[SP-26] A Sky Full of Rats!

[Freyd 0]

He'd finally cornered the sneaky little rat.  Chasing bony shadows through the glittering streets and dank alleys of Ladonia, alike, Freyd had followed the small skeletal figure across half of Aincrad by now.  Every time his tracking skills felt like they were finally starting to get a proper bead on him, something would shift and he'd lose the trail again.  It was as if Cardinal itself was protection one of its more sensitive agents, keeping him just far enough off the radar to tease and torture Freyd during his pursuit.

The trail had led to a Xenathi sky barge - some branded local airship freight company that also provided charter taxi services, because why not make an extra buck if you could?  Skirting low over a stack of supply crates with oddly familiar markings, he hadn't quite put together what was going on beneath his feet.  He didn't care.  This elusive little mob had led him halfway across Aincrad, and back again.  He wasn't about to give up now!

***

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 132/132 | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Consumed:

Spoiler

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6)
Liquor of Light (Potion) | Damage 3 [178029-1]
Breakfast Fry | Protein 2 [177708] 
Berry Crumb Bars (Snack) | LOOT DIE 3 [175893-2] + Filled

Full Stats:

Spoiler

Freyd, Firm Anima O&I Captain
Level: 31
Paragon Level: 80
HP: 980/980
EN: 132/132

Stats:
Damage: 24 (+3+2)
Mitigation: 0
Accuracy: 5 (Gear 2, Abs.Acc., Consumables 2)
Battle Healing: 53
Loot Dice: 8 (+3+1) (+1 for loot)
Prosperity: 3 (+3)
(Quality: 2)

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Shatterstar +3 (T3 Hammer | Abs.Acc, ACC 2)
Misc: Small Konpeito Sack (T1 Trinket | LD 3, Quality 1)
Misc: Unbridled Potential (T1 Trinket | Prosp 3, Quality 1)

Custom Skill:
n/a

Skills:
Hammer R5
Battle Healing R5
Light Armor R5
Searching R4
Charge
Energist
Quick Change

Active Mods:
Night Vision
Tracking
Meticulous
Untraceable

Inactive Mods:
n/a

Addons:
Ferocity
Precision
Resolve
Reveal
Stamina

Active Extra Skills:
Survival
Meditation
Forgotten King’s Authority
Hiding R2

Inactive Extra Skills:
Disguise
Brawler
Photosynthesize

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystals x7
Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+30*T HP) x7
Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+30*T HP) x7
Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable) x1
Rhino's Horn (Reusable) x1
T3 Probiotics 3 x2
The Thing Behind All Lies (T4 Demonic WH, AA, Blight, Static, Para.Ven (Off)) x1
Antidote x7

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)
Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Item Stash: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
Delicious: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Skylight (Searching): +1 Rank to the Searching skill.
Angler: +1 material gained when fishing
Advanced Training: +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:
Kumatetsu Statue: +1 Base Damage for a thread

Wedding Ring:
n/a

 

[Freyd 0]

Something skittered by on his left, too big to be some sort of critter, but small enough to be his quarry.  As best as Freyd could determine, the little guy was barely more than four feet tall wearing a navy blue hoodie and shorts that somehow didn't just drape over his bony body.  Large dark eyes with small yellow irises gave him an especially cartoonish appearance.  And dude was fast!

"Hah!"  Freyd pounced into an opening in the piles of random cargo.  "Finally got you, you little cretin."

Found hunched figures paused, their shoulders tensing, then turning as one.  Long furry snouts bristling with whiskers and an excess of eye patches and hand hooks greeted him.  He recognized them instantly.  Skyrats.

"Aww crap.  Not you lot again!"

Toothy grins greeted him, heavy on the frontal chompers and paired with a series of cutlasses keen on hacking him to bits.

"Well, well, well, boys.  Looky what we gots 'ere!"

Spoiler

Post Action | TECH-F (x8, 8 EN, STUN, +2/hit,): 18 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 15 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #200940 | BD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (8*31=248)
ID #200941 | BD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (8*31=248)
ID #200942 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200943 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 132/132 (117-15) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate 1 | HP: 418/666 | DMG: 124 (666-248)
Skyrat Pirate 2 | HP: 418/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate 3 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-248)
Skyrat Pirate 4 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232) 

 

[Freyd 0]

Freyd groaned, pressing his hands to his forehead against imagined pain that the game system automatically prevented from passing.  It was more a manner of habit than a real sign of stress.  It was also a ruse.  Before chuckling born in arrogant confidence could fully take hold, a silver staff raked across their lines of visions, whacking all of them in their extended and oh-so sensitive noses, causing them all to retreat amidst yelps of pain and surprise.

