[F5-PP] Best Laid Plans <<Bloodstained Land>>

[Freyd 0]

"Up and at'em, sleepy-head.  You're being volunteered."  Reaching down into a nest of assorted crap pulled from all corners of Ladonia, Freyd pulled out and produced a man.  He was Nobody, really, and preferred to remain that way, napping his way from day to day until someone else got him out of this hellhole, or oblivion did the trick.

"Mwha?  Huh?  Five more minutes!"  Though officially dubbed as Celeste's chief engineer, Freyd was convinced that the man had gotten the job by sheer luck.  That, or Ladonian technology was so self-sufficient that they really didn't need him and were content to leave him tucked away in the bowels of the ship.  

"Here.  Wear this," the Whisper said, ignoring his feeble pleas and thrusting towards him the worst-looking Ladonian admiral's uniform anyone had ever seen - except that it was also identical to the one he already wore.  "I had it made special, just for you."

A few quick taps and the vanity version joined the rest of the crap strewn all over the deck.  Freyd flipped him a bit of amber as well, suggesting that he tuck it into a pocket for good luck.  It was a concept any pirate knew well and held close to heart.  Nobody was no different, and was about as close to the job as any player could claim.

***

Freyd gives Nobody:

Tattered Ladonian Admiral's Uniform | T2 Perfect Cloth Armor | EVA 2, REC 1
Crafting ID: 213500 - A gaudy patchwork of epaulets, frills and mostly-missing buttons that looks like it's been slept in while laying on a garbage heap during a monsoon.

Amber | T1 Perfect Trinket | ACC 3
Crafting ID: #205237 - A chunk of amber. scraps of a larger crafting component.

Freyd gives Quip:

Amber | T1 Perfect Trinket | ACC 3
Crafting ID: #205228 - A chunk of amber. scraps of a larger crafting component.

Avarice of Black Jade +2 | T1 Perfect 1hCS | Para, Envenom (Off), V.O.
Acquisition ID: [195512b] | Roll ID:  196199, 196200, 196201 | Reroll IDs: 196202, 196203
A curved blade of semi-translucent black jade resembling a giant fang, its one side is secretes a deadly venom when swung with force and the intent to harm.  Not satisfied with injury, the weapon also incapacitates its targets while sapping their strength for the benefit of its wielder.  Legends claim that only a dozen such blades exist, having been pulled from the maw of an ancient netherworld drake.

***

Freyd Consumes:

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - 1 portion (filled)
Liquor of Light (Potion) | Damage 3 | 178133-1
Red Velvet Meringue (Snack) | Evasion 2 | 197171

Freyd Shares:

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (5/6)

Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 148/148 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadow
Level: 32
Paragon Level: 116
HP: 1140/1140
EN: 148/148

Stats:
Damage: 24+3
Mitigation: 78
Evasion: 2+2
Accuracy: 4+2+1
Battle Healing: 62
Loot Dice: 5
FLN: 16
HLY: 16
REC: 8

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Samael's Pride (T4 MA | HLY 2 | FLN 2)
Armor: Fallen Angel Garb (T4 LA | Mit 2 | Rec 2)
Misc: Fight O'er Flight (T3 Trinket | ACC 2 | EVA 2)

Skills:
Martial Arts R5
Battle Healing R5
Light Armor R5
Searching R4
Charge
Energist
Quick Change
Extended Mod Limit
Fighting Spirit

Active Mods:
Night Vision
Tracking
Meticulous
Untraceable
Vanish
Surprise Attack (Assassin)

Addons:
Ferocity
Precision
Resolve
Reveal
Stamina

Active Extra Skills:
Disguise
Survival
Hiding R5
Brawler

Inactive Extra Skills:
Meditation
Forgotten King’s Authority
Photosynthesize
Frozen Hide

Battle Ready Inventory:
Teleport Crystals x7
Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+30*T HP) x7
Spyglass
Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable) x1
Rhino's Horn (Reusable) x1
Hmr.Pk: The Thing Behind All Lies (T4 Demonic MA, AA, Blight, Static, Para.Ven (Off)) x1

Housing Buffs:
Rested: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Item Stash: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
Delicious: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Skylight (Searching): +1 Rank to the Searching skill.
Angler: +1 material gained when fishing
Advanced Training: +10% Exp to a thread. Limit one use per month [1/1]
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
Decor [Potted Tanabata Bamboo Tree]: This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.

