[PP - F25] <<Essence of Titanium>>

[Bahr 0]

The twenty-fourth floor of Aincrad was lovely, and had inspired Bahr to venture further up than usual and indulge in some of the other locales this floating prison had to offer. Seeing the twenty-fifth made him wish he'd stopped at twenty-four.

It was dreadful. Everything about it. It was overcast, and gloomy. Cold. And, as it turned out, more or less devoid of color. As far as the eye could see in any direction, there was gray. Gray sky, gray walls, gray statues. Even the slim populace of the floor's main settlement seemed to have lost their color - assuming they ever had any in the first place. While the previous floor had been rife with life, color, warmth, sunshine, and the grace of the sea, this floor lacked all of those things. It was no wonder the minotaurs, orcs and humans he saw skulking around looked miserable. They probably didn't know anything else.

He wasn't exactly here to have fun, though, so perhaps the dreary setting was appropriate. There was a particular sort of mob he'd heard rumors about on lower floors. One that protects the labyrinth. And it wasn't a minotaur, like the legends of old would suggest. It was a massive hulk of metal, humanoid in shape, and excessively dangerous to any who crossed its path. The stories he had heard even suggested other mobs knew to steer clear of it, lest they meet their fate at the hands of another monster instead of at those of the Players'.

"You're not going in like that, are you?"

The sudden intrusion gave Bahr pause. He'd just approached the gates, and was about to enter. He turned his head and found an old man, human, no more than five feet high on account of the excessive hunch in his back. A hooded cloak masked the stranger's features, as well as most of his face, but what was revealed was pale and wrinkled. This was a man of age, so much so Bahr feared that an ill-timed gust of wind might just reduce him to sand. But the wind did not blow here.

"I suppose I am," Bahr replied. "What's it to you?"

The old man only chuckled. "You'll get lost," he chided, in a sing-songy sort of way. 

"I have an excellent sense of direction," Bahr assured him. "I'll be just fine." And so, he started forward again.

"Not without this, you won't!"

With surprising agility, the old man darted in front of Bahr, holding up a singular piece of chalk. Bahr tilted his head as he looked at it.

"The walls in there," the old man began, "they change. Move. Reorganize themselves in increasingly odd fashion. This chalk is enchanted, and a line drawn with it will never break. No matter how the labyrinth shifts, you can always follow it back to the beginning."

As far as Bahr was concerned, the story was hogwash. An old wives' tale, recited by an old coot who likely hadn't ever stepped foot outside the settlement himself. But, he didn't see in any harm in taking the chalk. If it got the old man to leave him alone, even better.

"Fine," Bahr finally decided, plucking the chalk from the old man's bony clutches. "Thank you."

No more than an hour's journey within the depths of the maze, Bahr found himself more thankful than the platitude he'd given the old man at that time. It truly was an extraordinary marvel, the labyrinth. Not only in the way it was constructed, but, as the old man had warned, moved. It felt more like a living, breathing thing than gargantuan slabs of stone. It was toying with him, he could tell, and without the chalk there would be nothing he could do about it. That was, assuming, the chalk actually worked as he'd been told.

He meandered at a leisurely pace through the gauntlet. Checking his corners, one hand always glued to a wall with the chalk, carving its perpetual line. It didn't appear as though it had lost any of its size, despite having traced the entirety of his journey thus far. The wondrous thing it was. He'd almost gotten used to the quiet and solitude, until he rounded the corner.

 

Spoiler

STATS

LEVEL - 32
PARAGON LEVEL - 51
HP - 880
EN - 122
DMG - 20
MIT - 103
ACC - 4
EVA - 3
STEALTH - 4
FALLEN - 8
BLEED - 48
BURN - 56
BLIGHT - 32 | (-20)
BH - 44
HB - 17

TANOS TOTEM ACTIVE - +25 MIT
DIMENSIONAL BACKPACK ACTIVE - +1 Battle-Ready Inventory slot

HOME BUFFS
» WELL RESTED
     ➥ -1 EN FOR THE FIRST THREE TURNS OF COMBAT
» RELAXED
     ➥ +15 TO OUT OF COMBAT HP REGENERATION
     ➥ FULL ENERGY REGENERATION AFTER TWO POSTS OUT OF COMBAT
» SQUEAKY CLEAN
     ➥ REDUCE INCOMING DOT DAMAGE BY 25% FOR FIRST INCOMING DOT INFLICTED IN THREAD
» FILLING
     ➥ INCREASE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SINGLE CONSUMED FOOD ITEM IN A THREAD BY +1 T1 SLOT
» ITEM STASH
     ➥ +1 BATTLE-READY INVENTORY SLOT
» DELICIOUS
     ➥ COMBINE 3 IDENTICAL FOOD ITEMS INTO A FEAST ONCE PER THREAD
» SKYLIGHT SEARCHING
     ➥ [CURRENTLY UNASSIGNED]
» ANGLER
     ➥ +1 MATERIAL GAINED WHILE FISHING
» MULTIPURPOSE
     ➥ GAIN +1 TO LD, STEALTH RATING, STEALTH DETECTION, OR PROSPERITY TO ONE POST IN A THREAD
     ➥ CAN BE APPLIED AFTER THE ROLL
» DECOR: <<SPOOKY AMENITY>>
     ➥ REDUCE INCOMING DOT DAMAGE BY 5% FOR FIRST INCOMING DOT INFLICTED IN THREAD

SKILLS

COMBAT SKILLS
» BATTLE HEALING R5
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ WHILE IN COMBAT, USER HEALS FOR 5% (44 HP) OF THEIR MAX HP EACH TURN
» ENERGIST
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ +20 EN

EXTRA SKILLS
» CONCENTRATION
     ➥ FREE ACTION
     ➥ GAIN ABSOLUTE ACCURACY ON NEXT ATTACK
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 5 TURNS
» DISGUISE
     ➥ FREE ACTION
     ➥ +1 EVA UNTIL START OF YOUR NEXT TURN
     ➥ MINOR CRITICALS DO NOT AUTOHIT DURING DURATION
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 5 TURNS
» MEDITATION
     ➥ POST ACTION
     ➥ RECOVER AN ADDITIONAL 16 ENERGY
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 3 TURNS
» FORGOTTEN KING'S AUTHORITY
     ➥ FREE ACTION
     ➥ DISPEL ANY DISABLING EFFECTS ON THE USER
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 7 TURNS
          ➥ COST: 5 EN
» PHOTOSYNTHESIZE
     ➥ FREE ACTION
     ➥ IMPROVE THE EFFECTS OF ANY HEALING THE USER DOES (DISREGARDING PASSIVE) UNTIL START OF NEXT TURN BY 20%
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 5 TURNS
          ➥ COST: 5 EN
» ASSAULT MODE
     ➥ FREE ACTION
     ➥ SWITCH ACCURACY AND EVASION VALUES UNTIL START OF NEXT TURN
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 4 TURNS
          ➥ COST: 5 EN
» FROZEN HIDE
     ➥ FREE ACTION
     ➥ APPLY ONE SLOT OF FROST AURA AND ONE SLOT OF FROST THORNS EQUAL TO TIER OF USER UNTIL START OF NEXT TURN
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 4 TURNS
          ➥ COST: 5 EN
» HIDING R5
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ +5 STEALTH

COMBAT MASTERY
» DAMAGE R3
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ +12 DMG

WEAPON SKILLS
» STRAIGHT SWORD R5
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ +7 DMG WHEN STRAIGHT SWORD IS EQUIPPED
          ➥ STAMINA ADDON: REDUCES EN EXPENDITURE OF ALL ATTACKS BY 2
          ➥ PRECISION ADDON: +1 ACC
          ➥ FOCUS ADDON: REDUCES CRITICAL HIT AND DOT THRESHOLDS BY 1

ARMOR SKILLS
» LIGHT ARMOR R5
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ +30 MIT
     ➥ -2 STEALTH
          ➥ RESOLVE ADDON: +1 ACC AND +40 HP WHEN WEARING LIGHT ARMOR

COMBAT SHIFT
» ST SPECIALIST
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ ST-I, ST-II, AND ST-B ENHANCED
          ➥ +3 TO MULTIPLIERS
          ➥ +2 TO EN EXPENDITURE

