[F01/SP] The Big Fish | <<The Third Lesson>>

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The Town of Beginnings. She remembered it being…somehow fuller, the last time she was here. Her eyes cast across the relatively empty courtyard, the few players and NPCs moving around the area relatively miniscule compared to the vast open space. Her steps led her down the stairs, her eyes drawn towards everything, taking in the area.

The last time she had been here, she had felt a similar feeling – there’d still been some crowds, enough to make it still feel busy. But now…now it felt almost deserted. ‘A ghost town, of sorts.’ She couldn’t deny that it still showed some liveliness; not everyone had moved on, and it was apparent that some still found their way back to the very beginning of the game in order to fulfill the needs that could only be done so here – such as Nari’s own purpose for returning.

The quest had been sitting in her log for some time, ignored as she had moved onwards and upwards. But recently she’d felt that nagging requirement to complete it, if for no reason other than to simply have it checked off on her list. She was sure that other true gamers could understand, the need to have completed everything. To hit that one hundred percent. It drove many, even here.

Sighing, more to herself than anything else, she headed towards the docks, the location that supposedly started this quest in earnest. She was already ready to have this complete, to be on to the next big thing.

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Word Count: 251

Spoiler

Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 37 | HP: 840/840 | EN: 96/96 | ACC: 3 | DMG: 8 | MIT: 147 | F. Aura: 32 MIT; 16 FRST | Thorns [72 DMG] | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | Battle Healing [+25] | Heavy Momentum: [+4 DMG] | Paralyse | Taunt | STH: -5

Tier 4 | Tier 7

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

+1 LD (This bonus only applies to looting, searching for and opening chests).

 

Equipped Items

Póg Deiridh [Tier 4; Polearm [One-handed Assault Spear]; Demonic] A metre and a half in length, the short spear contains a shaft of polished wood with a twisting combination of light and dark violet, with a single line of black separating the colours. The thin blade itself is coloured lavender, with a heart of royal purple. Attached at the connection between shaft and blade, are twisting tassels of violet and ice blue.
Enhancement: Frostbite [2 Slots] | Effect: Natural critical attack rolls of 9-10 (1 slot) or natural successful attack rolls of 8-10 (2 slots) deal (10 * Tier) unmitigated Frost damage each enemy turn for 2 turns. In addition, anyone with Frostbite receives a -1 Accuracy debuff until the effect wears off.  Frostbite damage does not stack, but can be refreshed. The highest tier of Frost damage overrides lower tier versions; cannot be overridden by lower-tier versions. [Must hit to activate the status condition.]
Enhancement: Accuracy [2 Slots] | Effect: Gain +(1 per slot) to the BD when attacking. Cannot be used to cause a critical hit.

Glacadh Morríghan [Tier 4; Heavy/Plate Armour] Designed as form fitting half-plate armour, this piece has an open chest area, designed to adjust based on the wearer. Small pauldrons protect the shoulders and neck, while light greaves cover the arms. Coloured in a shifting of soft violet and ice blue, the bottom left front of the torso contains a small curled fox.
Enhancement: Frost Aura [2 Slots] | Effect: Prevent (4 per slot * Tier) damage per slot from successful attacks against you. Successful non-critical attacks against you deal (2 per slot * Tier) unmitigated Frost damage to the attacking enemy.
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.]

Póg an Gheimhridh [Tier 4; Heater Shield] A smaller heater shield, this piece contains the typical heater shape, with a bouche edge on the left hand upper corner, and a tear drop tail that curls towards the right on the bottom edge. Coloured a shifting soft violet and ice blue, a small white fox appears on the forefront, the ideas staring outwards and the mouth pulled back in a snarl.
Enhancement: Paralyse [1 Slot] | 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: Taunt [1 Slot] | Effect: +1 Hate generated from Howl, Focused Howl, and successful attacks.
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}
Pure Unadulterated Rage (Meals) | Tier 1; Mitigation 3
Starter Healing Potions {4} | Heals 50 HP
Blank Dungeon Map {4} | Tier 4
Immolation Potion {1} | Tier 4; When used, successful non-critical attacks against you deal (10 * Tier) unmitigated damage to the attacking enemy. Must be of the appropriate tier to use. Effect lasts for one thread.
Caribou Stew {3} | Tier 4; Rare Meal | Protein II