Guild Hall Buffs:
Lucrative: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters receive +1 crafting attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters receive +2 crafting attempts per day.
Col Deposit: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild:
Kumatetsu Statue: +1 Base Damage for a thread

Wedding Ring: n/a

 

Edited July 23, 2023 by Freyd

[Nobody 1]

"Is this some sort of punishment from Celeste, because I swear: that comment about her backside was taken completely out of context." Excuses and denials had been falling from his lips since spoopy-dude had woken him from his third most-favourite dream.  It was the one with the flying whales and rain made of money collected by his infinite harem of buxom, scantily clad waifus.  Nobody has simple motivations and ambitions.  Actually, he had neither of those, but if he had it seemed likely that they would lead him in that direction.  

"Wait... am I being Shanghai-ed?!"  Freyd just smiled.

"Basically: yes," came the reply.  "I need some competent fighters.  Celeste said I could use you.  Something about you having it coming and the alternative being that she dump all of your stuff overboard, swabs the deck with your face, and then charges you back pay for all the shit you've stolen."  The captain had warned him about how this was going to go and armed him with a few potent jibes and threats to keep her lazy shipmate from squirming out of the job.

"Of course she did."  Nobody groaned.

***

Nobody accepts and equips the items offered by Freyd and consumed 1 portion from Gungnir Shard.

Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 60/60 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2

Spoiler

Nobody
Level: 21
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 420/420
EN: 60/60

Stats:
Damage: 20
Mitigation: 20
Evasion: 2
Accuracy: 4
BLD: 24
PARA
REC: 2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Something Pointy (T2 Dagger | Para 1, Bleed 2)
Armor: Tattered Ladonian Admiral's Uniform (T2 REC 1, EVA 2)
Misc: Amber (T1 ACC 3)

Skills:
Dagger R5
Cloth Armor R5

Active Mods:
Athletics

Addons:
Ferocity
Precision

Active Extra Skills:
Hiding R3
 

 

[Rencesvals 0]

"This is who you wanted it for?"  Ren looked genuinely surprised.  The order left by Freyd, as he'd finally come to know him, had been highly unusual.  Now it made more sense.  Their disheveled companion wasn't exactly much to look at, though the orange crystal spinning over his head went a long way towards explaining why he had to come meet them here on Floor 5.  "How long did it take you to get here," he wondered aloud, recognizing that passage through the portal network would require access to town.

"Don't asked," Freyd grumbled, reminding himself never to lose his green cursor, if only to avoid the lengthy detours.  Nobody's status as a chatterbox hadn't made life any easier and was already starting to grate on his nerves.  It had very quickly become clear as to why Celeste had been so willing to part ways with him, even if only for a time.  "Do you have it?"

"Yes, here, of course."  Ren offered it to the spymaster, who held and focused on it for a moment before flipping over towards Nobody.  

"Oh, hey!  Why throw this away?!  I could totally use this!"

***

Rencesvals gives Nobody:

Something Pointy | T2 Perfect Dagger | Bleed 2, Para
Crafting ID: 213494 An improvised shiv made from a sharpened screwdriver 

***

Ren consumes 1 portion from Gungnir Shard

Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 40/40 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 54 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 24 | HLY: 4 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 18 

Spoiler

Rencesvals
Level: 11
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 220/220
EN: 40/40

Stats:
Damage: 10
Mitigation: 54
Evasion: 1
Accuracy: 3+2
BLD: 24
HLY: 4
PARA
TAUNT
THRNS: 18

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Durendal (v.II) | T2 Holy I | BLD I | PARA I | TAUNT
Armor: Black Regalia (v.II) | T2 MIT III | THORNS I
Misc: Lark & Nightingale Pin | ACC 3 | EVA 1

Skills:
Straight Sword R5
Heavy Armor R3
Fighting Spirit

Battle Ready Inventory:
Starter Healing Potions x2

Housing Buffs:
Rested: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
Hard Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Item Stash: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
Delicious: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Skylight (Searching): +1 Rank to the Searching skill.
Advanced Training: +10% Exp to a thread. Limit one use per month [1/1]
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll

                                         
                                                
                                                
                                                

[Quip 0]

"Don't ye a' keek lik' a bunch o' sad-sacks," claimed a mocking yet jubilant voice from down the path.  "What's wi' th' yin who's git his heid fucked oan wrong," she added implying Nobody but meaning Freyd, "and th' orange cursor jimmy too?"  Quip sauntered - more like stomped - towards them as they organized themselves upon the road.  It was hard to imaging a more rag-tag bunch, and in Aincrad that was saying something.  The squat but sturdy woman wasn't particularly well-equipped for their planned outing; a note Freyd made to himself in earnest.  He'd have to work around that particular challenge and organize her some better gear.  The irony that she had run his shop for so long, giving away his goods flagrant disregard for his property, yet somehow kept nothing for herself was somehow very... Quip?

