[PP-F5] Here, Little Leo <<Feeding Your Enemy>>

[Them 0]

The First Floor

Cleo took hold of the bag of <<Familiar Food>>, handed to her by the <<Travelling Gypsy>>. "And this is free, right? It's just that my funds are a little bit dire right now," she admitted freely, uncertainty woven in her expression, but the soft-spoken, nomadic woman interrupted to reassure her.

"There is no material cost," responded the Gypsy, "But I ask must you to return the remaining feed when you're finished."

Could this be a genuine act of kindness, no strings attached? The Player wasn't want to question a gift horse in the mouth, and, stowing the little bag of treats away, she departed from the NPC, sharing a final thank you. "I'll bring it back when I'm... done?" In an instant between looking away and turning back, the Gypsy vanished from sight, leaving no trace other than the impression of her sandals in the dusty cobbled stones below.

The Fifth Floor

Blistering heat rose from the sands. Cleo wandered across shallow dunes of the desert-laden fifth floor, a few minutes walk from <<Fortaleza>>, heading Eastward. She removed both her rugged black duster coat and leather boots, stripped down to all but a beige tunic and brown leather bottoms with a pair of leather straps around her feet, a sorry excuse for sandals. Cleo wrapped her head in a makeshift headband fashioned from a strip of ripped fabric, which was doing a miserable job of stopping sweat from reaching her eyes. Even still, the heat was far too much for the first-floor resident, and as she stopped to take a swig from a waterskin, she pondered the decisions which had led her to endure such torture.

Cleo recalled an encounter in the Town of Beginnings, a couple of minutes after meeting with the Gypsy, when another Player wandered by, Flametail* in tow.

*

Armed with the knowledge of where to find one for herself, the Player took off. It was impulsive, irresponsible, but she didn't mind. She wanted—nay, desperately desired—that fire cat, and her mind was set on acquiring one. That was all the convincing that she needed to set off on a new venture, and which was fast becoming her least favorite yet.

Lost in thought, the sand shifted suddenly. A <<Giant Clawed Scorpion>> exploded from beneath her feet, hitting Cleo with enough force to thrust her from the top of a steep dune. Sent into a violent tumble to the bottom, she choked the sand from her lungs and, the scorched sands burning her hands, picked herself up with a stumble. The shock from the attack had thrown off her senses but she could see straight enough to get a good look at the beast. Its dusty body featured a bulging stinger which hung from its tail, ready to inject deadly poison, and, atypically, a set of giant snapping claws in place of its front legs. Another <<Giant Clawed Scorpion>> burst to the surface beside the other and the two beasts snapped at the Player, readying an assault.

@Nari-Lanreth

Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 36/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1
Giant Clawed Scorpion 1 | HP: 200/200| DMG: 25
Giant Clawed Scorpion 2 | HP: 200/200| DMG: 25

 

Stats and Equipment:

Spoiler

Them
Level 9 | HP 180/180 | EN 36/36 | DMG: 13 (1 Base + 7 Dagger + 2 Ferocity + 3 Enhancement) | MIT: 5 (5 Cloth Armor) | ACC: 1 (1 Precision) | EVA: 0 | LD: 3 (3 Trinket)

Equipment:

• Obsidian Stylet (T1 - Perfect - Dagger) [Damage III]
• Leather Duster (Vanity - Overall)
• music box. (T1 - Perfect - Trinket) (Loot Die III)

Consumables:

• (3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)

Skills:

• Dagger R5 - (30 SP)
  • Stamina - (4 SP)
  • Precision - (2 SP)
  • Ferocity - (4 SP)
• Cloth Armor R1 - (4 SP)
• Meditation

 

Edited March 2, 2022 by Them

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

 She hated this floor. The heat of it always made her uncomfortable, and although she swore to Yuki that they would never return… she found herself once again out in the desert sands – this time thankfully not being bombarded by blow winds and sands.

A sudden burst on a nearby dune caught her attention, and Nari saw two scorpions erupt from the ground, closing in on what appeared to be a lone player. Curious, she crossed the sands, her spear cradled in her arm. As she came closer she saw the blue haired woman, who appeared to be confronting the two scorpions – a look of concern, or fear on her face. Glancing between the two parties, Nari realised that the player may have walked into something far more dangerous than they had anticipated.

