[PP-26] Pesky Nest of PiRATS

[Freyd 0]

The trail left by the Skyrat pirates seemed to have gone cold after their assault on the transport ship upon which Freyd had been chasing and hoping to trap That Guy.  It had taken too long for him to follow up.  At least, that was how things seemed, until it occurred to him that some of the curs had actually escaped and in possession of a hostage - a person known to him and whom he could track.  Hoshi had sacrificed himself to protect Shinsa and give her the time she needed to repair the stabilizers.  he had saved all of their lives, and been taken captive for his trouble.

Unfortunately for the pirates, the very shield they thought would protect them actually spelled their doom.  Perched on a small ledge high in a mountain-scape he'd found through an instance opened by following the signal, Freyd stood ready to dive into their nest, and cut them down once and for all.

***

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 138/138 | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Consumed:

Spoiler

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6)
Liquor of Light (Potion) | Damage 3 [178030-2]
Breakfast Fry | Protein 2 [177714] + Filled
Berry Crumb Bars (Snack) | LOOT DIE 3 [175911]
Warbucks Wedges (Snack) | Prosperity 3 [197138]
Shore's Treasure (202053a]

Full Stats:

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadow
Level: 31
Paragon Level: 95
HP: 1040/1040
EN: 138/138

Stats:
Damage: 30
Accuracy: 7
Battle Healing: 57
Loot Dice: 8 (+3) +1 Loot (Paragon)
AA
QUAL: 2
PROSP: 3 + (3*2) = 12

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Slighted Aurora - Soar (T3 Demon MA, AA, ACC 3)
Armor: Small Konpeito Sack (T1 Demon Trinket, LD 3, QUAL 1)
Misc: Unbridled Potential (T1 Demon Trinket, Prosp 3, QUAL 1)

Custom Skill:


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

Active Mods:
Night Vision
Tracking
Meticulous
Untraceable

Inactive Mods:

Addons:
Ferocity
Precision
Resolve
Reveal
Stamina

Active Extra Skills:
Survival
Meditation
Forgotten King’s Authority
Hiding R5

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
Hmr.Pk: Samael's Pride (T4 MA HLY 2, FLN 2) x1

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:

 

[Freyd 0]

In the heart of the complex was a single chamber concealed from the world at large.  Dozens of smaller nooks and side passages lined the outer walls at various heights, giving the space a warren-like appearance.  The vaulted stone walls and floor were heavily worn and notably covered in claw marks and scratches of not particular apparent or obvious origin.  Sconces lines the walls, set with torches, while a trio of wrought iron chandeliers hung by chains from the ceiling, each one sporting a half-dozen lanterns hanging from their undercarriage.  Dozens of figures scrambled about the place, most of them skittish in their movements and notably oblivious to the value of personal hygiene.  

Several dozen skyrat pirates sat, stood, stooped or were otherwise sprawled on the heavily stained hardwood tables spaced unevenly about the place, stuffing their faces with consumable plunder from their latest kill.  Only one small group sat seriously among the lot, pondering their various schemes.

Spoiler

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

ID #202436 | BD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (8*32=256) STUNNED.
ID #202437 | BD: 6+8=14 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202438 | BD: 7+8=15 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202439 | BD: 5+8=13 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 123/138 (138-15) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 1 | HP: 479/735 | DMG: 124 (735-256)
Skyrat Pirate 2 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 3 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 4 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
 

 

[Freyd 0]

They wore garments of grey-blue wool, of distinctly marine cut, but badly worn with age and the trials of loss.  A few still sported Galtean crests as badges of honour or spoils of war.  Though maybe half the lot were from that broken land, all had profited from its fall by pleasure or necessity, and so most of their pilfered prizes were Galtean by mark and craft.  Two figures argued in the dark, beneath the cacophony of clatter made by their mates yet commonplace in this raucous place. 

