[PP-F8] Monkeying Around | <<Monkey King>>

[Morningstar 0]

Quest

Six kilograms of vanilla.

Was that not overkill?

Who was this even for?

One farmer in Florenthia had what he was looking for. Uprooted by war, she had settled in a small hut at the edge of the town, where she raised and sold odd plants. The climate allowed for vanilla, and so she grew lots.

"Six kilograms, please," Morningstar placed a lumpy bag of col on the counter.

"Of which variety?" The farmer asked.

Star was stumped. "Uh... What are my options?"

"Great Tailed Deer Vanilla or Baobab Vanilla."

"Baobab, I guess."

That wasn't so hard. He left the farmhouse with an even lumpier bag of orchids. They needed to be properly prepared before they could be used as ingredients, but he would let Kingsley figure that part out. He followed the dirt path back through the town, smiling at the elf and treant villagers he passed. He liked this little settlement. It was so far off from the conflicts of the rest of the floor, and seeing the coexistence of two groups was heartwarming.

It wasn't often he found himself in Florenthia. It was time he paid a visit to Remington, the zoologist. It had been a long time.

  

| MORNINGSTAR  | Lv. 63 >> P. 30, Lv. 33  | Status: [ ooo oo aaa aa ]  Notes:  //

Hide contents Morningstar | HP: 780/780 | EN: 116/116 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 4 | BH: 43 | LD: 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 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) SURVIVAL FORGOTTEN KING'S AUTHORITY LADY LUCK DISGUISE PHOTOSYNTHESIS data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs   Hide contents statue # | # consumables # # 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==

 

[Pinball 1]

It had been a long time since he'd worn his leathers instead of his old, tattered cloak. He felt naked without a hood over his head. Despite his best efforts to remain conspicuous, old habits died hard. He stuck to the shade the best he could, avoiding gazes like they were something to be feared. And maybe they were. 

A breeze swept through the forest and he shivered. Pinball made a mental note to commission a new cloak before he went home tonight. 

Things had changed. Quests were different, there were new rewards -- and if he wanted to keep up, it meant he had to take a couple trips down memory lane. How fun was that? With a dreary expression, he set his eyes back on the cozy scattering of Florenthian homes. He had to find a man named Remington. The name Remington didn't ring a bell, but the quest's did; somewhere on the eighth floor, he was going to have to fight a giant monkey. 

                                                                    

Player Stats: 

Spoiler

Level: 33 (Paragon Level 38)
Health: 800 | Energy: 118
DMG: 20  | ACC: 3  | EVA: 3  | BH: 44

Skills:

Combat Skills:
► Battle Healing [30/30]
► Energist [8/8]
► Combat Mastery: Damage [13/13]

Weapon Skills:
► Thrown Weapons [30/30] 

Utility Skills:
► Quick Change [8/8] 

Extra Skills:
► Disguise
► Survival
► Hiding [30/30]

Familiar Skill: 
► Rending Familiar [10/10]

Armor Skills:
►N/A

Modifiers:
► Sneak Attack: Trickster 
► Vanish 
► Emergency Recovery
► Untraceable

Miscellaneous: 
► +1 LD to Searching, Lockpicking, Treasure Chests (Paragon) 
► Earn Col Equivalent to 15% of player’s EXP earned in a thread (Paragon) 

Inventory:
»[Equipped] [Demonic] Cold Fervor: +2 Freeze, Phase, Cursed 
»[Equipped] [Perfect] Warrior’s Focus: +3 ACC
»[Equipped] [Perfect] Dragon Skin: +3 EVA 

Battle Ready: 
» [2x] Teleportation Crystal 
» [x5] Lacrimosa - HP Recovery III Crystal {Instant}
» [Demonic TW] Hellfire: Burn, Bleed, Blight, Cursed
» [Demonic TW] Astral Blade: Holy, Fallen, Phase, Damage

 

Edited August 12 by Pinball

[Morningstar 0]

Remington did most of his work in a large white tent near the center of town. As Florenthia's zoologist, it was his job to catalog and study the local wildlife. Deer, firefoxes, rare fauna. He had data on every known species on the Fourth Floor. That was the reason he and Morningstar had met in the first place. His expansive research included that of the Monkey King, and the two of them, alongside a Florenthian guard, had worked together to hunt the creature.