Letting the spear roll down from her shoulder and into the palm of her left hand, Nari strode forward, stepping between the scorpion and the girl, bringing her shield to bear in front of her. Without glancing back, she called out to the other. “I have no idea if you were fine or not, but consider this me interceding with concern for your safety.”

Lashing out with her spear, the violet glow from the weapon leaving a barely visible trail on the air, she’ll slide to her right, trying to draw the attention of the creatures.

Spoiler

Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 84/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG]

Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 36/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1
Giant Clawed Scorpion 1 | HP: 200/200| DMG: 25
Giant Clawed Scorpion 2 | HP: 200/200| DMG: 25

Combat Start

Round One

ID204452 | BD: 4 + 3 =7 | <<Tech-F vs Giant Clawed Scorpion 1>>

| The strike hits! 

| 8 x 12 = 96 DMG 

| Giant Clawed Scorpion 1 is Stunned! 

ID20453 | BD: 2 + 3 = 5 | <<Tech-F vs Giant Clawed Scorpion 2>>

| The strike misses! 

 

[2,0]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 71/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG]

[0,0]Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 36/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1
Giant Clawed Scorpion 1 | HP: 104/200| DMG: 25
Giant Clawed Scorpion 2 | HP: 200/200| DMG: 25

Nari's Statblock

Spoiler

Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 84/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG]

Tier 4

Laurel Wreath (Earn Col equivalent to 15% of player’s EXP earned in thread). 

Equipped Items

Länn Síonnäch Gheímhrídh [Tier 4; Polearm [One-handed Assault Spear]; Demonic] Standing at nearly 120 cm in length from tip to tip, this short spear contains a metallic-appearing shaft of shifting dark and light violet, twirling in a mesmerising pattern. The blade - connected by a metal collar of a blackness similar to a void - glints with an ice blue colouring, a shift of light violet visible in the surface at the right angle. Twin wrapped lengths of cord - a combination of ice blue and dark violet - hang from the metal collar, intertwining in a mesmerising pattern when in movement. Both sides of the blade, just above the collar, contain a curled white fox, the dark black eyes staring outwards.

| Enhancement: Paralyze [2 Slots] | Effect: Natural critical attack rolls of 9-10 (1 slot) or natural successful attack rolls of 8-10 (2 slots) remove the enemy’s action on their next turn. Paralyzed opponents lose any evasion properties.
| Enhancement: Accuracy [2 Slots] | Effect: Gain +(1 per slot) to the BD when attacking. Cannot be used to cause a critical hit.

Dark Fox's Reckoning [Tier 4; Heavy/Plate Armour] Forged to be shapely, this piece appears thinner than most pieces of heavy armour - leaving what appear to be openings towards the neckline, and the sides of the torso. Smaller shoulders leave limited protection towards the neck, but allow for greater movement. Coloured a dark violet, the edges of the piece outlined in a shifting soft silver, orange and red colour. Upon the chest's centre stands a white fox, slightly cured with fangs barred, black eyes staring out as if at the individual in front of the piece. 

| Enhancement: Recovery [1 Slot] | Effect: Before your post action, make a separate CD roll. On a natural CD7+, regain (1 per slot * Tier) additional energy. This CD roll may also apply to activating the effects of Vamp-Def.

| Enhancement: Heavy Momentum [1 Slot] | Effect: After an unsuccessful attack, gain +(1 per slot * Tier) base damage until your next successful attack, at which point this bonus is removed. Another unsuccessful attack will reactivate this enhancement. Must be using the Heavy Armor Skill for this enhancement to take effect. [For Area of Effect attacks: This effect only activates if you miss all enemies targeted by the attack.]

| Enhancement: Taunt [1 Slot] | Effect: +1 Hate generated from Howl, Focused Howl, and successful attacks.

Dark Fox's Retribution [Tier 4; Celtic Shield] Similar to a wall shield, this piece stands nearly 137cm tall, and nearly 76 cm wide - easily covering the form of a shorter individual. Tapered on the sides, the shield seems to bend inwards slightly on its edges, a perfect opening for an outwardly weapon to be levelled through. The top and bottom edges slightly bend inwards, giving the impression of a less than straight appearance. Coloured in a dark violet, with edges of dark forest green, a white fox, slightly cured with fangs barred is emblazoned on its centre, appearing as if ready to strike. 

| Enhancement: Recovery [1 Slot] | Effect: Before your post action, make a separate CD roll. On a natural CD7+, regain (1 per slot * Tier) additional energy. This CD roll may also apply to activating the effects of Vamp-Def.

| Enhancement: Thorns [2 Slots] | Effect: Successful non-critical attacks against you deal (9 * Tier) unmitigated damage to the attacking enemy. Only activates on damage dealing, melee attacks.

