[F17/SP] The Sound of Confusion | <<Challenge of Olympus: Performer>>

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The ding of the message arrived just as Nari was preparing herself for her morning shower. Sighing, she wondered who would be messaging her at a time like this – NIGHT was still asleep, and the few others she received messages from usually never sent them this early in the morning.

Curiosity overtaking her desire to shower, she opened the notification and let her eyes roam over the message, before realising who the sender was. Sighing, she closed the message and went about her shower, knowing that it was worth following up with later – but hating that she had to go through it again.

Once her breakfast was completed, she left a note for those still not awake, before making her way out into the snow covered exterior – her fox vest pulled tight against the morning chill as she crossed to the central courtyard.

“Morning, Zestral.” She gave the player a nod as she passed them – a frequent acquittance that she’d come to know by name through their infrequent encounters in the area. Like her, clearly a morning person.

Stepping onto the teleporter pad, she gave a half-hearted call as she activated it, causing her form to shimmer and disappear from sight.

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Word Count: 201

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Nari's Statblock

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.
Big Bertha Braciole | Unique Consumable (Meal) | A fishy entree that restores +2 additional EN each turn in combat 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 {3} | 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]
Siúil a Rún {2} | Tier 3; Uncommon Support Song | HP Recovery I
Siúil a Rún {5} | Tier 3; Perfect Support Song | HP Recovery III
Siúil a Rún {1} | Tier 3; Perfect; Masterpiece Support Song | HP Recovery III [Mass]
 

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 sudden warmth of the oceanside city enveloped Nari as she stepped off the teleporter, looking for any sign of the individual whom would guide her to the mountain. The figure – a satyr, similar to the first she’d encountered and yet somehow different – stood off to the side, fidgeting with something on its chest piece.

Wandering over to the individual, she gave a slight wave to catch its attention, before speaking. “I’ve received a notification that I am to attend the mountain of Olympus. I’m assuming you’re here to guide me there?”

“Oh! Yes, yes I am. Uhm, Apollo awaits. Come, come!” Without waiting for her response, the creature took off towards the city’s exist, leaving Nari to catch up to its large strides. She wondered briefly at the difference in personality – perhaps this was a brother, or cousin to the original guide? Or perhaps a new guide was generated per each quest.

‘It’s also logical to consider the fact that each deity may have their own guide…they are gods after all, so it only makes sense they’d not share.’ She giggled to herself at the thought, pulling the gaze of her guide for a blink of a moment, before it returned its gaze to the trail ahead.

“So, Apollo…what’s he like?” She figured it’d be worthwhile to at least attempt to get some information about her host – if at all possible. She wasn’t entire confident that this satyr guide would treat her any better than the last had. Her smile twitched slightly at the memory of the other, before she managed to control herself. “I’ve met Hephaestus and Demeter, but I’ve not heard much about Apollo – care to enlighten one who is blissfully unaware of what to expect?”

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Word Count: 289

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

“He is graceful, elegance, and beauty all combined into one. And you should remember that, seeing as you’ll be presented before him and judged accordingly.” The Satyr gave Nari a glance, its eyes running up and down her before turning away with what she assumed was a scornful look.

Her own eyes glanced down at her physique, taking in the fox vest, turtleneck and leggings she normally wore throughout her days now. She had to admit, even to herself, that the appearance was less than elegant when considering she was headed to a court of the gods. Bringing up her menu as she walked, she pulled forth a violet dress she’d had stored away, the ankle length something she wouldn’t normally don herself – but had been gifted to her.

Taking a few steps, she eventually spoke up to the satyr again, a slight grin on her face as he turned and stumbled slightly. “Will this suffice instead?”

“That…that is much more appropriate for the occasion.” Seemingly content with the change, the satyr turned back to their path once more. Nari hopped along behind the creature, content to remain silent for a few moments as they made their way along the familiar path.

“So…Apollo. What can I expect from him for a challenge? I’m assuming something musically inclined, but…” Her words drifted as her eyes glanced out at the large creatures along the open plains around the mountains – remembering when she first spotted the creatures. She’d been on a similar quest during that time – the exact same, save for the eventually end point, and purpose. They still seemed so large and dangerous to her, even now. “…but do you know what usually is incorporated into the challenge itself?”

