[PP-PT-F5~F23] Diamond in the Rough <<Arabian Nights: First of Many>>

[Hirru 0]

Diamond in the Rough
<<Arabian Nights: First of Many>>

Tales tell of a dungeon that no one else can find, not even the luckiest of players were ever able to find the Cave of Wonders.  However, it seemed that an NPC by the name of Ali would have the location, and would be willing to give it away too, if one can get his dumb horse of a brother, Cassim, out of a predicament.  Although the hunter didn't like the fact that there was something that even he couldn't find, he was still up for some roughhousing to get his blood going.  Stepping into the alleged bar that housed the famed Ali, the hunter would soon be assailed by a rather sorrowfully drunken man.  He looks at Hirru with wistful eyes, seeking an ear to bend.  The hunter would easily oblige, even if he had heard enough from such quest givers, he was still entranced by some stories.  

"Did you get all that?  Get me my brother, and I'll give you your reward!"

"Sounds a little too good to be true, but I'll go with it."

After agreeing to the terms, the hunter reviewed the quest and the information for the next two in this quest line.  It seemed to get exponentially harder with each quest ending in a near guardian level boss fight on the last quest.  He would need powerful help.

Quote

Message sent!

To: @Freyd

From: Hirru

Hello, do you mind helping out with the Arabian questline?  You probably have more knowledge on this one than the last, which could help immensely.

We could also look for dungeons or floor bosses to better gain from this event.

 

--------------------------------------

That was how the hunter found himself crouched by a dune in the 5th floor's desert.  Nearby a cavern of ruins that seemed well lived in, called to him by his quest guide point.  This was where Cassim was, surely.  He munched on his rations and washed it all down with a thorny potion.  It wasn't much, but it was all he could afford right now.

Consumables used: Field Rations +86 HP, Immolation Potion +30 Thorns

Quest Info

Spoiler

Floor 5
<<Arabian Nights: The First of Many>>
Party Limit: 4 | 20+ Posts
Repeatable for standard thread rewards

Quest Rewards:

• 500 Experience Points
• 15,000 col
• POTENTIAL REWARD:
  • Dungeon Map: Cave of Wonders (each) - only if Cassim or his ring are returned to Ali
    • This map may only be opened on floors below Floor 50 (and only for floors that have so far been explored)
    • For the duration of this dungeon, all players will receive a +2 LD that stacks with on top of their LD values. This +2 LD bonus takes effect when rolling for loot on monsters and when rolling on the LD table for the dungeon reward. 
    • All players also receive +50% col obtained at the end of this dungeon.
• POTENTIAL REWARD:
  • Cassim’s Ring
    • TIER 1 DEMONIC JEWELRY: Prosperity 3 | LD 1
    • Only the player who kills Cassim gains this item, and only if it is not returned to Ali.
• Unlocks <<Arabian Nights: Unfinished Business>> quest

Requirements:

• Roleplay entering the bandit stronghold.
• Choose one option to retrieve Cassim: Bribery, Combate Route or Stealth Route.
• Roleplay meeting Cassim.
• Roleplay returning to Ali.
• The thread summary must clearly state whether or not Cassim survived.

Summary:

The Cave of Wonders was once but a legend -- that is, until word spread around Aincrad that such a locale actually exists, seen with a handful of players' very own eyes. Information trickles in that a man by the name of Ali would lead others there, on the condition that they retrieve his brother first and foremost, having been stolen away for extortion of valuable information.

You meet the sorrowful man at a tavern in Fortazela, and he digs into discussions in a heartbeat. 'A couple of words' he offers, as his levy for the arrangement before the parties leave. With that knowledge and a bit of searching, the NPC believes that anyone would be able to find the mythical cavern. "But I'll hand it to you on a golden platter," he barters. "You know of familial bonds by now, I'm sure. Cassim is worth more than wealth."

True to the quest log’s words, there stands a bandit fortress in the middle of the desert, half-built into the depths of a shallow cavern. It appears well-guarded and excessively furnished; at least now oncoming adventurers know of why these fiends may need the funds. But with lodgings like these out in the wild that haven't seen a mark of shamble, might it be that the bandits pose more of a territorial threat than initially perceived?

Outline:

PART I | GETTING BACK CASSIM

Players will be directed towards the bandit fortress, facing up against a stronghold's worth of opponents. They are offered multiple options to retrieve Cassim. The party as a whole must pick one:

Bribery

  Reveal hidden contents

Stealth

  Reveal hidden contents

Combat

  Hide contents

Be advised that during this segment, rolls for enhancement CD procs must be made separately from each player's attack rolls. Rolls for bandits must also be made separately.

A stronghold worth of opponents will not be easy to take down. For each player present, 2 bandits are added to the combat queue. Players must deplete the entire queue of bandits to be able to progress from this section.

During combat, for any attack rolls made against the bandits, a CD9+ will indicate a bandit reinforcement to be added to the fight. Should combat already be filled with 4 opposing bandits, these reinforcements will be queued, due to be spawned in at the next available vacancy.  If bandit reinforcements are queued for arrival, the party will not be able to rest.

The total number of bandits to be fought, including reinforcements, need not exceed 10. Should the bandits fall in range of the party’s loot minimum, players may roll for loot (with DMG calculated as the maximum raw damage the mob can inflict with their most powerful Sword Art).

- - - - -

PART II | RETURNING TO ALI

With Cassim now under the players' care, the party is offered two options. The party as a whole must pick one:

Keep Cassim alive

  Hide contents

As expected of players to accomplish.  Players can roleplay the way back to Ali with Cassim by their side. Bear in mind that Cassim does not know of the Cave of Wonders nor its whereabouts.

Kill Cassim

  Hide contents

Cardinal won't ask questions. Ali will, however.  Only one player may be designated the task of slaying Cassim. This player will gain a ring that Cassim carries. Killing Cassim will take a post action, but no rolls are required.

NPCs:

<<Ali>>

The secret-keeper to the location of the Cave of Wonders. Soft spoken and gracious with his words and actions.

<<Cassim>>

Ali’s older brother; a tad on edge from his kidnapping, but nonetheless compliant, respectful and curt.

---

Enemies:

<<Arabian Bandit>>

Vicious, powerful -- anonymous. Each individual face is lost to the wind, the unit acting as but a pawn to the whole.

HP: 250/250 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1
This mob uses its own BD roll when attacking.

Abilities:

Sword Arts | This enemy uses Sword Arts. Look to the table below to determine the art they use in battle. 

• The sword arts used by this enemy are affected by cooldowns. These cooldowns will hence be affected by [Delay]. Refer to the resources list [here] to view each art’s respective cooldowns. Should an Art be on cooldown, the list cycles upwards until a Sword Art is found to be available for use.
  
  Examples: 
  • [Dimension Stampede] is on cooldown, but [Vent Forth] is not. The enemy uses [Vent Forth].
  • [Dancing Spear] is on cooldown, and so is [Divide], but [Heft] is not. The enemy uses [Heft].
     
• Please state the bandit’s weapon type alongside their names in the die roller.
   

Conditions		Weapon Type
BD	CD	Curved Sword	Javelin	2H Assault Spear
- - -		[x5] Bear Knock	[x6] Furious Spike	[x5] Heft
[1 - 8]	[1 - 4]	[x9] Meteor Fall	[x9] Tribal Fury	[x12 Focus] Divide
[1 - 8]	[5 - 8]	[x9 Focus] Lasting Chopper	[x11 Focus] Gungnir	[x13] Dancing Spear
[1 - 8]	[9 - 12]	[x11] Dancing Hellraiser	[x12] Arahabaki	[x15] Imperial Southern Cross
[9 - 10]	[1 - 6]	[x11 AoE] Butterfly Illusion	[x10 Delay] Dragonfly Cutter	[x14 Delay] Vent Forth
[9 - 10]	[7 - 12]	[x13 AoE] Legion Destroyer	[x14] Merciless Fury	[x16] Dimension Stampede

 

Hirru Stats (After Consumables)

Spoiler

Hirru Lvl 31 (PL 26)
[H:0]<<Hirru>>  HP:806/806 | EN:110/110 | DMG: 23 | Mit: 107 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 1 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

806 HP (+100 PL)
110 Energy (+10 PL)
5 Accuracy
1 Evasion
5 Luck (8 w/ Favor | 11 w/ Favor Dungeon roll)
23 Base Damage [28 w/ Charge]
107 Mitigation
30 Thorns
1 Paralysis
32 Envenom 