"I don't have time for this."

Just then, as if on queue, a little blue coat went darting by in the narrow field of vision between two nearby stacks.  

"Would you just get out of the way, already!"  He really wasn't interested in taking out a bunch of pirates, but they seemed hell-bent on making an issue out of his presence, especially once he'd smarted their noses.  "Fine.  We'll do it your way."

Spoiler

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

ID #200944 | BD: 6+5=11 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200945 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200946 | BD: 6+5=11 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200947 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 103/132 (117+4-18) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate 1 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (418-435)
Skyrat Pirate 2 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (418-435)
Skyrat Pirate 3 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate 4 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 1: ID #201021 | LD: 9+13=22 | CD: 12+2=14 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Perfect Trinket [201021a]
T4 Perfect Trinket [201021b]
2 materials (+2 LD odd, x2 event)
22378 col (HP[666]*16 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 2: ID #201022 | LD: 7+13=20 | CD: 10+2=12 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Perfect Weapon [201022a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201022b]
2 materials (+2 LD odd, x2 event)
20979 col (HP[666]*15 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 3: ID #201023 | LD: 13+13=26 | CD: 1+2=3

T4 Perfect Consumables [201023a]
T4 Perfect Consumables [201023b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [201023c]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [201023d]
4 materials (+2 CD odd)
6294 col (HP[666]*9 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 4: ID #201024 | LD: 4+13=17 | CD: 4+2=6

T4 Rare Consumable [201024a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201024b]
9091 col (HP[666]*13 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

[Freyd 0]

Sparks flew across the gnarly wooden deck boards as Freyd burst into the open.  Hoping to pick up That Guy's trail, he forcefully skidded to a halt instead.  Before him stood a dozen of the barge's crew their hands in the air and surrounded by twice as many of the same ratfolk whose kin's guts were now tinkling alongside their outlandishly oversized boots.

"Who the hell is this guy?" One of them asked, a female who was also clearly the alpha by dress and the deference from her peers.  Her bigger, brighter, flashier hat helped to seal the deal.  The crew shrugged, looking just as confuse and surprised as everyone else.

"Seriously,"  Freyd replied.  "A heist?  How many of you guys are there, anyway?"

One of the rats made a move.  An instant later, four of them were on the ground, and the fight was on.

"BRING ME HIS HEAD!" Nhiks shrieked, outraged that a lone vigilante dared to interrupt her operation.  She had worked too hard setting this up to have it all fall apart now.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN

Post Action | TECH-F (x8, 8 EN, STUN, +2/hit,): 18 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 15 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #200948 | BD: 8+5=13 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200949 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200950 | BD: 4+5=9 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200951 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 94/132 (103+4-15) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate 5 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate 6 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate 7 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate 8 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)

 

[Freyd 0]

There were too many to fight in the open.  Dodging a series of stabs and lunging thrusts, Freyd gave ground and retreated into the crates and shadows, but not before he'd felled a third of their remaining numbers.  Panic set into their ranks, one of the smaller ratmen suggesting that they should take their booty and go.  The tip of a serrated cutless pierced his chest from behind, the reddened blade wielded by Nhiks herself.  She would tolerate no dissention or cowardice and was willing to slay another one of her own to motivate the rest.  Freyd admired her ruthlessness.  Yanking her weapon from her minions' disintegrating form, she grabbed one of the younger female crew members, placing her blade to the hostage's throat.

"No more games, shadow-man.  This cargo is ours and you'll leave us to it, or we'll slaughter the rest of the crew."  

Looks of panicked worry were exchanged between the rest of the captives.

"Oh?  And what do you think will protect you if you kill them all?  What makes you think I care anything for their lives?"  The Whisper's voice called from the darkness, floating on the edge of existence and spooking both groups alike.  "I'll make you a rare offer: leave now, hand the barge back to its original occupants and we'll pretend this never happened."

Nhiks snorted in response, but not quite convincingly enough to prevent her followers' morale from floundering.

"Doubt me?  Ask your fallen friend what they think your odds are.  Feel free to refuse.  I'd just as soon go through you."

