[SP-F11] The Sewers of Taft

[Morningstar 0]

Twisting roots threatened to tangle the swordsman, regrowing every time he cut them down. They spiraled around him, clinging to his arms and legs. His movements were restricted by the tightening roots. They crept up his body, fully engulfing him with their wrath. Enclosed in the heart of the forest, he suffocated slowly.

Over and over, a single command repeated in his mind until a burst of red light cracked through his wooden cocoon. It ripped and tore through roots, exploding at the authority of the Forgotten King. The forest would obey him, or face death.

The swordsman chopped, cut, and sliced through roots, sharpened into spears and expelled from the ground in his direction. Back and forth, he swayed around missile-like attacks. His clean evasion led him straight to the source of the barrage.

A lone treant stood at the center of a grove. In its grip was a longsword, artistic in design and structure. It had a hallowed look to it, but the swordsman new better. Throughout the world, it was known as the Wicked Wood, an apt name for a creature with a wicked soul.

[ lv. 54  ->   lv. 33 / p. 21 ] MORNINGSTAR | HP: 851/851 | EN: 112/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3   Hide contents notes.     Hide contents equipped dying sun FLN II, AA, PAR VEN red longcoat EVA II, REC I sapphire ACC III, EVA I battle-ready inventory magdalyn's cuckoo teleport crystal x5 dewdrop salve | HP REC III popcorn x10 | VIT II skills.   Hide contents mod count: 3/5 2HSS | RANK 5/5 precision, stamina, ferocity shift: tech CLOTH ARMOR | RANK 5/5 athletics, nimble COMBAT MASTERY: DMG | RANK 3/3 SEARCHING | RANK 4/5 (5) night vision, detect BATTLE HEALING | RANK 5/5 ENERGIST CHARGE extra SURVIVAL FORGOTTEN KING'S AUTHORITY LADY LUCK DISGUISE buffs.   Hide contents statue n/a consumables  imperial quarter blend | DMG III creme brulee | ACC II mortal instants | MIT III smores | EVA II gelato | LD III smores | PROS III hearty soup | OH III breakfast fry | PROTEIN II paragon Lv. 5 | Gain additional col equivalent to 15% of EXP earned in that thread. Lv. 10 | +1 LD arts.   Hide contents en cost matches multiplier unless stated otherwise. shift underlined. ST | x12 -> x15 | x20 AOE | x11 -> x14 TECH-A | x16 | STUN | 13EN TECH-B | x16 | DELAY TECH-D | x16 | SHATTER TECH-F | x12 | AOE STUN misc.   Hide contents Well Rested | -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat. Squeaky Clean | The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down). Filling | 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. Tasty | 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. Relaxed | Increases out-of-combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Multipurpose | Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll. Skylight (Searching) | +1 Expertise to declared utility skill.  gathering n/a

Edited April 5 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

The fight began immediately. A dozen more tentacle-like roots poked out of the ground, flying towards him like javelins. He deflected a few with his sword while dodging the remainder. The gap between them was closed with a lunge. The swordsman grappled with his opponent, clashing against the silver-blue blade the treant wielded. Their weapons flashed, sparks flinging off the metal with each hit. They traded blows, but none of their shallow wounds could keep either at bay.

Many times before, he had found himself in that exact position with a variety of differing foes. Whether it was a monster, a beast, or a human mattered not to him. From his perspective, they all fell the same.

A vile, dark feeling crept over the swordsman; however, it came from himself. An ominous and black aura engulfed the swordsman's blade, invisible to the eye but not to the heart. With a single swing, he broke the treant's poise. It stumbled backwards, catching itself with its own rising roots.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-D

ID221409 | bd8 | -> The Wicked Wood

(22+8) * 16  = 480 DMG
480 - 55 = 425 DMG

12+3-2-1 = 12 EN

The Wicked Wood | HP: 625/1050 | MIT: 75 55 | DMG: 110 | ACC: 2 | Shatter (1/3) | PARALYZED
Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
Tier Lock | Player stats reduced to T2.