Equipment

Shelob's Fang ...................... // +1 Accuracy, +1 Paralysis, +32 Envenom
Spirit of the Jade Dragon .......... // +2 Accuracy, +1 Evasion
Bulwark ............................ // +72 Mitigation
Blades Cloak ....................... // Vanity
Lun'Rael's Insignia ................ // Unique Vanity | 
Dimensional Backpack ............... // +1 B.R.I Slot

Battle Ready Inventory

<Teleportation Crystal> x1 ......... // Teleport to a town / out of a dungeon [Uses 2 posts: 1 for use, next to teleport]
<Betrayal of the Last Knight> ...... // +12 Damage
<Favor of the Golden Dragon> ....... // +3 Luck Die
<Rush Bar> ......................... // +12 EN
<Potion of Moderate Healing> ....... // +10% Health Recovery
<Lucky Tart> ....................... // +1 LD

Skills

Two Handed Straight Sword .......... // Rank 5: +7 DMG (Event Unlocked: New Combat System)
Heavy Armor ........................ // Rank 5: +35 MIT
Search and Detect .................. // Rank 5: +5 LD | +5 Stealth Detect
Charge ............................. // Rank ?: +5 DMG on successful first strike / -1 ACC / -5 EN / 5 turn CD
Energist ........................... // Rank ?: +20 EN
Combat Mastery: Damage ............. // Rank 3: +12 DMG
Lockpicking ........................ // Rank 3: +3 LD on chests

Extra Skills (Max 4)
Martial Arts ....................... // Rank 0: Unlocked Teck-F SA
Concentration ...................... // +1 to your BD / 5 turn cooldown / -5 EN / 5 turn CD
Survival ........................... // Heal 44 HP when out of battle each post / Negate environmental damage
Shatter ............................ // On hit, negate 15 Mit before dmg calc / -5 EN / 2 turn CD  Unlocked Tech-D SA

Skill Mods (Max 5)

Reveal (Add on)..................... // +2 to Labyrinth searches|Post 15 searchs
Dismantling (Add on) ............... // +2 LD on chests
Detect ............................. // +1 to Labyrinth searches| +2 Stealth Detect
Impetus ............................ // +1 Dmg
THSS Ferocity ...................... // +2 Dmg to all THSS Sword Arts (Event Addon)
THSS Stamina ....................... // -2 EN to all THSS Sword Arts (Event Addon)
Precision .......................... // +2 ACC to all Straight Sword Arts (Event Addon)
Focus .............................. // -1 crit threshold / -1 DoT threshold

Event Notes:
Weapon = Straight Sword (2H) 5 ranks
Shift = AOE Specialist (+4 Multiplier & +2 EN for AOE I & AOE II
Addons = Ferocity, Focus, Precision, & Stamina
Collected SA = Tech-D & Tech-F

 

Edited July 4, 2021 by Hirru

[Freyd 0]

"Hrmmm?"  Freyd was in the middle of working to identify a man-height pile of doodads collected during his latest outing when a message notification popped up.  

"I thought I turned those off," he muttered, wiping a bit of bleary out his eyes with the back of his hands.  The other was already flying through the interface, searching through menus to disable the annoyance.

"Wait.  What?  Who?"  Read through squinted lids, the crimson orbs refused in order to actually process the details.

"Hirru?  Huh.  Interesting.  That guy was a half-decent fighter.  Had spirit too."  Pausing, he looked back at the mound of pending work still on his desk and turned to Dingo, his assistant, who had long ago fallen asleep at his own bench.  "I swear, that boy spends more time sleeping than awake."  

Scrawling a quick note, he shuffled over and pinned it through Dingo's shirt, affixing him to the table.  

"Serves him right," he thought, flipping his cowl back up as the stepped out towards the street and turned in the direction of the portal.

---

Fortaleza still wasn't much to look at.  Funny how some places changed after the update, and this shithole still stank of desperation.  

"Hold on... Arabian?"  Freyd still wasn't quite awake.  "Awww crap."  His palm slammed into his forehead, unleashing a reminiscent groan.  "This means having to deal with those two damned crooks again."  It was probably a good thing that he hadn't realized it prior to his arrival.  Ali and Cassim had caused him grief in the past.  Grumbling to himself as he passed beneath the sandstone arches of at the gates, Freyd wandered towards the familiar camp site where the bandits and abandoned dumbass would be waiting.  It didn't take long to get there.

Making no effort to conceal his approach, Freyd jogged slowly over sandy ridges and low outcroppings of stone.  He'd spotted Hirru laying in wait for his arrival.  A quick two-fingered salute kept words to a minimum, even as he summoned a pair of strange, miasmic clouds around both gloved hands.  No other signs of a weapon were apparent.  A partial feast of creme brulee appeared on the sands between them.

"Come on.  Have a bite of this, then let's crack some skulls.  Thanks for the invite, by the way."  He managed a small smile before cramming his face full of dessert.

***

Feast - Accuracy 2 [4/6] https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20145-special-dungeonnorsing-around/?do=findComment&comment=642454

Freyd consumes 1 portion.  Filled.

 

Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 124/124 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 78 | ACC: 8 (inc. AA) | BH: 45 | LD: 5 | Static: 1 | Frostbite: 1 | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8        

Spoiler

Freyd,
Level: 31
Paragon Level: 61
HP: 900/900 (+135)
EN: 124/124

Stats:
Damage: 24
Mitigation: 78 
Accuracy: 4 (+3+1)
Evasion: 0 
Battle Healing: 45 (+6)
Loot Dice: 5 
Static 1
Frostbite 1
PARA IMMUNE
REC: 8

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: The Thing Behind All Lies (T4-WH, AA, Static 1, Frostbite 1)
Armor: Fallen Angel Garb (T4 LA, MIT 2, REC 2)
Misc: The Shadowed Rose (T3-Trinket, ACC 3, Para Imm)

Skills:
War Hammer R5 (+Ferocity +Stamina +Precision +Focus)
Light Armor R5
Searching R5
Battle Healing R5
Charge
Energist
Extended Weight Limit
Charge
Extended Mod Limit

Active Mods:
Large Pockets
Meticulous
Resolve

Inactive Mods:

Active Extra Skills:
Disguise (+Shades of the Gemini)
Survival
Meditation
Shatter

Inactive Extra Skills:
Forgotten King’s Authority
Brawler

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystals: 15
Mass HP Rec [Instant] (+30*Tier HP): 5
Antidote 3: 5
Golden Key (+2 LD to open chests): 15
Perfect HP Rec (+15% of max hp): 15
Lullaby 2 [Instant]: 1
Crystal of Divine Light (Free, Instant [after roll], +1 slot of holy/fallen, double dmg next turn): 1
Rhino's Horn (Free, Instant [after roll], +3 DMG to one hit, -1 EVA for battle): 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.
Master Angler: +1 CD/LD for fishing.  +2 Fishing EXP per attempt
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:
Kamutetsu: +1 DMG for a thread

Wedding Ring: n/a
 
 

                                
                                        
                                        
                                        

[Hirru 0]

Hirru was glad to see that Freyd would come without hesitation, at least, as fast as one can travel across a desert full of twisting sands and harsh weather.  The hunter would nod to the fellow adventurer, giving his green hair a little shake in the wind.  He wasn't wearing his red cloak this time.  Only his red armor and clothes, while Fang hung upon his hip.  Quite contrasting colors upon the beige and browns that mesh in the sands.  What was quite contrasting though, was the splendid little dessert that appeared in the desert, which Freyd had brought out for Hirru to take part in.  The hunter wouldn't bat at eye at a gift, and took a part of the Crème Brulee. 

"Thank you!  I haven't had a proper buff in some time."

He felt that his senses were slightly sharper, he could probably cut a grain of sand in half.  Of course, that was an exaggeration, and a two handed straight sword probably couldn't do that with its large blade, but that was two separate thought processes.

Hirru would draw Fang and look towards Freyd.

"Let's beat some bandits."

Consumable feast portion 3/6 used -> +2 ACC

[H:0]<<Hirru>>  HP:806/806 | EN:110/110 | DMG: 23 | Mit: 107 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 1 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

[Freyd 0]

"Unless things have changed, this isn't likely to be too much of a contest.  These mobs were pretty squishy, as I recall."  He gestured over the rise, suggesting that Hirru should lead the charge.  "You might as well go first.  I doubt if they'll last against either one of us.  You go in.  I'll keep any stragglers occupied while you deal with Cassim.  I've already done the quest, though not since the update dropped.  I guess we should both watch for any potential surprises."

