[PP-F10] Down by the River <<Scents of the Wild: Leeching Nightmare>>

[Pinball 1]

True to his word, Pinball messaged Acanthus a few days later. 

He waited outside the city's gates. Unlike most floors, the tenth floor's starting city almost immediately gave way to untamed wilderness past its walls. The underground cave system was home to an impressive network of dark tunnels, ravines, and a wonderful little ecosystem of glowing mushrooms. All things that Pinball did not care about in the slightest. Floor Ten was another one of those places he avoided going if he could help it, both because there was little to do there and because it was overall just a tad dreary. Pinball was already gloomy enough as things stood. He didn't need to bum around in caves and shit, too. 

There was a large river that ran through most of the floor. That was their goal today. Accessible only by the river's channels was this quest's boss, dubbed "The Leech Lich." Pinball was about as concerned about this one as he was Kumatetsu -- that was to say, not very. What did concern him was how Acanthus was going to handle it. 

Standing beneath the cap of a giant mushroom, Pinball waited for her, out of sight of only those who didn't know to look. 

*** 

Pinball: 840/840 HP | 120/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

Player Stats: 

Spoiler

 

Level: 33 (Paragon Level 41)
Health: 840 | Energy: 120
DMG: 20  | ACC: 5  | EVA: 4  | BH: 37 | LD: 6 
Shift: Tech

Skills:

Combat Skills:
► Battle Healing [22/30]
► Energist [8/8]
► Combat Mastery: Damage [13/13]

Weapon Skills:
► Thrown Weapons [30/30] 
    Add Ons: 
►Focus 
►Precision 
►Stamina 

Utility Skills:
► Quick Change [8/8] 
► Searching: [22/30] -> (Skylight: R5) 

Extra Skills:
► Disguise
► Survival
► Forgotten King’s Authority 
► Hiding [30/30]

Familiar Skill: 
► Rending Familiar [10/10]

Armor Skills:
► Unhindered 

Modifiers:
► Sneak Attack: Trickster 
► Vanish 
► Tracking
► Untraceable

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

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

Battle Ready: 
» [Reusable Consumable] Rhino’s Horn 
» [2x] Teleportation Crystal 
» [x3] Lacrimosa - HP Recovery III Crystal {Instant}
» [Demonic TW] Hellfire: Burn, Bleed, Blight, Static
» [Demonic TW] Astral Blade: Holy, Fallen, Phase, Damage
» [Uncommon TW] Tyrfing: Absolute Accuracy 
» [Perfect Cloth] Cloak of the Harbingers: +3 LD

 

Housing Buffs: 

Spoiler

Housing Buffs: 
Squeaky Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)
Well Rested: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.
Relaxed: Increases out of combatHP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Item Stash: +1 BR Slot 
Skylight (Searching): +1 Expertise to declared utility skill. Cannot boost a skill without ranks, or increase a skill past its maximum rank. Cannot boost a skill the user has not learned yet. Ranks obtained using this buff will make the mods of that rank available for purchase. Mods obtained this way are unusable if this buff is removed until the skill is returned to the appropriate rank by way of SP purchase.
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
Working: +2 EXP per crafting attempt

 

Edited August 28 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

If Acanthus hadn’t known where to look, she would have missed Pinball. I need to know how he’s so good at hiding. I’m sure some of it is Cardinal, but still…

She approached quietly, thinking back to their last fight together. She had made a fool of herself, getting worked up like that. She wasn’t ready to blubber out some kind of apology. The best thing I can do is just make sure this fight goes smoothly. Do your fair share, don’t get worked up. It’s all just a game.

Stepping around a large cluster of bright red mushrooms, she gave a curt bow and nod to Pinball. “Good… morning? Afternoon?” She looked helplessly around the dreary cave system. Night and day didn’t have much meaning in the underground tenth floor. “Good night,” She said firmly. “Thanks for waiting for me. I should be ready to head out whenever you are.”
 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 66/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD: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) Beginner Healing Potions	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 Smores | EVA 2

 

 

Edited August 29 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

"Hello," he replied. He pushed himself off from the mushroom stalk he was leaning against and nodded. "Of course. Not a problem." 

He turned and started walking. 

Pinball said nothing about the last quest they had taken together -- but in hindsight, why would he? What was he going to do, ask if she was feeling better? It was a weird question and he didn't feel like having an awkward conversation about it. He'd see for himself if she was feeling better or not shortly. 