MODS
» BATTLE HEALING MOD: EMERGENCY RECOVERY
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ NON-FATAL DAMAGE THAT LEAVES USER BELOW 25% OF THEIR MAX HP ACTIVATES A 10% OF MAX HP REPLENISHMENT AFTER ATTACK RESOLVES
     ➥ CANNOT APPLY MORE THAN ONCE PER THREAD
» HIDING MOD: UNTRACEABLE
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ NEGATES THE EFFECTS OF TRACKING SKILL AGAINST THE USER
» HIDING MOD: UNTRACEABLE
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ +1 STEALTH
     ➥ NEGATES THE EFFECTS OF TRACKING SKILL AGAINST THE USER
» HIDING MOD: VANISH
     ➥ POST/FREE ACTION
     ➥ ALLOWS USER TO ENTER STEALTH DURING COMBAT
          ➥ CAN ACTIVATE AS REACTIVE FREE ACTION UPON COMPLETING LAST HIT AGAINST A FOE
          ➥ COST: 5 EN
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 3 TURNS
               ➥ COOLDOWN BEGINS UPON EXITING STEALTH
» HIDING MOD: SURPRISE ATTACK (TRICKSTER)
     ➥ PASSIVE
     ➥ ATTACKS MADE FROM STEALTH CANNOT MISS
     ➥ ATTACKS MADE FROM STEALTH REDUCE FINAL DMG BY 50% AND AUTOMATICALLY APPLY ALL STATUS EFFECTS
          ➥ COST: 8 EN

EQUIPMENT

WEAPON
» [EQUIPPED] "FORGOTTEN KING'S SPITE" - STRAIGHT SWORD (T4 - DEMONIC)
     ➥ FALLEN
          ➥ +8 TO BASE DAMAGE ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 6-8
     ➥ BLEED
          ➥ DEALS 48 UNMITIGATABLE DMG FOR TWO TURNS ON NATURAL CRITICAL HITS
     ➥ BURN
          ➥ DEALS 56 UNMITIGATABLE DMG FOR TWO TURNS ON NATURAL CRITICAL HITS
     ➥ BLIGHT
          ➥ DEALS 32 UNMITIGATABLE DMG FOR TWO TURNS ON NATURAL CRITICAL HITS
          ➥ BLIGHT-AFFLICTED TARGETS SUFFER -20 MIT PENALTY DURING STATUS DURATION

ARMOR
» [EQUIPPED] "BLOODSTAINED COAT" - LIGHT ARMOR (T4 - DEMONIC)
     ➥ +48 MIT
     ➥ +1 EVA
     ➥ HOLY BLESSING
          ➥ AFTER TAKING DAMAGE, USER HEALS 2% (17 HP) OF MAX HP AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FOLLOWING TURN

TRINKET
» [EQUIPPED] "EAGLE'S EYE" - TRINKET (T1 - DEMONIC)
     ➥ +2 EVA
     ➥ +2 ACC

FAMILIAR
» [EQUIPPED] SWINE BAJESUS - RENDING FAMILIAR FAMILIAR
     ➥ FREE ACTION
     ➥ USER AND FAMILIAR ATTACK IN TANDEM, DEALING REND [28 UNMITIGATABLE DMG] TO THE TARGET THAT LASTS 2 TURNS
          ➥ COOLDOWN: 5 TURNS

BATTLE-READY INVENTORY

» [ON STANDBY] "DAWN'S DEMISE" - STRAIGHT SWORD (T4 - DEMONIC)
     ➥ HOLY II
          ➥ +16 TO BASE DAMAGE ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 9 OR HIGHER
     ➥ FALLEN
          ➥ +8 TO BASE DAMAGE ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 6-8
     ➥ PHASE
          ➥ IGNORES 50% OF MIT ON NATURAL ROLLS OF 9 OR HIGHER
» [x5] VITALITY II SNACKS (T4 - RARE)
     ➥ RESTORES 16 EN
     ➥ ID: 188417 | 188419-A | 188419-B | 188420-A | 188420-B
» [x5] VITALITY II SNACKS (T4 - RARE)
     ➥ RESTORES 16 EN
     ➥ ID: 188423-A | 188423-B | 188423-C | 188423-D | 188426
» [x5] VITALITY II SNACKS (T4 - RARE)
     ➥ RESTORES 16 EN
     ➥ ID: 188427-A | 188427-B | 188429 | 188466-C | 188466-D
» [x5] VITALITY II SNACKS (T4 - RARE)
     ➥ RESTORES 16 EN
     ➥ ID: 188691 | 188692-A | 188692-B | 188697-A | 188697-B
» [x4] VITALITY II SNACKS (T4 - RARE)
     ➥ RESTORES 16 EN
     ➥ ID: 188699 | 188700 | 188702 | 188703
» [x2]TELEPORTATION CRYSTAL 
     ➥ INSTANTLY TRANSPORTS THE USER TO A TELEPORT LOCATION OF THEIR CHOOSING

 

Edited April 15, 2022 by Bahr

[Elora 0]

Plhink! Rrrrrrrr PLHINK! Rrrrrrrr

Borris seemed to find enjoyment from being hurled against the warped, wooden walls of her small studio apartment. Elora, on the other hand, could literally feel her eyes rolling further and further into the back of her skull with each cacophonous tumble. Under any other circumstance, she might appreciate how The Hummingbard Inn's character lent itself to such rustic reverberations from the ricocheting rocks. Today, however, it just made her want to puke.

 "I'M BORRRED!", she proclaimed after a pained and exasperated sigh, "Jesus, Borris -- isn't there anything better for us to do than sit here all day playing beer pong with the rafters?"

"I like to ask myself the same thing", came a muffled complaint from the other side of the wall.

"Shut up, Leonard! I pay for this room and I can do what I damn well please with it!", barked Elora with an overexaggerated shake of her fist. "UGH, I don't wanna be here anymore! Let's go, Borris!" Scooping up the marbled remains of her golem, Elora set out to menace the streets of The Town of Beginnings. "Don't worry buddy, I'm sure we'll find something to do! Kat's busy...Freyd's busy -- it doesn't matter! I've got lots of ideas!" A delayed, but resolute rattle conveyed that her familiar felt differently. "Gee, thanks for the reassurance", she scoffed playfully. "Well, this actually works out for the better then. I've been meaning to travel to some of the higher floors now that I'm stronger. Just think -- there's so much that I haven't been able to see here!" Borris seemed to offer an excited shake in response to that. "Problem is, I don't know what to expect from any of them, and reading about each and every one to decide where I wanna go is gonna take all day..."

By the time she'd dispelled her fit of distraction, Elora was already standing before the central portal gate. A sly smirk crept across her face to accompany the idea that had just occurred to her. "Why don't we just wing it? Randomize it or something? Doesn't matter to me where we end up, and if we don't like it, we can always leave." Before Borris had the opportunity to agree, she had already entered the threshold and begun her accent to floor...

<<SCENE CHANGES TO FLOOR 25>>

Towering beasts and colossal stone structures cast a cold shadow on Elora as she shuffled between scattered groups of NPCs and other players. Everything around her made her feel so...small. She wasn't used to it. Tucking her spear close to her chest, she gradually made her way around a series of staggered outcroppings to arrive at the entrance to...

"The labyrinth...", a nearby voice had begun to explain, "...is where we'll need to fight The Warden to get the Essence of Titanium. Every higher-level player wants to get their hands on it.", a broad-shouldered player had begun to explain to her party. "A lot of people say that this one of the harder quests, but we can definitely tackle it. It won't be difficult, especially if we stick....Do you need something?"

Elora blinked a few times, then began to sputter. Absent and aghast, she had approached the group to eavesdrop and admire the majesty of the maze. "Oh, I -- sorry! I was just listening in and...checking out the size of this place", she assured with awkward laughter and drumming fingers, "I'm not from around here -- usually just on the NOT first floor of Aincrad" That didn't make any sense! Calm down Elora, it's fine. They're just stronger players. You know stronger players. Hell, you're a stronger player! They'll think you're cool, not weird. After an uncomfortable stretch of silence, she suggested, "I'm -- my guildmates haven't been around to accompany me for quests lately, and I was actually really wanting to get this Essence of..."

"The Essence of Titanium?"

"Yeah, that! So, I figured, why don't I just find a group of players to tag along with and help out for this one? I could use the iteeem, they could use the assistaaance -- it's a win-win!"

"That's...nice of you to offer, but we really aren't looking for any outside help. We can manage this one on our own.", the player decided at the turn of her heel. 

For a moment, Elora just stood there, watching as the group of players strode toward the gargantuan gates. They...don't want me to come with?, she realized with a growing embarrassment. No, they just...I didn't have the chance to properly introduce myself. If they were able to see what I can contribute and that I won't be a burden, they'd be happy to have me join them!