Clenching his fists, the dark blue-black mists swirling around each hand stretched out and linked like a long, linear cloud and became a staff of dark something that looked like it had frozen lightning stuck inside.  

"Yeah.  I know.  It's kinda weird, but it does the job surprisingly well.  If you're ever looking for some upgraded gear, let me know.  I have a ton of stuff just laying about the shop that should probably be put to better use."

 

[Hirru 0]

"It's fancier than this one here.  Fang does suit a nice niche, if it ever actually worked!"

He nodded to his side, which carried the sheathed Shelob's Fang.  His jade green hair fluttered slightly before settling once more, as he pat the sword's pommel.  The sword was okay, but the issue came from it's one enhancement of acc, which Hirru needed.  As a scout, he had to rush through mobs as quickly as possible, while keeping himself safe.  That was why he carried Spirit of the Jade Dragon, a two ACC one EVA trinket.  Although it wasn't much against bosses, it was perfect for regular mobs here and there.  These bandits should be no exception.

"Though, I'll take you up on your offer some time.  Trying to appraise my own gear is a gamble that is heavily lost."

With that said, the hunter rolled out of the cover of the dune, and raced into the building.  There were a few bandits that seemed to take notice of the hunter, but he wasn't going to let them continue on soon enough.  Hirru ripped the first four through with a sweeping flurry of side cuts.  Some seemed to actually become paralyzed for a second, but they died before it was needed.  The other two had enough breath left to call for help.  The hunter would turn his head, yelling behind them.

"You're right!  These ones are not too bad.  Maybe next quest they'll be better."

Spoiler

AOE-I vs A.Bandit 1~4 (-19 EN)

[ID: 197007] [BD: 8+7-1] Focus Crit +1 24x15= 360-25= 335 Dmg + 32 Envenom + Paralyze
[ID: 197008] [BD: 6+7-1] Hit 23x15= 345-25= 320 Dmg [CD: 9] +1 Bandit Reinforcement
[ID: 197009] [BD: 2+7-1] Hit 23x15= 345-25= 320 Dmg [CD: 9] +1 Bandit Reinforcement
[ID: 197010] [BD: 8+7-1] Focus Crit +1 24x15= 360-25= 335 Dmg + 32 Envenom + Paralyze

[H:0]<<Hirru>>  HP:806/806 | EN:91/110 | DMG: 23 | Mit: 107 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 1 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

Arabian Bandit 1 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1
Arabian Bandit 2 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1
Arabian Bandit 3 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1
Arabian Bandit 4 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1

Next Wave
Arabian Bandit 5 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1
Arabian Bandit 6 | HP: 250/250 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1

 

Edited July 3, 2021 by Hirru

[Freyd 0]

Two more brigands rounded the corner of the building upon hearing the clash of steel and shouted warnings from within the isolated hut that served as their paltry hideout.  Freyd kept wondering where they got the water to make and mix the mud required to make the brick.  Cassim and Ali had probably sold it to them, no doubt spurring the disupte which he and Hirru were now resolving.  It was safe to say that his past dealings had soured his opinion of the two men, who seemed to survive and thrive by ridiculously good fortune and charm, which irked his sense of preparation and functionality to no end.

Leaping high to place the sun at his back, the bandits' would-be cavalry barely had time to look up and wince before both shattered into puffs of broken fractals.  Scanning their surroundings again for good measure, Freyd stuck his head inside to check on his companion.

"Looks like everything is clear, for the moment."  He glowered at the bound merchant who looked simultaneously relieved at his rescue, and terrified that another pair of even swindled customers had come to claim an even darker vengeance.

"Hi Cassim.  Long time no see."  A few wiggled fingers married to a cold and brooding tone cause the skittish NPC to pee himself on the spot.  

"Cut him loose.  I'll watch out backs.  And for goodness sake, please don't agree to anything he says."

Spoiler

Post Action | AOE-I (x15 AoE, 11 EN +2/hit, +2 Shift): 17 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 14 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #197011 | BD: 1+8-1=8 (hit).  DMG (15*24=360-25=335) - CD: 8
ID #197012 | BD: 3+8-1=10(hit).  DMG (15*24=360-25=335) - CD: 4

Hirru | HP:806/806 | EN:91/110 | DMG: 23 | Mit: 107 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 1 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32
Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 110/124 (124-14) | DMG: 24 | MIT: 78 | ACC: 8 (inc. AA) | BH: 45 | LD: 5 | Static: 1 | Frostbite: 1 | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8   

Arabian Bandit 5 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (250-335)
Arabian Bandit 6 | HP: 0/250 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (250-335)

 

[Hirru 0]

It seemed that they took care of all of the bandits for now, and all that was left was to get the brother back to Ali.  It would be rather simple, the hunter thought.  Just trekking back through the desert, back to Fortaleza, and presenting the brother back to Ali.  Afterwards, a new dungeon would be available to him.  He could also look into a dungeon nearby, or move to a new floor to look there.  Maybe look into bursting down some floor bosses.  With that in mind, the hunter switched out his Bulwark Armor for his near matching trinket, Favor of the Golden Dragon.  The silver and gold bangles that represented his Spirit and Favor respectively seemed to really catch the thief's attention.

When the hunter moved around to cut the bindings from Cassim, the man instantly turned around to Hirru.  Grabbing the hunter around the wrists, before Hirru could pull back.

"Thank you kindly stranger!  I wouldn't know what would happened if you had been any later."

"No problem, we're.."

He shook the hunter's arms in a show of exaggerated gratitude.  This action immediately sent several pings from Hirru's Detect skill.  Before Cassim could pull his hands away, the hunter had already grabbed them both back, in a similar gesture that Cassim did previously.  In both his hands were Hirru's Spirit of the Jade Dragon and Favor of the Golden Dragon.  Hirru's eyes looked nearly that of bloodlust, but the thief was quick to apologize.

"So..sorry!  S..s..sticky fingers."

"If I didn't need you, I would have taken these back, with your hands attached."

The hunter replied with spite, while taking back both bangles back from the thief, and placing them back upon his wrists.  Cassim would cower back before being led by both of them, making sure he stayed in front of them, at all times.  Hirru would turn to Freyd while walking back.

"I see what you meant."

Item switch: Bulwark -107 mit (72 armor & 35 skill) -> Favor of the Golden Dragon +3 LD

Keep Cassim Alive?

Edited July 3, 2021 by Hirru

[Freyd 0]

Freyd grimaced in response.  He really didn't like the man, nor his penchant for 'accidental acquisitions', but a deal was a deal.  

"Come on, Cassim.  Let's get you back to your brother before he decides that this rescue wasn't as desirable as he first considered."  The man's tone clearly indicated that he wouldn't tolerate any shenanigans.

Grabbing the thief...er... merchant by the scruff of the next, he hauled him out of the building, barely sparing a glance to ensure that they were still alone.  "The sooner you're back with your brother and out of our sights, the better."  A sideways glance was all he spared for Hirru's equipment swap. 

"If you're thinking dungeon, we should probably climb a few floors first.  Nothing down here will be worthwhile.   Believe me, I've tried.  We'll need to get to the twenty-first or higher to make the effort worthwhile.  And, if your luck doesn't hold, I keep a stock of maps that we could surely use."

***

Keep Cassim Alive? (Yes)

[Hirru 0]

"I was considering either the twenty third or the twenty fourth.  Though, I haven't been to the twenty fifth, or twenty sixth yet.  Was thinking of finding both a dungeon and a field boss, but I would take your advice, if you suggest against any of those.  Didn't want you coming here without profiting somehow, though."

The hunter replied as they seemed to be blazing through the safe trails of the desert to reach Fortaleza.  It didn't really seem like it took a couple hours at most to full go through the whole ordeal.  It probably would have been worth more later, as they passed the entrance to the sprawling city.  Cassim would have cast his cowl down to cover his face as they passed by the guards.  Another reason to not trust these brothers anymore than he did.  Finally reaching the bar, Cassim would be forced through the door.

"Al'akh al'akbar!"

"Ali~"

It would seem like the brothers were about to reunite over a brotherly hug, but a quick grapple of the arm, and Cassim was down on the floor.  Ali had grabbed him by the arm and flung him down to the ground.  It seemed that the two of them were having a little family moment as it seemed they were whispering to each other.  Soon, Ali was back up to greet the two, though his gaze at Freyd seemed a bit more on the contemptable side.