Star had come back on a few expeditions into the Fourth's forest since then, and challenged the King on multiple occasions. He rarely had the time to stop by and visit his old acquaintances, though. He ducked through the tent door and saw the white-haired NPC at the far end, in a wooden chair. His nose was deep in a book that looked to be a non-fictional piece about the Great Tree.

Star cleared his throat, and Remington did a double take.

"Morningstar? It is you! How long's it been?"

"Days; months; years. Who knows? You've been well, I take it?"

"Still kicking," Remington smiled. "Still learning. What brings you back to Florenthia?"

"Grocery shopping," Star replied, holding out his heavy bag. "Thought I'd stop by for a quick visit."

[Pinball 1]

Throwing weapons were now a thing (thanks, Cardinal) and after some deliberation, Pinball had swapped over. He wasn't entirely sure why - a sword did him just fine anyway - but he had an idea. He remembered when he was stuck in the starting city, doing flashy tricks with a dagger had been his shameless little way to make a bit of extra cash. He'd made the swap over to a two-handed spear afterwards, and then a one-handed sword long after that. In a way it was nice to think about how some things came full circle. It kept him grounded. It was the little things that did. 

As he approached, he watched as a man had entered the tent and found himself wondering if he just shouldn't come later. He decided that it'd be a waste of time if he did. He just hoped that whoever entered the tent wasn't immediately on edge when he caught sight of the telltale orange cursor. It probably didn't help that he always looked so gloomy, either. He grasped the tent's front flap and tried to put on a warm expression. He failed miserably. 

"Excuse me," he said. His voice was low and caught in his throat when he found them mid-discussion. "Sorry. I'm here for the monkey." 

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar noticed the orange cursor first. It was a peaceful town with a small team of guards. It was no wonder he was able to get in without being arrested. Remington didn't appear to be afraid of the player, but was definitely on edge. His previously chatty attitude was replaced with seriousness. Succinctly, he explained the details of the quest. He explained that all the player needed to do was wander off into the forest, and the Monkey King would do the rest.

"You don't find him," Remington said. "He finds you."

Star was only half listening. He was more interested in the criminal who had wandered in than the big monkey. In his head, he was busy racking over the crimes he could have committed. Theft? Maybe. A little boring. Murder? He would have been surprised. Was drinking and horseback riding a crime?

"Need a hand?" Morningstar asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

[Pinball 1]

The vibes shifted immediately. That was okay. He'd expected it. Pinball kept his eyes politely on Remington, only nodding politely at the other player in the room briefly. Pinball was only half listening. He was more interested in getting out and on his way again as soon as possible. It was the usual quest mumbo jumbo anyways. Some beast was rampaging in the countryside, disturbing the floor's natural ecosystem and laying waste to any passerbys. The man finished his speech by warning him that he wouldn't find the beast, the beast would find him. 

Pinball was quick to exit. "Understood. Thanks."

As he turned to leave, the player in the tent asked if he needed help. 

He probably didn't -- it was a low floor, and from what he remembered of the original quest, it was bound to be pretty straightforward. But something in him gave him pause, made him hesitate -- and after a moment's thought, he looked back at Morningstar and nodded. "Sure." 

[Morningstar 0]

The stranger was quiet, and so was their walk to Florenthia's gate. Star didn't push for conversation, although he was rather interested in it. Instead, he spent the time coming up with a way to get his new acquaintance out of the city. Sewallus was on guard duty, and unfortunately he was their next checkpoint. "Might be best if you wait here," Morningstar said, gesturing to the armed guard standing at their exit. "Orange cursor and all."

Alone, he approached his old friend. "Sewallus."