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 90/102 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 40 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 2 | FLN: 8 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

 

Edited April 6 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

The evil feeling did not pass, coursing from his blade and through his body, shaking his very soul. The swordsman did not despise it in the same way he did his previous sword. The other took away his control; from him, it stole his mind.

This blade, however, worked with him. It was an otherworldly source of power, but asked nothing of him but to be wielded. And so, in return for its strength, he did wield it, and would continue to until their communion no longer served either of them a purpose.

Today, they were one, sword and swordsman. An upward stroke took a portion of the treant's face. It had dragged over its eye, blinding it. On a human, it would have left a scar, but the treant simply regenerated using the lifeforce of the forest around it. Rather than retaliate, it dug its roots deep into the earth, sucking the energy from the plants and trees.

It almost looked like cannibalism; but, the swordsman realized that treants were not trees, but monsters. While they shared appearances, their wills and values differed greatly.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-D

ID221410 | bd6 | -> The Wicked Wood

(22+8) * 16  = 480 DMG
480 - 35 = 445 DMG

12+3-2-1 = 12 EN

ID221411 | md6+2-6 = 2 | cd11 | + 120 HP to The Wicked Wood
ID221414 | md4+2-6 = 0

The Wicked Wood | HP: 300/1050 | MIT: 75 35 | DMG: 110 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -2 | Shatter (2/3)
Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
Tier Lock | Player stats reduced to T2.

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 82/102 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 40 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 2 | FLN: 8 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

 

Edited April 6 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

Before the treant could steal too much from the trees, the swordsman cut it down. A final slash through its midsection did the trick, severing perfectly in two. It decayed before his eyes, and the wood crumbled to blue dust. It floated in the wind, up towards the sky, disappearing in the sun's light.

The sword's aura vanished. He returned it to the sturdy scabbard at his waist, taking one last look at the empty grove before retreating. His victory was not fruitless; he had been rewarded with a rare item. Blessing of the Wood was its title, and its effect was similar to the rooting ability the Wicked Wood had used. The difference was that he would not be thieving another's health. Not only could he help himself, but the entirety of his party in addition. It sounded too good to be true, and yet it was not.

He found his horse fighting off some antmen scouts at the edge of the trail. He shooed them off and, thankfully, they listened, skittering off into the woods. The swordsman clambered onto his horse's back and trotted leisurely along the path back to Taft.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-D

ID221412 | bd8 | -> The Wicked Wood

(22+8) * 16  = 480 DMG
480 - 15 = 465 DMG

12+3-2-1 = 12 EN

The Wicked Wood | HP: 0/1050 | MIT: 75 15 | DMG: 110 | ACC: 2 | Shatter (3/3)
Burning Timber | BURN effects applied to the Wicked Wood won’t run out.
Set Aflame | While afflicted with BURN, the boss’ MIT will be reduced to 50, and its DMG increased to 125.
Ingrain | On a CD 9+, the boss will root itself in the ground instead of attacking. This will heal it for 120 HP, and it will roll again to attack. However, its EVA will be reduced to -2 until its next turn.
Tier Lock | Player stats reduced to T2.

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 74/102 | DMG: 22 | MIT: 40 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 2 | FLN: 8 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

The Wicked Wood Drops the following:
“Blessing of the Wood" (T2/Consumable/Single Use) | The user roots themselves into the ground, providing a party wide shield that will absorb up to 250 DMG before breaking at the cost of the user’s EVA being reset to 0 while the shield is up.

Spoiler

Loot Total

1x T2 Blessing of the Wood 221413

 

Edited April 6 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

The city was as he had left it: bustling and busy. He rode in on time to return his horse. He and the local stablemaster had a rocky relationship, to say the least. The swordsman had a history of making late returns and often had to pay extra as a result of his tardiness. It was a bad habit, he could admit, but also frequently out of control.

"Oho! Now, this is a rare sight," the stablemaster stroked his grown out beard. The NPC actually looked pleased for once. He even stood from his chair to greet the swordsman.

"Hello, Percival."

"Back early, are you?" Asked the stablemaster, a smirk creeping across his face.

"Hunting was easy today."

