[F03 | SP] Nobody's at Faultwarren | <<Captured>>

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus softly knocked her head against the cell bars. She wondered how on earth she’d ended up here. “Miss? Miss, are you ok?” The voice had been looping the same line for quite some time. She hadn’t responded, trapping the NPC in a purgatory of a single voice line. That was my fault. Not looking where I was going. No idea what kinds of things I was taking on. Not very risk-avoidant of you, H– Acanthus. “Miss? Miss, are you ok?”

She had been shopping in Flora. Apparently the forests of floor three had access to a very special kind of lumber that was perfect for instruments. Curious to hear the difference herself, she set out from Scalabis, eager to spend the day visiting the Fae luthiers and lumberjacks. Along the way, she ran into a woman at the market. She appeared to be in a panic looking for someone. 
 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | HP: 610/610 | EN: 68/68 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 | PROSP:3
(Forager Lvl 3 214/299)                                                                                                     

Equipment Meteor | T3 Longsword | BLD 2 | PARA In Noctem | T3 Light Armor | MIT 2 EVA 1 Vow of Return | Ring | ACC 3 Demeter's Cornucopia | Gathering Tool | Bountiful: +1 CD to gathering attempts. Battle-Ready Inventory (3) Big Bertha's Braciole (1) Zackariah's Special Draught (HP Recovery 3)	Skills Combat Mastery: DMG R2 TECH Shift Straight Sword R5 Addon: Focus Addon: Precision Light Armor R5 Addon: Resolve Searching R3 Mod (1/5): Night Vision Hiding R3
Thread Consumables: (Currently reflected in stat block) Bento | T3 Overhealth Mousse | PROSP 3 Smores | EVA 2

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus engaged in a polite conversation, and clicked through a few menu options. She was just trying to make it through the dialogue without being rude so that she could return to shopping. It wasn’t until after she left that she realized what she’d done: she’d accepted a quest. Come to think of it, the woman was indeed distraught. Something about her son and a ransom? She hadn’t paid much attention, unfortunately.

I could always abandon the quest. But she wasn’t sure how that worked. She had never dropped a quest before. Would that mean she wasn’t able to do it again? Most quests were repeatable, which likely extended to failed or abandoned quests. But was this one of those? Maybe this was a special one. Acanthus wasn’t familiar with video games, and she didn’t want to risk missing out on any quest, no matter how small. She checked her minimap. The quest indicated travel outside Flora to a bandit stronghold. It’s only floor three, she thought. Besides, maybe I’ll have a chance to gather some of the wood myself, and save some col.

[Acanthus 0]

Traveling west, the woods yielded to rocky plains. Before the trees gave out entirely, Acanthus stopped to see what she could gather. The tall, straight trees appeared to be a soft wood variety of some sort. She struggled to remember details from her botany classes in university. She pulled her axe from her inventory and worked at a few of the trees. The wood came away in large, bountiful pieces. She even managed to earn a few extra bonuses that would net her col when she got back to town.

Satisfied with her efforts, she put away the axe and continued moving towards the quest icon. After briefly consulting the info broker’s database, she learned that the quest involved fight a few mobs and saving the boy. He was able to fight as well. Good. Any help will be good. She continued to read over the quest details as the stronghold came into sight. Near the bottom of the entry was a paragraph marked with a yellow flag. It warned the player to be wary of—

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230537 | LD 8 + 3 = 11 CD 10 + 1 = 11. Critical Success! (3) materials and 1,500 col. +8 EXP

Loot Totals
+8 foraging EXP
(3) materials and 1,500 col.

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Pit traps. Acanthus softly knocked her head on the bars of her cell yet again. “Miss? Miss, are you ok?”

“Yes.” She hissed at the boy. He quieted down. “Miss, my name is—”

“Your name is Kagamine, your mom is Issela, and I’m here to rescue you. I get it.”

Kagamine winced as she cut him off. “Yea, Miss, that’s about it.” Acanthus sighed heavily. “Kagamine, I apologize for my outburst. I just sort of fell into this quest—I mean, into rescuing you.” She looked up at the hole above her. “No pun intended.”

