was very little to be done. Still, he was not content to be idle. The less he could leave up to chance, the better. Bending over, he picked a skull-sized stone from the floor of the cavern.  With a wind-up, he lined it up with the nearest of the pirate's heads, trying to draw its focus without the need to use skills.

To observe that Shield was doing something unskilled was apparent, both in the literal and figurative sense. The stone sailed past the undead head it had been aimed at and shattered into dust and fragments on the wall behind it. "Well, let it never be said that I didn't try." The remaining skullywags (Shield decided to trademark this term as soon as he was out of SAO) descended on Freyd, each failed utterly to connect with their target, and they bobbled their heads about, confused and uncertain why their blades met no actual resistance.

Edited April 25, 2021 by Shield

[Freyd 0]

Shield's efforts garnered his a chuckle and a shrug. 

"The perils of the hyper-focused, I guess?  Still, your group seemed glad for your specialty in the raid.  There are not so many around who are willing to make the same sacrifice."  Raidou's words echoed in his mind as he spoke.  The man had always managed to break any molds anyone tried to set to him, but his devotion to the ideals of a tank rivaled Shield's.

"Hang on a sec.  This won't take but a minute."

Gripping his weapon by one end, Freyd spun it overhead like a helicopter blade, building speed and momentum before stepping forward.  When he finally did, the heads came off the remaining pirates in a single swipe, crashing against the cave wall like a trio of melons that exploded with equal flair at the impact.  The bodies they were once attached to quickly followed suit.  

"You're on for the next batch.  They get crankier and crustier from here, as you know."

Vanity Tag: @Raidou

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Odin's Wrath (CD 1/4)
Charge (CD 1/3)

Post Action | Sweep (CD 0/2) (x5 AoE, 5 EN +2/hit): 11 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 8 EN. 

ID #190519 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +8).  DMG (5*37=185)
ID #190520 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +8).  DMG (5*37=185)
ID #190521 | BD: 3+7=10 (hit).  DMG (5*27=135)

Shield - HP: 860/860 | EN:128/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:88 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 91/124 (95+4-8) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[1,1]Zombie Pirate #2 | HP: 44/620 | DMG: 186 (44-185)
Zombie Pirate #3 | HP: 44/620 | DMG: 186 (44-185
Zombie Pirate #4 | HP: 44/620 | DMG: 186 (44-135)

Loot Zombie Pirate #2: ID #190522 | LD: 18+8=26 | CD: 9

F24 Dungeon Map [190522]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
3255 col (HP[620]*5 - incl. +2 LD even +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Zombie Pirate #3: ID #190523 | LD: 20+8=28 | CD: 5

T3 Perfect Weapon [190523a]
T3 Perfect Weapon [190523b]
T3 Perfect Weapon [190523c]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
3255 col (HP[620]*5 - incl. +2 LD even +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Zombie Pirate #4: ID #190524 | LD: 5+8=13 | CD: 11

T3 Rare Armor/Shield [190524]
4 materials (+4 LD odd)
5859 col (HP[620]*9 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 2, 2021 by Freyd

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+43 HP] Holy Blessing [+51 HP] Vampiric (Defensive) - ID# 190480: Craft: 12 [+43 HP]
Cool Downs -

Action: Howl [-1 EN]
Free Action: Rampart [-9 EN]

Shield - HP: 860/860 | EN:118/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ [-25% final DMG]
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 91/124 (95+4-8) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[3,0] Sergeant at Arms - HP: 620/620 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0
[3,0] First Mate -             HP: 620/620 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0

"Cranky and crusty is what I'm built for," Shield chimed in, taking a half-skip into a jog down the passage. His eyes were sharp and his guard was up, but it soon became pretty clear that there was likely little danger of ambush. Two more crusty pirates appeared as they rounded a bend in the tunnel, but rather than lunging for the players immediately, they seemed quite content to play tug of war with a small treasure chest, each of them holding onto one of the side handles. The thing was that all of the gold had since spilled from the container and lay strewn about the floor. It was very that their brains had died as soon as their bodies had. Shield rolled his eyes and took a breath.

"HOLD ONTO YOUR BOOTY!" he roared, causing both pirates to release their chest and one of them to leap into the arms of the other. "CUZ WE'RE ABOUT TO KICK IT!" Shield was unapologetic in his dad-punnery and had been since he first made use of the howl skill. What was the point in stopping now? He raised his shield and prepared for them to get their heads on straight and mount an attack.

