[PP-08] Kong-regation <<Monkey King>>

[Freyd 0]

"Seems like traffic has picked here lately," Freyd observed, leaning across from Remington along the edges of Florenthia's palisade.  Sipping on vanilla-scented coffee, the Whisper and zoologist had been trading information on local news, flora and fauna.  His latest crop of trainees had already been summoned and should be arriving shortly to partake in the latest hunt to claim the Monkey King's prize.  But, for now, he had a little time to kill.

"There's been trouble throughout the floor, as if the jungle knows that something is brewing.  We just can't identify a source.  The Monkey King's ravages have grown worse."  Staring into the woods, the man seemed hesitant.  "Do you think you could help?"

"I'm sure of it."  No hint of hesitation behind his reply.  Freyd hadn't fought this mob in some time, but knew its worth.  "Some of my associates are on their way, and should be arriving shortly.  And if we find any clues about what else may be happening in the wilderness, I'll be sure to let you know."

***

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 rest with party
[Draft of Keen Edge] - T1 Perfect Potion | Damage 3 | 183182-1

Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 156/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:45 | ACC:8 (inc. AA)  | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | BLI: 32/-20  | STC: 40 | PARA-V | LD:6                                                                                                          

Spoiler

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows
True Tier: 17
Level: 33
Paragon Level: 131

Stats:

HP: 1180/1180
EN: 156/156
Damage: 21+3
Mitigation: 45
Accuracy: 4+2+1
Evasion: 2
Loot Die: 6
AA
PARA-IM
VAMP-D: 130
REC: 8
BLI: 32/-20
STC: 40
PARA-V

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket:  The Thing Behind All Lies (T4 Demonic MA, AA, Blight, Static, Para.Ven (Off)) 
Armor/Trinket: Black Cowled Traveling Garb | T4 CA | VD 2 | REC 2
Shield/Armor/Trinket:   - Shadowed Rose (ACC 3 | Para.Imm.)

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:[
  - AOE Shift

Familiar Skill:
  - Grappling Familiar

Custom Skill:
  - Shades of the Gemini

Skills:
  - Battle Healing R5
  - Charge
  - Cloth Armor R5
  - Energist
  - Extended Mod Limit
  - Extended Weight Limit
  - Fighting Spirit
  - Howl
  - Martial Arts R5
  - Quick Change
  - Searching R4

Extra Skills:
  - Survival
  - Hiding
  - Disguise
  - Forgotten King's Authority

Inactive Extra Skills:
  - Frozen Hide
  - Hiding R2
  - Lady Luck
  - Meditation
  - Parry
  - Photosynthesize
  - Survival

Addons:
  - Focus
  - Focused Howl
  - Nimble
  - Precision
  - Reveal
  - Stamina

Mods:
  - Athletics
  - Detect
  - Emergency Recovery
  - Night Vision
  - Untraceable
  - Tracking

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable) x1
  - EWL: Fight O'er Flight (ACC 2 | EVA 2) x1
  - EWL: Samael's Pride | T4 MA | FLN 2 | HLY 2 x1
  - Hmr.Pk: Hope's Covenant - Resolve +4 (T4 Demonic Weapon (MA) - AA, Phase, Frostbite,,VO x1
  - Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+10% HP) x7
  - Rhino's Horn (Reusable) x1
  - SC:  empty
  - T4 Vitality (+16 EN) x7
  - Teleport Crystals x7

Housing Buffs:
  - Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
  - Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
  - Basic Kitchen: 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.
  - Storage Closet: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
  - Living Room: Increases out of combatHP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
  - Attic (Bedroom): +1 Expertise to declared utility skill. Cannot boost a skill without ranks, or increase a skill past its maximum rank. Cannot boost a skill the user has not learned yet. Ranks obtained using this buff will make the mods of that rank available for purchase. Mods obtained this way are unusable if this buff is removed until the skill is returned to the appropriate rank by way of SP purchase.
  - Basement: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
  - Guest Room: Players can have one «Amenity» in a «Guest Room» and the «Amenity» cannot be recovered. Players are allowed to change which «Amenity» is in the «Guest Room». Multiple instances of the same «Amenity» do not stack. This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.
  - Extended Workshop: +2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
  - Ornate Fishing Pond: +2 Fishing EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to fishing attempts.
  - Dining Hall: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed. Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread.
  - Mega Slime Farm: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post.

