Nymoria 0 Posted July 31 #1 Share Posted July 31 Quest: Absolute Zero The days had been passing reasonably well, and while Nymoria couldn't say that she had come a long way from where she'd begun, the progress had been inspiring. So much so, that she had found herself pushing into territories far beyond those she had once considered unsafe to enter. Her recent plunges into the depths of the first, second and third floors had been eventful, if not a stark reminder of how far she still had to go, and while she had come out alive following each adventure she had still felt the grating concern towards her safety. It was, with hesitation and concern, that she had made her way towards the fourth floor with a desire to locate and attempt a quest that she had once considered well beyond her skills. The floor itself was far different than anything she had encountered before, and as she'd stepped off the teleporter's platform and into the fridged cold, she realised that her small tunic and leggings would not suffice. Her hands had swiped across her menu, pulling out a cloak of dark purple colouring similiar to a plum wine, the piece appearing around her shoulders and offering some relief from the biting winds. Musei's going to get cold here, I need to keep an eye on him. Wow, this place is cold. She checked to make sure the small weasel was tucked into her tunic's pocket, the small brown and white face staring out at her with accusatory eyes. Stiffling the laugh that she had felt bubbling upwards, Nymoria turned back towards the town she had arrived in, determined to find the beginnings of the quest as quickly as possible. Taking off from the teleporter in earnest this time, Nymoria made her way towards the White Rabbit Tavern, determined to find the NPC known as Alexander and begin the first steps of facing the large, ice-like creature that had been plaguing the floor for years now. It's so cold. I'm definitely not coming back to this floor if I can help it. The forests are a lot better. Statblock Spoiler Notes [Theme] Nymoria | Lv. 16 | P. 0 | HP [320/320] | EN [50/50] | ACC [4] | DMG [11] | MIT [34] | BH [+6] Tier 2 | Tier 2 Equipment Nymoria's Sabre [Rapier | Tier 1] Enhancement: Damage [2 Slots] Beginner's Chestplate [Light Armour | Tier 1] Enhancement: Mitigation [1 Slots] Hearing Aid [Trinket | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Starter Healing Potions {5} | Tier 1 | Potion | Heals 50 HP Field Rations {1} | +12% Max HP Health Potion {1} | Tier 1 | Potion | HP Recovery III Teleport Crystal {1} Hearing Aid [Trinket | Tier 1] Enhancement: Keen [1 Slot] Skills Spoiler Utility Skills N/A Combat Skills Battle Healing [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.] Weapon Skills Rapiers [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 ACC.] Armour Skills Light Armour [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain Mitigation based on your rank in Light Armor. You can only benefit from one armor skill at a time (the respective armor type must be equipped). Your mitigation is capped at 2 enhancement slots.] Active Extra Skills N/A Inactive Extra Skills N/A Combat Mastery Damage [Rank: 1. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 * Tier additional Base Damage per rank. Ranks of this Skill obey Damage enhancement caps.] Familiar Skills Hunting Familiar [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. : Effect: Your familiar has a nose for treasure. Roll LD/CD (without bonuses) as if you had slain a loot-minimum mob.] Estate Buffs N/A data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== Sword Arts Spoiler [x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (13 13EN) | 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, this CD check applies to 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 all intended targets the previous turn. [x12] TECH-A (13 11 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x12] TECH-B (13 11 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a debuff that reduces the enemy’s ACC by 1 for one turn. [x8] TECH-F (8 6+ [2 * targets] EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== Estate Buffs Spoiler N/A data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== Link to post Share on other sites
Morningstar 0 Posted August 1 #2 Share Posted August 1 The White Rabbit Tavern was lively as usual. A band of bards serenaded its patrons with happy-go-lucky tunes. They were a notable group called "Kevin and the Magma Wyrms," who travelled between floors and performed wherever the coin was shiniest. The music covered up the sound of smashing bottles, the tavern's latest norm. The burly security installment ignored it; they left no mess since they would disintegrate a moment after shattering. Rowdy folk sang, danced, and spoke loudly amongst themselves. They had begun celebrations early because nights had the habit of ending too soon, and the crew wanted to savor this one. The bartender was located towards the back of the bar. He and eight others had dragged a number of chairs over and pushed together a few tables. They sat in a tight circle, laughing, drinking, and worrying about nothing. "Happy birthday, Markie!" Alexander cut through the noise. Morningstar sat right beside Alexander. They had picked him up off the sidewalk and indoctrinated him into their ever-growing group. The party did not seem to discriminate, nor did they care whether they new you. Everyone was welcome at the White Rabbit. "Happy birthday, Markie!" The rest of the tavern shouted in unison. Star finished off his drink and tossed the bottle at the wall behind him. He motioned to the barman for another, and the NPC tossed it like a dagger. It soared across the tavern, landing in Star's arms, ice cold and safe. He used the edge table to pop off the cap and took a long swig. After six or eight, he had finally gotten accustomed to the miserable