[F08 | PP] Grains to Gemstones | <<Nature's Treasure>>

[Nymoria 0]

Nature's Treasure | Quest

Nymoria’s morning had started off as so many others often did; awakening to the vibration of the alarm, rolling reluctantly out of bed in the hopes that the rays of the sun shining through the half-translucent curtains covering the window were nothing more than a lie, before realising that there was no resisting the call of the morning sunshine. The difference, this morning, had come in the appearance of a small white and brown face poking at her, demanding her departure from the bed and the start of their day in earnest.

She’d managed to shoo away the face long enough to lull herself into a sense of half wakefulness, broken only by the dreary desire to return to the slumber she had so longingly coveted. Her desires, however, were clearly well outside of the reach of reality for her, and she’d forced herself out of the bed slowly and into her morning routine – reluctance and grouchiness in tow.

Breakfast, supply run and general preparation for the day had been completed in a hurry a she realised just how late the sun was in the sky. She’d been meaning to be on the road hours earlier, having slept through the first couple of alarms in her comfort. Sighing heavily, she’d made her way towards the teleporter on the first floor’s main courtyard, at least determined to make up the time she had lost by quickly leaving behind the Town of Beginnings. As always, the line up to use the teleporter had only delayed her more – today, thankfully – not nearly as heavy as it had been in previous days. That being said, she’d strolled onto it with a nervous energy, suddenly realising that she might be too late for the quest she had wanted to partake in.

She had, through purchasing various portions of information from numerous brokers that had once ignored her, learnt that Nemo was expected to be found on the eighth floor today. His presence a sign that his highly desirable garden would once more be open to any who could wrangle his services as guide and friend for the day. She’d been lucky with her last visit to the gardens, and with her continued interest in expanding her business, she knew that another attendance of the area would only benefit her even more.

As her form appeared on the eighth floor, an agitated bundle of energy that leapt off the pad itself and into the small courtyard below, it moved with a measure of speed, control and lack of awareness for that around it. Her eyes moved to and fro as she searched for any sign of the straw hatted man that would lead her to the gardens of fortune, her sabre bouncing off her hip as she dodged around various NPCs and other players in her haste.

There he is! Her mind shouted it as she rushed towards the familiar figure, throwing out a hand in greeting and nearly running into another player that had been heading towards the same man, stopping only as she stumbled in front of Nemo, his gaze turning towards them as they reached the NPC at the exact same moment.

Sorry! She signed towards the other player, giving a quick bow as the monotonous words would’ve reached the other player’s mind; a direct translation from Cardinal itself for their better understanding. Turning to Nemo, she gave a greeting to the NPC, hoping to lock in his services at the same moment. Hello Nemo, how are you?

----

  

Statblock

Spoiler Notes [Theme] Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [89/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] Tier 3 | Tier 3 Equipment Silence [Rapier | Tier 3] Enhancement: Bleed [1 Slot] Enhancement: Keen [2 Slots] Ring of Evasion [Jewelry | Tier 1] Enhancement: Evasion [3 Slots]  Hearing Aid [Trinket | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Uncommon Health Potion {5} [Potion | Tier 1 | Heals 5% Maximum HP] Spyglass {2} | Reduce Search Posts x5 [Dungeon, Familiar, Field Boss] for one thread bento {1} [Meal | Tierless | Oveerhealth III] Teleport Crystal {1} Honey Cookie {5} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II] Skills Spoiler Utility Skills N/A Combat Skills Battle Healing [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.] Energist [Active: Passive. Effect: Increase base Energy by 5*Tier.] 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.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Rapier Ferocity [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 DMG when using the weapon of your choice. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.] [Rank 5 Shift] AOE Specialist [Active: Passive. Effect: For the following Sword Arts, +4 to multipliers and +2 to EN cost; AoE-I, AoE-II. No other Shifts may be taken.] Armour Skills Unhindered [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 Accuracy, +1 Loot Dice, +1 Evasion, +5*Tier HP. Your mitigation is capped at 0 equipment slots.] Active Extra Skills Leadership [Rank: 1. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain access to Leadership Arts every rank. In order to use a Leadership Art, it must take up a mod slot. Each Leadership Art takes up a different mod slot. Leadership Arts from different sources do not stack.] [Rank 1 Leadership Art] Elusive [Active: Post Action. Energy: 4 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Evasion of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.] [Rank 2 Leadership Art] Rally [Active: Post Action. Energy: 6 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Accuracy of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.] Survival [Active: Passive. Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.] Inactive Extra Skills  Concentration [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.] Frozen Hide [Active: Free Action. Energy: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 turns. Effect: As a free action, apply one slot of Frost Aura and one slot of Frost Thorns equal to your tier to yourself until the start of your next turn.] Combat Mastery Damage [Rank: 3. 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 (15 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. [x15] AOE-I (13 11 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x18] AOE-II (16 14 + [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==

[Acanthus 0]

This was the first night Acanthus had spent on a floor other than the first or twenty-fourth. The cool, damp air was unfamiliar to her, and she had tossed and turned all night trying to go to sleep. The sleep she did have was fraught with strange dreams. She was back on the first floor, in the grove where she’d found the demonic shard, only Kumatetsu was there instead. She fought the bear with only her knife for what seemed like hours. Then, the knife disappeared. She felt the pain indicator go off, and realized her knife was now protruding from her chest, driven by a familiar hand.

Acanthus shot up in bed. Her head was aching. Dreams within dreams, she thought drearily. At least her brain wasn’t registering real pain in those dreams. She thought Titania might have a field day writing about the strangeness of dreams and pain in a VRMMO.

Floor eight shown with the faintest of pre-dawn light. She had plenty of time before the next leg of the Scents of the Wild quest. She would leave a note with the innkeeper in case she wasn’t back as soon as she planned. Or I guess I could send Pinball a message in-game. She recalled how he had seemed anxious to avoid the crowds of Ellesmera. She’d picked lodging on the outskirts of town just in case it made things easier for them to meet up.

In the meantime, she wanted to clear another quest from her log. Nature’s Treasures was nearby, and seemed simple enough. It was a literal walk in the park. A few monsters to tame, but Acanthus had a reserve of healing songs in case things went south. The quest mentioned facing the gardener at the end, but the info broker’s guide was conspicuously quiet on what that meant. It was likely combat of some sort, but she hadn’t heard of the quest being particularly dangerous.