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN

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

ID #200952 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (15*30=450)
ID #200953 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200954 | BD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (15*31=465)
ID #200955 | BD: 6+5=12 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 80/132 (94+4-18) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate 5 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-450)
Skyrat Pirate 6 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate 7 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-465)
Skyrat Pirate 8 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 5: ID #201025 | LD: 2+13=15 | CD: 10+2=12 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201025a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201025b]
20979 col (HP[666]*15 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 6: ID #201026 | LD: 15+13=28 | CD: 4+2=6

T4 Perfect Weapon [201026a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201026b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201026c]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
12587 col (HP[666]*18 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 7: ID #201027 | LD: 5+13=18 | CD: 1+2=3

T4 Rare Consumable [201027]
T4 Rare Weapon [201027]
4 materials (+2 CD/LD odd)
6294 col (HP[666]*9 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 8: ID #201028 | LD: 18+13=31 | CD: 10+2=12 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [201028a]
Random Dungeon Map [201028b]
2x Gleaming Scale
18182 col (HP[666]*13 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

[Freyd 0]

Nhiks honestly didn't know how to react.  She's have willingly killed the hostages, but to hear the callousness in her counterpart's voice made her reconsider the nature of their standoff.  He was after something else, not them.  This wasn't an interloper, but a passer-through who'd just stumbled into their business by accident.  And, he was willing to just keep walking, if there was any truth behind his words.  It made sense.  Confrontation was pointless.

"We keep our loot."

A pause in the darkness. 

"Fine by me, but I'm not the one who will have to answer for it."

The crew seemed satisfied just to walk away with their lives.

"Good.  We have an accord."  A toothy grin flashes across her furry face, the tides of fortune seeming to have swung back in her favour.  

And then the world exploded all around them.  From the gaping hole in the hull and behind the quickly clearing smoke, a Ladonian patrol ship could be seen approaching.  Their forward cannons fired again, this time with better aim, hitting the pirate skiff partially concealed on the the far side.  

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN 

Post Action | TECH-F (x8, 8 EN, STUN, +2/hit,): 18 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 15 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #200956 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (8*30=240)
ID #200957 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200958 | BD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (8*31=248)
ID #200959 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (8*30=240)

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 69/132 (80+4-15) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate 9 | HP: 426/666 | DMG: 124 (666-240)
Skyrat Pirate 10 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate 11 | HP: 418/666 | DMG: 124 (666-248)
Skyrat Pirate 12 | HP: 426/666 | DMG: 124 (666-240)

 

[Freyd 0]

"Crap."  Freyd and Nhiks said in unison.  Their went their deal, hurtling down in flames to crash into whatever unlucky district currently lay below them - most likely the slums.

Leaping down from his perch, Freyd brought his weapon down on the nearest pirate, splitting him in twain.  Shards splashed in a bubble as he exploded, momentarily blinding his compatriot and dooming them to the same fate.  Sweeping his staff under the next target's legs, he pulled his feet out from under him and drove one butt end down onto the wererat's face.  The other two managed to get their weapons up, but winced just long enough to provide the convenience of an opening.  A swift smack on one's wrist thrust his weapon into the other, who reciprocated with a stab, thinking it was Freyd's weapon that had hit him.  A single action felled both targets, but there was no time to celebrate as more sky rats filled the deck.

"Pfft.  Just like any other sinking ship.  The rats always know first."

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN 

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

ID #200960 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200961 | BD: 3+5=8 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200962 | BD: 6+5=11 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200963 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 55/132 (69+4-18) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate 9 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (426-435)
Skyrat Pirate 10 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate 11 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (418-435)
Skyrat Pirate 12 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (426-435)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 9: ID #201029 | LD: 6+13=19 | CD: 11+2=13 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Perfect Weapon [201029a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201029b]
4 materials (+2 CD odd, x2 event)
20979 col (HP[666]*15 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 10: ID #201030 | LD: 6+13=19 | CD: 7+2=9

T4 Perfect Weapon [201030a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201030b]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
10490 col (HP[666]*15 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 11: ID #201031 | LD: 20+13=33 | CD: 9+2=11 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [201031a]
Random Dungeon Map [201031b]
2x Gleaming Scale
4 materials (+2 CD odd, x2 event)
15385 col (HP[666]*11 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 12: ID #201032 | LD: 14+13=27 | CD: 5+2=7 

T4 Perfect Weapon [201032a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201032b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201032c]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
7692 col (HP[666]*11 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

[Freyd 0]

More explosions filled their surroundings as the Ladonian's launched another salvo.  Some moron with an improvised loudspeaker was mumbling something indecipherable to them, reminding Freyd of the announcement on the subways of Osaka.  He swore they just made them to pretend that they were actually being helpful, and to provide a plausible defense when things went sideways, as they currently were.

"Get to the lifeboats!"  Nhiks spat the words out with visible venom, anger frothing on her lips even as she glared at the Whisper taking down her men.  "Whatever happens, that one doesn't get off this ship?  You get me?"  

