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

Nymoria · September 2

Her face flushed in response to the compliment, and Nymoria found herself naturally looking away before the other player had even begun to consume their small meal in a mixture of solitude and embarrassment. It took her a few moments to compose herself, but by the time she had looked back, Acanthus had completely finished the braciole. Nymoria sighed slightly, a sudden determined look on her face as she sat down across from the other player, her eyes staring slightly downwards – appearing to be looking towards the chest of the other player, and yet distant, as if seeing through them towards something else.

I…am not incredible. I have learnt to fight alone. Because I have been alone. For a long time. She’d placed the sabre across her lap, letting her speak with more articulation using both hands. The movements were sharp and crisp, even with the distant expression on her face – clearly years of practice taking away any slurred or disconnecting motions that may have caused a break in the words that were formed with her hands, although she had no idea if it broke the monotonous voice of Cardinal. Even when I was working with other groups in Aincrad…I was alone. I…can’t talk to them during fights. So I have to handle myself. I learnt to fight alone, because I had to…it’s not impressive.

The words finally out, she felt the breach of tears along the sides of her face, and turned away to look into the grasses. She pretended to forage, her hands passing over the areas as she felt for anything that might be worth some value to her crafting profession. She didn’t expect to find anything – not being able to see very well due to the cloudiness within her eyes.

Another soft sigh escaped her as she reached up and cleared away the tears with the back of her hand, before turning back to Acanthus with a polite smile on her face; her expression almost business like in its appearance. She bowed her head deeply, her hands moving after a few seconds. I apologise. That was uncalled for, and should not have been something that I should show to another.

----
ID229420 | Foraging
ID229421 | Hunting Familiar | Cooldown: 5 posts (Post # 26)

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}
ID229420 | LD: 3 | CD: 9 | Failure [+3 EXP | 249/299 EXP]
ID229421 | LD: 15 | CD: 8 | 2,016 [1,344+672] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}

Loot Totals
64,146 col
27 materials
Uncommon Consumable {3} | 229082, 229279, 229421
Rare Consumable {1} | 229282
Rare Armor/Shield {3} | 228897, 229280, 229282
Rare Trinket {2} | 228895, 229281
Rare Weapon {2} | 229279, 229421
Perfect Consumable {1} | 228895
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

Acanthus · September 2

She regarded Nymoria with a hint of sadness. “I’m sorry you’ve been alone. I think I know what that feels like. When I realized that I was stuck here, I… I didn’t handle it very well. I shut myself off and didn’t let myself form any friendships. I was… scared about not being good enough. I thought that everyone I met would leave me behind as they climbed the floors faster than me. Or,” her voice deadened, “they would die.”

“I know it’s not the same as your loneliness. What I’m trying to say is that you’re not alone in being alone. If that’s helpful at all.” She also busied herself with trying to find some materials. The moment was starting to have a lot of emotions, and she never dealt with those very well. In the abundance of the garden, she found a flowering blackthorn, heavy with fruit. She was able to get a large amount off the tree, and offered some of the bounty to Nymoria.

Nymoria apologized, back to her inscrutable self. Acanthus waved off her apology. “It was not uncalled for at all. We’ve all been forced into this… very unusual situation. That isn’t a reason to bury your sadness. I did that enough in the real world, and my first two years here. So please, don’t be afraid to talk.”

Spoiler

Post Action: Gathering Materials
(Note: Gathering is active | LD rolls of 11-14 give 1 material. LD rolls of 15+ give 2 materials. For players with the Foraging Profession, this works alongside their profession's material-gathering chart. CD thresholds are also reduced by 1.)
229441 | LD 12 + 6 = 18 | CD 9 + 1 = 10. Critical! (1(Base) + 2(Critical) + 2(Gathering 15+) = (5) materials and 1,500 col gained. +16 EXP

EXP: 222/299

Current Total (Acanthus)
+16 foraging EXP
9480 col
13 Materials
T3 Rare Trinket | 228916b
T3 Perfect Consumable | 228916a
T3 Uncommon Consumable | 229117a

Edited September 10 by Acanthus

Nymoria · September 2

Acanthus had attempted to connect with Nymoria, explaining their own loneliness due to the impact of their entrapment within Aincrad. Nymoria had silently listened, reserving any commentary until after the player had finished saying anything. Her hands moved again, slowly, hesitantly, in a manner that seemed almost uncertain. It’s okay…I’ve been alone for a long time…long before this…

She’d stopped herself partially through whatever she’d been about to say, before dropping into her apology. But as she returned to her regular politeness, she tried to connect to the player while also remaining somehow distant and aloof. An odd mixture of caring and professional, as one might expect from someone closing themselves off, while trying not to insult the other.

Thank you for sharing. This has been hard on many people. It is not right for me to complain. Many others, like yourself, have had it harder. I am happy that I was able to meet you. Another formal bow, this one awkward due to her kneeling position, came from Nymoria as she finished her signs. She took a few moments to glance over the area again, hoping to find something of worth while distracting herself from the topic at hand. She knew that the silence between them couldn’t spread on forever, and she found herself drawn into another form of conversation as she signed the first thing that came to mind.

I opened an Artisan’s shop as my business. What did you open? Or have you not yet decided on your profession? She threw a partial glance towards Acanthus as she asked her question, slowly following it up with another, as she smiled slightly. I know there are a lot of choices to make, and sometimes that can seem scary.

----
ID229460 | Foraging

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}
ID229420 | LD: 3 | CD: 9 | Failure [+3 EXP | 249/299 EXP]
ID229421 | LD: 15 | CD: 8 | 2,016 [1,344+672] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229460 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 252/299 EXP]

Loot Totals
64,146 col
27 materials
Uncommon Consumable {3} | 229082, 229279, 229421
Rare Consumable {1} | 229282
Rare Armor/Shield {3} | 228897, 229280, 229282
Rare Trinket {2} | 228895, 229281
Rare Weapon {2} | 229279, 229421
Perfect Consumable {1} | 228895
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

Acanthus · September 2

Acanthus watched as Nymoria seemed to disappear inside herself again. Part of her wanted to reach out and hug her. But that felt like a gross overstep for someone she had met earlier this morning. She struggled to find comforting words instead, worrying that they sounded hollow. “I’m happy we met as well. I’ll be sure to stop by your shop and say hello sometimes. If we don’t meet on any other quests, that is. And my shop is always open if you want to stop by and just talk. It's on floor 24, just a few blocks west of the teleportation plaza.”