 

Battle-Ready Inventory

Teleport Crystal {3}
Arrowhead Brooch | Tier 1 Perfect Trinket | Accuracy III
Music Box | Tier 1 Perfect Trinket | LD III
Starter Healing Potions {5} | Heals 50 HP
Super-Duper Anti Snake Sauce (Salve) | Antidote 2
Pure Unadulterated Rage (Meals) | Mitigation 3

 

Inventory

T1 Uncommon Health Potions {5} | Heals 5% of Maximum HP
T1 Uncommon Damage Potion {1} | +1 DMG for an entire thread
T1 Uncommon Overhealth Potion {1} | Adds 5% of Maximum HP to users Maximum HP for a thread
T1 Rare Health Potions {1} | Heals 10% of Maximum HP
T1 Monkey Agility {2} | Evasion 1

 

Combat Skills

Battle Healing
Rank 2
Passive
Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.

 

Weapon Skills

Polearm
Rank 5
Passive
Effect: +7 DMG

[Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina
Passive
Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.

[Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision
Passive
Effect: Gain +1 ACC.

[Rank 5 Weapon Addon] <<Weapon Type>> Focus
Passive
Effect: Decreases minor critical threshold by 1. Also reduces DoT thresholds by 1. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.

[Rank 5 Shift] TECH Specialist
Passive
Effect: For TECH Sword Arts, +4 to multipliers, +3 to EN cost. No other Shifts may be taken.

 

Sword Arts

[x12] ST-I (12 EN) | A single-target sword art.
[x15] ST-II (15 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn.
[x20] ST-B (20 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, use only the first roll.
[x11] AOE-I (11 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.
[x14] AOE-II (14 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed the previous turn.
[x16] TECH-A (16 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.
[x16] TECH-B (15 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a status condition that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn.
[x16] TECH-C (15 EN) | COUNTER | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, places [Counter] around the player. [Counter] reduces the final damage taken by its user by 25% (rounded down) for one turn.
[x16] TECH-D (15 EN) | SHATTER | A single-target sword art that applies [Shatter] to an enemy for 3 turns. [Shatter] is a debuff that can stack up to a cap of 3. Each stack of [Shatter] removes -20 MIT from an enemy, down to 0, if it has MIT. 
[x12] TECH-F (11 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn.
[x3] RAW-A (10 EN) | THORNS | A single-target sword art that utilizes the [Thorns] of the individual against the enemy. Other types of enhancements that apply damage upon contact with the individual are also considered in improving the damage of this sword art (eg. Immolation Potion, Flame/Frost Aura, etc). Outgoing damage is considered mitigatable.  Must have a weapon equipped to activate this sword art.

 

Armour Skills

Heavy Armor
Rank 5
Passive
Effect: MIT + 35. You can only benefit from one armour skill at a time (the respective armour type must be equipped). Your evasion is capped at 1 enhancement slot and you take -1 to Stealth Rating per rank.

[Rank 5 Heavy Armor Addon] Iron Skin
Effect: Gain +15 Mitigation and +15 * Tier HP
 

Extra Skills

Parry
Active: Post action
Energy cost: 9 EN
Cooldown: 3 Turns
Effect: Apply the energy cost upon proc, not activation. Reduces the final damage of the next successful attack against you by 50% (rounded down) and negates stun/paralysis effects of that attack. If hit by multiple attacks, only apply parry to the first attack against you. Parry lasts for three turns. Cooldown starts when the player activates the Skill. If the player is hit when using Parry, the cooldown is reset to 3 turns.

[Parry Mod] Vengeful Riposte
Passive
Cooldown: 4 Turns
Effect: A successful Parry also returns 50% (rounded down) of the raw damage that would be dealt to you back to your opponent. The reflected damage can be mitigated by the opponent.
 