Guild Hall Buffs:
  - Trading Hall: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters and Rank 4 merchants/performers receive +1 crafting/identification attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters and Rank 5 merchants/performers receive +2 crafting/identification attempts per day.
  - Treasury: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild Totem:
  - Tanos
Wedding Ring:
  - -
Crafting Profession:[
 - Appraising[3478exp] R5
Gathering Profession:
 - Fishing[576exp] R5"                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                     

Edited October 14 by Freyd

[Foyle 0]

"Did you say... 'Monkey King?'"

Foyle arrived precisely on time, punctuality being particularly important to him.  He still hadn't fetched his new gear from Rencesvals, but heeded his captain's call nonetheless.  Dressed in what amounted to peasant's clothing, he actually blended in well with the locals, aside from his notable age.

"Foyle," he offered, by means of introduction to Remington, sizing the man up by both garb and bearing before giving a bow.  If the Whisper was willing to respect him, it said something about his character.  Florenthia itself had ben an experience, so far.  Like so much of this world, it was alien to him, yet resplendent with mysteries and wonders the likes of which he'd not dreamed since picking up the novels of his youth.

"Am I to understand that we'll be hunting this beast?  If so, I may be significantly underprepared.  Your message made no message of combat."

"You should always be prepared."  Freyd's tone carried no malice, just a point.  Aincrad was a dangerous world.  Too dangerous to be wandering around without means to protect and defend oneself.

***

Foyle | HP: 140/140 | EN: 32/32 | DMG: 1 

Spoiler

Foyle
Level: 7
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 140/140
EN: 32/32

Stats:
Damage: 1

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: 
Armor: 
Misc: 

Combat Mastery: - 
Combat Shift: -
Familiar Skill: -
Custom Skill:

Skills:
Straight Sword R1

Active Mods:

Inactive Mods:

Addons:

Active Extra Skills:

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

-: Level 0 | 0XP"                                                

 

Edited August 20 by Foyle

[Jeeves 0]

"Agreed."  

No one had even noticed Jeeves' presence behind Foyle, the boy's diminutive stature blending in readily with any surroundings.  It didn't help much that he said so little, but that had long been his intent.  Content to stay in the background, Jeeves' older sister, Miri, inevitably took centre stage.  But she'd stayed cooped up with Quaestor since her rescue.  Not that anyone would blame her for it.  That left him to his own devices and in need of new meat shields.  Already drafted into Firm Anima by proxy, the guild's fledgling librarian was occasionally forced into the field by his captain, far more frequently of late.  Jeeves hadn't yet deciphered why, but was busy working out the puzzle.

"Guild records are very detailed regarding this particular mob.  It also unlocks a valuable tactical skill, if I recall.  Can we assume this is the reason for our participation." Like Foyle, he too had come ill-prepared.  The difference was that Jeeves simply didn't care.

***

Jeeves | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 7 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3

Spoiler

Jeeves, The Subtle Servant
Level: 6
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 120/120
EN: 30/30

Stats:
Damage: 7
Accuracy: 3
Loot Dice: 3

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: Pestle Pick | DMG 3
Armor: Dioscuri | ACC 3
Misc: Music Box | LD 3

Combat Mastery: - 
Combat Shift: -
Familiar Skill: -
Custom Skill: -

Skills:
Dagger R1

Active Mods:

Inactive Mods:

Addons:

Active Extra Skills:

Inactive Extra Skills:

Battle Ready Inventory:
Starter Healing Potions (50 HP) x3

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

Gathering: Level 0 | 0XP

 

Edited October 14 by Jeeves

[Freyd 0]

A friendly nod in parting, directed towards Remington, and the three players were off.  Guided by their captain, they made their way to the main gates leading out of town.  Ramshackle, as was so much of this settlement, and indeed the entire floor, it was doubtful these redoubts could hold up against any form of organized attack.  They weren't meant to.  Animals were often the most dangerous hazard here.