"The Leech Lich," he said, "is down by the Stygian River. It's going to be a bit of a walk to get there again." 

He was beginning to notice a trend with these quests. A kind of annoying trend. But could he really expect a quest to be conveniently placed outside the city gates for him? "From what I understand, this one's not going to be very difficult either." 

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus knew going into this quest that most players avoided this floor; but it wasn’t until she arrived that she knew why. She had heard the floor described as silent, with calming blue lights and very few monsters. But none of those descriptions really touched on the unsettling atmosphere. The wilds were painfully silent, like the moments before a parent’s harsh reproach. The lights were indeed a deep, calming blue; but it was the kind of calm that made her prone to stop caring, lay down, and wait for a monster to end her. And the monsters… The monsters were the worst of all. Emaciated human figures shrieked and wailed in the darkness. Shades and skeletons patrolled, always nearby and just out of sight. Some of the shades were not hostile, but instead offered unwanted advice or tragic stories. After listening to a few, she wished they would just attack instead. Young girls searching for parents, old men yelling and spitting angrily, each soul offered something awful or soul-crushing to listen to.

The river she and Pinball followed was the dominating feature of the floor. It wound through many of the cavernous routes on the tenth floor; sometimes it was a massive expanse, other times barely a creek. But it was always nearby. The fumes were heady and distracting, and were reminiscent of fruit that was only just past spoiling. The scent was sweet enough to tempt a sniff, but any more caused her to gag. More importantly, she knew to be careful around the river. Several monsters were drawn to its banks but as they waded in, they dissolved in agonized shrieks—still wading deeper as they died.

Horrified, Acanthus turned to Pinball as they walked. “Is this… normal for floor ten? The floor index described this place as somewhere not to linger, but seeing it all in person doesn’t do the description justice.” She kept a tight formation with him. “Please warn me if you disappear. At least a signal.”

Edited August 30 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

"Yes, it's normal," he replied. He walked otherwise quickly across the stone floor of the cavernous tenth floor. They passed glowing mushroom and crystal alike. There was stone above, stone below, stone beside them. Everything was echoey. Their footsteps, stones falling in the distance, the steady, lazy sounds of the river besides them. Pinball shrugged. After a bit of consideration, he added, "I think floor nine is worse." Pinball absolutely hated the ninth floor. 

Pinball otherwise continued quietly. The good thing about following the river was that there wasn't as big of a risk of getting lost in the caves. The bad thing was that they were out in the open, and Pinball didn't quite like being out in the open. Acanthus had mentioned to give her a warning if he disappeared, or at least a signal -- Pinball had nodded, but said little else. He was already fairly wary about disappearing around her after the last time. Though his face didn't show it, Pinball was keeping a close eye on her. 

[Acanthus 0]

They followed the winding river for a long time. They ducked under mushrooms, stepped lightly around monster spawns, and brushed past the weeping shades. As a small shade cried out for its mother, she shivered. I have a hard time believing floor nine could be worse than this. She decided against pressing Pinball for details. If he thought floor nine was worse, then it was worse. It wasn’t a competition of preferences.

They had spent most of the trip walking in silence. Normally, Acanthus enjoyed the shared quiet, but something felt off today. Maybe it’s just this floor. She looked around at the morose setting. Their silence had a similar pallor. It’s because of how I was acting last time. He obviously saw it, but he doesn’t want to say anything. Which I understand: if I took a chance on a stranger, and she turns out to be some barely stable swordswoman, I’d probably avoid any confrontation. I’d keep my head down and just get the quest done quickly.

Even still, Acanthus swore she saw furtive glances from Pinball. But she had the vague feeling he was checking up on her, rather than sizing her up. Next time I’m starting to struggle, I will say something. If he’s trusting me to handle the quest, the least I can do is trust him.

The river endlessly wound into the darkness. She paused to look at Pinball. Maybe he had a better idea for how much longer it would be.

[Pinball 1]

Pinball stopped. "There," he said. 

Just a bit further down the river, a congregation of ghastly looking specters seemed to mill about aimlessly. Aimlessly, or restlessly awaiting something. Them. They were awaiting them. As in the two players who'd taken the quest. 