Edited April 27, 2021 by Shield

[Freyd 0]

Racing forward to seize the initiative, Freyd held his staff in equal balance as he slid beneath the chest like some sort of limbo bar, kneecapping both pirates in the process.  They toppled awkwardly forward, the loud snap of their jaws hitting the stone floor echoing across the chamber.  Already back on his feet, the Whisper spun round to follow up on his original attack.  Both scallywags were in the process of rousing their dazed and empty heads off the floor, barely managing to get back on their knees before another flurry of blows smashed their skulls to the ground again with a blast of glaring holy light that clearly didn't agree with their undead nature.  A few dozen teeth skittered and skipped the cavern floor as some strange form of penance for whatever offense the system deemed to have been given, even as Freyd batted both of their bodies forward and directly into Shield's waiting embrace.  Things only got worse for the mobs from there, as dozens of bones splinter and snapped under the relentless assault from fore and aft.

"Damned straight," Freyd added, in response to Shield's howl.  "We got this."

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Odin's Wrath (CD 2/4)
Charge (CD 2/3)
Sweep (CD 1/2)

Post Action | Wallbreaker (CD 0/3) (x15 AoE, 14 EN +2/hit): 18 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 15 EN. 

ID #191062 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +8).  DMG (15*37=555-120=435).  TXV applied.
ID #191063 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +8).  DMG (15*37=555-120=435).  TXV applied.

ID #191062 | MD: 5+4=9 (hit). DMG (300-133=167*0.75=125) vs. Shield
ID #191063 | MD: 7+4=11 (hit. DMG (300-133=167*0.75=125) vs. Shield

Sergeant at Arms takes 118 damage from Thorns
First Mate takes 118 damage from Thorns

Shield - HP: 610/860 | EN:118/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ [-25% final DMG]
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 80/124 (91+4-15) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[3,2] Sergeant at Arms - HP: 43/620 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | TXV 24 (1/3) (620-435-24-118)
[3,2] First Mate -  HP: 43/620 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | TXV 24 (1/3) (620-435-24-118)

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by Freyd

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+43 HP] Holy Blessing [+51 HP] Vampiric (Defensive) - ID# 191064: Craft: 2 [+0 HP]
Cool Downs - Howl [1/2] Rampart [1/5]

Post Action: None
Free Action: Gungnir's Shard [+129 HP]

Shield - HP: 833/860 | EN:119/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ | GS: 3/7
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 91/124 (80+4-15) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[3,2] Sergeant at Arms - HP: 43/620 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | TXV 24 (1/3)
[3,2] First Mate -  HP: 43/620 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | TXV 24 (1/3)

The bite of the pirates' attacks was apparent on Shield's health as soon as they hit. However, the bite he dealt back to them was equally devastating, and after the blows each had taken from Freyd, the monsters were clearly the worse for wear. Mean while, Shield gave his shard yet another tap, and between it and his natural healing, he was returned almost instantly to practically full health.

"If that's how hard these guys hit, I can't imagine the big bad is gonna be pretty," he said with a low, reverent whistle. "Still, this is why I saved half of my shard. We should still be in decent shape come the big fight." With that, he raised his shield back up, giving his body a slight shake like a heavy beast shaking off a persistent biting insect, and set his dark eyes on the nearly depleted health bars of their short-lived enemies. "Here's to min-maxing, eh?"

Edited April 28, 2021 by Shield

[Freyd 0]

"Committing to a build isn't as easy or common as it sounds.  I've encountered more than a few players who love to dabble.  It seemed easier before.  There was more to spread around than there is since the change."

Skewering the First Mate through his torso, from the back, Freyd grimaced at the squelching, suction sound of that thing's sloughing flesh around his weapon even as he spun the slammed the beleaguered pirate into his fellow, squashing them forcefully together.

"Eww.  But it worked."

Even though no residue lingered beyond the mobs' destruction, he somehow felt compelled to scrape the staff in a nearby patch of loose sand, and then wipe it down with his sleeve.

"This isn't even close to min-maxing, yet.  That comes next."  The glint in his red eyes was clearly visible as he spoke the words.  Freyd had plans, and judging by his expression, they were already in the works.  "You're a merchant...er...'appraiser' also, are you not? Got any plans to upgrade your kit?"  