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Word Count: 287

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The satyr seemed almost puzzled by the question. Glancing back at Nari, it paused in its answer – the mouth of the thing opening and closing a few times before any sounds finally escaped from it. A long, drawn out hum, before it began to provide words that were legible.

“Well, it…it depends on Apollo’s mood, I guess. Sometimes it’s creating a masterpiece, or proving skill in the musical talents. Sometimes its deciphering a piece that Apollo himself has created, or maybe creating something for Apollo that he’s never seen before.” The satyr seemed to think for a few steps, the brow furrowing. Walking alongside it, Nari waited patiently, knowing that pushing it for an answer would get her nowhere.

“It’s…hard to say for certain – each challenge is always something new. Something he’s never done before – but it usually isn’t what you’re expecting, I can say that much for certain.” The satyr seemed almost worried in its response, as if it wouldn’t suffice. Or as if it expected Nari to react badly. She would willingly admit that it didn’t give her much to go on, but she wasn’t entirely surprised – Cardinal did like to keep these experiences a mystery until they were upon you.

“So, keep an open mind then. I guess I couldn’t really expect anything beyond that…” She smiled towards the creature, trying to show a friendliness that she wasn’t entirely sure was there yet. “Thank you, by the way. I would say that’s likely the best that you could possibly provide for an answer.”

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Word Count: 256

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

She’d certainly hoped for more, but if she was being honest with herself, she would’ve been surprised if the satyr had laid out her challenge right then and there. That simply wasn’t how Cardinal operated these quests – especially the Challenge of Olympus quests. It seemed to prefer having the players in the dark, struggling to prepare for them. ‘Or perhaps it doesn’t have them fully developed until you actually arrive before the deity of the choice. It wouldn’t be that surprising, either.’

As the mountain drew closer, Nari considered the last time she had arrived to complete the quest. She’d expected to attend the court upon the top, but had instead been led to a forge found within the side of the mountain itself – a place filled with wonderous tools and weapons, much to her beloved surprised at the time.

“Say…last time I was here, I was taken to a place outside of the main courts themselves. Does Apollo plan to meet me within a…special place of his own? Or would it be within the courts themselves?” She wasn’t quite sure how else to word the odd question.

“You will meet Apollo within his own courtyard, just off the side of the main courts. It is secluded, away from the main areas of the other gods and goddesses – it will offer you privacy for your meeting. Although one of the others may watch as desired.” About what Nari had expected, and she nodded to herself as she continued to follow the being further along the pathway.

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Word Count: 256

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The incline began almost suddenly. She hadn’t even noticed that they’d fully entered the shadow of the mountain until they were climbing up the base of it. Her thoughts – pondering the possible task to come – had distracted her from her surroundings, leaving her surprised when the climb began.

A quick glance around tossed away any concerns however, as she remembered that the game would keep her safe for this trek – something Cardinal was good at doing. Without the dangers of any creatures falling upon her, she could find herself lost in thought. ‘But that’s not a good habit to form. Regardless of how safe you think it might be…’

“How long until we reach the courts? I’ve never actually made my way all the way up to them myself.” She tossed the question out more to have some sort of sound in the air, than any real interest.

“Not long – about twenty minutes of climbing, if we take our time.” A single breath of pause, before the satyr actually asked her a question in return. “You’ve never been to the courts before? Truly?”

Nari shook her head, and almost immediately regretted it as the satyr dropped into a long winded explanation about the courts and the deities. It seemed to explain a large number of intricacies regarding the relationships and general facts about the two entities – something Nari didn’t care for, but figured would be rude to interrupt.

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Word Count: 238

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

“It would also be important for you to know how to greet Apollo – he’s very peculiar about the greetings. First, you shouldn’t bow too low – it signifies grovelling, and he hates grovelling. But don’t bow too short – that’s a sign of disrespect, and you don’t want to disrespect a god!” Nari nodded, pretending to be interested, but truly letting her eyes wander and take in the scenery. They’d already gone further up the mountain side than her last visit.

“So, make sure to bow low, but not so low that it looks like my face will touch the ground.” She spoke the words after realising the other had paused to ensure she was listening. Something it had done relatively frequently since it began coaching her on how to greet and meet with Apollo. Everything from what to say, what not to say, and now how to properly present herself. She’d refrained – thus far – from rolling her eyes in response.