taste and the burn in his throat. Still, he wouldn't have suggested it to his worst enemy. Markie, the birthday boy, was a short, stocky man with a shock of red hair and a grin that never seemed to fade. Tonight, he was in his element, holding court at the center of the circle, recounting age old stories and adventures. "Thirty years, my friend! How's it feel?" Alexander asked, smiling widely. "Like I'm ready for my seniors discount! Whaddaya say?" Markie joked. "Not a chance!" Alexander retorted, and the group howled. More and more players flowed in, enticed by the bright, glowing sign out front. "ALL WELCOME," it read. "DRINKS ON US!" | MORNINGSTAR | Lv. 58 >> P. 25, Lv. 33 | Status: [ // ] Notes: // Hide contents Morningstar | HP: 760/760 | EN: 114/114 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 4 | BH: 38 | LD: 5 (6) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN 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 III Popcorn x10 | VIT II skills Hide contents mod count: 4/5 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, tracking, reveal BATTLE HEALING | RANK 5/5 ENERGIST CHARGE extra (active) FORGOTTEN KING'S AUTHORITY LADY LUCK DISGUISE extra (inactive) SURVIVAL data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs Hide contents statue # | # consumables Imperial Quarter Blend | DMG III # paragon Lv. 5 | Gain additional col equivalent to 15% of EXP earned in that thread. Lv. 10 | +1 LD to looting. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== sword 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 TECH-G | x16 | BURN data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== misc/housing buffs Hide contents Dimensional Backpack | +2 Battle-Ready Inventory Slots. 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. fishing # data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== Link to post Share on other sites
Freyd 0 Posted August 1 #3 Share Posted August 1 (edited) Ambling through Snowfrost with his special precious prize tucked neatly under his arm, a certainly lanky Whisper looked drastically out of character with every inch of garment on his body shifted from his usual dark to light. It was only practical. Freyd's usual garb worked wonders for him in the shadows, but stuck out like a sore thumb in the landscapes of floor four. It was nothing a little application of certain art couldn't fix, though it still felt really weird. Spotting the advert set out in front of an unfamiliar local social hot spot, the appraiser in him found it hard to turn down such a tempting discount. The spymaster, in contrast, was instantly suspicious that someone was probably running a con. Ever the creature contrast. A gurgling stomach settled the matter, compelling him to dismiss to his inventory the snow peas he'd collected for his next attempt at dinner with Elora, whenever they next gathered at Witherwind Rest. It was loud. It was crowded. It also smelled inside, but it was free, which made all other considerations melt away. Barely halfway to the bar, Freyd spotted a familiar face in the middle of all the revelry. Sparing a second to check for redcoats, and finding none, Freyd grabbed an extra glass and wandered over to greet his old friend with a friendly jibe. "Mornin', Morning. Fine day for not getting stabbed in a bar, yeah? What do you say to trying this out a second time and hope for better results?" Grinning widely, he held out the extra beverage, not having realized how deep into the bottles his companion had already delved. *** Note: CS (Shades of the Gemini) is in use. If any other player objects to this, please state in first post and it will be considered inactive. Freyd consumes: Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - Takes 1 portion (filled), shares the rest with party [Draft of Keen Edge] - T1 Perfect Potion | Damage 3 | 182195 Pure Unadulterated Rage (Meals) | T3 Mitigation 3 | 170021 Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 156/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 90 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 64 | LD: 6 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8 | V.D.: 129 Spoiler Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows Level: 33 Paragon Level: 131 HP: 1180/1180 EN: 156/156 Stats: Damage: 21+3 Mitigation: 45+45 Evasion: 4 Accuracy: 3+2+1 Battle Healing: 64 Loot Dice: 6 FLN: 16 HLY: 16 REC: 8 V.D.: 129 Equipped Gear: Weapon: Samael's Pride | T4 MA | FLN 2 | HLY 2 Armor: Black Cowled Traveling Garb | T4 CA | VD 2 | REC 2 Misc: Fight O'er Flight (ACC 2 | EVA 2) Combat Mastery: Damage R3 Combat Shift: AOE Familiar Skill: Grappling Familiar Custom Skill: Shades of the Gemini Skills: Martial Arts R5 Battle Healing R5 Cloth Armor R5 Searching R4 Charge Energist Quick Change Extended Mod Limit Extended Weight Limit Fighting Spirit Howl Active Mods: Night Vision Tracking Athletics Emergency Recovery Untraceable Detect Inactive Mods: Addons: Focus Precision Nimble Reveal Stamina Focused Howl Active Extra Skills: Disguise Survival Forgotten King’s Authority Hiding R4 Inactive Extra Skills: Meditation Frozen Hide Brawler Photosynthesize Battle Ready Inventory: Teleport Crystals x7 Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+10% HP) x7 T4 Vitality (+16 EN) x7 Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable) x1 Rhino's Horn (Reusable) x1 Hmr.Pk: Hope's Covenant - Resolve +4 (T4 Demonic Weapon (MA) - AA, Phase, Frostbite, VO x1 EWL: The Thing Behind All Lies (T4 Demonic MA, AA, Blight, Static, Para.Ven (Off)) x1 EWL: Shadowed Rose (ACC 3 | Para.Imm.) 