Inventory

Monkey Agility {2} | Tier 1; Evasion 1
Super-Duper Anti Snake Sauce (Salve) | Tier 1; Antidote 2
Spyglass {3} | Use to reduce the number of posts required to search for a dungeon, familiar or field bosses by 5 posts. Effect lasts for one thread.
Uncommon Health Potions {5} | Tier 1; Heals 5% of Maximum HP
Uncommon Overhealth Potion {1} | Tier 1; Adds 5% of Maximum HP to users Maximum HP for a thread
Rare Health Potions {1} | Tier 1; Heals 10% of Maximum HP
Arrowhead Brooch | Tier 1 Perfect Trinket | Accuracy III
Music Box | Tier 1 Perfect Trinket | LD III
Ketchup Chips {4} | Tier 4; Perfect Snacks| Probiotics III
Poutine {3} | Tier 4; Uncommon Meal | Overhealth I
Cheesecake {3} | Tier 4; Perfect Dessert | Loot Dice III
Divinity's Wait {6} | Tier 2; Perfect Potion | Mitigation III
Divinity's Protection {5} | Tier 3; Perfect Potion | Overhealth III
Fruit Infused Tea {3} | Tier 3; Perfect Potion | HP Recovery III
Cold Brew Coffee {4} | Tier 1; Perfect Potion | HP Recovery III
Percephonius Pyratius {14} | Tier 4; Perfect Potion | Damage III
Axintori Alcemitanti {15} | Tier 4; Perfect Potion | Overhealth III
Eleanór a Rún {1} | Tier 1; Uncommon Support Song | HP Recovery I
Fill-iù Oro Hù Ò {1} | Tier 1; Rare Support Song | HP Recovery II
Clann Ulaidh {1} | Tier 2; Uncommon Debuff Song | Lullaby I
Clann Ulaidh {1} | Tier 2; Uncommon Masterpiece Debuff Song | Lullaby I [Instant]
Cànan nan Gàidheal {6} | Tier 2; Perfect Debuff Song | Incarceration
Bothan Àirigh Am Bràigh Raithneach {1} | Tier 2; Uncommon Masterpiece Support Song | HP Recovery I
Siúil a Rún {3} | Tier 2; Uncommon Support Song | HP Recovery I
Siúil a Rún {3} | Tier 2; Rare Support Song | HP Recovery II
Siúil a Rún {4} | Tier 2; Perfect Support Song | HP Recovery III
Cànan nan Gàidheal {1} | Tier 3; Uncommon Debuff Song | Lullaby I
Cànan nan Gàidheal {1} | Tier 3; Uncommon Masterpiece Debuff Song | Lullaby I [Instant]
Clann Ulaidh {1} | Tier 3; Uncommon Masterpiece Debuff Song | Lullaby I [Instant]
Clann Ulaidh {1} | Tier 3; Rare Debuff Song | Lullaby II
Clann Ulaidh {1} | Tier 3; Rare Masterpiece Debuff Song | Lullaby II [Instant]

Sword Arts

[x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art.
[x15] ST-II (15 13 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 18 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 9 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.
[x14] AOE-II (14 12 + 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 14 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.
[x16] TECH-B (15 13 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 13 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 13 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 9 + 2 * targets EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn.
[x16] TECH-G (15 13 EN) | BURN | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Burn] on the enemy. [Burn] is a DoT ailment that deals [14 * Player Tier] unmitigated Burn damage for 2 turns.
[x2] RAW-A (10 8 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.

Combat Skills

Battle Healing
Rank 3
Passive
Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.