“That…sums it up, yes. But you want to ensure elegance.” The satyr stressed the word. Nari had lost count on how many times it had been spoken – it seemed that everything related to Apollo was about elegance. Instead of responding, she simply nodded – not trusting her tongue. “Now, whatever you do – don’t do a traditional bow. He hates those. Actually…you should probably curtsy. That would be best. You can curtsy, right?”

She almost snapped back at the satyr, before slamming her mouth shut. Something about the attitude and actions of this individual made her feel like he was trying to be helpful. Sighing silently to herself, she gave a tense nod, and the satyr continued talking – apparently oblivious to the internal battle she’d just had.

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Word Count: 284

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

They’d stopped about three quarters of the way up the mountain itself – the satyr providing an excuse that the remainder of the journey should be completed without tiring oneself out. Nari felt, however, that the creature figured the player needed a rest – something that she most certainly did not, regardless of the thing’s opinion on the matter.

Waiting restlessly, she glanced again towards the creature, before speaking aloud once more. “Shouldn’t we maybe…continue? Wouldn’t want to keep Apollo waiting for us, isn’t that correct? It would be rude, and all that…”

The satyr smiled at her, as if pleasing a child – something she didn’t like one bit. “Worry not, for I’m sure Apollo will understand and be pleased if we take a few moments rest in order to arrive with dignity and grace. I can assure you he’d be far more displeased if we wandered in looking like…well, like we’d just travelled up a mountain.”

Unable to resist, she felt her eyes shut tightly in response, her hand coming up to rest on the side of her face. She wasn’t sure why, but she knew for sure that the satyr was stalling. Not that there was much she could do about it, anyways. The creature would continue once it was ready to do so – and Nari had no choice but to wait until it was ready to do just that.

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Word Count: 230

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Twenty minutes. They’d wandered the same relative area for almost twenty minutes now. The path clearly led upwards towards the actual courts, but the satyr had detoured, only to return to their original point and path. For a while, she’d remained silent – content just to follow along until everything was answered. However, as time continued to crawl on by, and as she was beginning to truly wonder if there was any sense to the delay in her arrival, she felt the need to speak out.

“I don’t mean to question your guidance, but is there a reason that we’re not headed directly to the main court itself? Wouldn’t that be the fastest way to make our way to Apollo’s personal area of residence, or rather his personal place for an audience?” The satyr seemed to pause mid-movement as Nari spoke aloud – as if surprised that she’d brought up the concern about their continuous tracking and backtracking. She could see a look of worry upon its face as it seemed to search for an answer, and Nari felt something off in the way it leaned away from her, ever so slightly.

“Yes, uhm…well, you see the thing is…Apollo…Apollo said to bring you to his personal…well, his personal audience chamber! And…” The eyes seemed to shift around, as if looking for an escape. She could almost sense that something was going on that she didn’t quite understand – whether it was apart of her test, or something else entirely she couldn’t quite discern yet.

She watched the satyr, remaining silent in the hopes that it would continue speaking. There was an extreme discomfort in its bodily movements, a sign that it was – for lack of a better term – sweating in its hooves. The quest to Nari, was why.

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Word Count: 295

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

“With all due respect, I would prefer not to keep a god waiting. I appreciate that you have brought me this far, but if there is some hesitation – something that keeps you from continuing any further – then I will take my leave, and find my own path to Apollo.” She watched closely as the satyr stopped fumbling, suddenly seeming to lose its uncertain nature. A slight shift, but suddenly it appeared calm, in control once more.

“There’s no need for that. If you’ll follow me, we can continue.” Turning, glancing back towards her only to make sure she was following, the satyr continued up the path towards the great courts. Falling into step behind the creature, a few armlengths back, Nari kept her eyes shifting across the area.

The entire encounter had taken away any comfort she had felt with her guide – an experience that hadn’t occurred in her previous two travels as apart of this quest. She only hoped that upon meeting Apollo, she would be given an answer as to why it had occurred to begin with.

For the time being, at least, she’d have to be content with simply keeping an eye on her guide. So far, it seemed to still be leading her towards the main courts – a good sign, for the moment. She was fairly certain that Cardinal wouldn’t allow any sort of dangers here, but even still, she kept herself on high alert – listening and watching for any signs of a trap or ambush.