All at once, the information he'd gathered on the quest came spilling out. He spoke in a rather hushed tone, but was that really anything different for someone like Pinball? Acanthus was certainly used to it by now. "Four Stygian Warriors, then the lich will appear. Another four with him. Kill the warriors first. The lich will eat any of the warriors we haven't killed and get stronger." It wouldn't be strong enough, he knew, but he'd feel awfully pretentious adding that part. Pinball took another few steps closer and slowed. He squinted. He measured the distance between them -- they hadn't noticed them yet, but that wasn't what he was checking for. 

Pinball glanced to Acanthus and flicked his chin in the direction of the miasmic congregation of undead. 

"Take point." 

[Acanthus 0]

“Take Point.”

She didn’t hesitate. Starting off at a trot, she drew her blade as the Stygian Warriors detected her presence. They screeched, and she broke into a full sprint, blade close to the floor. The warriors had long, wicked blades of their own and tattered black robes that obscured everything except their skeletal hands. Their appearance reminded her of minions from a movie her friend had shown her once: King of the Rings, or something like that.

The one in front slowly raised the blade above its head, preparing for Acanthus to close the distance. She thought about Nymoria’s lesson: finesse. Don’t just follow the system mindlessly. As the sword art collected, she felt that familiar wave rising. She felt the energy in her blade crest, and she unleashed the art right as she came into the warrior’s reach. The Stygian cackled as it sliced downward toward Acanthus, confident in its strike. But she raised Meteor above her head, bracing the flat of the blade with her offhand. The two swords collided with a deafening ring, and Acanthus’s arms shook from the exertion. Move! She screamed to herself. The wave was telling her to press through and force the attack. But she knew that would leave her open to the other three.

Like water, she slid her blade out from the Stygian’s sword. The warrior’s force caused it to connect with the ground, but Acanthus was already gone. She cleaved the second warrior before it could react. The other two Stygian Warriors screeched and readied their defenses, but Acanthus was already inside their reach. Using their height against them, she drove them back into the river before finishing the two off. Turning to the first (and last) warrior, she felt the last of the sword art leaving the blade. She needed to act fast.

The warrior rushed her with a strange, almost floating run. As it swiped at her head, she ducked and brought Meteor up into its ribcage. The warrior howled one last time before bursting into shards.

The howl attracted another wave. Four more warriors rose from the banks, and behind them, the Leech Lich.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 66/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3
Pinball: 840/840 HP | 120/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

Post Action: TECH-F -> Stygian Warriors 1-4
<<Stygian Warrior 1>> 229422| BD 2 + 5 = 7. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 - 35 = 133 damage. Stunned! (And dead.)
<<Stygian Warrior 2>> 229423| BD 6 + 5 = 11.Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 - 35 = 133 damage. Stunned! (And dead.)
<<Stygian Warrior 3>> 229424| BD 7 + 5 = 12. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 - 35 = 133 damage. Stunned! (And dead.)
<<Stygian Warrior 4>> 229425| BD 4 + 5 = 9. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 - 35 = 133 damage. Stunned! (And dead.)

Round 1, after Acanthus

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 47/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 Pinball: 840/840 HP | 120/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6 <<Stygian Warrior 1>> -33/100 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 1 <<Stygian Warrior 2>> -33/100 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 1 <<Stygian Warrior 3>> -33/100 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 1 <<Stygian Warrior 4>> -33/100 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 1

 

 

                                                                                            

Edited September 2 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

Acanthus pretty easily dispatched the initial group of Stygian Warriors. Pinball darted past her, flicking knives into his palms - a blade for every occasion - and launched them each at the undead monsters in quick succession. His blades, Tyrfing, cut through the air unfailingly. They almost seemed to curve towards their targets, such was his accuracy when wielding that specific weapon. Pinball's hands vanished beneath his cloak. 

The Leech Lich swung, and Pinball moved his head slightly to the side. The lich's bony claws caught nothing but open air, and seemingly frustrated, it unleashed a flurry of clawed swipes in Pinball's direction. Pinball ducked, dodged, and weaved each of them, stepping backwards between each attack to lead the mob closer to Acanthus. Pinball could have vanished. He almost did. But he didn't, for a couple of reasons. 

The first and foremost being that the Leech Lich, as expected, was nearly dead already. 

