[SP-01] When NOT to do a 'thing' [BID]

[Freyd 0]

[Enter at Floor B4]

The passage already looked different than when he's last seen it, standing in the same place with Shield and Oscar.  Their joint run had been a cake-walk, which suggested a potential for solo runs.  Freyd often operated alone, and even preferred it.  He got to set his own pace and didn't have to worry about coordinating his actions with others, or the invariable, obligatory chatter.   Sometimes, it was nice to just grind in silence, focused on the purpose at hand.  This would be his test: of his own capabilities versus those of the Black Iron Dungeon.  Despite its lethal reputation, he had yet to see find anything insurmountable in the shallow mound of available information. 

Perhaps that curiosity alone was what drew him back?  Or, maybe it was the prospect of obtaining elusive T4 loot.  Even dungeon map didn't spawn the stuff, and demand was at its peak.  Capitalist instincts lobbied hard within him to scavenge whatever he could.  The market was hungry.

***

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 124/124 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | TXV 24/3

Consumed:

Spoiler

Crème Brûlée (Snack) | Accuracy 2 [173474]
Liquor of Light (Potion) | Damage 3 [178130-1]
Smores (Snack) | Evasion 2 [173660]
Divinity's Wait (Meal)| T4 Mitigation 3 [190682]
Max Level Courage (Meal)| Over-Health 3 [170011]
Viperion (Salve) | T3 Toxic Venom [178359]

Berry Crumb Bars (Snack) | LOOT DIE 3 [175346] + Filled
Mousse (Snack) | PROSPERITY 3 [173064-1]

Full Stats:

Spoiler

Freyd,
Level: 31
Paragon Level: 61
HP: 900/900 (+15% = 1,035]
EN: 124/124

Stats:
Damage: 23 (+3)
Mitigation: 66 (+25+60)
Evasion: 1
Accuracy: 4
Battle Healing: 45
Loot Dice: 5 (+4)
(Prosperity +3)
FLN: 16
HLY: 16
(TXV 24/3)

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Samael's Pride (T4-WH, HOLY 2, FLN 2)
Armor: Skirmisher's Garb (T3 LA, MIT 2, EVA 1)
Misc: Night Shades (T3-Trinket, ACC 3)

Skills:
War Hammer R5
Light Armor R5
Searching R5
Battle Healing R5
Charge
Energist
Extended Weight Limit
Charge
Extended Mod Limit

Active Mods:
Large Pockets
Ferocity
Stamina
Meticulous
Resolve

Inactive Mods:

Active Extra Skills:
Disguise
Survival
Meditation
Brawler

Inactive Extra Skills:
Forgotten King’s Authority
Shatter

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystals: 15
Gungnir: T3 Perfect HP Rec [Instant]: 15
Mass HP Rec [Instant] (+30*Tier HP): 5
Antidote 3: 5
Golden Key (+2LD to open chests): 15
Spyglass (45/45): 15
Glowstones: 15

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.
Master Angler: +1 LD & CD when fishing, +2 fishing EXP
Advanced Training: +10% Exp 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:
Tanos Statue: +25 MIT for a thread

Wedding Ring: n/a

 

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

Oscar's words echoed in his mind as he crossed the threshold: "Layout must shift every time you come in. No big deal."

"Yeah.  Sure.  No big deal, unless the difficulty level of the dungeon was also variable."  There was enough data yet, to be sure, and some parties hadn't made it out at all.  Something about this place stank.  Montjoy, his ever-trusty shadow and sidekick, pointed into the darkness ahead.

"Squatters?  Here?"  Out of place in the vast and somber halls, a series of small makeshift shelters leaned against the smooth masonry walls.  The mere muttering of words was enough to draw the attention of the local residents.  A large group of children wearing torn and tattered clothes emerged.  Their eyes were those of starving wolves.  Almost instantly, sharp yellow-stained teeth were bared and the pack hurtled down the corridor towards him.  The first to arrive discovered its folly as Freyd flattened its small form against the adjacent stone wall.  The rest were quick and wily, though, and quickly scattered to avoid his wrath.