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Word Count: 250

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The large gates rose skyward before her, and Nari couldn’t help but think it looked an awfully lot like imagery found in a lot of older Disney cartoons. The Golden gates breaching the sky, surrounded by glowing light that felt almost…over the top. At least, to Nari it felt that way.

The satyr barely paused before heading to the left side of the gates, moving towards a small doorway that Nari never would’ve seen, hidden behind a small outcropping of rock. Following along behind her guide, she found herself led into a large hallway – somehow feeling enclosed and cramped compared to the grandiose exterior that had made up the entrance to the city of the gods that she had been before just a moment ago.

“Excellent, we’re just on time!” It was the first time the satyr had spoken in some time, and Nari almost questioned how it knew they were just on time – before she realised that this being had likely been stalling their approach for this specific reason.

Content to simply accept whatever the NPC-come-deity had in mind, she followed her guide down the hallway. The hooves of her guide, and her own boots creating a clicking sound that echoed down the hallway, Nari found herself unable to focus on her thoughts as she followed the satyr – each beginning ponder interrupted by the click-echo around her.

Her frustration nearly bursting, she realised that the clicking had stopped – the satyr patiently waiting at a door that had been opened without Nari even realising. Blinking twice, she stepped through, finding herself in a large room that she could only label as an audience chamber – the twin seated sofa, the low sitting table, the pillows strewn about as resting places.

“Welcome, mortal. I see that you are…dressed for the occasion.” Her eyes followed the voice, finding the man standing in the far corner, wine cup in hand and a smirk on his face. “Shall we begin?”

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Word Count: 325

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Her eyes shifted from her own dress, to the formal wear of the individual in the room with her. His blonde hair stood tasselled, blue eyes gazing lazily from beneath – somehow sitting almost perfectly in combination with the tuxedo like wear that the deity had adorned. She had to admit, the NPC appeared rather dashing – even if only in a way that she could appreciate at face value.

“You’re likely wondering – what occasion?” Her gaze fell upon the smirk, noticing that it elicited no harsh feelings from herself, seemingly nothing more than an addition to the appearance – much like the clothing one wore. “That is always the question, is it not? What could the great Apollo want from me? Well, it’s truly quite simple – I desire engagement. Entertainment. Something that I give to so many others, I want for myself.”

Nari remained silent as the NPC continued speaking, trying to gauge where exactly this was going – and what possible challenge Apollo could provide. It didn’t take long for the deity-NPC to provide her the answer. “I desire you to present to me a piece that I have never heard before, one that would be fit to find its place among a god’s possessions. Something that I could listen to over, and over, and over and always find entertainment in.”

He smiled as she finished talking, leaving Nari speechless – considering the challenge. Something about the request seemed off to Nari. She couldn’t quite place it, but there was a hidden meaning behind the words, an unspoken direction that she would be required to take.

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Word Count: 263

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Nari felt herself staring, likely a confused look on her face. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of the challenge, and she felt herself hesitating in that uncertainty. “I’m sure the god of music, of entertainment and of such…cultured…status as of yourself, would find the performances of a mortal merely…disappointing. Mundane, even.”

She picked her words carefully as she danced around the fact that she still wasn’t sure what was expected of her. Her eyes studied the features of the NPC, wondering what Cardinal could possibly expect to come of this.

“Mundane, imperfect. These are all words used to hide the truth – there is beauty in ugliness.” A twirl of fingers, and suddenly a rose appeared – red and black petals creating an odd pattern on the flower. She felt her gaze drawn to it in an almost hypnotic manner as it spun, slowly shifting until the colours seemed to blend. “Even the ugliest of things, however, comes with a tone of beauty – if viewed from the right perspective.”

She wasn’t sure what to make of that, but she couldn’t deny the truthful tones behind the words. Whatever the NPC was looking for, Nari was sure that it wasn’t something that could be called a masterpiece – not in the general sense, at least.

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Word Count: 213

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

A few moments of silence stretched across the room as Nari considered what was expected of her – a performance. She knew that much. But whether it was expected that she create something the deity couldn’t deny as anything less than a masterpiece, or a piece that the deity couldn’t himself create in his everlasting genius in music. Nari couldn’t quite figure out what the trick here was – this wasn’t at all like the challenge when she was a blacksmith; that had been so simple in afterthought.