"So, whit sordid affair dae yi''ll need me tae bail yer sorry asses oot fae this time?"    Smugness matched the sparkle in her bright green eyes as she taunted.  Freyd managed to hold in his smirk at seeing the spark of life revitalized.

***

Quip accepts and equips the items offered by Freyd and consumed 1 portion from Gungnir Shard.

Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Spoiler

Quip
Level: 5
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 100/100
EN: 28/28

Stats:
Damage: 7
Mitigation: 6
Accuracy: 3
ENV.O: 8
PARA
THRNS: 9
V.O.: 10

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Avarice of Black Jade +2 (T1 CS | Para | Env.O. | V.O)
Armor: T1 Rare HA (Mit 1, Thrns 1)
Misc: Amber (T1 ACC 3)

Guild Hall Buffs:
Lucrative: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters receive +1 crafting attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters receive +2 crafting attempts per day.
Col Deposit: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.
 

***

Translation:

Spoiler

"Don't you all look like a bunch of sad-sacks"

"What's with the one who's got his head screwed on wrong, and the orange cursor man too?"

"So, what sordid affair do you need me to bail your sorry asses out from this time?" 

 

Edited July 23, 2023 by Quip

[Freyd 0]

"I can't stand talking to that guy," Freyd muttered under his breath.  Abdullah's very presence was offensive considering the general squalor that dominated the rest of Fortaleza.  The fact that he merely added paces to the quest requirements wasn't an especially endearing quality beyond the man's sheer ego.  Ultimately dismissing him as yet another fetch-quest giver, the Whisper chose instead to rally his companions to his side and guide them to their target destination.  "This thing is crazy fast and hits like a bus for its level.  Your best bet is to give me some space and a few seconds to piss it off properly before you jump in, unless you want to be smears on the sand?"  Three pairs of wide eyes confirmed that he'd made his point well enough to leap over the low ridge and land on the bloody thing's neck fist-first, driving a nasty gash through its thick carapace.

***

Spoiler

Post Action | AoE-I (x15, 11 EN +2/hit +2 Shift): 15 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 12 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #213854 | BD: 8+7-4-1=10 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (15*43=645-150=495) to Terra Firma

Players:
(2) Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 148/148 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8
(0) Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 60/60 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2
(0) Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 40/40 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 54 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 24 | HLY: 4 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 18 
(0) Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Terra Firma: HP: 455/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 (950-495)
   Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
   Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
   Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
   Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
   Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

 

Edited July 25, 2023 by Freyd

[Quip 0]

"Are ye nuts?!" She yelled after Freyd as he engaged the voraciously snarling beast below.  "You waant us tae rammy that doolally, writhing bourach o' wallies 'n' death?!"    Green eyes wide with terror, it had been ages since she'd actually been out with him on a quest.  Honestly, she'd forgotten how brutal this world could be, especially if you lacked in system mastery.  Her time tending Freyd's shop had taught her more than she wanted to admit, but it boiled down to the difference between book learning and practical application.  Staring wide-eyed at her weapon and meager armor, Quip couldn't help but wonder whether she'd bitten off more than she could chew by following the spoopy madman on his latest fool's crusade.

"I lik' th' idea o' staying up 'ere fur a bawherr a lot better than whit he'd doing."  Poking her helmeted head over the crest of the ridge, all she could see what a whirlwind of sand, black and claws.

***

Quip makes no attack

Translations:

Spoiler

"Are you nuts?! You want us to fight that crazy, writhing mound of teeth and death?!" 

"I like the idea of staying up here for a bit a lot better than what he'd doing."

 

Edited July 25, 2023 by Quip

[Nobody 1]

"Ugh... I didn't sign up for this."  Nobody looked like he was just about ready to wretch.  Pulling out a stick of half-eaten jerky, he busied himself making pathetic snow angels in the sand, failing miserably in the attempt.  Thinking he might bury himself instead and get left behind, he came bursting back out of his pocket a few moments later when holding his breath became too much of a thing.  "Is he dead yet," he asked Quip, who seemed as much terrified as enraptured by whatever she was watching on the far side of the ridge. 