Block [Requires two Extra Skill slots]
Passive
Effect: Requires an equipped shield. User’s evasion cannot be greater than 0 (can still be negative). Grants additional mitigation:
Rank 5: 25 MIT
Combat Mastery

 

Combat Mastery: Mitigation
[Expert] -> Rank 3
Passive
Effect: Gain +6*Tier Mitigation per rank. Ranks of this Skill apply to Mitigation enhancement caps.

 

Estate Buffs

Bedroom
Effect: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat

Storage Closet
Effect: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot

 

Spoiler

Word Count: 229

 

Edited March 2, 2022 by Nari-Lanreth
Dice Roll Results

[Them 0]

Approaching footsteps tore her eyes away from the scorpions and toward a shield-bearing Player, spear at the ready. Cleo, now with a buffer between herself and the beasts courtesy of the long-haired woman, found the precious seconds needed to discover her center of gravity, straighten her thoughts, and take arms with the dagger bound to her hip. "Thank you." Whoever this woman was didn't matter, besides the fact that her actions painted her as more friend than foe.

The spear-wielding woman struck one of the arachnids and drew the ire of both, and they followed the shield-bearer toward the right. Allowing the chase, Cleo bided her time until she fell out of the wounded arachnids vision and then sprang toward the enemy, the dagger blade a flash of lightning striking true on its target.

Avenging its own, the secondary scorpion reared its tail and unleashed its stinger into a mighty swing, striking and knocking Cleo to the ground. The dagger slipped through her fingers and into the sands and, winded and disarmed, she gasped, the scorpion's stinger now looming above.

@Nari-Lanreth

Spoiler

Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 84/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG]
Them | HP: 180/180 | EN: 36/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1
Giant Clawed Scorpion 1 | HP: 104/200| DMG: 25
Giant Clawed Scorpion 2 | HP: 200/200 | DMG: 25

Combat Start

Round One

ID204476 | BD: 10 | <<ST-I vs Giant Clawed Scorpion 1>>

| The strike hits, critically! 

| (13 + 2) x 12  = 180 DMG 

ID204477 | MD: 8 | <<Giant Clawed Scorpion 2 vs Them>>

| The strike hits! 

| 25 - 5 = 20 DMG

 

[0]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 71/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG]
[0]Them | Lv. 9 | HP: 160/180 | EN: 26/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1
Giant Clawed Scorpion 1 | HP: 0/200 | DMG: 25
Giant Clawed Scorpion 2 | HP: 200/200 | DMG: 25

 

Edited March 3, 2022 by Them

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari watched calmly as the first of the creatures exploded into a shower of shards. Her eyes drifted to the second, keeping an eye out as it slammed its stinger into the girl, forcing her to the ground and the weapon out of her hand.

Trapped on the ground, seemingly held in place by the creature and struggling to get out of its grasp, Nari realised the player may not be doing so well at the moment. Her concern rose as she realised the dagger was just barely out of reach, something extremely dangerous in this sort of situation. She knew that even if the scorpion didn’t do much damage each strike, it could be dangerous over time.

Striding forward, she’ll drive her spear forward, the soft violet light of the sword art leaving another barely visible trail in the air.

“Are you okay?” Although the words themselves are spoken as a means of concern, the voice has no emotion to it, the face entirely stoic as it focuses on destroying the danger present. “You should keep your hands on your dagger, it’s a major lifeline out here.”

Spoiler

[0]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 75/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG]
[0]Them | Lv. 9 | HP: 160/180 | EN: 26/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1
Giant Clawed Scorpion 2 | HP: 200/200 | DMG: 25

Round Two

ID204517 | BD: 10 + 3 = 13 | <<RAW-A vs. Giant Clawed Scorpion 2>>

| The strike hits!  Major Critical Hit!  (+2 DMG) 

| (72 + 2) x 3 = 222 DMG

| Giant Clawed Scorpion 2 is defeated! 

 

[0]Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 68/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG]
[0]Them | Lv. 9 | HP: 160/180 | EN: 26/36 | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1
Giant Clawed Scorpion 2 | HP: 0/200 | DMG: 25

 

Spoiler

Word Count: 188

 

Edited March 3, 2022 by Nari-Lanreth
Dice Roll Results

[Them 0]

Life draining to zero, the final scorpion exploded into shards, its dying whine echoing across the dunes.