She stood up brusquely and rifled through some nearby bushes, covered in large waxy leaves. The garden proved a figurative (and literal) gold mine as the bush yielded some medicinal leaves and sturdy switches.

When asked about her profession, she cocked her head, talking at the bush while she ran her fingers through the branches for more materials. “It’s a funny story, actually. I thought I was walking into Evangeline’s shop to become an alchemist, but I wasn’t paying attention. Instead, I stumbled into Landon’s shop and he put on a moving performance. That’s how an NPC talked me into becoming a performer instead.”

Acanthus gave a wane smile. “I’m still learning. I'm not much of a stage performer, but thankfully, the crystals do most of the performance for me.”

Spoiler

Post Action: Gathering Materials
(Note: Gathering is active | LD rolls of 11-14 give 1 material. LD rolls of 15+ give 2 materials. For players with the Foraging Profession, this works alongside their profession's material-gathering chart. CD thresholds are also reduced by 1.)
229441 | LD 8 + 6 = 14 | CD 11 + 1 = 12. Critical! (1(Base) + 2(Critical) + 1(Gathering 11-14) = (4) materials and 1,500 col gained. +16 EXP

EXP: 230/299

Current Total (Acanthus)
+32 foraging EXP
10,980 col
17 Materials
T3 Rare Trinket | 228916b
T3 Perfect Consumable | 228916a
T3 Uncommon Consumable | 229117a

Edited September 10 by Acanthus

Nymoria · September 2

Nymoria sat back and listened as Acanthus explained the debacle leading to their chosen profession – a performer hadn’t been Nymoria’s first guess, but she hadn’t thought to dissuade the idea either. A smile spread across her face as she pictured the player accidentally wandering into the wrong shop, spiralling a collection of events that led them to their chosen finality. It was like some sort of play, or story, within the game itself.

I can almost imagine your surprise. She laughed, a movement that carried no sound to it at all – unnerving to some who noticed it, and yet somehow fitting for the otherwise mute player. Her hand covered her mouth, the only sign of her laughter the shaking of her form and the slight squint that came to her eyes as it overtook her. Nymoria had long since become used to the odd stares that it often brought, barely noticing them anymore. I would love to see one of your performances one day. In person, if that would be acceptable. It’s hard to hear the crystals.

She pointed towards her head in an off handed expression as she made her final statement. There was no look of anger or disgust, no upset as she pointed out the obvious inhabitation to her enjoyment of the crystals themselves. In fact, there was an intriguing smile upon her face as she continued to consider the performances that Acanthus could put on – an interesting image of brutality meeting the finesse required for a dancer, singer, or other musically talented individual.

I think we can get back to it. She signed as she rolled to her feet, offering her right hand to the other player, the sabre held within her left in a soft, eased grip that would signify her comfort with the weapon. Only once Acanthus was on her feet did Nymoria turn and nod towards another nearby group of snapdragons, the small drake creatures having continued to float closer and closer to the pair as they had rested. It may be a bit repetitive, but they are easy.

She took off without another sign, sprinting towards the group of drakes with the intent to draw them in and position them so that she could swing around widely, catching them all in the brunt of her attack. She was careful to balance her weight upon either foot, adjusting her momentum as she went before leaping partially into the air, just a few centimetres off the ground to give her clearance for the maneuver she would perform, landing on her toes and spinning in a wide circle meant to catch the group by surprise.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [76/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I | -13 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
[0,0] Snapdragon 14 | HP: 570/570 | DMG: 112
[1,0] Snapdragon 15 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[0,0] Snapdragon 16 | HP: 570/570 | DMG: 112
[0,0] Snapdragon 17 | HP: 570/570 | DMG: 112
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

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}
ID229420 | LD: 3 | CD: 9 | Failure [+3 EXP | 249/299 EXP]
ID229421 | LD: 15 | CD: 8 | 2,016 [1,344+672] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229460 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 252/299 EXP]

Loot Totals
64,146 col
27 materials
Uncommon Consumable {3} | 229082, 229279, 229421
Rare Consumable {1} | 229282
Rare Armor/Shield {3} | 228897, 229280, 229282
Rare Trinket {2} | 228895, 229281
Rare Weapon {2} | 229279, 229421
Perfect Consumable {1} | 228895
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

Acanthus · September 2

Acanthus didn’t mind the repetition. She found it calming in an odd way. Here I am, fighting for my life, and finding it calming. She almost gave a dry laugh as she dodged through the snapdragons, looking for openings. I think I feel safe because I at least have Nymoria here. Between the two of us, we can keep each other safe.

Following Nymoria’s lead, she cut through the snapdragons. The more she fought, the more she recognized the dragon’s patterns. She had previously worried about what might happen if the two of them weren’t able to stun them all, and they managed to sneak in an attack. She didn’t have to worry any longer. Her strike failed to land on one of the snapdragons, and it went after Nymoria. She was likely aware of the snapdragon, but Acanthus called it out anyways. Sure enough, the snapdragon was unable to land a hit.

Spoiler

Post Action: TECH-F -> Snapdragons 1-4
<<Snapdragon 1>> 229471 | BD 9 + 5 = 9. Minor Critical! (15 * 12) = 180 damage. Paralysis Applied. Bleed Applied. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 2>> 229472 | BD 1 + 5 = 6. Critical Miss.
<<Snapdragon 3>> 229473 | BD 10 + 5 = 14. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 4>> 229474 | BD 8 + 5 = 7. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Stunned!

Monsters' Turn
<<Snapdragon 1>> bleeds for 36 damage.
Snapdragons 1,3,4: Stunned.
No action taken.
Snapdragon 2: Attack -> Nymoria
229472 | MD 5 - 4 = 1. Miss.