“So how are we gonna get out?” I have no idea. The quest wouldn’t have put her here if there weren’t a way to escape. She rooted around the cell for a key or other quest objective. There was nothing. Of course there's nothing in a small prison cell.

A clamor arose upstairs, coming closer each second. As it neared, Acanthus began to make out voices. “Yew go chekkit. Ah’ve got col ta count.”

Spoiler

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230562 | LD 7 + 3 = 10 Failure. +3 EXP

Loot Totals
+11 foraging EXP
(3) materials and 1,500 col.

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“Bruv, you had col countin’ du’ee yesterday. Yain’t foolin’ any’un.” Smack. “Foine! But ah’m takin’ Borgen and Rash wif me.”

“Shore. It’s prolly jussa farse alarm. Durn trap just goes off sometimes.” Acanthus couldn’t tell if the accent was supposed to be drunk or British. But that really didn’t matter right now. She scrambled around the cell, looking for something to defend herself with. She found nothing. You just looked around the cell, idiot. Stop panicking. She looked for a few more seconds before she slapped her forehead. She tumbled down here in full gear. She drew her sword and waited for the bandits to approach.

“Welllllll now, this is interestin’, ain’t it? We gotta newbie to ransom.” The bandit came into view as he lumbered down the spiral stone staircase and into the dungeon. Kagamine whimpered.

Acanthus stood stiffly, sword at the ready. “Why don’t you come into the cell and see just how ‘newbie’ I am.” The bandit guffawed. “Yeh, ah think ah’d like that very much. Borgen, gimme da key.” Well, that was easy.

 

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230572 | LD 5 + 3 = 8 Failure. +3 EXP

Loot Totals
+14 foraging EXP
(3) materials and 1,500 col.

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The key scraped against the large, rusty lock, and the cell opened with a squeal. The bandit stepped inside, axe still at his side. “Now why don’t ya show me how—”

Acanthus hadn’t even waited. She brought her sword low, sweeping him off his feet, and his head cracked on the ground with a loud echo. Borgen and Rash drew their weapons with an exclamation, and rushed into the cell. Her sword was out of position, so she used the momentum from her initial strike to back into the corner, preparing for the next attack.

Borgen charged and Acanthus parried the axe before bringing her foot down just above his knee. He collapsed, clutching his leg. Rash now appeared to have second thoughts about the whole situation. He can’t escape. Otherwise I have an entire fort to deal with. Lunging toward him, she struck with three quick slashes before she forced his scimitar out of the way. Leaning down into a low stance, she brought her offhand down to her waist, and drove her fist into his side with all her might. With a surprised squawk, Rash crumpled to one knee, grasping his side.
 

Spoiler

 

Combat Begins!

Acanthus | HP: 610/610 | EN: 49/68 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 | PROSP:3

Bart | HP: 222/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (0/3)
Borgen | HP: 350/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1
Rash | HP: 222/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (0/3)

Post Action: TECH-F ->Bart, Borgen, Rash
230603 | BD 3 + 5 = 8. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage. Stunned!
230605 | BD 1. Critical Miss. MD 4 - 3 = 1. Borgen Misses.
230608 | BD 3 + 5 = 8 Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage. Stunned!
(nonconsecutive IDs because Jackpot needs to pump the brakes on the 80 million appraisal rolls)

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus watching as the three stood up and faced her down. The first bandit stood up. “That was awful rood of ya, cheeky lil’ ransom!” Acanthus had not wasted any time talking. She was already halfway through channeling her sword art, and let it fly. Remember, it’s more than brute strength. Finesse. It’s about finesse.

She swept through the three, but the feeling of the sword art was overpowering. She had difficulty redirecting it elegantly, and smashed through the three bandits in a dizzying blend of slashes and strikes. At the end of her combo, she stood in the doorway to the cell, gripping Meteor tightly, waiting for the bandit’s next move.