"Thank you for bringing my shaqiq back.  I will assure you that he doesn't get into any more.."

He looked back to his brother before looking to the both of them, while pulling out a rolled parchment from under his sleeves.

"..problems.  Here is your reward, as promised."

As Hirru grabbed the parchment, the quest was completed.  He turned to Freyd after flipping the window away.

"So, which one do you prefer?  I'll follow your lead."

[Freyd 0]

Leaning with his back to the door, arms crossed over his chest with his head down, Freyd listened to the exchange between the two brothers without reaction.  Every quest played out slightly differently, each time.  The nuance in the differences intrigued him, even if the outcome wasn't dramatically altered.  Hirru collected their reward, including something new.  Pulling out a copy of his own, you could practically hear the Whisper's eyes pop out of his head.  

"If only there was a place we could use it that actually dropped tier four gear."  Back into storage it went, saved for future consideration.  There would be plenty of time for that.

"You already put on your finding gear, right?  Floor twenty three is a good spot for hunting, and Ugzeke is about the only field boss I'm reliably confident to take on with all the wonky system changes that have been happening.  We'll see how good your seeking talents turn out.  If you find a dungeon, we'll tackle it.  If not, we head to the underdark and tackle the troll.  I must have a dozen maps for dungeons we can use when he goes down."

Placing his black, leather-gloved hands into a patch of shadow, he withdrew them a moment later.  Instead of the weird miasmic glow, he held instead a long shaft of... nothing?  Hirru has seen it before, during their battle with Lilith and Beelzebub.  To Freyd, it was akin to pulling his soul out of storage and holding it in his hands.

"All set.  I'll get us there.  You do your thing once we arrive.  If we've going after the big boys, I'll supply us with some buffs.  Let me know what you think you'll need."  Not always the most personable type for pleasant chatter, dinner conversation or social engagement, Freyd was clearly more suited to work in the field, where is was all about the business at hand.  He knew he'd never top anyone's guest list for their summer barbeques, but would almost certainly be when it came time to smiting nasties.  That suited him just fine.

Spoiler

Freyd changes weapons from:

The Thing Behind All Lies +5 (T4 Perfect Weapon (WH) - Abs.Acc, Static, Frostbite)

To:

Samael’s Pride (T4 Perfect Weapon (WH) – Fallen 2, Holy 2)

New Stats:

Freyd | HP: 900/900 | EN: 124/124 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 78 | ACC: 7 | BH: 45 | LD: 5 | Fallen 16 | Holy 16 | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8       

[Hirru 0]

"If you're providing, I'll only take a damage Potion, if you have any to spare.  I have my own MIT food, but I didn't think I needed it until now.  With A third tier dungeon, I'm positive our damage is enough, as is.  Though, I don'tknow anything about this Ugzeke, so I'll take my precautions. "

The hunter said as they walked towards the teleportation gate.  Standing upon the blue dais, the hunter spoke.

"Kalanaes!"

* * * * *

Upon reaching the capital of the dark elves, the hunter adjusted his headband revealing the small silver crescent emblem that was pinned upon it.  The elves that saw it varied in response, but most were keen to leave him alone without issue.  They did not want to feel the wrath of someone chosen by their queen.

"I know a place from a while back that should still be active.  Come on!"

Reaching the outskirts of the capital, taking the passage up to the surface, the hunter would pause for a moment at some ruins.  His search pings were showing that the ruin was false with something underneath.  Hirru pushed upon the ruin to collapse it..

Reveal Skill Activate -> Dungeon search 10+ post.
Search, Reveal, Detect, Favor = +11 LD on dungeon

[ID: 197036] [LD: 8+11=19] Dungeon Found

Edited July 4, 2021 by Hirru

[Freyd 0]

Following silently, Freyd focused on assessing his companion's abilities.  The self-professed hunter knew what he was doing.  That much was immediately apparent.  But few were so effectively dedicated to the roll of scout, even himself.  Hirru swore that the man's appearance shifted to that of a white-haired elf while they passed through the dark elf capital, but it was tough to be sure with that cowl always draped over his features.

"You know your stuff.  Impressive, and effective.  I appreciate the talents and dedication of a professional."  Reaching into unseen pockets, Freyd pulled out a few items and offered them up.  "Take these, at least.  You're right that the dungeon mobs won't offer much of a threat, but Ugzeke will be a different story.  That troll is both mighty and stupid, which makes him unpredictable."  Pulling out a small glass vial filled with some sort of crimson-coloured syrup, he downed it in one shot and clenched his teeth as its effects took hold.  It was time to turn the field boss's power back against him.

***

Freyd offers Hirru:
Liquor of Light (Potion) | Damage 3 [177866]
Smores (Snack) | Evasion 2 [173979-1]

Freyd Consumes:

Spoiler

Liquor of Light (Potion) | Damage 3 [177867]
Smores (Snack) | Evasion 2 [173979-2]
Berry Crumb Bars (Snack) | LOOT DIE 3 [175898]
Divinity's Wait (Meal)| T4 Mitigation 3 [190697-4]
Viperion (Salve) | T3 Toxic Venom [178477]
Max Level Courage (Meal)| Over-Health 3 [179651]
Troll Blood: (2nd of 2) https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/20959-sp-23-the-silence-of-a-whispers-rage/?do=findComment&comment=641640

Updated Stats:

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 124/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 138 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 2 | BH: 51 | LD: 8 | Fallen 16 | Holy 16 | TXV 24/3 | TROLLBLD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8   

[Hirru 0]

"Thanks, I don't get compliments over my skills anymore.  Not that they have been tested as often as they used to.  People don't need a hunter for hire."

Hirru took the time to take out a meal that he bought not too long before this last quest, while taking the other two that Freyd had offered.  It had been awhile since the hunter had been fully buffed, but it would definitely be needed if Freyd thought this Ugzeke would be a huge pain to deal with.  Taking a bite of the yaki hatahata and the smores, he could swear that they tasted blander than they looked.  At least the liquor had some flavor to it, if only it could get him drunk.

"What all do I need to be cautious about with this Ugzeke?  I haven't collected any information about the new field bosses yet, other than that they exist."

Taking another bite out, he would find that it was getting tougher to eat.  It wouldn't matter long as the buffs would take effect.  He still didn't have his armor, but that wouldn't matter much until they got to the dungeon's main boss and Ugzeke, the field boss of floor twenty three, anyway.

Hirru Consumes
Yaki Hatahata (Meal) | T4 Mitigation 3 [189845]
Liquor of Light (Potion) | Damage 3 [177866]
Smores (Snack) | Evasion 2 [173979-1]

[H:0]<<Hirru>>  HP:806/806 | EN:110/110 | DMG: 26 | Mit: 60 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | LD: 8 | EVA: 3 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

Edited July 4, 2021 by Hirru

[Freyd 0]

"Ugzeke's basically a meat bag.  Tons of health and hits like a sack of plutonium bricks laced with extra ouch.  But he'd dumb as a post and doesn't even notice when you wallop him, half the time, and usually only for the first half of the battle.  Not especially agile, he's basically the mob version of a tank.  All we need to do his keep hitting him hard, and he'll go down like the bandits we just faced."

Freyd took notice of Hirru's comments.  Anymore...

"You've been out and about for some time, I'd wager.  Especially by some of the comments you made when we did that run for Harkens on the thirteenth.  What's your story, Hirru?  Where do you fit into Aincrad's lore?  And take a minute to put your armor back on.  You're not getting an extra pummeling on my account.  I'm certain that we're not in that big of a rush."

[Hirru 0]

Hirru took the information as it was while equipping his armor, Bulwark.  The boost to his mitigation was something he always loved to see.  Be it while solo, partied up, or in a guild; the hunter felt that he would survive more with his half-plate.  Taking a moment to readjust the armor to himself, he was taken aback by the sudden request for his own backstory.

"I wouldn't know about me being apart of Aincrad's history, but I've been venturing for several months now, or has it been a year already?"