"That's a shame. It's good for business when you build up all those extra fees," the stablemaster laughed.

The swordsman did as well. "It's bad for my bank account."

They chatted briefly before the swordsman moved on, choosing to spend the evening at a local tavern that he did not know the name of. He was a regular in the city, but not a regular drinker. He had his favorite establishments and tended to stick to them. However, today he felt especially lazy and decided to remain in Taft for the night. 

[Morningstar 0]

He had learned that the tavern was called "The Tipsy Troll." It was a hole-in-the-wall establishment with more patrons than it deserved. He waltzed in, unimposing in appearance. He fit in well, dressed in his freshly repaired red coat. The players and NPCs that littered the bar were dressed similarly, mostly in their adventuring gear or casual clothes. It was a rowdy bunch, despite the alcohol in them having zero effect whatsoever. Placebo was a funny concept.

The swordsman took a seat at the bar and ordered the special. He was told that they had recently received a large shipment of an item called Fireflower Ale, and it was selling out quickly. It took little convincing to rope him into purchasing a pint.

"Burns the throat, but in the best way possible," a man next to him stated. An empty glass mug sat in front of him, waiting to be collected or perhaps refilled. He was the calmest person in the whole tavern, sitting silently by himself amongst a crowd of raucous fake-drunks. He wore a long trench coat and a prime amount of stubble, something the swordsman was envious of. His blonde hair could not compete with even the littlest beards. 

"What's it compare to?"

"Nothing I've ever had. It's selling out for good reason."

After a moment of silence between the two, the stranger reached out his hand. "Name's Kent."

"Morningstar," returned the swordsman.

Edited April 6 by Morningstar

[Morningstar 0]

"Come here often, Morningstar?"

"Hardly."

The bartender reappeared with Morningstar's drink in hand. He set it down on the counter before him. Morningstar paid, peeved by price gouging the tavern practiced. There was no way it cost them anywhere near 7,000 col to have the ale imported. Even for a rare item, it was a little much. He took a sip, eager to find out what was so great about the drink. It flowed down his throat like lava, burning and tingling on the way down. He coughed, half-surprised despite Kent's warning.

"Jesus," Morningstar coughed between words. "You drink this stuff?"

Kent laughed. "This'll be my fourth," he raised his refilled mug, sucking down the fiery liquid like a vacuum.

"To each their own," Morningstar winced as he took another swig.

"Been in the city long?" Kent asked, itching his stubble while he changed the subject.

"Less than a day."

"On what business?"

Morningstar shot him a defensive look. "My own."

[Morningstar 0]

"I don't mean to be nosey," Kent chuckled. The man took a long sip from his mug, giving Morningstar the opportunity to look him over. He was not a player, and this surprised the swordsman. By the way he talked, dressed, and acted, Morningstar would never have guessed that he was an NPC. Lately, they appeared indistinguishable to him. He could have a conversation with an NPC and it would feel as though he were talking to a real life human. Sometimes, he thought it better.

"Or, maybe I do," Kent said, setting the mug down. "Taft's not the safe place it once was, you know? What, with the missing people and all..."

They held eye contact for a moment before Morningstar looked back at his drink. "I've heard about the missing people. Real tough situation."

"Yeah, real tough. It's like they disappear into thin air, right in the middle of town. Always happens at night, and there're never any witnesses. Strange, don't you think?"

"It is."

"And?"

"And what?" Star's eyes narrowed.

"What do you think's going on around here?"

Morningstar shrugged. "Like I said, I'm not from around here."

"That's exactly why I'd like to hear your perspective. Locals are quick to come to conclusions. So, what do you think?"

A sip of his drink would excuse the delay in his response long enough for Morningstar to think of how to approach the question. The NPC was prodding uncomfortably, as if suspicious of Morningstar. It made sense; he was a stranger in a place where strangers were uncommon. Who wouldn't be curious? He threw back the last of the disgusting substance in his glass and humored Kent's question. "I've heard rumors of a killer. But it's like you said—there are no witnesses. Nobody's seen the supposed killer. In a place like this, it's more likely people just skipped town," Morningstar offered. The serial killer theory didn't hold up due to the safe zone; he avoided mentioning that, unsure of how much the NPCs knew of the game's mechanics.