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) 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. Angler: +2 Fishing EXP per attempt Practiced Angler: +2 Fishing EXP per attempt, addition +1 LD/CD to fishing attempts 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: Tanos Statue: +25 Mitigation for a thread. Wedding Ring: n/a Fishing: Level 5 | 576XP Edited August 1 by Freyd Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted August 1 Author #4 Share Posted August 1 Her eyes had fallen onto the sign at the front of the tavern, glancing back and forth between the door and the sign. Just beyond it's entryway she could see the party that was occurring within. An obvious sight of revelry and excitement that Nym was entirely unprepared for. She bit into her bottom lip, trying to decide whether she should come back another time, once the party had come to it's conclusion. Likely there's some major event going on, which means that maybe Alexander isn't even- Any argument or attempt to compel herself away from the party was taken when she felt a pair of hands suddenly embracing her shoulders, driving her into the tavern without a chance to do more than release an odd sounding scream in response. Just as quickly as she'd been grabbed, the hands had disappeared, a larger male form passing by and into the tavern, a wave of his hand a collection of words that Nymoria couldn't decipher the only sign that he had even noticed her discomfort. Inside was even worse. She found her senses overwhelmed with everything going on. Barely dodging a thrown bottle, she glanced around for any sign of escape, or any sign of the NPC that she needed. If I can just get to him, and get out... Through sheer dumb luck, or some sort of divine intervention that she would never understand, she spotted the NPC near the bar itself. Tucking her head down and moving with a soft step, she slid through the crowd nearly unnoticed, passing underneath the view of most of those enjoying themselves through whatever celebration was on-going. Excuse me. Her hand touched her head, and came down in a jerky motion as she was jostled from behind. Even with the noise and commotion going on, the face of Alexander suddenly snapped towards her, his eyes filled with what Nymoria thought was some sort of joy, or exuberation. I'm here about...the avalanche monster? Link to post Share on other sites
Morningstar 0 Posted August 2 #5 Share Posted August 2 Morningstar took Freyd's offering, tossing his empty to the side. It shattered against the far wall, dissolving. "Freyd! Can't say I expected to see you here," he pulled an empty chair over for the Whisper and toasted to his arrival. "To not being stabbed!" Star shouted, and the group cheered with no clue as to what he referencing. Perhaps he should have anticipated familiar faces in a place so public, but he was just as surprised to see Nymoria as he was to see Freyd. Even more so, actually—she didn't seem like the tavern-going type. He'd never get used to the odd, Charles Xavier, telepathic sign language that the system had put in place for her. He understood few signs, but the words flowed right in his head regardless. She was looking for Absolute Zero, and she was doing it alone. Alexander's expression turned quickly. Star gathered that he was not fond of the "avalanche monster," as Nym had put it. "It used to be called Avalanche. These days, it's known as Absolute Zero," the innkeeper explained over the noise. "It's a threat to the town that keeps on coming, no matter how many times your lot takes it down." He looked her up and down, clearly unimpressed. "If you think you stand a chance, we can always use the help." Link to post Share on other sites
Freyd 0 Posted August 2 #6 Share Posted August 2 (edited) Content to go with the flow - and things were definitely deep in flow - Freyd clinked his drink against Star's whjle accepting the proffered seat. "Is this just for us, or is everyone else here also celebrating non-stabbing?" Snowfrost didn't strike his as having that kind of rowdy crowd, but stranger things had happened before. The Whisper's ears burned at mention of Avalanche, the lure of Cardinal's challenges oft proven difficult for him to ignore. That the face making the inquiry was familiar made it especially enticing. "Nymoria?" They'd met, alongside Wulfrin and Ciela, during one of his more recent newbie promotion runs. In their specific case, it had been FTK over his more common sharkbait program. Two of them had already participated in the latter. "It used to be called Avalanche. These days, it's known as Absolute Zero," Morningstar sought to clarify. "Not quite. Both are still around, and very similar. Avalanche is the quest version, rather than the field boss. It's good to see you again," he added, for Nymoria's benefit, taking pains to ensure that line of sight between them was maintained. A quick re-appraisal of her gear inferred a power level that might struggle against either foe. Raising a drink in response to another randomly shouted toast, Freyd turned his cowl deliberately to Star with a warning. "She'll get herself killed if we let her go alone. Time to be gentlemen." Offering his seat to one of the other less stable patrons, Freyd slipped his way to the bar and Nymoria's side with surprising agility and ease. "Not sure which one you were after, but I happen to be in need of collecting some token items from both. Absolute Zero may, indeed, be your correct target. Since we're heading the same way, can I offer to help?" It was a lie, but of the nicest variety and of oddly noble intent. Edited August 2 by Freyd Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted August 2 Author #7 Share Posted August 2 She'd nodded quietly at the barkeep's explanation, aware that it was in essence useless information to her. She hadn't named the creature in truth, and while it was good to know that there were multiple versions of it, she also knew that she was nowhere near ready to face down a field boss - yet. She'd raised her hands to answer just such a thing to the keeper behind the bar, when a sudden figure appeared beside her, causing Nymoria to squeal; a sound which might've resembled