*** 

Spoiler

Free Action: [Quick Change] - {Cold Fervor} -> {Tyrfing} 
Action Taken: {Well Rested} [TECH-F] [-16 EN] 
Stygian Warrior 1: ID#229490 BD: 4+6 - 20*12 = 240-35= 205 DMG 
Stygian Warrior 2: ID#229491 BD: 5+6 - 20*12 = 240-35= 205 DMG
Stygian Warrior 3: ID#229492 BD: 6+6 - 20*12 = 240-35= 205 DMG
Stygian Warrior 4: ID#229493 BD: 10 - 23*12 = 276 - 35= 241 DMG 

The Leech Lich attacks Pinball 
ID#229494 BD: 6+2-4= 4 (Miss) 

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 47/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3
Pinball: 840/840 HP | 104/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ABS. ACC | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

<<The Leech Lich>> 450/450 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 2
<<Stygian Warrior 1>> 0/100 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 1
<<Stygian Warrior 2>> 0/100 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 1
<<Stygian Warrior 3>> 0/100 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 1
<<Stygian Warrior 4>> 0/100 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 35 | ACC: 1

 

Edited September 2 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus heard the knives whistle, but never saw them. The new Stygian Warriors barely made it out of the river before Pinball put them down. What was it that Koji always said? “Goals,” I think. With a horrifying bellow, the Leech Lich tore past Acanthus to swing at Pinball, but with the smallest of movements, he avoided every one of the Lich’s attacks. Studying the fight carefully, her eyes widened. There it is—an opening. She darted in on the Lich’s flank, and struck the back of the its leg. With a groan, the Lich buckled to one knee, stunned by the surprise strike. Acanthus felt conflicted. A cheap shot like that almost felt dirty. On the other hand, they were facing off with an evil lich in a fight to the death. She backed up as the Lich started to move again. She wasn’t sure if Pinball’s next attack would finish the job or not. She had no doubt he *could*—Acanthus had the impression that Pinball had plenty of tricks left up his sleeve, should the moment demand it. But this moment simply did not. Despite their surroundings, Acanthus was confident that neither of them were in much danger.

Spoiler

 

+3 EN.

Post Action: TECH-A -> Leech Lich
229495 | BD 7 + 5 = 12. Hit! 14 * 16 = 224 - 75 = 149 damage. Stunned!

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 34/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3
Pinball: 840/840 HP | 104/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

<<The Leech Lich>> 301/450 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 2 | Stunned

 

 

Edited September 3 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

Pinball knew he'd been silly -- if he'd prepared the right blade before he'd entered combat, the lich would be dead with his next strike. But he hadn't, and it wouldn't be. He was being careless, and he knew that one day it would cost him. Quick Change was on cooldown, and while he knew that the lich posed no threat, he also knew that he shouldn't take any chances. It was easy to forget that these things could mean life and death when you did them every day. 

Still, he decided not to beat himself up about it too much. Acanthus worked quickly, spotting her opening, and taking it. The Leeching Lich fell to its bony knees, stunned. Pinball, just a few feet away, flicked a blade between his fingers, and then let it fly. It almost unceremoniously found the Leeching Lich's skull, where it embedded itself with a dull crunch. Once again, his hands disappeared beneath his cloak. The lich began to struggle to its feet. It felt less like a battle at that point, and more like an excecution. Pinball gave a shallow nod to Acanthus. 

It was all hers. 

***

Spoiler

Action Taken: {Well Rested} [TECH-D] [-12 EN] 
ID#229500 BD: 2+6 - 20*16= 320-55= 265 DMG

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 34/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3
Pinball: 840/840 HP | 96/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ABS. ACC | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

<<The Leech Lich>> 36/450 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 55 (-20) | ACC: 2 | Shatter [1/3] 

 

Edited September 3 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

She recognized the shallow nod. Stepping up to the Lich’s bowed head, she raised her blade above her head in both hands and posed exactly like the first Stygian Warrior she had fought. The Lich Leech struggled and howled, just like Kumatetsu had in its last moments, but it was easier to harden her heart this time. The thing in front of her wasn’t human—it was, without question, a monster.

Meteor formed a soft red light as she felt the final sword art charge. The Lich gave one final cry as she brought her blade down in a wide arc. It was a clean kill.

Acanthus sheathed her sword and approached Pinball. “We made good time. I’ve got another few hours to kill before I need to get back to the shop, if we want to scout another fight.” She knew she should be nervous about inviting more combat than necessary, but all she felt in that moment was excitement. They were on a roll, and nothing down here would stop them. Besides, all the monsters on floor 10 were terrifying, evil creatures. Putting them out of their misery would be simple enough.
 

Spoiler

+3 EN.

Post Action: ST-1 -> Leech Lich
229501 | BD 4 + 5 = 9. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 - 75 = 93 damage.