On the other hand, he had seen first hand what had happened in Glyndebourne. Despite the barriers in place, he had cut down the possessed tailor, Henry. It taught him that nothing was impossible.

"Yeah. Yeah, maybe they left. Could be held up in some other town, enjoying the weather. But, you know, I looked around," Kent pulled a sheet of once-folded paper from his pocket, "and I couldn't find any of them." He unfolded it, revealing a list of names. There were twelve of them, listed in a column. Morningstar recognized none. He couldn't tell whether they were players or NPCs, but maybe that didn't matter. They had vanished, all the same.

[Morningstar 0]

Kent scooped up the list in the midst of Morningstar's study. He paid for both of their drinks and stood from the bar, adjusting his jacket. "It was good to meet you, Morningstar. I'm sure I'll see you around."

His departure was abrupt and ominous. Star was left to simmer with all that had been said. His mind raced to connect dots, but there simply weren't enough to pin together. Twelve names. Was the number significant or was it merely the current tally of the missing?

Morningstar had once intended to investigate the disappearances himself. He recalled mentioning it to Vigilon, knowing that Krysta worked in the city, but never followed through. Keeping cities safe was a guard's job, after all.

But who would step up when the guards were failing?

Raising his glass to the bartender in a silent toast, he decided to call it for the night. He left a tip alongside Kent's suspiciously generous payment and left for his room at the nearby inn.

He stepped out into the cold evening air and found himself uncomfortable with the silence that washed along the street. The rambunctiousness of the bar faded away behind him, replaced by dark side streets and dim lamps. He pulled his coat tighter around himself and wandered off into the night.

In the shadows, something hungered.

[Morningstar 0]

Days passed, and Morningstar remained in the city, driven by the gnawing suspicion that the disappearances were malicious. His mind never rested, constantly theorizing, leaving him with only three to four hours of sleep on good nights, sometimes even less.

Beside the inn was a narrow alleyway. Morningstar passed it every morning and every night, and he knew that there was nothing in it, but for some trash and boxes. His room was right next to it, meaning he could see some of it from his window. It wasn't a great view, but he had paid very little for it. He paid little attention to the alley, always focused on the main street instead. He'd catch street brawls outside of the bar, lovebirds on date night, and all sorts of other characters. But nobody ever went near the alleyway.

One night, Star awoke from his light slumber to rummaging outside his window. From the third story, it was difficult to see what caused it. He had been warned of rats in the inn's walls, and assumed that one was digging through the garbage bins below.

Then, he heard the scream.

It was sharp and abrupt. He thought it was a woman's voice, possibly young. He sprang into action, crashing through his door without courtesy for those in the rooms next to him. He tumbled down two flights of stairs, fiddling with his inventory to equip his gear, and rushed outside to the alleyway.

He wasn't alone. A man in a familiar trench coat sprinted from the opposite road, joining Morningstar at the alley's entrance. It was Kent. Together, they peered into the darkness just in time to see the drop of a manhole cover, muffling the desperate cries of the girl who had been taken.

[Morningstar 0]

Star was first to reach the manhole. He dropped to his knees, relentlessly searching for a way to pull it up. Kent drew his sword, offering it as a wedge. It was thin enough to fit but thick enough that it wouldn't snap. They pried open the cover, revealing a narrow, dark pit. Without stopping to think, Star climbed into the hole. His foot touched a steel ladder, and he used it to lower himself into the dark.

He had never been so glad to have purchased the Night Vision mod. The tunnel around him went from pitch black to bright green. As his visibility increased, so did his disgust. Slime coated the walls and the scent of decay wafted up. It almost made him want to turn off the lights.

Kent knew where they were headed. "This leads into the Taft sewage system," he told Star, who had assumed that while going in.

He reached the bottom with a splash. A puddle of slime lay at the bottom of the ladder. It stuck to his boots, slimy and wet. He cursed, repulsed by the gross substance. "Watch your step."