Adrenaline kept the Player alert and tense, and her heartbeat only slowed when it became clear that the immediate threat was no more. Calming, she let her head drop into the sand with a muted thud, relief abundant in each of her breaths. "I am, yeah, I think so." The other Player warned of the misplaced dagger, after which she reached out to retrieve it. "Sweaty hands are a bitch," she made a weak, passing smile and sat up, dipping her head slightly to signal gratitude. "If you hadn't come along, those things would have smoked me, dagger or no dagger." In the process of berating herself, she brushed off the sand from her clothes and, for the first time, had a moment to study the purple-haired woman.

Anticipating a stranger, one could imagine Cleo's surprise when she knew who the woman was. "Hang on. You're the smith from the Winter Fox?" She posed the statement as more of a question, on the off-chance of being wrong, but the chances seemed low. "Nari, right?"

Still seated upon the sand, which was beginning to collect in the openings of her clothes, she held a hand up to request assistance.

Them | Lv. 9 | HP: 170/180 (+10) | EN: 27/36 (+1) | DMG: 13 | MIT: 5 | ACC: 1

@Nari-Lanreth

Edited March 3, 2022 by Them

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Glancing down at the blue haired girl, it took Nari a moment to place the face. “Cleo… right? Sorry, my mind is… well, not necessarily here. It’s nice to see you alive and well. And hopefully staying that way. What’re you doing all the way out here, anyways?”

Nari reached out with her right hand, helping the girl to her feet before stepping back to give her space. It had been a little while since she’d seen the girl enter her shop – and she had to admit she was surprised the girl remembered her.

“Aside, of course, from making friends with the locals and attempting to sand-bathe.” She threw on a decent sized grin, hoping the joke would be picked up by the other. She wasn’t too familiar with the girl, having only met her the once, but she had taken a liking to her that one time. ‘Plus, I can’t very well leave her out here all alone…’

Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 6 | HP: 720/720 | EN: 69/84 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | ACC: 3 | REC: 8 | EVA: 0 | LD: 0 | STH: -5 | THORNS [72 DMG]

Spoiler

Word Count: 159

 

[Them 0]

As Cleo rose to her feet with assistance from Nari, a handful of sand funneled out from each leg of her bottoms. "Getting my ass handed to me and learning how much crotch-sand I can accumulate in five minutes, apparently." She shook loose whatever grains lingered still, managing a smile despite her discomfort. "I'm on the lookout for a familiar, and beginning to think that my intel is just a little off."

The stranger's words echoed clearly in her thoughts, 'Fifth-floor town. It spawns by some ruins about ten minutes East. Can't miss it!' Apparently can't miss the snappy boys, either. Pff.

Brought back to the 'real' world, Cleo motioned toward Nari and the spear-and-shield combo in her arms. It was odd to stumble into anybody in those parts of the castle, let alone a Player more than capable of besting the floor's strongest mobs. "You're based on the twenty-seventh floor, right? What brings you down here, into the middle of the desert? It's horrible." Raising her arms, she gestured toward—quite frankly—everything.

 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Her eyes roamed the sands around them, taking in the gesture and everything else. There truly wasn’t much to be found out here, this far away from what passed for civilization. Nari nodded at the girl’s words, suddenly remembering her own trek to find the familiar curled around her shoulders. She reached up, giving Yuki a soft pat on the head, silently promising her that she would only have to bear the heat for a while longer.

“I was supposed to meet a…friend...at the local bazaar, but I arrived a while early, and they’ve been delayed. I figured I’d chase down a rumour I had heard about the area…” She shrugged, her eyes still roaming for more dangers. “Turns out the rumour was either wrong, or I was lied to. Either way I’ll make sure the info broker is corrected. You mentioned the familiar quest, right? Did you want some company while you look at completing it? I know it can get…lonely, if you’re not used to being alone.”

She remembered all too well the time that she had spent alone – some of it had been blissful, but others…other times she’d longed for company. Perhaps this girl was the same? Either way, Nari knew she wasn’t going to turn away from another player in need, no matter who else waited for her.

Spoiler

Word Count: 222

 

[Them 0]

"It looks like bad information is in vogue these days." Cleo's smile grew just an inch, and then she nodded. "Had plenty of alone time recently, and I'm not a fan. Please, would you?" She drew up the party screen and sent an invite, remembering that they'd added one another as friends at Nari's shop not long ago. After sending the request, a familiar ding rang out nearby, which she presumed to be the invite finding its recipient.