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 [76/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | -19 EN

<<Snapdragon 1>> Hate (2,0) HP: 354/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 1/3; BLD 36 1/2)
<<Snapdragon 2>> Hate (0,1) HP: 285/570| DMG: 132
<<Snapdragon 3>> Hate (1,0) HP: 402/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 1/3)
<<Snapdragon 4>> Hate (1,0) HP: 402/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 1/3)

Edited September 2 by Acanthus

Nymoria · September 2

She’d managed to miss the majority of her targets, the snapdragons scattering away before she could do more than swing outwards with her blade. She would’ve considered it a waste of her energy and time if they hadn’t flown directly towards Acanthus, the player managing to catch the group in a wide swing that stunned them all, if only temporarily. She felt herself smile for a brief second, before an odd movement from Acanthus caught her attention, causing her to pause and tilt her head slightly.

The whooshing of wind going past her face made Nymoria jump slightly, the drake that she had slashed passing her by harmlessly as it missed her face and carried on towards Acanthus, its body moving in a manner that reminded Nymoria of agitation and frustration. Eyes squinting slightly as she grinned and gave another silent laugh, she quickly signed to Acanthus with her right hand as she prepared to re-engage the group.

Woops. I missed. It missed. Everybody missed. She gave a half shrug and another big grin before launching herself back into the fight with vigor, bringing her sabre up as she danced between the snapdragons, deflecting tooth and claw as she tried to bring them all together once more. They had, unfortunately for her, separated ever so slightly during the twin attacks of Nymoria and Acanthus, and she found herself dancing across the field slightly in an attempt to regroup them into a position that would be easiest to strike them all.

Almost…there…come back here you little…there! Stay! Her mind yelled the words she couldn’t say aloud, her feet bouncing off the ground as she ducked and rolled around the drakes, driving them closer and closer as she prepared to unleash her more powerful sword art – one which she rarely used, unless situations like the current one came up. Almost as an after thought she signed towards Acanthus quickly, the motions of the signs coming in brokenly as she had to pause between each to dodge or deflect an attack aimed at her. She only hoped that the other player would be able to decipher and understand the message, her movements not giving her the chance to do anything beyond the quick burst of words and half-spelt letters. Again. A. O. E. Hit. All.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [57/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I | +3 EN | -22 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
[1,2] Snapdragon 14 | HP: 12/570 | DMG: 112 | Stun Immunity [1/3]
~~[2,0] Snapdragon 15 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112 | Stun Immunity [1/3]~~
[1,1] Snapdragon 16 | HP: 60/570 | DMG: 112 | Stun Immunity [1/3]
[1,1] Snapdragon 17 | HP: 60/570 | DMG: 112 | Stun Immunity [1/3]
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

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}
ID229420 | LD: 3 | CD: 9 | Failure [+3 EXP | 249/299 EXP]
ID229421 | LD: 15 | CD: 8 | 2,016 [1,344+672] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229460 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 252/299 EXP]
ID229483 | LD: [1+1]=2 | CD: [4+1]=5 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material

Loot Totals
69,846 col
30 materials
Uncommon Consumable {3} | 229082, 229279, 229421
Rare Consumable {1} | 229282
Rare Armor/Shield {3} | 228897, 229280, 229282
Rare Trinket {2} | 228895, 229281
Rare Weapon {2} | 229279, 229421
Perfect Consumable {1} | 228895
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

Acanthus · September 2

She was learning the game lingo. When Nymoria spelled out “AoE,” she knew exactly what she needed. And this time around, Acanthus was prepared. As Nymoria finished her attacks, Acanthus stepped in. Although all three snapdragons were grouped up, she kept her attack conservative. At the rate the first snapdragon was bleeding, it wouldn’t be a threat.

With a particularly targeted strike, Acanthus sliced through one of the monsters, vaporizing it immediately. She danced with the second snapdragon, weaving around its attack to deliver one final blow. As she finished, she turned to the final snapdragon. Sure enough, it was bleeding out, slowly dissolving into blue shards.

After cleaning up, Acanthus thought back to Nymoria chasing down the snapdragons with some choice words, and she couldn’t help but giggle. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude. It just makes me feel better to see that I’m not the only one that can’t seem to land a hit every once in a while. You should have seen me during the First Lessons quest. You probably would have thought I’d never finish killing those three boars.”

She looked deeper into the garden and saw another pack. “You think we can go straight into the next fight? I’ve got one good stun left in me before I need a cookie." Thank goodness I’m out of braciole.

Spoiler

+3 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Snapdragons 16-17
<<Snapdragon 16>> 229485| BD 6 + 5 = 11. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Paralysis Applied. Bleed Refreshed. Stunned (Immune)
<<Snapdragon 17>> 229486 | BD 10 + 5 = 15. Major Critical (16 * 12) = 192 damage. Paralysis Applied. Bleed Applied. Stunned (Immune)

Monsters' Turn
<<Snapdragon 16>> bleeds for 36 damage.
Snapdragon 2: Attack -> Nymoria
229472 | MD 5 - 4 = 1. Miss.

End of Round 1

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 31/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36 | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3
Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [57/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | -19 EN

<<Snapdragon 15>> Hate (1,2) HP: -24/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 2/3; BLD 36 2/2)
<<Snapdragon 16>> Hate (1,1) HP: -108/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 1/3)
<<Snapdragon 17>> Hate (1,1) HP: -132/570| DMG: 132 (Stun Imm. 1/3)

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: 229487 | LD: 7+3=10 | CD:4+0=4 | Col:3990, Mats:3 (2+1), [229487a] T3 Uncommon Consumable
ID: 229488 | LD: 1+3=4 | CD:4+0=4 | Col:3990, Mats:3 (2+1)
ID: 229489 | LD: 20+3=23 | CD:3+0=3 | Col:3990, Mats:3 (2+1), [229489a] T3 Perfect Trinket, [229489b] T3 Perfect Weapon

Edited September 3 by Acanthus

Nymoria · September 3

Nymoria smiled brightly as Acanthus spoke what was on their mind. She quickly shook her head, her hands moving in a range of motion as she signed out her response to the observation. It is fine. Everyone misses sometimes. At least, everyone that I have met. I think it is fairly normal, in games that is, to miss sometimes. As you get better, it happens less for sure, but it is still possible. It is still a game.