"Wait, I can --!"

"You're not going in like --"

"Nonononono!", Elora groaned annoyedly, "Why do they always put you in the MOST INCONVIENIENT places?!"

"You'll get --"

"Skip!"

"Not without--"

"Skip skip skip skip skip!"

"You can always follow it back to the beginning."

"I know! Mazes aren't hard! Thank GOD -- he finally stopped!", Elora quickly accepted the item, exited her menu, and dashed into the labyrinth. "Guys -- I didn't mean to sound so demanding, I just really needed --"

They're...they're gone...? Elora skidded to a stop, causing a cloud of dirt to billow up around her. "What the hell? They were literally just here!" I can't even see a corner where they could have turned behind. No, I'm sure there is one -- I must just not be able to see it." Inching ever slowly down the corridor, her eyes caught sight of a discrepancy. As she'd expected, a change in the pattern of the wall revealed a corner that branched off and into another hallway. Rounding its end and glancing down it, she called out, "Heyyy! Are you guys down there?" A distorted echo of her own words was the only voice to reply. "Shit...", she sighed, "Well...there's no point wandering around and getting lost...let's just go back home, Borris..." Disappointedly, she retraced her steps back and to the entrance of --

 "Uhhhh....That's not...the entrance...?", she worriedly observed, "Why -- where would it be? We only walked around one corner, it has to be here...there's no other way that we could have gone back! Hah...there's no point panicking. I'm sure it's just down a little bit further. There must have been a curve to the hallway that I didn't realize was there" 

Elora spanned the passageway. It seemed to go on forever, or at least, a lot longer than it had while she was sprinting through it. Finally, there was another bend that would allow her to leave...

"Fuck...", she cussed beneath her breath, It's not -- it's not here...I know it was here! Fuck, this is not good, this is not good! A gentle squeeze from the pebbled bracelet around her wrist did little to quell her climbing anxiety. I-I'll retrace my path again, follow it backwards. Yeah, that's the smart thing to do." 

Turning around, she was immediately confronted with the sight of an impassible stone wall. Frantically, she staggered backwards, slamming into some sort of gigantic creature. She let out a blood-curling scream, and whirled around, brandishing her spear in a blind panic as she cursed and swung with her eyes closed.

 

***

Essence of Titanium | Quest Info

Elora | HP: 700/700 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 3 | STK: 40

Spoiler

Elora
Level: 32
Paragon Level: 5
HP: 700/700
EN: 104/104

Stats:
Damage: 21
Mitigation: 66
Evasion: 1
Accuracy: 4 
Battle Healing: 35
Loot Dice: 3
AA
BLGT: 32
FLN: 8
REC: 3
STK: 40

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Essential Verdigris (T4 Dem Polearm | AA | Blgt | FLN | STK)
Armor: Skirmisher's Garb (T3 Perf LA | MIT 2 | EVA 1)
Misc: Black Zephyr's Zeal (T3 Perf Trinket | ACC 2 | REC 1)

Custom Skill:


Skills:
Polearm R5
Light Armor R5
Battle Healing R5
Charge
Energist
Searching R3

Active Mods:
Meticulous

Inactive Mods:

Addons:
Stamina
Precision
Focus
Resolve

Active Extra Skills:
Concentration

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:
ITEM x1

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

 

Edited September 20, 2023 by Elora

[Bahr 0]

She stumbled backward, crashing into him with all the ferocity and elegance of a lost baby walrus. With a thud, her back connected with his chest for the briefest of moments, the impact swaying his frame with all the force and grace of an angel's fart, before she recoiled as though her spine had met with hot coals. She spun in a most ungracious manner, screaming some sort of animalistic, shrill howl that made Bahr's skin crawl the same way nails on a chalkboard might. She brandished a weapon - polearm - and pointed it in the swordsman's face. Bahr cocked his head as curses escaped her lips, her closed eyes unable to discern that the man before her felt neither threatened, nor threatening.

A girl. Just... a girl. Here, in this place. Which wouldn't ordinarily be unusual, if it weren't for just how out of place she seemed to be. The Players of this floor carried themselves as a distinguished lot, noses pressed to the air, and saunter in their gait. Weapons and armor adorned with gold and jewels. Such seemed to be the preference among the higher leveled Players - or, at least, the ones he'd found around these parts. The sorts that took themselves so seriously they had to make it readily apparent with their gaudy garb. In Bahr's experience - so far anyway - it was the unassuming ones that could truly hold their own with the best of them. Yet, somehow, this woman didn't fit into either category.

Her equipment seemed reminiscent of something he'd see on one of the lower floors. Basic armor, basic accessories. The only thing that particularly stood out to him was her spear, which had some sort of unique quality to it. He again cocked his head, this time to the other side, eyes very conspicuously examining the weapon. Not that she could tell, with her eyelids glued shut like that.

Once he'd had his fill of the weapon, his eyes flickered to her other features. She was scrawny- no, slender, with verdant locks that hugged her cheeks and cascaded like rivers of emerald over her shoulders. When she finally mustered the courage to take a peek at him, those eyelids would unfurl to reveal a rich blue topaz iris. Her ears extended beyond the sea of green, much further than any reasonably should, which somehow added to her overall charm. She was a cute, dainty little thing. Fragile-looking. Bahr instinctually felt the desire to protect her, but knew better. Things in Aincrad were never quite as they seemed.

"I mean you no harm," he assured her, placing one hand on his hip and allowing the other to fall slack to his side. His fingers idly rolled the chalk they held, the roundness of the cylinder familiar in his grip. It was around this time that he noticed she herself had no chalk, judging by the way both her hands wrapped around the shaft of the weapon. Ah, I see, he mused. She's lost.

Bahr reserved his judgement, understanding that he would likely be in the same quandary had he not stopped to retrieve the enchanted chalk from the (overly pushy) elderly gentleman. Though, however he may have tried, there was no stopping the wry smile that crept across his cheeks. "Put that thing away," he directed nonchalantly, gesturing toward the spear. "Save it for the things that want you dead." For the first time since their meeting, Bahr peered past her to see what lay beyond. Which was, of course, a dead end. Not the first he'd found since he started this journey.

While she seemed lost, Bahr didn't want to make any assumptions. "I'm heading to slay a mob," he informed her. "Big, hulking thing. Supposedly drops an important smithing material. I'd like to get my hands on it." He looked back over his shoulder, then to the line he'd traced with the chalk back to the maze's entrance. "If you're looking for a way out, you need only follow the line. It will lead you to the entrance."

With that, Bahr considered his work done. The woman had made it this far on her own, had she not? Surely she would find her way back to safety were she to follow his instructions. But as he turned away from her, a dreadful emotion overcame him, along with visions of what-ifs. Her body torn in two by a savage beast. Her frame skewered by a dozen lances at the bottom of a pitfall trap. A variety of horrific and grueling deaths, all which possibly awaited her on her way back toward the labyrinth's entrance. He'd ran into no such hurtles on his way, but knew these walls changed. There was no telling what she may run into out there.

Reluctantly, he looked back at her. "Do you require an escort?"

Edited September 11, 2023 by Bahr

[Elora 0]

"AHHHHHHHH! -- AHAHAH - HA! ORH, HEI! It's jerst another pleyher!", Elora's voice cracked and stammered as it abruptly shifted from screaming to broken Irish greeting.

"Put that thing away. Save it for the things that want you dead."

"S-serry, I was jerst --!", she turned to examine the wall behind her, but no excuse readily came to mind. An uncomfortable awareness wormed its way through her throat, then colored her cheeks a dark crimson. Oh no -- he's gonna realize that I'm lost!

"If you're looking for a way out, you need only follow the line. It will lead you to the entrance. Do you require an escort?"

Dammit! With a squeeze of her eyelids and a pointed exhale, she gave her best effort to ward off the shame -- and her flustered expression. "A way out?", she chimed with forced amusement, "Nah, you've got it all wrong!" Finally releasing her double-handed death grip on the of hilt of her weapon, Elora spun around to contend with the stranger. "I'm not looking for a way out, just for my friends. Yeah -- my party and I got separated somehow -- Think there was a beast that scared a few of them off and got us separated. I wouldn't be stupid enough to wander through here alone!" Her excuse curtailed as she not-so-subtly calibrated her sights to sizing him up. He's very red -- and tall. Extremely decorated -- Why's he got so many straps all around him? Not the most chipper looking of fellows... The moment of silence between them began to stretch to concerning seconds until Elora's shimmering eyes snapped back into contact with his. 