"You're spot on, Jeeves.  Good for you for having done your homework."  Freyd didn't sound surprised in the slightest.  The younger lad was studious by nature.  What he needed was some field experience to balance out his book smarts.  "Shattering an opponent's armor is one of the most valuable skills you can access, particularly when running with full parties.  The math speaks for itself.  Knock a chink into the mob's defenses and watch your allies go crashing through."

A heavily armored knight approached them as they neared the gates, his heavily decorated armor looking more like it had been formed by layering on plants and then petrifying them in place.  The other two guards lazing by the gate snapped to attention the moment he appeared.

"Ah, Sewallus.  Good to see you again. You'll be looking to join us, I assume?"

"If you'll have me.  Of course."

"Wouldn't dream of proceeding without you."  Freyd knew it was an essential requirement for unlocking the skill, but wasn't about to insult a potential ally needlessly.

Edited August 20 by Freyd

[Foyle 0]

"It's an honour to have you along, Master Sewallus.  I understand that you're the captain of the local guard, is that correct?"  Sensing a potential future for himself as a scout, Foyle seized upon the opportunity to pick the NPC's 'brain' about the floor and general knowledge.  Freyd could be seen smirking in the background, having done the same in his earliest days.

"Interesting.  Can you tell us more about this beast we are hunting?"

"It lairs in a deep bowl, sunken into the forest floor and protected by the boughs and tangled roots of surrounding Egawa trees."  Foyle didn't recognize the species, but stayed silent, encouraged that he'd successfully gotten the man talking.

The two men led their party deeper into the woods, quickly developing a common interest, warily wandering towards their destination and careful not to embroil their group in any unnecessary distractions.  So long as bird chirped in the trees and tiny critters skittered beneath the undergrowth, the jungle remained relatively safe.

Edited August 21 by Foyle

[Jeeves 0]

Trudging along in silence, taking up the rear, Jeeves stopped occasionally to collect clippings or other samples of the local wildlife.  This place had potential, though wandering the wilderness alone would remain inadvisable until he could better develop his own talents.  The prototype potion launcher he was already developing would go a long way towards securing that goal - one among many objectives he was working on in secret.  

Making sure to maintain line of sight to the rest of the group, the various tools he'd developed for quick record keeping were proving their worth.  Adventuring was likely going to be an unavoidable bother, it seemed.  It only made sense to learn what he could while under escort.  

"GAH!"

Something brushed by his leg, skittering so quickly that it nearly scared him out of his wits.  The others turned instantly, weapons drawn and ready for trouble.

"It's nothing.  Nothing.  Something just ran across my boot.  We're fine."

A few gentle chuckles quelled the alarm, while Jeeves chastised himself for being so jumpy.

Edited October 14 by Jeeves

[Freyd 0]

"We're getting close," Sewallus cautioned, and Freyd concurred.  Despite being clad in impressive armor, its intricate design seemed too formal and ceremonial to his appraiser's eye.  He knew the main could take a hit or two, but not comparable to the scale and capacity of a true player.  The differences were just too vast, making him want to be sure that he could cover the NPC.  Or, should that prove impossible, take down the Monkey King as swiftly as possible.

A warning shout and crashing of trees to the left was all the time they had as the beast breached the tree line and charged into their clearing.  Acting on instinct, Freyd lunged and tumbled, gauging its gait correctly.  He came up and delivered his sword art right into the thing's chest, knocking it head over heels.  The great gorilla's head smashed against a nearby tree, dazing it and giving them a momentary reprieve to collect their wits.