Spoiler

Post Action | Odin's Wrath (CD 0/4) (x18 AoE, 16 EN +2/hit): 20 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 17 EN.  Charge (CD 0/3) (8 EN)
Free Action | None

ID #193149 | BD: 1 (miss)
ID #193150 | BD: 1 (miss)
ID #193151 | BD: 8+6-1=13 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +16).  DMG (18*47=846)
ID #193152 | BD: 2+6-1=7 (hit, Charge +5) DMG (18*31=558)

ID #193149 | MD: 4-3=1 (miss)
ID #193150 | MD: 7-3=4 (miss)
ID #193151 | MD: 3-3=0 (miss)
ID #193152 | MD: 5-3=2 (miss)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 99/124 (124-17-8) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Feral Urchin #1 | HP: 620/620 | DMG 186
Feral Urchin #2 | HP: 620/620 | DMG 186
Feral Urchin #3 | HP: 620/620 | DMG 186 (620-846)
Feral Urchin #4| HP: 62/620 | DMG 186 (620-558)

Loot Feral Urchin #3: ID #193153 | LD: 7+9=16 | CD: 12

T4 Rare Trinket [193153]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
7161 col (HP[620]*11 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

Most of the pack fell back, watching and jeering as their fellows continued the fight.  To Freyd, it was difficult to tell whether they were merely frightened or whether some sort of silent rule was being observed.  Was there honour in the kill?  More likely, Cardinal was simply imposing limits on the engagement.

They tried surrounding him.  Bad move.  Samael's Pride granted him longer reach than most people realized, and its innate power made even modest blows lethal.  Two of the urchins learned that lesson the hard way.  The third suffered a swift kick to the ribs followed by a crossing smite from his death stick that sent it reeling to the floor.  Jeering from the rest of the crowd fell silent as they watched their own get so thoroughly decimated.  They thought a prize had foolishly wandered into their midst.  Instead, realization was dawning that it was they who were in peril.

Spoiler

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

Post Action | Wallbreaker (0/3) (x15 AoE, 14 EN +2/hit): 20 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 17 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193154 | BD: 4+6=10 (hit).  DMG (15*26=390)
ID #193155 | BD: 6+6=12 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (15*42=630)
ID #193156 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +16).  DMG (15*44=660)

ID #193154 | MD: 9 (Crit +1). DMG (187-151=36)

Freyd | HP: 999/1035 (1035-36) | EN: 86/124 (99+4-17) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Feral Urchin #1 | HP: 230/620 | DMG 186 (620-390)
Feral Urchin #2 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (620-630)
Feral Urchin #4| HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (62-660)

Loot Feral Urchin #2: ID #193157 | LD: 20+9=29 | CD: 12

Demonic Shard
BID Dungeon Map [193157]
6510 col (HP[620]*10 - incl. +2 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Feral Urchin #4: ID #193158 | LD: 11+9=20 | CD: 7

T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [193158a]
T4 Perfect Trinket [193158b]
4 materials (+4 LD/CD odd)
3906 col (HP[620]*6 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

From beneath the cloak of his ever-present cowl, red eyes watched the lone survivor of the urchins' vanguard.  Hissing and spitting, it taunted and puffed up its chest trying to threaten him and embolden itself.  Freyd watch, coldly calculating its impending demise.  

"Come for it, already.  I'm right here, and there is only one way for this to end.  Don't needlessly drag it out."

A few feet away, the mob watched the partially concealed face beneath the hood ripple and shift in shadow to mirror its own.  Bloodshot eyes filled with rage and it launched itself forward.  Freyd countered with a lunge of his own, spearing the figure in the sternum with the tip of his staff.  It exploded in white brilliance as a bubble of force exploded from the point of contact and sent the mob flying backwards with so much force that it shattered on impact with its comrades.

Righting himself, the Whisper assumed a defensive stance as his face restored itself; the eyes still void of compassion or fear.

"Who's next?"

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Freyd regains +51 HP from BH
Odin's Wrath (CD 2/4)
Charge (CD 2/3)
Wallbreaker (1/3)

Post Action | Fling (0/2) (x16, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Stamina) = 10 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193159 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +16).  DMG (16*44=704)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 (999+51) | EN: 80/124 (86+4-10) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Feral Urchin #1 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (230-704)

Loot Feral Urchin #1: ID #193160 | LD: 3+9=12 | CD: 6

T4 Rare Weapon [193160a]
T4 Uncommon Consumable [193160b]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
5208 col (HP[620]*8 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

The balance of the group rushed forward and ran afoul a whirlwind of wrath and hunger as Samael's Pride battered and broke their charge.  None of the mobs fell, but all were left beaten down to yellow or red in their health bars, and none even managed to land a blow.  They regrouped and scattered back into a nearby corridor.  Freyd followed, slow and steady in his steps.  The mobs seemed disappointed, he noted, as if an hidden ace had turned out to be a card of far lesser value and their gambit had failed.

"We all know how this works.  At least face it head on.  Make Cardinal proud... or something."  An outstretched hand, covered in black leather, motioned for them to come at him.  If not, he'd come to them and end things just as swiftly.  Desperation filled the mobs faces.  Freyd didn't register their cherubic qualities, at all.  They were mobs: mobile loot boxes in a digital madhouse, just waiting to be opened and collected.  He knew full well that they would gut him, given the chance.  This was not a book cover that required reading ahead before judging.  They were both the enemy, and the prize.