"Morningstar," the elf looked surprised. "Back again so soon? You're not hunting the Monkey King, are you?"

"Just so happens I am. Come along?"

Sewallus stared up at the sky, as if reading the sun like a clock. "I'll have someone take my place here."

Morningstar nodded. "Listen, could you do me a favor? I'm with a guy who's... not particularly favored by the law."

"Meaning?"

"He's definitely committed crimes," Star explained, elongating his vowels and hoping it came out better than it sounded in his head.

"What? And you brought him into the city?"

"No! He was already in here when I met him."

"What!?"

"Anyway," Morningstar attempted to hush the conversation, "would you mind letting him out of Florenthia without any trouble?"

Sewallus scoffed, but conceded after some thought. "Fine. Just this once, Morningstar."

With a smile, Star thanked the guard. He waved to the stranger to join them, now that he could confirm that no arrests would be made.

[Pinball 1]

Their walk to the gate was silent. Pinball didn't initiate conversation (he rarely ever did), and neither did Morningstar. He trailed behind him at a respectful distance, once again feeling naked without a hood over his head. He felt the eyes on him. Even if they were NPCs, the act of being seen set off alarm bells in his head. Run, run, hide. Wasn't that a depressing thought? But he didn't run, and he didn't hide. For one reason or another, he didn't want to risk incriminating himself in front of this person. The fact that he cared even a little bit about something like that was also a little confusing. Maybe it was best if he didn't dwell on it. 

"Might be best if you wait here," Morningstar said, gesturing to the armed guard standing at their exit. "Orange cursor and all."

Pinball stared at him for a moment. "Oh," he finally said, "sure." 

For a second he'd almost forgotten to reply. Was he that bad at talking to people? He stood there and he waited. He ignored the stares. He resisted the urge to slink off into the shade. He waited. 

[Morningstar 0]

Star jogged back over to Pinball, their exit secured. "You're good. Sewallus has agreed not to attack you. Can't say the same for anyone else though," he glanced about at the onlookers and passersby. "We should be quick." 

---

In the forest, away from prying eyes, they hunted the Monkey King. Their escort stood far behind them, keeping a close eye on the criminal. Morningstar felt none of the tenseness that Sewallus was experiencing, going so far as to confront Pinball directly.

"So, what'd you do?" He asked, assuming that the context was obvious.

He didn't mean to pry—except he sort of did. Orange players in general were a rarity. To find one sneaking into a safe zone... well, that was one in a million. He had run it through his mind a few times, what it would take to go orange himself. For a permanent floating diamond, quite a lot, he concluded.

[Pinball 1]

Pinball nodded. He didn't have anything else to add. They left the village in a hurry, and he was probably better off for it, too. 

--- 

They walked in silence for some time. They were hunting the Monkey King. Or the Monkey King was hunting them, apparently. He supposed it was only a matter of time. Pinball kept a respectful distance from the both of them, but he couldn't help but notice the tension in the guard's face. And the lack thereof in the player's, for that matter. Pinball's eyes were locked straight ahead. He waited for the question to come. Eventually it did. 

And he didn't sugarcoat his answer. He looked at him dead in the face and said it: "I killed people." 

His eyes returned to the road. A second passed. "Some deserved it. Most didn't." 

He let another couple seconds pass. 

"If you try taking me out or taking me in," he said to the both of them, "I'll run away. Really fast." 

[Morningstar 0]

Sewallus grumbled something inaudible, while Morningstar simply listened. Revelations of the mystery behind Pinball's cursor made him all the more interesting. He raised his hands in surrender. "Hey, I'm an unbiased spectator. I won't try anything."

Actually, he was surprised that Pinball hadn't tried anything. Maybe it was because they outnumbered him, or maybe it was because he was more complicated than he appeared on paper. Driving his hands into his pockets, Morningstar prodded some more. "So what are you?" He asked. "A serial killer? Accidental murderer? Vigilante gone wrong?"