The three stood up groggily, health bars battered. Borgen had the most health, but the other two were close to death. Borgen shook his head, and stumbled towards her.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | HP: 610/610 | EN: 33/68 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 | PROSP:3

Bart | HP: 46/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (1/3) BLD 36 (1/2)
Borgen | HP: 222/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (0/3)
Rash | HP: 46/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (1/3) BLD 36 (1/2)

+3 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F ->Bart, Borgen, Rash
230641 | BD 9 + 5 = 14. Minor Critical! 15 * 12 = 180 - 40 = 140 damage. Paralysis Applied! Bleed applied.
230642 | BD 2 + 5. Hit. 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage. Stunned!
230643 | BD 9 + 5 = 14 Hit! 15 * 12 = 180 - 40 = 140 damage. Paralysis Applied! Bleed applied.

Borgen bleeds for 36 damage.
Rash bleeds for 36 damage.

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

I’m doing it. Acanthus felt a little giddy. I’m fighting on my own, and I’m winning. Hearing the bandit’s groans strengthened her resolve. It’s not over just yet. Charging the same attack, she rushed the bandits while they were down. She bore down on Rash, and he ended up taking the brunt of the attack, screaming as he fragmented into shards. She jumped back to avoid Bart’s strike, but had to roll away before she could attack him. Instead, she whirled around and caught Borgen in the chest with Meteor, dealing most of the rest of his health. He grunted.

Not some newbie anymore, she realized. I can’t keep using that line on players. But even still… The bandits were alive. She’d missed a fair number of easy shots in these cramped quarters. I’m sloppy. Nymoria is right. I have to work with the sword arts. I have to keep practicing.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | HP: 610/610 | EN: 17/68 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 | PROSP:3

Bart | HP: 10/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (3/3) BLD 36 (2/2)
Borgen | HP: 94/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3)
Rash | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3) BLD 36 (2/2)

+3 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F ->Bart, Borgen, Rash
230644 | BD 1. Critical Miss. MD 3 - 3 + 1 = 1. Miss. Borgen bleeds for 36 damage.
230645 | BD 6 + 5 = 11. Hit. 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage. Stunned!
230646 | BD 10 + 5 = 14 Major Critical! 16 * 12 = 192 - 40 = 152 damage. Paralysis Applied! Bleed refreshed.

 

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

With Rash out of the way, the fighting quarters became considerably less cramped. Bart and Borgen seemed to be having second thoughts about willing stepping into the reach of a fully armed player.

Really, it was ridiculous. Why had they decided to accept even the slightest provocation? Acanthus guessed it had something to do with quest scripting. She had come around to simply blaming any random circumstances, bad or good, on Cardinal.

Bart, clinging to life, heaved his greataxe with a mighty effort and tried to bring it down on Acanthus. But he was slow, even slower with his wounds, and Acanthus nimbly side-stepped the axe. With a few more strikes, she finished him off, leaving nothing behind. She just now realized that her energy was low—almost zero. I’ve got to finish this fast. She ducked Borgen’s last charge, throwing him over her shoulders and into the stone wall. He collided and slumped into the floor before dissipating.
 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | HP: 610/610 | EN: 1/68 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 | PROSP:3

Bart | HP: 10/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (3/3) BLD 36 (2/2)
Borgen | HP: 94/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3)
Rash | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3) BLD 36 (2/2)

+3 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F ->Bart, Borgen
230647 | BD 5 + 5 = 10. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage.
230648 | BD 4 + 5 = 9. Hit. 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage.

Bart | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (3/3) BLD 36 (2/2)
Borgen | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3)
Rash | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3) BLD 36 (2/2)

Loot Rolls
ID: 230649 | LD: 9+3=12 | CD:11+0=11 | Col:2100, Mats:4, [230649a] T3 Rare Armor/Shield     
ID: 230650 | LD: 18+3=21 | CD:7+0=7 | Col:4900, Mats:2, [230650a] T3 Perfect Armor/Shield, [230650b] T3 Perfect Consumable, [230650c] T3 Perfect Consumable     
ID: 230651 | LD: 19+3=22 | CD:8+0=8 | Col:3150, Mats:2, [230651a] T3 Perfect Armor/Shield, [230651b] T3 Perfect Consumable, [230651c] T3 Perfect Consumable     

Loot Total
+14 foraging EXP
(11) materials
11,650 col
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield | 230650a, 230651a
T3 Perfect Consumable |  230650b, 230650c, 230651b, 230651c
T3 Rare Armor/Shield | 230649a

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus stepped over to Kagamine’s cell, key in hand. The key shattered as the door swung open. “Thank you.” The boy looked relieved and terrified at the same time. Acanthus gave him a quick, reassuring smile before scanning the prison cells. Unfortunately, the other cells didn't have anything either.