something not unlike a mouse having mated with a pig. Freyd...? Her fingers moved slowly, clearly hesitant as she spelled out the name. There was a minor flash of recognition, the kind one sees when an individual both knows and doesn't know whomst they are talking to, as Nymoria collected herself. She glanced at the cowled player, watching the movement of the barely visible lips behind the cowl in order to better hear the words that were spoken. She'd given up entirely on picking them out over the noise of the inn itself, and instead relied on skills that were almost as old as she was. It's good to see you again, as well. I didn't expect to run into someone like you here. She tilted her head slightly, perplexed at his sudden offer but not so stupid as to turn it away. A slow nod of her head, and her fingers were moving again as she worked up the courage to accept his help. She still felt bad about her last encounter, where she had entirely frozen and proven less than useful, only to find herself returned home without much memory of what came after. I would appreciate the help. I'm...branching out a bit, you could say. Trying new things, and progressing...well, upwards. This is actually my first time on the fourth floor. Uhm, so yes...I'd appreciate some help. I'm better than I used to be, too! Her face had flushed slightly at the memory of the King quest that she had been far less than helpful with, a determination coming over her to prove her worth once more. She'd grown since that encounter, and although she still felt fear, she was able to overcome it. Or, at least she had been able to during her last few outings. She ended her commentary with a harsh collection of signs, her fingers moving in a quick but strong pattern. I won't make you regret coming with me. Link to post Share on other sites
Morningstar 0 Posted August 2 #8 Share Posted August 2 "She'll get herself killed if we let her go alone." Morningstar couldn't agree more. Nymoria had definitely evolved since the last time they had seen each other, but strong enough to run through Absolute Zero was a stretch. Hell, Star didn't even like the idea of soloing the thing. He stood up, wrapping himself in his scarf. "I'm here too," he said to Nym, who seemed not to have noticed him. He found it peculiar that the shadow man was more eye catching than the guy in the red coat. A pat on the birthday boy's back and the quick consumption of the drink Freyd had given him was all he needed to exit the party. The only thing he enjoyed more than celebrations was leaving them. "Gentlemen it is then. I think it's best that your first time on the floor isn't... here," he looked around at the wild players who's nights were no where near finished. "This isn't a great example of how Snowfrost normally is." It was good that Freyd and Nymoria showed up when they did. Nine o'clock was his cut off. Anything after that was too much for him. He was an old man at heart, which was probably why Kingsley hired him. "Hope you don't mind if I tag along too," Star smiled, ensuring that his gear was in check. His boots were tied tight, his pants waterproof, and his jacket warm. They would do the trick, although some more fur sounded comfortable. Dying Sun, a sleek black longsword, materialized at his waist. As usual, he stole a bit of Freyd's food to help keep him sharp. Consumes 1 Slot of Gungnir's Shard: Crème Brûlée Tray | +2 ACC Morningstar | HP: 760/760 | EN: 114/114 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 38 | LD: 5 (6) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN Link to post Share on other sites
Freyd 0 Posted August 2 #9 Share Posted August 2 (edited) "I make it a habit of being where I'm needed," he replied jovially at Nymoria's surprise. Truth be told, trouble followed him around as often as he actively sought it out. It wasn't truly in Freyd's nature to stay out or away from it for any length of time. He'd grown too accustomed to being in the middle of the fray. At least he still knew better than to pick unnecessary fights, like certain others he'd come across. Lowering his cowl to let her better see his face, his features softened at her humility and effort alike. "No need to apologize for making efforts. I think it's admirable. Just, promise me you'll be careful. There's a fine line between bravery and consequence in this world." Nodding a subtle thanks to Star, as his friend approached, Freyd appreciated the man's persistent reliability. The fact that he also seemed to a good egg was also a welcomed bonus, though part of him wondered at the ambience he liked to keep. This wasn't the first time he'd found him in such a place, and didn't seem likely to be the last. "Come on. Let's get out of here before they delve too deeply into the next round and we get swept up in whatever swill Alexander is plying them with." He flashed a wink and smirk at the bartender, who replied in kind. Both knew he wasn't entirely wrong. This wasn't the crowd that brought out the 'good stuff.' Once outdoors, Freyd scanned the distant frozen peaks to reorient himself before lowering his gaze to the snow-covered ground and staring at, or through, his own shadow. "It's still early. If we make good time, we can do this and return before nightfall. Fighting this thing in the dark isn't advisable, not that the surrounding blizzards with offer us much relief." As a courtesy to Nymoria, Freyd chose to forego restoring his cowl to its natural perch. Few could claim the same consideration. Waiting for the others to finish their preparations, he soon had them underway and passing out the humble village gates, once again bound towards danger. *** Freyd uses Tracking on Absolute Zero. Edited August 5 by Freyd Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted August 4 Author #10 Share Posted August 4 Hello, Morningstar. It’s good to see you again, as well. She gave a flash of