"Out with it, Harbourne.  You've been tinkering and clinkering away in that lab of yours for months.  Are we ready yet?"  Tilting back a thick beard after pressing his partially filled flagon to a pair of wind blistered lips, First Mate Fresco had never been gifted with an abundance of patience.  His companion, standing at his side yet barely reaching the sitting sailor's shoulders, was a thrre foot tall ratman with blotchy blue fur laced with some sort of disgusting fungus.

"Soon, Fresky, soon.  A bit of patien-"

*SLAM*

"I told you what would happen if you ever called me that again."

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 | Activate Rhino’s Horn

ID #202440 | BD: 7+8=17 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202441 | BD: 6+8=14 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202442 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202443 | BD: 5+8=13 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 109/138 (123+4-18) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 1 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (479-495)
Skyrat Pirate 2 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495495)-
Skyrat Pirate 3 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 4 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 1: ID #202562 | LD: 16+12=28 | CD: 12+2=14 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [202562a]
Random Dungeon Map [202562b]
2x Gleaming Scales
24696 col (HP[735]*16 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 2: ID #202563 | LD: 3+12=15 | CD: 12+2=14 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Rare Armor/Shield [202563a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [202563a]
4 materials (+2 LD odd, x2 event)
24696 col (HP[735]*16 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 3: ID #202564 | LD: 18+12=30 | CD: 12+2=14 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [202564a]
Random Dungeon Map [202564b]
2x Gleaming Scales
24696 col (HP[735]*16 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 4: ID #202565 | LD: 14+12=26 | CD: 1+2=3

T4 Perfect Consumables [202565a]
T4 Perfect Consumables [202565b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [202565c]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [202565d]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
10805 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

 

[Freyd 0]

Terror spread like melted cheese over the rat-man's features, his fur bristling with fear verging on panic.  "I didn't mean anything by it!"  Tail flickering about in random directions, the one called Harbourne furtively sought some means of escape, like he'd been set on a sinking ship.  But that had already happened and was distant history to both of them.  Gabrandr's final stand against Ladonia had spelled their doom, and yet they mourned their fallen king. Would that they had triumphed that day, but Razwell's fodder had beaten them to the punch and unleashed some damned secret weapon.  They'd lost everything they everything they cared for in an instant, and been relegated to this.

"I know,"  Harbourne scrambled to say, lovingly caressing the large man's sleeve, like it might somehow actually appease him.  "I know how it is, my friend.  And soon we'll have our vengeance."  A voice made too tiny by the quirks of fate still somehow commanded the attention of all those in the central chamber.

"Keep the faith, chums!  Be ready!  Our reckoning is nearly ready!"

Cheers erupted from the rest of the throng, because their returned to their fleeting amusements.

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 #202448 | BD: 7+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202449 | BD: 3+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202450 | BD: 4+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202451 | BD: 2+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 98/138 (109+4-15) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 5 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 6 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 7 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 8 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)

 

[Freyd 0]

Some random scum dropped a casque on their table, spilling a few drops of the fluorescent green goo that had once been its contents in the process.  Harbourne hissed against clumsy waste of the previous substance.  Another batch delivered meant another neighbourhood stricken and ready to turn.  If they refused, Ladonia would see them as sickened and set the lot to the flame. 

'How many of their own would they burn,' he wondered.  How many had they already culled to keep the fat cats upstream in the sewers from noticing plague in their undercroft?  Unfortunately, it only affected those already weakened, like the refugees and other denizens of the slums and sewers.  Most guards and soldiers were too healthy to fall prey to its prickly properties.  Whiskers twitched at the prospect, and memory of past trials to soon be repeated.

"How much more of that stuff can you possibly need?"  Fresco's eyes wandered over to one of the women in the group, lavishing her with attention, whether she wanted it or not.

"Not much.  Not very much at all."  Harbourne's crimson eyes flicked to the far side of the room, where the lone, proper door adorned the entryway into his lab.  Galtea's revenge lay beyond, along with his own.  Just a few more nights, and they've have enough to bombard half the City.