"I honestly don't know why Celeste likes that guy.  He's way too bossy, throws his weight around like he's all that and... oh."  The penny dropped, audibly.  "Yeah, okay.  I see it now."  The Blood Raven's furious temper was well known, especially to her crew and those unfortunate enough to be declared her enemy.

***

Vanity Tag: @Celeste

Makes a stealth roll to hide | ID 214002 LD 2+3=5 (Failed)

Edited July 25, 2023 by Nobody

[Rencesvals 0]

Ren hesitated, struggling against his own impulse to charge into the fray and stand by his leader's side.  Shades of Austerlitz floated through his mind, keeping him locked in place and following the orders given.  Freyd knew his stuff and choosing to disregard his instructions would not only show a lack of respect for that prowess, but likely also get them all killed.  Unlike the other two, who seemed to be somewhere between terrified and disinterested, depending on the candidate, Ren was eager for a moment to join.

The armored bullette, now known to him as Terra Firma, raced madly around and under their sandy arena, Freyd weaving and dodging to good effect and keeping out of its way.  Sword at the ready, Ren braced his booted feet, ready to throw himself into the battle.

"Alright," came the call from below.  "I think he's just about ready.  Get down here and swipe at him, quick, so the system gives you credit for it."

***

Spoiler

Post Action | None
Free Action | None

Ren makes no attack.

ID #213855 | MD: 2+1-4= -1 (miss).  Terra Firma misses Freyd.

Players:
(2) Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 136/148 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8
(0) Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 60/60 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2
(0) Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 40/40 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 54 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 24 | HLY: 4 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 18 
(0) Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Terra Firma: HP: 455/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 
   Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
   Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
   Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
   Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
   Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

 

Edited July 25, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Quip 0]

Hearing the call, Quip watched Ren run instantly over he hill, racing straight towards the danger.

"Oh, na," she called out with sudden, inexplicable defiance.  "Thir's na wey that goody-two-shoes is gonnae lea me up 'ere wi' sleeping bozo while he gets tae keek a' heroic."  Tucking her Viking helm firmly onto her head, she leapt after him and down the sandy bank, rolling a few times while she lost and regained her footing.  Unfortunately, gravity won out over her stature and Quip was soon flipping repeatedly head over heels like some out of control wagon wheel hurtling down the mountainside.

WHAM!

Crashing headfirst into the side of the writhing beastie, Quip's system inadequacies were painfully laid bare, hardly scratching the surface.  Somehow, she'd still pulled off the impossible.  By sheer force of will, she'd headbutted the thing twenty feet sideways, dazing it enough for the rest to take advantage and press their attacks.

***

Spoiler

Post Action | R4 Tech-A (x10, 11 EN): 11 EN
Free Action | None

ID #213856 | BD: 8+5-4=9  (hit).  DMG (10*7=70-150=1).  Terra Firma is stunned.

Players:
(2) Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 136/148 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8
(0) Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 60/60 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2
(0) Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 40/40 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 54 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 24 | HLY: 4 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 18 
(1) Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 17/28 (28-11) | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Terra Firma: HP: 454/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 (0) | STUNNED (455-1)
   Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
   Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
   Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
   Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
   Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

Translations:

Spoiler

"Oh, no.  There's no way that goody-two-shoes is gonna leave me up here with sleeping bozo while he gets to look all heroic." 

 

Edited July 25, 2023 by Quip

[Rencesvals 0]

Dodging out the way to avoid getting barrel rolled by Quip himself, Ren raced to catch up and take part of the battle himself.  Surfing the sand to slide by the stunned creature, he swung and clipped it mightily, and did almost nothing.  His ego likely took a better bruising from the experience than the mob, given how he didn't even see its health bar dip in the slightest.  Mortified, Ren turned to Freyd seeking an explanation.  The Whisper just smiled.

"It's not always about raw damage," he offered, eyes suggesting that Ren should look upon the fray through a different lense.  "Quip has the gist of it.  There are other ways to take down an enemy, and the rewards for beating this one can help all three of you work your way through the barriers this system places before you. Don't worry about being the strongest.  There is always someone else for that.  Worry about being smart, and using every available trick in your arsenal to keep as many people alive as you can."

Not a statement Ren expected from the man rumoured to be an assassin, but one he chose to take to heart.