He realized the outlandishness of the inquiry, but stuck with it. In truth, he wanted to know if Sewallus was correct in wanting to apprehend the man. Ethically, he should have felt obligated to stop the player killer in his tracks and try for an arrest or a duel—some way to put a stop to him once and for all. The guard would have told him that it was his duty as a citizen. Morningstar knew that it wasn't so black and white.

[Pinball 1]

He'd never been asked these things so blatantly before. He would've thought it'd make him uncomfortable. That he'd squirm under the dissection. Maybe, on a different day, he would have. Today, he almost got a sense of relief in laying it all bare. 

"A serial killer gone soft, I guess," he responded dryly. Outlandish answers for outlandish questions -- Pinball found himself thinking he might actually prefer it that way. "Though you could maybe call the first time an accident. It's hard to remember when I'm awake. I just say it wasn't." In his dreams, he got front row seats to that movie. All its sequels, too. 

Pinball could practically feel Sewallus blistering with rage behind him. Hopefully it didn't interfere with the quest. 

"I'm not going to bother you, or anyone else. I just want to kill this monkey," he said, this time to Sewallus, "and then I'll leave." 

His eyes went back to the path ahead of them, and his mind went elsewhere. Maybe it was because Morningstar was a complete stranger -- like he said, he was an unbiased spectator -- that he was able to answer these questions so easily. In fact, a part of him wanted to answer them. He was quiet for another moment before he spoke again. 

"If you've got any more questions, I'll answer them." 

[Morningstar 0]

"Oh, a million," he said, racking through questions in his head. "But, where to start?"

He wanted to know about the difficulties of living as an orange player, his motivations for killing, why he had chosen the name Pinball, how many names he had under his belt, et cetera, et cetera. "Does 'going soft' mean you've stopped?"

It seemed as good a place to begin as any. Sewallus didn't think so. "Morningstar, enough," The guard drew a longsword, and pointed it at the player killer's back. "I cannot stand by and allow this man to walk around freely. He has confessed to his crimes. We must apprehend him at once!"

"Sewallus-"

"No! He is a danger to us both, and to the people of my home! Do you think we can just let him go because he's decided to turn over a new leaf? What about the people he killed? What about justice for them?"

Morningstar wanted to fight his points, but couldn't find a rational argument to throw back. He stood between the two, and glanced at Pinball hesitantly. He knew that his friend was right, but what was he supposed to do? Strike down a man who, for all he knew, wanted redemption?

"We mustn't let him leave, Morningstar," Sewallus pleaded.

[Pinball 1]

"Yeah," he replied. "Pretty much." Or at least, as far as he knew. He had no desire to kill anybody. He had no reason to. He hated the thought of it. He'd quite nearly gone completely pacifist, at one point, and he probably would have stayed that way, too, if life in Aincrad wasn't so dangerous. Would he kill again in the future? 

He didn't think so. 

But Sewallus had reached his breaking point. In an outrage, he drew his weapon and pointed it at his back, demanding he be apprehended. He spoke of justice for the people that he'd killed. Pinball stopped and turned around to face him, his cold blue eyes only briefly stopping on the blade now pointed at his chest. 

"I could have avoided all of this pretty easily. I could turn my crystal green again. Act like none of it ever happened. Trick myself into believing that I'm a changed man. Redeemed. I'm not gonna. There's no coming back from it, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise.

"And that's what makes me so fucking sick. Eighteen dead by the hands of frontliners. That's current. Not a single orange crystal between them. Self-defense, surely. Somehow I doubt there were eighteen killers chomping at the bit to try and take out some of the most well-known players in the game. Even if it was self-defense, you don't see any of them losing any sleep over it. I hate them. And everyone like them.  Every single person in this game that treats taking a person's life like it's a forgivable thing. That's what's so messed up about your life being plainly measured in numbers and percentages: you can't accidentally kill someone." 