Fighting Spirit
Passive
Effect: Attacking and using Howl or Focused Howl generates +1 additional Hate. (Ex. Generate 1/2/3 Hate on a Miss/Hit/Critical attack. Generate 5 Hate when using Focused Howl.)

Howl
Active: Post Action
Energy Cost: 2 EN
Effect: Adds +2 Hate each against up to 4 targets.

[Howl Addon] Focused Howl
Active: Post Action
Energy Cost: 4 EN
Cooldown: 4 Turns
Effect: Adds +4 Hate against a single target.

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.

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

Active Extra Skills

Block
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

Frozen Hide
Active: Free Action
Energy Cost: 5 EN
Cooldown: 4 Turns
Effect: As a free action, apply one slot of Frost Aura and one slot of Frost Thorns equal to your tier to yourself until the start of your next turn.

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.

Survival
Cost: Complete <<The Traveler>> with Unlock Conditions
Action: Passive
Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.

Inactive Extra Skills 

Concentration
Cost: Complete <<The Gemini>> with Unlock Conditions
Action: Free Action
Cooldown: 5 turns
Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.

Meditation
Action: Post Action
Cooldown: 3 turns
Effect: Recover an additional (4 * Tier) energy. 

Combat Mastery

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

Familiar Skills

Protector Familiar
Active: Free Action
Cooldown: 3 Posts
Effect: The next time you would take damage, your familiar rushes to your aid, reducing the final damage by 10%.

Estate Buffs

Master Bedroom
Effect: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat.
Master Bathroom
Effect: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down).
Dining Room
Effect: Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread.
Basic Kitchen
Effect: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.
Living Room
Effect: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Attic (Storage)
Effect: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
Storage Closet
Effect: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot

 

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The docks were about what Nari had expected to find – small, filled with little boats, and smelling of the sea. Everything that Nari disliked, so to speak. At the end of the dock itself stood an older man, rod in hand and the look of someone awaiting their purpose in life.

From a distance she could already tell that the man was her intended target, the white beard giving away the same resemblance as the two previously spoken to in the first and second portion of the quest – a clear indication of the ties meant to be.

“Let’s just…get this over with, right Yuki?” The fox chittered an agreement from her shoulder, clearly about as enthusiastic as Nari herself was. Another glance around – as if hoping for something to dissuade or lead her away from the area, and then she was wandering forward. She came up behind the man, before speaking aloud in an attempt to activate the quest. “Hi. I’m here due to a collection request from the mayor…Dorian? I think that’s his name. Anyways, he wants his mon- col. He wants his col.”

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Word Count: 185

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

"Yer tellin' me Mayor Dorian's taken to sending players to do his dirty work? Seems wrong that he-" The man stopped mid sentence, his attention drawn by something in the water – something that Nari herself didn’t care to even search for. “There she is!”

The sudden shoving of a fishing pole, line and gear into her arms shook Nari from her otherwise calm demeanor. Her mouth opening to complain, she was beaten back as the man spoke overtop of her. "You take that, 'n' I'll grab my harpoon. I can't believe Big Bertha's finally reared her beautiful head! You got any of those potion things? We'll need all the help we can get to bring Bertha down."

A breath of silence as she paused to take in what he had said, before she let out a single word that spoke to her entire understanding of the situation. “What?”

She barely had time to consider what was happening before the man was leaping into a small boat – if it could even be called that. Tossing the fishing rod in after the man, Nari brought up her menu, considering her options before making her choice.

The snack, a bag of ketchup chips, appeared in her hand. Settling into the boat, she turned her focused towards the chips, munching on them as the man – Pete, she could see now – cast off, pushing them out towards the middle of the water.