Part of her wanted to explore the beautiful capital of floor 8, but she wasn’t in a sightseeing mood. She hadn’t been for a while. After she had initially broken out of her shell and toured the floors looking for a shop location, the glamor of traveling had subsided. Acanthus had a hard time not treating adventuring like a job, for better or for worse. If she didn’t put in the work, she was going to fall even further behind. “Vacation time” would come later. If at all.

“Hello! Are you here for the quest to Little Eden?” A tall, green-haired gardner stood smiling before her. Exhausted from her fitful night, she affirmed wordlessly with a nod. Part of her felt guilty for not talking more with the NPC, but she was simply not in a talking mood this morning.

“Sorry!” She heard a strangely artificial voice directly in her head, and Acanthus snapped awake. A young girl approached her, hands moving quickly as the voice sounded in her head. Acanthus caught on quickly, but she was still unprepared. An avalanche of words escaped her lips. “Oh! Are you also here for the quest? I, uh, can you read lips? Or are you just mute? No, I see the hearing aid now. Was that rude? I’m sorry.” She returned the girl’s bow and took the moment to collect herself. Meeting with strangers was definitely not her strong suit. “Hello. My name is Acanthus. I apologize if this is sudden, but if you’re looking to do this quest, how would you feel about traveling together? More people means a safer time for both of us.”

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 66/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3                                                                                                                   

Equipment Meteor | T3 Longsword | BLD 2 | PARA In Noctem | T3 Light Armor | MIT 2 EVA 1 Vow of Return | Ring | ACC 3 Battle-Ready Inventory (3) Instant HP Recovery 1 (226486, 226487, 227667) (3) Monsters' Fortune 1 (226692, 227048, 227588) (1) Monsters' Fortune 2 (227589) (2) Big Bertha's Braciole (T1 | VIT 2) (1) Zackariah's Special Draught (HP Recovery 3)	Skills Combat Mastery: DMG R2 TECH Shift Straight Sword R5 Addon: Focus Addon: Precision Light Armor R5 Addon: Resolve Searching R3 Mod (1/5): Night Vision Hiding R3
Thread Consumables: (Currently reflected in stat block) Bento | T3 Overhealth Mousse | PROSP 3 Smores | EVA 2 Gelato | LD 3

 

 

Edited August 29 by Acanthus

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria blinked, her eyes shifting to the face of the girl who had begun speaking to her. The words came distant, not quite indecipherable and yet somehow seemingly far off enough that it took her mind several moments before she registered what was being said. Slowly, as if waking from a dream, she nodded. A breath later, she realised that the other player – for they were clearly a player – was likely waiting for a more concrete response to the abundance of questions that had been fired off towards Nymoria.

I can read lips. I can also hear you, somewhat. It is not as natural as real hearing I’ve been told. It does work though. Her hands moved in exaggerated movements, the motions behind them seeming somehow extremely formal in their appearance. Nymoria’s eyes hovered on the face of the other individual, not quite looking them in the eyes, and yet very clearly focused on whatever it was they stared at. Without a breadth of pause she continued her signing, answering each question as it had been asked, with a rhythm that was likely lost in the auto translation software. My name is Nymoria. It is a pleasure to meet you. A-can-thus.

She gave another, slightly deeper bow, the stoic expression on her face breaking into a pleasant smile; a smile which appeared far more professional than it did welcoming. Her eyes strayed only slightly towards the NPC, as if taking into considering the situation at hand, before making a decision.

It would be…wonderful if you would allow me to attend the quest alongside you. There was an odd pause, and a slight hint of disruption to the word wonderful, as there had been two previous words, as if the translation software hadn’t quite picked up the meaning correctly. Not that Nymoria showed any signs of disturbance regarding it – she hadn’t ever had the pleasure of hearing the false voice that was her way of communicating, and as such had little idea about the nuances of what others would “hear” when she signed. Turning towards Nemo, she waved a couple of quick signs which remained hidden from the other player, accepting the quest offered before turning back to the player.

We should follow Nemo, he’ll lead us to the garden. Have you completed this quest before? The pleasant smile remained on her face, and the movements of her hands seemed to change ever so slightly – a bit more relaxed than the formalness that would’ve been seen earlier. It had long since been her way of changing the nuances of her “speaking”, even if it wasn’t necessarily observed or understood by all players. She wasn’t even entirely sure whether the system differentiated the tone at all for the other players, but that didn’t stop her habits.

As Nemo set off, ensuring only once that the two players were in tow, Nymoria decided that she could at least be civil enough to try and make conversation with the other player, in an attempt to seem a bit more grateful for their inclusion of her presence. Are you a frontliner? Have you been doing a lot of quests? What about floor bosses?

Her hands moved rapidly as she communicated with the other player, her eyes passing over the areas around them as they made their way after Nemo, but constantly returning to look at the other player to see if they had begun speaking. In the distance, she could hear Nemo prattling on about the garden, telling the same stories he had told her last time. ”…wonderful gardens that spread to horizon and beyond! You’ll…I’m sure!...everyone loves…and wait until you see…”

[Acanthus 0]

“I’m grateful for the company. I don’t know that it’s really a matter of allowing you or not.” Acanthus looked down at Nymoria’s saber. “You seem more than capable of handling this quest. If anything, I may be thanking you by the end of it.”

The flow of conversation started off awkwardly as Acanthus adjusted to the pace of Cardinal’s translation. Nymoria peppered her with signed questions. Have you completed this quest before? “No, actually. This is my first time. I didn’t realize the quest was repeatable. Have you been here before then?”

Are you a frontliner? Have you been doing a lot of quests? What about floor bosses?

“I’m not, but I do hope to be eventually. I haven’t been doing many of the combat quests—I’m new to video games, so I started out with some lower stakes. But right now I’m working on a longer quest chain with a player named Pinball. It’s called Scents of the Wild. Have you heard of that one?”

Their conversation inadvertently drowned out Nemo’s anecdotes about his garden. I hope none of this is terribly relevant to the quest. She didn't want to cut Nymoria off; she was worried about seeming rude by prioritizing the NPC. I’m sure it’s not going to be important.

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria nodded as the player began to respond to her questions, clearly offput by something that was occurring. Not entirely sure what was wrong, she naturally slowed her signage down, hoping that it was simply a matter of overwhelming the girl with too many questions all at once. She began pausing between her questions, allowing the individual time to answer as Nymoria patiently waited, before signing again in response.

Scents of the Wild? I’ve started it. The very first quest in its chain. I haven’t made much progress in it yet. Waiting on another player who I promised to do it with. She had slowed her hand movements, causing breaks between sentences, as well as words, as if trying to make it easier for the other player to keep up. She worried, at first, that there might be insult taken from the clearly overly exaggerated slowness, and she found herself naturally speeding up as she continued along with her answers. Yes. I have completed this quest before, it is repeatable. Nemo is nice now, but mean later. But don’t worry, he is not that difficult. You said you’re new to video games? I hope this isn’t the first one you have tried.