Her men nodded their acknowledgement with a combination of fear and bravado, each wanting to claim the player's head and the praise that would follow if they managed it.

A low tumble and nasty crotch shot cleared the distance between Freyd and the remaining crew, huddling together in panic.

"Which one of you is the captain?"

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN 

Post Action | TECH-F (x8, 8 EN, STUN, +2/hit,): 18 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 15 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #200967 | BD: 7+5=12 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200968 | BD: 7+5=12 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200969 | BD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (8*31=248)
ID #200970 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (8*30=240)

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 44/132 (55+4-15) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate #13 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #14 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #15 | HP: 418/666 | DMG: 124 (666-248)
Skyrat Pirate #16 | HP: 426/666 | DMG: 124 (666-240)

 

[Freyd 0]

"Th... the captain's dead," stuttered a young woman smeared in oil and grease.  She was most likely the ship's engineer and one of the few surviving officers given the way the rest were turning to her for guidance.  Freyd deflected a large metal crate falling towards her head and sent it crashing into another nearby pirate.

"If this ship crashes, a lot of people below will get hurt.  I'm making that a you problem, as I doubt you'll be able to help me much with the pirates.  Keeping you alive while you do it is a me problem.  Deal?"

Ample positive nodding followed.  Any kind of plan and leadership was appreciated in the middle of a crisis.  Freyd turned and faced off against the next wave of incoming sky rats, his footing unsteady as the barge reeled under the Ladonian assault.  What the hell were they thinking?!  Propping his staff beneath another flying crate, he maintained its height and kept it clear over a pair of crewman's heads.  

"What's your name?" He called out to the engineer.  

"Lavinia."  Her voice warbled as she spoke, clearly terrified.  Given the circumstances, one could hardly blame her.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN 

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

ID #200971 | BD: 8+5=13 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200972 | BD: 3+5=8 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200973 | BD: 2+5=7 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200974 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 30/132 (44+4-18) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate #13 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate #14 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate #15 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (418-435)
Skyrat Pirate #16 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (426-435)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 13: ID #201033 | LD: 14+13=27 | CD: 8+2=10

Random Dungeon Map [201033]
1x Gleaming Scale
9091 col (HP[666]*13 - incl. +2 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 14: ID #201034 | LD: 13+13=26 | CD: 10+2=12 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [201034a]
Random Dungeon Map [201034b]
2x Gleaming Scale
4 materials (+2 LD odd, x2 event)
12587 col (HP[666]*9 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 15: ID #201035 | LD: 16+13=29 | CD: 4+2=6

T4 Perfect Weapon [201035a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201035b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201035c]
13986 col (HP[666]*20 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 16: ID #201036 | LD: 15+13=28 | CD: 10+2=12 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [201036a]
Random Dungeon Map [201036b]
2x Gleaming Scale
4 materials (+2 LD odd, x2 event)
15385 col (HP[666]*11 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

[Freyd 0]

"Alright, Lavi.  You're with me.  You stay glued to my ass and tell me where we need to go. Got it?"

"Yeah! Yeah, I- watch out!!!"

Sweeping his staff low to the ground, Freyd tripped the pair of incoming pirates, trusting to falling cargo and sheer chaos to keep them occupied.  A turned head and raised eyebrow glaring from beneath his cowl urged her to continue.

"That way!  The bridge is beyond that bulkhead.  The patrol likely thinks we're dead and will bring down the ship rather than letting her fall to pirates.  We need to get to the bridge and signal them."

Clear a path.  A simple mission that was easy to understand.  The particulars would add sufficient challenge on their own.  Lunging deep, Freyd folded a pirate in half by striking him in the gut, pirouetting and catching two of his companions with a roundhouse.  His weapon followed an instant later, adding to damage to the initial stun.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN 

Post Action | TECH-F (x8, 8 EN, STUN, +2/hit,): 18 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 15 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #200975 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200976 | BD: 2+5=7 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200977 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200978 | BD: 3+5=8 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 19/132 (30+4-15) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate #17 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #18 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #19 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #20 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)

 

[Freyd 0]

Another blast, this one causing the ship to list hard to starboard, their previously steady course deviating sharply.  

"Shinsa, take Hoshi and get to the stabilizers, or we're all dead!"  Nothing motivated an engineer more than a ship in crisis.  "Quickly now!  And be safe!"

Freyd knew that she might have just sent those two subordinates to their deaths, even as he fought the next band of ragtag pirates attempting to bar their way.  She had the instincts of a leader, even if she hadn't quite realized it yet.  Stressful circumstances have a way of bringing out those traits in people, showing them who they really are.  