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 | Activate Rhino’s Horn

ID #202452 | BD: 6+8=14 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202453 | BD: 6+8=14 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202454 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202455 | BD: 2+8=10 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 84/138 (98+4-18) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 5 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 6 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 7 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 8 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 5: ID #202566 | LD: 14+12=26 | CD: 2+2=4

T4 Perfect Consumables [202566a]
T4 Perfect Consumables [202566b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [202566c]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [202566d]
12348 col (HP[735]*16 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 6: ID #202567 | LD: 16+12=28 | CD: 9+2=11 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [202567a]
Random Dungeon Map [202567b]
2x Demonic Shards
4 materials (+2 CD odd, x2 event)
21609 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 7: ID #202568 | LD: 15+12=27 | CD: 9+2=11 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [202568a]
Random Dungeon Map [202568b]
2x Demonic Shards
8 materials (+4 CD/LD odd, x2 event)
18522 col (HP[735]*12 - incl. +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 8: ID #202569 | LD: 6+12=18 | CD: 10+2=12 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Rare Trinket [202569a]
T4 Rare Trinket [202569b]
29327 col (HP[735]*19 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

 

[Freyd 0]

Another mouseling tumbled into the main hall from one of the upper tunnels, spilling himself all over the floor and drawings a heart round of chuckles in the process.  Small and frail, the larger pirates mocked and buffered the new arrival about while she struggled to regain her footing.  Struggling to right herself, Szareesh finally gave up and tried a different tack.

"Intruder!"  

That got everyone's attention, quieting the entire den at once.  Despite their rambunctious proclivities, most of these pirates were ex-marines of Galtea, and they'd learned the hard way to take such warnings warily.  

"What's that, now Szary?"  Fresco was on his feet, staring her down from double height, the rest of the crowd parting to make way.  "You'd better 'splain yourself right quick," he growled at her shivering form, until he realized how frightened she was, and it wasn't because of him.  Furrowing his bushy brow, the first mate's demeanor changed instantly.  

"Tell me.  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 #202456 | BD: 5+8=13 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202457 | BD: 3+8=11 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202458 | BD: 7+8=15 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202459 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 75/138 (84+4-15) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 9 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 10 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735240)
Skyrat Pirate 11 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 12 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)

 

[Freyd 0]

It took a cup of hot something, mostly brown, a pair of blankets and the huddle of her crewmates to finally calm her down enough to speak without her teeth chattering.

"What has you so spooked, little one?  I've seen you stare down Ladonian Praetorians without twitching a whisker."  Fresco's large, mitt-like hands wrapped themselves around Szareesh, trying to settle her nerves.  It took three more sips before she could utter a word.

"Shadows," she mumbled.  "Death.  It came from our own shadows!"  Solid red eyes grew wide, bulging from their sockets as if they could draw the images her mouth failed to provide.  "It took the north room, Fresky.  It took them all in a heartbeat.  I... I couldn't even see it."  Her mug wobbled against the nearest table while her hand struggled to set it down, until his larger palm pressed gently down upon it.

"A monster?"  The hills surrounding the capital were full of unnatural creatures.  Could something have discovered their hideout?

"N...nno. A..mm..man."

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 | Activate Rhino’s Horn

ID #202460 | BD: 4+8=12 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202461 | BD: 4+8=12 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202462 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202463 | BD: 8+8=16 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 61/138 (75+4-18) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 9 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 10 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 11 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 12 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 9: ID #202570 | LD: 17+12=29 | CD: 10+2=12 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [202570a]
Random Dungeon Map [202570b]
2x Demonic Shards
4 materials (+2 LD odd, x2 event)
21609 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 10: ID #202571 | LD: 2+12=14 | CD: 3+2=5