***

Spoiler

Post Action | TECH-A (x12, 13 EN): 13 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 10 EN.  
Free Action [item] | Rhino Horn

ID #224183 | BD: 10 (Crit +3, Horn +3).  DMG (12*30=360-40=320).  vs Monkey King.  PVO applied, Blight applied.  Static applied. (CD 11 | ST-B Unlocked)

Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 146/156 (156-10) | DMG: 24 | MIT:45 | ACC:8 (inc. AA)  | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (1) | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | BLI: 32/-20  | STC: 40 | PARA-V | LD:6
Foyle | HP: 140/140 | EN: 32/32 | DMG: 1 
Jeeves | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 7 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3
Sewallus | HP: 400/400 | DMG: 75 (100 on crit) | MIT: 50 | EVA: -1

• Florenthian Howl | Grants Sewallus +5 Hate against the Monkey King. Requires a Post Action. Sewallus will use this ability on his first turn, and every second post thereafter.
• Shatter | Upon a successful attack, reduce target's Mitigation by 15 before damage is calculated. This effect can stack up to three times. Shatter from outside sources will not increase the stack count, but will refresh the duration. Effect lasts three turns.

(3,0,0,0) Monkey King | HP: 330/650 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 60 (-20) | ACC: 2 | Paralyzed | Blight 32 (0/2) | Static 40 (0/2) (650-320)

• If a Tree Falls | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the Monkey King will pick up a large tree and throw it at the party.  This replaces the Monkey King's normal attack, automatically dealing 120 unmitigatable damage and inflicting stun to each target.

 

Edited October 7 by Freyd

[Foyle 0]

Grabbing Jeeves by the scruff and smothering him beneath his body as they dove behind a nearby log, Foyle's only impulse was to protect.  He knew he'd be useless in this fight, yet somehow kept wits enough about him to assess the threat and protect his counterpart.  

"Stay down, boy.  If we accidentally draw its attention, we're dead."  A wimpering cry might have been expected, or terror, even trembling.  Instead, Jeeves was calm, his bored expression unphased, other than a passing interest in some mushrooms he'd spotted growing under the log, and started collecting samples.  Though decidedly odd, it served their current needs.  It also told Foyle everything he needed to know about the kid's fight or flight reflex.  Either it was the former, which was good, or he had neither, which was very, very bad.

Trusting that the burgeoning alchemist would keep himself busy and relatively out of trouble, Foyle, spared himself a momentary glance to see how the battle was faring.

***

Spoiler

Post Action | None
Free Action | None

Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 146/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:45 | ACC:8 (inc. AA)  | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (1) | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | BLI: 32/-20  | STC: 40 | PARA-V | LD:6
Foyle | HP: 140/140 | EN: 32/32 | DMG: 1 
Jeeves | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 7 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3
Sewallus | HP: 400/400 | DMG: 75 (100 on crit) | MIT: 50 | EVA: -1

• Florenthian Howl | Grants Sewallus +5 Hate against the Monkey King. Requires a Post Action. Sewallus will use this ability on his first turn, and every second post thereafter.
• Shatter | Upon a successful attack, reduce target's Mitigation by 15 before damage is calculated. This effect can stack up to three times. Shatter from outside sources will not increase the stack count, but will refresh the duration. Effect lasts three turns.

(3,0,0,0) Monkey King | HP: 330/650 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 60 (-20) | ACC: 2 | Paralyzed | Blight 32 (0/2) | Static 40 (0/2) 

• If a Tree Falls | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the Monkey King will pick up a large tree and throw it at the party.  This replaces the Monkey King's normal attack, automatically dealing 120 unmitigatable damage and inflicting stun to each target.

 

Edited October 7 by Foyle

[Jeeves 0]

Grumbling to himself as he scraped samples of some particularly toxic fungus from the underside of their improvised barricade, Jeeves' only concern was the weight of the old man laying on top of him.  Fortunately, he was kinda used to getting tussled around by others, especially back on the ship, and had just learned to make the best of it, or at least work around it.  And tight spaces had never been a bother.  He was always the one being called on by Miri to crawl into some impossible tight access port or maintenance tunnel where none of the other crew could fit.  Tunnel rat, indeed.  He'd hated the moniker, at first, but eventually grew to appreciate the strangely indirect respect he earned by virtue of being 'useful'.  When things went south in SAO, Jeeves resigned himself to the same tactic.  He watched and learned, passing on what he could, and was doing the same even now.  He'd be as useful as might be required, if it got him what he wanted.