***

Spoiler

Post Action | ST-I (x12, 12 EN): 12 EN
Free Action | None

ID #213857 | BD: 4+5=9 (hit).  DMG (12*10=120-150=1)

Players:
(2) Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 136/148 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8
(0) Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 60/60 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2
(2) Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 28/40 (40-12) | DMG: 10 | MIT: 54 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 24 | HLY: 4 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 18 
(1) Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 17/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Terra Firma: HP: 453/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 (0) | STUNNED (454-1)
   Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
   Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
   Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
   Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
   Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

 

Edited July 25, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Nobody 1]

No one left with Nobody.  'Perfect!' he thought, eager to just slink away and go back to devotedly doing nothing on his terms, likely in a hammock strung up in some unobtrusive corner of the universe.  That was all he really ever wanted.  People got too worked up about stuff and things that really didn't matter, at least so far as he considered.  But consideration had never really been all that great a strong suit for him.  Nobody was more about living in the moment, usually because someone else forced him to or fate did.  No matter how hard he tried to keep out of the universe's way, it always found the means to drag him back in.  And so it did again.

Turning to leave, the sandy ridge collapsed beneath his feet precisely in the spot where he'd tried making snow angels a moment earlier.  A sinkhole open and became a spillway that tossed precisely where he least wanted to be, yet was also needed.

***

Spoiler

Post Action | ST-I (x12, 12 EN): 12 EN
Free Action | None

ID #213858 | BD: 2+6=X (hit).  DMG (12*20=240-150=90) to Terra Firma

Players:
(2) Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 136/148 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8
(1) Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 48/60 (60-12) | DMG: 20 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2
(2) Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 28/40 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 54 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 24 | HLY: 4 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 18 
(1) Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 17/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Terra Firma: HP: 363/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 (0) | STUNNED (453-90)
   Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
   Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
   Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
   Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
   Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

 

Edited July 25, 2023 by Nobody

[Freyd 0]

Leaping high into the air like some sort of caffeinated grasshopper, Freyd used the distance to build some extra power and came crashing down on Terra Firma that he squished and broke its carapace like one might some sort of juice-filled bug with a boot.  The beast was flattened and defeated, giving up its prize and rewards for their benefit. Freyd tried not to overthink the implications, focusing first on the mission and other sequential plans still in need of completion.

"Floor four, will be our next stop," he offered, not even missing a beat or offering them a moment to gather their collective breath.  "Please ensure that all seat backs and tray tables are in the upright and locked position."  Old Freyd would have easily wandered away leaving the rest of them wondering what just happened, but things had been changing of late.  Pausing, he turned and grasped Quip's hand, helping restore her footing and patting her shoulder for her effort, a smile upon his face.  "You all did well, even you," he added, targeting Nobody.  "I regret the rush, but these mobs will provide goods essentially to the preparations for the coming raid.  I'm hoping you all benefit in the process."

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 9 (REC proc +8 EN) ID #213860

Post Action | ST-I (x12, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 9 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #213859 | BD: 7+7-1=13 (hit, Fallen +16).  DMG (12*43=516-150=366) Killing Terra Firma.

Players:
(4) Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 139/148 (136+4+8-9 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 78 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8
(1) Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 48/60 | DMG: 20 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2
(2) Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 28/40 | DMG: 10 | MIT: 54 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 24 | HLY: 4 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 18 
(1) Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 17/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Terra Firma: HP: 0/950 | DMG: 300 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 4 (0) | STUNNED (363-366)
   Move Swiftly | This boss is impervious to benefits provided by the Concentration skill. Additionally, all players suffer a -1 penalty to BD when attacking this boss.
   Hard-Scaled | Paralysis, Paralytic Venom, and Freeze are ineffectual against this boss.
   Deaf | This mob has no ears, and therefore is immune to the effects of debuff songs.
   Weak Spots | On a Player's natural BD of 9 or 10 when attacking this creature, they will gain 50% Phase for that attack. This does not stack with the Phase enhancement.
   Assault Mode | If a Player has exploited one of Terra Firma's <<Weak Spots>> during the battle, Terra Firma will activate <<Assault Mode>>. On an LD of 11+, this mob will identify stealthed Players. Its ACC and EVA will swap for the duration of its attack, then revert to normal. It will gain 50% Phase on a BD of 9, and 100% Phase on a BD of 10 or higher. BD modifiers such as ACC can activate these Phase attributes.

Loot Terra Firma: ID #213861 | LD: 2+6=8 | CD: 12
7600 col (HP[950]*8 - incl. +4 CD/LD even, +1 from roll)
T4 Rare Trinket 213861

Edited July 25, 2023 by Freyd

[Quip 0]

"Who in thair richt mynd ever comes here?!"  

Snow flew by in sheets so thick it cakes on every surface and left contrails in their wake.  The world looked like it had been flash frozen, sideways.  