T4 Rare Weapon [202571a]
T4 Uncommon Consumable [202571b]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
10805 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 11: ID #202572 | LD: 20+12=32 | CD: 5+2=7

T4 Perfect Weapon [202572a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [202572b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [202572c]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
16207 col (HP[735]*21 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 12: ID #202573 | LD: 14+12=26 | CD: 3+2=5

T4 Perfect Weapon [202573a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [202573b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [202573c]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
16207 col (HP[735]*21 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

[Freyd 0]

Silent orders were issued by but the lift of his gaze.  A dozen grim-faced sailors left the room, grabbing weapons and glow stones alike, for those who needed them.  These were veterans of a lost war, serving still out of loyalty and desperation, but determined to take rather than lose anything more.  

"Seal the room, and place a cordon of guards on the lab."  Metal scraped against leather as he drew his own cutlass and barked the rest of his scallywags from their stupor.  "Look lively, scum!  We've got a rat in our maze that doesn't belong here.  Flush him out!"  Nothing motivated the lads and lasses like a bit of eager shouting.   One foe wasn't really a thread, but Szareesh's description didn't make any sense.  It was like she had been describing a ghost.

"Harbourne."  The ratling professor perked upon at mention of his name, pawing at his muzzle out of habit and driven by uncontrollable instinct.  Drell had told him to keep his nose clean.  "Get your things.  You're getting out of here, 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 #202464 | BD: 5+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202465 | BD: 4+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202466 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (8*31=248) STUNNED.
ID #202467 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (8*31=248) STUNNED.

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 50/138 (61+4-15) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 13 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 14 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 15 | HP: 487/735 | DMG: 124 (735-248)
Skyrat Pirate 16 | HP: 487/735 | DMG: 124 (735-248)
 

 

[Freyd 0]

"But... the weapon.  It isn't fully ready, or easily portable.  I can't leave it behind!"  A swish of his feathered hat being deposited on his head spoke volumes to all those present as to Fresco's tolerance for delays. 

"Take what you can.  Leave the rest.  Go.  Now."

A tiny finger lifted from his paw, protest ready but dying to a whimper as he met then dodged the mate's gaze.

"Yes.  Yes, alright.  I understand."  Stuffing his hands into pockets to keep them from getting him into any more trouble, the alchemist signaled his escort to gather and follow.  The skyrats kept him under guard at all times.  With only one royal alchemist left, they could scarcely afford to replace him.

"Grab what you can.  Remember to check that the lids are sealed tight!  We can't have a repeat of last time."  The tails of his surcoat followed his own writhing one, even as he strode towards the far end of the room.

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 | Activate Rhino’s Horn

ID #202468 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (15*34=510)
ID #202469 | BD: 8+8=16 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202470 | BD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (15*35=525)
ID #202471 | BD: 6 (Crit +1).  DMG (15*34=510)

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 36/138 (50+4-18) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 13 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-510)
Skyrat Pirate 14 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 15 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (487-525)
Skyrat Pirate 16 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (487-510)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 13: ID #202574 | LD: 14+12=26 | CD: 2+2=4

T4 Perfect Consumable [202574a]
T4 Perfect Consumable [202574b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield  [202574c] 
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield  [202574d] 
12348 col (HP[735]*16 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 14: ID #202575 | LD: 17+12=29 | CD: 3+2=5

T4 Perfect Weapon [202575a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [202575b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [202575c]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
14663 col (HP[735]*19 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 15: ID #202576 | LD: 8+12=20 | CD: 3+2=5

T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [202576a]
T4 Perfect Trinket [202576b]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
10805 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 16: ID #202577 | LD: 5+12=17 | CD: 1+2=3

T4 Rare Consumable [202577a]
T4 Rare Weapon [202577b]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
9261 col (HP[735]*12 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

 

[Freyd 0]

Cries of surprise sounded from the same passage through which the marines had departed.  Everyone in the room raised their weapons at the sound, but fell silent to listen for the outcome.  Nothing greeted them.  Not a whisper.  Everyone jumped at the sound of metal scraping on stone.  A sword came spinning from the corridor, stopping just shy of Szareesh's foot.  The poor girl soiled herself instantly.  All around her, a phalanx of swords and spears raised in alarm, aimed squarely at the tunnel mouth from which the weapon had come.  