She paused as she looked around, taking in the forest that they had entered as they’d continued to follow Nemo towards his garden paradise. The NPC continued to prattle on about something, entirely unperturbed by the fact that neither player seemed to be listening – a fact that didn’t bother Nymoria in the least. She still had reservations about the man, although she wasn’t entirely distrustful. She understood his place in the entire quest, as much as it had pained her the first time.

There are a lot of quests, but this one is special. A grinding quest. There is combat, and foraging, and fishing, and treasure chests, and all sorts of different wonders to be found! Her eyes glittered with an excitement that the automated voice likely didn’t pass on to the other player. Nymoria had enjoyed her time in the garden, all things considered, and she was excited to return to it as soon as she was able to do so.

A sudden thought seemed to occur to her as she glanced back at the other player, taking in their appearance and considering the difference. Where Nymoria wore a white blouse with its school-girl-esque blue and white ribbon, a short plaid skirt overtop of black leggings, and simple boots, the other player was dressed more knightly. Biting her lip slightly, she signed her question with obvious hesitation.

You…are a fighter? Nymoria’s face had become somewhat flushed as she tried to put into words what she was thinking. Do you have a speciality? Player’s tend to specialise. I specialise in area attacks and supporting. What do you do?

[Acanthus 0]

You said you’re new to video games? I hope this isn’t the first one you have tried.

Acanthus’ ears burned. “Actually, it is. I was supposed to be playing this game with my little—” She stopped abruptly. “I’m sorry, I’ve been told it’s bad form to talk about our lives outside the game.”

Nymoria and Acanthus now entered another forest. It reminded her of the one she’d been in only yesterday to hunt Kumatetsu. This journey would involve much less danger. Nymoria’s eyes glittered as she talked about all the different wonders that this “grinding quest” offered. The term confused Acanthus—was there actual “grinding” involved? Maybe the term had translated poorly through Cardinal as well. She thought about asking, but she was afraid of sounding inexperienced. When Nymoria turned the topic to combat, Acanthus again felt a twinge of inexperience.

You…are a fighter? “I fight, but I don’t know that I’m a fighter. Although that may be a meaningless distinction in this game.”

Do you have a speciality? Player’s tend to specialise. I specialise in area attacks and supporting. What do you do? Acanthus closed her eyes to visualize her levels and skills. She had the faint idea of something recently happening along those lines…

Her eyes snapped back open with recognition. “Yes, I’ve started to specialize. I leveled up yesterday, and took the TECH shift. That and the sword art from the Monastery on floor two have been invaluable. I’ve also been experimenting with using songs to help out. Based on talking with some more experienced players, I think I am working on a… ‘dot’ build? I haven’t worked out all the details, but I think it’s more about damage, with a little bit of support thrown in."

Thinking back to a previous comment, Acanthis asked, “So you have done this quest? That’s a relief to hear. I feel much more comfortable when there’s an expert in the group. If you don’t mind my asking,” Acanthus looked over Nymoria’s outfit. It was nice, but also a far cry from the armor she was used to seeing players in. “You seem to know what you’re doing. How are you surviving this game with no armor at all? It seems like quite an impressive accomplishment.”

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria nodded at the commentary in response to her question about whether the individual was a fighter or not. There was, for some, still distinction between the game and the real world – a fact that led many to still see certain topics, ideals and situations as odd or outside of what they actually were. She was, however, impressed to note that the player focused on an area beyond Nymoria’s own – their talents a near perfect match for what Nymoria usually did.

Smiling, she refrained from speaking until the other had finished, her eyes focusing on their face even as she seemed to avoid eye contact in a manner that may have been uncomfortable for those unfamiliar with the action. When Acanthus had stopped talking, Nymoria let her hands flow into motion, the movements becoming more and more casual the more comfortable she became.

DOT. Damage over Time. A type of build that focuses on bringing health down through the use of enhancements and skills. Making a target bleed, is one. Same with setting them on fire. She turned suddenly, following the ninety-degree shift that Nemo had taken on their path as they continued further into the woodlands. She knew they would arrive shortly into the garden, and wanted to be a single step ahead of the new player, just in case of  any danger. Your skills line up perfectly with mine. I think.

Her head tilted slightly at the final question, her features glancing downwards and taking in the uniform and outfit that she was wearing before answering. I do not wear armour in order to avoid being hit. If you are fast enough then the enemies cannot hurt you. You just have to dodge.

She considered her previous setup, and quickly added a final comment on the subject as she spotted Nemo stopping beside a nearby archway. I did wear a chest plate for a while. Just a small metal piece that covered my chest and offered some protection. I got rid of it recently. I do much better with just these.

She gave a quick wave over her outfit before pointing towards the archway where Nemo stood waiting for them. The man had come to a rest beside a pair of rocks that seemed to form and conjoin at the peak, similar in styling to an arch. Nymoria could see the sunlight shining through it, and knew that they had reached the garden itself. Grasping Acanthus’ hand, she pulled the player along, tossing a broken set of signs with her right hand as she moved forwards. Come. The garden awaits.

Through the archway was the ever flowing fields of tall grasses, copses of trees in the distance that seemed to dot the horizon and break up the grasslands, as well as various rivers, creeks, and a few lakes that could be seen far off. Nymoria stopped just inside the arch, smiling as she dropped the other player’s hand – a touch of colour coming to her cheeks as she looked away and into the distance once more. The garden. It is beautiful. You fit in here.

Packs of moss and tree covered wolves, small hummingbird like miniature drakes, tall alien like creatures, and a variety of other things roamed the fields, each as oddly looking as the previous. Nymoria had spent some time getting to know them, and the dangers they presented. Dangers which, she assumed, would be lessened by the presence of the other player come to assist. Where would you like to start? We can fight something.