[Morningstar 0]

Through a filter of green, Morningstar scanned the tunnels. There were three routes to take: left, right, or straight down the middle. Whatever had taken the girl left a trail of thick ooze for the pair to follow. Kent knelt down, taking a pinch of goo with his fingers and holding it to his eyes.

"I've seen this before," he told Morningstar, pulling a handkerchief from his coat pocket. "On the sidewalk, just a few days ago, near a different entrance to the sewer."

"Let's see where it leads," Star said.

Kent nodded, wiping off his slime-covered fingers. Aside from water flowing, scurrying was the most common sound they heard in the tunnel. Rats hurried along the walkways, squeaking harmlessly. 

They followed the snaking path, and an aura washed over them. It was the same feeling he would get when leaving a town or a city. He was vulnerable. They had reached the end of the safe zone and were now in the territory of their enemy.

"I don't understand. Are we outside of the city?" Morningstar asked, drawing Dying Sun.

"No, these tunnels don't reach that far. The sewers loop around Taft, but they don't go past the walls."

Before Star could respond, the scurrying of rats began once more. This time, however, it was far louder. The horrific cries of the critters echoed through the sewers. They turned the corner quickly, charging at the pair.

Kent pulled up the sleeve of his jacket, revealing a hand crossbow. He launched a bolt into one of the giant rats and it sank into its forehead. The mob rolled over, dropping into the flowing canal.

Spoiler

using dungeon map #223557

POST ACTION | TECH-F

ID223715 | bd6 +6+1-1 = 12 | cd2 | -> Giant Rat 1
ID223717 | bd4 +6+1-1 = 10 | -> Giant Rat 2
ID223718 | bd3 +6+1-1 = 9 | -> Giant Rat 3
ID223719 | bd2 +6+1-1 = 8 | -> Giant Rat 4

(28+16) * 12  = 528 DMG
528 - 60 = 468 DMG

28 * 12  = 336 DMG
336 - 60 = 276 DMG

28 * 12  = 336 DMG
336 - 60 = 276 DMG

28 * 12  = 336 DMG
336 - 60 = 276 DMG

11 +8-2-1 = 16 EN

Giant Rat 1 | HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1
Giant Rat 2 | HP: 124/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | STUNNED | StunImm[P]: 0/3
Giant Rat 3 | HP: 124/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | STUNNED | StunImm[P]: 0/3
Giant Rat 4 | HP: 124/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | STUNNED | StunImm[P]: 0/3

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 96/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

Looting Giant Rat 1
ID223720 | ld19 +9 = 28 | cd6
6,000 col ((400*6)+(400*2)+(400*7))
2 materials
T4 Perfect Weapon 223720a
T4 Perfect Weapon 223720b
T4 Perfect Weapon 223720c

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar stared in awe at the ranged weapon. Since when were those a thing? A rat lunged at him, forcing him to snap out of his surprise. He cut through it, splitting it into two halves. It dissolved at his feet, leaving him room to step forward into his next foe. Another rat gnawed at him, and he smacked it with the flat end of his blade, paralyzing it. He used his foot to nudge it over the edge and into the water.

Kent was playing backup from a distance. He was agile, and a great shot. He leaped across the sewage canal and onto the walkway opposite Morningstar to give him more room. Three more crossbow bolts were launched through the air, each one hitting their mark. It was impressive how accurately Kent could land them.

Star twirled his blade, ready for the next wave.

But no more rats came.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-F

ID223893 | cd11 | -> Recovery (+4 EN)
ID223890 | bd9 +6+1-1 = 15 | -> Giant Rat 2
ID223891 | bd1 +6+1-1 = 7 | -> Giant Rat 3
ID223892 | bd1 +6+1-1 = 7 | -> Giant Rat 4

29 * 12  = 348 DMG
348 - 60 = 288 DMG

28 * 12  = 336 DMG
336 - 60 = 276 DMG

28 * 12  = 336 DMG
336 - 60 = 276 DMG

11 +6-2-1 = 14 EN

Giant Rat 2 | HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | StunImm[P]: 1/3
Giant Rat 3 | HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | StunImm[P]: 1/3
Giant Rat 4 | HP: 0/400 | DMG: 180 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 1 | StunImm[P]: 1/3