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Conume: Ketchup Chips | Protein III

Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 37 | HP: 840/840 | EN: 96/96 | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 (8+3) | MIT: 132 (147-15) | F. Aura: 32 MIT; 16 FRST | Thorns [72 DMG] | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | Battle Healing [+25] | Heavy Momentum: [+4 DMG] | Paralyse | Taunt | STH: -5

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Word Count: 237

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The boat ride was about as comfortable as Nari was expecting. Which is to say, not in the least bit enjoyable. Focusing on her snack until it was gone, she was able to keep her attention away from the life giving, and taking, waters that surrounded them on all sides of the little boat.

Once that was completed, however, she had no choice but to glance about and take in their current position – several dozens of metres away from the docks, and slowly distancing themselves. Essentially, a position that made Nari extremely uncomfortable. Her hands locked onto the sides of the boat, she questioned everything – her mind racing as she realised the position she was in, and the danger behind it.

Her left hand suddenly snapping up, she had to stop herself from summoning the teleport crystal that she wanted in order to escape. Forcing herself to take deep breaths, she closed her eyes – trying to force out the surrounding area and reminding herself that she was safe, so long as she was in the boat.

“Somethin’ a matter with yee?” The voice sounded amused, which only made Nari frustrated. Speaking without opening her eyes, she threw back a statement that she was sure was filled with sarcasm – something that the NPC likely wouldn’t understand.

“No, not in the least. I love being over water, wearing what is essentially an anchor that could lead me to my death. It’s the best.” The guffaw wasn’t what she expected to hear, but somehow it made her angry enough to force her eyes open and glare at the man. Her heart racing, she glanced over the edge and into the water, her eyes tracing over the surface.

She could still see the docks in the distance, but they were slowly getting smaller and smaller as they travelled further out. Her grip – already tight upon the edges of the boat – only tightened more as she realised how far they were going.

“Don’tcha worry missy, you’re safe with Pete.” Her eyes shifted to the NPC, something in his voice catching her attention. He seemed so calm, so in control. ‘This is his element, just as yours is conflict. He’s comfortable here, because he is in control of it. Just like you protect others…’ Her grip loosened slightly, the realisation providing a measure of ease to her – knowing that the NPC would do whatever it could to ensure her return to shore.

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Word Count: 406

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

She knew she wasn’t released from the fear, but the way in which Pete continued speaking, and the control he showed with just his presence allowed Nari a measure of lesser fear. She could look around, still grabbing at the sides with every sudden jerk of movement, but her heart slowly calming as she spent more time within the boat itself.

“Do you see her? She should be here soon…” She’d almost forgotten their purpose for being out here, and as the NPC brought it back to memory, Nari forced her eyes to scan the surface of the water – careful to watch for any sign of movement that would signify their prey.

She wasn’t entirely sure what they were looking for, but she figured the system would alert her to whatever the purpose of the quest was – which meant that she needed to spot it first, of course. Silently cursing herself for not taking more time to obtain better searching skills, she continued the casting of her gaze.

ID208655 | CD: 3 | Catching Bertha | Failure

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Word Count: 168

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The glint of the sun off the water hurt her eyes. She squinted against it, wishing she had a pair of her sunglasses. She made a mental note to pick up a pair, if she could find them within Aincrad somewhere. She was amazed she’d made it this far without a pair, something she normally wore anytime she was outside in the real world – and yet, here, she’d never found a cause for them until now.

“I don’t see anything…” She growled the words as she looked at the NPC in frustration. The man seemed to ignore her, his own gaze still roaming across the water in search of…well, whatever. “Care to tell me what I’m looking for, then? That way I can at least search for it myself?”

“Big Bertha. You’ll know her when you see her.” His words were spoken with a tone of distraction, his attention clearly not on the conversation nor his partner in the craft. Sighing to herself, Nari turned her own gaze back to the water, praying that the…whatever…would show up soon – even if it did capsize the boat in the process.

ID208656 | CD: 8 | Catching Bertha | Success!