signs towards the red-cloaked individual whom had been sitting nearby, surprised that she hadn’t seen him earlier. She had, however, been focused on finding Alexander and beginning the quest in earnest, ignoring almost all the other patrons until she had been approached. Her eyes shifted back forth between Freyd and Morningstar as the two decided – much without her consent or input – to attend the quest alongside her. She flushed in realisation at their concern, and their determination to keep her safe. As much as it made her happy to know others cared about her well-being, a small portion of her was frustrated at needing it. Thank you, both of you. I…appreciate it. She nodded in ascent as Freyd awaited their completion of preparations, before making her way out and into the cold once more. She pulled her cloak closer around herself, shaking slightly at the shift in temperature between the tavern and the outside world, smiling at the other two as she popped a single hand out. Cold. How do people like this? Nymoria consumes Gungnir's Shard: Crème Brûlée Tray | +2 ACC Adjusted Statblock Nymoria | Lv. 16 | P. 0 | HP [320/320] | EN [50/50] | ACC [6] | DMG [12] | MIT [34] | BH [+6] Link to post Share on other sites
Morningstar 0 Posted August 4 #11 Share Posted August 4 With the goal of finishing before nightfall in mind, they left the bar immediately. The forests of Floor 4 were silent, but for the occasional howling of wolves, the subtle hum of cold wind, and the crunching of ice beneath the party's feet. They passed into a clearing, coming to a halt. They had arrived. Morningstar wondered which was taller: Absolute Zero or the Titanium Warden. When he and Freyd had fought the latter in the Endless Maze, it seemed like the biggest thing he would ever come across. Now, he was not so sure. The primary difference between the two was the ice. The Warden's blasts of molten steel were avoidable. But Absolute Zero was made up entirely of ice. There was no evading it. He doubted his ability to climb it this time around. Charge activated, and in a flash Morningstar was gone. Snow blew up at his feet, clearing a path up to the colossus. He played low, attacking Absolute Zero's left leg the best he could while dodging its heavy stomps. Spoiler Zero-Degree Weather is active. All players without <<Survival>> have -2 EVA. Frozen Hide is active. Absolute Zero gains 50 MIT & 50 THORNS vs all players without <<Survival>> Post Action | Charge + TECH-A (x16, 16 EN): 16 EN - (Well Rested (3/3; Stamina) + Charge = 21 EN Free Action | N/A ID #224176 | BD: 4+6+1+2-1 = 12 (hit) | DMG: 29*16=464-250=214 | (CD 5 | ST-B locked) | Charge 0/3 Morningstar takes 50 THORNS DMG Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 156/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 90 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 64 | LD: 6 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8 | V.D.: 129 Morningstar | HP: 710/760 (760-50) | EN: 93/114 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 (4-2) | ACC: 6 | BH: 38 | LD: 5 (6) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN Nymoria | HP: 320/320 | EN: 50/50 | ACC: 6 | DMG: 12 | MIT: 34 | BH: 6 | EVA: -2 (0-2) Absolute Zero | HP: 786/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -2 | Freeze (8-10) | BD9: +50 DMG | BD10: +100 DMG Grand Slam | On a natural CD of 12, this boss will raise its arm and crash it against the ice of the lake, sending a ripple through toward all of the players, dealing 200 mitigatable damage and Freezing everyone in place. This attack automatically hits. Zero-Degree Weather | This boss changes the weather of the area into a blisteringly cold blizzard, lowering the EVA of all Players by -2. This effect can be ignored with the <<Survival>> skill. Frozen Hide | If this boss is faced without Survival, the Player(s) will find it biting cold to the touch. It will gain 50 mitigation against attacks made by players without <<Survival>>, and deal 50 Frost Thorns damage on successful attacks - regardless of critical status. Link to post Share on other sites
Freyd 0 Posted August 5 #12 Share Posted August 5 (edited) Blistering winds beat down upon them driving endless sheets of sleet in their path. The fluffy, powdered hills of Snowfrost's environs had soon given way to the tempestuous frozen nightmare perpetually swirling about their target's position. Absolute Zero's general vicinity was therefore never really hard to find. You could spot the maelstrom of snow and ice from leagues away. Navigating the icicle hellstorms that constantly surrounded it, then managing to actually fight the thing inside five overlapping subzero hurricanes? That was the real trick. Some players had learned this the hard way, which was what most concerned Freyd when he'd learned of Nymoria's intent to face this creature. "There!" A vague statement paired with barely visible handwaving to suggest that the mob was near afield. Booming thunder was soon revealed to be the crashing footfalls of the ice titan, its colossal form wandering untouched through a blanketing blizzard of its own making. Could it even see where it was going? Did it care? He'd managed to keep them focused by peering through shadows to guide them, but even that extra sensory sight struggled against such storms. The moment Zero's outline could be seen, Morningstar launched into it. His strike cutting a deep swath through to its left leg. A fleeting corridor revealed itself in the wake of his passage, showing them the way. "Be careful," Freyd called back to Nymoria, unsure of her intentions. "You'll take damage just by striking it." Unsure whether his words had reached her, the only remaining option was to take the mob down quickly and pray he could follow up on the opening Star had created. Lancing thought the breach, darkness chasing after light, Freyd struck the same leg at the hip like a