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 90/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

Looting Giant Rat 2, 3, 4
ID223894 | ld15 +9 = 24 | cd11
ID223895 | ld9 +9 = 18 | cd10
ID223896 | ld11 +9 = 20 | cd12
17,600 col (((400*6)*4)+((400*2)*2)+(400*3)+(400*4)
8 materials
T4 Perfect Consumable 223894
T4 Rare Trinket 223895
T4 Perfect Weapon 223896

[Morningstar 0]

"Is that it?" Morningstar frowned. Kent was equally as confused, but covered up his wrist crossbow with his sleeve anyway. They had taken out the group of rats and were free to move on. They remained on opposite sides of the water, following the slime trail through the underground tunnel.

Eventually, they came to a round, open space. The water was covered by slabs of stone, but continued to flow underneath it. The tunnel continued straight ahead.

Stepping onto the floor triggered the next set of mobs to appear. From the ceiling dropped to enormous slimes. They were blue, and expanded sporadically as if to breathe. Morningstar was accustomed to fighting with the tiny little fellows in his slime farm; however, these were not the same monsters.

"They're toxic," Kent said. "Don't let them touch you."

Morningstar dove in first, slashing in an arc at both of the slimes. His sword cut through them like gelatin, but it was difficult to judge the effects of his attack.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-F

ID223899 | cd12 | -> Recovery (+4 EN)
ID223897 | bd4 +6+1-1 = 10 | -> Noxious Slime 1
ID223898 | bd7 +6+1-1 = 13 | -> Noxious Slime 2 | FALLEN PROC

28 * 12  = 336 DMG
336 - 120 = 216 DMG

(28+16) * 12  = 528 DMG
528 - 120 = 408 DMG

11 +4-2-1 = 12 EN

Noxious Slime 1 | HP: 484/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 | STUNNED | StunImm[P]: 0/3
Noxious Slime 2 | HP: 292/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 | STUNNED | StunImm[P]: 0/3

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 86/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

 

[Morningstar 0]

An arrow whizzed by Morningstar's head, aimed immaculately at the leftmost slime. It dug straight through it, getting stuck in its core, where the slimes noxious attributes melted it away. "Geez," Morningstar said, remember not to punch or kick the damn things.

His sword seemed to be okay whilst touching the slimes. It would sizzle on impact, but never melt or dissolve. He sliced a piece of gelatinous goo off of the other slime, but it remained unphased. How did you kill something that didn't have a heart or a brain?

Or any muscles or organs, for that matter.

"Let's just keep pushing them back. If they can't touch us, they can't kill us. They're pretty slow," Morningstar suggested, knocking both back with a quick arc. They flew a foot backwards, hitting the ground with a gross smack, and slowly sliding their way across the room, back towards Morningstar and Kent.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-F

ID223900 | cd8 | -> Recovery (+4 EN)
ID223901 | bd9 +6+1-1 = 15 | -> Noxious Slime 1 | PAR VEN PROC
ID223902 | bd10 +6+1-1 = 16 | -> Noxious Slime 2 | PAR VEN PROC

(28+1) * 12  = 348 DMG
348 - 120 = 228 DMG

(28+2) * 12  = 360 DMG
360 - 120 = 240 DMG

11 +4-2-1 = 12 EN

Noxious Slime 1 | HP: 256/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 | PARALYZED | StunImm[P]: 1/3
Noxious Slime 2 | HP: 52/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 | PARALYZED | StunImm[P]: 1/3

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 82/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

 

[Morningstar 0]

They took on one Noxious Slime each, splitting up to make space. Morningstar circled around his slime, watching it expand and contract with that unsettling rhythm. The fumes were worse up close. Kent, on the other side, was trying to keep his distance, firing arrows to keep his slime at bay. “These things are tougher than they look!” he shouted, his voice strained. Morningstar grunted in response. He lunged forward, slashing through the slime with force, but it just absorbed the hit, pieces of it rejoining like nothing happened. It was like fighting water—it flowed back together after every strike.