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Word Count: 188

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

A shift of something in the water, the movement barely visible against the glimmer from the sunlight. It was enough to cause Nari to lean forwards though, her lips parting as she tried to get the NPC’s attention. “Hey…I think there’s something-“

Her words cut off as the large fish breached the surface, the spear-tipped nose nearly catching Nari as she shifted backwards in the boat to avoid being pierced. She felt herself call out, before she realised that the large fish had a health bar, and a name. Her eyes drifted over the name, recognising it from what the man in the boat with her had said.

“Ah, there you are Bertha! Alright! Quick get her in here! I’ll hold the boat while you reel her in!” Nari simply stared at the man, wondering how in the nine hells she was meant to reel in a fish that size. Her eyes drifting over the health bar again, it suddenly clicked in her mind.

“Ah, hell. Fine.”

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Word Count: 167

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

She was not pleased with the idea of fighting in a boat. A ship, she could consider – where there would be stable enough ground to safely stand and fight. But the small little row boat they were in provided none of that. In fact, if anything, she doubted she’d be able to properly stand in the small vessel. A quick glance around made her concerned to even attempt it, and so she resolved herself to fighting from a seated position – something she’d never attempted, and was sure that anyone who saw it would never let rest in her memories.

“Fine. Let’s do this, then.” The words were filled with annoyance. At the boat. At the fish. At the NPC. At everything in general, at the current moment. There was little room to maneuver, even if she had wanted to, which she currently didn’t. Setting her shield against the side of the boat, she pulled the spear back, allowing the sword art to activate before thrusting it forwards towards the large fish – hoping that this wouldn’t last long. But somehow knowing that Morríghan was likely enjoying this too much to let it end swiftly.

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Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 37 | HP: 840/840 | EN: 96/96 | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 (8+3) | MIT: 132 (147-15) | F. Aura: 32 MIT; 16 FRST | Thorns [72 DMG] | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | Battle Healing [+25] | Heavy Momentum: [+4 DMG] | Paralyse | Taunt | STH: -5

Big Bertha | HP: 384/384 | DMG: 130 | ACC: 2
En Garde! | Gains +2 Accuracy against a target that hit it within the same rotation.  <<Big Bertha>> is the sporting catch and always attacks last in the rotation.

Round One
ID208657 | BD: 7+3=10 | <<Tech-A vs. Big Bertha>> | Hit: 176 DMG | Stunned | Frostbite [40 DMG, -1 ACC; 0/2]

 

Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 37 | HP: 840/840 | EN: 83/96 | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 (8+3) | MIT: 132 (147-15) | F. Aura: 32 MIT; 16 FRST | Thorns [72 DMG] | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | Battle Healing [+25] | Heavy Momentum: [+4 DMG] | Paralyse | Taunt | STH: -5

Big Bertha | HP: 168/384 | DMG: 130 | ACC: 2 | Stunned | Frostbite [40 DMG, -1 ACC; 1/2]
En Garde! | Gains +2 Accuracy against a target that hit it within the same rotation.  <<Big Bertha>> is the sporting catch and always attacks last in the rotation.

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Word Count: 193

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

It was almost too easy. Her first strike tore into the fish, forcing it to freeze in place as the stun effect coursed through it, followed by the ice spreading across its body and causing cracks in its outer hide. She pulled her spear back, glancing towards the NPC for a brief second before resetting herself. The boat rocked slightly beneath them, the large fish having bumped against it when its momentum had been stopped by Nari’s strike.

“Almost…got this….” The words forced between tightly clenched teeth as she fought against the feeling within herself, the unease brought upon the realisation at how easily they could end up beneath the calm surface of the waters around them.

Muttering to herself, she gauged her attack, waiting for the slight twitch that informed her the stun was wearing off. Thrusting the spear forward, she activated what she hoped would be the final strike against the creature, allowing her to end this fight as quickly as possible and return to shore safely.