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 25/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3
Pinball: 840/840 HP | 104/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

<<The Leech Lich>> 0/450 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 2 | 

Looting Totals
ID: 231057 | LD: 20+3=23 | CD:3+0=3 | Col:4050, Mats:2, [231057a] T3 Perfect Trinket, [231057b] T3 Perfect Weapon     

 

 

Edited September 11 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

"Sure, well," Pinball glanced to the river, and flipped a knife into his palm. "I don't think we'll have to scout for one, though." 

From the river, a new group of undead emerged. These were more ethereal than the Leech Lich and its kin, and they drifted out from the river's dark waters without disturbing its tranquil surface. Well, Pinball had experience fighting ghosts and the like, on this floor and others. Luckily, they could be killed just like everything else. The group that emerged from the waters reached soundlessly towards them, spectral limbs extended in what seemed like a mixture of rage and desperation. Their silent approach, he thought, was likely the most dangerous thing about them. 

Pinball flicked a knife towards each one of the spectres. Each landed in succession, stopping each in midair. The Stun took hold, though it looked a little different when the creatures getting stunned were incorporeal. In the distance, more began to slowly drift towards Pinball and Acanthus. "We'll clear them out and then call it." 

*** 

Spoiler

Action Taken: {Well Rested} [TECH-F] [-16 EN] 
ID#229739 BD: 6 - 20*12 = 240 DMG 
ID#229740 BD: 10 - 20+3*12 = 276 DMG 
ID#229741 BD: 5+6 - 20*12 = 240 DMG 
ID#229742 BD: 3+6 - 20*12 = 240 DMG 

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 34/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3
Pinball: 840/840 HP | 84/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ABS. ACC | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

Ghast 1: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 2: 120/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 3: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 4: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 

 

Edited September 4 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

“Sounds good.” Just one pack? I think we could take a few more easily.

She stormed through the ghasts as they hung stunned in the air. The last few quests had left her wondering what she’d ever been afraid of. Kumatetsu and the Leech Lich both had been brief encounters. But be careful. You know that the boss fights only get harder.

But the ghasts left something to be desired. Slashing to her heart’s content, all four burst like confetti into multiple shards.

She walked back to Pinball, dusting her hands. “That seemed simple enough. I’m surprised we got any loot from them.” Part of her knew she was being just a little too cocky for her own good. But when was the last time I felt this in control? I might as well enjoy it while I can.

She glanced back the way they came from. “You said one more before we call it. Maybe if we’re lucky, we’ll find a few more on our way back. Although,” she noted reluctantly, “I’ll need a bit of time to let my energy get back up.”
 

 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: TECH-F -> Ghasts 1-4
<<Ghast 1>> 229805| BD 4 + 5 = 9. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. 
<<Ghast 2>> 229806 | BD 8 + 5 = 13. Focus Critical! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. Bleed applied.
<<Ghast 3>> 229807 | BD 5 + 5 = 10. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage.
<<Ghast 4>> 229808 | BD 3 + 5 = 8. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. 

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 9/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3
Pinball: 840/840 HP | 84/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ABS. ACC | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

Ghast 1: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG
Ghast 2: 120/396 HP | 132 DMG
Ghast 3: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG
Ghast 4: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG

 

Looting
ID: 229812 | LD: 18+3=21 | CD:10+0=10 | Col:3564, Mats:0, [229812a] T4 Perfect Trinket
ID: 229811 | LD: 3+3=6 | CD:11+0=11 | Col:1188, Mats:4, [229811a] T4 Rare Trinket
ID: 229810 | LD: 10+3=13 | CD:4+0=4 | Col:4356, Mats:0, [229810a] T4 Rare Trinket
ID: 229809 | LD: 9+3=12 | CD:12+0=12 | Col:2376, Mats:2, [229809a] T4 Rare Armor/Shield

 

 

Edited September 5 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

"Not a problem," he said. There was another pack though, and they were getting closer. It didn't matter too much. Acanthus had said it herself - she was surprised they got any loot from them. He threw his knives at range. They were still drifting slowly towards them, and as his knives connected they faltered. "Let your energy recover. I'm sure there will be more on the way back." 

He let the ghasts hang suspended there, stunned. Soon they began to move again, but Pinball turned. He flicked his head in the direction of the safe zone. 