"Harbourne.  MOVE.  NOW."

Fresco spilled the table contents all over the floor, kicking the slab over to block the opening and telling his men to hold fast.  This wasn't just some common miscreant, a merc, or even someone with a grudge.  Razwell must have found them and sent one of his assassins.  Their schedule just got compressed, whether they liked it or not.

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 #202472 | BD: 6+8=14 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202473 | BD: 7+8=15 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202474 | BD: 2+8=10 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202475 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 25/138 (36+4-15) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 17 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 18 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 19 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 20 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)

 

[Freyd 0]

More sudden cries of alarm, this time coming from the far passage towards which the alchemist had been heading.  His escort surrounded him, uncertain as to the source or vector of the threat.  Scuffles could be heard from various directions at once, some merely calling for aid or to point out the sighting of something they couldn't describe.  A barrage of light pulses from the north was followed a few moments later by the drifting of bright blue dust and digital shards spilling onto the open floor.  More dead.

"There are likely more than one," Fresco surmised.  "Come on.  We're getting the hell out of here."  Picking a random passage to avoid any risks of predictability, he grabbed a barrel of Harbourne's concoction and hefted it over his shoulder.  "Grab what you can.  We make for the skiffs.  You four, buy us as much time as you can, then make a break for it.  Don't get dead."

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 | Activate Rhino’s Horn

ID #202476 | BD: 8+8=9 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202477 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (15*34=510)
ID #202478 | BD: 8+8=9 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202479 | BD: 5+8=9 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 11/138 (25+4-18) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 17 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 18 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-510)
Skyrat Pirate 19 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 20 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 17: ID #202578 | LD: 9+12=21 | CD: 9+2=11 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Perfect Trinket [202578a]
T4 Perfect Trinket [202578b]
8 materials (+4 CD/LD odd, x2 event)
26240 col (HP[735]*17 - incl. +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 18: ID #202579 | LD: 9+12=21 | CD: 4+2=6 

T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [202579a]
T4 Perfect Consumable [202579b]
T4 Perfect Consumable [202579c]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
10805 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 19: ID #202580 | LD: 11+12=23 | CD: 12+2=14 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Perfect Consumable [202580a]
T4 Perfect Consumable [202580b]
4 materials (+2 LD odd, x2 event)
30870 col (HP[735]*20 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 20: ID #202581 | LD: 5+12=17 | CD: 6+2=8

T4 Rare Consumable [202581a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [202581b]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
10805 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

[Freyd 0]

Only about two dozen remained, for sure, and less Darvin's group that had remained behind to hold the hall.  Fresco had Szareesh at his side, the casque hovering in his arms over her head while the worn cutlass in his right hand stood ready to carve them a path forward.  

"Damn.  How did they find us?  Come on Harbourne.  Now is not the time to doddle."  Waving his blade around, he sent another squad ahead to safeguard passage.  Iron crashed into wood and stone behind them.  The enemy must have entered the hall and dropped a chandelier in the process.  

"Double-time it.  We can't stay here, and those men likely just died to buy us our escape."  His voice was less certain than he would have liked, but the message reached the others just the same. A tug on his sleeve nearly caused him to stab the same alchemist he sought to protect.

"Gah!  Are you trying to get yourself killed?  What is it?"  The smelly old rat pointed a shaky finger at the ceiling.