She didn’t wait for a response from the other player, deciding that she would either catch up, or Nymoria would fight alone as required. Instead, she charged directly towards a group of hummingbird like drakes, Snapdragons as she recalled the were labelled by the system. Drawing her sabre as she went, she dove into a flurry of strikes meant to surprise and overwhelm them immediately.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [70/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | -19 EN
Acanthus | Lvl 28 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 66/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 
[2,0] Snapdragon 1 | HP: 270/570 | DMG: 112
[1,0] Snapdragon 2 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[1,0] Snapdragon 3 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[1,0] Snapdragon 4 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

ID228766 | BD: 9+5=14 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 1>> | Minor Critical Hit: [(19+1)x15] = 300 damage
ID228767 | BD: 3+5=8 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 2>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
ID228768 | BD: 7+5=12 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 3>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
ID228769 | BD: 8+5=13 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 4>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
Keen Activated [+2 BD next attack]

[Acanthus 0]

Led by the hand, Acanthus and Nymoria tumbled into Little Eden. It was a small wonder where the name had come from; the land stretched on for miles and miles, all picture-perfect hills and trees and tall, luscious grain. It was a forager’s paradise. Nymoria’s cheeks appeared flush—no doubt from the journey here. The garden. It is beautiful. You fit in here. It was odd that Nymoria had correctly observed her real-world green thumb. Or maybe, she chided herself, she has the common sense to guess that a forager would want to visit an endless garden.

Where would you like to start? We can fight something. Without waiting for a response, she charged a group of snapdragons, overwhelming them with a flurry of strikes.

Acanthus followed quickly behind, fumbling for Meteor as she ran. This isn’t the time to make a fool of myself. Even if it’s my first game. Sword drawn and rapidly approaching, Acanthus let the sword art, the same one from yesterday, channel through her. But this time, the feeling was stronger, more intense. The blade glowed brightly and hummed even louder. When she released the sword art, it felt like cutting a massive weight from a taut fishing line. Sweeping between the first two snapdragons, her blade tore quickly through them in an upwards, then downwards strike. Then the sword art carried to the third with a leaping thrust. She skewered it through the middle and wrested Meteor free with both hands, leaving a bleeding wound. The final snapdragon bore down on her, but she sidestepped and brought the sword down on it with her entire upper body.

The four snapdragons slowly recovered, dazed from both her’s and Nymoria’s onslaught. Now it was time to finish them.

Spoiler

Post Action: TECH-F -> Snapdragons 1-4
<<Snapdragon 1>> 228855 | BD 5 + 5 = 9. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 2>> 228856 | BD 5 + 5 = 10. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 3>> 228857 | BD 10 + 5 = 14. Major Critical!  (16 * 12) = 192 damage. Paralysis Applied. Bleed Applied. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 4>> 228858 | BD 8 + 5 = 7. Focus Critical! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Paralysis Applied. Bleed Applied. Stunned!

Monsters' Turn
<<Snapdragon 3>> bleeds for 36 damage.
<<Snapdragon 4>> bleeds for 36 damage.
All Monsters are stunned. No action taken.

End of Round 1

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 47/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [70/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | -19 EN <<Snapdragon 1>>Hate (2,1) HP: 102/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 1/3) <<Snapdragon 2>>Hate (1,1) HP: 117/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 1/3) <<Snapdragon 3>>Hate (1,2) HP: 57/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 1/3; BLD 36 1/2) <<Snapdragon 4>>Hate (1,2) HP: 81/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 1/3; BLD 36 1/2)

 

 

Edited August 29 by Acanthus

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria’s eyes caught the sight of the other player rushing forwards to engage in the small conflict with the drake like creatures. She watched as they stumbled to draw their weapon, an obvious sign of their inexperience with the system. A slight head tilt angled her view as the player came closer, the weapon moving in a basic yet effective strike against the creatures – more brute strength than finesse, to Nymoria’s eyes. Not that it did any less damage, all things considered.

She stepped to the side as she eyed the frozen forms of the small drakes, their bodies held in place by the effects of the stun that Acanthus has placed upon them all. She took the moment to throw a smile and collection of signs at her in the lull of the fight.

You move sluggishly. No finesse. Practice required. She hoped that the smile and friendly face she put on helped to make the commentary less biting, but before she could check the player’s reaction, the creatures had begun to move once more. Forced into a reactionary dance, she let her movements flow her across the field slightly, an intricate mixture of deflects with her sabre and bodily contortions to avoid the strikes of the creatures buzzing around her form.

Once she was content that she had placed herself into the right position – surrounded on all sides by the things as they tried to swarm and overwhelm her – Nymoria let loose with her strike, bringing her blade up in front of herself before pulling it into a sweeping movement, aiming for the core of each of them even as she saw the group moving in to try and attack her.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [56/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | +3EN | -17 EN
Acanthus | Lvl 28 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 47/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 
[2,1] Snapdragon 1 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112 | Stun Immunity [1/3] 
[1,1] Snapdragon 2 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112 |  Stun Immunity [1/3] 
[1,2] Snapdragon 3 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112 |  Stun Immunity [1/3] 
[1,2] Snapdragon 4 | HP: 81/570 | DMG: 112 |  Stun Immunity [1/3] 
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

ID228891 | BD: 3+7=10 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 1>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage | Destroyed
ID228892 | BD: 8+7=15 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 2>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage | Destroyed
ID228893 | BD: 2+7=9 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 3>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage | Destroyed
ID228894 | BD: 1+7=8 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 4>> | Critical Miss
Keen Activated [+2 BD next attack]
ID228895 | Loot Snapdragon 1
ID228896 | Loot Snapdragon 2
ID228897 | Loot Snapdragon 3

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID228895 | LD: [18+1]=19 | CD: 4 | 4,560 [2,280+2,280] col, 1 material, Perfect Consumable {1}, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228896 | LD: [20+1]=21 | CD: 11 | 6,270 [2,280+1,140+2,850] col, 3 materials, Perfect Trinket {1}
ID228897 | LD: [14+1]=15 | CD: 10 | 5,700 [2,280+2,280+1,140] col, 1 material, Rare Armor/Shield {1}

Loot Totals
16,530 col
5 materials
Rare Armor/Shield {1} | 228897
Rare Trinket {1} | 228895
Perfect Consumable {1} | 228895
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896

 

[Acanthus 0]

Initially, she bristled at the constructive criticism. You move sluggishly. No finesse. Practice required. But after watching Nymoria, she saw what she meant. She danced effortlessly around the battlefield, dodging and slashing woven into a single thread of combat. Acanthus thought about her own movements. Wasn’t she just following the sword art? Whatever path it picked out was the one she would follow. But maybe there was more autonomy to the system than she realized.

Down to the last snapdragon, Acanthus decided she would experiment. Switching back to a single-target art, she brought Meteor up with both hands and settled into a familiar stance. The snapdragon wheeled around and lunged as she released the sword art. It’s just like fighting the boars from the first mission. She recalled Nymoria's words: You just have to dodge.