She offered him a hand, and he took it gingerly, standing up. “Are you alright? Can you fight?”

He shrugged. “I think so, and… I think so?” Acanthus tried to comfort him. “If you don’t think you can fight, then stay behind me. I can take care of the bandits.” Easily. She had been shocked about how little effort it had taken. They were far enough beneath her level that they almost didn’t drop loot. She knew she had been adventuring quite a bit, but still, she was shocked at how much she’d grown in the last few weeks. It’s not over yet. I stumbled into a quest, and quests have bosses. She wondered where she needed to go. Maybe if I fight some more bandits…

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230652 | LD 5 + 3 = 8 Failure. +3 EXP

Loot Totals
+17 foraging EXP
(11) materials
11,650 col
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield | 230650a, 230651a
T3 Perfect Consumable |  230650b, 230650c, 230651b, 230651c
T3 Rare Armor/Shield | 230649a

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Cautiously, she took the stairs out of the prison, with the boy close behind her. He shook like a small dog as he walked up the stairs, twitching at nearly every sound. She felt sorry for him. A month ago, I couldn’t bear to leave Tolbana. They crested the top of the stone stairs and found themselves in a small room with a single wooden door. [roll result] A lit fireplace fought off the damp castle air, and a lone table and chair marked where the warden sat before he came down. And got his ass kicked.

Acanthus was startled at her own thought. It seemed… aggressive. She wasn’t used to such violent thoughts. Her best guess was that the game was sculpting her, forcing her to adapt and become more of a fighter. Or this is just who you’ve always been. She shook her head. She’d never been a violent person. She was barely confrontational. All Acanthus knew was that she had to act as the game demanded so that she could leave.

Spoiler

 

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230652 | LD 3 + 3 = 6 Failure. +3 EXP

Loot Totals
+20 foraging EXP
(11) materials
11,650 col
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield | 230650a, 230651a
T3 Perfect Consumable |  230650b, 230650c, 230651b, 230651c
T3 Rare Armor/Shield | 230649a

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Exiting the warden’s room, the two quietly prowled the hallways. The shelves and walls were barren of anything she could pilfer (I mean, forage). At times, they had to duck into the shadows to avoid bandits, but they never picked them up. Likely another quirk of the quest, perhaps a boon from choosing not to arm the boy. She wondered if having a sword emboldened him or not. Regardless, she did not want to jeopardize his health. His mom was waiting back home for him.

Except that it was all an endless cycle. She would rescue him, the mother would be grateful. Acanthus would reap the quest rewards. And then… the boy would go back to being captured. The woman would go back to being distraught. Another player would take on the quest and rescue the boy. And another player, and another player. So, why try at all?

She glanced behind her at Kagamine. He seemed so lifelike. The fear in his eyes, the darting, terrified glances. And the way he seemed so reassured when she told him it would be ok. I have to imagine this is real for him. NPC or not.

Spoiler

 

3rd out of combat post. EN replenished.

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230653 | LD 3 + 3 = 6 Success. 1 material gained. +5 EXP

Loot Totals
+25 foraging EXP
(12) materials
11,650 col
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield | 230650a, 230651a
T3 Perfect Consumable |  230650b, 230650c, 230651b, 230651c
T3 Rare Armor/Shield | 230649a

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

They made their way over to the barracks. She thought that if anyone knew where the boss was, this would be a good start. She anticipated some combat, but nothing she couldn’t handle. “Wait outside,” she told Kagamine, and confidently opened the door to the barracks.

Perhaps I have overestimated my capabilities. Nearly a dozen bandits stared at her as she entered. One by one, the health bars appeared. Three of which appeared similar to the bandits she dispatched in the dungeon. “Yew seem a bit lohst, miss.” The first bandit jeered. “I suppose use the ‘unz that escaped the prison.”