A game, for sure, but one that had severe consequences when it came to the results of one’s attacks. It would be far too easy to move from missing an attack, to ended up taking an attack – a dangerous situation for any player, regardless of what level they were.

Yes, I think we can take another group. At least one more, before we need a break. She’d stuck the sabre into the ground temporarily, giving her the free range of both hands to better communicate. She’d followed Acanthus’ gaze into the distance, noticing the group of snapdragons that the player had spotted. Giving a brief smile towards Acanthus, Nymoria smiled again. Quickly, before I get them all!

She took off at a run as she retrieved her sabre and charged towards the next group of snapdragons that they were going to take on. She could feel the movement of the wind against her, the freeing experience that was racing through the gardens – and then suddenly she was leaping around the first of the small creatures, dancing towards the far side in the hope of being able to flank the group and strike without any resistance.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [41/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I | +3 EN | -19 EN
Acanthus | Lvl 28 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 31/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36 | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3
[1,0] Snapdragon 14 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[1,0] Snapdragon 15 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[1,0] Snapdragon 16 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[1,0] Snapdragon 17 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

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}
ID229420 | LD: 3 | CD: 9 | Failure [+3 EXP | 249/299 EXP]
ID229421 | LD: 15 | CD: 8 | 2,016 [1,344+672] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229460 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 252/299 EXP]
ID229483 | LD: [1+1]=2 | CD: [4+1]=5 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material

Loot Totals
69,846 col
30 materials
Uncommon Consumable {3} | 229082, 229279, 229421
Rare Consumable {1} | 229282
Rare Armor/Shield {3} | 228897, 229280, 229282
Rare Trinket {2} | 228895, 229281
Rare Weapon {2} | 229279, 229421
Perfect Consumable {1} | 228895
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

Acanthus · September 4

Nymoria dashed off after another teasing remark. Acanthus was surprised to hear herself laughing, “Not if I have anything to say about it!” Hot on her heels, she had already drawn Meteor, preparing to strike.

How long had it been since she had done something like this? She thought of all the times she visited friends on sunny days in the real world, and all the laughter they shared as they laid out blankets and talked until the sun touched the horizon. She’d been so preoccupied leveling up and surviving, that some days she forgot this was her life. For better or for worse, she had to enjoy these days, because they were all she had.

She had let herself get distracted. Halfway through her sword art, she realized she had missed two of the snapdragons entirely. Idiot! She berated herself. You let yourself get lost in the moment, and now you’re out here missing! This isn’t some happy walk in the park. This is a death game and you’re putting lives at stake. One of the snapdragons broke off and charged Nymoria. Acanthus yelled, trying to warn her of the impending attack.

Spoiler

+3 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Snapdragons 14-17
<<Snapdragon 14>> 229485| BD 1 + 5 = 11. Critical Miss.
<<Snapdragon 15>> 229486 | BD 9 + 5 = 15. Minor Critical (15 * 12) = 180 damage. Paralysis Applied. Bleed Applied. Stunned.
<<Snapdragon 16>> 229485| BD 1 + 5 = 6. Critical Miss.
<<Snapdragon 17>> 229486 | BD 4 + 5 = 9. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Paralysis Applied. Bleed Applied. Stunned.

Monsters' Turn
<<Snapdragon 14>> 229485| MD 3. Miss.
<<Snapdragon 15>> bleeds for 36 damage. Stunned. No action taken.
<<Snapdragon 16>> 229485| MD 10 Critical Hit! 134 Damage.
<<Snapdragon 17>> Stunned. No action.

Snapdragon 2: Attack -> Nymoria
229472 | MD 5 - 4 = 1. Miss.

End of Round 1

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 15/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36 | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3
Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [441/575] | EN [57/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [4] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | -19 EN

(Wouldn't these be Snapdragons 18-21?)

<<Snapdragon 14>> Hate (1,0) HP: 285/570| DMG: 132
<<Snapdragon 15>> Hate (1,2) HP: 69/570| DMG: 132
<<Snapdragon 16>> Hate (1,0) HP: 285/570| DMG: 132
<<Snapdragon 17>> Hate (1,1) HP: 117/570| DMG: 132

Edited September 4 by Acanthus

Nymoria · September 4

A shift of movement caught Nymoria’s attention as Acanthus moved to join the fray, the girl seeming somehow happier in the moment as she charged towards the snapdragons. The movement and tension from the player had changed, Nymoria noticing how they seemed more at ease than they had been earlier, as if they were suddenly starting to enjoy themselves – if only a little bit. She had to admit the change wasn’t much, a bare shift in their step and a slight smile at the side of their face, but it was something.

It’s nice to see someone happy. There’s too much sadness in this world. She felt herself spin on the spot slightly, the sudden impact taking her off balance as she realised she’d been far too focused on her thoughts, rather than the fight that had been going on around them. Her teeth clattered together as she caught herself, the jolting measure causing her to stir from any remnants of her internal thoughts and back into the reality of the moment. Ow.

She looked around to see one of the snapdragons backing away as it corrected itself after the harsh assault on Nymoria’s shoulder – the red glow lost to her vision, but the mind created pain lingering in her memory. Grinding her teeth slightly, she chased after the creature, determined to repay it for the gash it had given her. Her charge didn’t go unnoticed, however, as the other three snapdragons moved to assist their companion, lining themselves up perfectly for Nymoria’s form of attack.