Spoiler

Please note that spoilers like this are inside Hirru's memories

I̷̝̘̓̍́͑̍̽̑͝ ̷̢͕̮̪͈̙̘̋h̵̛͙͇̖̳̤͗̆͛̅͘͝͠e̵̤̙̬̰̰̫̖̲͊͊͒̊̚a̸̩̳̾̌͒̾͂̈́̐͠r̴̩̬̳͇͊́̕d̸̯̜̥̦͙̳͔͖̂̈́̑̀ ̷̟͎̥̟̟̰͍̫̉̐͛̿̀ṫ̶̮̞͉͙͙̈́̆̅̀̾͝ͅh̸͓̏̑̐̕ą̷̨̼̳̙͚̪͌͝t̸̡̛̳́ ̸̨̨̹̘̣̱̬͕͉̀̕͝t̶̛̠̭̗̹̊̐͐̑̉͝͝͝h̷̖͔̩̲̔̀̏͠e̸͉̅̌̎͝ ̴̓̈́̏͐̉̍̅͜f̵̰̹̽́̋͆̚ͅr̶͈̞͍̳̹̟͌͂̍͐͗o̵̮͒̀̌n̴͈̺̩͎̳̲̍̓̊̑̆̍t̷̨̮̂̌̓̇͊̕ ̴͙̻͔̳͔̗͈̹̎́͜l̷͕̦̳̠̓̇̅ͅǐ̸̲̫̞͉̘̱͒̇̒n̴̢͇̦͍̭̒̄̉͋͌e̸̢̱̙̞͆́͆̀̾̚͝s̵̨̹͐̃͝͝ ̶̧̹̥̭͍̉h̴̠͙̦̼̞͔͚̜̏͒̏͒̏̄͘a̷̞̙̤̖͓̘͌͑̏ͅv̵̧͕̤͙̝̂̒̀̈́̆̓̌̓̚͜ȩ̸̊̐̈̈́̑̈́͊̐͠ ̸̬͊̋͗͝p̴̛̩̻̬͙̼̯̲͗̽͜͜͝ừ̸̯̺͉̤̯̖͇͓͑s̶̗͓̺̲̗̼͖͎̽ḩ̸̠͎͓̍̆̊̂e̵͇͉̮̠̜̮̝͆́ḍ̴̋̌̎̄̀́́ ̸͐ͅp̸̢̛͓̜͕͔͗̆̋̽́̚͜ą̸̪̳̰̼̗͝s̸̼̙̦̑͑̆̔̈̂̀͝t̵̢̼̙͕͚͈̱͉̒̐̏͐̏̋́ͅ ̶͙̜̫͊̊̅́̊t̸̢̢͍͉̬̩̟͌h̴̢͙̬͛̂̅́̑̈̐̂͝è̷̙̂͋̇̆̐͌̿̒ ̴̳͉͇̬̭̰͛̈͋̄͆̏̚͝7̸̧̧̱̮͙͙̝͓̙͂̈͋ṭ̷̗͎͙͚̿̉̓̎͂͂h̸̳̘͓̻̻̬͍̩̳̔́̔ ̵̗̳͈̞͋́̇̀͒̀̕f̷̨̥̝̹̥̙̈͒̏͛̕l̴͉̽͊͛̓õ̸̼͙̰̫̽̒ơ̷͉̝̒̑͊̍̿̆̓r̶͔̮̥̈́͐͛̓͠ ̶̛͓̯̥̩̩͉͗͑̌̄̎͋̕͜ą̵̱͔̞̆̃̍̑̌̎̕l̵̤͈̫͑r̴̨̬͙̯͐ę̷͍̒̿̐a̸̧̛̻̠̲͖̝̗̠̓̏͗͋͋͆͘͠d̸̗̩̬̟̾̑͋ȳ̸̰͉̮̭̎͒̔̌̊̇͠͝!̵̪̯̬͒̾́̐͑̏
̷̢̳̻̹͔͓̩̟̠̀̊
̵̡͎̯̱̫̭̭̳̐́͌Ǐ̵̪̘̞̪̺̦͈ ̴̲̽̈́̈́͘͜͠h̵̡͔͉̩̱̃̽͘̚e̷͙̪̣͙̖̪̜̘̅̀̅̉̔͜ȁ̸̛̖͕̩̳͖̟̬̅͊͂̊̿̈́̚r̵̰̥̗̝̫͐̅̽̑̀ḍ̴̡͖͍̫̤͌͌̇͐̿͝ͅ ̶̢̝̬̎̆ï̷̳̭͖̳̩͇͕̉̈̊̾̓̀̋͝ț̷̢̡̜͙̝̖̮́̚ ̵͔̦̀̔̈́ẃ̴̝̺͆̄̊̀̐̐̀̕a̷̡̢̝̭̒s̸̥̓̐̍ ̵̜̱̱̽̒̅̋͒o̸͈̮̜̭͛̉͑̾̽̋͜ͅn̷̨̫̣̮̟̒̾̋͠l̶͖͔͆̉́̈̕͠y̸̡̮̪͍͈̠̭̻̻͊̂̉̽̍͠ ̵̨̟͇̠͔̟̲͌̊͑̀o̷̧̱͂̽́̈́͘ǹ̸̪̈́͆̌͊͑͒͆̑e̷͉͖̻͆̓́́ ̷̤̦̹̀̽̐͠͝ͅp̵̬̖̖̝̞̽̂̅̑̀͠͠é̴̢̡̹̞̮̱̊̊̋r̷͈͖̦͌̎̒͒̅͐̎̃̚s̸̩̫̭͖͚̈́̒̀̑̅͌̈́̓̕ǫ̶̟͉̟̲̺͋̃ñ̶̨̞̹͕̦̍͑͊̆͆̚̚ ̶̧̘͎̜̭̑ṯ̸̲̩̻͓̠̪͈̄̉́̊̓͒̚͠ḩ̸̗͓͈̜͊ǎ̵̦̟̱͂̾͐̋̈́̆̓͝t̸͔͌͛̈͛̅ ̵̧̨̛͎̫̩̼́͑́̉̅̆͆͘͜s̵̨̘̹̈́̏͆̓̿̿̇̈́̚o̷̧̢̡̳͍͍͙͚͈͐̿l̵͔̯̭͇͂̓̂͛́̾ͅŏ̴̹̪̼͓̇̒́̀͊͠e̴̼͘d̵̼̱̟̣̈́͋̄̉̑ ̷̬̗̗̺̦̣̳̙̞̉͛̽̅̒̎͊̽͝t̶̢̡͓̪̅̅̓́̉̓̚̕h̸͙̠̳̻̹̬̊͒̊͝e̴̢̱̹̯͈̺͙̣͆͌͜ ̷͔̀́͒ę̷̛̥̙̟̠̌͐͆̃̃̓͝n̷͇̞̘̲̰̋t̷̜̞͖͎̩̱̀̂̈́̅͐̕͝ͅi̶̡̛̖̊͌͊̄̈́̓͝r̸̮͓̱̒̂̈̈́̕̚e̸͚̠̭̞̙̪̬̋̂̑͘ ̷̨͓̪̫̹̂̉͌t̵͈̟̲̜̓͂̀͊͋̃̾h̷͇̭̅́̐̀̅͗̚i̷͙̫̱̗̽̈́̏̓ͅn̵̢̼͍͎̒̀g̶̟͙͕̼̝̩̜̥̗̒̆͂̆͗̈́̓!̵͇͉͍̏̓͊͊͊̎̾̎̏
̵̮̜̖̗͙̈́̆ͅ
̴̮͍̩̺̜̳̱̥̒̈́̀͘C̵̡̼̳̖̭̟͚̻̱̊̓͑ō̴̬̫̪͉̈́̓̀̑͘ŭ̵̧͍̗͚̠́́̇̃̄̉̚l̷̯̤͙̙̰̀̈́d̶͕̼̳́̉̌̽̎͝ ̴͇̬̗̭̦̹̤͗̈́̆̆̅͌͂ẘ̴̻̖̻͎̼͙̼̺e̶̡̛͚͉̱̤̺͇̮̍̍̐̓̈́͠ͅ ̷͍̱͔̣̱̝̈̀̔͒͆̌̋b̴̰̻̜͔͉̮́̆̏̔̆́e̷̢̧̨͓̞̙̦͕̰̔̉̀͆͋́̍͘ ̶̡̲͍̦͔͔̹͌a̸̛̺̗̜̪͚̰̅b̵̥̋̓̋͋̈́ĺ̴̡̬̟͇̐̔ę̸̧̫͊̎̽͂͜ ̶̧͎̖̮̓̐̃̚ţ̷̢͖͚͍͕̙͌̋̀̂o̷̢̺̗̲̺̭͗̽̋͗͐͋͝͝ ̴̹̤̩͈̤̀͋̎̆͌̑d̶̮̹͎̚o̷͚̞̺͋͛͌̎̃̀͝ ̵̛͇̈́͗̔́͂̉̓̚s̵̞̳͇͓̰̙̲͍̃͊͊̿̏͌͜͝ỏ̸̄̽̊͗̿̒̕͘͜m̷̰͓̫̜̦̫̮̹͔͑͊̏é̴̬͉̻̤̫͂͆̎̚͝t̸̨̛͎̼̱͎͑́̊ḥ̵̞̩̠̬̜̝̫̎̽̔i̸̡̦̳̤̺͕̪̍͛ṅ̸̨̛̘̯̲͐͠ģ̶̛͇̝͔̗̠̜̓̑̀̑͐̀̉̔ ̶̧̹͙̬͓͓̝̔̑͆́̾̐̈́̄͘l̴̨̬̦̼̺̠̹̮̍̒̚i̵͈̿̈́̅̽́͘͘̕ķ̵̨̗̊͐́̐͝e̵̗̻͒̾͑͝ͅ ̵̗̰̗̪͑̕͜t̵̪̹̮̅́̓̌̈́͝ȟ̷̲̠́̈́ä̸̧͚̲̼̲̤͉́́̽̍̅͌t̶͔͎̤͇̲̯̮͆͐̕͝ͅ?̸͖͙̤̭͇͈̝̿̔