missile. A keening screech signaled Samael's Pride's unfurling, its portal maw opening oblivion's gate around his hands the carving a huge swath through the titan's left flank. Absolute Zero spun, then reeled, then toppled, all in seeming slow motion as its sheer size many any notion of speed impossible to conceive. It left leg locked in place and connecting joint too badly damaged to follow, it was like watching a branch twist in the wind and snap. Then, everything came crashing down. *** Spoiler Zero-Degree Weather is active. All players without <<Survival>> have -2 EVA. Frozen Hide is active. Absolute Zero gains 50 MIT & 50 THORNS vs all players without <<Survival>> Post Action | AoE-I (x15, 11 EN, +2 shift, +2/hit): 15 EN - (Rested 2/2, Stamina) = 12 EN, Charge (+8 EN, CD 0/3) Free Action [item] | Crystal of Divine Light ID #224209 | BD: 8 (Crit +1, Fallen +24, Charge +3, Tracking) | DMG: (15*52=780-200=680) | (CD 9 | ST-B unlocked) Freyd takes 50 THORNS DMG Freyd takes double damage until next round Freyd | HP: 1130/1180 (1180-50) | EN: 156/156 (156-12-8 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 90 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 64 | LD: 6 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8 | V.D.: 129 Morningstar | HP: 710/760 | EN: 93/114 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 2 (4-2) | ACC: 6 | BH: 38 | LD: 5 (6) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN Nymoria | HP: 320/320 | EN: 50/50 | ACC: 6 | DMG: 12 | MIT: 34 | BH: 6 | EVA: -2 (0-2) Absolute Zero | HP: 108/1000 (768-680) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 | EVA: -2 | Freeze (8-10) | BD9: +50 DMG | BD10: +100 DMG | STUNNED Grand Slam | On a natural CD of 12, this boss will raise its arm and crash it against the ice of the lake, sending a ripple through toward all of the players, dealing 200 mitigatable damage and Freezing everyone in place. This attack automatically hits. Zero-Degree Weather | This boss changes the weather of the area into a blisteringly cold blizzard, lowering the EVA of all Players by -2. This effect can be ignored with the <<Survival>> skill. Frozen Hide | If this boss is faced without Survival, the Player(s) will find it biting cold to the touch. It will gain 50 mitigation against attacks made by players without <<Survival>>, and deal 50 Frost Thorns damage on successful attacks - regardless of critical status. Edited August 5 by Freyd Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted August 5 Author #13 Share Posted August 5 Nymoria had followed the pair out into the blistering cold, her breath coming in quick against the cold as the anticipation rose within her. She’d worked with groups before – mostly with negative outcomes, when it came to the general atmosphere of the group itself – but something about these two felt different. They were in an entirely different class, even Nymoria could tell. She’d been eyeing Freyd’s form when he’d turned to yell at her, the words lost on the wind and completely indecipherable. Thankfully, she didn’t rely on her hearing, and the movement of his lips told her everything she needed to know. Nodding, she watched as he took off, slamming into the form of the giant ice monster even as the cold battered at Nymoria. Her eyes widened as the health bar of the monster more than halved, leaving it barely standing as the two assaulted it, before coming to rest. Well, I guess that leaves me…I wonder if I can do anything in comparison to these two… She doubted she’d be able to overcome the defences of the thing, but she also knew she couldn’t simply sit back and watch. Gritting her teeth slightly, she rushed forward with sabre in hand, a soft purplish-pink link forming as she drove towards it with intent. If I can’t bring it down, I can at least weaken it. ------ Combat Freyd | HP: 1130/1180 | EN: 136/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 90 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 64 | LD: 6 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8 | V.D.: 129 Morningstar | HP: 710/760 | EN: 93/114 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 2 | ACC: 6 | BH: 38 | LD: 5 (6) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN Nymoria | HP: 320/320 | EN: 50/50 | ACC: 6 | DMG: 12 | MIT: 34 | BH: 6 | EVA: -2 Absolute Zero | HP: 107/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 2 | EVA: -2 | Freeze (8-10) | BD9: +50 DMG | BD10: +100 DMG | Delay [-1 ACC | 0/1] | STUNNED Grand Slam | On a natural CD of 12, this boss will raise its arm and crash it against the ice of the lake, sending a ripple through toward all of the players, dealing 200 mitigatable damage and Freezing everyone in place. This attack automatically hits. Zero-Degree Weather | This boss changes the weather of the area into a blisteringly cold blizzard, lowering the EVA of all Players by -2. This effect can be ignored with the <<Survival>> skill. Frozen Hide | If this boss is faced without Survival, the Player(s) will find it biting cold to the touch. It will gain 50 mitigation against attacks made by players without <<Survival>>, and deal 50 Frost Thorns damage on successful attacks - regardless of critical status. ID224228 | BD: 6+6=12 | <<Tech-B vs. Absolute Zero>> | Hit: [12x12-200] = 1 damage | Delay Link to post Share on other sites