"Let's go," he said. The ghasts hovered behind them, not really getting any closer. Pinball made no attempt to run away, but also no attempt to engage. It seemed that for the moment, Pinball was pretty happy walking with them. The plan, though, was to walk with them until he found another group, and kill them all at once. If at any point they seemed truly threatening, Pinball could just whirl around and finish them off. 

Spoiler

Action Taken: {Well Rested} [TECH-F] [-16 EN] 
Ghast 1: ID#230978 BD: 7 - 20*12 = 240 DMG
Ghast 2: ID#230979 BD: 1+5 - 20*12 = 240 DMG 
Ghast 3: ID#230980 BD: 5+5 - 20*12 = 240 DMG 
Ghast 4: ID#230981 BD: 9 - 22*12 = 264 DMG 

Pinball: 840/840 HP | 84/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ABS. ACC | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

Ghast 1: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 2: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 3: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 4: 132/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 

 

Edited September 10 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus watched the new ghasts floating towards them. Pinball flung his knives and she watched as the knives sunk slowly into their incorporeal forms. Acanthus readied her blade, eager for another round of combat. I can do this. Breathing deeply, she channeled all her strength into another sword art and charged into the fight, ready to end the ghasts quickly. She sliced through the first ghast recklessly, eager for more. She whirled around, and all of the sudden, the sword felt like lead in her hands. Everything felt too fast, too loud, too much. Struggling, she tried lifting her sword again. But all she succeeded in doing was collapsing to one knee, out of breath. She glanced at her energy bar: 0/66. Come on, get up. Her body screamed as she forced herself up to her feet. Get up!

“I’m not done!” She yelled, nearly out of breath. “I can do this.”

 

Spoiler

 

+3 EN.

Post Action: ST 1 -> Ghast 1
<<Ghast 1>> 229805| BD 5 + 5 = 10. Hit! (14 * 12) = 168 damage. 

Monster's Turn
Monster's stunned. No action taken.

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 0/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3
Pinball: 840/840 HP | 84/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ABS. ACC | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

Ghast 1: 0/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 2: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 3: 156/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 4: 132/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 

Looting
ID: 231057 | LD: 16+3=19 | CD:5+0=5 | Col:5148, Mats:2, [231057a] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [231057b] T4 Perfect Trinket

Acanthus' Looting Totals (now accounting for Leech Lich)
20,682 col
(12) Materials
T4 Perfect Weapon | [231057b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield | [231057a]
T4 Perfect Trinket | [231057b] [229812a] [231057a]
T4 Rare Trinket | [229811a] [229810a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield | [229809a]

 

Edited September 13 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

To his surprise, Acanthus threw herself at one of the ghasts despite being tapped out on energy. She destroyed the spectral mob in the process, but ended up collapsing herself. Pinball wasted no time in finishing the other mobs off, then. He was the one drawing aggro, but he wasn't going to risk Acanthus taking a hit. They exploded into fragments of light in rapid succession, and Pinball stood over Acanthus as she struggled to her feet. 

"Don't push yourself." The words came out sharper than he'd intended. He softened them. "You're doing great." 

He'd step away and give her space to breathe.

"Come on. You know the drill. I'll meet you in a few days for the next one." 

Like before, he'd lead her to the safe zone and they'd part ways. They hadn't gotten there just yet, however. They had a short walk ahead of them before they made it back to the main settlement. 

***

Spoiler

Post Action: {Well Rested} [TECH-F] [-14 EN] 
Ghast 2: ID#231132 BD: 10 - 23*12 = 276 DMG 
Ghast 3: ID#231133 BD: 4+5 - 20*12 = 240 DMG 
Ghast 4: ID#231134 BD: 4+5 - 20*12 = 240 DMG 

Acanthus | Lvl 24 | HP: 587/587 | EN: 0/66 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3
Pinball: 840/840 HP | 58/120 EN | DMG: 20 | ABS. ACC | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | BH: 37 | LD: 6

Ghast 1: 0/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 2: 0/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 3: 0/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 
Ghast 4: 0/396 HP | 132 DMG {Stunned} 

Looting: 

Ghast 2: ID: 231139 | LD: 17 (11, +6) | CD: 8 (8, +0) | 1980col, Materials (2), Tier 4 Rare Consumable (1), Tier 4 Rare Armor/Shield (1)
Ghast 3: ID: 231140 | LD: 26 (20, +6) | CD: 3 (3, +0) | 1980col, Materials (2), Tier 4 Perfect Consumable (2), Tier 4 Perfect Armor/Shield (2)    
Ghast 4: ID: 231141 | LD: 21 (15, +6) | CD: 5 (5, +0) | 1188col, Materials (4), Tier 4 Perfect Consumable (2), Tier 4 Perfect Armor/Shield (1)    

 

Edited September 12 by Pinball

[Acanthus 0]

A sliver of her energy returned. Acanthus steadied herself, ready for more, only to find that Pinball had finished them off.