Guess he answered Morningstar's first question a little better. Somewhere in the back of his mind Pinball registered the fact that this was probably the most he'd spoken at once in a very long time. First time he'd gotten anywhere near as emotional, too. But he continued. "I want justice too. For the people I've killed. I try to do my best by them every single day. But I'm still here for a reason. I want justice for every single person whose name is etched onto that stupid wall on the First. I’m going to see to it personally. ‘Cause we’re all going to hell. I’m just gonna be the one holding the door.” 

It was at that point he realized that half of what he said probably didn't make sense to Sewallus, being an NPC -- and if that was obvious in his face, or he seemed even more aggressive following these harsh declarations, Pinball would just click his tongue. "Oh, whatever." He'd jump several feet backwards, away from the two, producing a pair of icy knives. He'd said he'd run, and he'd make good on that promise. 

Edited August 13 by Pinball

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar couldn't tell if any of Pinball's words were getting through to Sewallus. He was a city guard, designed to put a stop to that which had the potential to harm his home. Was it even possible for him to reconsider? To look the thing he hated most in the eyes and show mercy?

The guard's hands shook with indecision. His eyes were locked on Morningstar's, waiting for the swordsman to take his side. But Star's blade remained sheathed. He chose neutrality, unwilling to draw on either of the two. There was no right answer, no happy ending. No matter the side he took, he would create an enemy of the other.

The choice was taken from him altogether when the King made its move. They couldn't have known how long the beast had tracked them. It hid itself in the high treetops, only revealing itself at the height of their distraction. It was almost as if it knew that the trio had divided.

It dropped to the ground with a crash, leaving a crater in its wake. Without a second's hesitation, Morningstar's blade was in hand. Sewallus let out a roar, writhing with fury and malice. For a moment, they set aside their differences and aimed their sights at the bloodthirsty Monkey King.

Star had fought the beast on enough occasions to know the pattern of its attacks. He weaved around two quick openhanded slams and slashed across the King's torso with golden flare. It tried to fight back, but numbness took control of its enormous body and it fell to the dirt, unable to move.

Spoiler

Sewallus activates Florenthian Howl and gains +5 Hate

POST ACTION | TECH-A
FREE ACTION | 

ID225973 | bd4+5=9 | -> Monkey King

23 * 16  = 368 DMG
368 - 60 = 308 DMG

16-2-1 = 13 EN

(1,0,5) Monkey King | HP: 342/650 (650-308) | DMG: 150 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 2 | STUNNED | StunImm[P]: 0/3

• 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.

Morningstar | HP: 780/780 | EN: 103/116 (116-13) | DMG: 23 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 4 | BH: 43 | LD: 6 | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN
Pinball | HP: 800/800 | EN: 118/118 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 44 | FRZ: 64 | PHASE
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.

 

[Pinball 1]

The beast descended upon them and Pinball found himself glad for it. It landed with enough force to cause the ground to tremble, but Morningstar leapt straight into action. He weaved expertly between the Monkey King's attacks, moving with a predetermined swiftness Pinball could only assume came from extreme confidence in his own abilities -- or maybe he just did this quest a lot, for some reason. Morningstar's blade struck true, and the Monkey King collapsed, stunned and immobile. 

He whirled a dagger into his hand -- a different one, this time -- and let it fly. With a resounding crack the knife pierced the Monkey King's skull. There was a brief moment of silence before the Monkey King exploded into billions of crystalline fragments, and a pop up menu declared his rewards from the completed quest. Pinball straightened himself. That was that. 

He almost felt lighter. It almost made him want to smile. Almost. There was something about getting his thoughts off his chest after keeping them in his head for years unvoiced that took a weight off his shoulders. He realized that he probably came off to Morningstar as a manic lunatic, raging at an NPC like that, but it was whatever. It wasn't like he was ever going to see him again. 

"Well, thanks for letting me complain a bit." Pinball offered an awkard little wave and began to walk away. "Goodbye."