"You can help me finish the maze!", she enthusiastically declared, "I mean -- I can help you defeat the monster!" Her sage-tinted spear bobbed happily in her hand as she suggested this. Closer inspection revealed it to be an intricately-crafted item, what with its twisted silver staff and delicate serrations that spanned the length of its arrow-headed saber. It was certainly in stark contrast with the woman's simple attire and nonchalant appearance. Still, she seemed to carry herself in an awkward balance between, well, awkwardness and unbridled determination.

"I know what you're thinking, maybe you don't need me -- but I can assure you, I can handle a fight if I need to!" That sounded more convincing in my head... Nonetheless, she picked up the soles of her leather boots and began bounding to where he was heading. "I'm Elora, by the way --"

[Bahr 0]

"A way out? Nah, you've got it all wrong! I'm not looking for a way out, just for my..."

Admittedly, Bahr sort of tuned her out. He wasn't particularly interested in whatever excuses she was concocting. The unwavering shimmer of anxiety in her eyes, coupled with the innocuous equipment, gave Bahr all of the information he needed. If she were in trouble, he would help her - regardless of however coy she wanted to act about it.

"I'm Elora, by the way --"

Sheepishly, he saw a small hand extended toward him.

"Bahr," he replied, extending one of his own palms to meet with hers. Mentally rewinding briefly as he shook her hand, Bahr realized that she was trying to join him in his journey into the bowels of the labyrinth. In typical foot-in-mouth fashion, he'd all but given her the 'affirmative' to join his party through a combo of selective hearing and body language. Was she aware of the consequences of such an act? Was she truly prepared to take on what lurked within these seemingly infinite walls?

Was Bahr truly prepared to usher her through in one piece?

For a moment, a scene flickered into view before his eyes. A lumbering skinless knight in obsidian armor bearing down on a young blonde. The fear evident in her cerulean eyes as its blade plunged into her chest and skewered her to the ground. Her health bar fading from green to yellow, and then from yellow to red, as the thin line separating her from death grew ever nearer with each passing second. He'd barely gotten Lessa out with her life, back then - and she was experienced. As the illusion gave way and Bahr found himself yet again staring into the visage of the verdant-haired youth before him, he got ahold of himself and relinquished her hand from his grasp.

"Forgive me for saying so, but I'm not sure that's the best idea," he revealed calmly, gesturing toward her slender frame. "With the quality of your gear, I'd be surprised if you could take more than a few hits from the mobs around here." He shifted his weight back a bit, free hand coming to a rest on his belt. He was careful not to let his eyes linger too long on her body. "I won't tell you not to do it. But, if you decide to, I can't be held accountable for anything that happens to you."

[Elora 0]

 

"Forgive me for saying so, but I'm not sure that's the best idea..."

Elora's expression gradually shifted from one of excitement to dejection as the lone player began to discourage her accompaniment. With drooping ears and a deflated posture, the small elven woman started to look more like a wounded puppy than a confident combatant. He's right,, she regarded in response to his observation, Even if the Shadow increased my rank, I'm still just an inexperienced player who doesn't know how to handle a fight. Eyes drawn down to her weapon, Elora considered what the verdigris spear symbolized to her; a promise. Before Freyd gave me this, I was using the spear I started the game with. She could recall many adventures, shish-kabobing monsters and dismantling trebuchests with the glorified twig. It had always seemed fine, until recently. Suddenly, she was expected to handle all of the responsibilities of a tier four fighter. I'm supposed to be stronger now, to join The Frontliners in defeating the floor bosses. Worried hands traced the twisted metal vines that clambered up the weapon's hilt. I don't feel ready -- but I promised him that I would try... A hesitant gulp proceeded her reply.

"I don't want to hold you back.", she stated bluntly, clearly struggling to hide the hurt she felt at his dismissal. "But I want to join this battle. I'm --", she stammered for a moment in search of the proper explanation, "I'm not as experienced as the rest of the players -- The Frontliners, I mean. I wasn't -- expecting to be put in this position so quickly." Gaze still glued to her staff, Elora seemed to be avoiding Bahr's eye contact as she spoke. "When everything got changed, I jumped up an entire rank -- It shouldn't make a difference, but I just feel so behind. I wasn't meant to be here. I'm still -- I'm just trying to figure things out, where I fit in." She was doing a piss-poor job of advocating for her use, but it was the truth. All she wanted was to be good enough to deserve her new title.

With a weighted sigh, she admitted, "I'm probably being a dumbass, but that's not on you -- I want to do this, for myself. Otherwise, I'll never feel ready to face what lies on the floors ahead."

 

***

Vanity tag: @Freyd

Edited September 20, 2023 by Elora

[Bahr 0]

As Elora's expression deteriorated into sour disappointment, so too did Bahr's conviction falter. His eyebrows furrowed into a concerned curve, before a twinge of annoyance contorted them.

Her struggle was palpable, and he knew that navigating the challenges of Aincrad could be overwhelming, especially for a player like her who had recently seen a significant increase in rank. He listened carefully to her words, her admission of feeling inexperienced and unprepared for the responsibilities that came with her newfound status. Bahr could sense her determination, even in the face of self-doubt. Elora's stammered speech conveyed her desire to contribute to the battle, to prove herself despite the doubts that gnawed at her. It was a struggle many had faced, the constant quest for strength and purpose in a world where both were as good as illusion.

And it pissed Bahr off that this dainty elf's little speech and puppy dog eyes had actually worked. He hadn't intended to know, or care, about any of this.

He waited patiently as she explained her predicament, her voice wavering at times but always carrying the unmistakable sincerity of her intentions. Bahr respected her honesty, even as she expressed her concerns about holding him back. In truth, there was a particular resonance Bahr felt toward her plight. Had he not once been there, not long ago?

"God damnit," he finally uttered. "Alright. I get it. But you gotta cut it out with those eyes and the self-deprecation." Because apparently, I'm a massive pushover.

Vacating his eyes from the young woman, Bahr set his sights back the way he came. "If you're coming from a dead end, we ought to go this way," he suggested, gesturing toward the empty corridor to their side. The stony labyrinth stretched before them like a maze carved from the very heart of the earth, its jagged walls and winding passages casting eerie shadows in the dim light that eked out from the endless tapestry of dark clouds roiling above. "Let's go." Bahr, his ivory hair gleaming faintly in the waxy light, took the lead and began walking, the chalk pressed firmly to the wall all the while.

The air was heavy with the scent of damp stone and the distant echoes of unseen creatures that skulked between the endless layers. Each step they took reverberated through the ancient rock, a reminder of their relative solitude. He knew that the labyrinth was as treacherous as it was unpredictable, and they couldn't afford to be separated. The walls seemed to shift and change as they moved forward, the very stone itself rearranging to create new pathways and block off old ones. As Bahr looked over his shoulder to ensure Elora was following, a thought occurred to him.

"I have an idea," he vocalized absent-mindedly, coming to a halt abruptly. He reached across to where the chalk rested against the wall and grasped the end between the index finger and thumb of his other hand, twisting until the enchanted artifact split into two. He turned, offering the new piece to his companion. "The chalk hasn't whittled away at all. I'm pretty sure we can use it infinitely. Here, if you take this and start your line inside the one I've been tracing, you should be able to find your way back to the entrance even if we end up separated somehow."

Spoiler

Searching for <<Titanium Warden>>.
ID: 218141 | CD: 8 | LD: 6
Roll check failed.

 

Edited September 15, 2023 by Bahr

[Elora 0]

"Alright. I get it. But you gotta cut it out with those eyes and the self-deprecation."

As if by instinct, Elora's pointed ears swung back up in concession. "Right!", she agreed with two determined fists, "I'll save those for anyone else who tries to fuck with us!" Who knew that womanly wiles actually worked!

And so, the reinvigorated player diligently paced behind Bahr's heels like an imprinted duckling, making sure not to become too fixated on the way each wall seemed to ungulate around them. The place definitely had a sense of majesty that both complemented and contrasted its bleak atmosphere. Elora still wasn't sure whether or not she should be intimidated by the dungeon or scoff at its edgy aesthetic.

She nearly slammed into her escort a second time as Bahr suddenly stopped to propose she utilize a piece of his chalk. 

"Sure, that seems like a good idea.", she agreed and accepted item. Tracing his line proved to demand more focus than she'd expected as her hand maneuvered around cobbled protrusions and cracks in the stone. At least the exercise had a way of keeping her grounded. "So...What's the plan when we get to the boss?", she spoke up as the pair rounded their umptieth corner, "Is one of us just supposed to keep holding this stuff against the wall, or are we gonna be granted some sort of magical exit?" Maybe it was a stupid question to ask, but Elora had never been in a dungeon like this before. All of her previously-pursued quests had lead her to open spaces or shallow caves, not remote boss rooms that stretched into the depths of Satan's asshole. "It'd be kind of dick move for them to make us walk all the way back."