***

BID Exploration roll: ID #193161 | LD: 2+5=7 (Nothing Happens)

Spoiler

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

Post Action | Double or Nothing (x13 AoE, 11 EN +2/hit): 19 EN - (Rested 1/2, Stamina) = 16 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193162 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +16).  DMG (13*44=572)
ID #193163 | BD: 4+6=10 (hit).  DMG (13*26=338)
ID #193164 | BD: 2+6=8 (hit).  DMG (13*26=338)
ID #193165 | BD: 7+6=13 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (13*42=546)

ID #193162 | MD: 8-3=5 (miss)
ID #193163 | MD: 7-3=4 (miss)
ID #193164 | MD: 6-3=3 (miss)
ID #193165 | MD: 4-3=1 (miss)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 68/124 (86+4-16) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Feral Urchin #5 | HP: 48/620 | DMG 186 (620-572)
Feral Urchin #6 | HP: 282/620 | DMG 186 (620-338)
Feral Urchin #7 | HP: 282/620 | DMG 186 (620-338)
Feral Urchin #8 | HP: 74/620 | DMG 186 (620-546)

 

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

Leaping in pairs and scrambling across the sidewalls wasn't quite what he'd expected.  It also forced him to choose one side at the expense of enabling the other to flee.  

"So be it."

Sliding left with the deftness of a shadow on smooth stone, a few swift strikes felled his opponents most effectively.  The other pair retreated to the doorway into this dead end room, where they seemed to thing that only two of them would somehow benefit from a more defensible position.  Freyd's eyes narrowed and his hood shook from side to side.  

"That won't be enough, boys, but nice try."  Montjoy rounded on them from the far side, even as Freyd closed the distance up front.  They were pinned in the trap, not realizing that only one opponent was true.  Flit and dart silently, as he was wont to do, Montjoy could harm and affect nothing.  He did make a wonderful source of distractions, though, as the mobs were too late to discover.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Odin's Wrath (CD 4/4)
Wallbreaker (3/3)
Fling (2/2) 
Double or Nothing (1/2)

Post Action | Wallbreaker (0/3) (x15 AoE, 14 EN +2/hit): 18 EN - (Rested 2/2, Stamina) = 15 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193166 | BD: 5+6=11 (hit).  DMG (15*26=390)
ID #193167 | BD: 1 (miss)
ID #193168 | BD: 6+6=12 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (15*42=630)
ID #193169 | BD: 1 (miss)

ID #193167 | MD: 2-3=(-1) (miss)
ID #193169 | MD: 7-3=4 (miss)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 57/124 (68+4-15) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Feral Urchin #5 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (48-390)
Feral Urchin #6 | HP: 282/620 | DMG 186 
Feral Urchin #7 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (282-630)
Feral Urchin #8 | HP: 74/620 | DMG 186 

Loot Feral Urchin #5: ID #193170 | LD: 5+9=14 | CD: 4

T4 Rare Trinket [193170]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
5208 col (HP[620]*8 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Feral Urchin #7: ID #193171 | LD: 15+9=24 | CD: 2

T4 Perfect Trinket [193171a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [193171b]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
3906 col (HP[620]*6 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

Dividing their precious attention, one urchin tried its luck against Freyd's double, only to realize the ruse.  The other moved forward to match him, toe to toe, and learned that hard way that it wasn't a good idea.  Some players, like Shield or Yuki, built up their strength to withstand such attacks, and willingly encouraged them.  Others, like Raidou, taunted their foes then frustrated them by their elusive absense.  Freyd took a simpler, more direct approach: if it came close, and it was hostile, he beat it to death.  Brutal honesty of purpose, he'd once called it.  The end results were no less lethal.  

Snaring the nearer urchin at the ankle, he had it spun ass-over-tea-kettle within an instant.  Its neck made a sickly crunching sound even as he crouched to deliver his death blow with the far side of the stick.  Screeching filled the air around them as the tip of the staff unfurled the holy seal of containment and let loose the void within.  A brief sound of shattering glass followed, muffled by the wailing of vacuum.  When it stopped, only one mob remained.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Double or Nothing (2/2)
Wallbreaker (1/3)

Post Action | Twister (0/2) (x10 AoE, 8 EN +2/hit): 10 EN - (Stamina) = 8 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193172 | BD: 1 (miss)
ID #193173 | BD: 8+6=14 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (10*42=420)

ID #193172 | MD: 4-3=1 (miss)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 53/124 (57+4-8) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Feral Urchin #6 | HP: 282/620 | DMG 186 
Feral Urchin #8 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (74-420)

Loot Feral Urchin #8: ID #193174 | LD: 3+9=12 | CD: 10

T4 Rare Armor/Shield [193174]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
6510 col (HP[620]*10 - incl. +2 from CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

Hissing at the shadow's deceit, that last mob turned to face the true threat, but too late to do anything about it.  Freyd grasped the weapon's shaft at equal spacing with both hands and smashed the mob hard in the face.  It crumpled to the ground, even as the imagined sounds of whistles rang in the Player's mind, and the prospect of a cross-checking penalty.  The tiniest hint of a smile curled the edges of his lips at the fragment of a long-lost life managing to reach him, even now.  It faded just as quickly.  