Spoiler

FREE ACTION | Quick Change: {Cold Fervor} -> {Astral Blade}
POST ACTION | TECH-B {Well Rested}

ID225987 | bd10 | -> Monkey King

20+8+2= 30*16= 480-60/2= 450 DMG to Monkey King

(1,0,5) Monkey King | HP: 0/650 (342-450) | DMG: 150 | MIT: 60 | ACC: 2 | STUNNED | StunImm[P]: 0/3

• 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.

Morningstar | HP: 780/780 | EN: 103/116 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 4 | BH: 43 | LD: 6 | REC: 4 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN
Pinball | HP: 800/800 | EN: 106/118 | DMG: 20  | ACC: 4  | EVA: 3  | BH: 44 | FLN: 8 | HLY: 8 | Phase
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.

 

Edited August 14 by Pinball

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar was taken aback by the knife that zipped past him. Throwing daggers; another peculiarity. With the Monkey King out of the way, they were left as three once more. Sewallus stepped forward to intercept Pinball, but Star placed his hand on the guard's shoulder, prepared to thwart him by force.

Something stopped him from chasing after Pinball, from hunting him down like he would any other player killer. Maybe it was the hint of regret he thought he caught behind the man's eyes. Maybe he was simply wrong. He had made his choice, though, and against his will, he would make Sewallus' as well. The guard backed down, probably realizing that he stood no chance against either of the players, if it came down to it.

The elf turned away, marching in the direction of home. Star let loose an exasperated sigh, knowing that he had damaged a perfectly fine friendship. They could argue about it later.

"Hey man," he said, before Pinball was able to get too far. "I agree that killing innocent people isn't forgivable, and I don't know if turning over a new leaf is really possible. If you need a hand, though—well, I'll be around. Come and find me."

[Pinball 1]

Sewallus marched away. Morningstar didn't seem to want to pursue him. That made things a lot easier. He started to pick up the pace, now that he was off the hook -- but Morningstar called after him, and Pinball paused. 

There was something about the man that was uniquely tolerable... and maybe that was that he seemed fairly tolerant. It was definitely a breath of fresh air. There weren't many people he could talk to, other than Mishiro and sometimes Bahr. Most people, NPCs included, would act either (understandably) incredibly wary of his presence, or in rarer cases, just outright attack him. Morningstar had done neither. Regardless of what Morningstar may or may not think of him, Pinball appreciated that. And he found it surprisingly easy to express as much. 

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." He nodded and spun on his heel. 

Maybe they would meet again at some point. 

[Morningstar 0]

With Pinball gone, Morningstar followed after Sewallus, keeping his distance. They didn't speak until they were back in Florenthia. The guard was much calmer than he had been in the forest. He spoke surely, and without rage. He was put-together.

"That was a mistake," Sewallus assured.

"Maybe," Morningstar responded, a shadow of doubt in his voice.

Sewallus stopped walking, turning to face Morningstar fully. His eyes were clear and focused, and his words were matter-of-fact. "If he kills again, the responsibility will fall on you. What will you do then?"

Star met his gaze. He did not hesitate when answering the heavy question. He already knew the answer. "What needs to be done," he said firmly. Sewallus held their eye contact for a moment longer, searching for something in Morningstar's eyes. Whatever he found—or didn't find—seemed to satisfy him. With a slight nod, he turned away, and resumed his watch over the city.

[Pinball 1]

Pinball disappeared in the wilderness of Floor 8, his footsteps quiet on soft earth. He twirled daggers between his fingers absentmindedly, tossing them this way and that like a juggler. His mind was completely elsewhere. He walked for about half an hour before coming to a stop at the foot of a giant tree trunk. He stowed his knives and took a seat between the roots. With a flick of his wrist, his menu appeared before him. Pinball swiped through the menus and retrieved a large, leatherbound journal from his inventory, and something to write with. 

He flipped through the pages. They were old, worn, dark from years of use. Some pages were falling apart, and others were crammed loosely betwen others. This collection of notes was certainly weathered. And while he knew there were other ways to save notes, primarily digitally, he preferred to do his writing by freehand. Especially when it came to stuff like this. 

He stopped on a blank page and began to write. 

Edited August 14 by Pinball