***

Rest 1 of 2

[Freyd 0]

Something... no.. someone long and lanky fell upon them from above.  Claws and teeth flensed flesh and shredded into the mate and his guards, tearing their health bars to pieces.  He heard Szareesh scream and saw something move at the edge of his vision.  A black fist punched through one of his men, grazing the girl's head while unleashing a banshee's keening the likes of which he never would have thought possible.  A bright orange swatch, like a brilliant burn, flared as the mouseling's fur and flesh were ripped off and sucked into the liquid void. A burst of fractals showed a man, for an instant.  He was slightly shorter than Fresco, dressed mostly in black, save the lower half of his face.

A lunge met nothing but air, while behind him Harbourne's escorts were in trouble.  The old rat dropped to all fours, probably saving his life as another guard took the blow originally aimed at his head.

"I'm too old for this!"

***

Rest 2/2 (EN Refreshed)

[Freyd 0]

Chaos engulfed the tight tunnel as half a dozen soldiers struggled to find their target, which seemed to shift and vanish like the wind.  Whatever it was seemed to have figured out what they were trying to protect as a leather-clad foot stomped on Harbourne's hand.  One of the same deadly hands grabbed the rat-man by the scruff of the neck, lifted and then smashed hard into the stone floor with bone-breaking force.  The old man's glasses went flying into the darkness from the impact, which left him gasping for absent breath.

"HARBOURNE!"  Szareesh rushed towards him only to be blocked by Fresco's elbow.

Before them, the man in black held his fist cocked over the injured mob's head, clearly capable of ending the alchemist's existence before they could stop him.

"You look like you're in charge."  The assassin's voice was cold, though not particularly deep or ominous.  It carried the tone of someone perfectly willing and able to kill without hesitation.

Spoiler

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

ID #202516 | BD: 8+8=16 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202517 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202518 | BD: 8+8=16 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202519 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 123/138 (138-15) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 21 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 22 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 23 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 24 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)

 

[Freyd 0]

"Say your peace, assassin.  The longer I hold you up, the more my men will tighten the noose around your neck."  To his credit, Fresco had actually managed to sound more credible than he felt.

"You mean the men I left in fragments between here and your front door?"  The cowled cretin tilted his head in a mocking manner that nearly broke the first mate's restraint.  He knew that his captain would kill him if he failed to protect the alchemist.  This wasn't looking good, either way.  

"So, what's worth more to you: the casque, the old man or the mouse girl?"  Freyd honestly didn't care, given that he was primarily here to avenge the crew of that cargo ship that he'd just saved from a pirate attack.  Whatever was happening here was over his head, and, frankly, beyond his caring.  He was clearing a nest, not looking for plot, but it always seemed to find him anyway.

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 | Activate Rhino’s Horn

ID #202520 | BD: 4+8=12 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202521 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202522 | BD: 8+8=16 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202523 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 109/138 (123+4-18) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 21 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 22 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 23 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 24 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 21: ID #202582 | LD: 14+12=26 | CD: 1+2=3

T4 Perfect Consumable [202582a]
T4 Perfect Consumable [202582b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [202582c]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [202582d]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
10805 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 22: ID #202583 | LD: 6+12=18 | CD: 7+2=9

T4 Rare Trinket [202583]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
13120 col (HP[735]*17 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 23: ID #202584 | LD: 13+12=25 | CD: 2+2=4

T4 Perfect Consumable [202584a]
T4 Perfect Consumable [202584b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [202584c]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield [202584d]
2 materials (+2 LD odd)
10805 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 CD even, +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 24: ID #202585 | LD: 4+12=16 | CD: 7+2=9

T4 Rare Trinket [202585]
2 materials (+2 CD odd)
10805 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit)

[Freyd 0]

Spotting the insignia tucked under the fold of the man's coat, Freyd recognized it as the same one worn by the rat woman who'd led the assault on the barge.  A brass medallion slipped to hang from his fingers over Harbourne's head. 

"Someone left a memento behind on your last raid.  That didn't go so well, by the way.  But I'll tell you what.  You give me the hostage taken by the survivors and I'll spare the rest of you from the same fate as the guards.  Deal?"