"Many people, actually," came Freyd's unhelpful response.  Despite her tightly wrapped cloak, there was no keeping the cold from seeping in.  It was the dripping, semi-frozen snot clinging to the tip of her nose that was really driving Quip nuts.

"And how come did ye drag us tae th' unholy, frozen wasteland?" 

"Oh,"  Freyd added with a chuckle.  "For him."  A black finger reached high and pointed towards a nearby mountain face that suddenly moved through the blizzard, coming their way.  Two angry-looking fog lights suddenly blazed through the blizzard, beaming like twinned search lights in search of the fools that invaded its territory.

"Are ye mad?!"

Freyd just cackled disturbingly.

"Eh?  Debatable.  The tests were inconclusive."  She just glared at him, seething.  "Quip, meet Avalanche.  I hear he has a thing for blondes."

***

All combat stats tiered down to T1.

Spoiler

Quip regains +1 EN

Post Action | R4 ST-I (x10, 10 EN): 10 EN 
Free Action | None

ID #213862 | BD: 9 (Crit +1).  DMG (10*8=80-50=30) damage to Avalanche.  Immune to status conditions.

Players
(0) Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 139/148 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 42 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4 | REC: 2
(0) Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 48/60 | DMG: 17 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 12 | PARA | REC: 2
(0) Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 28/40 | DMG: 9 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 12 | HLY: 2 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 9
(2) Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 18/28 (+1-10) | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Avalanche: HP: 495/525 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 45 | FROSTBITE: 2 slots of T1 | ACC: 0 | EVA: -1 (525-30)
   Crystal Form | Avalanche will take no burn damage, but instead lose 5 MIT every time it would get burned. This effect stacks up to 3 times.
   Shard Sweep | On CD 6+, Avalanche will throw shards in a sweeping motion at its opponents, hitting everyone for 30 unmitigatable DMG.
   Clear Body | Immune to status conditions.
   Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 4 or lower may be used against this boss.
   Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

 

Translations:

Spoiler

"Who in their right mind ever comes here?!" 

"And why did you drag us to the unholy, frozen wasteland?"

 

Edited July 26, 2023 by Quip

[Nobody 1]

Two pounding fists crashed into the drift on either side of them.  The ground turned to powder and infiltrated every joint and crevasse as it washed over them. Nobody skidded past the giant ice golem's feet while twirling in circles on this back, the waterproof lining in his coat apparently doubling as an excellent crazy carpet.  He just waved casually at it as he sailed past.  The thing roared so loudly in outrage that a separate nearby mountain peak collapsed.  Avalanche causing an avalanche?  Lewd.

Sensing that this probably wasn't the best viable sleeping spot, Nobody searched for alternative prospects and found one nestled at the back of the algid monstrosity's neck.

"Uggggh," he groaned, rolling his eyes at the white, absent sky, then started climbing.  About halfway up, he nearly lost his grip and had to plunge his dagger in deep to keep from slipping.  The mob didn't like that one bit.

***

Spoiler

Nobody regains +1 EN

Post Action | R4 ST-I (x10, 10 EN): 10 EN
Free Action | None

ID #213863 | BD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (10*19=190-50=140) damage to Avalanche.  Immune to status conditions.

Players
(0) Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 139/148 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 42 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4 | REC: 2
(2) Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 39/60 (+1-10) | DMG: 17 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 12 | PARA | REC: 2
(0) Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 28/40 | DMG: 9 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 12 | HLY: 2 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 9
(2) Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 18/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Avalanche: HP: 355/525 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 45 | FROSTBITE: 2 slots of T1 | ACC: 0 | EVA: -1 (495-140)
   Crystal Form | Avalanche will take no burn damage, but instead lose 5 MIT every time it would get burned. This effect stacks up to 3 times.
   Shard Sweep | On CD 6+, Avalanche will throw shards in a sweeping motion at its opponents, hitting everyone for 30 unmitigatable DMG.
   Clear Body | Immune to status conditions.
   Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 4 or lower may be used against this boss.
   Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

 

 

Edited July 26, 2023 by Nobody

[Rencesvals 0]

This one he could hit, or at least hardly possibly miss.  That was good enough for Ren, especially after his previous poor showing.  Standing forward as their vanguard, he clipped the ice beast in the shins, slicing a deep cut just below the knee.  The orange glare was especially sharp when surrounded by nothing other than white and blue, threatening to make him look like his hair had swallowed his head, along with the rest of him.