Spearing the prone pauper on the ground before him, he watched the last of its health bleed away.  The mob's form shattered into fractals and dust an instant later, and silence reigned once more in the Black Iron Dungeon.

"Huh.  And this was just the welcome wagon."  Returning to the main corridor, the Whisper scoured the scene for anything of value before delving deeper into the darkness of the depths.

Spoiler

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

Post Action | Ripple (0/2) (x14, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Stamina) = 10 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193175 | BD: 3+6=9 (hit). DMG (14*26=364)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 47/124 (53+4-10) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Feral Urchin #6 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (282-364)

Loot Feral Urchin #6: ID #193176 | LD: 6+9=15 | CD: 2

T4 Rare Trinket [193176]
6510 col (HP[620]*10 - incl. +4 from CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

For all of its scale and grandeur, most of the floor level was actually quite empty.  Freyd wandered aimlessly through identical halls, and was starting to wonder whether he was somehow looping around endlessly through some small subset of spaces.

"Some variation might be nice," he grumbled to Persi, how had emerged from her nesting place under his jacket.  Her sinuous mongoose body blended in subtly with the dim lighting and dark grey stone of the colonnaded halls and corridors.

"How can there be so little here?  It's almost like this place is unfinished, and yet Cardinal revealed its location with the latest patch."  Persi's blue eyes, with their horizontally slotted pupils, glanced at him with disinterest.  But they always did that.  His familiar's default modes was aloof, though even she seemed to tire of the repetition quickly.  It had not escaped notice that they hadn't encountered anyone else down here.  

Spoiler

rest 1/2
+4 EN
Wallbreaker (3/3)
Twister (2/2)
Ripple (1/2)

 

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

Not that Freyd had actually expected to.  While levels had been compressed, bumping more of the player base to front line capability, by their levels, few actually had the stats or gear yet to actually take on the more serious content.  This place supposedly qualified, though he wasn't all that certain why.  The assortment of monsters he'd encountered with Oscar and Shield, like the ones he'd just fought, were tough enough to give a raw bunch of tier four players a rough ride, but where were the bosses?  Where were the super-spikey meat bag mobs that hit like a fully loaded concrete truck hurtling down a hilly San Francisco sidestreet?  So far, there had been nothing like that.

Another side passage revealed itself, much like the one the urchins had drawn him into.  Just like the first, this one was also empty.

"I wonder what these are for," he said to Persi, who was too busy sniffing around to be bothered.

***

BID Exploration roll: ID #193177 | LD: 6+5=11 (Nothing Happens)

Spoiler

rest 2/2
EN Refreshed
Ripple (2/2)

 

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

They were considering calling it quits when they rounded the corner back into the mainline corridor, straight into a gaggle of humanoid mobs.  At first, Freyd thought they were some kind of shambling zombies.  Instead, it turned out that they were just super-grungy vagabonds who seemed to have become just as lost and turned around as Freyd had.  The mobs' surprise lingered longer and they wasted their response time on snarling and groaning, leaving him free to trigger the fray.  

Two went down with the first swipe, the bulk of their chest cavities disintegrated by the hungry staff's passage.  A fell prey to a holy proc the flung him against a far wall with enough force to leave an imprint in the stone before his avatar crumpled into fractals.  The last flailed helplessly, even as Freyd dodged and slapped him hard upside the back of the head for good measure.

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)
Free Action | None

ID #193178 | BD: 7+6-1=12 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +16). DMG (18*47=846)
ID #193179 | BD: 8+6-1=13 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +16). DMG (18*47=846)
ID #193180 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Charge, Holy +16).  DMG (18*49=882)
ID #193181 | BD: 2+6-1=7 (hit, Charge +5).  DMG (18*31=558)

ID #193181 | MD: 1 (miss)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 95/124 (124-21-8) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Vicious Vagrant #1 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (620-846)
Vicious Vagrant #2 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (620-846)
Vicious Vagrant #3 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (620-882)
Vicious Vagrant #4 | HP: 62/620 | DMG 186 (620-558)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #1: ID #193182 | LD: 15+9=24 | CD: 4

T4 Perfect Trinket [193182a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [193182b]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
5208 col (HP[620]*8 - incl. +2 from CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #2: ID #193183 | LD: 1+9=10 | CD: 3