“We’re not getting anywhere like this,” Kent said, frustrated. He fired another arrow, this time aiming at the floor in front of the slime to slow it down. It simply passed over and melted it on contact. 

Morningstar took a step back, his mind racing. They had health bars like every other mob. All they needed was persistence. Kent started to backpedal, drawing his slime closer to the room's edge. Star did the same, slashing and moving, guiding his slime to the opposite corner. He slashed consistently at the slime while he kited, until eventually it popped.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-F

ID223903 | cd9 | -> Recovery (+4 EN)
ID223904 | bd1 +6+1-1 = 7 | md5 +2-6 = 1 | -> Noxious Slime 1 
ID223905 | bd2 +6+1-1 = 8 | -> Noxious Slime 2

28 * 12  = 336 DMG
336 - 120 = 216 DMG

28 * 12  = 336 DMG
336 - 120 = 216 DMG

Noxious Slime 1 Misses Morningstar

11 +4-2-1 = 12 EN

Noxious Slime 1 | HP: 40/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 | StunImm[P]: 2/3
Noxious Slime 2 | HP: 0/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 | StunImm[P]: 2/3

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 78/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

Looting Noxious Slime 2
ID223906 | ld16 +9 = 25 | cd12
7,000 col ((700*6)+((700*2)*2))
1 Demonic Shard
Random Dungeon Map 223906

[Morningstar 0]

He assisted Kent, who was seconds from being engulfed by the slime's noxious body, by running through the remaining slime with his blade. It was low enough for him to finish it off with one hit. He had the advantage of not being forced to reload every so often. That was the tradeoff for ranged weaponry.

"Thanks," Kent huffed. "I owe you big time."

"I'll collect some time," Star joked.

They weren't done yet. Neither of the blue slimes was their culprit, and a trail of green ooze still paved the path ahead. The kidnapping mob lurked somewhere at the heart of the sewer system, and Star had a feeling they were closing in on it.

They continued through the sewers, their footsteps echoing off the walls. Water dripped from the ceiling. All else was quiet. Morningstar broke the silence with a question.

"What's got you hunting this thing, anyway?"

"It's what I do. I'm private investigator. People disappear, and I go looking."

"What's that like?" Star asked.

Kent pondered for a moment. "Hard," he decided, "and sometimes unfulfilling."

"How so?"

"I don't always get the answers that I'm looking for. Or, that I want. It's a dark business."

Star nodded. "And this case? How do you feel about it?"

"It's much simpler than I'd originally thought. And, in some ways, a lot more complicated."

"A monster hiding in a city," Morningstar peeked around their next left, clearing the way.

It was Kent's turn to ask a question. "Ever seen that before?"

"Once. Sort of. It took control of guards and city folk. Made them violent."

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-D

ID223907 | cd7 | -> Recovery (+4 EN)
ID223908 | bd7 +6+1-1 = 13 | -> Noxious Slime 1 | FLN PROC

(28+16) * 12  = 528 DMG
528 - 120 = 408 DMG

16 -2 = 14 EN

Noxious Slime 1 | HP: 0/700 | DMG: 280 | MIT: 120 | ACC: 2 | EVA: 1 | PARALYZED | StunImm[P]: 3/3

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 72/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

Looting Noxious Slime 2
ID223909 | ld20 +9 = 29 | cd7
10,500 col ((700*6)+(700*2)+(700*7))
2 materials
T4 Perfect Weapon 223909a
T4 Perfect Weapon 223909b
T4 Perfect Weapon 223909c

[Morningstar 0]

                                                                                                                            Noxthral, Spawn of the Sewers

They found themselves in an open chamber—the dungeon boss's lair. The water had mixed with slime and turned murky green. In the middle, the boss feasted. Noxthral, Spawn of the Sewers was its name. It was large, and had to be quicker than it looked to evade the two trackers. It had two arms that it used to pull itself along the ground and a tail that spanned about ten feet. Four yellow eyes focused in on its deceased prey. It was the woman they had followed into the sewers. They were too late.