There was nothing quite like, or seemingly more appropriate than, a little collegial shop talk on your way to go smite a dungeon boss.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Odin's Wrath (CD 3/4)
Charge (CD 3/3)
Sweep (CD 2/2)
Wallbreaker (CD 1/3)

Post Action | Twister (CD 0/2) (x10 AoE, 8 EN +2/hit): 12 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 9 EN. 

ID #191065 | BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy +8).  DMG (10*36=360-120=240).  TXV refreshed.
ID #191066 | BD: 3+7=10 (hit).  DMG (10*27=270-120=150)

Shield - HP: 833/860 | EN:118/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ | GS: 3/7
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 75/124 (80+4-9) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[3,2] Sergeant at Arms - HP: 0/620 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | TXV 24 (1/3) (43-240-24)
[3,2] First Mate -  HP: 0/620 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 0 | TXV 24 (2/3) (43-150-24)

Loot Sergeant at Arms: ID #191067 | LD: 20+8=28 | CD: 12

F24 Dungeon Map [191067]
4557 col (HP[620]*7 - incl. +4 LD/CD even +5% Col Deposit)

Loot First Mate: ID #191068 | LD: 13+8=21 | CD: 1

T3 Perfect Armor/Shield [191068a]
T3 Perfect Weapon [191068b]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
1953 col (HP[620]*3 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 2, 2021 by Freyd

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+43 HP] Holy Blessing [+51 HP] Vampiric (Defensive) - ID# 191064: Craft: 2 [+0 HP]
Cool Downs - Howl [2/2] Rampart [2/5]

Action: Focused Howl > The Cap'n [-4 EN]

Shield - HP: 860/860 | EN:116/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ | GS: 3/7
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 75/124 (80+4-9) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[7,0] The Cap'n - HP: 1,600/1,600 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1
[MD 9] 400 DMG, Splash AoE 200 DMG
[MD 10] 440 DMG, Splash AoE 300 DMG

Shield gave a slight nod to acknowledge the question. "I've got all of the gear necessary already to build my ideal gear. It's essentially the ideal amalgamation of all possible sources of defense, most sources of defensive damage, and every form of passive healing, plus Taunt. I will probably not be as survivable as a fully optimized dodge tank, but I'll rely far less on chance and deal so much back to my opponents that it should balance out." Shield was just about to mosey further down the corridor when a heavy-booted set of footsteps announced that this would be unnecessary.

"So, ye flea-bitten sea-dogs put down me crew all on yer own, did ye?" came a creaky old voice from just out of sight. Stepping into the light of the nearest set of torches, an undead pirate in a much lesser state of decay made his appearance. From his frayed triangular hat and threadbare flowing red coat, his rank was obvious before his nametag was even readable.

Knowing the direction this conversation was invariably headed, Shield puffed up his chest. He focused his blast to the newcomer, sending a narrow cone of turbulent blustering with his howl. "COME AND JOIN THEM, YOU DROWNED RAT!"

Edited April 28, 2021 by Shield

[Freyd 0]

Wasting no time, Freyd leapt over Shield's right shoulder, pirouetting even as he whirled his weapon around him and instantly colliding with the newcomer's form.  Try as he might, the Cap'n couldn't quite pull his attention away from the tank's taunts and suffered from a series of nasty blows for his inability to field a functional defense against this oncoming dervish.  Having passed his opponent, a quick-booted strike to his backside propelled the unprepared pirate straight into his partner's waiting defenses.

"How many times do you think we can keep him bounding between us?  I keep imagining him as one of those self-leveling inflatable punching dummies, rocking endlessly back and forth until he's taken so much pummeling that he just falls apart."

"I can hear you, yanno,"  the Cap'n griped, annoyed by the indirect chatter.  "An' him is gonna kick both yar asses to Davey Jones'... OOF!!!"

"Bounce him back!  Over here! HERE!  I'm open!"  Freyd cackled maniacally, remembering days spent playing monkey in the middle.  Only this monkey would actually kill them, if given the chance.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Odin's Wrath (CD 4/4)
Wallbreaker (CD 2/3)
Twister (CD 1/2)

Post Action | Fling (CD 0/3) (x16, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 9 EN. 

ID #191073 | BD: 2+7-1=8 (hit).  DMG (16*27=432-200=232)

ID #191073 | MD: 7+2=9 (hit).  DMG (360-133=227)

The Cap'n takes 118 damage from Thorns.