T4 Uncommon Consumable [193183]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
3906 col (HP[620]*6 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #3: ID #193184 | LD: 9+9=18 | CD: 3

T4 Rare Consumable [193184a]
T4 Rare Weapon [193184b]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
3906 col (HP[620]*6 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

The group turned out to be much larger than Freyd first realized, as more emerged from around a nearby bend in the tunnel.  Slapping the knife away from the hands of the one he'd just flattened, a quick jab and flare of light finished him off with enough energy to light up everything within a hundred feet.  As the illumination dimmed, Freyd and his shadows went to work.  The brilliance had momentarily blinded the mobs and gave him enough time to set upon them with meticulous precision and fully-focused fury.  The void's maw opened in his grasp and he wielded it against his foes to devastating effect as three more mobs fell, their forms sundered in half by a single wide sweep that consumed them completely.  

The original burst had been enough to offer a glimpse of the pack's full size.  Freyd knew that more remained and moved to deal with the stragglers even as this group fell.

Spoiler

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

Post Action | Wallbreaker (0/3) (x15 AoE, 14 EN +2/hit): 22 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 19 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193185 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +16).  DMG (15*44=660)
ID #193186 | BD: 7+6=13 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (15*42=630)
ID #193187 | BD: 7+6=13 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (15*42=630)
ID #193188 | BD: 7+6=13 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (15*42=630)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 80/124 (95+4-19) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Vicious Vagrant #4 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (62-660)
Vicious Vagrant #5 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (620-630)
Vicious Vagrant #6 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (620-630)
Vicious Vagrant #7 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (620-630)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #4: ID #193189 | LD: 16+9=23 | CD: 3

T4 Perfect Trinket [193189a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [193189b]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
5208 col (HP[620]*8 - incl. +2 from LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #5: ID #193190 | LD: 5+9=14 | CD: 5

T4 Rare Weapon [193190a]
T4 Uncommon Consumable [193190b]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
3906 col (HP[620]*6 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #6: ID #193191 | LD: 4+9=13 | CD: 6

T4 Rare Weapon [193191a]
T4 Uncommon Consumable [193191b]
6510 col (HP[620]*10 - incl. +4 from CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #7: ID #193192 | LD: 13+9=22 | CD: 7

T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [193192a]
T4 Perfect Consumables [193192b]
T4 Perfect Consumables [193192c]
4 materials (+4 LD odd)
3906 col (HP[620]*6 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

One of the vagrants managed to injure Freyd's arm as he scrambled and danced between the other foes.  It was a minor wound, barely worthy of notice and set a measure for the capabilities of his enemies that did little to impress.  These mobs were not a threat - or at least, they were no more than those he'd encountered in countless grinding quests and missions prior to latest update.  More importantly, they dropped the gear that he and the rest of the player base required.  Sparse as the Black Iron Dungeon might be, at least it offered that as recompense.

The mobs were black and blue, metaphorically at least, by the time he'd finished his first round of blows.  Wobbling a bit, they were all in pretty bad shape and struggled to mount an effective threat against him.  Freyd's standard combat tactics basically brewed this sort of disoriented confusion, so, as far as he was concerned, everything was going to plan.

Spoiler

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

Post Action | Double or Nothing (x13 AoE, 11 EN +2/hit): 21 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 18 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193193 | BD: 9 (Crit +1, Holy +16(.  DMG (13*43=559)
ID #193194 | BD: 8+6=14 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (13*42=546)
ID #193195 | BD: 3+6=9 (hit).  DMG (13*26=338)
ID #193196 | BD: 3+6=9 (hit).  DMG (13*26=338)

ID #193193 | MD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (188-151=37)
ID #193194 | MD: 1 (miss)
ID #193195 | MD: 5-3=2 (miss)
ID #193196 | MD: 6-3=3 (miss)

Freyd | HP: 998/1035 (1035-37) | EN: 66/124 (80+4-18) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Vicious Vagrant #8 | HP: 61/620 | DMG 186 (620-559)
Vicious Vagrant #9 | HP: 74/620 | DMG 186 (620-546)
Vicious Vagrant #10 | HP: 282/620 | DMG 186 (620-338)
Vicious Vagrant #11 | HP: 282/620 | DMG 186 (620-338)

 

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

"Looks like we've stirred up the hornet's nest, Persi!"  More mobs raced to join the battle from all sides even as their brethren fell.  "Keep the ones at the rear occupied while I thin out their front ranks.  I'll be there in a jiffy."  His familiar's inky black form slunk down to the floor and darted off in a random direction.  He trusted her to know what she was doing.  The little creature had felled more than her fair share of field bosses and might be considered to be more dangerous than he was, at least by some standards of measure. 