She released the sword art, trying to visualize it differently from before. It wasn’t a riptide to be fought or succumbed to; it was more like a massive ocean wave. It had a direction and a motion, but it was up to Acanthus to ride that wave however she could. Fighting the urge to follow the strike right into the snapdragon’s path, she tried to flow like Nymoria instead. She dodged out of the snapdragon's way before bringing Meteor down in a clean arc. The blade cut through the monster, and it vaporized immediately.

Acanthus wiped her brow. “That was great advice, Nymoria. Thank you. I have to remember: finesse and practice. Lots of practice.” She sheathed her sword, and accepted the collected loot. “So, more mobs? Or do we need to take a break? I lose energy pretty quickly right now. I do have these,” she held up some of the braciole from the tutorial quest. “It gives me a little energy, but not a whole bunch. Although I should be grateful food doesn’t spoil in Aincrad.”

 

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 47/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3
Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [47/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | -19 EN

Post Action: ST-1 -> Snapdragon 4
228911 | BD 10 + 5 = 15. Major Critical!  (16 * 12) = 192 damage. Paralysis Applied. Bleed Applied. Stunned!

End of Round 2

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 46/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [56/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | -19 EN <<Snapdragon 4>>Hate (1,4) HP: -111/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 2/3; BLD 36 1/2)

Looting Mobs
(Note: Looting Mobs is active | Mobs that satisfy the loot minimum always drop (HP * 4) col and 1 Material as default drops, before other upgrades and aspects of the loot table are taken into account.)

ID: 228916 | LD: 17+3=20 | CD:3+0=3 | Col: 3990 (570 * (4 + 3)), Mats: 5 (4 + 1), [228916a] T3 Perfect Consumable, [228916b] T3 Rare Trinket

Current Total (Acanthus)
3990 col
5 Materials
T3 Perfect Consumable | 228916a
T3 Rare Trinket | 228916b

 

 

Edited September 3 by Acanthus

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria smiled as the form of Acanthus seemed to shift and change, the rugged assault that had been the player’s attack previously flowing into something…not quite as aggressive and brutish. It wasn’t quite her own flowing style, yet, but it was a sign that the player was beginning to step into the reality of Cardinal’s system – a system that changed as much with each player as it did with the environment and rigid rules system that operated it.

That was a lot better. A bit rigid. Not as much, though. More flow will come with time. Practice is important, as you said. Finesse is not easy. It requires a type of fighting that is not natural with the Cardinal system. Her hands moved as she brought her ideas from her own mind, into the mind of the other player. She let her eyes wander only slightly – never fully leaving the area of Acanthus’ face, making sure that she would still be able to see them in the very corners of her eyes. But yes, lots of practice. You will get good quickly, I think. Many people take time to learn.

She paused as she pulled up her menu, taking off her ring and placing it away even as she swapped it out for simple watch that she pocketed into a small pouch on her waist, considering their next action carefully. It would be beneficial if they continued striking down the mobs – they were the best source of income and measure of collection here, but she also didn’t want to burn through their energy too quickly. Eyeing the other player, she decided that she could at least make it a bit easier on them both.

Here. I have something for this. Nymoria pulled up her menu once more, scrolling through quickly before selecting the item she had in mind for this specific occasion. Appearing in a small bag, she opened it up and showed it to the other player, her left hand holding them as her right hand signed the words she wanted to pass on. These are simple honey cookies. They have vitality. Restores energy. Should be good to help us continue.

She pulled out a collection of them, splitting them in half and handing over a few to the other player, before consuming one herself. Almost as an afterthought, she signed another quick message to the player, just in case. Don’t eat all of them at once.

----

Nymoria swaps out Ring of Evasion [Jewelry | Tier 1 | Evasion III] with Watch of Wealth [Trinket | Tier 3 | Prosperity II | Quality I]
Nymoria gives Acanthus Honey Cookie {5} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II]
Nymoria consumes Honey Cookie {1} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II]

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [61/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I

[Acanthus 0]

“Thank you for the cookie. I’ll be sure to eat my own food first. I’d hate to be your charity case.” She took the braciole out of her inventory, and it plopped down in front of her unceremoniously. She hadn’t bothered to look up what braciole was before this point, and she realized with some embarrassment that it was not exactly portable. A slice of beef cutlet rested on a plate brimming with sauce. “I, um—excuse me.” She bent over and picked the plate up. “Give me just a moment.” Taking the plate over to a rock, and angling herself away from Nymoria, she scarfed down the food as quickly as possible. She’s going to think you’re insane, eating whole Italian cuisine in the field. And the game couldn’t even be bothered to spawn a utensil. At least she was too embarrased to notice the odd aftertaste that most food still seemed to have. The braciole went down quickly and thankfully did its work. Acanthus breathed a sigh of relief as she saw her energy bar slightly restored.

Returning to Nymoria, she bowed politely. “Thanks for waiting. Are we ready for some more monsters then?”

 

Spoiler

Post Action: Consume Big Bertha's Braciole (T1 | Vitality II).
4 EN recovered. 52/66

 

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria bowed her head in slight confusion at the player’s commentary, before watching as they brought forth an entire meal plate. She resisted the urge to laugh at the sudden embarrassment upon realising what they had done, shuffling over to a side area to sit and consume the meal in a measure of relative peace. A fact that Nymoria realised would be difficult, considering the fact that they didn’t appear to have any form of cutlery or utensil for the aforementioned consumption.

Deciding to give the player some space, Nymoria turned and took in the fields around them, noticing the agitated Nemo in the distance as the NPC – once again – mulled and watched as the players tore through his beloved stock of assorted creatures. Her eyes shifted towards Acanthus briefly as she considered how the quest ended, knowing that it would be a challenge – although she figured that the two of them would be okay against the guardian of the garden, when the time for that came.

As she turned back once more and noticed that Acanthus had finished their meal, bowing politely and thanking Nymoria for waiting in an extremely formal way, she felt a grin spread across her face. She couldn’t resist the urge anymore, as she signed in response. No problem. You have barnacle on your fingers. Was it good?

Laughing to herself, she turned back to the field and pointed towards a collection of snapdragons that ranged nearby, their group just small enough to not be a major threat to the two players. It had been the best option that Nymoria had seen, without having to walk a distance through the garden towards something more appealing.

I think that this group should be our first target. Then those wolves over there. Then the aliens. She pointed to each group in order as she signed her thoughts to the other player, confirming that they had seen the commentary before nodding in conclusion. Drawing her sabre once more, she gave a single final collection of signs before heading off towards the group of drakes that she had pointed out originally, racing across the field to close the distance. Ready? This should be fun. We can take breaks as we need.