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

Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 37 | HP: 840/840 | EN: 87/96 | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 (8+3) | MIT: 132 (147-15) | F. Aura: 32 MIT; 16 FRST | Thorns [72 DMG] | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | Battle Healing [+25] | Heavy Momentum: [+4 DMG] | Paralyse | Taunt | STH: -5

Big Bertha | HP: 168/384 | DMG: 130 | ACC: 2 | Stunned [0/4] | Frostbite [40 DMG, -1 ACC; 1/2]
En Garde! | Gains +2 Accuracy against a target that hit it within the same rotation.  <<Big Bertha>> is the sporting catch and always attacks last in the rotation.

Round Two
ID208658 | BD: 7+3=10 | <<Raw-A vs. Big Bertha>> | Hit: 72x2 = 144 DMG | Frostbite [40 DMG, -1 ACC; 0/2] | Big Bertha is defeated!

Nari-Lanreth | Lv. 32 | P. 37 | HP: 840/840 | EN: 87/96 | ACC: 3 | DMG: 11 (8+3) | MIT: 132 (147-15) | F. Aura: 32 MIT; 16 FRST | Thorns [72 DMG] | Frostbite [40 DMG; -1 ACC] | Battle Healing [+25] | Heavy Momentum: [+4 DMG] | Paralyse | Taunt | STH: -5

Big Bertha | HP: 0/384 | DMG: 130 | ACC: 2 | Stunned [0/4] | Frostbite [40 DMG, -1 ACC; 1/2]

Looting Big Bertha
ID208659 | LD: 11 | CD: 7 | Looting Bertha
| 1,152 col
| 4 materials
| T4 Rare Weapon (1), T4 Uncommon Consumable (1)

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Word Count: 169

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The giant fish exploded into shards as Nari’s strike pierced the hide once more, forcing the boat to rock slightly against the water as the weight of it dispersed. From beside her, the walloping of the other broke the silence over the water, and Nari felt herself sigh. Pulling up her menu, she checked what she had gained from the giant fish, before storing her armour and weapon, feeling somewhat safer with the heavy equipment gone.

“Did ya see that?! We got her!” Nari smiled at the enthusiasm, simply desiring to be back on solid land once more. Her NPC companion had already begun rowing back – something that Nari was appreciative of, his continued commentary falling on deaf ears as she waited anxiously to reach the docks, and safety once more.

“Thankee for all your help, it’s truly appreciated! I can’t believe we finally got her!” She cast another smile towards the NPC as they pulled up next to the docks, before leaping onto the sturdy structure and breathing one final sigh of relief – content to be back on dry land once more.

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Word Count: 183

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

She was just about to leave the docks when she remembered why she’d come in the first place. Turning back to face the fisherman – his enthusiasm still being broadcast to the air around him – she brought her concerns to light once more.

“So, about the money you owe the mayor…” His grin barely faltered as she brought up the topic, and she watched as he pulled out what appeared to be a large, white hunk of bone. Dropping it into her hands, he stepped back – his smile still spreading across his face.

“Big Bertha’s bill!” He seemed almost proud of the find, as if it somehow would repay the amount he owed – which Nari highly doubted. Then again, she was far from any sort of expert on the fishing trade within Aincrad, so who was she to doubt? “It’s gotta be worth some col, and should repay my debt.”

Nari doubted that, but had nothing better to go on – realising this was likely a part of the quest, and something she couldn’t skirt around in any way. Shrugging inwardly, she was just about to leave, when the man winked at her – catching her off guard as she wondered at the action.

“T’was me who borrowed the good mayor’s money. It let me buy this fishing pole, actually! Always intended to pay it back. Now I can!”

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Word Count: 226

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

“I’m…sure the mayor will be happy about that…” The sarcasm seemed lost on the man as he beamed at her, but said nothing more. Hesitant for just a moment, she stored away the item, before making her way back along the dock – stopping at the start of it to glance back for a moment. The NPC had returned to its original position, staring out over the waters, waiting for the next player to come activate the quest.

She wondered if the artificial beings ever grew to hate their purpose, if they could even do so. Most seemed blissfully unaware of their limited purposes in this world, as if they were little more than fillers that were just aware enough to give responses, and nothing more. Some, however, showed an aptitude for responding in nature and emotion that made Nari wonder sometimes if there wasn’t more to them.