The press of reinforcements made it hard to maneuver between the crush of deleterious odours that were his foes, and hampered his effectiveness.  Only one fell during his latest flurry, though the rest were hardly in the best of conditions.  Freyd forced himself to keep a watchful eye on his own energy as the fight progressed.  It fell too quickly for his liking, since 3.0 had appeared.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Freyd regains +51 HP from BH
Odin's Wrath (CD 3/4)
Charge (CD 3/3)
Wallbreaker (2/3)
Double or Nothing (1/2)

Post Action | Twister (0/2) (x10 AoE, 8 EN +2/hit): 16 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 13 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193197 | BD: 1 (miss)
ID #193198 | BD: 4+6=10 (hit).  DMG (10*26=260)
ID #193199 | BD: 2+6=8 (hit).  DMG (10*26=260)
ID #193200 | BD: 1 (miss)

ID #193197 | MD: 8-3=5 (miss)
ID #193198 | MD: 2-3=(-1) (miss)
ID #193199 | MD: 7-3=4 (miss)
ID #193200 | MD: 6-3=3 (miss)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 (998+51) | EN: 57/124 (66+4-13) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Vicious Vagrant #8 | HP: 61/620 | DMG 186 
Vicious Vagrant #9 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (74-260)
Vicious Vagrant #10 | HP: 22/620 | DMG 186 (282-260)
Vicious Vagrant #11 | HP: 282/620 | DMG 186 

Loot Vicious Vagrant #9: ID #193201 | LD: 11+9=20 | CD: 1

T4 Perfect Consumable [193201a]
T4 Rare Trinket [193201b]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
3906 col (HP[620]*6 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

Persi managed to force the rest of the mobs back into another one of the dead end side passages.  This one finally revealed its purpose.  Sitting on a slightly raised stone dais was an incredibly ornate chest, the likes of which Freyd had never seen before.  Bejeweled and bedazzled, it looked like an entire classroom of third grade girls had gone to town on the exterior and added so much shine to it that you couldn't bear to gaze at it directly.  He wasn't quite sure where the source of reflected light was coming from, but it was nearly blinding.

Beating down two more vagrants, their numbers were drastically dwindled and it was becoming obvious that this fight was heading into mop-up mode.  Freyd's curiosity had been piqued, and though Montjoy whispered of danger in his mind, he had to see whether there was truly anything worth finding down here.

***

BID Exploration roll: ID #193202 | LD: 17+5=22 (Chest Found) - must finish combat before opening.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Odin's Wrath (CD 4/4)
Wallbreaker (3/3)
Double or Nothing (2/2)
Twister (1/2) 

Post Action | Sweep (0/2) (x5 AoE,  EN +2/hit): 11 EN - (Stamina) = 9 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193203 | BD: 7+6=14 (hit, Fallen +16). DMG (5*42=210)
ID #193204 | BD: 3+6=9 (hit).  DMG (5*26=130)
ID #193205 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +16).  DMG (5*44=220)

ID #193205 | BD: 10 (Crit +2)  DMG (188-151=37)

Freyd | HP: 998/1035 (1035-37) | EN: 52/124 (57+4-9) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Vicious Vagrant #8 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (61-210)
Vicious Vagrant #10 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (22-130)
Vicious Vagrant #11 | HP: 62/620 | DMG 186 (282-220)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #8: ID #193206 | LD: 5+9=14 | CD: 8

T4 Rare Weapon [193206a]
T4 Uncommon Consumable [193206b]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
5208 col (HP[620]*8 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #10: ID #193207 | LD: 1+9=10 | CD: 10

T4 Uncommon Consumable [193207]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
5208 col (HP[620]*8 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

It came down to the last four, at last.  The crackling fracture of digital mesh mixed with the screams of the void as two were consumed outright in Freyd's next flurry.  The last two suffered nearly as badly and fell back to the dais as if it might offer them sort form of respite.  Freyd was only too eager to pursue them.  One, wielding a rather rusty-looking axe, managed to nip at his leg while he was distracted against the other, but it was hardly a deterrence.  Freyd barely felt the cut at all, even as he hunted the other mob around the chest.  

Persi bit deep into the calf of the one that had damaged her 'lummocks', darting away before the mob could retaliate, or even figure out the source of its injury.  They were both on their last legs, and looking frail and fearful as shadows gathered around them for the kill.  Hubris and ambition were stirring in Freyd's heart, as karma prepared to deliver revenge for hundreds of fell mobs, all downed in the name of need and greed.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Freyd regains +51 HP from BH
Twister (2/2) 
Sweep (1/2) 

Post Action | Odin's Wrath (CD 0/4) (x18 AoE, 16 EN +2/hit): 24 EN - (Stamina) = 22 EN.  Charge (CD 0/3) (8 EN)
Free Action | None