The small group turned towards her at the last few steps, their awareness of her presence taking away any chances she may have had at surprising them; not that she had expected to be able to do so anyways. Her sabre flashed through the air as she brought herself into the motion of combat, flowing from one foot to another as she danced between the forms of the drakes, lashing out at each in passing in the hopes of cutting them down enough to allow Acanthus an easier chance at dealing with them.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [48/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I | +3EN | -17 EN
Acanthus | Lvl 28 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 52/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 
[1,0] Snapdragon 5 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[1,0] Snapdragon 6 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[0,0] Snapdragon 7 | HP: 570/570 | DMG: 112
[1,0] Snapdragon 8 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112 
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

ID229006 | BD: 8+5=13 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 5>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
ID229007 | BD: 6+5=11 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 6>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
ID229008 | BD: 1+5=6 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 7>> | Critical Miss
ID229009 | BD: 4+5=9 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 8>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
Keen Activated [+2 BD next attack]

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID228895 | LD: [18+1]=19 | CD: 4 | 4,560 [2,280+2,280] col, 1 material, Perfect Consumable {1}, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228896 | LD: [20+1]=21 | CD: 11 | 6,270 [2,280+1,140+2,850] col, 3 materials, Perfect Trinket {1}
ID228897 | LD: [14+1]=15 | CD: 10 | 5,700 [2,280+2,280+1,140] col, 1 material, Rare Armor/Shield {1}

Loot Totals
16,530 col
5 materials
Rare Armor/Shield {1} | 228897
Rare Trinket {1} | 228895
Perfect Consumable {1} | 228895
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896

 

[Acanthus 0]

“A—Aliens?! Nymoria, what do you—wait up!” But Nymoria was already racing off to the next pack of snapdragons. She grabbed for her sword, but remembered that she apparently had food on her fingers still. This game is going to kill me—if not the monsters, then at least embarrassment.

By the time she caught up to Nymoria, she had already whittled most of the dragons down to half health. Finesse. Finesse. She chanted the word to herself as she felt the wave of energy rising. She did her best to channel it, but the art overpowered her thoughts. She dove into the fight, hacking and slashing wherever the flow of the TECH skill led her. Even if it lacked the requisite finesse, it was no less effective. Her strikes connected with each of the snapdragons; on the first and the last, she had scored deep wounds that leaked with monster blood. The snapdragons groggily turned on her. That’s a lot of damage coming my way. Nervously, she glanced over to Nymoria. “I think I have their attention.”
 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: TECH-F -> Snapdragons 5-8
<<Snapdragon 5>> 229026 | BD 8 + 5 = 13. Focus Critical! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Bleed Applied. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 6>> 229027 | BD 7 + 5 = 12. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 7>> 229028 | BD 7 + 5 = 12. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 8>> 229029 | BD 8 + 5 = 13. Focus Critical! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Bleed Applied. Stunned!

Monsters' Turn
<<Snapdragon 5>> bleeds for 36 damage.
<<Snapdragon 8>> bleeds for 36 damage.
All Monsters are stunned. No action taken.

End of Round 1

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 36/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [52/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] <<Snapdragon 5>>Hate (1,2) HP: 81/570| DMG: 132 Stunned; BLD 36 (1/2) <<Snapdragon 6>>Hate (1,1) HP: 117/570| DMG: 132 Stunned <<Snapdragon 7>>Hate (0,1) HP: 402/570| DMG: 132 Stunned <<Snapdragon 8>>Hate (1,2) HP: 81/570| DMG: 132 Stunned; BLD 36 (1/2)

 

 

Edited August 30 by Acanthus

[Nymoria 0]

From Nymoria’s vantage point she had the perfect position to watch as the form of Acanthus stumbled after her, sword barely in hand as the player rushed into the conflict after Nymoria’s mad dash across the field. The player’s flow was, once again, less than nimble to the sabre wielder’s eyes. Not that Nymoria was judging the player’s capabilities – they slammed their blade into each of the floating creatures with a level of ease that spoke of someone capable of using the sword art system to its basic requirements – but Nymoria could see that it didn’t go much beyond that.

She tilted her head as she waited for the space to clear, eyeing the snapdragons as they floated around almost aimlessly – their forms stunned, and yet none of them dropping from the sky as they lazed in the paralysis that held them in place. Her sabre shifted slightly as she prepared to charge in, taking a single glance towards Acanthus and signing her thoughts with her right hand.

Can take three. Last one yours. Don’t miss! Nymoria turned back to the drakes as they slowly began to shift and move again, the stun wearing off in an instant and allowing them to return to their aggressive action against the players. A quick, deep breath and then Nymoria was moving towards the group once more, her sabre trailing beside her as she dropped it in preparation of a wide swing. Her feet skipped across the ground, gliding as they bounced and spun her through the group and off to the other side, before she pulled herself back around and swung wide with the weapon.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [32/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I | +3EN | -19 EN
Acanthus | Lvl 28 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 36/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 
[1,2] Snapdragon 5 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112
[1,1] Snapdragon 6 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112
[0,1] Snapdragon 7 | HP: 117/570 | DMG: 112
[1,2] Snapdragon 8 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112 
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

ID229076 | BD: 4+7=13 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 5>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage | Destroyed
ID229077 | BD: 9+7=11 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 6>> | Minor Critical Hit: [(19+1)x15] = 300 damage | Destroyed
ID229078 | BD: 3+7=6 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 7>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
ID229079 | BD: 6+7=9 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 8>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage | Destroyed
Keen Activated [+2 BD next attack]
ID229080 | Loot Snapdragon 5
ID229081 | Loot Snapdragon 6
ID229082 | Loot Snapdragon 8

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID228895 | LD: [18+1]=19 | CD: 4 | 4,560 [2,280+2,280] col, 1 material, Perfect Consumable {1}, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228896 | LD: [20+1]=21 | CD: 11 | 6,270 [2,280+1,140+2,850] col, 3 materials, Perfect Trinket {1}
ID228897 | LD: [14+1]=15 | CD: 10 | 5,700 [2,280+2,280+1,140] col, 1 material, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID229080 | LD: [18+1]=19 | CD: [9+1]=10 | 7,980 [3,420+2,280+2,280] col, 3 material, Perfect Weapon {1}
ID229081 | LD: [1+1]=2 | CD: [10+1]=11 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material
ID229082 | LD: [7+1]=8 | CD: [2+1]=3 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Uncommon Consumable {1}

Loot Totals
35,910 col
14 materials
Uncommon Consumable {1} | 229082
Rare Armor/Shield {1} | 228897
Rare Trinket {1} | 228895
Perfect Consumable {1} | 228895
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

 

[Acanthus 0]

Nymoria’s attack hit all four of the dragons, but only three went down. The last snapdragon shrugged off its wounds and rumbled a deep, menacing growl. Last one was all hers. If she missed... Well, thinking about missing was the fastest way to miss.