“You do like to keep me waiting in anticipation, don’t you?” The casual smirk was still there, but Nari could’ve sworn she could see an impatience in the NPC’s eyes – as if it was slowly becoming tired of waiting for her to meet its desires.

“I’m simply trying to figure out what would best please one such as yourself, as I wouldn’t want to bore you.” Nari gave what was likely a horrid curtsy as she spoke, trying to appear as if she truly were simply trying to make up her mind on her presentation.

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Word Count: 181

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

“That’s always the question, isn’t it?” That smirk bespoke of a hidden meaning, as if there was more to the words than the face value that Nari was able to decipher. She found herself pondering the question, and soon realised that the NPC was actually awaiting a response from her.

“Oh – yes, yes I guess it is…the question of whether or not to take one choice, or follow another…” The non-sense felt somehow deep to her, and she was surprised to find that the NPC-deity nodded in understand, whether actually finding meaning beneath her words, or simply doing what it was programmed to do.

“Well, I look forward to whatever it is you decide to present. Anything that takes this much thinking will certainly be exciting to be witness to!” There was an enthusiasm behind the NPC’s words that Nari didn’t feel resonating within herself – a confidence in her abilities that she was sure was false, as if the deity was setting her up to fall. Everything about the situation seemed off to Nari, but she couldn’t quite figure out why.

‘Well, regardless of whether you were brought here just to ridiculed, or to show your talents – you can’t get either over with if all you do is stand here and think…’

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Word Count: 212

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

A deep breath escaped her as her mind settled upon the only option available to her. Shifting in place, she felt her ears flush slightly upon their tips as she considered what she was about to offer up – a piece that she had originally created many years ago, when she had considered singing a more obtainable route in her life.

“I’ve decided upon my presentation.” The words seemed to be spoken with a calm manner, but Nari could feel the beating in her chest that gave a voice to her true feelings. She couldn’t help but feel nervous, the choice she had made had failed her once before – a time that she had hoped to never live again.

‘And yet, we walk the same path. I wonder if this time…’ She shoved the thought aside, not allowing the doubt to creep into her now. There was only one thing to do now, and as she felt her body shift – her stance taking on a more assured posture – she forced her mind to follow, trying to take that physical determination, that mental strength she found in combat, and bringing it to life now.

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Word Count: 192

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The figure slid back against the wall, leaning its shoulder against the wall and crossing its arms. There, it waited patiently for the performance to begin. Taking in a deep breath, Nari moved to the centre of the room, running a hand over the front of her dress in a nervous manner.

“This is a piece that I made many years ago…it’s…well, it’s something that I felt was meaningful to me at the time. So…I hope that you find it enjoyable – inspiring. Whatever you may call it…” Another pause as she readied herself, and just as she was about to open her mouth the voice of the other cut her off.

“Don’t sing like you’re giving a recital. Sing like no one is watching. Put all of your heart into it – I’ll know if you don’t.” She could see that smirk, telling her that there was more to everything being said than the simple words she could hear. A quick frown, before she nodded – not quite understanding what the NPC wanted, but deciding it didn’t matter in the end. She’d do this her way, and that was all there was too it.

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Word Count: 192

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Closing her eyes, she focused inward – remembering the time long ago, writing the lyrics and considering the tune that she would use. She’d wanted something original, for a show that had at one time felt like the first step into a whole new world. She’d prepared, so hard for it – only to have it all fall apart when she’d found herself fumbling.

At the time her manager had told her it was normal, that the first time on stage was the most difficult – that with practice it would become easier. Nari hadn’t believed it – she’d seen what it was like, and had no misconceptions about the fact that she would be unable to ever take that position again.

But as she felt the eyes of Apollo upon her, she wondered if there wasn’t a part of her that still yearned for that stage – a part of her that wished to be in front of the audience, to be the centre focus of everyone’s attention. The yearning, which she hadn’t felt in so long, almost drove her to insatiably.

‘You can do this. You’ve come so far since that last…it’s nothing like then. Nothing. You just need to put your emotions into it, just like…like her.’ A shiver as the voice of encouragement rushed through her mind. She felt the confidence growing inside of her, and she knew that she truly wanted this – desired it.