ID #193401 | BD: 8+6=14 (hit, Charge +5, Fallen +16).  DMG (18*47=846)
ID #193402 | BD: 4+6=10 (hit, Charge +5). DMG (18*31=558)
ID #193403 | BD: 9 (Crit +1, Charge +5, Holy +16).  DMG (18*48=864)
ID #193404 | BD: 4+6=10 (hit, Charge +5). DMG (18*31=558)

ID #193402 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (187-151=36)
ID #193404 | BD: 6-3=3 (miss)

Freyd | HP: 999/1035 (998+51 [cap]-36) | EN: 26/124 (52+4-22-8) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Vicious Vagrant #11 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (62-846)
Vicious Vagrant #12 | HP: 62/620 | DMG 186 (620-558)
Vicious Vagrant #13 | HP: 0/620 | DMG 186 (620-864)
Vicious Vagrant #14 | HP: 62/620 | DMG 186 (620-558)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #11: ID #193405 | LD: 3+9=12 | CD: 7

T4 Rare Weapon [193405a]
T4 Uncommon Consumable [193405b]
4 materials (+2 CD/LD odd)
3906 col (HP[620]*6 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #13: ID #193406 | LD: 19+9=28 | CD: 10

Demonic Shard
BID Dungeon Map [193406]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
5208 col (HP[620]*8 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 22, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

Sliding his staff between the legs of the nearest mob, Freyd tumbled past him and snapped his improvised lever to send him toppling down the dais, where Persi finished him off.  The last remaining mob, his tattered clothing hinting at a passed fall from grace and wealthier fortunes, threw himself against his assailant with reckless abandon.  It was a move born of desperation, and ended about as well as could be expected. 

The last of the lingering blue motes of light faded moments later as Freyd moved to inspect the chest more closely.  It looked too good to be true, which probably meant that it was.  Unfortunately, he also knew from experience that these things vanished if you didn't act quickly to open them.  Glancing at his energy reserves, it didn't take much processing to figure out that they were too low for comfort.  Naturally, the expiration timer on the chest popped up at exactly that moment.

"Damn." 

Montjoy shook his head negatively, warning him not to do it.

"Only one way to know if it's worth it."

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Freyd regains +51 HP from BH
Sweep (CD 2/2)
Odin's Wrath (CD 1/4)
Charge (CD 1/3)

Post Action | Twister (0/2) (x10 AoE, 8 EN +2/hit): 12 EN - (Stamina) = 10 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #193459 | BD: 3+6=9 (hit).  DMG (10*26=260)
ID #193460 | BD: 3+6=9 (hit).  DMG (10*26=260)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 (998+51 [cap]) | EN: 20/124 (26+4-10) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Vicious Vagrant #12 | HP: 62/620 | DMG 186 (62-260)
Vicious Vagrant #14 | HP: 62/620 | DMG 186 (62-260)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #12: ID #193461 | LD: 1+9=10 | CD: 1

T4 Uncommon Consumable [193461]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
3906 col (HP[620]*6 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Vicious Vagrant #14: ID #193462 | LD: 18+9=27 | CD: 10

Demonic Shard
BID Dungeon Map [193462]
6510 col (HP[620]*10 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Edited May 23, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

His finger barely made contact with the surface of the gleaming chest before it pulsed with blinding brilliance.  Sadly, it was to reveal a triumphant treasure hoard within.  When Freyd's sight returned, the chest was gone.  So was the exit and any other for escape.  The three remaining walls receded to reveal a host of nasty kobolds numbering more than enough to be cause for concern.  They also looked a lot meaner and more certain of themselves than the previous mobs had.

Maeve would be be very disappointed in you right now, let alone what Quip will do if she ever hears of this.

Freyd pursed his lips and swallowed both pride and anger.  This was not the time for either.  No energy, badly outnumbered, and with no way out, things had rarely looked quite this bad.  Gripping his weapon tightly, Freyd pursued the only option left available to him: fight.
 

Spoiler

Post Action | Open BID Dungeon Chest: ID #193463 (CD 3 = chest empty, 10 enemies spawn)
Free Action | None

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 24/124 (20+4) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Rest 1/2 (+4 EN)
Odin's Wrath (CD 2/4)
Charge (CD 2/3)
Twister (CD 1/2)

 

Edited May 23, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

Darkness pulsed in a wave from the centre of the room as Freyd's form was sundered and multiple copies split from the original.  They rushed in every direction just as Persi pooled as widely as she could at their feet to snare and harry the remaining mobs.  He knew that his only option was to buy time enough for his resources to recover, then whittle them down slowly but steadily in the most efficient manner as possible.

It was a good strategy, but got off to a bad start when all ten mobs rushed him at once.  He couldn't afford to waste effort by missing, yet there were too many, and they moved too quickly to keep tabs on them all.

"Okay.  So, right now, I really wish that Shield was here."