Finally, the towering walls tapered down to prelude something more interesting, a sunken corridor. The warm glow of dozens of torches speckled the steep descent ahead. 

"Oh boy --", the green-haired player remarked sarcastically, "Stairs. Nothing says 'you're getting close to the boss' quite like hundreds of steps." With sluggish steps, Elora began to slink down the passageway, her chalk lazily bobbing across the stone in a series of waves. Guess this means we'll have some time to kill. "Why are you here alone, anyway?", she took a crack at initiating some small talk, "Don't you have some guild mates or friends you could do this quest with?"

 

 

***

Spoiler

Searching for <<Titanium Warden>>
ID: 218240 | CD: 5 | LD: 13
Failed

Edited September 27, 2023 by Elora

[Bahr 0]

Bahr cast a sidelong glance toward Elora as they traversed the dark labyrinthine corridors of the dungeon. Although at first annoyed with her sudden shift of tune from sad to immediately happy, which just so happened to conveniently coincide with him relenting to her feminine wiles, her infectious enthusiasm and fiery determination had an effect on him. A subtle lift of his own spirits in the midst of their perilous (albeit so-far uneventful) journey. Her promise to save such sentiments for those who posed a threat elicited a faint quirk of Bahr's lips, an almost imperceptible sign of amusement. She may not have been a seasoned warrior, but her resolute attitude had a peculiar influence that put him more at ease, even within such unfamiliar walls as these.

The duo continued their winding trek through the ever-shifting corridors, where stone sprang to life as though blood ran through its veins. The dungeon's eerie majesty clashed with its foreboding atmosphere, a juxtaposition that commanded silence from the pair. That is, until Elora broke it.

"So...What's the plan when we get to the boss? Is one of us just supposed to keep holding this stuff against the wall, or are we gonna be granted some sort of magical exit? It'd be kind of dick move for them to make us walk all the way back."

Truth be told, it wasn't something Bahr had put much thought into. Some dungeons had quick travel back to the entrance, others didn't.

"When we reach the boss, we'll confront it. And if we defeat it, I suspect there'll be some mechanism or magic to get us out, but we can't rely on that entirely. Always best to have a way to retrace our steps." There was a brief pause as he considered the second part of her questioning. "As for whether we'll need to keep a hand on the wall, I don't think so. But I can't know for sure. When I encountered you, my hand left the wall but the chalk didn't disappear. So I think as long as the wall bearing our mark doesn't shift away, we can afford to take our hands off. Besides..." He plunged his free hand into his inner coat pocket, maneuvering around the small pig that called it home and retrieving two small crystals, which he produced for the curious sapphire orbs inspecting him. "We'll have a way out regardless." With that, he replaced the crystals in his jacket and continued along. Without turning his head, he added, "Also, I don't think you need to trace exactly in my line. As long as both our lines branch from the same original one, we ought to be okay."

As they descended a staircase that seemed to stretch endlessly, Elora's voice once again cut through the tension. Her curiosity about his solo journey drew his attention, and he paused before responding. "I've had my share of companions in this world," he began, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, "but sometimes it's necessary to tackle a quest like this alone. Keeps things simpler, less room for distractions." His tone held the unmistakable bitterness of lessons hard-learned.

He then turned his attention to Elora, his amber eyes meeting hers for a brief moment. "Besides, it's not often I find someone as determined as you to accompany me through the darkest depths," he remarked, his tone conveying a level of hesitant respect.

The torch-lit corridor continued to stretch before them, the stairs leading deeper into the dungeon's heart. Their footsteps echoed in the form of stifled shuffles amid the occasional pluck of a water droplet's descent. The torchlight flickered and danced upon the cold, damp stone, creating eerie patterns that seemed to mirror the twists and turns of their path. The air grew thicker with each step, and the sense of isolation deepened. Bahr's golden hues remained watchful, scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger or hidden traps. He couldn't afford to let his guard down in a place like this, and he knew that Elora relied on him to guide them safely through the labyrinth.

"And what about you?" he asked, pointedly. "No bullshit this time."

Spoiler

Bahr swapped equipped weapon from Forgotten King's Spite to Dawn's Demise.

Searching for <<Titanium Warden>>.
ID: 218358 | CD: 4 | LD: 5
Roll check failed.

 

Edited September 30, 2023 by Bahr

[Elora 0]

"Oh yeah", she recalled with a thumb to her chin, "I always forget these things exist. I should really start packing one with me -- it's convenient you have two." Teleport crystals were something she rarely used. It seemed a lot more natural, no, more real just to walk everywhere she went. Still, it would be reckless for her not to keep some in her inventory. Just in case.

"I've had my share of companions in this world,", Bahr soon began to tell her, "but sometimes it's necessary to tackle a quest like this alone. Keeps things simpler, less room for distractions. Besides, it's not often I find someone as determined as you to accompany me through the darkest depths,"

Elora cracked a dismissive smile at his compliment. "Really?", she sounded somewhat surprised, "I feel like it's so much easier to do stuff with other people. When I'm alone, I just feel so unmotivated. Sure, the UI will lead me through the objectives, but it feels so boring to slog between them without any kind of entertainment. Not to mention -- what if I come across a puzzle I can't solve or a ton of annoying little mobs? I guess I just don't see the fun in doing quests for the sake of doing them." It was easy to count on one hand the number of times she'd attempted to do as much. No matter the rewards, it never felt worth it to spend a day with herself.

The air around them seemed to chill and become clammy with moisture as the two of them finished descending the stairs. By now, a faint-but-distant cerulean light had crept up the walls to saturate the chamber in color. Much like the structure itself, it seems to twist and refract an unsteady projection. 

"And what about you?", he finally goaded in return, "No bullshit this time."

Was it really that obvious?, she sighed with a silent regret. "My guildmates were busy.", came a blunt response, "The other group didn't want me, so I tried to chase after them. They'd already entered the maze...and I didn't realize -- I got separated from the exit before I could leave." The digits of her free hand twitched as she felt the urge to cross her arms, to curl up into herself. Luckily, an external reprieve readily presented itself.

"Big place -- I'll take this side", remarked Elora as the dank hallway opened up into a bioluminescent aqueduct. With careful steps, she carved her chalk across the slippery walls. A staggered pathway of squared-off stones was enough to allow her across the rumbling river. "I'm guessing we'll have to find a way past this massive door", she shouted from across the room, "It's locked, but there's probably a key nearby -- maybe some kind of puzzle" Perhaps the greatest indicator was that both of their trails had wrapped around the room, placing them directly across the stream from one another. 

"Yeah, we're completely enclosed.", she decided, finally deeming it safe enough to lift her chalk from its canvas. The echo of Elora's boots thrumming dully against the tiles was nearly indistinguishable under the static of the current. After pacing the length of the ravine, she crouched beside it and dipped her hand into the glowing water. Much to her surprise, the tips of her fingers barely submerged below the rushing surface before scrapping the basin below. "Huh...", she marveled at the discovery, "It's really shallow" 

Her attention turned to the hand that pinched the chalk. Could this...? Lowering the pigment into the water elicited a soft and soothing melody that preluded a stream of pure white light. Stretching from the source of contact, the beam rolled down the stream and spilled across its eventual retaining wall. The previously-opaque surface seemed to ripple from the light, revealing the ethereal river's eventual continuation.

"I think we're supposed to follow it --"

 

***

Spoiler

Searching for <<Titanium Warden>>
ID: 218359 | CD: 9 | LD: 7
Failed

 

Edited September 30, 2023 by Elora

[Bahr 0]

Bahr listened to Elora's candid remarks as they navigated the mysterious dungeon together. His compliment about her determination seemed to catch her by surprise, and she responded with a hint of humility. Elora, on the other hand, shared her preference for company during quests. She found motivation and entertainment in the presence of others, and the idea of tackling challenges alone didn't hold much appeal to her. It was a perspective Bahr could understand, even if he leaned towards solitary pursuits on occasion.

As they descended further into the dungeon, the atmosphere grew more eerie and otherworldly, with cerulean light refracting strangely across the walls. Bahr's next question, devoid of any sugar-coating, prompted Elora to open up about her current circumstances. She admitted that she had ventured into the dungeon alone after being separated from her guildmates, seemingly unintentionally. In response, Bahr didn't press further but instead accepted the explanation.