A yelp and thud on his left drew his attention back to the moment.  Twin ratkin had circled around behind them and cut down one of the crewmen, catching him by surprise.

"You idiots," Freyd hollered.  "You're deliberately trying to sign your own death warrants!"  Their crazed and bloodshot eyes revealed only madness in response.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN 

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

ID #200982 | BD: 5+5=6 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200983 | BD: 3+5=6 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200984 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200985 | BD: 5+5=6 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 5/132 (19+4-18) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate #17 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate #18 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate #19 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate #20 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 17: ID #201037 | LD: 3+13=16 | CD: 4+2=6

T4 Rare Consumable [201037a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201037b]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
7692 col (HP[666]*11 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 18: ID #201038 | LD: 8+13=21 | CD: 7+2=9

T4 Perfect Trinket [201038]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
11189 col (HP[666]*16 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 19: ID #201039 | LD: 7+13=20 | CD: 1+2=3

T4 Perfect Consumable [201039a]
T4 Rare Trinket [201039b]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
6294 col (HP[666]*9 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 20: ID #201040 | LD: 18+13=31 | CD: 7+2=9

Random Dungeon Map [201040]
1x Gleaming Scale
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
7692 col (HP[666]*11 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

[Freyd 0]

"Persi!  Watch our backs.  I need to scout out a path ahead or we'll walk into an ambush, which I'm absolutely sure that these nutjobs are setting for us."

A small sinewy sliver of darkness slunk down from his jacket, darting aft in search of sneaky bastards who shouldn't be there.  Twin cries of surprise followed shortly thereafter.  The mongoose was used to fighting some of Aincrad's most fearsome field bosses.  These lunkheads were hardly going to give her a challenge.  Freyd smiled, trusting his familiar to get the job done.

"That way," Lavi cried over the ongoing barrage of cannon fire.  Freyd grabbed a series of flares that looked like little more than modified glowstones and tossed them to another crewman.  The man's eyes grew wide as saucers, twitching in confusion.

"Signal the patrol ship, or we'll never make it!"

Fire blocked the rest of their path forward, likely sparked by the ongoing bombardment.

"Over here!"  

Freyd found Lavinia next to a series of sloshing barrels, busy prying the lid off of one of them.  It came loose a moment later.

"Are those... fish?!"

***

Refresh EN 1/2

Post Action | Fishing: ID #200986 | CD: 6+1=7 (1 mat found) | LD: 18+4=22 (Treasure Chest Found!)
+10 F-EXP earned (includes +2 from ornate pond)

Total F-EXP: 315/500 (Rank 4) 

Opening Fishing Chest: ID #200987 | LD: 13+3=16

+1 Material
T4 Perfect Weapon [200987a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [200987b]
T4 Rare Weapon [200987c]

[Freyd 0]

Dipping a hand into the barrels procced a system message confirming an experience gain on his fishing skill, prompting a hearty snort from Freyd.  Whatever.  Two birds with one something something.  Grabbing the barrel with the aid of another crewmen, they tossed the contents at the fire, causing no end of sizzling and popping amidst the stench of two-day old catch getting crispified.  It did the trick, and Freyd was the first through the gap, bursting onto the bridge.

A handful of skyrat pirates had become trapped here and were desperately looking for a way out, rushing for Freyd's point of entry the moment he swung it open.  They were crazed, desperate, and more than a little mad.  Not traits generally associated with mounting an effective defense.  A flurry of darkness promptly laid them low, but Lavi space to take the wheel and assess the damage.

"How bad?"  Freyd busied himself scouting the room for stragglers, noticing that the cannons had stopped.  Flare guy must have succeeded, or they'd just run out of ammo.  Either option provided a satisfactory outcome, though he'd have to track down Shinsa and Hoshi, if they survived this, and thank them for their efforts.  A cringing sneer washed over his face as he realized the changing pattern of his own thoughts.

Raidou, what the hell have you done to me?

Vanity Tag: @Raidou

***

Refresh EN 2/2

Post Action | Fishing: ID #200988 | CD: 11+1=12 (1 mat found) | LD: 14+4=18 (Treasure Chest Found!)
+10 F-EXP earned (includes +2 from ornate pond)

Total F-EXP: 325/500 (Rank 4) 

Opening Fishing Chest: ID #200989 | LD: 2+3=5

+1 Material
T4 Rare Weapon [200989a]
T4 Rare Weapon [200989b]
T4 Rare Consumable [200989c]
T4 Rare Consumable [200989d]

[Freyd 0]

"Not good!"  Lavi had reached the wheel, which fell off its mount and into her hands when she tried to spin it and stabilize their descent.  Tossing the piece of scrap aside, she yanked a wrench the size of Freyd's forearm out of her pocket and grabbed anything and everything available to try and jury rig a solution.