Morningstar 0 Posted August 5 #14 Share Posted August 5 Beneath the toppling body of Absolute Zero, Morningstar fought for his life. The titan's lumbering motions were halted by the force of Freyd's attack. It tipped, losing its balance and threatening to crush Morningstar. With wide eyes, the blonde watched it drop. He started to sprint to the edge of its colossal shadow, but stopped upon realizing how futile it was. With one last card up his sleeve, he aimed his blade up and held it low. He thrust Dying Sun towards the ice being. The tip of the sword made first contact, and Absolute Zero exploded in an ocean of blue pixels. He was engulfed in it, and it disoriented him. He wasn't even sure if it had worked, or if death was just that painless. He saw Freyd and Nymoria on the other side as the crystals cleared. "Not even close," he grinned. The item that appeared in his inventory was interesting. A unique enhancement was attached to it. This was something he did not often see. Along with it was a skill he had not yet collected. It seemed that tagging along with the party had been worthwhile all along. He examined Zero Degree Icicle, which had materialized as a Straight Sword, and looked closely at its traits. "Freeze, huh. Not so bad. Don't know what I'll use it for," he admitted. Spoiler Zero-Degree Weather is active. All players without <<Survival>> have -2 EVA. Frozen Hide is active. Absolute Zero gains 50 MIT & 50 THORNS vs all players without <<Survival>> Post Action | TECH-D (x16, 15 EN): 15 EN - (Well Rested (2/3; Stamina) + Charge = 12 EN Free Action | N/A ID #224229 | BD: 6+6+1+2-1 = 14 (hit) | DMG: [26+16]*16=672-250=442 | Charge 1/3 | FLN PROC | SHATTER PROC Morningstar takes 50 THORNS DMG Freyd | HP: 1130/1180 | EN: 136/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT: 90 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 6 | BH: 64 | LD: 6 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | REC: 8 | V.D.: 129 Morningstar | HP: 698/760 (710+38-50) | EN: 85/114 | DMG: 26 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 2 | ACC: 6 | BH: 38 | LD: 5 (6) | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN Nymoria | HP: 320/320 | EN: 50/50 | ACC: 6 | DMG: 12 | MIT: 34 | BH: 6 | EVA: -2 Absolute Zero | HP: 0/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 200 | ACC: 3 2 | EVA: -2 | Freeze (8-10) | BD9: +50 DMG | BD10: +100 DMG | Delay [-1 ACC | 0/1] | STUNNED Grand Slam | On a natural CD of 12, this boss will raise its arm and crash it against the ice of the lake, sending a ripple through toward all of the players, dealing 200 mitigatable damage and Freezing everyone in place. This attack automatically hits. Zero-Degree Weather | This boss changes the weather of the area into a blisteringly cold blizzard, lowering the EVA of all Players by -2. This effect can be ignored with the <<Survival>> skill. Frozen Hide | If this boss is faced without Survival, the Player(s) will find it biting cold to the touch. It will gain 50 mitigation against attacks made by players without <<Survival>>, and deal 50 Frost Thorns damage on successful attacks - regardless of critical status. Looting Absolute Zero: ID: 224230 CD: 10 LD: 12+6=18 10,000 col | ((1000*3)*2)+((1000*2)*2) T4 Rare Trinket 224230 Link to post Share on other sites
Freyd 0 Posted August 6 #15 Share Posted August 6 The girl had guts. There was no denying it. Freyd was already impressed by how well she'd adapted to Aincrad's environment and made it work to her advantage, but walking up to a colossal ice golem in the middle of a hurricane-force blizzard? That took something extra. Sadly, there was little time to sing her praises as the giant's body toppled down towards their blonde-haired companion. Feeling his lips move, but no sound emanating as he rushed to snare Morningside, Freyd searched desperately for a shadow to slip through for a last minute rescue, but found none. Shadows didn't really exist in such a snowy hell, leaving him with two feet and a heartbeat. It wouldn't be enough. Veering towards the nearest parts of the mob, maybe he could strike it again before its impact? No. NO. NOOO!!! The whole reason for them coming along has been to avoid something like this from happening. Launching himself off a solitary outcrop of ice covered stone, his feel failed him and slipped. Leaving him to cascade uncontrollably towards doom without any chance of helping or saving his friend. Until... *POP* *WOOSH* Someone had just broken the pinata open so thoroughly that its shards would be washing up at the gates of Snowfrost in several days time. When the Whisper finally slid to a stop, covered head to toe with enough ice and snow to resemble a miniaturized version of the mob they'd just come here to slay, he found himself staring up at man he'd thought was about to die. "Not even close," he grinned, badassedly. "Fucker," Freyd cursed, laughing with cathartic release. "I thought you were gonna get squished. Let's not do that again in that way, m'kay?" Head and cowl flopped back into the snow with a hollow thud, Freyd's chest still twitching with chuckles and a sigh of relief. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted August 6 Author #16 Share Posted August 6 Nymoria’s reaction had been slower than Freyd’s, her eyes catching the sight of Morningstar standing before the giant thing only mere seconds before it had lunged towards to greet him. She, like Freyd, had called out – or at least she thought she had, any sound she’d likely made lost between her own lack of hearing, and the winds that roared around the area. Unlike Freyd, however, she’d been rooted to the spot, not moving to help, not doing anything other than watching in horror as the form of Morningstar disappeared. Breaths turned into seconds as Nymoria waited to see the outcome, her eyes locked on the snow crusted form that was the creature they were fighting. Before her, she saw Freyd seemingly trip and fall, his mad race towards the snow giant lost as he’d stumbled. Nymoria found the action odd, considering the player’s normal façade and appearance. And even the greats fall beneath the passings of time, and snow. She knew it wasn’t the actual saying, but it still brought an odd smile to her face. The snow disappeared within a moment, shifting slightly in order to reveal a form standing amidst its centre. From the distance, Nymoria couldn’t make out what it said – the movement of its lips obvious even to her – but mere seconds after it had spoken, she recognised the man from the bar. Striving forward, she leapt into the area where the snow creature had once been, throwing a soft punch at Morningstar before signing towards the man, an earnest smile stretching across her features. I’m glad you’re not dead. Freyd would have been sad. ------ Link to post Share on other sites