Fresco was dead still and silent, his jaw hanging half-open as he stared at the trinket he'd given his wife all those years ago, dangling from this killer's hands.

"Fresco.  Don't!"  Harbourne's plea came too late as the marine lost all sense of control.  Shifting musculature beneath his coat combined with swelling growth as the man revealed the skyrats' secret and surrendered himself fully to his lycanthropic curse.

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 #202525 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202526 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (8*31=248) STUNNED.
ID #202527 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202528 | BD: 3+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 98/138 (109+4-15) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 25 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 26 | HP: 487/735 | DMG: 124 (735-248)
Skyrat Pirate 27 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 28 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
 

 

[Freyd 0]

"So, I'm guessing that's a 'no'?"  Freyd spun and flung his prisoner into the path of the crazed were-rat onslaught, a cloud of teeth and claws hurtling straight towards him.  Harbourne never stood a chance and was vaporized instantly, features of grave regret mixed with terror frozen on his face as his friend tore him to pieces.

Szareesh screamed in the background, at the egregious horror playing out before her.  Her mind struggling to comprehend how her world had so suddenly been turned upside down.  Hadn't the Galteans suffered enough?  Was is truly necessary that pile insult onto injury in such a manner?  This one wasn't even Ladonian, but just some random do-gooder or mercenary who'd taken on the role of avenging angel under the pretense that they were criminals or terrorists.  She had never even considered that they were anything other than loyalists.  And now, her friends were killing each other because of their own overwhelming grief.

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 | Activate Rhino’s Horn

ID #202531 | BD: 8+8=16 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202532 | BD: 2+8=10 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202533 | BD: 2+8=10 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202534 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 84/138 (98+4-18) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 25 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 26 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (487-495)
Skyrat Pirate 27 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 28 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 25: ID #202586 | LD: 8+12=20 | CD: 12+2=14 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Perfect Weapon [202586a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [202586a]
30870 col (HP[735]*20 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 26: ID #202587 | LD: 5+12=17 | CD: 1+2=3

T4 Rare Consumable [202587a]
T4 Rare Weapon [202587b]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
9261 col (HP[735]*12 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 27: ID #202588 | LD: 16+12=28 | CD: 11+2=13 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [202588a]
Random Dungeon Map [202588b]
2x Demonic Shard
4 materials (+2 CD odd, x2 event)
21609 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 28: ID #202589 | LD: 11+12=23 | CD: 11+2=13 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Perfect Consumable [202589a]
T4 Perfect Consumable [202589a]
8 materials (+4 CD/LD odd, x2 event)
27783 col (HP[735]*18 - incl. +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

[Freyd 0]

"STOP!  FRESCO!  STOP!!!"

The words bounced off of his mind, which had completely disconnected from any interaction with rational reality.  Fresco had become the very monster he'd struggled so long to contain.  A man and a people afflicted by a curse beyond his control and subjects to the whims of distant, apathetic Lords of Fate.  His end was playing itself out in ever-deepening tragedy, and on the verge of consuming him.  

Favouring attack, Freyd had already feigned low and launched himself through the dispersing cloud that had been Harbourne, sneaking below enraged Fresco's anger and catching him straight in the gut.  The giant, enraged rat-man folded himself over Freyd's fist, spewing a gout of bloody from the impact.  The Whisper didn't know all of the details playing our before him and considered the Galtean to be forfeiting his life by choosing the charge.  The hulking beast flew backwards from the player's punch, embedding himself a foot deep in the granite tunnel wall.

"Leave him alone!"

The girl had placed herself between them, without a clue that she was facing off against the deadliest player in all of Aincrad.