***

Jeeves' Action:

Spoiler

Post Action | None
Free Action | None

Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 146/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:45 | ACC:8 (inc. AA)  | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (1) | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | BLI: 32/-20  | STC: 40 | PARA-V | LD:6
Foyle | HP: 140/140 | EN: 32/32 | DMG: 1 
Jeeves | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 7 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3
Sewallus | HP: 400/400 | DMG: 75 (100 on crit) | MIT: 50 | EVA: -1

• Florenthian Howl | Grants Sewallus +5 Hate against the Monkey King. Requires a Post Action. Sewallus will use this ability on his first turn, and every second post thereafter.
• Shatter | Upon a successful attack, reduce target's Mitigation by 15 before damage is calculated. This effect can stack up to three times. Shatter from outside sources will not increase the stack count, but will refresh the duration. Effect lasts three turns.

(3,0,0,0) Monkey King | HP: 330/650 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 60 (-20) | ACC: 2 | Paralyzed | Blight 32 (0/2) | Static 40 (0/2) 

• If a Tree Falls | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the Monkey King will pick up a large tree and throw it at the party.  This replaces the Monkey King's normal attack, automatically dealing 120 unmitigatable damage and inflicting stun to each target.

Sewallus' Action:

Spoiler

Post Action | Florenthian Howl (+5 Hate)
Free Action | None

Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 146/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:45 | ACC:8 (inc. AA)  | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (1) | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | BLI: 32/-20  | STC: 40 | PARA-V | LD:6
Foyle | HP: 140/140 | EN: 32/32 | DMG: 1 
Jeeves | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 7 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3
Sewallus | HP: 400/400 | DMG: 75 (100 on crit) | MIT: 50 | EVA: -1

• Florenthian Howl | Grants Sewallus +5 Hate against the Monkey King. Requires a Post Action. Sewallus will use this ability on his first turn, and every second post thereafter.
• Shatter | Upon a successful attack, reduce target's Mitigation by 15 before damage is calculated. This effect can stack up to three times. Shatter from outside sources will not increase the stack count, but will refresh the duration. Effect lasts three turns.

(3,0,0,5) Monkey King | HP: 330/650 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 60 (-20) | ACC: 2 | Paralyzed | Blight 32 (0/2) | Static 40 (0/2) 

• If a Tree Falls | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the Monkey King will pick up a large tree and throw it at the party.  This replaces the Monkey King's normal attack, automatically dealing 120 unmitigatable damage and inflicting stun to each target.

Enemy Action:

Spoiler

Monkey King takes 32 unmit damage from Blight
Monkey King takes 40 unmit damage from Static

Post Action | None [Paralyzed]
Free Action | None

Paralyze fades.

Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 146/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:45 | ACC:8 (inc. AA)  | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (1) | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | BLI: 32/-20  | STC: 40 | PARA-V | LD:6
Foyle | HP: 140/140 | EN: 32/32 | DMG: 1 
Jeeves | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 7 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3
Sewallus | HP: 400/400 | DMG: 75 (100 on crit) | MIT: 50 | EVA: -1

• Florenthian Howl | Grants Sewallus +5 Hate against the Monkey King. Requires a Post Action. Sewallus will use this ability on his first turn, and every second post thereafter.
• Shatter | Upon a successful attack, reduce target's Mitigation by 15 before damage is calculated. This effect can stack up to three times. Shatter from outside sources will not increase the stack count, but will refresh the duration. Effect lasts three turns.

(3,0,0,5) Monkey King | HP: 330/650 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 60 (-20) | ACC: 2 | Paralyzed | Blight 32 (1/2) | Static 40 (1/2) 

• If a Tree Falls | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the Monkey King will pick up a large tree and throw it at the party.  This replaces the Monkey King's normal attack, automatically dealing 120 unmitigatable damage and inflicting stun to each target.