Shaking the thought from her mind, knowing she would find no answer here, she turned back towards the town. Now she just had to find the mayor, and end this quest.

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Word Count: 178

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

She wandered through the town, trying to remember exactly where she had first encountered the mayor – so long ago, now that she thought back on it. It felt like years ago, now. She remembered the encounter well, it had been the first time she had met NIGHT, Koga and Bismuth. A sudden sadness hit her as she realised she hadn’t heard from the man in quite some time, slowly driven away as her mind turned to NIGHT.

Their first encounter had been…less than desirable, perhaps. But it was what occurred afterwards that had always left a feeling of regret in Nari’s heart. Things had gone from bad, to worse – only recently having become far more…well, preferable. She still felt horrible for what she had done, and as she walked through the town, she wondered if she shouldn’t look for something to try and apologise to the girl – to show her affection, and how much NIGHT meant to her.

Her eyes passed over the nearby shops as she made her way along, looking for anything that would seem appropriate as a gift.

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Word Count: 181

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Her eyes fell upon a shopfront that she’d never seen before – the needle and thread display signifying that it was likely a tailor of some sorts. What had caught her attention, however, were the numerous plush animals on display within the front window. Her eyes cast over the small things, the cuteness of them all catching her breath as she felt her excitement growing.

Barely able to stop herself from bouncing on the spot, she rushed into the store, waving a greeting at the shop worker before moving to the side which contained a collection of further stuffed animals. Her eyes glazed over the display, roaming back and forth as she looked for something specific.

“Hello there!” The voice caught her off guard, and she felt herself jump slightly in response. “Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you! Can I help you find something?”

“Oh, uhm…yes maybe. I’m…looking for something specific. Cat. Black. Stuffy. Yellow eyes. Have anything like that?” Her words were broken as she tried to focus on both the conversation, as well as her frantic search along the lines of displays.

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Word Count: 185

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

“Ah…I think we have a few options…” Moving swiftly along the displays, the man – Nari could see now he was younger, likely in his young adult years, or late teenage years. He appeared to be a player, and Nari wondered if he was one of the few players whom had decided to remain behind on the first, when everyone had moved upwards.

“I have some that may fit the bill, I think.” He laid out a collection of eleven options on the counter, letting Nari glance over each. Jaguars, panthers, large cats, everything she could possibly hope for. But not exactly what she was looking for. Her brow furrowed slightly, and she had just opened her mouth to say as much, when the man held up a finger. “Not one of these, got it.”

He shifted along the display again, grabbing a few more options while he replaced the original finds. Nari waited impatiently, bouncing from foot to foot as the man gathered his stock and brought them back to present to her. She barely passed her eyes over the lot, before she shook her head. None of them were what she was looking for, and she was afraid she was going to have to make an order and return later.

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Word Count: 211

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

“Alright, none of these – I’m guessing this is something special, then?” The grin on his face said more than his words, and Nari felt her face blush slightly in response. She nodded quickly, biting her lip before speaking aloud.

“I’m looking for a house cat, or kitten if possible. It’s for…someone who means a lot, and I think it would…well, I think they’d love it.” The man behind the counter smiled in response, heading back to his collection of options, before pulling out what appeared to be a smaller piece than the others. Carrying it back to the counter, he gingerly laid it out for Nari to inspect.

Her eyes cast over it quickly, before stopping. Leaning in for a closer look, she felt her excitement grow. It was an almost perfect match – so much so that she wondered if he hadn’t somehow seen it before, and mimicked it into this design.

“This. This is it. This is perfect.”

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Word Count: 159

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

“Excellent! I’m glad I could help out!” His smile seemed genuine, and as he packaged it up, Nari sent the payment for the piece – adding in a tip that she felt spoke to her gratitude for his assistance with finding it. He handed her the item, glancing at the pop up that denoted her payment, his eyes quickly ranging across it to make sure it was accurate before returning to her face. He had just opened his mouth to thank her – like she herself had done so many times before – when he suddenly stopped mid motion, his expression turning to shock as the amount suddenly registered in his mind.