The winds were tender, indicative of calm, harmless weather for the time being. Whether it was the calm before the storm or a rare sandstorm drought, the blue-haired player didn't wish to stick around long enough to find out.

After drawing up the map, she traced a finger along the path already traveled and then to the rumored location of the familiar. The tops of the tower ramparts of the fifth-floor settlement peaked just above the crest of a dune, which she used to figure out their location relative to their destination, and she pointed in the rough direction of travel. "If Geography class taught me anything, we should be moving this way. Ready to set off? We'll be away from town for about a half-hour, it's five minutes back now if you need to grab water or anything." Thankfully, she'd had the foresight to pick up some waterskins from the market, though whether it had any effects against the hot weather was yet to be determined.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari keyed the notification for party grouping as soon as it appeared, the second health bar appearing just below her own almost immediately. She watched as Cleo pulled up the map, seeming to glance between it and the surrounding area, before finally announcing that she had a destination. Nari nodded, beginning to walk in the direction that Cleo had pointed out, calmly responding over her shoulder.

“I’m good, but thank you. Half an hour shouldn’t be too long, and if we do run into trouble I have a few teleportation crystals – speaking of…do you have any?” The thought hadn’t crossed Nari’s mind until just that moment, and she realised how much of a lifesaver the crystals truly could be. “I’ve never truly used one myself, but they’re good to have on hand, just in case. If you don’t have any I would recommend getting some the moment we’re back in town – for now just stay close, if it looks like we need one, I’ll lend you one of mine. Okay?”

Spoiler

Word Count: 170

 

[Them 0]

Teleportation crystals. Cleo knew of them, even used one to return home after a particularly grueling time with <<Calming the Soul>>, but hadn't thought to pick one up before leaving town. "Thank you. I came prepared with everything but a safe way to get home." She flashed a kind smile at Nari and set off on the journey for the fire kitty, with everything seemingly in order.

The ruins were a little farther than the players had anticipated, but they would find them eventually. Sandstone pillars loomed in the distance, the remains of an ancient temple lost to the sands of time. A smattering of walls still stood, some adorned with hieroglyphics from the age of old, but most appearing as if they would crumble to ash and dust at the slightest touch. Though picking up speed, the wind was not yet carrying sand through the air and into the eyes of unassuming players, and the ever-blistering heat continued to scorch the floor.

Surprised that her intel turned out to be solid, Cleo marveled at the looming ruins on the horizon. "It's gorgeous. The history, the atmosphere... I've never seen anything like it. Just as I was beginning to lose all hope, too." Whelmed with a sense of adventure, she unhooked a waterskin from her bottoms to take a healthy guzzle of water and, turning a little bit, set her eyes on the little fluffball decorating Nari's neck. "The familiar should be somewhere inside, hopefully. How did it go for you when you got this little one?" Gently, she raised a hand toward the fluffy white fox, waiting to gauge its temperament before bestowing pats.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari listened as the player seemed to express an interest in the history and lore of the world. Nari agreed that the whole expanse was beautiful – each floor had beauty to it, in some way or another – but she had never truly taken the time to focus on the lore. ‘Perhaps something I should consider doing in the future...’

As the other player reached out to pet Yuki, Nari shrugged slight – both to answer the girl’s question, and to awaken the little fox.

“It went about how most people would expect… I wandered the cold forests of floor four, until I eventually came across my little friend her. Yuki wasn’t too difficult to coerce, a little bit of good food and she was literally eating out of the palm of my hand. But… there was also a connection – something that’s always between us, like we can read each other somehow.”

The little fox raised its head, clearly disturbed by the motion of its ride. Glancing outwards and seeing the outstretched hand, it leaned forward to sniff, nuzzling the tips of the fingers gently when it found no food, and letting out a little sigh of discontent at the lack. Nari pulled a few treats out of her back pouch, holding them one by one for the fox to eat.

“I’m not sure if it’s the same for everyone, but… I don’t know what I would do without Yuki.”