 

Edited October 7 by Jeeves

[Freyd 0]

Their wards had gone to ground, which took them out of the immediate equation and satisfied his immediate concerns.  About to rip into the mob's shadow to taunt and call its anger unto himself, Freyd's efforts were undermined by Sewallus breaking out into some weird elven dirge.  Whatever the significance, it was also enough to rouse their enemy from its daze.  Ripping the same tree its head had impacted out of the ground, the Monkey King roared 

"Oh, fuck.  They gave this thing its AoE back?  Or maybe its just an unlucky trigger"  Freyd vaguely recalled that it once had such a power, but so much had changed after Shadow's flood that he couldn't be certain anymore.  Not worth chancing, he pressed his initial assault, favoring a strong offense and a roll of the dice.  Fortune smiled.  Unleashing his sword art in the form of a furious kata that shattered and broke the boss' avatar with overwhelming power, the Monkey King simply dissolved under the weight of the Whisper's attack.

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN
CD 3 (No REC proc) ID #224194

Post Action | ST-B (x20, 20 EN): 20 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 17 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #224193 | BD:5+8=13 (hit).  DMG (20*24=480-60=420) vs. Monkey King.  Dies.

Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 133/156 (146+4-17) | DMG: 24 | MIT:45 | ACC:8 (inc. AA)  | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (1) | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | BLI: 32/-20  | STC: 40 | PARA-V | LD:6
Foyle | HP: 140/140 | EN: 32/32 | DMG: 1 
Jeeves | HP: 120/120 | EN: 30/30 | DMG: 7 | ACC: 3 | LD: 3
Sewallus | HP: 400/400 | DMG: 75 (100 on crit) | MIT: 50 | EVA: -1

• Florenthian Howl | Grants Sewallus +5 Hate against the Monkey King. Requires a Post Action. Sewallus will use this ability on his first turn, and every second post thereafter.
• Shatter | Upon a successful attack, reduce target's Mitigation by 15 before damage is calculated. This effect can stack up to three times. Shatter from outside sources will not increase the stack count, but will refresh the duration. Effect lasts three turns.

(5,0,0,5) Monkey King | HP: 0/650 (330-420) | DMG: 150 | MIT: 60 (-20) | ACC: 2 | Paralyzed | Blight 32 (1/2) | Static 40 (1/2) 

• If a Tree Falls | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the Monkey King will pick up a large tree and throw it at the party.  This replaces the Monkey King's normal attack, automatically dealing 120 unmitigatable damage and inflicting stun to each target.

Loot Monkey King: ID #224195 | LD: 11+6+1=18 | CD: 7
+4 materials (+4 CD/LD odd)
2048 col (HP[650]*3, +5% Col Deposit)
T4 Rare Consumable 224195a
T4 Rare Armor/Shield 224195b
 

Edited October 7 by Freyd

[Foyle 0]

"Are you alright," Foyle asked his more diminutive companion, receiving only a disdainful glare in response.  Pursing his lips, the older man said nothing more about the youth's ill temper and poor manners, preferring to extricate them both from cover and regroup with Freyd and Sewallus.

"So.. that went well?"  Combat was still new to him, and lacking context of familiarity with such games possessed by most of Aincrad's other denizens, he could only assume.

Freyd nodded, the hints of a grin satisfying the curl of his lips.  

"You seemed troubled for a bit, at first.  What was that 'Ayoii' thing you mentioned."

Jeeves rolled his eyes, only just emerging from his gathering spot.  Sewallus stared blankly at the surrounding trees, and Freyd just chuckled.

"It's an acronym for area of effect," Freyd explained patiently, being aware of the man's technological plight and glad to help fill in blanks wherever possible.  "Some mobs - creatures - will make attacks that target groups or areas.  Had this one possessed such an attack, it could have posed a threat to you and Jeeves.  Fortunately, it did not, even though I think it once did?  Maybe it only triggers under certain circumstances?"  

Edited October 14 by Foyle

[Jeeves 0]

This old fool won't survive if he can't even figure out what can kill him.