Acanthus’ adrenaline spiked. You idiot. You have one good fight, and you think you can walk through a bandit stronghold like you own it. Even on floor 3, you have to be careful. And now that you weren’t, you’re about to pay for it.

She drew Meteor shakily. “S-stay back. I’m not afraid to fight.” The bandits offered a chorus of laughs in return. The first bandit spoke again. “Yew should be.”

This isn’t looking good.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | HP: 610/610 | EN: 51/68 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 | PROSP:3

Bandit 1 | HP: 222/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (0/3)
Bandit 2 | HP: 174/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (0/3) BLD 36 (1/2)
Bandit 3 | HP: 350/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1

(Note: unlisted bandits are just for narrative.)

Post Action: TECH-F ->Bandits 1-3
230655 | BD 7 + 5 = 10. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage. Stunned!
230656 | BD 9 + 5 = 9. Minor Critical! 15 * 12 = 180 - 40 = 140 damage. Stunned! Bleed applied. Bandit 2 bleeds for 36 damage.
230657 | BD 1 + 5 = 9. Critical Miss. MD 2 - 3 + 1 = 0. Miss.

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

It turns out, it wasn’t looking good—for the bandits. She tore through three of them with surprising ease. Once their shock subsided, the bandits surrounded her and began to attack in earnest. But Cardinal was there to assist her. Whenever she was attacked outside her periphery, she had a vague sense of something approaching her. She dipped out the way as a greataxe soared over her head.

“Stand still, you little!—” Acanthus brought an elbow to his jaw and the bandit crumpled. She whirled around, catching another in the throat with Meteor as he raised his dagger. The bandit vaporized immediately. Another vague sense, this time to her right. She stepped sprightly away as a maul cracked the ground where she’d been. “Grang, she’s too damn fast! Pin her down.” Another vague sense from directly behind her. She wasn't able to dodge fast enough this time. The bandit drove his spear through Acanthus' side. But rather than the head-splitting pain she expected, it was merely a light buzz of pain indicators. This is nothing.

Only half a dozen bandits remained. The power fantasy slowly began to take hold. This is… this is child’s play.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | HP: 576/610 | EN: 38/68 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 | PROSP:3

Bandit 1 | HP: 94/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (1/3)
Bandit 2 | HP: 10/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (1/3) BLD 36 (1/2)
Bandit 3 | HP: 222/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (0/3)

(Note: unlisted bandits are just for narrative.)

+3 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F ->Bandits 1-3
230658 | BD 4 + 5 = 13. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage. MD 8 - 3 + 1 = 6. Hit! 100 - 66 = 34 damage.
230659 | BD 8 + 5 = 9. Focus Critical! 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage. Bleed refreshed. Bandit 2 bleeds for 36 damage.
230660 | BD 6 + 5 = 9. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage. Stunned!

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

She sized up the three most dangerous looking bandits left. The on in the middle was barely a threat. He was bleeding out, and was almost dead, judging by how quickly his health bar was dipping. He wouldn’t even be worth the energy expense. The bandit on the right was also beaten up badly. His health bar was in the red. The one on the right had fought defensively the whole fight with his sword and shield. He still had green health. I know I can fix that little mistake.

Yelling, she charged into the fight. Briefly parrying the middle bandit’s feeble strike, she immediately turned her attention to the bandit on the left. She furiously hacked away at him before dispatch two other bandits with quick blows. The sword and shield bandit, sensing an opportunity, flanked her and hacked her from behind. She felt the buzz again. It almost feels good. Has that sensation always felt this good?
 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | HP: 540/610 | EN: 25/68 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 | PROSP:3

Bandit 1 | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3)
Bandit 2 | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3) BLD 36 (2/2)
Bandit 3 | HP: 94/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (1/3)

(Note: unlisted bandits are just for narrative.)

+3 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F ->Bandits 1, 3
230661 | BD 6 + 5 = 11. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage.
Bandit 2 bleeds for 36 damage.
230662 | BD 5 + 5 = 10. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage. MD 10. Major Critical! 102 - 66 = 36 damage.