Morningstar 0 Posted August 7 #17 Share Posted August 7 "I dunno, it was kind of cool," he shrugged, joking. Absolute Zero had come dangerously close to falling on him, which was still not as bad as being stepped on, he thought. Nym rejoined the pair, and Star smiled at her remark. "Can't have Freyd feeling sad, can we?" The clearing felt a lot more open without Zero stomping about. The sound of the earth quaking was gone, and only the wind remained. "It's cold. Should we head back to town? Or do you two have more to do out here?" He asked. He was willing to stay out and help with any work they needed to get done, but leaned towards the former, if it were his choice. He liked the forth floor from a distance, with a window in the way and a fireplace keeping him warm. Besides, there were wolves and bears outside, and those were scary. Link to post Share on other sites
Freyd 0 Posted August 8 #18 Share Posted August 8 "Sad?! I was just worried about all the paperwork. Those insurance forms only exist to murder your eyes, which then requires the filling out of more insurance forms! It's viciously insidious - almost cunning, actually, now that I think about it." Feigning a pensive look, even the oft dour Whisper couldn't keep the grin off his face for long. "I'm just glad Nymoria was graceful enough to let us tag along. Apologies if we were a little insistent, but I trust that you now see why. Besides, trying this solo without the right stats... let's just say that reading the signs of that aftermath would be exceptionally brutal." Freyd fell silent and pensive for a moment, something flashing behind his eyes as he looked to his companions. Helping Morningstar back to his feet, he patted the man on the shoulder, silently expressing his relief that the player was not more seriously injured. "I think I may have already found what I was looking for, but the same goes for me. Otherwise, we should probably head back to Snowfrost before night sets in, like Star suggested." Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted August 8 Author #19 Share Posted August 8 Her eyes passed back and forth between the two men as they chatted following the completion of the quest, watching their movements as they made jests and jokes about their survival, and something about insurance. Her expression changed, however, at Freyd's mention of reading the signs. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, and for the first time a slight frown crossed her face in a pointed way. Her hands moved quickly, a harshness to their movements that may have bespoken anger, in a more verbal tone. Was that a deaf joke? She held her expression for a few moments, staring at Freyd in an almost criticizing way. It didn't last long, however, before she broken into a silent laugh and swiped her hands again, the words forming even as her hands brought them to life. It was bad. You should feel bad. She gave a glance back towards the town that they had come from, so close and yet somehow feeling so distant after the excitement of the fight. It may not have lasted very long – in fact, Nymoria was fairly certain it was one of the fastest she’d been apart of – but it had brought her adrenaline up, and given her the feeling of elation, excitement and fear that she also felt during a conflict. Her eyes scanned the area, before turning back to the two men who had helped her. Thank you, both of you. I’m not sure I would’ve survived without your help. I…still have a lot to learn. She gave a deep bow at the completion of her signs, holding it for a few seconds in the way that she had been taught. Once she had risen, she gave a broad smile before waving a hand towards the town, her eyes leaving the pair and looking back towards their way home. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get out of this cold. Seriously, how do people like this? Link to post Share on other sites
Morningstar 0 Posted August 8 #20 Share Posted August 8 Seriously, how do people like this? Morningstar replied, "Delusion, probably. Off we go, then." With another successful quest completed, the three players wandered back through the forest, eventually landing in Snowfrost once again. At the tavern, the party raged on. The bards played loudly and through open doors, Morningstar thought he recognized the song they were singing. They'd repeated it a few times that night. One trick ponies, it seemed. "I'm calling it. Way past my bedtime," Star said, bidding the pair farewell. He cracked a crystal and zapped himself back home. Raitoborou Bay was a breath of fresh air in contrast to Snowfrost. The latter was beautiful, but too cold. He was a tropical kind of guy at heart. He unlocked his door and made his way inside of his empty estate, flicked on the lights, and tidied up before bed. He passed photographs, trinkets, and a few mounted swords, stopping to appreciate a few on his way up the stairs. Thread Closing: Morningstar receives: 3,481 EXP (Word Count [5,505/10*6*0.6] + Quest [1,500]) 13,155 col (1 page [133] + Loot [10,000] + Quest [2,500] + 15% P5 Reward [522]) T4 Rare Trinket 224230 Zero Degree Icicle | T2 Rare Weapon | Freeze | Accuracy <<Frozen Hide>> Freyd receives: 5,615 EXP (Word Count [5,505/10*17*0.6]) 975 col (1 page [133] + 15% P5 Reward [842]) Nymoria receives: 2,160 EXP (Word Count [5,505/10*2*0.6] + Quest [1,500] 2,633 col (1 page [133] + Quest [2,500]) Zero Degree Icicle | T2 Rare Weapon | Freeze | Accuracy <<Frozen Hide>> Link to post Share on other sites
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