A sudden kick from her right foot as it touched the ground, and she had left the ground in order to leap over the small drakes – her foot impacting the face of one as she barely managed to come overtop of the low flying creature. She landed gently on the other side, spinning even as she touched down in an attempt to slash all four of them in one, strong attack.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [491/575] | EN [25/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I | +3 EN | -19 EN -114 HP
Acanthus | Lvl 28 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 15/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36 | PARA | LD:6 | PROSP:3
[2,0] Snapdragon 14 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112
[2,2] Snapdragon 15 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112
[3,0] Snapdragon 16 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112
[2,1] Snapdragon 17 | HP: 0/570 | DMG: 112
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

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}
ID229420 | LD: 3 | CD: 9 | Failure [+3 EXP | 249/299 EXP]
ID229421 | LD: 15 | CD: 8 | 2,016 [1,344+672] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229460 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 252/299 EXP]
ID229483 | LD: [1+1]=2 | CD: [4+1]=5 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material
ID229692 | LD: [7+1]=8 | CD: 1 | 3,420 col, 5 material, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229693 | LD: [16+1]=17 | CD: 6 | 7,980 [3,420+4,560] col, 1 material, Rare Consumable {1}, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID229694 | LD: [20+1]=21 | CD: 7 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Perfect Armor/Shield {1}, Perfect Consumables {2}
ID229695 | LD: [4+1]=5 | CD: 2 | 7,980 [3,420+4,560] col, 3 material

Loot Totals
94,926 col
42 materials
Uncommon Consumable {4} | 229082, 229279, 229421, 229962
Rare Consumable {2} | 229282, 229693
Rare Armor/Shield {4} | 228897, 229280, 229282, 229693
Rare Trinket {2} | 228895, 229281
Rare Weapon {2} | 229279, 229421
Perfect Armor/Shield {1} | 229694
Perfect Consumable {3} | 228895, 229694a, 229694b
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

Acanthus · September 5

Acanthus rushed toward Nymoria as the shards disappeared. “Nymoria, I am so sorry. I was distracted, and I allowed you to get hit. Are you ok? I think I have some healing crystals somewhere…” She opened her menu frantically, pushing buttons for various crystals. “That’s not it, no, no, where are they…” Crystals appeared and dropped to the ground around her. One shattered and played an inappropriately jaunty tune, and a buff appeared around Acanthus. “I’m—I’m sorry, they were right here. Let me…” She trailed off as she stooped to the ground to gather the scattered performance crystals. “I know I brought them along.” Finding one, she shot up and offered it stiffly to Nymoria. “I let you get hurt. I won’t let it happen again.”

She took a few, deep, calming breaths. Nymoria’s health bar wasn’t particularly low. But it wasn’t about that. It was about her carelessness after all this time. It would have been one thing if Acanthus had taken the blow, but to have someone else suffer for her was unthinkable.

“Please. Take it.”

Spoiler

Post Action: Use Item
Monsters' Fortune 2 (227589) (When played, gain +1 LD per slot (+2) when rolling for loot on the next monster killed.)

Offering item: (1) Instant HP Recovery 1 (226486)

Edited September 5 by Acanthus

Nymoria · September 6

Nymoria could only shake her head as the nervous player frantically scrolled through their inventory. Acanthus seemed to be having a panic attack – a feeling Nymoria was familiar with, albeit not in the moment. A part of her wanted to laugh as Acanthus produced a familiar looking item, nearly shoving it into her face as she tried to get Nymoria to take the item in response to the damage she had taken.

I appreciate the concern, and the offer. I am okay. I have taken worse damage before, this is just a flesh wound. She grinned as she waved towards the air above her head, as if trying to signal the attention of the other player to something there. What little damage I took will heal shortly, and we should probably take a small break for the time being anyways. I’m almost out of energy.

She found a nearby collection of rocks, settling in against them as she waved at the other player to do the same. She wore a smile on her face as she waited, her left hand idly passing over the ground as it tried to determine if there was anything loose that could be used in her crafting.

We’re both okay. There’s nothing to worry about, for the time being. Come relax a bit. These things happen. She wanted to try and calm the other player, to give them some comfort in order to alleviate their concerns.

----

ID223003 | Foraging
ID223004 | Hunting Familiar | Cooldown: 5 posts (Post # 38)

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}
ID229420 | LD: 3 | CD: 9 | Failure [+3 EXP | 249/299 EXP]
ID229421 | LD: 15 | CD: 8 | 2,016 [1,344+672] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229460 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 252/299 EXP]
ID229483 | LD: [1+1]=2 | CD: [4+1]=5 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material
ID229692 | LD: [7+1]=8 | CD: 1 | 3,420 col, 5 material, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229693 | LD: [16+1]=17 | CD: 6 | 7,980 [3,420+4,560] col, 1 material, Rare Consumable {1}, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID229694 | LD: [20+1]=21 | CD: 7 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Perfect Armor/Shield {1}, Perfect Consumables {2}
ID229695 | LD: [4+1]=5 | CD: 2 | 7,980 [3,420+4,560] col, 3 material
ID223003 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 255/299 EXP]
ID223004 | LD: 18 | CD: 9 | 2,016 [1,344+672+1,008] col, 3 material, Rare Trinket {1}

Loot Totals
97,950 col
45 materials
Uncommon Consumable {4} | 229082, 229279, 229421, 229962
Rare Consumable {2} | 229282, 229693
Rare Armor/Shield {4} | 228897, 229280, 229282, 229693
Rare Trinket {3} | 228895, 229281, 223004
Rare Weapon {2} | 229279, 229421
Perfect Armor/Shield {1} | 229694
Perfect Consumable {3} | 228895, 229694a, 229694b
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

Acanthus · September 6

Nymoria had seemed genuinely calm in response to Acanthus’ failure. She tried her best to reassure herself that it came from a place of genuine acceptance. She thought about all the times mistakes had been “acceptable” at work until it was convenient to dredge them up for a quick jab. Not everyone is like that, she told herself. Give her the benefit of the doubt. It’s the least you can do.

Steadying herself, she placed the performance crystal back in her bag, and settled down on a rock next to Nymoria. Silently, she began to scan the area around them for any usable materials, but had no such luck.

“I’m sorry. Normally, I’m a little more collected than that. I just don’t want to be the reason anyone dies. I don’t think I could bear that.”