"Aim for the mark," Ren bellowed, hoping his companions could see it through the haze.  Quip was busily hacking at the other leg nearby, her saber breaking off fist-sized chunks with every swing.  The woman had guts, of that he had no doubt.  Even Nobody seemed to be getting involved.  Ren caught a few glimpses of him crawling up Avalanche's backside, surely looking for some weak point to exploit.  Freyd had disappeared again, but he was getting used to that expectation.  They'd surely spot him any moment, snapping the thing's massive neck like a twig.

***

Spoiler

Nobody regains +1 EN

Post Action | R4 ST-I (x10, 10 EN): 10 EN
Free Action | None

ID #213864 | BD: 7+5+1=13 (hit).  DMG (10*9=90-50=40) damage to Avalanche.

Players
(0) Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 139/148 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 42 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4 | REC: 2
(2) Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 39/60 | DMG: 17 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 12 | PARA | REC: 2
(2) Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 19/40 (28+1-10) | DMG: 9 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 12 | HLY: 2 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 9
(2) Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 18/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Avalanche: HP: 315/525 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 45 | FROSTBITE: 2 slots of T1 | ACC: 0 | EVA: -1 (355-40)
   Crystal Form | Avalanche will take no burn damage, but instead lose 5 MIT every time it would get burned. This effect stacks up to 3 times.
   Shard Sweep | On CD 6+, Avalanche will throw shards in a sweeping motion at its opponents, hitting everyone for 30 unmitigatable DMG.
   Clear Body | Immune to status conditions.
   Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 4 or lower may be used against this boss.
   Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

 

 

Edited July 26, 2023 by Rencesvals

[Freyd 0]

As if on queue, a bolt of black shot out from behind them, striking Avalanche square in the chest and ricocheting off its various joints like some sort of concussive, gravity-charged pinball.  The impact seemed less intense than it normally might, leaving the Whisper to wonder whether his mojo might be fritzing.  It was still enough, shattering key points across the titan's crystalline form.  Cascading masses of snow and ice collapsed all around them, threatening to crush, but splintering instead until a gentle drifting snow was all that remained of the monstrous creature.  Its last remaining shards vanished in the wind that otherwise lost much of its ferocity.

The four of them crawled out of their respective banks, each covered in a thick layer of fresh powder and giving them all a deceptively festive appearance.

"Good job, everyone," Freyd declared.  "MIssion accomplished.  Ice cream's on me when we get back to Snowfrost."

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +1 EN
CD X (No REC proc) ... irrelevant

Post Action | R4 ST-B (x17, 17 EN): 17 EN- (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 14 EN.  
Free Action | Activate Rhino Horn

ID #213865 | BD: 10 (Crit +2, Holy +4, Rhino +3).  DMG (17*27=459-50) damage to Avalanche.

Players
(4) Freyd | HP: 1140/1140 | EN: 139/148 (139+1-17) | DMG: 18 | MIT: 42 | EVA: 4 (-1) | ACC: 7 | BH: 62 | LD: 5 | FLN: 4 | HLY: 4 | REC: 2
(2) Nobody | HP: 420/420 | EN: 39/60 | DMG: 17 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 6 | BLD: 12 | PARA | REC: 2
(2) Rencesvals | HP: 220/220 | EN: 19/40 | DMG: 9 | MIT: 36 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 5 | BLD: 12 | HLY: 2 | PARA | TAUNT | THRNS: 9
(2) Quip | HP: 100/100 | EN: 18/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT: 6 | ACC: 5 | ENV.O: 8 | PARA | THRNS: 9 | V.O.: 10

Avalanche: HP: 0/525 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 45 | FROSTBITE: 2 slots of T1 | ACC: 0 | EVA: -1 (315-409)
   Crystal Form | Avalanche will take no burn damage, but instead lose 5 MIT every time it would get burned. This effect stacks up to 3 times.
   Shard Sweep | On CD 6+, Avalanche will throw shards in a sweeping motion at its opponents, hitting everyone for 30 unmitigatable DMG.
   Clear Body | Immune to status conditions.
   Weapon Lock | Only Sword Arts of Rank 4 or lower may be used against this boss.
   Tier Lock | For the duration of the fight, all of the participants’ stats that scale with Tier are calculated as though they’re Tier 1. [DMG/MIT/BLEED enhancements etc.]

 

Edited July 26, 2023 by Freyd

[Rencesvals 0]

Ren stared, smirking at the orange beacon that floated just above the piled white fluff, a pair of badly frayed epaulets and sailor's boots being the only other evidence of Nobody's presence.  He swore he heard snoring too.  