The two of them continued their descent, and soon they found themselves in a room with a rushing river. Elora's curiosity led her to discover the shallow depth of the river, and an experiment with her chalk revealed a hidden path of light that followed the stream.

"I think we're supposed to follow it." Elora suggested, and Bahr nodded in agreement. With her newfound discovery, they continued their journey deeper into the mysterious dungeon, ready to unravel its secrets together. 

As Bahr and Elora followed the ethereal path of light along the river, their journey took them deeper into the labyrinthine dungeon. The eerie glow from the water's surface illuminated their way, casting odd shadows on the walls. The sound of rushing water echoed through the chamber, creating a haunting atmosphere. As they rounded a corner, their eyes fell upon a massive chamber with a towering, metallic figure at its center. The Titanium Warden, a colossal golem made of gleaming metal, stood guard in the heart of the dungeon. Its massive form was imposing, and its eyes, glowing with an eerie blue light, locked onto the intruders.

Bahr and Elora exchanged a glance, recognizing that they had stumbled upon a formidable guardian. The golem, built to protect whatever secrets lay hidden within the dungeon, had detected their presence and prepared to defend its domain. They readied their weapons and took a cautious step forward. "It's slow," Bahr remarked as the Warden slowly came to life, its joints creaking loudly as it took likely its first steps in ages. "If you attack first, I can attack afterward and grab its attention. Although I can't promise I'll be able to do so if you land a crit. Up to you what you want to do."

Spoiler

Searching for <<Titanium Warden>>.
ID: 218360 | CD: 10 | LD: 19
<<Titanium Warden>> found!

[H: 0] Elora: HP: 700/700 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 3 | STK: 40
[H: 0] Bahr: HP: 880/880 | EN: 122/122 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | SLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 16 | BH: 44 | HB: 17 | PHASE

Titanium Warden: HP: 1250/1250 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -3 | Battle Healing: 50 | Thorns: 50 | Fireproof
Methodical | The <<Titanium Warden>> is in no rush, only attacking once every other turn. During the turns that it does not attack, any debuffs active on the creature are ineffective.
Magma Jolt | On attack rolls of BD 9+ and CD 9+, this boss will issue an AoE attack that fires a blast of molten steel at each player for 175 damage, ignoring 50% of Mitigation. Additional rolls for this AoE are unnecessary - it will strike each target without fail.
Deteriorate | For each critical hit dealt to this boss, its Mitigation is permanently reduced by 50.

 

Edited September 30, 2023 by Bahr

[Elora 0]

"So smack it, but not too hard -- I think I can manage that", she resolved between careful steps. The intricate weapon materialized into her grasp as Elora prepared for her attack. Gone were the days where she carelessly rushed into combat without hesitation. Instead, she spared a few moments to inspect her surroundings and to still her breathing. The later proved to be a challenge. Swallowed by the shadow of such a hulking figure stirred moths in her stomach, making her second-guess whether or not she was truly capable of kicking its shiny metal ass. "Right -- I'm just gonna --", she undertook a stationary hop before breaking into a clumsy sprint forward.

Elora's feet felt like they were moving at a different frame rate than the rest of the world as her body carried her to the base of the titan. With a jittery slash, the tip of her weapon ricocheted off the thing's metallic armor before planting itself between plating and the ball joint of its knee. "Oh, shit --", she cursed as hands fumbled to dislodge the weapon from its mechanistic prison. For as much as she loved her spear, it had an impressive knack for getting stuck in whatever it happened to shish-kabob.

 

***

Spoiler

Post Action: [x15] AOE-I (11 + 2(Enemy) + 2(Shift)= 15 EN)
Free Action: N/A

ID# 218396 | BD 1+4= 5 - 3 EVA = 8 Hit | DMG: 15*21=315 - 200 MIT = 115 DMG to Titanium Warden

CD 10 = ST-B unlocked for next round!

[H: 1] Elora: HP: 700/700 | EN: 89/104 (-15) | DMG: 21 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 3 | STK: 40
[H: 0] Bahr: HP: 880/880 | EN: 122/122 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | SLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 16 | BH: 44 | HB: 17 | PHASE

Titanium Warden: HP: 1135/1250 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -3 | Battle Healing: 50 | Thorns: 50 | Fireproof
Methodical | The <<Titanium Warden>> is in no rush, only attacking once every other turn. During the turns that it does not attack, any debuffs active on the creature are ineffective.
Magma Jolt | On attack rolls of BD 9+ and CD 9+, this boss will issue an AoE attack that fires a blast of molten steel at each player for 175 damage, ignoring 50% of Mitigation. Additional rolls for this AoE are unnecessary - it will strike each target without fail.
Deteriorate | For each critical hit dealt to this boss, its Mitigation is permanently reduced by 50.

Edited October 6, 2023 by Elora

[Bahr 0]

As Elora's spear became lodged in the Titanium Warden's knee joint, Bahr's instincts kicked into high gear. He couldn't afford to let her struggle with her weapon while the golem prepared to strike. With a quick decision, he surged forward, aiming to free her spear and push her out of harm's way simultaneously. Bahr's dark blade shimmered with energy as he closed the distance. In a fluid motion, he slashed at the connection between Elora's spear and the golem's armor. The blade's dark energy cut through the metal, freeing her weapon with a resounding clang, sparks flying as steel scraped against steel. At the same time, he used the momentum from his attack to plant his other hand firmly between Elora's collarbones, pushing her back and out of harm's way. 

As the golem's massive arm swung down, it missed its intended target, Elora, who stumbled backward but remained unscathed. Instead, the attack found its mark on Bahr, who had placed himself between the golem and Elora. The impact was bone-jarring, and he was sent sprawling across the stone floor, skidding to a stop several feet away. Meanwhile, the golem's arm, unfettered by its collision with Bahr's frame, crashed into the stone floor and sent shards flying.

There was a small cough, and then, through gritted teeth, "Are you okay?" His sword as a crutch raised him to his knees, and then his feet, eyes flickering to the health bar on the peripheries of his HUD. It had taken a significant hit from the powerful blow. An unfortunate sacrifice, but his quick actions had given Elora a chance to regroup and continue the battle. Eyes settled on the Titanium Warden, seemingly off-balance from its swing, and then back to his verdant companion. "Now's the time to rack up more damage, while it's off-kilter. Let's move."

Spoiler

Post Action: [x15] ST-I vs Titanium Warden (12 + 2 (Shift) - 2 (Stamina) - 1 (Well Rested) = 11 EN)
ID: 218397 | BD: 6, Hit, FALLEN ACTIVATED | CD: 11, ST-B PRIMED | 15x28=420-200=220 DMG
Elora takes 50 thorns DMG
Bahr takes 50 thorns DMG

Titanium Warden attacks Bahr
ID: 218398 | BD: 7, Hit | 200-103=97 DMG
Titanium Warden recovers 50 HP due to Battle Healing.

[H: 1] Elora: HP: 650/700 | EN: 89/104 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 3 | STK: 40
[H: 1] Bahr: HP: 733/880 | EN: 111/122 (-11) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | SLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 16 | BH: 44 | HB: 17 | PHASE

Titanium Warden: HP: 965/1250 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -3 | Battle Healing: 50 | Thorns: 50 | Fireproof
Methodical | The <<Titanium Warden>> is in no rush, only attacking once every other turn. During the turns that it does not attack, any debuffs active on the creature are ineffective.
Magma Jolt | On attack rolls of BD 9+ and CD 9+, this boss will issue an AoE attack that fires a blast of molten steel at each player for 175 damage, ignoring 50% of Mitigation. Additional rolls for this AoE are unnecessary - it will strike each target without fail.
Deteriorate | For each critical hit dealt to this boss, its Mitigation is permanently reduced by 50.

 

Edited October 8, 2023 by Bahr

[Elora 0]

The screeching sound of metal grating against metal comendiered Elora’s attention in an instant. Her feet fumbled in search of a foothold as she was suddenly thrust off-balance by the combined momentum of Bahr’s shove and her retreating spear. With little time to correct her course, the emerald-haired player followed the weapon’s trajectory. Its braided hilt planted into the stone below, haphazardly breaking the fall of her buckling knees.

A shout of alarm was immediately overwhelmed by the Titan’s hulking swing. In a rush of gleaming titanium, Bahr was practically wiped from one end of the arena to the next. She’d already lurched in his direction, summoned by an uncharacteristic need to make sure he’d survived the attack. Before she could reach him, he’d reciprocated the favor.