Not a word spoken aloud, Jeeves simply finished storing the samples he'd collected, electing not to participate in their conversation.  Freyd could play at PR while he did more important things than coddling a useless old codger.  Tuning our from the day's latest dissertation on basic game mechanics, he surveyed his gear again, checking that nothing had been jarred, broken, or worse: mis-calibrated.  Jeeves spent far too much time designing and meticulously fabricating his regalia to have it damaged by inconvenient oafs choosing to flatten themselves atop him.  Fortunately, everything looked fine, and stains from his clothes could be removed with the appropriate crystal or system actions at a later date.  He really didn't miss doing laundry, and was actively working at solutions to address the system's few lingering tedious chores.  Automation was so much more efficient and provided him time he needed for more crucial endeavors.

Edited October 14 by Jeeves

[Freyd 0]

"That should cover the essentials, but we'll make time to go over the rest."  A supportive pat on Foyle's shoulder earned him a grunting gratitude.  The older man was appreciative, just out of his depths in this world.  But, it had taken the persistent effort of Freyd's closest friends to help him find a person inside himself.  There was a certain karmic catharsis to him helping someone else learn to navigate the system's more technical parts.  Maybe that was why he'd conjured up the idea of the Sharkbait Training Program in the first place?

"We shouldn't linger."  Sewallus.  The dour-faced elf was a buzz-kill at the best of time, probably lacking enough AI development due to people avoiding interaction.  Dude was kinda stiff, and more of a mechanical liability to their quest than a true benefit.  Maybe he's here to offer help to support builds?  That might actually track.

"Agreed.  The Monkey King will likely return in time, but this place harbours many other dangers.  Please lead the way."

Edited October 14 by Freyd

[Foyle 0]

It would take time, Foyle finally forced himself to admit, paired with the realization that he had no greater notion of how much time remained to him here, any more than he did in the real world.  He'd made peace with that notion out there.  Surely, he could do the same in here, with a positive outlook.  She might still be in here, waiting to be found.

The very thought of reunion with his grand-daughter had kept him mentally afloat this long, like a life preserver made of calcified hope.  It would be enough.  It had to be.  Following the others as they made their return trek towards Ellesmera, he found himself staring silently at their elven escort's exquisite armor.  Its impractical bulk and ceremonial appearance did  little to hamper the NPC's mobility.  He'd been warned about assuming real life physics applied here.  'Coding is King', he'd once been told by a random player in the Town of Beginnings. Programming had never really been his thing.  Foyle was a more of a grease monkey at heart, but everything in life was interfacing with digital electronics these days.  Hardly a luddite, he just wasn't familiar enough with all the rationale and tropes this world followed to intuit its implementations.  Yet.

Edited October 14 by Foyle

[Jeeves 0]

"This place is a gold mine... uh... for herbs and biological samples," Jeeves quickly added.  He might have filled his pockets to bursting if inventory space wasn't infinite and he'd been given enough time.  The rest of the party kept a brisk pace, as if preferring not to get caught in the wilderness once night fell.  Here was thinking he could actually respect, though he'd already made extensive notes on the potential inherent to the small selection of flora and fauna they'd already encountered.

"The forest's blessings are vast and bountiful," Sewallus replied in a stilted, pedantic tone.  Pre-programmed response?  Check.  

"Are you familiar with locations where I could find nightshade and everbloom?"  It was an off the cuff question, probing general knowledge, but his eyes nearly bulged through his goggles when the elf provided actual coordinates.  Had he actually stumbled on a shortcut to finding the resource he required?

"What about... ummm... Brakilite?"  Testing the boundaries seemed prudent.

"I cannot help you there.  Is that some sort of mineral?  Maybe try a different settlement?"

Drat.  Okay, so there are limits.