“Thank you so much!” She smiled before making her way to the door, escaping before he could consider attempting to argue the amount – likely well above what it should cost her, but probably an amount that would help him far more than it would help her.

Her smile breaking across her face as she made her way through the town, she continued her search for the mayor. The little gift still in the bag at her side, she was careful not to swing it or bounce it off anything as she made her way along the street, excited to end the quest, and to return home.

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Word Count: 215

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The mayor wasn’t quite where she had expected to find him, but Nari recognised the man from when she had first encountered him. Any doubts she may have had were tossed aside as the man dashed after a player, chasing them down and requesting their help with finding money that they had leant out to someone within the town.

Nari waited patiently as the player gathered the limited information the mayor was able to provide, before heading off on their way. She sent a silent prayer of support towards the player, hoping they faired better than Nari herself had when she first began the quest.

Stepping towards the mayor, she raised a hand in welcome. “Hey, Dorian. I think I found the one who borrowed the col from you, and you’re not going to believe how they are trying to repay their loan.”

Summoning the item from within her inventory, she brought it up where the mayor could see it. The moment he held his hands out to receive what he likely assumed would be col, Nari shoved the piece into his grasp, glad to be apart from it.

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Word Count: 189

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

“Well, yes…” The words seemed apprehensive, as he eyed the piece that Nari had shoved onto him. “I suppose that's a fair trade. Truth be told, I don't quite remember how much we loaned him, anyway.”

She felt herself roll her eyes, just barely holding back the words that had been on the tip of her tongue. She still wasn’t sure how someone who couldn’t maintain their loans was in charge of an entire town, but then again she wasn’t entirely sure of anything about the mayor beyond the fact he seemed…well, incapable.

“Uh, alright, that's all, then. Thank you for your help. If you ever need anything in this town, do not hesitate to drop my name. I'm sure that's far more valuable than any monetary reward I could offer you, anyway.” Holding the item delicately, the man began to trudge off towards…well, Nari assumed towards his office, or more unsuspecting players. It didn’t matter to her, as she palmed the quest completion notification before rushing off towards the main courtyard, ready to be home again.

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Word Count: 177

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The shimmer of the teleporter rescinded from her vision as she materialised on the fourth floor. The chill drifting over her as she stepped off the pad, smiling in response to her return. Making her way down the steps, she turned towards home, her steps filled with excitement as she carefully carried the little bag in her hands – fighting hard to keep it safe from everything she passed.

Bounding up the steps to the house, she threw open the front door, calling out as she entered. “Hey! I’m back! NIGHT? Where are you?” She moved through the house, searching each room for her companion. She found the girl located in the recording studio, guitar in hand and a look of frustration and embarrassment on her face as Nari caught her midway through what she assumed was another barely passable attempt at the song she’d left her to study.

“So, I managed to complete the third lessons quest finally. Remind me not to do anything else with fish or boats.” She gave a beaming smile as she thrust the bag forward, holding it out for the girl to take. “But, more importantly, I got you something while I was out. I hope you like it.”

She waited as the girl opened the bag, the small kitten stuffy making its way into her hands, Nari’s smile growing in response. “So, what do you think? Is it a decent match?”

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Word Count: 237

Thread Summary

Nari-Lanreth

Word Count: 4,105 / 10 = 410 x 7 x 1 = 2,870

3,370 EXP | 2,870 EXP [Thread] + 500 [Quest]
2,052 col | 400 [Thread] + 500 [Quest] + 1,152 [ID208659]
4 materials [ID208659]
T4 Rare Weapon {1}, T4 Uncommon Consumable {1} [ID208659]
Big Bertha Braciole | Unique Consumable (Meal) | A fishy entree that restores +2 additional EN each turn in combat for one thread.