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 #202536 | BD: 2+8=10 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202537 | BD: 4+8=12 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202538 | BD: 5+8=13 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202539 | BD: 6+8=14 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 73/138 (84+4-15) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 29 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 30 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 31 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 32 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)

 

[Freyd 0]

Stone tore and broke around Were-Fresco's form as he recovered from the force of Freyd's blow.  He had to shake his head at least three times to stop the ringing within and get his visions to stop wobbling around.  Unfortunately, all was still a red haze in a world filled with nothing but hate and anguish.  Freyd stepped sideways and emerged from Szareesh's own shadow catching the furious first mate with another fearsome uppercut that dive his skull straight up into the ceiling.

"What can't you just leave us alone," the girl pleaded, tears streaming down the white fur on her face.  "We just want to be able to go home!"

Of all things that might resonate with a player in Aincrad, those words stood at the apex.  Halting his attack for a moment, Freyd stepped back into a defensive stance, wondering what to make of such a request. And re-assessing whether or not things were entirely as they seemed.

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 | Activate Rhino’s Horn

ID #202541 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202542 | BD: 3+8=12 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202543 | BD: 6+8=14 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)
ID #202545 | BD: 2+8=10 (hit).  DMG (15*33=495)

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 59/138 (73+4-18) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 29 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 30 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 31 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)
Skyrat Pirate 32 | HP: 0/735 | DMG: 124 (495-495)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 29: ID #202590 | LD: 6+12=18 | CD: 12+2=14 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Rare Trinket [202590a]
T4 Rare Trinket [202590b]
29327 col (HP[735]*19 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 30: ID #202591 | LD: 2+12=14 | CD: 9+2=11 (x2 event bonus)

T4 Rare Armor/Shield [202591a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield [202591b]
4 materials (+2 CD odd, x2 event)
24696 col (HP[735]*16 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 31: ID #202592 | LD: 15+12=27 | CD: 5+2=7

T4 Perfect Weapon [202592a]
T4 Perfect Weapon [202592b]
T4 Perfect Weapon [202592c]
4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
14663 col (HP[735]*19 - incl. +5% Col Deposit)

Loot Skyrat Pirate 32: ID #202593 | LD: 16+12=28 | CD: 9+2=11 (x2 event bonus)

Random Dungeon Map [202593a]
Random Dungeon Map [202593b]
2x Demonic Shard
4 materials (+2 CD odd, x2 event)
21609 col (HP[735]*14 - incl. +2 LD even, +5% Col Deposit, x2 event)

[Freyd 0]

"What's your name, girl?"  Freyd's voice held a hint of curiosity and, strangely, compassion.  Persi was in the process of mauling her friend, so he could spare a moment for a sidebar.

"Szareesh, Scout, First class, of the Regalian Frontier Squadron in his majesty's Galtean Navy."  When was the last time she'd even identified herself by those words.  They'd been lost to time, twisted into a pretzel-shaped desire to forget that she'd forgotten they even existed.  She could hardly see him through the sobbing mucus-covered mess that was her face.  "It's just so not fair!"

Freyd had always had a soft spot for kids, even NPCs, going as far back as his experiences finding Yuri's remains at the Tanabata festival.  Something echoed inside when this girl spoke and told him that he needed to listen.  A flick of his fingers instructed Persi to cease her attack, allowing the poor, pummeled Fresco to fall into a lump of bristling fur and whiskers on the stone floor.

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 #202546 | BD: 2+8=10 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202547 | BD: 1+8=9 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202548 | BD: 2+8=10 (hit).  DMG (8*30=240) STUNNED.
ID #202549 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (8*31=248) STUNNED.

Skyrats are all stunned.

Freyd | HP: 1040/1040 | EN: 48/138 (59+4-15) | DMG: 30 | ACC: 8 (incl. AA) | BH: 57 | LD: 11 (+1 loot) | QUAL: 2 | PROSP 9

Skyrat Pirate 33 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 34 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 35 | HP: 495/735 | DMG: 124 (735-240)
Skyrat Pirate 36 | HP: 487/735 | DMG: 124 (735-248)