She switched back to her single sword art and braced herself. The snapdragon howled, and then dove. With a yelp, Acanthus released to sword art right as the Snapdragon’s momentum built to an unstoppable speed. The dive took the two of them to the ground and knocked the wind right out of Acanthus, but the Snapdragon appeared dazed as well. Wriggling out from the pin, she reached for Meteor as the snapdragon stirred again. It open its maw, and prepared to snap—

Acanthus buried Meteor in the monster’s mouth, and it burst into a flurry of blue shards. Dusting herself off, she returned to Nymoria. “Still working on the finesse part,” she said abruptly. “But I think that’s two packs down, and I don’t think either of us have taken a hit. Seems like we are doing well. Should we take another break for energy?” Acanthus thought about the second braciole in her backpack and broke into a cold sweat. She’d almost rather go straight into another pack than have to barehand another strange dish in front of a stranger.

 

 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: ST-1 -> Snapdragons 7
<<Snapdragon 7>> 229116 | BD 5 + 5 = 10. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage.
 

Combat ends.

End of Round 1

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 27/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [32/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] <<Snapdragon 7>>Hate (0,1) HP: -51/570| DMG: 132

Looting
(Note: Looting Mobs is active | Mobs that satisfy the loot minimum always drop (HP * 4) col and 1 Material as default drops, before other upgrades and aspects of the loot table are taken into account.)

ID: 229117 | LD: 7+3=10 | CD:4+0=4 | Col:3990 (570 * (4+3)), Mats: 3 (2 + 1), [229117a] T3 Uncommon Consumable

Current Total (Acanthus)
7980 col
8 Materials
T3 Rare Trinket | 228916b
T3 Perfect Consumable | 228916a
T3 Uncommon Consumable | 229117a

 

Edited September 3 by Acanthus

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria eyed the other player as they drove the sword through the small drake’s face. The movement was lacking elegance, even if it did complete the task at hand. She considered saying something about it, pointing out the brutality about it, but then she remembered that not all fighting styles were the same. Smiling gently, she instead decided to point out the idea, building upon it as she considered the strengths of the other player more thoroughly.

Perhaps finesse is not your passion. You fight well, and handle your own. We haven’t taken damage, you said. Which is good. It shows we fight well together. Even if different. Maybe we don’t all need finesse. So long as we live. The words came out slightly broken as she regrasped the hilt of her sabre, shifting it slightly in her left hand as she spoke with her right. It was a talent she had developed over the years of her life, learning to handle speaking and doing something else at the same time; a task that came only through consistent practice and patience. Let us face one more group. I have enough stamina to take down another small group. We should be okay. Yes?

She paused as she glanced at the nearby group of snapdragons that had glided towards them, their path making a direct line for where Nymoria and Acanthus had come to a stop after their most recent fight. She flicked a smile back towards the player beside her, an almost devilish look in her eyes as she considered their current condition. Her right hand moved again as she added to her original commentary. You can stay if you are scared. I have this.

She took off again, racing towards the small drakes with her sabre held in a ready position off to her side, the movement of her feet touching the ground a welcoming beat against the wind streaming gently across her face. She felt free in the moment, all worries and concerns left behind as she moved towards the singular purpose of their existence in the garden. Taking a slightly differing route, she let herself fall into a slide, her knees rubbing harshly across the ground as she tried to go underneath the drakes and bring her sword up to slash at them all in the same movement.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [16/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I | +3EN | -19 EN
Acanthus | Lvl 28 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 27/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 
[2,0] Snapdragon 9 | HP: 270/570 | DMG: 112 | Bleed [36 | 0/2]
[1,0] Snapdragon 10 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[1,0] Snapdragon 11 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[2,0] Snapdragon 12 | HP: 270/570 | DMG: 112 | Bleed [36 | 0/2]
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

ID229242 | BD: 9+5=14 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 9>> | Minor Critical Hit: [(19+1)x15] = 300 damage | Bleed [36 | 0/2]
ID229243 | BD: 3+5=8 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 10>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
ID229244 | BD: 4+5=9 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 11>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
ID229245 | BD: 9+5=14 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 12>> | Minor Critical Hit: [(19+1)x15] = 300 damage | Bleed [36 | 0/2]
Keen Activated [+2 BD next attack]

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID228895 | LD: [18+1]=19 | CD: 4 | 4,560 [2,280+2,280] col, 1 material, Perfect Consumable {1}, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228896 | LD: [20+1]=21 | CD: 11 | 6,270 [2,280+1,140+2,850] col, 3 materials, Perfect Trinket {1}
ID228897 | LD: [14+1]=15 | CD: 10 | 5,700 [2,280+2,280+1,140] col, 1 material, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID229080 | LD: [18+1]=19 | CD: [9+1]=10 | 7,980 [3,420+2,280+2,280] col, 3 material, Perfect Weapon {1}
ID229081 | LD: [1+1]=2 | CD: [10+1]=11 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material
ID229082 | LD: [7+1]=8 | CD: [2+1]=3 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Uncommon Consumable {1}

Loot Totals
35,910 col
14 materials
Uncommon Consumable {1} | 229082
Rare Armor/Shield {1} | 228897
Rare Trinket {1} | 228895
Perfect Consumable {1} | 228895
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

 

[Acanthus 0]

Quote

Let us face one more group. I have enough stamina to take down another small group. We should be okay. Yes?

Acanthus breathed a small sigh of relief. The braciole was safe for another encounter. Maybe she could eat it while Nymoria started the fight. Acanthus felt guilty for considering leaving her alone for a round of combat. Not that she didn’t seem capable, it just seemed like a poor thing to do to a person she’d just met.

Nymoria had a devilish look in her eyes after glancing at a nearby pack of snapdragons. She signed with her right hand. You can stay if you are scared. I have this.

“Scared?” Acanthus huffed. But Nymoria was gone in a flash, racing toward the small drakes. Is she… teasing me? Acanthus took off after her, sword sweeping down to her side in preparation for a stun.

Scared? She’d been scared since she left Tolbana. Terrified when she faced Terra Firma, scared speechless as she looked for her first demonic shard. Every time she drew her sword, she was afraid for her life. But she had spent the last two years too scared to even move. I’m allowed to be scared, she told herself. I just have to keep moving.