She shifted uncomfortably. “Let’s talk about something else. Something simple, like favorite foods. Or we could just not talk at all. Whenever I talk enough, I always seem to say the wrong thing.”

Spoiler

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230065 | LD 7. No materials found. +3 EXP

Edited September 10 by Acanthus

Nymoria · September 9

Nymoria had settled across from Acanthus as the girl shifted on the spot. She waved towards the area across from her, welcoming the other player to sit with her even as Nymoria considered what to say. She’d almost responded to the commentary about not wanting to be the cause of someone dying – Nymoria herself had a fear of the same thing, and she knew many others did as well. Still, Acanthus had mentioned wanting to change the topic, and Nymoria decided to accept that request with a gracious smile.

Favourite foods? That’s hard to say. I do truly enjoy teriyaki salmon, although that is hard to get here. I think I miss it the most from the real world…maybe miso butter cookies too. People think I’m weird for liking them. She grinned broadly, a small movement in her entire frame the only sign that she was laughing silently again at her own joke. She leaned back against a nearby rock, her eyes leaving Acanthus just enough to give her the chance to look around and try and spot anything valuable in the nearby rocky area. She leaned closer to one outcropping, checking to see if there was anything in it or if her eyes were just betraying her.

What about you? What foods do you miss the most? Have you found anything in this world that is really good? There’s a local dessert café that makes a really good mochi cake, but it’s a bit expensive. It’s up on the eleventh floor. She signed, trying to get Acanthus to speak a bit, to get the girl out of her shell. Nymoria knew the behaviour well, and knew that one of the best ways to break it was simply to pull the person out – willingly, but pull nonetheless. She waited for a response, more than content to give the player the time they needed to feel safe and comfortable.

----

ID230829 | Foraging

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}
ID229420 | LD: 3 | CD: 9 | Failure [+3 EXP | 249/299 EXP]
ID229421 | LD: 15 | CD: 8 | 2,016 [1,344+672] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229460 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 252/299 EXP]
ID229483 | LD: [1+1]=2 | CD: [4+1]=5 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material
ID229692 | LD: [7+1]=8 | CD: 1 | 3,420 col, 5 material, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229693 | LD: [16+1]=17 | CD: 6 | 7,980 [3,420+4,560] col, 1 material, Rare Consumable {1}, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID229694 | LD: [20+1]=21 | CD: 7 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Perfect Armor/Shield {1}, Perfect Consumables {2}
ID229695 | LD: [4+1]=5 | CD: 2 | 7,980 [3,420+4,560] col, 3 material
ID223003 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 255/299 EXP]
ID223004 | LD: 18 | CD: 9 | 2,016 [1,344+672+1,008] col, 3 material, Rare Trinket {1}
ID230829 | LD: 16 | CD: 11 | Success; 4 materials, 1,500 col [+16 EXP | 271/299 EXP]

Loot Totals
99,450 col
49 materials
Uncommon Consumable {4} | 229082, 229279, 229421, 229962
Rare Consumable {2} | 229282, 229693
Rare Armor/Shield {4} | 228897, 229280, 229282, 229693
Rare Trinket {3} | 228895, 229281, 223004
Rare Weapon {2} | 229279, 229421
Perfect Armor/Shield {1} | 229694
Perfect Consumable {3} | 228895, 229694a, 229694b
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

Acanthus · September 10

“Miso butter cookies? I don’t think I’ve ever had those. They sound… savory?” Acanthus struggled to think of a positive. To her, miso seemed like an odd choice of flavoring. Then again, she had always been a picky eater.

When asked about the things she enjoyed eating in game, Acanthus became a little evasive. I should have known better than to bring up food. “I miss all of it, really. The mochi cake sounds wonderful though. I think what I miss most are strawberries. I’d even take something strawberry-flavored. I found a nice cafe on the first floor that offers something similar…” she trailed off. “We’ll have to try the cafe on floor 11 after this.”

She took a moment to look around a nearby area for some materials. Some bright red flowers drew her eye. A few of the flowers came away, but the rest wilted as she picked them. She held them up to Nymoria. “Crocus. I think these are useful for alchemists and tailors? Although sometimes I just enjoy gathering whatever flowers I find. Recently, I’ve been considering traveling through some of the lower levels and writing up a compendium on some of the flora of Aincrad. It feels like a way to make the unfamiliar into something familiar.”

Spoiler

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230950 | LD 18 + 3 = 21 | CD 3 + 1 = 4. Success! (1) material found. +8 EXP

Edited September 10 by Acanthus

Nymoria · September 10

Nymoria nodded softly as the other played seemed to hesitantly mention their own ideals and desires regarding food. She could’ve sworn that she saw a measure of regret, or some other similar emotion, when Acanthus had first begun talking about food. A reaction that Nymoria assumed was as much in relation to the regret of missing food, to the desire to consume food. She kept herself from showing any signs or reaction, but she could feel the sudden impact of hunger on herself, and knew that she would need to eat something at some point. All this talk of food and cafés would make anyone hungry…especially if that anyone didn’t eat properly this morning to begin with.

Nymoria watched as Acanthus suddenly focused on a nearby collection of flowers – at least, she thought they were flowers. The red petals reminded Nymoria, in a way, of a bouquet she had once seen in the real world, although she’d never learnt the name of it. She’d never, in fact, paid much attention to the general flora population in either world – her interests lying in very different areas. Not that she didn’t find them beautiful, but simply that she saw them as something to be viewed and enjoyed, without the necessity of true knowledge about them. But as Acanthus began talking about creating a compendium, Nymoria found herself suddenly turning slightly red, realising the interest that the other player likely had in such things.

A compendium? That’s like a book…or an encyclopedia, right? Which lists all the various components, names and uses for things? So an encyclopedia on all the different flowers in Aincrad? Nymoria paused, tilting her head to the side for effect as she pretended to think on it for a moment before signing again. There must be thousands…no, millions, of flowers in Aincrad. Wouldn’t that take an entire lifetime to complete? You would be busy at least! Never bored.