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus cornered the last four bandits. They were battered within an inch of her life. “She ain’t ‘uman,” she heard one mutter. Acanthus basked in the comment. She had spent so long fearing the game—she had finally found parts of the game that feared her. And it feels good.

A sense of calmness washed over her, and everything seemed to slow down. She recalled watching Pinball move faster than her eye could follow. Acanthus suspected she would look much the same right now. Turning her attention back towards the bandits, she caught the one trying to surprise her with a sudden attack. The front bandit charged with a howl, but Acanthus caught the bandit’s wrist and twisted before bringing her knee up to his groin. Two sword strokes, and he was gone before he hit the ground. Three bandits left. Charging a sword art, she crashed through the second bandits spear haft, cleaving him from the neck down to his torso. Two bandits. The tough bandit stayed back, avoiding the worst of Acanthus' attacks.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | HP: 540/610 | EN: 12/68 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 | PROSP:3

Bandit 1 | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3)
Bandit 2 | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3) BLD 36 (2/2)
Bandit 3 | HP: 94/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (3/3)

(Note: unlisted bandits are just for narrative.)

+3 EN.

Post Action: TECH-A ->Bandit 3
230663 | BD 1. Critical Miss. MD 4 - 3 + 1 = 2. Miss.

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Following through with her momentum, she brought the glowing blade back up and collided with a bandit shield. She struggled for a moment before pivoting her weight, throwing the bandit off. One quick thrust to the shoulder, and she wrenched the blade free, leaving the arm hanging by a thin, computerized line of red before the bandit shattered. One bandit.

The last bandit pressed against the wall. His eyes were wide with fear. He didn’t plead or surrender, but his defense was so poor it almost seemed for show. Acanthus offered a quiet apology as she drove Meteor through his chest, pinning him to the wall. “I’m sorry, but I have a quest to complete.”

No more bandits.

Acanthus stepped back out into the hallway, where Kagamine waited. He had the same look of terror on his face that the last bandit did. The NPCs are all starting to look the same. I suppose Cardinal has to recycle assets at some point.

She gave him a quick, artificial smile. “I’m ready to move forward. Let’s go find the bandit boss and get you home.”
 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | HP: 540/610 | EN: 3/68 | DMG: 14 | MIT:66 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BLD: 36  | PARA | LD:3 | PROSP:3

Bandit 1 | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3)
Bandit 2 | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1 Stun Imm. (2/3) BLD 36 (2/2)
Bandit 3 | HP: 0/350 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 40 |ACC: 1

(Note: unlisted bandits are dead.)

+3 EN.

Post Action: ST-1 ->Bandit 3
230664 | BD 5 + 5 = 10. Hit! 14 * 12 = 168 - 40 = 128 damage.

Looting Bandits
ID: 230666 | LD: 16+3=19 | CD:7+0=7 | Col:4550, Mats:2, [230666a] T3 Perfect Armor/Shield, [230666b] T3 Perfect Trinket     
ID: 230667 | LD: 17+3=20 | CD:6+0=6 | Col:4550, Mats:2, [230667a] T3 Perfect Armor/Shield, [230667b] T3 Perfect Trinket     
ID: 230668 | LD: 18+3=21 | CD:4+0=4 | Col:5950, Mats:0, [230668a] T3 Perfect Armor/Shield, [230668b] T3 Perfect Weapon

Loot Totals
+25 foraging EXP
(16) materials
26,700 col
T3 Perfect Weapon | 230668b
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield | 230650a, 230651a, 230666a, 230667a, 230668a
T3 Perfect Trinket | 230666b, 230667b
T3 Perfect Consumable |  230650b, 230650c, 230651b, 230651c
T3 Rare Armor/Shield | 230649a

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“Miss Acanthus, it sounded like it got pretty heated in there. Are you sure you’re alright?”

She stopped to look over her wounds. A few deep gouges, but her health bar was rising as they spoke. “I’m alright, Kagamine. Just a few wounds, but my out of combat healing should have me back to normal before the next fight.” The boy remained silent. Right, Cardinal seems to have a hard time reacting to meta-commentary. If I want responses, it’s better to talk to the NPCs using in-game terms and concepts, rather than mechanics.