"Are you okay?", came the misplaced concern. 

“Y-yeah!”, she replied quietly, then louder so he could here. I’m fine — He should be worried about himself. Her eyes flickered to the boss, then back to him.

"Now's the time to rack up more damage, while it's off-kilter. Let's move."

“I’ve got it!”, came her hasty assurance. She couldn’t afford to let him down again. Scrambling to her feet, she initiated a second siege. This time, her focus had shifted to the colossal’s wrists. Coursing like lava were veins that traveled the length of its armor. Whether actual lifeforce or aesthetic sinew, Elora intended to let them dry. 

There was little to evade as the determined woman wove beneath the hunched-over Warden. For as formidable as it seemed, there were floods of molases that had managed to move faster. Finally perched in an opportunistic position, Elora slashed into the aforementioned artery. Gobs of fiery goo sloshed out from above, narrowly scourging her as they fell and extinguished on the stones below. For all she tried, she couldn’t avoid the sting of its vengeful thorns. 

“I’ve cut it’s arm!”, she alerted her comrade through a flash of pain.

***

Spoiler

Post Action: [x20] ST-B (20 EN)
Free Action: N/A

ID# 218484 | CD 6, recovery failed, +3 EN passive recovery 

ID# 218483 | BD 2+4 = 6 - 3 EVA = 9 Hit | DMG: 20*21 = 420- 200 MIT = 220 DMG to Titanium Warden

Elora takes 50 thorns DMG

[H: 2] Elora: HP: 635/700 | EN: 72/104 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 3 | STK: 40
[H: 1] Bahr: HP: 733/880 | EN: 111/122 (-11) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | SLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 16 | BH: 44 | HB: 17 | PHASE

Titanium Warden: HP: 965/1250 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -3 | Battle Healing: 50 | Thorns: 50 | Fireproof
Methodical | The <<Titanium Warden>> is in no rush, only attacking once every other turn. During the turns that it does not attack, any debuffs active on the creature are ineffective.
Magma Jolt | On attack rolls of BD 9+ and CD 9+, this boss will issue an AoE attack that fires a blast of molten steel at each player for 175 damage, ignoring 50% of Mitigation. Additional rolls for this AoE are unnecessary - it will strike each target without fail.
Deteriorate | For each critical hit dealt to this boss, its Mitigation is permanently reduced by 50.

 

Edited August 6 by Elora

[Bahr 0]

Elora scored a fine hit against their foe, rewarded with a shower of magma for her efforts. As the creature reeled, Bahr took the small opportunity to scan his HUD and assess the battle's progress. The Titanium Warden had certainly earned its title, as its HP wasn't quick to drain. What was refreshing, however, was watching Elora score hits that rivaled Bahr's in terms of damage output. She was certainly more powerful than her stature would suggest. Bit by bit, they were whittling this thing down, and unless something went drastically wrong their victory seemed all but certain.

"Good hit!" he called out as his eyes flickered back to the Warden. In a dash, he approached hastily and swung Dawn's Demise in a wide arc, scoring a hit against the monster's other arm. It roared out in distress as molten liquid spurt from the fresh injury, similarly showering Bahr with a drizzle of magma. He winced as the slag burned through whatever HP his Battle Healing and Holy Blessing had replenished, but found himself otherwise unscathed.

Bahr jumped back, trusting Elora would do the same, as all three reset for the next round of trading blows. "We've got it on the ropes," he said, sharing his observation of the obvious. "Couple more hits like that and I think we're home free."

Spoiler

Post Action: [x23] ST-B vs Titanium Warden (20 + 2 (Shift) - 2 (Stamina) - 1 (Well Rested) = 19 EN)
ID: 224086 | BD: 5, Hit | 23x20=460-200=260 DMG

Bahr takes 50 thorns DMG

Titanium Warden is idle this turn due to <<Methodical>>.
Titanium Warden recovers 50 HP due to Battle Healing.

[H: 2] Elora: HP: 635/700 | EN: 72/104 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 3 | STK: 40
[H: 2] Bahr: HP: 744/880 | EN: 96/122 (+4-19) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | SLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 16 | BH: 44 | HB: 17 | PHASE

Titanium Warden: HP: 535/1250 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -3 | Battle Healing: 50 | Thorns: 50 | Fireproof
Methodical | The <<Titanium Warden>> is in no rush, only attacking once every other turn. During the turns that it does not attack, any debuffs active on the creature are ineffective.
Magma Jolt | On attack rolls of BD 9+ and CD 9+, this boss will issue an AoE attack that fires a blast of molten steel at each player for 175 damage, ignoring 50% of Mitigation. Additional rolls for this AoE are unnecessary - it will strike each target without fail.
Deteriorate | For each critical hit dealt to this boss, its Mitigation is permanently reduced by 50.

 

Edited August 4 by Bahr

[Elora 0]

She spared no hesitation. With heels springing her forward, Elora raced toward the Warden in a zagged pattern. In a moment's notice, she had approached its faltering knee. Magma silhouetted a rippling cape as she leapt into the air. Her spear positioned for an opportunistic attack, blade plunging deeply into a gap between the armored plating. The behemoth reeled, spraying magma into Elora's sights.

Using all of her strength, she ripped the weapon from where it had been lodged. The retreat was sudden, though without second-thought. In such haste, Elora had robbed her senses of what precious time they required to prepare for the necessary fall. Legs faltered beneath her as she tumbled to the ground. Despite her tenacity, it was evident she lacked the crucial coordination oft demanded of formidable battles. 

Scrambling to her defenses, she barely managed to avoid the boss's reciprocal swings. The battlefield around her seemed a blur. Spurts of blinding heat tore through the surrounding darkness in a disorienting display. Shaking her head, Elora attempted to steady herself. It was becoming difficult as the sound of grating metal clashed viscously with the heartbeat that thrummed inside her ears.

With a ragged exhale, she willed herself to subdue the rising fear. Now was not the time to panic. It was just as Bahr had said, Only a few more hits...

 

***

Spoiler

Post Action: [x15] AOE-I (11 + 2(Enemy) + 2(Shift)= 15 EN)
Free Action: N/A

ID# 224182 | CD 11, recovery successful, +3 EN, +3 EN passive recovery 

ID# 224181 | BD 7+4= 11 - 3 EVA = 14 Hit | DMG: 15*29=435 - 200 MIT = 235 DMG to Titanium Warden
Fallen be proccing

CD 12 = ST-B unlocked for next round!

Elora takes 50 thorns DMG

Titanium Warden is idle this turn due to <<Methodical>>.
Titanium Warden recovers 50 HP due to Battle Healing.

[H: 3] Elora: HP: 585/700 | EN: 63/104(+6, -15) | DMG: 21 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 3 | STK: 40
[H: 2] Bahr: HP: 744/880 | EN: 96/122 (+4-19) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | SLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 16 | BH: 44 | HB: 17 | PHASE

Titanium Warden: HP: 300/1250 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -3 | Battle Healing: 50 | Thorns: 50 | Fireproof
Methodical | The <<Titanium Warden>> is in no rush, only attacking once every other turn. During the turns that it does not attack, any debuffs active on the creature are ineffective.
Magma Jolt | On attack rolls of BD 9+ and CD 9+, this boss will issue an AoE attack that fires a blast of molten steel at each player for 175 damage, ignoring 50% of Mitigation. Additional rolls for this AoE are unnecessary - it will strike each target without fail.
Deteriorate | For each critical hit dealt to this boss, its Mitigation is permanently reduced by 50.

 

Edited August 7 by Elora

[Bahr 0]

Though the rate at which the creature's HP was draining had slowed, the pace of the battle had not. Having seemingly recovered from its stupor, the gigantic lug now touted its bulbous arm overhead, poised to smack down on the discombobulated Elora. Bahr didn't have the time to get her out of harm's way again, but perhaps be could take a different approach. A better approach, one that left both of them unscathed.

"Heads up!" he called out as he blitzed forward, the Warden's arm beginning its descent. Dawn's Demise illuminated with a crimson glow and hummed as it left a red streak in Bahr's wake. He planted his feet firmly and swung in a diagonal-left upward arc, the blade colliding with the monster's hide with a pitiful twap~! Another shower of sparks lit up the scene like a Power Rangers movie set, and Bahr's frame was immediately thrown off-kilter by the superior momentum of his adversary's attack. The arm crashed into the floor and instantly reduced it to rubble, kicking up a flurry of dust which momentarily concealed the battlefield.