Freyd could almost hear the man's barrel-chested laughter.  The legendary tank excelled at crowd control and could take punches and blows better than anyone he knew.  There was no denying that utility, though it seemed wasted on letter mobs.  Shield would often be standing still, watching his enemies wail ineffectively at and around him without the decency to hit him and suffer for it.

It's time to learn the price of running solo, Freyd.  Remember this, if you survive.

Vanity Tag: @Shield

Spoiler

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

Post Action | Wallbreaker (CD 0/3) (x15 AoE, +2/hit): 19 EN - (Rested 1/2, Stamina): 16 EN
Free Action | Shades of the Gemini (CD 0/2)

ID #193679 | BD: 2+6=8 (hit).  DMG (15*26=390)
ID #193680 | BD: 7+6=13 (hit, Fallen +16). DMG (15*42=630)
ID #193681 | BD: 1 (miss)
ID #193682 | BD: 1 (miss)

ID #193679 | MD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (242-151=91)
ID #193680 | MD: 3-4=(-1) (miss)
ID #193681 | MD: 6-4=2 (miss)
ID #193682 | MD: 7-4=3 (miss)
ID #193683 | MD: 5-4=1 (miss)
ID #193684 | MD: 9-4=5 (miss) - Crit negated by Disguise/Shades of the Gemini
ID #193685 | MD: 2-4=(-2) (miss)
ID #193686 | MD: 9-4=5 (miss) - Crit negated by Disguise/Shades of the Gemini
ID #193687 | MD: 1-4=(-3) (miss)
ID #193688 | MD:9-4=5 (miss) - Crit negated by Disguise/Shades of the Gemini

Freyd | HP: 944/1035 (1035-91) | EN: 12/124 (24+4-16) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 (+1) | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Nasty Kobold #1 | HP: 410/800 | DMG: 240 (800-390)
Nasty Kobold #2 | HP: 170/800 | DMG: 240 (800-630)
Nasty Kobold #3 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #4 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #5 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #6 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #7 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #8 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #9 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #10 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240

 

Edited May 23, 2021 by Freyd

[Freyd 0]

His resources depleted, there was only one option remaining, though it smacked of a degree of desperation that he hated to admit.  Standing still, atop the dais, Freyd settled into a defensive stance with his weapon held loosely before him.  His posture relaxed despite the overbearing sense of danger washing over him and the screaming animal brain inside telling him to fight.  He'd spent his life learning to suppress and govern that voice.  It would not master him now.  

Reaching back to the pond on floor six where he'd once faced his demons, Freyd focused on the sense of peace and harmony that had finally been his at the culmination of that vision.  It had rebalanced his soul between the dominance of the fortress-machine mind meant to protect it and the human child struggling to emerge from its depths.  He needed that strength now.  

The kobolds rushed his like a pack of wild dogs, yipping, snapping and stabbing with their deceptively deadly sticks.  Eyes still closed, Freyd twisted and turned, relying on his other senses to track and react threats as needed.  All four of his shadows converged upon his true self, cloaking him in false figures that deceived his assailants into striking nothing but air.  Unable to witness the scene himself, Freyd imagined it like watching Neo dodge bullets in the matrix.  They all missed.

Opening his eyes, feeling his energy return, he was amazed.  The kobold likewise stood agog.  Freyd turned to look behind him, only to see another chest appear where the first one has set off this nightmare.

"Seriously?!  You have to be shitting me."

***

BID Exploration roll: ID #193678 | LD: 20+5=25 (Chest Found) - must finish combat before opening.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
Freyd regains +51 HP from BH
Odin's Wrath (CD 4/4)
Wallbreaker (CD 1/3)
Shades of the Gemini (CD 1/2)

Post Action | Meditation (CD 0/3) +16 EN
Free Action | None

ID #193690 | MD: 7-3=4 (miss)
ID #193691 | MD: 4-3=1 (miss)
ID #193692 | MD: 2-3=(-1) (miss)
ID #193693 | MD: 1 (miss)
ID #193694 | MD: 4-3=1 (miss)
ID #193695 | MD: 3-3=0 (miss)
ID #193696 | MD: 2-3=(-1) (miss)
ID #193697 | MD: 3-3=0 (miss)
ID #193698 | MD: 5-3=2 (miss)
ID #193699 | MD: 4-3=1 (miss)

Freyd | HP: 995/1035 (944+51) | EN: 32/124 (12+4+16) | DMG: 26 | MIT: 151 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 6 | BH: 51 | LD: 9 | PROSP 3 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16

Nasty Kobold #1 | HP: 410/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #2 | HP: 170/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #3 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #4 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #5 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #6 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #7 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #8 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #9 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240
Nasty Kobold #10 | HP: 800/800 | DMG: 240

 

Edited May 23, 2021 by Freyd