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Word Count: 234

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

Thoughts turned inwards, her attention to the world around her almost lost, she began her tune – the words slipping out as if she’d written them only moments ago. With her eyes closed, hands pressed tight against herself, she barely even noticed the feel of Apollo’s gaze upon her – his very presence lost to her as she poured out the emotions she felt within.

She wasn’t sure how the piece would sound to Apollo – to her own ears she could her the flaws in the melody, the way her tone would shift almost a quarter beat too late. The way that she would hang on one syllable a little too long, or jump to another a brief moment before she felt it should’ve been followed through.

Yet, even with all the mistakes she felt, she knew she was putting the entirety of her heart into it – she was placing her very desires, her desire to perform, into this single piece. She wasn’t sure if it would be enough for the deity, if anything would ever be enough, but it was all she had to offer – and so she offered it freely.

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Word Count: 190

[Nari-Lanreth 0]

The soft clapping barely pulled her attention back to reality as her song came to an end. She kept her eyes closed, revelling in the sound, trying to hold on to the feeling, before finally giving in. The sight of Apollo – still leaning on the wall, same small smirk on his face – but a twinkle in his eye that bespoke of…something – caused her to suddenly feel the fear that had been tucked away.

‘I…I did it. It was probably horrible. No good. It was…it was off tune, I could hear it, feel it.’ The negativity danced around her mind, bringing word to the emotions that she felt within herself – the knowledge that she had let down the NPC, and would fail the quest.

“That was…horrible.” The words stung, she’d expected the NPC to soften the blow, to say how she’d tried and that was all that mattered – that her effort was enough. Instead, she felt obliterated. “I would never have the nerve to present such an uncultured, unpracticed piece within the halls of this court – the audacity of it!”

Apollo let out a soft laughter, the tinkling of it a reminder of the incident so long ago. She felt her body physically falter, pulling in to herself as she tried to disappear from the world – to become nothing in this space of embarrassment.

“And that’s why I think it was amazing.” The pause after the words were filled with an awkward silence as Nari continued down her path of self-destruction. It was only as the NPC wandered across the room towards her, taking her hands in his and smiling into her face, that Nari suddenly realised what had been said.

“I’m so- wait, what?” Her mind finally caught up with the situation, registering what had been said – yet refusing to believe it.

“It was a performance that only one could love – well, two, if we’re counting me. I will admit, it was amateur at best – the tune was a key or two off at most times, the melody would often drag, only to jump forward. Yet, I could feel the emotion in it. Something you don’t find too often in musicians nowadays.” The NPC smiled brighter, a strange look in his expression that Nari could only describe as enthusiasm. She felt herself hovering – torn between being drawn into the discussion further, and looking for an escape. “It was exactly what I wanted to hear, and more!”

She was starting to wonder if she’d fallen asleep mid performance. Nothing the NPC was saying made sense. She was sure she had botched the entire performance, that it had been horrid and wrong. Unfit for this quest, at all.

She watched as the NPC called forth an item, a golden piece that seemed so similar to an item that Nari had seen once when being tutored. Smiling as he presented it, the NPC spoke once more. “This piece has provided me guidance in more ways than I can describe, and now I hope that it will show you the pacing you so desperate need. I present it to you, not because you are the best I’ve ever heard, but because of the potential I heard within your performance. One day, perhaps, you’ll be fit to sing alongside myself!”

Nari hesitantly reached out, expecting the entire thing to be a humorous joke. Expecting the NPC to suddenly recall the piece, taunting her for considering it a possibility that she could receive it. But as it fell into her hands, she realised there was no joke here.

“Now! There’s a feast to be had, and I would hope that one so elegantly dressed as yourself would attend as my second!” She didn’t even have a chance to protest as the NPC led her from the room. As she glanced back, she pondered how she had managed to overcome the challenge – and what the challenge had even been to begin with. But all was driven from her mind as she heard the raucous of the feast to be joined, and she found herself drawn into the celebrations.

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Word Count: 681

Thread Summary

Word Count: 5,269 / 10 x 7 x 1 = 3,682 EXP
400 col
Apollo’s Metronome | Crafting Tool | Meticulous: +1 CD when crafting in one’s workshop.