"Come on, friend," he offered, tapping the side of a boot and tugging the narcoleptic pirate awake.  "We can't just leave you here, this thing will eventually respawn."  Scruffy-looking and momentarily confused that everything they'd just experienced was somehow not a dream, Nobody pried himself from the landscaped grip with the paladin's help.  They were a unique pairing, to be sure.  Arm in arm, the staggered their way out of the half-filled valley and wondering who would offer ice cream when their very bones were already chilled.

"He has a way, doesn't he?" Nobody offered the observation with a strange and grudging appeal.  Ren smiled and nodded, appreciating the intention. 

"Good job today, by the way."  The rare compliment stunned the rogue, who'd grown accustomed and expecting only criticism from everyone around him.

[Nobody 1]

"Uh... you... too?  Ren, wasn't it?"  Still baffled by the compliment, Nobody was personally ill-equipped to deal with the knights' genuine sincerity and found himself disarmed by it.  No one bothered with Nobody.  No helped Nobody.  Few ever deigned to acknowledge his existence, let alone leave room for friendship.  He hadn't bothered to even remember his own name, so accustomed had he become to fading into the background.  Yet here was a stranger willing to lend him a hand, arm him and check to make sure that he was actually alright.  Even Celeste didn't manage that much, and she was the closest thing he had to a passing friendship.

"It was nice, uh... not getting stepped on by you guys?"  Squinting heavily, words vomiting awkwardly from his mouth.  Reaching his arms up to stretch, he somehow felt less small after this unusual escapade.  Like he'd finally made a mark in the world, deliberately, for a change.

[Quip 0]

"Why did ye drag me intae this fankle, Freyd?  Ye cuid hae gotten us a' killed."    Her tone was accusatory, but also curious, especially after the tension of their last exchange.  

"Because I knew that each of you could handle it.  And because you all needed to see what could happen if you went rogue in battle, and didn't work as a team.  Some of these mobs are still beyond you.  There will always be some that are.  You need to be ready for that."  His features softened slightly.  "I know that you already know the consequences.  What you needed to see here is that you had the guts to re-enter the fight.  You do, and will be fine."

Quip walked along beside him in silence, bushy blond eyebrows firmly stuck together, her hamster brain on overdrive.

"You're aye an ass,"  she finally added, the insult signifying acceptance and tempered with a muted smile.

Freyd seemed genuinely surprised.

"I didn't realize that was ever in doubt?"

***

Translations:

Spoiler

"Why did you drag me into this mess, Freyd?  You could have gotten us all killed." 

"You're still an ass"

 

[Freyd 0]

Leading them back to Snowfrost, the Whisper couldn't help but feel some sense of satisfaction at the outcome of his little experiment.  Three assorted lumps of clay each having previously taken their lumps in different ways, were brought together and dragged through hell for the sake of building camaraderie and reaping the benefits of shared danger.  He could probably stand to refine his technique a bit, but everything had worked out fine - better than expected, actually.  

Lagging a bit behind the others as they raced up the final rise to the floor's only settlement, Freyd was contented by the echoes of laughter on the wind.  It was not the fractious sound of their original assemblage, but there might be the semblance of a team within them somewhere.  It would take time to nurture it to the surface.  In the meantime, another two ticks were added to his list.  Only a few items remained, and they would be gathered soon enough.

***

Thread Closing

Assault Mode Extra Skill not unlocked.

Freyd receives:

2672 EXP (Word Count [3433/10*15*0.5] + Field Boss [100] + quest previously completed) 
0 col (Loot [7600] + 15% P5 Reward [400]) - given to Quip
4x "Terra Firma Scale" (T3 - Unique Consumable - Gain additional Mitigation equal to one T3 slot of the Mitigation Enhancement. This can exceed Mitigation Enhancement caps. The effect lasts one thread.)
4x “Snowfrost" (T1 - Consumable/Single Use - Apply a slot of FROSTBITE to the user's weapon for a single thread.)
T4 Rare Trinket 213861

Nobody receives:

2943EXP (Word Count [3433/10*2*0.5] + Field Boss [100] + Quest [2500])
5000 col (Quest [5000])

Rencesvals receives:

2943EXP (Word Count [3433/10*2*0.5] + Field Boss [100] + Quest [2500])
5000 col (Quest [5000])

Quip receives:

2771 EXP (Word Count [3433/10*1*0.5] + Field Boss [100] + Quest [2500])
13400 col (1 page [400] + Quest [5000] + gift from Freyd [8000])
 

Edited July 27, 2023 by Freyd