"Where were you hiding that?!  And why were you not bashing rodent skull in with it earlier?"

A spray of orange shards cascaded through the open bridge hatch through which they had entered.  Persi was clearly up to the task and likely enjoying herself in the process.  Lavi threw him one of those 'really?  now?' kind of looks.

"Nevermind.  What do you need?"

"Well, a new ship, my captain, fewer holes in the hull or a double espresso would all be really nice about now."

Freyd just stared at her, deadpan.

"You remind me of someone.  Actually, several someones."  Shaking off another distraction, and certain that no enemies remained ahead of them, he made for the hatch.

Spoiler

Post Action | TECH-F (x8, 8 EN, STUN, +2/hit,): 18 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 15 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #200990 | BD: 2+5=7 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200991 | BD: 4+5=9 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200992 | BD: 6+5=11 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200993 | BD: 4+5=9 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 117/132 (132-15) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate #21 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #22 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #23 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #24 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)

 

[Freyd 0]

"Lock it behind you.  The password is Bazinga.  Don't ask."  Confusion melted back into grim determination and collective nods of appreciation from the handful that had made it this far.  Returned in silent understanding, Freyd resumed his hunt for the last of Nhiks' brood. 

Persi joined up with him at the far end of the hall, just as the hatch closed and sealed behind him.  A few more twists and turns led them to an open deck from which they full extent of the damage could be seen.  A long, thick trail of black smoke trailed them from the forward starboard engine, which resembled a helicopter that had just tried to eat its own tail rudder.  Fire scorched much of the plating and decking along the same side, interspersed with a half-dozen gaping holes ranging in size from basketballs to humvees.

Three lifeboats still clung to the hull at port side aft, where Nhiks and her goons were busy trying to save their own skins.  Another group popped out a nearby hatch, aiming to make the same exit, only to run headlong into the Whisper instead.

Spoiler

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

ID #200994 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200995 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200996 | BD: 7+5=12 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #200997 | BD: 3+5=8 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 103/132 (117+4-18) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate #21 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate #22 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate #23 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate #24 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 21: ID #201047 | LD: 18+13=31 | CD: 2+2=4

T4 Perfect Consumable [201047a]
T4 Perfect Consumable [201047b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [201047c]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [201047d]
9091 col (HP[666]*13 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 22: ID #201048 | LD: 10+13=23 | CD: 6+2=8

T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [201048a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201048b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201048b]
9091 col (HP[666]*13 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 23: ID #201049 | LD: 3+13=16 | CD: 1+2=3

T4 Rare Consumable [201049a]
T4 Rare Weapon [201049b]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
6294 col (HP[666]*9 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 24: ID #201050 | LD: 11+13=24 | CD: 7+2=9

T4 Perfect Consumable [201050]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
10490 col (HP[666]*15 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

[Freyd 0]

Melee immediately ensued, neither side having been expecting to stumble onto each other in quite so sudden a manner.  Freyd danced between his foes, using the web of rigging and debris scattered across the deck to his advantage, all the while trying to close the distance to Nhiks and her escaping cronies.  

"Seriously?  How much are you even getting paid for this? I guarantee you that it isn't worth what you're going to be out after this debacle."

"It ain't just about loot, boyo," replied one of the skallywags, bloodshot yellow eyes flaring with fanatical anger.  "But you'll learn that soon enough.  Don'tcha worry."  

What was that supposed to mean?  What was on this ship, anyway?  A quick whistle and pointed direction sent Persi to investigate while he mopped up the rabble.  The rats were definitely nimble on their feet, and there were enough of them to keep him occupied while their kin let loose their moorings and fled.  Already, the first skiff was drifting off, with the two remaining rafts ready to follow.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN 

Post Action | TECH-F (x8, 8 EN, STUN, +2/hit,): 18 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 15 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #200998 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #200999 | BD: 6+5=11 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #201000 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #201001 | BD: 8+5=13 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 92/132 (103+4-15) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate #25 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #26 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #27 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #28 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)

 

[Freyd 0]

The instant that the last of their rear guard fell, Freyd pounced and cleared the distance.  The ship was especially large, even among the many cargo vessels he had witnessed traveling across Ladonia's skies.  Airships were definitely the preferred local mode of travel, though he wondered how there weren't more catastrophic accidents.  Had the game designers never heard of nine eleven?!