Shield - HP: 633/860 | EN:116/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ | GS: 3/7
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 70/124 (75+4-9) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[7,1] The Cap'n - HP: 1,368/1,600 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (1600-232)
[MD 9] 400 DMG, Splash AoE 200 DMG
[MD 10] 440 DMG, Splash AoE 300 DMG

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by Freyd

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+43 HP] Holy Blessing [+51 HP] Vampiric (Defensive) - ID# 191075: Craft: 5 [+0 HP]
Cool Downs - Rampart [3/5] Focused Howl [1/5]

Action: Press the Attack [-10 EN]

Shield - HP: 727/860 | EN:107/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ | GS: 129 [3/7]
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 70/124 | DMG: 27 [+4] | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[7,1] The Cap'n - HP: 1,368/1,600 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (1600-232)
[MD 9] 400 DMG, Splash AoE 200 DMG
[MD 10] 440 DMG, Splash AoE 300 DMG

"If you're talking about the inflatable version, I believe they called those 'bop bags,' which is admittedly a pretty lame name." Shield pinged the enemy back at Freyd off of his aegis, though not before taking the brunt of the pirate lerader's jagged cutlass. "That's a lot more than a tickle... but I have my trump card still half full. Think you can shut him up for a sec?"

As the pirate was flung from him, Shield raised his free hand, balling a fist and sending his companion a sizeable damage boost along with the motion. It wasn't exactly going to give them the deciding blow in the fight, but it would hopefully put them one massive stride closer to hat goal. "Make this one count!" He knew that Freyd would hardly miss on purpose, but it was still best to keep the chatter going until the two paragons of their professions managed to learn the ins and outs of one another's combat styles.

Edited April 28, 2021 by Shield

[Freyd 0]

Freyd's clothes snapped against his body from the sheer speed of his sudden, furious turn.  Samael's Pride seemed to understand, the angelic sanction upon the weapon unfurling to unleash the utter dark and emptiness within, without remorse or regret.  Struck from behind, the Cap'n's tattered red surcoat shattered under the impact of the blow, sending out a cloud of matching fractal motes like a dust-laden throw rug beaten for the first time in forever.  The instant they left the mob's form, the void suctioned them all up again, feasting on the cast of digital flesh and exposing the badly broken mesh beneath, even as it crashed headlong once more into Shield's defense.

"I'm gonna call that counted," he added with a glower at the Cap's form.  "Thanks for the boost.  I have to admit that I really like that one.  Too bad that he hits so bloody hard, but I have faith.  What's next in your bag of tricks?  Cooldowns?"

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Wallbreaker (CD 3/3)
Twister (CD 2/2)
Fling (CD 1/3)

Post Action | Odin's Wrath (CD 0/4) (x18 AoE, 16 EN +2/hit): 18 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 15 EN.  Charge (CD 0/3) (8 EN)

ID #191076 | BD: 6+7-1-1=11 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +8).  DMG (18*44=792-200=592)

ID #191076 | BD: 6+2=8 (hit).  DMG (360-133=227).

The Cap'n takes 118 damage from Thorns.

Shield - HP: 500/860 | EN:107/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ | GS: 129 [3/7]
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 51/124 (70+4-15-8) | DMG: 27 [+4] | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[7,2] The Cap'n - HP: 658/1,600 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (1368-592-118)
[MD 9] 400 DMG, Splash AoE 200 DMG
[MD 10] 440 DMG, Splash AoE 300 DMG

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by Freyd

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+43 HP] Holy Blessing [+51 HP] Vampiric (Defensive) - ID# 191078: Craft: 2 [+0 HP]
Cool Downs - Rampart [4/5] Focused Howl [2/5] Press the Attack [1/5]

Action: Inspiring Speech [-8 EN]
Gungnir's Shard [+129 HP]

Shield - HP: 723/860 | EN:100/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ | GS: 129 [2/7]
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 70/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[7,2] The Cap'n - HP: 658/1,600 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1
[MD 9] 400 DMG, Splash AoE 200 DMG
[MD 10] 440 DMG, Splash AoE 300 DMG

Once again, although it was taking a beating and simultaneous pricking, the captain was living up to his title. His attacks were quick and precise, scoring multiple slashes across Shield's body. His arms were riddled with bright red slashes, and his torso was similarly marked. He swore inside of his head, but he swallowed that frustration and tapped the shard at his hip. 

This has been an informative venture. Dabbling has proved to absolutely cause me to sacrifice my build. If I wish to be able to actually survive in the role I've picked, it's going to require real commitment.