Edited October 14 by Jeeves

[Freyd 0]

Jeeves' line of questioning perked the Whisper's interest, especially given Sawallus' responses.  A shared glance between them, from the corners of both their eyes, confirmed that they'd both noted the potential value of the information provided.  It would have gone over Foyle's head anyway, but was definitely worth discretion and filing away for later use.  Freyd had many, many different sources of data at his disposal.  Adding more was never a bad thing, especially if they came with a greater degree of certainty and accuracy than more common fare.  Players, for example, could be the most and least useful, all at once.  Brokers were often the worst, each trying to extort you for what might actually benefit them if they'd just let you help them by sharing in the first place.

A quick message, discreetly prepared and sent to his fellow operative elicited a rare and mischievous smile from the man.  Freyd knew full well there was no mere boy behind those goggles, and had no intention of treating him other than as he desired.  Plans were already being made.

Edited October 14 by Freyd

[Foyle 0]

Sewallus called a momentary halt to their progress, silently pointing out a series of fresh tracks crossing their path.  This part of the floor was lightly traveled and lacking in proper trails, with much of its terrain undulating beneath what otherwise seemed like a uniform tree canopy.  

"Some sort of large cat?"  Foyle kept his voice low, drawing a confirming nod of approval from their guide, who pointed at its direction of travel and urged them along a different route.

"You catch on quickly.  Are you a hunter by training?"  

The elf's question caught him off guard, not having expected this sort of banter, though Foyle wasn't sure why.  

"I haven't hunted since I was a boy, but I suppose it might be worth revisiting.  Is archery an option here?"

Grinning slyly, aware of the recently added mechanic, Freyd nodded in the affirmative.

"Then maybe I should be a hunter again."  A spark was lit behind the old man's eyes.  This, he knew he could do.

Edited October 14 by Foyle

[Jeeves 0]

Jeeves was too busy scheming how he could industrialize gathering and production across the entirety of Aincrad to be concerned about some stray cat that may or may not be in their way.  He had people for that.  Well, not exactly 'had', but the others were here to take care of the more mundane details.  His interests were elsewhere and on a much grander scale.  Zeal fostered adrenaline to flow.  Ideas soon became a flood that soon had his inner voice laughing maniacally.  

"This could work," he mumbled to himself, too quietly for the others to hear, barely above a whisper.  Freyd's glance and message had not surprised him.  Their captain was far from the thug some supposed him to be.  Quaestor and Miri seemed completely fooled, and he was content to let them be.  They'd overlooked him for years, well before getting trapped in this hell hole.  It served his purpose to let them continue to do so.

Edited October 14 by Jeeves

[Freyd 0]

"There.  Border stones.  The sentinels should keep stray beasts at bay beyond this point, though we shouldn't lower our guard."

Sewallus concurred, appreciating how Freyd recognized his people's customs and symbols.  Guiding back to the main road through this area, it was really more of a well-worn trail.  The elves used few wagons and other vehicles, and trouble with the Treants made mass travel or carting of goods too tempting a target.  

"Foyle.  Jeeves.  You're both valued additions to the O&I team.  This will likely be the first of many training missions we'll need to undertake, and you both did well today."

Foyle looked about to humbly protest, but was cut off with a gesture.

"Participation happens in many ways.  Watching and learning are the fundamentals of what we do, and I'd say you both learned something on that front.  Keep at it.  Develop your skills.  Find your own specialties and talents.  Refine them.  We need them, and you, at your best.  Tell me what you require and I will help provide.  Good work today."

Edited October 14 by Freyd

[Foyle 0]

Humility required that he protest, but Foyle was not about to gainsay his captain.  Few were more experienced in the ways of this world's workings, and he truly appreciated the aid.  Sewallus had even offered to have him join the elven scouts in their next foray, once he found himself some gear.  The offer was generous, appealing, and quickly accepted.

"Thank you all," he finally added.  "I still feel like quite the stranger in this world, but you've all helped me find a path to making it more bearable, perhaps even towards finding my way through it.  It's a treasured gift that I look forward to repaying with better service in the future." A short but sincere bow was offered to the group.  

Jeeves looked up, his eyes magnified to ridiculous size by his goggles, compounded with a general sense of confusion.  He'd been too lost in thought to follow the conversation and just smiled awkwardly to pretend like he knew what was going on.

Edited October 14 by Foyle