She rushed into the fight behind Nymoria. Following up on her sliding slash, Acanthus jumped into the pack and launched a careful assault.

 

 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: TECH-F -> Snapdragons 9-12
<<Snapdragon 9>> 229263 | BD 2 + 5 = 7. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 10>> 229264 | BD 2 + 5 = 7. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 11>> 229265 | BD 7 + 5 = 12. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 12>> 229266 | BD 9 + 5 = 14. Minor Critical! (15 * 12) = 180 damage. Bleed Refreshed. Stunned!

Monsters' Turn
<<Snapdragon 9>> bleeds for 36 damage.
<<Snapdragon 12>> bleeds for 36 damage.
All Monsters are stunned. No action taken.

End of Round 1

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 11/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [16/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] <<Snapdragon 9>>Hate (1,2) HP: 66/570| DMG: 132 Stunned; BLD 36 (1/2) <<Snapdragon 10>>Hate (1,1) HP: 117/570| DMG: 132 Stunned <<Snapdragon 11>>Hate (0,1) HP: 117/570| DMG: 132 Stunned <<Snapdragon 12>>Hate (1,2) HP: 54/570| DMG: 132 Stunned; BLD 36 (0/2)

 

 

Edited September 1 by Acanthus

[Nymoria 0]

As she’d dashed off, Nymoria found herself wondering where her burst of confidence had come from. Normally she’d been timid, controlled, as unlikely to rush into combat as Acanthus seemed to be, and yet she found herself teasing the other player as they had swayed between taking a break, or encountering another group of the small drakes that swarmed around her now. Her blade had slashed at each of them, pushing them into a collective group and tearing through their weak skin, before backing off and giving her companion the space she required to enter the fray.

As the stun effect had passed over the group of drakes, Nymoria had been given the chance to consider her behaviour, and more importantly the impact it was having. She rarely raced into danger as she had just done. Sure, she would enter the fight with nimbleness and a desire to come out successful, but never had she ever launched herself into a fight with the intention of…what? Impressing her? Is that what I’m trying to do…? The thought left Nymoria baffled, and she nearly missed as the group of snapdragons came to life once more, one of them very nearly landing a claw on her before she had begun moving once more.

That was close. Shouldn’t sleep in fight. Her right hand signed to Acanthus even as Nymoria danced around the drakes, moving in a nimble pattern that brought her close to the beasts, only to duck and dodge out of their reach as they reacted to her presence. One would almost think from her grin that she was enjoying the moment, and even Nymoria found herself wondering. Let’s just…finish this. Stop being foolish. The voice inside her head echoed as she brought the sabre up in an underhand cut, determined to catch all four and put them down, giving them the breath they’d need to take a break after the fight.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [0/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I | +3EN | -19 EN
Acanthus | Lvl 28 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 11/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3 
[3,2] Snapdragon 9 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112 | Bleed [36 | 1/2]
[2,1] Snapdragon 10 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112
[2,1] Snapdragon 11 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112
[3,2] Snapdragon 12 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112 | Bleed [36 | 1/2]
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

ID229274 | BD: 2+7=9 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 9>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage | Destroyed
ID229275 | BD: 3+7=10 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 10>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage | Destroyed
ID229276 | BD: 4+7=11 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 11>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage | Destroyed
ID229277 | BD: 4+7=11 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 12>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage | Destroyed
Keen Activated [+2 BD next attack]
ID229279 | Loot Snapdragon 9
ID229280 | Loot Snapdragon 10
ID229281 | Loot Snapdragon 11
ID229282 | Loot Snapdragon 12

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID228895 | LD: [18+1]=19 | CD: 4 | 4,560 [2,280+2,280] col, 1 material, Perfect Consumable {1}, Rare Trinket {1}
ID228896 | LD: [20+1]=21 | CD: 11 | 6,270 [2,280+1,140+2,850] col, 3 materials, Perfect Trinket {1}
ID228897 | LD: [14+1]=15 | CD: 10 | 5,700 [2,280+2,280+1,140] col, 1 material, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID229080 | LD: [18+1]=19 | CD: [9+1]=10 | 7,980 [3,420+2,280+2,280] col, 3 material, Perfect Weapon {1}
ID229081 | LD: [1+1]=2 | CD: [10+1]=11 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material
ID229082 | LD: [7+1]=8 | CD: [2+1]=3 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229279 | LD: [12+1]=13 | CD: [5+1]=6 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229280 | LD: [14+1]=15 | CD: [8+1]=9 | 9,120 [3,420+4,5601,140] col, 1 material, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID229281 | LD: [11+1]=12 | CD: [2+1]=3 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Rare Trinket {1}
ID229282 | LD: [17+1]=18 | CD: [4+1]=5 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Rare Consumable {1}, Rare Armor/Shield {1}

Loot Totals
62,130 col
24 materials
Uncommon Consumable {2} | 229082, 229279
Rare Consumable {1} | 229282
Rare Armor/Shield {3} | 228897, 229280, 229282
Rare Trinket {2} | 228895, 229281
Rare Weapon {1} | 229279
Perfect Consumable {1} | 228895
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

 

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus swung around, ready to dispatch the remaining snapdragons. But all she saw was Nymoria in a sea of shimmering blue shards. She’d dispatched them all so quickly.

“Nym… Nymoria, that was incredible.” Her hands rested on her knees as she struggled with the words. She hadn’t realized how out of breath she was after the last few fights. “I think… You’re onto something with finesse.” She exhaled, trying to catch her breath. “I’m barely doing half the work, and I’m winded. Meanwhile, you’re over here taking on the world and not breaking a sweat.” Speaking of winded, Acanthus took note of her energy bar. Low again after the last fight. And that meant…

“Hhh... Pardon me for a moment.” She slumped down to the ground and opened her menu. The second—and thankfully final—plate of braciole materialized. She was too tired to try and politely hide as she ate. She simply picked up the meal with her fingers and ate like a child, avoiding Nymoria’s face while she ate. I’ll definitely opt for cookies next time.

Finishing the braciole, she stood back up. “I think I may need a longer break this time to get my energy back up. Should we do a little gathering instead until our energy is back to full, or do you think we can handle another pack? I’ll admit I haven’t chained this many monster groups together before, so I don’t know what is a good pace. I’ll follow your lead.”

 

Spoiler

Post Action: Consume Big Bertha's Braciole (T1 | Vitality II).
4 EN recovered. 16/66 (Not sure if I passively recover 1 or 3 because we're not in combat anymore.)

 

Edited September 1 by Acanthus