He watched his health tick back up a little ways, but it was not as near to full as he would have preferred.

First things, first -  anything that contributes to my Hit Points is of paramount importance. It will impact every single one of my heals. 

Raising his fist once again, he dug deep into his well of fatherly advice for his 'inspiring words.' "Just remember, there's no 'I' in 'team,' but there is a 'me.'"

Edited April 28, 2021 by Shield

[Freyd 0]

Freyd dodged and weaved, using the greater reach to his advantage wherever he could, and The Cap'n seemed to be feeling the pressure.  Closing in for another quick flurry, the snap of his staff ate away even further at the mob's beleaguered mesh, now riddled with orange, linear ruts and grooves from the impacts.  The edges of its injuries were fraying, drizzling a steady stream of fine, powder-like wisps as his form began to fracture.  

"Looks like you're running out of sand in your hourglass," Freyd pointed out, mocking the boss.  That was rarely a good idea.

"Is that how you think it is?  HAR! HAR! HAR! HAR!"  Reaching forth, unexpectedly, the pirate grabbed and yanked on Shield's shield (Bootstrap's bootstraps?) and smashed his own beaten forehead into the players.  Freyd moved to assist, only to feel a jagged cutlass strike sear his chest in a lateral line.  Lesson in humility learned, he backed off a bit.

"What do you think, Shield?  Should I cut his parrot down to size?"  The clichéd  bird clutching to the pirate's shoulder audibly gulped and squawked simultaneously, nearly choking itself in the process.  Freyd gazed at his companion with concern.  That had been a particularly nasty blow, and he wasn't how shallow on the draft the tanks healing resources were reaching.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Fling (CD 3/3)
Odin's Wrath (CD 2/4)
Charge (CD 2/3)

Post Action | Wallbreaker (CD 0/3) (x15 AoE, 14 EN +2/hit): 16 EN - (Stamina) = 14 EN. 

ID #191086 | BD: 7+7-1=13 (hit, Fallen +8).  DMG (15*35=525-200=325)

ID #191086 | MD: 9 (Crit [special]).  DMG (400-133=267) vs. Shield. 
ID #191101 | MD: 7+2-3=6 (hit).  DMG (200-111=89) vs. Freyd

No Thorns damage on a crit.

Shield - HP: 456/860 | EN:100/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ | GS: 129 [3/7]
Freyd | HP: 811/900 | EN: 41/124 (51+4-14) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[7,3] The Cap'n - HP: 333/1,600 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (658-325)
[MD 9] 400 DMG, Splash AoE 200 DMG
[MD 10] 440 DMG, Splash AoE 300 DMG

 

Edited April 29, 2021 by Freyd

[Shield 0]

Quote

Passive [+1 EN] Battle Healing [+43 HP] Holy Blessing [+51 HP] Vampiric (Defensive) - ID# 191094: Craft: 6 [+0 HP]
Cool Downs - Rampart [5/5] Focused Howl [3/5] Press the Attack [2/5] Inspiring Speech [1/5]

Post Action: None
Free Action: Gungnir's Shard [+129 HP]

Shield - HP: 679/860 | EN:101/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ | GS: 129 [1/7]
Freyd | HP: 811/900 | EN: 41/124 (51+4-14) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[7,3] The Cap'n - HP: 333/1,600 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (658-325)
[MD 9] 400 DMG, Splash AoE 200 DMG
[MD 10] 440 DMG, Splash AoE 300 DMG

"Bigger issue than the big-mouthed bird is the health I'm hemorrhaging," Shield growled, his eyes still trained on the pirate that had just resorted to headbutting him in the face. He sniffed to test his nostril, which still functioned for the moment. "I've got one more of those charges after this one, and then I'm down to my automatic heals, which have thus far left me a little high and dry, if you'll excuse the seafaring metaphor."

"I won't."

"Don't care." Shield reached behind himself, tapping his shard and draining the penultimate charge. Pale light rushed across his form and his health ticked back up. However, each new benchmark fell lower than the one before it.

Like hell am I gonna give up the last of my green gauge to this cretin.

Shield did not let his pride nor his thoughts pull him away from the fight. "Think you can shackle ol' 'what would it look like if scurvy got scurvy' for a minute?"