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Word Count: 238

 

[Them 0]

Cleo's heart had nearly melted watching the magnificent fluffball nuzzle at the tips of her fingers and the little sigh that followed. The strength of the bond between Nari and Yuki was evident in the trust on display, from the fox being awake and reacting in calm to the Player's recognition of her friend's disappointment. "You two share something extraordinary, I can tell. From everybody I've talked to who has a familiar, there's always something so magical about the bond they have with them. Plus, I'm sure a little bit of food goes a long way for a critter from the fourth floor, being so chilly and all." She pulled a smile and then turned toward the fallen temples that lay ahead of them. For now, there was no sign of any life, but they'd still have some distance to cover before they were close enough to tell.

In preparation for the search, she pulled the bag of <<Familiar Food>> from her inventory and inspected the item, giving it a rustle to make sure the contents were still there. It looked like regular animal food, unsurprisingly. "I wonder if anybody's tried to eat this. You ever wonder what it tastes like?" Pulling one of the round treats from the bag, she toyed with the idea for the sparest of moments, before ultimately deciding against it.

For the moment.

Edited March 4, 2022 by Them

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

 

“I wouldn’t advise –“ Her words cut off as the girl placed the piece of food back within the carrying bag. Nari had thought for a moment that she was actually going to attempt consuming it, and although she wasn’t sure what would occur from such an action, she assumed nothing good would come of it. “As to the bond…yes, there’s quite a strong bond. I’m sure you’ll find out that soon enough for yourself. It’s…difficult to explain.”

Her eyes roamed the area again, a casual, calm look upon her face as she watched for any threats. Her mind strode towards Onóra for the briefest of moments, but she figured she still had time – more than enough to complete this quest, before she could consider herself running late.

“Have you considered what sort of assistance you’re looking at from your familiar? Each comes with the ability to help in some way or another, and it’s worth thinking about it now – if you haven’t already begun to do so.” She reached up and provided Yuki another treat as she spoke, the fox delicately grabbing the small pebble piece from between her fingers, giving off another sigh of happiness as it gorged itself.

Spoiler

Word Count: 201

 

[Them 0]

"I hope to find out soon enough, too." To bond with a creature, with anything, would be a godsend to her mental health, and Cleo found comfort in Nari's reinforcement that she'd find the same thing she shared with Yuki. 

They breached what could be considered the entrance to the ruins, a half-collapsed archway that led further into the dilapidated structure. Then, when the purple-haired woman posed a question which Cleo hadn't yet considered nor indeed heard of before, she looked over to the other Player quizzically. "I wasn't aware of that all, no. Hadn't thought about anything like that, actually, besides the emotional support side of things." For a second, she racked her brain for any ideas on what a familiar even could do. "Assuming there are restrictions on what abilities they can have? I would feel terrible for having mine involved in combat, but I haven't yet seen one in a fight, so they might be more durable than they look. Hm. I wouldn't know... do you have any recommendations?" 

ID: 204698 | LD: 8 + 3 = 11 (No dice!)

| Familiar search requirement lowered from 15 to 12.

Edited March 4, 2022 by Them

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari thought back to the different skills that a familiar could do. It had been a while since she’d considered it – and for her, specifically, it had been an easy enough decision.

“Well, Yuki is a profession based familiar…she provides me with help in relation to my crafting – it’s truly been a blessing for my abilities as a blacksmith. But…familiars can do a number of things, from helping in combat, to helping with searching for things – or profession help for that matter. And combat doesn’t necessarily mean they’re attacking or taking hits for you, it could be something as simple as providing healing…”

She paused as she thought of what little she knew about the familiar skills. She had glanced over it once, when she was considering switching out Yuki’s skills, but she had left it alone for now – for her, her blacksmithing was far more important than any of the combat related skills that the familiar could provide.

“I guess it really depends on where your focus is going to lie…and they can be switched out in the future – although that is a beast in itself, so I recommend planning ahead a little bit. Do you know what your focus is going to be, for yourself?”

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Word Count: 207

 

[Them 0]

Profession, combat, healing, searching. Terms all blurred into one as Nari delivered crucial information about which skills a familiar could have, and Cleo had the idea that some research would have to be done, sooner or later. Oy vey, so many options.