̶̼͚͈̙̰͒̔̏͂͜
̸̼̪̝͒́̑̅̕͝Ų̵͓͔͚̱̋͌̎̓͗s̴̼̰̙͖͙͛̈́̀͊͝?̸̢͉͚̽ ̶̦̍̊̈̑̒͝ ̸̡̛͈͎̫̀̔͛͒̃́̂ͅN̴͎̲͇̙͕͒͂̀̽̓̑͘ơ̶͈͓̂̎̆̑̆̋͒͝!̴̨̠̲̲͖̯̰̆́̎͊̂̆ͅ ̸̖̥̙̊̌̇ ̴̢̛̯̩̤̮̫͓͇̈́̋͘̚Ṉ̸̼̩̈́o̸̡̰̜̱̭̘̥̒̋͗ͅt̴̯̘̤̭̟͌ ̷̧͔̝̭̜̱̩͚͗̑̔̑̈́͒̈́ẅ̷̨̢̥̗̞̥̪̱́̏̐́̕i̴͇̱̊̿̈́̈͐͆̔̄͠t̵̜͉̽͊ͅḩ̸̛̗͋̀͌̂̃̈́ ̶̧̼̪͕̣̬͙̌̓́ǒ̷̲̍̀̅́̓͘͠l̸̗̼͔̎̅͊́̓̏e̸͍̹͗̔́̌ ̶̹͎͍̤̽͆̒̈́͑̅̚͝ḻ̸̖͉̬̟̖̋ư̴͉̙̞̋̔̑̆̉͋̆m̶̢͚̭͓͔̌́͑̿̌̈́p̶̞̼̖̦̈̏̍̓y̶̼̬̝̱̣̰̪̽̉̓͐̎͝ ̶̘̳̺̦͕̝̙̟́̈̑̓͠h̸̬̐̈́͊͗̿ę̷̠̠̜̪̹̌ŗ̸̩͓̮̾̄͋̐͂̐̚͜ẹ̴̙̼̫͚͗.̶̛̫̻̳̆͆̅͝
̶̩̫̳̣͍̩̯̮̭́
̶̡̦̰̥̘̐͌̈́̍́̀H̷̫͈̋̃̓͒͂̅ͅi̷̛͖̞͔̬̠̠͖͛̄̈̋͗̀r̶̢̧͕̻̤͈͍̼̣͒̍̏̍̚r̸̹̠͕̯͌u̸̡̠̥̦͓̓́̓͊̂̽ ̴̡̤̟͕̞̦̼̳̐̑̀͘͜ḭ̴̛̳͚͎̩̝͇̤̇͊̒̅̋ŝ̶͙̫̳n̸̗̞͎̺̝̳͓̠̦͛̓̋̈̌̔̔'̴̢̱̬̞̖͑ṱ̵̟̠͖̠̗͈̬̈͛̂̀̿̐ ̶̰̥͈̮̗͍̼̊̊͠l̸̳̙͗͊ų̴͕͈̱̘͎̪̍̈́̋̂͊m̸͚̫̟͔̥͖͔͌̆̈̅́͆̚̚p̶̧̛̹̹̩y̵̨̠̺͈̫͑̔̂͜,̴̞̠͔̍́̓̊͑͐̄̈̉ ̷̛̬̙͛̑̄̾̋̔̐h̶͇̥̗̹͖́̈́̓̽̊͂̀̈́ͅe̴̮̿̿́'̴̖͍̅̽̈͝ŝ̵̢̯̯̹͈̠̄̈́͒͒̑͊ ̸̡̫̥̫̯͊̒̔f̷͙̊̎͆͗́̈͠ĭ̶̪̣͓̲͍͕͠n̷̛̞̙͕͙̩̎̈́̈́̽̅̌̓͗ͅả̷͍͍͎̫̠̈́̑͐l̴̖͇̻̬̗̘̮̪̔̎̌l̵͙̣̀̄̐͠y̶̧̱̱̙̭̙̖͗̈̿̚͠ ̵̨͎̫̫̗̪̲̀̄̌̿̈́g̵̡̛̞͎̺͚̰̊̾͗̀̎̚͜ẹ̵̡̯̩̯̙̼͖͌̎̀͂͠t̴̤͓̘̒̆̊t̸̡̥͖͉̀į̸͇̻̬̝͓̼̐͌͆̅̎͜n̷̛͈̼̄̐̔͂̉̇̅͠g̴̹͎̻̃́̔̊̚ ̵̖͔̫͙̺̘̝͍̙̈̆̄̅u̶̡̧͖̼̭̒ͅp̶̬̲̉̽̾̊̽ ̸͈̟̳̐͒͘o̷̡̰̞̹̱͋͑̒̑̚n̸̥̦̣͗͌͒ ̴̞̲͒̄͝͝h̴̰̗̬͗̂̾̋́i̵̛̭̻̅͒͘s̸̛͎̖͝ ̷̯̤̲̳̠̹͆̾̑͌̈́̔̃̕͝f̶̫̦͊̽̊͂͐͘͝ę̷̼̜̟͚̥̔̅͊̿͌̒ë̶̡̫̫̟̺̣̫̻̊̆̅̃̈́ͅt̶̻̖͕̟̮͇̲͆̃ͅ ̷̹̪̱̜̭͇̫̓̐́n̴̞̄̏͗̀ơ̴̜̳̻͑͂̀w̸̰̗͍̝͓̱̗̋͒͜!̴͓̙̩̝̤̔̿
̸̡̥̮̮̞̳̝̱͈̇͊͆͌̄̆
̷̖̲̫̯̀̍͒̐Y̶̻̿͗̄̚e̸͙̝̫͐̅̀͠͠a̶̡̞̣̮̯͔̋̄͗̍̔͑̾͝h̶̼̱͓̖̯̟͈̯̔̋͜,̴͓͖͍͇̄̀̓ ̴̙̰̠͉͔̫͙̄͂ḇ̸̪͓͕̩̳̌͐̓̒͑͘͜ŭ̷̬̽̿̐̋̕ţ̴̘̬̪̭̚ͅ ̵͔̬̳̬̐͂̂̑t̶̢̧̢̧̛̰̬͍̤̀͆͗̓̕̕̕͝h̷̛͎̳̟̟͐̓̋͋̀̕a̵̢͙͔̰̹͚̪̐̈̏́̅́̕͜t̵̢̳̹̦̺̰̭̞̋̒͗͠ ̸̛͙ͅd̷̛͇͇̬͚ờ̴͔̠̙̈́͗̒̀̀é̶̤̹̹̣̤̈́͋̑̈͂͋͜ş̵̱̩̯̼̉̇̃n̸̟͇͒͑̒̃̈́͂̾͘͠'̴̢̲̅̀́t̸̙̗̤̮̥̞̖̹͍͆ ̵͎̤̤̀h̶̬͉̲̩͈͈͇̩̒͌e̵̢̪̫̲̓̋̾͌͐l̸̬͑̉͒̀̿̿p̷̺̭̙̟̘͇͎̰̽͒͐̎̅͗̎͜͠ ̶̧͈͎̾͊̕̕ǘ̵̧͍̲͚̬̿͘͜ŝ̸͚̮͗̽̀̚ ̸̡̱͇̤̬̟̿͋͂̒a̸̡͖̙̰̪̽̄͛͛̅͝n̴̨̛̝͈̺͖͇̠̟̽͊̀̈́́̕͝ÿ̸̨̢̧̠̣͎̞̤̗̒̈́͛̈́͝͠,̸̢̢̲̤̖͉̗̮̺̈́̀̾͝ ̸͓̿̉̇̀̇̕͠i̵̙̣̼̥̰̻͚̠͗̀̋̃̇̽̌̃͝f̴̡̡͙̲̰͔͔̎̽̀̅͋̄̿͛͝ ̸̙͕̺̐̄h̷͉͍̭͓̞̘͚̺͛́͝ȇ̷̘̖̖̫̇ ̶̻̣͖͔̤̏̊c̸̙͈͑́ǎ̴͇̒͘n̵̫͉̈̓̚'̷̡̛͖̟̻̰̟͓̺̅̓͂̈́̏͝͝ț̸̨̭͈̞̹̫̹̘̃͛́̓̾̀͝ ̷̧̖̠̱̳͉̈́̀̔̈́͂̅͝f̴̨̗̙̫̟̩̠̀̆i̵̟̼̙̼͕̝̾͜g̴̢̳̤̳͇͍̈́ͅh̶͔̙͆̆̓̔̂̎̂͘̚ͅt̴̞͗̌̆͗̃̾̌̆͝.̵̦̱̦̟͖̂͛̌̐̏
̶̝̰̠̲̠͕͙̼̾̇͊̃̾̈͝
̷̢̫͎͖̙̗͎̩̪̇̔͋̊̆̈́͆̀H̶̲̟͎͎̐̽̽͆̄̄͋͝ė̵̜̯̦̙̖̦̟̅́̑'̶̧̧̬̎͌̐̐́͐̓l̴̟͔̼̊͆͑̿͐l̸̡̲̖̝͚͇͇͔̇̌̆̓ ̴̣̟̲̟͛̓̈́͒̂̈́ǵ̶̤̳̀͂͑́͘̚e̶̖͛̐͌̒͗̽̈͠ţ̶̠͗͑̈́͛ ̶̥͔̦̙̜͍̍͋̽̒͝t̸̹̊͛̏̔̍̆̽̊̕h̵̰̖̦͛͌̎̒̓͂̾̂ͅe̴̹͚̻̭̓̃͘r̸̲̦̈́̍̀͊̏͘ȩ̸̢̨̰͙̖̤̬͑̽̅͗̑.̴͕̯̏́̈́̀̉̈́̈́̚͘ ̵͙̻̉̅ ̸̧̤̪̳͈̲̗́́́͗̑̀͌̀S̵͚̋͊̿ǒ̷͓̭̻̼͖͆̃̑ḿ̵̟͈͋ë̴̢͓͍̭̖͙̣͍́̀̂̉͊͂̀̀̅ ̷̧́̌̋̀̇́̊̕d̸̳͉͌͆̾́̇̀͌̕͘a̵̛̤͔͍͆̃̀͛͘y̵͖̋̓̔͌̓̔͝͝.̴̘͓̙̮̱̓̄̅͌͝