She grinned broadly, hoping that the joke would at least be caught through the words and her smile, rather than the tone of voice – or lack thereof – that Acanthus likely heard. Even as she considered the prowess of creating a piece so broad as to contain all the various flowers, and related flora, in Aincrad, Nymoria’s hands continued to move in her typical foraging patterns. Absentmindedly patting the ground with her left, she signed with her right as a new idea came to mind. Is there no guide already? Lots of guides. Maybe save you the effort?

She didn’t want to downplay Acanthus’ idea, but she also didn’t like the idea of the poor player already putting the work and effort in if something existed already. She tried to smile gently, as if trying to soften the impact her words might have – aware enough that she may be insulting the girl by asking, and not wanting to upset her in any way. She signed again with her right hand, the words coming out slowly as she tried to compensate for the lack of multiple hands, although it may have looked like a flowing form of words to anyone not familiar with the signing language. Nymoria barely noticed anymore that there may be an oddity to it, so used to multitasking between her speech and efforts in doing other tasks. It is a good idea. Just don’t want you doing work when not needed.

----

ID230975 | Foraging

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}
ID229420 | LD: 3 | CD: 9 | Failure [+3 EXP | 249/299 EXP]
ID229421 | LD: 15 | CD: 8 | 2,016 [1,344+672] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229460 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 252/299 EXP]
ID229483 | LD: [1+1]=2 | CD: [4+1]=5 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material
ID229692 | LD: [7+1]=8 | CD: 1 | 3,420 col, 5 material, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229693 | LD: [16+1]=17 | CD: 6 | 7,980 [3,420+4,560] col, 1 material, Rare Consumable {1}, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID229694 | LD: [20+1]=21 | CD: 7 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Perfect Armor/Shield {1}, Perfect Consumables {2}
ID229695 | LD: [4+1]=5 | CD: 2 | 7,980 [3,420+4,560] col, 3 material
ID223003 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 255/299 EXP]
ID223004 | LD: 18 | CD: 9 | 2,016 [1,344+672+1,008] col, 3 material, Rare Trinket {1}
ID230829 | LD: 16 | CD: 11 | Success; 4 materials, 1,500 col [+16 EXP | 271/299 EXP]
ID230975 | LD: 4 | CD: 12 | Failure [+3 EXP | 274/299 EXP]

Loot Totals
99,450 col
49 materials
Uncommon Consumable {4} | 229082, 229279, 229421, 229962
Rare Consumable {2} | 229282, 229693
Rare Armor/Shield {4} | 228897, 229280, 229282, 229693
Rare Trinket {3} | 228895, 229281, 223004
Rare Weapon {2} | 229279, 229421
Perfect Armor/Shield {1} | 229694
Perfect Consumable {3} | 228895, 229694a, 229694b
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

Acanthus · September 10

Quote

A compendium? That’s like a book…or an encyclopedia, right? Which lists all the various components, names and uses for things? So an encyclopedia on all the different flowers in Aincrad?

Acanthus’ face brightened. “Exactly. And not just flowers either—trees, mosses, anything green. Or I guess, anything green on land. Trying to include algae would just be another lifetime. And no fungi. Don’t even get me started on fungi.” She frowned in contemplation.

Quote

There must be thousands…no, millions, of flowers in Aincrad. Wouldn’t that take an entire lifetime to complete? You would be busy at least! Never bored.

Acanthus laughed in agreement. “I think the thirteenth floor would probably take me a year alone.”

Nymoria mentioned guides, and Acanthus gave a firm nod. “I’ve looked a bit for a guide, but I haven’t found anything that really matches what I’m envisioning.” Acanthus busied herself by gathering as she talked. She rolled seeds out of a strange, tubular plant and into her hand, adding them to her material collection. “All the guides I’ve found are written by in-game foragers. They tell you where to go, when the timed nodes are active. You know, things that help you collect crafting materials.” Acanthus turned over a rock; dozens of simulated bugs scurried about before burrowing back into the soil. “I’m curious about how the digital ecosystem itself works—if it works at all. For example, Cardinal simulates weather patterns. Does it simulate plant growth as well? How granular is the system, exactly? Assuming that there’s any interaction—which I suspect there is, given Cardinal's complexity—does the code run any deeper than “water makes plants green”? Does it account for soil composition, water retention, maybe even endosymbiosis? Part of me even feels ridiculous saying that, but look around! The amount of processing power to power Aincrad has to be staggering. If there’s a limit, it’s possible that it’s on a level we can’t observe. Either way, I’d like to get into the weeds and find out.”

Acanthus paused mid-thought, and looked sheepish. “I’m sorry. I was rambling, wasn’t I? It’s really nothing more than a half-formed thought. And honestly, there’s probably not that much to the plants here. I wouldn’t be surprised if nobody really thought about it at all. It is just a video game, after all.”

Quote

It is a good idea. Just don’t want you doing work when not needed.

She smiled sadly. “I’m sure the effort isn’t going to be needed by anyone. It probably won’t even be interesting. But it’s…” The words caught in her throat. A fallback plan. Some kind of direction. In case I get too scared to fight. “It’s just an idea. Not really even a good one.”

She stood roughly, eager to change topics yet again. “Anyways, I think I see a pond nearby. I’ll need just a little longer before my energy is up, so why don’t we go check it out? Then we can find some more snapdragons.”

Spoiler

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230976 | LD 8 + 3 = 11 CD 1. Success! (1) material found. +8 EXP

Edited September 10 by Acanthus

Nymoria · September 10

Nymoria remained quiet as she watched Acanthus’ sudden peaked interest, the way in which the player seemed to leap into the conversation with such excitement. There was a sparkle to her eye as she spoke, talking about the various plants and ecosystems that – if Nymoria was being entirely honest – were far above and beyond her own understanding of how the systems worked. The bare basics should could follow, the concepts of water, soil composition, of growth and regrowth. Where she found herself lost was the sudden leap to cataloguing and noting all of the effects, and the investigation into whether Aincrad had any systems on it’s back end which would imitate and appear similar in design to real life.