“Let’s stop for a moment, I can catch my breath.” They paused for a moment in a large dining hall. She was no longer skulking. In fact, part of her hoped that more bandits would come in and find them. Fighting a dozen at once was exhilarating. She knew the only reason it had worked was because she was vastly overleveled for this quest, but she indulged the power fantasy regardless. She spent a few moments scrounging through the dining hall for crystals and col. She hit the jackpot! An unlocked chest contained a few recording crystals, as well as a sack of col.

Spoiler

Acanthus | HP: 570/610

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230669 | LD 20 + 3 = 23. CD 9 + 1 = 10. Critical Success! (3) materials and 1,500 col gained. +8 EXP.

Loot Totals
+33 foraging EXP
(19) materials
28,200 col
T3 Perfect Weapon | 230668b
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield | 230650a, 230651a, 230666a, 230667a, 230668a
T3 Perfect Trinket | 230666b, 230667b
T3 Perfect Consumable |  230650b, 230650c, 230651b, 230651c
T3 Rare Armor/Shield | 230649a

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Ok.” The two began walking east again. Kagamine stopped as they exited the dining hall. Acanthus continued to scour the shelves for more materials. [roll] “Um.. *where* are we going, exactly?” Oh right, Kagamine doesn’t have a map to refer to. She explained patiently, “We’re going to the easternmost tower. The quest m—I have a feeling that we’ll find the bandit captain there.” Kagamine panicked. “W-w-why are we going after the captain?! We need to get out of here!” We’re going after the captain because the quest says to go after the captain. I’m sure there was some relevant exposition that I missed, but at the end of the day, that’s where the quest marker is.

She took a deep breath before addressing Kagamine. “We have to fight her. I, um, suspect that she won’t let us leave without a fight.”

“How do you know the captain’s a she?” Acanthus stopped and growled at Kagamine. “You ask a lot of questions for someone that’s grateful to be rescued. If you think you can get out of here alive without my help, then do it. I’m not stopping you.” Cardinal is the one stopping you.

The boy’s shoulders slumped. “No, you’re right Miss Acanthus.”

“Good, now stay quiet or else we may attract more bandits.” Or bring them on. I could use a fight.

Spoiler

Acanthus | HP: 600/610

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230670 | LD 7 + 3 = 10. Failure. +3 EXP.

Loot Totals
+36 foraging EXP
(19) materials
28,200 col
T3 Perfect Weapon | 230668b
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield | 230650a, 230651a, 230666a, 230667a, 230668a
T3 Perfect Trinket | 230666b, 230667b
T3 Perfect Consumable |  230650b, 230650c, 230651b, 230651c
T3 Rare Armor/Shield | 230649a

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus and Kagamine wandered through more of Faultwarren. Part of the wandering was due to the size of the place; Acanthus was pretty sure she backtracked more than once. But on the other hand, she enjoyed the feeling of strolling through hostile territory. I bet scaredy-cat Haru would never have imagined me doing this, she thought with a touch of glee. She’s all about low risk and low reward. Meanwhile, I’m sitting on a pile of col that’s going to triple my bank account when I get back home. And enough materials for a few days of crafts which isn’t too shabby. If her energy didn’t need time to recover, she might have stepped through the stronghold even a bit louder. I’m sure I can handle whatever this silly little fort has to offer.

She stopped to pick through another bandit’s belongings. Slim pickings, but another recording crystal was hers for the taking. Kagamine tried to get her attention. “Yes, Kagamine?” she said distracted. “I… I think we’re at the tower.”
 

Spoiler

Acanthus | HP: 610/610. 3rd out of combat post - EN replenished.

Post Action: Gathering Materials
230671 | LD 18 + 3 = 21. CD 2 + 1 = 3. Success. +5 EXP.

Loot Totals
+41 foraging EXP
(20) materials
28,200 col
T3 Perfect Weapon | 230668b
T3 Perfect Armor/Shield | 230650a, 230651a, 230666a, 230667a, 230668a
T3 Perfect Trinket | 230666b, 230667b
T3 Perfect Consumable |  230650b, 230650c, 230651b, 230651c
T3 Rare Armor/Shield | 230649a

 

 

Edited September 9 by Acanthus