Edited April 28, 2021 by Shield

[Freyd 0]

The tension in Shield's voice was palpable.  Here was a man who'd stared down Shadow and his hordes without batting an eye, but things had changed, and his defenses had been ground thin by edits in the system.  'You never, ever, leave your wingman,' he recalled someone saying in some old movie hovering at the edge of a fuzzy memory.  The point was clear: his tank was doing his bit, it was up to him to do his.

"Oh, I think I can do a little better than that," Freyd offered.

From beneath the Ca'n's feet, a pool of darkness had been silently and steadily growing in size, concealed on the slick stone where its shade blended in perfectly.  Persi leap upward, just as Freyd made his feint, twisting herself into a maelstrom of claws and teeth that wracked the pirate's stance and brought him instantly to his knees.  The first blow knocked the rusty cutlass from his hands, sending it sailing into a nearby stack of crates where it lodged itself firmly into a large, sticky barrel of molasses.  The second crushed the squawking bird on his left shoulder, producing an awkward popping sound as a puff of colourful feathers.  The third, delivered without hesitation or quarter, came crashing down on the man's other shoulder, shattering his clavicle and everything below as the black stick of death in Freyd's hands simply ate the mob's mesh as it passed through him.  He fell to glittering ashes at their feet, an instant later.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Freyd regains +49 HP from BH
Odin's Wrath (CD 3/4)
Charge (CD 3/3)
Wallbreaker (CD 1/3)

Post Action | Fling (CD 0/3) (x16 AoE, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Stamina) = 10 EN. 
Free Action | Activate Grappling Familiar (CD 0/5)

ID #191098 | BD: 7+6-1 =12 (hit, Fallen +8).  DMG (16*35=560-200=360)

Shield - HP: 679/860 | EN:101/128 | DMG:1 | ACC:0 | MIT:133 | THN:118 | EVA:0 | BH:43 | LD:1 | V.D.:43 | HB:51 | TNT | ANT.FZ | GS: 129 [1/7]
Freyd | HP: 860/900 (811+49) | EN: 35/124 (41+4-10) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 111 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 7 | BH: 49 | LD: 8 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | TXV 24/3 | V.O.: 99 | DOTE: 2

[7,4] The Cap'n - HP: 0/1,600 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (333-360)
[MD 9] 400 DMG, Splash AoE 200 DMG
[MD 10] 440 DMG, Splash AoE 300 DMG

Loot The Cap'n: ID #191100 | LD: 18+8=26 | CD: 11

F24 Dungeon Map [191100]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
8400 col (HP[1600]*5 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 2, 2021 by Freyd

[Shield 0]

Quote

Post Action: Swapping Gear

Manticore Mask > Seeking Aura [+3 LD]

With a sigh, Shield let his shield arm fall to his side. "It's official. There is no room for dabbling in my build," he said, shaking his head slightly. "I had once been a lovely blend between buffs, chest looting, and support. Now, I don't think I'm going to be able to take on much - if anything - outside of the purview of a tank. If I'm actually going to be survival-oriented, I may need to lose Leadership entirely."

There was more than a subtle note of disappointment in his voice. He had loved being able to be the "DPS's best friend," but that last fight had shown him just how easy it was to fall behind the curve of damage. If the updates have indeed introduced newer, even meaner sections of Aincrad, then this fight should serve as a warning as to just how dangerous those situations would be. He began rewriting his skill list and his new numbers immediately. "This all does very little to my end build as far as equipment goes,"  he added, waving his hand to dismiss his shield. "However, my skills will need a dramatic revamp."

Extending a fist for Freyd to bump, he turned his attention back to the dungeon around them. "Given his rank and the lessening of the number of standard mobs, I would assume that's the last of the actual dungeon mobs?"

[Freyd 0]

Bumping the offered fist, in support as well as sympathy, Freyd was inclined to agree.  

"Yeah, I'm guessing that the last one was the boss.  If it means anything, I get what you're going through.  My habit has long been to run solo whenever I needed anything done in a hurry.  Those days may be behind me, at least until I get a handle on the new math."  Freyd sifted through the rapidly dwindling number of fractal motes left after the destruction of the last mob.  "At least your target gear can stay the same.  I pity anyone who figures out, moments in, that they went in the completely wrong direction.  Solo or not, my focus has always been on pure damage output.  Consistency is also more valuable that erratic burst damage, at least to me.  Let the kiddies play around with the flashy stuff."  He tapped his staff harshly against the floor.  "I prefer to carry a howitzer as standard equipment."