Locking eyes with Nhiks as her craft cut loose from the barge, he knew that he would never catch her.  The distance was too great.  But he'd dealt her and her gang a serious blow today.  Maybe he could... There he was.  That GUY!  Seated two rows back from Nhiks in the same raft, and taunting him with a wiggle of his phalanges.  Without even thinking, Freyd smashed the pinion mooring the last remaining escape pod and set it adrift, leaping high onto it and using it as a springboard to reach the other.  The spring board tipped over, behind him, spilling a dozen sky rats into the open air to meet their fates below.  Even as he streaked towards his destination, Freyd knew that he might very well be about to join them.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN 

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

ID #201002 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (15*30=450)
ID #201003 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #201004 | BD: 5+5=11 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #201005 | BD: 5+5=11 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 78/132 (92+4-18) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate #25 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-450)
Skyrat Pirate #26 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-434)
Skyrat Pirate #27 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-434)
Skyrat Pirate #28 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-434)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 25: ID #201051 | LD: 16+13=29 | CD: 7+2=9

Random Dungeon Map [201051]
1x Gleaming Scale
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
7692 col (HP[666]*11 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 26: ID #201052 | LD: 6+13=19 | CD: 11+2=13 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Perfect Weapon [201052a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201052b]
4 materials (+2 CD odd, x2 event)
20979 col (HP[666]*15 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 27: ID #201053 | LD: 1+13=14 | CD: 7+2=9

T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201053]
4 materials (+2 CD/LD odd)
7692 col (HP[666]*11 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 28: ID #201054 | LD: 18+13=31 | CD: 10+2=12 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [201054a]
Random Dungeon Map [201054b]
2x Gleaming Scale
18182 col (HP[666]*13 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

[Freyd 0]

Crashing like a bowling ball into the second skiff, Freyd's impact scattered most of the occupants like pins, tossing most of them overboard in the process.  Only Nhiks and That Guy remained, the latter laughing himself silly at the entire situation.  Why did he remind Freyd so much of Oscar?

"Wha... What is WRONG with you!?  Why can't just die, like everyone else?"  Nhiks raged at the insolence of his continued survival.

"Yes.  Inconceivable," her skeletal companion added, piling insult onto literal injury."  The were-rat's face, whirled, ready to tear apart the fool for his audacity, only to be stunned at the sight of the unfamiliar undead, and lone remaining member of now depleted ranks.

"Who the.... RAWR!"

Completely overwhelmed by fanatical fury, Nhiks hoofed That Guy in the face, sending him ass over tea-kettled and consigning him to one hell of a sudden stop below.

"NO," cried Freyd, flustered again in his efforts to capture the tiny, annoying cretin.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN 

Post Action | TECH-F (x8, 8 EN, STUN, +2/hit,): 18 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 15 EN. 
Free Action | None

ID #201008 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #201011 | BD: 7+5=12 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #201012 | BD: 5+5=10 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)
ID #201013 | BD: 4+5=11 (hit).  DMG (8*29=232)

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 67/132 (78+4-15) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate #29 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #30 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #31 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)
Skyrat Pirate #32 | HP: 434/666 | DMG: 124 (666-232)

 

[Freyd 0]

Pressing his fingers to his temples, Freyd's voice fell silent and low, as if he were only speaking to himself.

"I really wish you hadn't done that."

Nhiks grabbed and drew her serrated cutlass, swinging it high over Freyd's head as she lost her balance and her wits.  

"DO YOU THINK I CARE WHAT YOU WANT?"

Given over to complete, self-destructive impulse, Freyd had to give ground to counter her assault - a commodity that was presently in very short supply.  The speed of her attacks was increasing, even as he watched her health bar depleting itself.  It was an untenable situation, to be turned around by his most reliable piece when the tables needed to be turned.  Persi suddenly sprung from the shadows beneath the wooden benches of the escape skiff and wrapped herself around the woman's legs, sending her sprawling forward with a sickening, wet crunch.  The red tip of Nhiks' cutlass stuck awkwardly out of her own back.