Then, crucially, the purple-haired woman asked Cleo what her plans were for herself. The question caught her tongue, and though the Player pondered for a moment, she already knew she'd no proper answer to give. "My focus?" Eyes searching around the ruins, she thought for another precious moment before giving up. "I don't... know. I have no idea what I want to do. I don't even know half of what I don't know." She sighed in exasperation and, realizing how the little outburst may have come across, sighed again, weakly. "Sorry. Sometimes, I feel like I have no idea about anything. Games have always been weird for me. Living inside of one hasn't come easy, at all." Managing to put her thoughts straight, if only for a second, she answered. "I think my focus is fighting. Is that even a focus, just 'fighting'?"

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

“It… can be.” Nari glanced over the player, taking in their weapons, their armour, and their general setup and appearance. “With this game, there’s three major fighting styles. DPS – that’s damage focusing, Tank – those are people like myself who set themselves up to take damage, and Support – generally individuals’ setup to support through healing, debuffing the enemy, providing buffs to their party members…”

Nari paused to let the information sink in, before continuing. “There are of course subsets of each class, and you’ll see intermingling to a degree – some individuals will take tanking, and use things like Thorns to deal damage back even as they take it. Some, will balance tanking and support, or dps and support, or try and mingle all three. The big thing to remember is that a focus in a single will always be more powerful in that specific area than a combination. So, if you want to be light and pliable, but do a lot of damage – DPS is what you want. If you want to be able to take a hit, but not be able to necessarily one shot everything, maybe consider tank.”

She looked around the area, taking in the scenery as she spoke. “And, of course your weapons, armour and accessories will determine exactly what you’re good at – not to mention what skills you take as you level. It does take some planning to properly set yourself up. And that’s just for combat, there’s also some individuals who provide support through their crafting abilities…”

Spoiler

Word Count: 252

 

[Them 0]

The exposition of information brought Cleo back into a headspace she hadn't been in since childhood. As a child would struggle to absorb the frightening twelves times table, she would try to take in as much info as possible from Nari, her wires likely crossing on a couple of points. Three key things were: damage, support, tank. These could mix, intermingle, to play on the strengths of one and dampen the pitfalls of the other. If there were any more critical points, these became lost on her, though she could refine her understanding later on if need be. "That's a lot to take in. But I'm starting to get it now, a little bit, I think. I guess that makes my plan of 'not planning' a woeful strategy, then." She pulled a weak smile and answered through the dejection, nodding reassuringly for her own benefit. "'DPS', is it? Has been working out well for me so far, so I do want to stick to that, but I'll look to put a bit more focus on 'tank.' As for crafting, I'm a tailor, but I haven't gotten started on that yet. But, that's a bridge to cross another day."

The place was eerie and empty, but the walls nearby provided adequate cover from the winds and a rare spot of shade to rest. Needing a breather, Cleo slumped against a wall in ruins and slid to the floor with a clang, the tip of her dagger striking the sandstone. She felt around for the waterskin hooked to her bottoms and, just before taking a swig, posed a question to the other Player. "How come you chose tank, by the way?" As she drank, water soothed the dryness in the back of her throat.

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari nodded as the player talked about their choice of not choosing, and wisely realised it might not be the absolute best idea to follow through with. She considered the question, taking time to cover a few other pointers before covering her own choices.

“DPS is good – especially if you’re focusing on that dagger, like it seems. Recommendation, if you’re willing to take it. Don’t try and dip through everything, if you can help it. It’ll truly weaken you in areas that you should focus on – not to say that you should ignore armour and the benefits of it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to become a tank as well. As a DPS you can focus on evasion – dodging attacks, rather than being a tank and simply taking the hit.” She waved at herself in an attempt to bring focus to her armour. “This game focuses, eventually, on making you work as a team. So don’t feel like you need to dip into everything to survive. If you like dealing damage – focus on that. Just also set yourself up to avoid taking damage, either through evasion, or mitigation. Tanking is about mitigation – which means taking the hit doesn’t hurt as much.”

She wasn’t sure if the players was taking it all in or not – it was a lot of information, especially if you weren’t previously familiar with games. “As to why I decided to go tank…My nature is to protect. Tanking allows me to do that. It allows me to protect the people I care about, and everyone else in this game…”

Her expression suddenly takes on a far away look as her mind is pulled away from the present. She seems to be lost in memories for a moment, but eventually shakes her head, bringing herself back to the present. “I know it’s a lot to take in, and if you ever need help…drop me a message. I can go over your build with you, so we can set you up properly – yeah?”

Spoiler

Word Count: 336