"Damn it," Kent whispered.

Morningstar's sword lit up with the priming of a sword art. He confirmed that Kent was ready before charging in headfirst. He leaped off of the walkway and into the mucky water. The creature only noticed him when he was close enough to touch it. He swung down, cutting into its heavy body.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-A

ID223911 | cd3 | -> Recovery failed
ID223912 | bd6 +6+1-3 = 10 | -> Noxthral | FLN PROC

(28+16) * 16  = 704 DMG
704 - 160 = 544 DMG

16 -2-1 = 13 EN

Noxthral, Spawn of the Sewers | HP: 1,456/2,000 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | STUNNED | StunImm[P]: 0/3
Critical (MD 9): Deals 400 DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals 240 DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals 440 DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals 340 DMG to every other player.

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 63/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

 

[Morningstar 0]

Noxthral roared in pain, a deep, guttural sound that reverberated through the chamber. The force of the blow staggered the creature, but it quickly regained its composure, whipping its massive tail around to strike. Morningstar barely had time to raise his sword, the impact sending him skidding backward through the sludge. His feet struggled to find purchase in the muck as he dug in, holding his ground.

"Keep it busy!" Kent shouted from behind, nocking an arrow and drawing back his crossbow. He aimed for the creature's eyes, knowing that a well-placed shot could turn the tide of the battle. He released the arrow just as Noxthral lunged at Morningstar, its jaws snapping shut inches from his face. The arrow flew true, striking one of the yellow eyes dead center. The creature reared back, screeching in agony as red pixels drifted from the wound.

"Nice shot!" Morningstar called out, taking the opportunity to close the distance again. He swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for the creature's underbelly. The blade bit deep, slicing through the thick, rubbery hide, but Noxthral was relentless. It lashed out with one of its powerful arms, catching Morningstar in the chest and sending him sprawling into the water.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-D

ID223913 | cd3 | -> Recovery failed
ID223914 | bd2 +6+1-3 = 6 | md3 +3-6 = 0 | -> Noxthral

28 * 16  = 448 DMG
448 - 140 = 308 DMG

16 -2-1 = 13 EN

Noxthral, Spawn of the Sewers misses Morningstar!

Noxthral, Spawn of the Sewers | HP: 1,148/2,000 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 140 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | Shatter: 1/3 | StunImm[P]: 1/3
Critical (MD 9): Deals 400 DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals 240 DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals 440 DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals 340 DMG to every other player.

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 54/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3

 

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar gasped as the breath was knocked out of him. Cold, slimy water filled his mouth and nose. He struggled to regain his footing, knowing that staying under meant death. Noxthral was already bearing down on him, its remaining three eyes locked onto its target with predatory focus.

Kent loosed another arrow, this time aiming for the creature’s arm. The arrow struck, but it only seemed to enrage Noxthral further. It roared and slammed its massive arm into the ground, sending a wave of green water crashing into Kent. The impact threw him off balance, and he scrambled to keep from being swept into the chamber's filthy depths.

Morningstar, using the momentary distraction, rose to his feet, wiping the grime from his face. His sword art was still primed, a golden aura surrounding the blade. He had to make this next move count. With a burst of speed, he closed the gap between him and Noxthral, focusing all his strength into a single blow.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-D

ID223915 | cd2 | -> Recovery failed
ID223916 | bd1 +6+1-3 = 5 | md1 +3-6 = -2 | -> Noxthral

Morningstar misses Noxthral, Spawn of the Sewers!

1 EN

Noxthral, Spawn of the Sewers misses Morningstar!

Noxthral, Spawn of the Sewers | HP: 1,148/2,000 | DMG: 360 | MIT: 160 140 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 3 | Shatter: 2/3 | StunImm[P]: 2/3
Critical (MD 9): Deals 400 DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals 240 DMG to every other player.
Critical (MD 10): Deals 440 DMG to the target with the highest hate. Also deals 340 DMG to every other player.

Morningstar | HP: 851/851 | EN: 57/112 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 39 | LD: 8 (9) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | PROS: 3