“Thanks. I really thought I had more energy than that. I’ll be more careful next time.” When Pinball suggested they call it for the day, she agreed. “I was hoping for a few more mobs, but I think I was prepared to take on more than I can handle at this level. Don’t worry—I promise I’ll keep up with you. We’ll finish this quest together, and by the time we do, I’ll be fighting just as hard as you.”

They meandered back through the caves. After the Leech Lich’s death, the haunting screams seemed a little more muted. Acanthus took some time while they walked to scrape for crystals. “The info broker’s guide claims that the crystals on floor ten capture high tones better than other performance crystals,” she explained. “I’m not sure how true it is, but hopefully I’ll have a chance to test it myself.” Acanthus’ eyes flashed with a thought. “Which reminds me. Your order should be done this evening. It took me a while to put it together, but it’s ready. Again, I am thankful for your order. I wouldn’t be leveling up this fast if you hadn’t given me all those materials.”

She took a moment to think, remembering how Pinball had avoided the main streets of Ellesmera. I had forgotten he doesn’t like crowds. “If you’d like, you can pick it up after hours when the city traffic is light. Also, I could hire a courier to drop it off somewhere else, if you don’t like traveling through crowds. It’s a shame we can’t message items to each other—that would make this all quite simple.”

Spoiler

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231178 | LD 3 + 3 = 6. Failure. +3 EXP

Acanthus' Looting Totals
+3 foraging EXP
20,682 col
(12) Materials
T4 Perfect Weapon | [231057b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield | [231057a]
T4 Perfect Trinket | [231057b] [229812a] [231057a]
T4 Rare Trinket | [229811a] [229810a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield | [229809a]

 

Edited September 12 by Acanthus

[Pinball 1]

"It's alright," Pinball said. She didn't need to apologize, but she did -- and said that she'll be able to keep up. Acanthus told him that next time, she'd be fighting just as hard as him. "I know you will." He knew she'd been hitting quests between the ones they took together. That was good. When he'd set out with Acanthus, it was to help push her onto the frontlines. They needed all the help they could get up there. It wouldn't hurt to know somebody trustworthy there, too. Regardless, Pinball would be watching. 

"It would make it easier," he agreed. "But yeah, no worries. I'll just do that. No need for a courier." Sneaking into a settlement wasn't particularly difficult, but at times it could be time consuming. He didn't mind going in for stuff like that, though, especially not after he'd dumped such a large order on Acanthus's lap. He thought about it for a moment. "I might have another order for you, later. I'll just have to grind a bit first." 

Finally they arrived, and Pinball stopped some distance away. He didn't speak, but would reply if Acanthus did. With a quiet farewell, Pinball turned around and disappeared back into the wilderness of the Tenth Floor. 

[Acanthus 0]

“Until next time.” Acanthus gave a simple goodbye to Pinball as he disappeared into the wilderness of floor ten. Why on earth would he willingly go back there? It was terrible. The monsters, the sounds, the dull and crushing atmosphere… Surely he had somewhere more pleasant to be.

But it wasn’t her job to question Pinball. She was there to start the fights, and he was there to finish them. Come to think of it, why had he asked her to come along in the first place? The question nagged at her again, but this time the thought was unplagued by worries or concerns. It was more of an idle curiosity.

Before stepping inside the safe zone, she took one more moment to see if she could gather any materials. [roll result]. Then, she made her way through town, grateful that their next quest would take them to a much more cheerful floor.
 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
231244| LD 12 + 3 = 15. CD 9 + 1. Critical Success! (3) materials and 1,500 col. +16 EXP

Acanthus' Looting Totals
+19 foraging EXP
22,182 col
(15) Materials
T4 Perfect Weapon | [231057b]
T4 Perfect Armor/Shield | [231057a]
T4 Perfect Trinket | [231057b] [229812a] [231057a]
T4 Rare Trinket | [229811a] [229810a]
T4 Rare Armor/Shield | [229809a]

 

 

Edited September 12 by Acanthus