The hunter shrugged before continuing on.

"Was mostly alone for a lot of it, but I was apart of a guild or two which helped bring me to the front lines.  Ever heard of the Knights of the Blood Oath?  Don't worry if it never came up, we were dying out anyway.

He gave a small chuckle, but it would pain him to do so.  So many deaths and disappearances, especially anyone that had the unfortunate title 'Vice Commander'. 

"I cultivated my scouting proficiencies and skills to help find the floor bosses on a couple floors, while keeping my blade sharp to help in the raids.  I've been helping in raids from the eighteenth floor, to the twenty-third, even accidently led my first ever raid."

He would go into detail, but Hirru didn't want to waste the mans time any more than he probably had.  He sighed as looked around at his surroundings.

"I decided to take a break, after some issues came up between front liners that I may have personally caused.  I'm just a wandering hunter once more, now."

Favor of the Golden Dragon -3 LD -> Bulwark +72 MIT (+35 skill)

[H:0]<<Hirru>>  HP:806/806 | EN:110/110 | DMG: 26 | Mit: 167 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | LD: 5 | EVA: 3 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

[Freyd 0]

"Time gets wonky in here, after awhile."  He knew the truth of it as well as anyone, though Freyd's story lacked the age and pedigree of many peers.  He'd lingered in the Town of Beginnings far too long, and was far from proud about it.

"I've heard of the Knights of the Blood Oath, though you may be the only member I have ever encountered.  Does the guild still even exist?"  Recognition and familiarity reflected in Freyd's eyes as Hirru told of solitude.  It was obvious that they were both hunters, in their own rights.  "I was once dubbed Aincrad's janitor.  There seems to be kinship between our roles.  For what it's worth, Hirru, I'm glad to have met you.  We're more alike than many other players I have met."

A window appeared in front of the green-haired hunter.  A rare offer of friendship from the Whisper.  Freyd left Hirru to ponder his decision and headed off to examine the ancient temple entrance they had found.  Just looking at it spawned a reaction as four spectral figures emerged from the stone to attack, their ghastly elven faces twisted by whatever dark fate linked them to this place.  A whirl of wind and screech of vacuum greeted them as Freyd staff spun into action.  A spray of blue fractal fragments scattered behind him, what few weren't just absorbed by the void-based death stick in his hands.

"I.. uh... think that was the first wave."  The cowl twisted towards his fellow hunter.  "It's your turn."

Spoiler

Post Action | AOE-I (x15 AoE, 11 EN +2/hit, +2 Shift): 21 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 18 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #197088 | BD: 7+7=14 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (15*43=645)
ID #197089 | BD: 7+7=14 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (15*43=645)
ID #197090 | BD: 7+7=14 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (15*43=645)
ID #197091 | BD: 8+7=15 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (15*43=645)

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 106/124 (124-18) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 138 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 2 | BH: 51 | LD: 8 | Fallen 16 | Holy 16 | TXV 24/3 | TROLLBLD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8  
Hirru | HP:806/806 | EN:110/110 | DMG: 26 | Mit: 167 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | LD: 5 | EVA: 3 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

Specter #1 | HP: 0/620 | DMG: 186 (620-645)
Specter #2 | HP: 0/620 | DMG: 186 (620-645)
Specter #3 | HP: 0/620 | DMG: 186 (620-645)
Specter #4 | HP: 0/620 | DMG: 186 (620-645)

Loot Specter #1: ID #197092 | LD: 7+8=15 | CD:  11

T3 Rare Armor/Shield [197092]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
5208 col (HP[620]*8 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Specter #2: ID #197093 | LD: 15+8=23 | CD:  9

T3 Perfect Consumable [197093]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
7812 col (HP[620]*12 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Specter #3: ID #197094 | LD: 6+8=14 | CD:  1

T3 Rare Trinket [197094]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
5208 col (HP[620]*8 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Specter #4: ID #197095 | LD: 7+8=15 | CD:  10

T3 Rare Armor/Shield [197095]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
6510 col (HP[620]*10 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

[Hirru 0]

"When I left, KoB was barely even a guild anymore.  I don't know if my compatriots has grown the guild any, but I don't wish to dwell on it any more."

He lowered his gaze.  Some Vice Commander he was.  Couldn't even grow a dying guild back to glory.  He wished that Mack would have come back to them; bringing that charisma that a boisterous man could only do.  Instead.. Azide, Opal, Lowenthal, Mack, and himself.  All have either died, gone crazy, or disappeared.  He could be considered the 'crazy' variant.

Aside from the sudden friend request, the hunter would question what 'Janitor' meant, but it seemed to be ill to question it.  The hunter just smiled and nodded.

"I'm glad too.  Not many newer faces step out and even fewer putting in the effort to reach higher.  Though, you have perfected that reach to shot higher than most at the top, it seems.  I would like to know more of your story too, but that time can wait."

Pressing the big O button, the Jade Hunter befriended the Whisper.  He grinned while drawing his blade.  Soon after Freyd had dealt with the first four, another two came out of the stonework; these ghouls seeming to be much better equipped to handle a hit or two.

"Well, we better keep up the pressure.  I can't recreate your damage, but I can push as much as possible."

He said while swinging around Freyd and swinging several wide arcs towards the guardians.