Eureka. While Bahr's attack had failed the deflect the Warden's assault in its totality, it had diverted the blow just enough to spare them both a direct hit. This time. "You have got to stop doing that!" he chided through the smoke, a hint of humor in his tone. While there was truth to it, he couldn't help but find her floundering a bit funny. He'd been there before, like most everyone in Aincrad.

They were both primed for their full-power strikes on the next round of Sword Arts, and this thing was beginning to crumble. At the speed it moved, Bahr would have been shocked if the battle wasn't all but won already. "Let's put this asshole down and get outta here already."

Spoiler

Post Action: [x15] ST-I vs Titanium Warden (12 + 2 (Shift) - 2 (Stamina) - 1 (Well Rested) = 11 EN)
ID: 224287 | BD: 4, Hit | CD: 11, ST-B PRIMED | 15x20=300-200=100 DMG

Bahr takes 50 thorns DMG

Titanium Warden attacks Bahr.
ID: 224289 | BD: 2, Miss 
Titanium Warden recovers 50 HP due to Battle Healing.

[H: 3] Elora: HP: 620/700 | EN: 63/104 | DMG: 21 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 3 | STK: 40
[H: 3] Bahr: HP: 738/880 | EN: 89/122 (+4-11) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | SLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 16 | BH: 44 | HB: 17 | PHASE

Titanium Warden: HP: 250/1250 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -3 | Battle Healing: 50 | Thorns: 50 | Fireproof
Methodical | The <<Titanium Warden>> is in no rush, only attacking once every other turn. During the turns that it does not attack, any debuffs active on the creature are ineffective.
Magma Jolt | On attack rolls of BD 9+ and CD 9+, this boss will issue an AoE attack that fires a blast of molten steel at each player for 175 damage, ignoring 50% of Mitigation. Additional rolls for this AoE are unnecessary - it will strike each target without fail.
Deteriorate | For each critical hit dealt to this boss, its Mitigation is permanently reduced by 50.

 

Edited August 7 by Bahr

[Elora 0]

"Well it's working, isn't it?", she sang back in a smarmy voice. The words streamed from her with an unbridled sincerity that she was scarce to allow. Normally, self-praising remarks hemmed the pattern of a confident disguise. Only recently had she begun to feel a genuine pride in her own abilities. It was bittersweet to question whether or not she deserved that even that.

So instead, she rushed back into the fray. With their enemy teetering on the brink of collapse, there was precious time to waste. Careful leaps around pools of lava placed her just beneath the Warden's hulking form. Eyes searching for an area to strike, Elora circled around it like a scheming predator. At last, she found an opening.

A pointed jab through the Achilles heel caused the juggernaut to collapse like an oversized jenga tower. Shrapnel clattered to the ground in a satisfying sequence as Bahr and Elora both spared a moment to admire their victory. 

"That wasn't so bad --", she sighed contentedly before adding, "Thanks for being our damage sponge. I...would have likely been chummed by now --" 

 

***

Post Action: [x20] ST-B (20 EN)
Free Action: N/A

ID# 224330 | CD 1, recovery failed, +3 EN passive recovery 

ID# 224331 | BD 9+4= 13 - 3 EVA = 16 Hit | DMG: 20*22 = 440- 130 MIT = 310 DMG to Titanium Warden

MIT reduced by 50 due to Deteriorate, reduced by 20 due to Blight
 

[H: 5] Elora: HP: 620/700 | EN: 46/104 (+3)(-20) | DMG: 21 | MIT: 66 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | BH: 35 | LD: 3 | AA | BLGT: 32 | FLN: 8 | REC: 3 | STK: 40
[H: 3] Bahr: HP: 738/880 | EN: 89/122 (+4-11) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 103 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3 | SLTH: 4 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 16 | BH: 44 | HB: 17 | PHASE

Titanium Warden: HP: 0/1250 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -3 | Battle Healing: 50 | Thorns: 50 | Fireproof [BLIGHT, STATIC APPLIED]
Methodical | The <<Titanium Warden>> is in no rush, only attacking once every other turn. During the turns that it does not attack, any debuffs active on the creature are ineffective.
Magma Jolt | On attack rolls of BD 9+ and CD 9+, this boss will issue an AoE attack that fires a blast of molten steel at each player for 175 damage, ignoring 50% of Mitigation. Additional rolls for this AoE are unnecessary - it will strike each target without fail.
Deteriorate | For each critical hit dealt to this boss, its Mitigation is permanently reduced by 50.

Edited August 9 by Elora

[Bahr 0]

As Elora struck the creature's heel, its HP finally reached zero, and its enormous hulking frame crumbled into a smattering of fractal shards. Not long after, panels populated for them both, which had their rewards and earned EXP detailed. The edges of Bahr's lips quirked upward into a faint smirk as he beheld the prize he's sought after - the Essence of Titanium, which would no doubt serve as a useful boon at some point. He hadn't the faintest clue what he'd use the thing on as of yet, but it couldn't hurt to have around. He dismissed the panel a moment later, turning his attention back to his companion.

"Thanks for being our damage sponge. I...would have likely been chummed by now --" she remarked, almost somewhat shyly. Bahr handwaved the sentiment away.

"You're rough around the edges, but by no means would you have been helpless without me. In fact, I'm pretty sure you pulled more damage on the enemy in that fight than I did," was Bahr's reply. It may have seemed just a remark to assuage her concerns, but he was serious. He must have been getting rusty. "At any rate, it's probably about time we got out of here. We should be able to follow the chalk line back."

It would be a lie to say the skirmish hadn't disorientated Bahr a bit. It was difficult to tell for sure which entrance they'd taken into the arena, and heading out the wrong direction could spell disaster for them. If memory served, it had been a shallow river which had led them into the heart of these labyrinthine depths. He listened intently for a moment, hearing the familiar gush of rushing water emanating from an opening in the chamber the side opposite to the position they occupied. "Can't say for sure, but I think it's this way. Come on."

Their trek through the water-swept corridor eventually opened up into a larger chamber, the uneven cerulean refractions cast against the walls illuminating the faint lines of chalk they'd left behind once they started following the river. From there, it was a simple matter of following these lines of chalk back up the stairs to the dungeon's point of origin, then through the winding series of walls until they could eventually make their way back to town. Bahr could swear the distance traversed was great this time, no doubt due to a rearrangement of the route in one way or the other by the labyrinth's magic, but in time they would indeed find themselves back at their starting point.

"I see town," Bahr remarked, his pace slowing a bit as he turned to address Elora once more. "That means this is our final stop together. What do you plan to do now?"

[Elora 0]

Her brows furrowed briefly at the assessment, rebounding to a more optimistic expression after he arrived at the compliments. Bahr seemed a more honest player than she was used to. At least, he seemed more inclined to say whatever had crossed his mind. In a world where so many strove to befriend one another and vanquish their enemies with the power of friendship, she appreciated such frankness. 

Elora appeared contemplative as the pair retraced their steps to the labyrinth's entrance. Lit by the thrumming glow from rows of reliable torches, the once-unfamiliar corners felt far less sinister than they had before. She had Bahr to thank for that. Without his patience, his willingness to wait for instruction and to take her under his wing -- well, Elora didn't want to think about where she'd have ended up. Meandering through the dungeon's passageways felt like walking through long-forgotten memories. It seemed like only recently, she had started venturing out and into the world. Those early days in Aincrad were vignetted with feelings of fear and insecurity. Change did not come easily to the girl, especially then. Hell, she'd still been carrying her first weapon until Freyd insisted she accept a replacement. 

She found humor reflecting on it all. Somehow, she'd metamorphosed into someone stronger. This interaction only reinforced a newfound sense of accomplishment. Gone were the days where she would wallow away in the Town of Beginnings. Now, she could handle herself in combat and befriend people who actually accepted her in return.

Stepping out from the maze's oppressive surroundings made the overcast sky feel uplifting by comparison. "Like seeing daybreak for the first time!", she exclaimed, hand raising instinctually to shield her eyes. 

"I see town,", remarked Bahr, "That means this is our final stop together. What do you plan to do now?"

She took a steady inhalation, giving more consideration to the question than was likely deserved. "I don't know...", she admitted honestly, "I think -- I'm ready for my first raid." In any other context, the phrasing would have sounded juvenile at best; however, in this very moment, Elora could feel the all the true weight that those words carried. Speaking them aloud felt like cinderblocks tumbling from her shoulders. She opened her mouth as if to say something else, choosing instead to close it and turn to him with a smile. "I'll tell you all about it when we see each other again."