I’ve never considered it before. I always just thought they respawned, like creatures… She wouldn’t get the chance to voice her opinion, though, as Acanthus suddenly leap from the ground to her feet, turning the conversation in a clear desire to leave behind the topic at hand. Nymoria swore she saw a look of sadness on the other player’s face, if only for a single second before disappearing from sight.

Slowly, pushing herself to her own feet, she smiled at Acanthus, grabbing the player’s arm with her left hand quickly, before dropping it so she could sign more fluently with both hands. I don’t think it is a wasted effort, or something that would not be interesting. I think it would actually be good. Many people long for the real world, and this sounds like something that is from the real world. It may help people…remember? Connect? It may help them survive. Sometimes it is the little things that keep us going…even if most people don’t notice it. You never know who may be helped by that one, small thing.

Turning to look at the pond that Acanthus had pointed out, Nymoria let her smile grow slightly. She paused only long enough to sign a final comment before dashing off in the direction of the pond. Race you.

----

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [70/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I | +0 EN | -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
[1,0] Snapdragon 18 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
[2,0] Snapdragon 19 | HP: 270/570 | DMG: 112 | Bleed [36 | 0/2]
[2,0] Snapdragon 20 | HP: 255/570 | DMG: 112 | Bleed [36 | 0/2]
[1,0] Snapdragon 21 | HP: 285/570 | DMG: 112
Piercing Crunch | Gains <<Phase>> on a natural MD of 9 or 10.

ID231023 | BD: 7+5=12 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 18>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
ID231024 | BD: 9+5=14 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 19>> | Minor Critical Hit: [(19+1)x15] = 300 damage | Bleed [36 | 0/2]
ID231025 | BD: 10+5=15 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 20>> | Major Critical Hit: [(19+2)x15] = 315 damage | Bleed [36 | 0/2]
ID231026 | BD: 7+5=12 | <<AoE-I vs. Snapdragon 21>> | Hit: [19x15] = 285 damage
Keen Activated [+2 BD on 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}
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}
ID229420 | LD: 3 | CD: 9 | Failure [+3 EXP | 249/299 EXP]
ID229421 | LD: 15 | CD: 8 | 2,016 [1,344+672] col, 3 material, Rare Weapon {1}, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229460 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 252/299 EXP]
ID229483 | LD: [1+1]=2 | CD: [4+1]=5 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material
ID229692 | LD: [7+1]=8 | CD: 1 | 3,420 col, 5 material, Uncommon Consumable {1}
ID229693 | LD: [16+1]=17 | CD: 6 | 7,980 [3,420+4,560] col, 1 material, Rare Consumable {1}, Rare Armor/Shield {1}
ID229694 | LD: [20+1]=21 | CD: 7 | 5,700 [3,420+2,280] col, 3 material, Perfect Armor/Shield {1}, Perfect Consumables {2}
ID229695 | LD: [4+1]=5 | CD: 2 | 7,980 [3,420+4,560] col, 3 material
ID223003 | LD: 4 | CD: 4 | Failure [+3 EXP | 255/299 EXP]
ID223004 | LD: 18 | CD: 9 | 2,016 [1,344+672+1,008] col, 3 material, Rare Trinket {1}
ID230829 | LD: 16 | CD: 11 | Success; 4 materials, 1,500 col [+16 EXP | 271/299 EXP]
ID230975 | LD: 4 | CD: 12 | Failure [+3 EXP | 274/299 EXP]

Loot Totals
99,450 col
49 materials
Uncommon Consumable {4} | 229082, 229279, 229421, 229962
Rare Consumable {2} | 229282, 229693
Rare Armor/Shield {4} | 228897, 229280, 229282, 229693
Rare Trinket {3} | 228895, 229281, 223004
Rare Weapon {2} | 229279, 229421
Perfect Armor/Shield {1} | 229694
Perfect Consumable {3} | 228895, 229694a, 229694b
Perfect Trinket {1} | 228896
Perfect Weapon {1} | 2298080

Acanthus · September 11

Race you.

Acanthus smiled softly. She didn’t often have strong feelings, but when she did, she wore them openly. She had no doubt the abrupt change signaled her sadness. Rather than press her, Nymoria chose to go along with the change. Teasing her again. In some ways, Nymoria reminded her of her best friend from high school. They had grown apart over the years, but the memories were still there.

Acanthus followed, hot on Nymoria’s heels. Following up on her combat, she moved quickly into position. Finesse, she reminded herself. She repeated it like a mantra as she powered up her sword art. Finesse. She danced through the snapdragons, concentrating on each strike. Finesse.

Ending on the other side of the group, she looked back at the group. She had done surprisingly good work—she managed to score deep, bleeding wounds on the two Nymoria had not. Flanking the group, she called out to Nymoria. “Let’s finish them off!”

Spoiler

Nymoria | Lv. 28 | P. 0 | HP [575/575] | EN [70/89] | ACC [5] | DMG [19] | EVA [1] | BH [+30] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+2 BD] | LD [+1] | Prosperity II | Quality I | +0 EN | -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
[1,0] Snapdragon 18 | HP: 57/570 | DMG: 112 | Bleed [36 | 1/2]
[2,0] Snapdragon 19 | HP: 102/570 | DMG: 112 | Bleed [36 | 1/2]
[2,0] Snapdragon 20 | HP: 87/570 | DMG: 112 | Bleed [36 | 1/2]
[1,0] Snapdragon 21 | HP: 57/570 | DMG: 112 | Bleed [36 | 1/2]

Post Action: TECH-F -> Snapdragons 18-21
<<Snapdragon 18>> 231052| BD 10 + 5 = 15. Major Critical! 16 * 12 = 192 damage. Stunned! Bleed Applied.
<<Snapdragon 19>> 231053 | BD 2 + 5 = 7. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 damage. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 20>> 231054| BD 3 + 5 = 8. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 damage. Stunned!
<<Snapdragon 21>> 231055| BD 10 + 5 = 15. Major Critical! 16 * 12 = 192 damage. Stunned! Bleed Applied.

Monsters' Turn
All monsters bleed for 36 damage.
All monsters stunned: No action taken.

Edited September 11 by Acanthus

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