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN 

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

ID #201016 | BD: 2+5=7 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)
ID #201018 | BD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (15*31=465)
ID #201019 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (15*30=450)
ID #201020 | BD: 1+5=6 (hit).  DMG (15*29=435)

Freyd | HP: 980/980 | EN: 53/132 (67+4-18) | DMG: 29 | ACC: 5 | BH: 53 | LD: 12 (+1 loot) | Prosp: 6 | Quality: 2

Skyrat Pirate #29 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)
Skyrat Pirate #30 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-465)
Skyrat Pirate #31 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-450)
Skyrat Pirate #32 | HP: 0/666 | DMG: 124 (434-435)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 29: ID #201055 | LD: 18+13=31 | CD: 7+2=9

Random Dungeon Map [201055]
1x Gleaming Scale
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
7692 col (HP[666]*11 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 30: ID #201056 | LD: 13+13=26 | CD: 6+2=8

T4 Perfect Weapon [201056a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201056b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201056c]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
7692 col (HP[666]*11 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 31: ID #201057 | LD: 14+13=27 | CD: 8+2=10

Random Dungeon Map [201057]
1x Gleaming Scale
9091 col (HP[666]*13 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 32: ID #201058 | LD: 1+13=14 | CD: 11+2=13 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201058a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201058b]
8 materials (+4 CD/LD odd, x2 event)
7692 col (HP[666]*11 - incl.+5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

[Freyd 0]

Stepping on the hilt to prevent any last minute hijinks, Freyd reached down and pulled the blade out, watching as it dematerialized in his hands.  That could only mean one thing.  Turning the woman over revealed Nhiks not as a were-rat, but as the human woman she had one been, a growing pulpy red mass staining her blouse and surcoat.  A  brass medallion fell loose as he did so, bearing the crest of the Galtean navy, now badly worn by shame and defeat, then wracked by an obsession for vengeance.

Bending low, Freyd took it in the darkness of his open, gloved hand, his eyes locking with hers.  They were clear now, blue, without any lingering hints of the disease and doom that had afflicted and then ravaged her spirit.  A stiff jerk broke the necklace free.  He would not forget.  More importantly, he would get to the bottom of whatever was really going on under Ladonia's nose, the scent masked by excess and arrogance aplenty.

Her hand, pale and stained with her own blood, wrapped itself around his, the edges of her eyes softening at the edges, knowing that her role in this lengthy tragedy was finally ending.  The sound of shattering glass followed and then she was gone, a trail of blue fractal shard carried off in their wake.

***

Vanity Tag: @Hidden because it hopefully a nice tie-in to you plot and I hope you enjoy the read.

***
Thread Summary:

3624 words / 30 = 120*5= 600*Tier
3624 / 300 = 12 seeds

+20 Fishing EXP

Freyd receives:

8640 EXP (Word Count [600*12] + 20% from event)
492206 col (400 [1 page] + 376924 [Loot] + 1296 [Laurel, +15% of EXP as col] + 30% from event)
129 mats (10 [tag] + 76 [loot] + 50% from event)
15 Gleaming Scales

12 Seeds (Event)
1 tags | ID: 201114 (CD 6); 201115 (CD 7); 201116 (CD 9) = 10 materials, +5% EXP to the party,

T4 Perfect Trinket [201021a]
T4 Perfect Trinket [201021b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201022a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201022b]
T4 Perfect Consumables [201023a]
T4 Perfect Consumables [201023b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [201023c]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [201023d]
T4 Rare Consumable [201024a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201024b]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201025a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201025b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201026a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201026b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201026c]
T4 Rare Consumable [201027]
T4 Rare Weapon [201027]
Random Dungeon Map [201028a]
Random Dungeon Map [201028b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201029a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201029b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201030a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201030b]
Random Dungeon Map [201031a]
Random Dungeon Map [201031b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201032a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201032b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201032c]
Random Dungeon Map [201033]
Random Dungeon Map [201034a]
Random Dungeon Map [201034b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201035a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201035b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201035c]
Random Dungeon Map [201036a]
Random Dungeon Map [201036b]
T4 Rare Consumable [201037a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201037b]
T4 Perfect Trinket [201038]
T4 Perfect Consumable [201039a]
T4 Rare Trinket [201039b]
Random Dungeon Map [201040]
T4 Perfect Weapon [200987a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [200987b]
T4 Rare Weapon [200987c]
T4 Rare Weapon [200989a]
T4 Rare Weapon [200989b]
T4 Rare Consumable [200989c]
T4 Rare Consumable [200989d]
T4 Perfect Consumable [201047a]
T4 Perfect Consumable [201047b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [201047c]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [201047d]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [201048a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201048b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201048b]
T4 Rare Consumable [201049a]
T4 Rare Weapon [201049b]
T4 Perfect Consumable [201050]
Random Dungeon Map [201051]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201052a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201052b]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201053]
Random Dungeon Map [201054a]
Random Dungeon Map [201054b]
Random Dungeon Map [201055]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201056a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201056b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [201056c]
Random Dungeon Map [201057]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201058a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [201058b]