Spoiler

AOE-I (-15 EN)

[ID: 197102] [BD: 3+7=10] Hit 26x15= 390-90= 300 Dmg
[ID: 197103] [BD: 9+7] Crit +2 28x15= 420-90= 330 Dmg

Freyd | HP: 1035/1035 | EN: 106/124 (124-18) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 138 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 2 | BH: 51 | LD: 8 | Fallen 16 | Holy 16 | TXV 24/3 | TROLLBLD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8  
Hirru | HP: 806/806 | EN:95/110 | DMG: 26 | Mit: 167 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | LD: 5 | EVA: 3 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

H[0,1] Spirit Guardian 1 | HP: 400/700 | DMG: 230 | MIT: 90 | ACC: 1
H[0,2] Spirit Guardian 2 | HP: 370/700 | DMG: 230 | MIT: 90 | ACC: 1

 

Edited July 6, 2021 by Hirru

[Freyd 0]

Diving into a low forward tumble, Freyd rose back to his feet swinging his staff in a wide arc that slammed the nearer mob into the temple wall.  It crashed into the stone surface, stunned that it was suddenly solid and fractured the skin of its mesh so badly as to lace it with all sorts of tiny cracks.  The ghost opened its maw extra wide, as if meaning to wail a keening at them both, but its jaw fell off instead.

A second turn swept its fellow off his floating feet and spun him heels over head until he was hovering horizontally, facing the ground.  Freyd then plunged his death stick into its back with a flare of brilliant wrath so forceful that the figure left an imprint on the ground before exploding in a cloud of sparkling lights that rang with angel song.

The first took advantage of the distraction, delivering a spectral claw strike at the Whisper's back, forcing him to turn and face it.  Something angry burned behind his eyes.

"What?!  Aren't you dead yet?"

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 12 (+8 from REC proc)

Post Action | AOE-II (x18 AoE, 14 EN +2/hit, +2 Shift): 20 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 17 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #197104 | BD: 2+7=9 (hit).  DMG (18*27=486-90=396)
ID #197105 | BD:  10 (Crit +3, Holy +16, x2 Trollblood).  DMG (18*46=828*2=1656-90=1566)

ID #197104 | MD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (231-138=93) to Freyd.

Freyd | HP: 942/1035 (1035-93) | EN: 101/124 (106+4+8-17) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 138 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 2 | BH: 51 | LD: 8 | Fallen 16 | Holy 16 | TXV 24/3 | TROLLBLD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8  
Hirru | HP: 806/806 | EN:110/110 | DMG: 26 | Mit: 167 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | LD: 5 | EVA: 3 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

H[1,1] Spirit Guardian 1 | HP: 4/700 | DMG: 230 | MIT: 90 | ACC: 1 (400-396)
H[2,2] Spirit Guardian 2 | HP: 370/700 | DMG: 230 | MIT: 90 | ACC: 1 (370-1566)

Loot Spirit Guardian 2: ID #197158 | LD: 7+8=15 | CD: 3

T3 Rare Trinket [197158]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
4410 col (HP[700]*6 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

[Hirru 0]

The hunter watched as Freyd ripped into yet another one of the spirits, really using his strength to his advantage.  There was one left, and it was already dying.  The only thing left to do was to do a small cut upon it and it would die.  Though, it definitely had mitigation with that armor, so a single sword hit wouldn't work.  He had to think of something that would be light, but strong enough to break past that armor.  He thought of the shatter art again, but stopped once his sword started to glow.  The shatter art was quite exhausting to use.  There must have been some other one that he could use, but nothing really came to mind.  If only he could use some of his old martial arts skills, but he had long since removed that skill's points.

Just then, as if on cue from the thought of it, the hunter's sword and feet began to glow.  Shooting towards the last spirit, the hunter planted his sword into the ground and used it as a pivot to spin around and smash the spirit with a supported tornado roundhouse kick.

When the spirit finally faded to nothing, the hunter looked back at his compatriot.

"It's re-dead now.  Let's deal with the boss, and tend to our wounds and energy."

Spoiler

Tech-F (8+2-2) 8 EN

[ID: 197107][BD: 8] 26x8= 208-90=118 dmg + 32 Envenom

Freyd | HP: 942/1035 (1035-93) | EN: 101/124 (106+4+8-17) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 138 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 2 | BH: 51 | LD: 8 | Fallen 16 | Holy 16 | TXV 24/3 | TROLLBLD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8  
Hirru | HP: 806/806 | EN: 91/110 (+4-8)| DMG: 26 | Mit: 167 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | LD: 5 | EVA: 3 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

H[1,1] Spirit Guardian 1 | HP: 4/700 | DMG: 230 | MIT: 90 | ACC: 1 (4-118)

Loot:

[ID: 197109] [CD: 2] [LD: 16+5=21] (Whoops that description..)
[Even CD&LD] 700*7= 4900 Col
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield [197109a]
T3 Perfect Weapon [197109b]

Edited July 6, 2021 by Hirru

[Freyd 0]

"Deal with me?  DEAL WITH ME!?  You insolent, sacrilegious  swine!  Do you have any idea how long it took to summon those goons back from the dead?  It's not like spirits volunteer for this kind of stuff, you know!"

A decrepit, vaguely humanoid-shaped creature appeared atop the ruined temple, its's high-pitched shrieking echoing in the hollow as it spewed disparaged outrage in their direction.  Malevolent green orbs glowed in the otherwise empty sockets where its eyes should have been, partially sheltered behind long, straggly strands of brownish-white hair.  Snaggled, yellow teeth protruded at odd angles from its maw, slobbering drool all over as it spoke.  Emaciated and sickly, its flesh was covered in oozing sores and reeked of rot and disease.  Freyd immediately turned, setting his stance to do battle with this fiend, but never got a chance to do anything more.

Slinking out from his sleeve, a small inky-black figure emerged and took the shape of a two-foot long mongoose.  Persi's form glowed with celestial vigor, the constellations of the Tanabata sky reflected within her flaring with heavenly brilliance as she lanced from the tip of her lummox's staff straight at her foe.  Spreading wide just as she was about to make contact, her shape morphed into that of a wide pattern of linked celestial orbs that wrapped itself around the Crypt Keeper.  The mob flailed and toppled backwards onto its bony butt, even as the familiar's silver contrails caught up and wound around it more tightly.  A moment's thrashing passed as she squeezed, forcing all four of the mob's limbs to pop off and fly in random directions while she feasted upon its torso, dissolving through its digital mesh like she was melting a marshmallow with an acetylene torch.  It was over in a literal flash, Persi returning to her diminutive four-legged form and skipping happily back to her master.

Freyd just tilted his cowl, his jaw hanging slightly agog, before tipping the end of his staff to the ground.  Persi scampered up the convenient ramp and nestled herself around his shoulders, giving him a moment to collect his wits.

"So... uh.  This is Persi, my familiar," Freyd added awkwardly to shatter the stunned silence.  The four remaining mob limbs chose that moment to burst into fractal clouds before him, as if on cue.  "She...does this sort of thing."  He shrugged, as if that was any kind of explanation, whispering to the contented mongoose as she purred upon her perch.

"When the heck did you get that kind of upgrade?!"

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 11 (+8 from REC proc)
Freyd regains +51 HP from BH

Post Action | ST-B (x20, 20 EN): 20 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 17 EN.  (CD 12 on 1st roll last round: ID #197104)  Charge (CD 0/2) (8 EN)
Free Action | Grappling Familiar (CD 0/5)

ID #197110 | BD: 10 (Crit +3, Charge +5. Holy +16, x2 Troll's Blood).  DMG (20*51=1020*2=2040-150=1890)

Freyd | HP: 993/1035 (942+51) | EN: 88/124 (101+4+8-17-8) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 138 | ACC: 7 | EVA: 2 | BH: 51 | LD: 8 | Fallen 16 | Holy 16 | TXV 24/3 | TROLLBLD | PARA IMMUNE | REC: 8  
Hirru | HP: 806/806 | EN: 91/110 (+4-8)| DMG: 26 | Mit: 167 | TRN: 30 | ACC: 7 | LD: 5 | EVA: 3 | PAR: 1 | ENVENOM: 32

Crypt Keeper | HP: 0/1200 | DMG: 270 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 (1200-1890)

• Critical (MD 9): Deals (300) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (150) DMG to every other player.
• Critical (MD 10): Deals (330) DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals (225) DMG to every other player.

Loot Crypt Keeper: ID #197111 | LD: 10+8=18 | CD: 6

T3 Rare Consumable [197111a]
T3 Rare Armor/Shield [197111b]
12600 col (HP[1200]*10 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit)