[PP-F19-PT] Kalamata Calamity, Part I <<Ki'Raion>>

[Freyd 0]

"How should I know?!"

Freyd pinched the bridge of his nose, as people were wont to do in times of stress, though it seemed to offer little reprieve.

"Look, she sent me out for olives.  Kalamata olives, specifically."

"Did you try Olympus?  They have a much better climate for that sort of thing."

Dark bags under the Whisper's eyes suggested he had.  The twitch in their corners confirmed it.  "Yes.  I tried there.  And I agree, they have a better climate in all respects.  They all sent me here.  You could even argue that they have a climate, whereas this place has... gloom.  And that's about it.  Honestly, this floor feels like a poorly maintained tomb, and it would not surprise me to find out that it actually was, with an entire subfloor beneath it that was the actual floor, where 'the good stuff' happens - whatever that might be.  You guys just got roving ancient death machines and," he raised his hands towards the overcast sky, "more gloom."

"Huh... well the only place where anything more verdant or hardy tends to grow is around where that sun lion thingy hangs out?"

"Ki'raion?"  A certain violent gleam rippled across Freyd's face, as if the opportunity to smite a pseudo-field boss might just alleviate his raw nerves, regardless of whether it produced the necessary goods.

"Good enough for me."

***

@Morningstar @Circe @Omen

Note: CS (Shades of the Gemini) and CSA (Beckon the Void) are in use.  If any other player objects to these, please state in first post and it will be considered inactive.

Freyd consumes and shares:

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - takes 1 portion and shares the rest
[Draft of Keen Edge] - T1 Perfect Potion | Damage 3 | 214681
Madlad Muffin | Tierless Rare Meal | EVA 2 | 220090i + [filled]
Mini Cheesecake (Meal) | T3 Mitigation 3 | 177658

Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 156/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:90 | ACC:7 (incl.AA) | F-SPIRIT | EVA:5 | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | LD:6 | BLGT: 32 | STC: 40 | PVO

Spoiler

Name: Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows
True Tier: 17
Level: 33
Paragon Level: 134
HP: 1180/1180
EN: 156/156

Stats:
Damage: 21+3
Mitigation: 45+45
Accuracy: 4+2+AA
Evasion: 2+2+1
Battle Healing: 65
Loot Die: 6
PARA-IM
VAMP-D: 130
REC: 8
Blight; 32
Static: 40
PVO

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - The Thing Behind All Lies (T4 Demonic MA, AA, Blight, Static, Para.Ven (Off))  x1
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Black Cowled Traveling Garb | T4 CA | VD 2 | REC 2
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  -  The Shadowed Rose | ACC 3 | Para.Imm

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
  - AOE Shift

Familiar Skill:
  - Grappling Familiar

Custom Skill:
  - Shades of the Gemini

Custom Sword Art:
- Beckon the Void

Skills:
  - Battle Healing R5
  - Charge
  - Cloth Armor R5
  - Energist
  - Extended Mod Limit
  - Extended Weight Limit
  - Fighting Spirit
  - Howl
  - Martial Arts R5
  - Quick Change
  - Searching R4

Extra Skills:
  - Disguise
  - Survival
  - Parry
  - Forgotten King's Authority

Inactive Extra Skills:
  - Meditation
  - Lady Luck
  - Photosynthesize
  - Brawler
  - Assault Mode
  - Frozen Hide
  - Hiding R2

Addons:
  - Focus
  - Focused Howl
  - Nimble
  - Precision
  - Reveal
  - Stamina

Mods:
  - Athletics
  - Detect
  - Emergency Recovery
  - Justified Riposte
  - Night Vision
  - Tracking
  - Untraceable

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable 1/thread) x1
  - Fight O'er Flight (ACC 2 | EVA 2)  x1
  - Hope's Covenant - Resolve +4 (T4 Demonic Weapon (MA) - AA, Phase, Frostbite,,VO x1
  - Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+10% HP) x7
  - Meathook (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Ordsea Crystal-B (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Rhino's Horn (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Teleport Crystals x7
  - Samael's Pride | T4 MA | FLN 2 | HLY 2 x1

Housing Buffs:
  - Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
  - Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
  - Basic Kitchen: 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.
  - Storage Closet: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
  - Living Room: Increases out of combatHP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
  - Attic (Bedroom): +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.
  - Basement: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
  - Guest Room: Players can have one «Amenity» in a «Guest Room» and the «Amenity» cannot be recovered. Players are allowed to change which «Amenity» is in the «Guest Room». Multiple instances of the same «Amenity» do not stack. This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.
  - Extended Workshop: +2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
  - Ornate Fishing Pond: +2 Fishing EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to fishing attempts.
  - Dining Hall: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed. Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread.
  - Mega Slime Farm: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post.

Guild Hall Buffs:
  - Trading Hall: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters and Rank 4 merchants/performers receive +1 crafting/identification attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters and Rank 5 merchants/performers receive +2 crafting/identification attempts per day.
  - Treasury: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild Totem:
  - Tanos

Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:
 - Appraising[3478exp] R5

Gathering Profession:
 - Fishing[576exp] R5

 

Edited September 15 by Freyd

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar didn't hang out around Floor 19. It was dark, gloomy, and full of weird mobs (and weirder people). There wasn't a lot going on in what was known as "Haven," and the Forbidden Lands were too foreboding for his liking. So, you may be wondering, what was Star doing there? Well...

"Teleport, home," he called, activating a teleport crystal.

The lights of Ronbaru faded away, overtaken by seconds of blue while his body materialized in a new location. He expected the beaches of Raitoboru, with sun-bleached white sand and glistening ocean waves welcoming him back to his estate. The system recognized "home," however, as an entirely different location. His vision came into focus, and his first thought was "oh, shit, my house was raided."

Nope. All good. A second look around told him that cardinal had pranked him by sending him to the settlement called Home. "Very funny," he mumbled, walking into the hell hole. Home was the most dangerous safe zone he knew of (even Glyndebourne felt safer to him, and he'd been stabbed there). Not two steps off of the teleporter, he witnessed a man fighting off a pair of wolves who were trying to eat his pet chicken.

"Home, sweet home."

  

| MORNINGSTAR  | Lv. 66 >> P. 33, Lv. 33  | Status: [ // ]  Notes:  //

Hide contents Morningstar | HP: 800/800 | EN: 116/116 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 43 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V equipped Dying Sun FLN II, AA, PAR VEN Inner Focus EVA II, REC II Sapphire ACC III, EVA I battle-ready inventory Magdalyn's Cuckoo skills   Hide contents mod count: 4/5 STRAIGHT SWORD | RANK 5/5 precision, stamina, ferocity shift: aoe MARTIAL ARTS | RANK 5/5 COMBAT MASTERY: DMG | RANK 3/3 SEARCHING | RANK 4/5 (5) night vision, detect, tracking, reveal BATTLE HEALING | RANK 5/5 UNHINDERED ENERGIST CHARGE extra (active) SURVIVAL FORGOTTEN KING'S AUTHORITY LADY LUCK DISGUISE data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs   Hide contents statue # | # consumables Gungnir's Shard (Freyd) | ACC 2 # paragon Lv. 5 | Gain additional col equivalent to 15% of EXP earned in that thread. Lv. 10 | +1 LD to looting. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== sword arts   Hide contents en cost matches multiplier unless stated otherwise. shift underlined. ST | x12 -> x15 | x20 AOE | x15 -> x18 TECH-A | x12 | STUN | 13EN TECH-B | x12 | DELAY TECH-D | x12 | SHATTER TECH-F | x8 | AOE STUN TECH-G | x12 | BURN data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== misc/housing buffs   Hide contents Dimensional Backpack | +2 Battle-Ready Inventory Slots. Well Rested | -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat. Squeaky Clean | The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down). Filling | Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30. Tasty | Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. Relaxed | Increases out-of-combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Multipurpose | Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll. Skylight (Searching) | +1 Expertise to declared utility skill.  fishing # data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==   data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

 

[Omen 0]

Omen stood with Circe in the 19th Floor Settlement, running his fingers thoughtfully through his beard. 

"A support skill, hm?" Omen's voice rumbled broadly. He cut a very conspicuous figure, given his size and volume. "We would need help. We cannot do it alone, yet." 

He had asked Circe to accompany him in search of new quests. He'd talked to a few people and learned of a couple of the quests that unlocked extra skills -- he was very interested in collecting them, given their usefulness. One of them had been something called "Photosynthesize," which increased the effectiveness of the user's healing. Omen wasn't a healer -- and he wasn't sure if Circe would be either -- but still, it was one of the ones that he was most interested in. The problem that the quest boss they'd need to kill for it was a very tough fight for them. There was a risk of instant death. 

"I suppose we could come back later," he decided, "once we're of more sufficient level for the challenge." 

*** 

Omen | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT:34 | THORNS:18 | REGEN: 2

Player Stats: 

Spoiler

Level: 5
Health: 100 | Energy: 28
DMG: 7 | MIT: 34 | THORNS: 18 | REGEN: - 

Skills:

Combat Skills:
► Howl 

Weapon Skills:
► Axe [4/30] - Rank 1

Utility Skills:
► Empty

Extra Skills:
► Empty

Familiar Skill: 
► Empty

Armor Skills:
► Heavy Armor [8/30] - Rank 2

Modifiers:
► Empty

Miscellaneous: 
► Empty

Inventory:
» [Equipped] [Perfect] Steel Axe: +3 DMG 
» [Equipped] [Perfect] Survival Armor: +3 MIT
» [Equipped] [Perfect] Iron Shield: +2 Thorns, +1 Regen

Battle Ready: 
» x5 Rumbling Rum Party Favor: Instant Mass HP Recovery (10%) 
» x5 Rumbling Rum Party Favor: Instant Mass HP Recovery (10%)
» x5 Soothing Spirits: Perfect Healing Potion (+15%) 

 

[Circe 0]

Circe crossed her arms, tapping her foot lightly as she stared off at the distant horizon of the 19th Floor Settlement. The idea of turning back after coming all this way gnawed at her. It wasn’t like she was itching to fight a boss that could kill them instantly, but the thought of leaving empty-handed left a sour taste in her mouth. She had agreed to come along with Omen because the support skill sounded useful.

She blew out a frustrated sigh, her shoulders slumping just a little. “Yeah… I guess you’re right,” she said, glancing at Omen. “No point in getting ourselves killed over something we can come back for later.” There was a tinge of reluctance in her voice, but she wasn’t about to argue with reason. She didn’t have a death wish, after all.

Still, it sucked.

Circe kicked at a stray rock, watching it bounce along the ground as she tried to shake off her disappointment. “But man, coming all this way just to turn around feels like such a waste.” She shoved her hands into her pockets.

*****
Circe | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

Player Stats:

 

Spoiler

 

Level: 5
Health: 100 | Energy: 28
DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

Skills:

 

Combat Skills:
► Empty

 

Weapon Skills:
► Throwing Knives [22/30] - Rank 4

 

Utility Skills:
► Empty

 

Extra Skills:
► Empty

 

Familiar Skill:
► Empty

 

Armor Skills:
► Empty

 

Modifiers:
► Empty

 

Miscellaneous:
► Empty

 

Inventory:
» [Equipped] [T1 Perfect Throwing Knives] Initiate’s Draw: +3 DMG
» [Equipped] [T1 Perfect Light Armor] Initiate’s Draw: +2 EVA, +1 MIT
» [Equipped] Wolf Pendant. | TIER 1 JEWELRY | +3 ACC

 

Battle Ready:
» (3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)
» (1) Potion - Zackariah’s Special Draught: +15% HP Heal
» (5) T1 Rare Big Bertha Braciole: +4 EN

 

 

[Freyd 0]

"Oh good!  You're here.  Glad you got my message."  Freyd walked and talked, snaring Morningstar by the shoulder and guiding him towards the edge of the village, making shit up as he went along. 

"Look, there's a thing needs doing and it involves hunting down the only reason anyone comes to this godforsaken floor.  Ki'Raion's the key, so we've got to take him down ASAP, capiche?"  It was pure bullshit, but the Whisper had a talent for spinning a tale that even Morningstar might believe, and the two of them had lived through enough craziness that it was all perfectly plausible.  Who needed to know this was all to feed his partner's latest cooking escapades.  Better sweeten the pot.

Shoving a sugary buff food into his friend's hands and maintaining motormouth momentum, Freyd spotted two other players grumbling by the portal, looking lost and bored, yet still freshly wafting with that new player smell he could sniff from a mile away.  Most appraised items.  Freyd's specialty was appraising people, and he sensed an opportunity.

"You two are here for Ki'raion, right?"  Shoving additional portions of the same snack into their stunned hands, party invites filling their view, he walked and talked, leading them through the sheer power of confusion to the sluggish elevator leading up to the temple crossing they would need to traverse to reach the ruined plains beyond.  

"Name's Freyd, by the way.  I'll be your crew chief for today's sojourn.  This is Morningstar, your entertainment director, party muscle and after hours boy toy - whatever you heart requires.  Please keep your seat back and tray tables in the upright and locked positions, as we won't actually have time for a flight - and for goodness sake, do not try to feed the wildlife.  It will most likely prefer to try and eat you directly."

Sadly, he didn't expect to actually manage to maintain this pace until they actually reached the boss.  Hopefully, he'd read to room right, and they'd just be willing to play along.

Edited September 14 by Freyd

[Morningstar 0]

"Oh good!  You're here.  Glad you got my message."

"Uh. Yeah. Message."

He listened to Freyd's oddly vague explanation, kicking himself at not checking his inbox more frequently. Apparently they were scheduled for a date with Ki'Raion. He had hoped for a warm meal and an early bedtime, but no such luck.

Two newbies arrived, looking rather out of place in such a dreary town. They were also being looped in to Freyd's schemes (which were still unclear to him). Had they not been a pair of tier one players, Star would have found them a little scary looking. Especially the guy. He was big and gruff and looked like he might rip their heads off.

Unbeknownst to Star, he had been promoted from guy-with-sword to entertainment director, a job he didn't recall applying for. He hoped it came with a pay raise.

"Tips are appreciated, but not necessary. The machine starts at 30%," he added.

[Omen 0]

"Yes..." Omen hardly had time to reply before Freyd had shoved portions of food into their hand and hurried them down the road, walking and talking about things that Omen could not as quickly wrap his head around. Entertainment director? Flight? Boy toy? 

Morningstar wasn't much help either. He asked for tips. 30% was outrageous, by the way. Omen wasn't sure he'd ever tipped more than 20%. That was the only thought that had time to formulate in Omen's mind as the two of them were ushered through the safe zone. He would have stopped, or even been a little worried by the players' intentions, but was Circe stressed? Confused and bewildered, Omen looked to his leveling partner, hoping to see some sort of reaction in the face of the young woman that informed Omen on whether or not he should shove both of these guys off and go back to the first ten floors. 

[Circe 0]

Caught off guard, Circe suddenly found her hands full of treats, her vision blocked by a party invite. It took her a moment to steady herself, mentally recalibrating. It was suspicious, being approached by such high-level players so casually, but maybe this was fate throwing them a bone. An unexpected opportunity to secure the support skill they’d been after.

Circe couldn’t help but snort at Freyd’s comment. Entertainment director? That was rich. She’d been around long enough to recognize when someone got roped into something they didn’t sign up for.  Still, it seemed like things were happening fast, and she wasn’t about to get left behind.

Circe shifted her weight, crossing her arms again as she let out a low breath. “Entertainment director, huh?” she muttered, half to herself, eyeing Star up and down. "Guess we’re in for a show then. We can talk tips based on performance later, hm?" 

Glancing over at Omen, Circe murmured, "Looks like our trip won’t be a total waste. We’d be fools not to take the offer to clear Ki'Raion." With a quick tap, she accepted the request. It felt strange, sure, but their green markers ruled out PKers. Either these two were genuinely helpful or, worse, some kind of scammers—which would just be a headache to deal with, but it is was a chance worth taking for helpful boost to get what they came for.

 

[Freyd 0]

Freyd's mood dimmed substantially as they passed over and through the bastion wall, enduring the droning tales of the elders whose only job it was to tell them then beg them for alms.  By the time they reached the shrine on the far end of the bridge, light was streaming in line directly between the sixteen statues arrayed on either side.  Paying the stone figures no mind, his gaze was locked one the beam splitting their ranks, mental calculus factoring seasonal shifts, travel constraints and the difficult terrain.

"I assume the two of you are here for Photosynthesis?  Few people wander out to the Forbidden Lands for anything else.  This floor doesn't have much else to offer, at least in the brochures.  We'll need to hit it during the day, which should be manageable.  The beast follows a predictable path."  Glancing off to the shadows behind the nearest monolith, he seemed to be peering beyond the pool of darkness, azure eyes focusing on their quarry.

"We're in luck.  He's at the outskirts of Mikiakus, and therefore relatively easy for us to reach.  Mind the colossi.  We're in hostile terrain once we clear the Bastion.  I doubt we'll run into any trouble, but it pays to be cautious out there.  Let Morningstar take the lead.  You may both struggle to get through its hide, so focus on stunning it if you can.  I'll take on the role of tank, to the extent it is required.  If we keep the mob disabled, this will be over quickly." 

His little briefing might have sounded more convincing if he'd not just told them he was going to tank a quest mob in an outfit that too closely resembled edgelord pajamas.

***
Freyd uses tracking on Ki'Raion

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar took the lead, as suggested by Freyd. The Bastion came and went quicker than he had expected, and soon enough they were in Ki'Raion's territory. Beautiful rolling fields. They were one of a kind on this floor. "Okay," he said to the group. "Like we planned. Me go first. Y'all do your thing."

In a flash, Star was across the way, close enough to touch the big cat. "Heya, pal. Sorry to bother you on this fine morning. Er—is it afternoon? Ah, semantics."

It swatted at him with its tail, and would have hit him if not for his reflexes. He dodged a flurry of quick claws and leaned in close enough to clip it on the torso with his blade. It lunged at him, and he countered with a solid punch to its jaw, dazing it for only a second before it was back to its wild antics.

Spoiler

Post Action | Charge + AOE-I (11+2+2+5 = 20-2-1 = 17 EN)
Free Action | N/A

ID231744 | BD7 +8-3 = 12 | (22+3+16)*15 = 615 - 100 = 515 DMG to Ki'Raion

Morningstar | HP: 800/800 | EN: 99/116 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 43 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 156/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:90 | ACC:7 (incl.AA) | F-SPIRIT | EVA:5 | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | LD:6 | BLGT: 32 | STC: 40 | PVO
Omen | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT:34 | THORNS:18 | REGEN: 2
Circe | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

(1,0,0,0) Ki'Raion | HP: 485/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2

Abilities

• Tail Swipe | If BD 9-10 and MD 1-5 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> unleashes a powerful tail swipe that can strike a whole party. Deals 150 AoE damage to all party members as well as normal damage to the player with the most hate.
• Venus Fly Trap | If BD of 9-10 and MD of 6-10 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> lunges at the player with the most hate and encases them in its floral mane. They experience 50 additional damage and will take 50 additional damage for each following turn that they're trapped. They are freed when at least 200 HP damage has been dealt to "Ki’Raion" or another player achieves greater hate. A trapped player may still attack.
• Photosynthesize | Absorbing the Sun’s energy, every second attack <<Ki’Raion>> makes will be damage boosted by 50. On turns when this damage boost is not active, <<Ki'Raion>> will heal 100 HP. This ability is only available to <<Ki'Raion>> if fought during the day.

 

[Omen 0]

Omen nodded. If Circe was willing to go along with it, then Omen figured that he could just as well do the same. The two that led them across the floor to Ki'Raion were young, though, and they talked like young people. That was to say, a lot. And though he couldn't very well understand what game they were talking about, what with their brochures and boy toys, he did understand the instructions given to them. "Understood." 

When Ki'Raion came into view and Morningstar cleaved into him, Omen was close behind. His axe flashed outwards, hardly cutting through the thick hide of Ki'Raion -- but he followed it up by slamming into it harder with his shield. That seemed to stagger it. Omen rushed back to Circe, his shield raised. It was a bit nerve wracking, being in combat with something that could very well kill you with one wayward swing... but Omen was cool under pressure, and fell back to body block for Circe as best he could. If one should fall, let it be him. 

***

Spoiler

Action Taken: [TECH-A] [-5 EN] 
Ki'raion: ID#231825 BD: 9 (Crit) - 11*4-100= 1 DMG, Stun

Morningstar | HP: 800/800 | EN: 99/116 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 43 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 156/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:90 | ACC:7 (incl.AA) | F-SPIRIT | EVA:5 | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | LD:6 | BLGT: 32 | STC: 40 | PVO
Omen | HP: 100/100 | EN: 23/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT:34 | THORNS:18 | REGEN: 2
Circe | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

(1,0,1,0) Ki'Raion | HP: 484/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 {STUNNED} 

Abilities

• Tail Swipe | If BD 9-10 and MD 1-5 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> unleashes a powerful tail swipe that can strike a whole party. Deals 150 AoE damage to all party members as well as normal damage to the player with the most hate.
• Venus Fly Trap | If BD of 9-10 and MD of 6-10 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> lunges at the player with the most hate and encases them in its floral mane. They experience 50 additional damage and will take 50 additional damage for each following turn that they're trapped. They are freed when at least 200 HP damage has been dealt to "Ki’Raion" or another player achieves greater hate. A trapped player may still attack.
• Photosynthesize | Absorbing the Sun’s energy, every second attack <<Ki’Raion>> makes will be damage boosted by 50. On turns when this damage boost is not active, <<Ki'Raion>> will heal 100 HP. This ability is only available to <<Ki'Raion>> if fought during the day.

 

Edited September 16 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe’s heart raced as she watched Omen and Morningstar engage Ki'Raion, their attacks managing to stagger the massive beast. She stood just behind Omen, her hands tense, ready to cast her stun if things took a bad turn. But the fight was going surprisingly well.

Circe's eyes stayed locked on the beast’s movements, calculating when and if she'd need to jump in. Ki'Raion was dangerous, that much was clear, and even though Omen was handling the front lines for her, one wrong move could be disastrous. But as she observed Morningstar’s hard-hitting assault, she could tell the next hit might just do the trick.

Still, she kept her focus, not letting her guard down. “Stay sharp,” she muttered to herself, her fingers twitching as she remained on standby. If the beast didn’t fall soon, she’d have to act fast to stun it, but for now, she trusted Morningstar to finish the job.

****

 

Spoiler

 

Action Taken: None
 

Morningstar | HP: 800/800 | EN: 99/116 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 43 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 156/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:90 | ACC:7 (incl.AA) | F-SPIRIT | EVA:5 | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | LD:6 | BLGT: 32 | STC: 40 | PVO
Omen | HP: 100/100 | EN: 23/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT:34 | THORNS:18 | REGEN: 2
Circe | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

(1,0,1,0) Ki'Raion | HP: 484/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 {STUNNED} 

Abilities

• Tail Swipe | If BD 9-10 and MD 1-5 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> unleashes a powerful tail swipe that can strike a whole party. Deals 150 AoE damage to all party members as well as normal damage to the player with the most hate.
• Venus Fly Trap | If BD of 9-10 and MD of 6-10 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> lunges at the player with the most hate and encases them in its floral mane. They experience 50 additional damage and will take 50 additional damage for each following turn that they're trapped. They are freed when at least 200 HP damage has been dealt to "Ki’Raion" or another player achieves greater hate. A trapped player may still attack.
• Photosynthesize | Absorbing the Sun’s energy, every second attack <<Ki’Raion>> makes will be damage boosted by 50. On turns when this damage boost is not active, <<Ki'Raion>> will heal 100 HP. This ability is only available to <<Ki'Raion>> if fought during the day.

 

 

[Freyd 0]

Watching Morningstar do his thing with style, Freyd wondered whether his earlier quip about entertainment might not be far off.  The man knew his business, and could be counted on reliably in any fight.  Sadly, it wasn't a trait all players in Aincrad possessed.  Since he'd started pretending to the role of tank, starting in the last raid, such details became increasingly obvious to him.  

"Nicely done!"  Encouragement rarely hurt - usually, the opposite.  The larger fellow they'd snagged and brought along for the trip went next, smiting the mob with a clever move meant to provide advantage where pure power might yet be lacking.  That showed a degree of alertness worth merit.  Yet the actions of his companion were more subtle and reserved.  Was she just nervous?  The short blades in her belt belied any image of inefficacy.  No, she was conserving her strength.  Prudent, when accompanying two strangers into unknown wilderness, facing a boss that might gnaw her face off if she looked at it funny.  These two showed promise.

"Hrm... cat.  I wonder..."

Reaching into a pocket, Freyd pulled out a dull grey orb about the size of a softball, giving it a quick shake and watching it burst into a scintillating display of light.

"It's no laser pointer, but..." he tossed it into the air.  Pupils dilated between the petals, the gargantuan kitty cat's discombobulated gaze drawn to the thing calling its instincts.  Freyd grinned, despite himself, taking a half-step forward and smashing the mob in the face to hard half its petals fell off.

***

Freyd's Action

Spoiler

Post Action | AoE-I (x15, 11 EN, +2 shift, +2/hit): 15 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 12 EN.  Charge (+8 EN, CD 0/3)
Free Action [skill] | Quick change (replace The Thing Behind All Lies with Samael's Pride
Free Action [item] | Rhino Horn

ID #231906 | BD:5+6-1=11 (hit, Rhino +3, Charge +3).  DMG (15*30=405-100=305) vs Ki'Raion | CD 5 | ST-B/BtV locked

Morningstar | HP: 800/800 | EN: 99/116 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 43 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 136/156 (156-12-8) | DMG: 24 | MIT:90 | ACC: 6 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:5 (-1) | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | LD:6 | HLY 16 | FLN 16 | Charge (CD 1/3)
Omen | HP: 100/100 | EN: 23/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT:34 | THORNS:18 | REGEN: 2
Circe | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

(1,0,1,2) Ki'Raion | HP: 179/1000 (484-305) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 (0) {STUNNED} 

Abilities

• Tail Swipe | If BD 9-10 and MD 1-5 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> unleashes a powerful tail swipe that can strike a whole party. Deals 150 AoE damage to all party members as well as normal damage to the player with the most hate.
• Venus Fly Trap | If BD of 9-10 and MD of 6-10 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> lunges at the player with the most hate and encases them in its floral mane. They experience 50 additional damage and will take 50 additional damage for each following turn that they're trapped. They are freed when at least 200 HP damage has been dealt to "Ki’Raion" or another player achieves greater hate. A trapped player may still attack.
• Photosynthesize | Absorbing the Sun’s energy, every second attack <<Ki’Raion>> makes will be damage boosted by 50. On turns when this damage boost is not active, <<Ki'Raion>> will heal 100 HP. This ability is only available to <<Ki'Raion>> if fought during the day.

Enemy's Action:

Spoiler

Ki'Raion is stunned. Stun fades.

Morningstar | HP: 800/800 | EN: 99/116 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 43 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 136/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:90 | ACC: 6 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:5 (-1) | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | LD:6 | HLY 16 | FLN 16 | Charge (CD 1/3)
Omen | HP: 100/100 | EN: 23/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT:34 | THORNS:18 | REGEN: 2
Circe | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

(1,0,1,2) Ki'Raion | HP: 179/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | STUN-IMM (1/3)

Abilities

• Tail Swipe | If BD 9-10 and MD 1-5 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> unleashes a powerful tail swipe that can strike a whole party. Deals 150 AoE damage to all party members as well as normal damage to the player with the most hate.
• Venus Fly Trap | If BD of 9-10 and MD of 6-10 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> lunges at the player with the most hate and encases them in its floral mane. They experience 50 additional damage and will take 50 additional damage for each following turn that they're trapped. They are freed when at least 200 HP damage has been dealt to "Ki’Raion" or another player achieves greater hate. A trapped player may still attack.
• Photosynthesize | Absorbing the Sun’s energy, every second attack <<Ki’Raion>> makes will be damage boosted by 50. On turns when this damage boost is not active, <<Ki'Raion>> will heal 100 HP. This ability is only available to <<Ki'Raion>> if fought during the day.

 

Edited September 16 by Freyd

[Morningstar 0]

One of the newbies went in, while the other stayed back and watched. Star took notice, unsure of which approach was smarter. Omen had guts, though, following up Star's attack with a solid stun. Between that and Freyd's weird laser ball/boxing combo, he was in the perfect position to finish the fight.

The cat's attention switched from Morningstar, to Freyd, to the ball. Star took a few steps back while it was distracted, giving himself a running start towards the beast. He rushed forwards, kicking up dirt and grass, and stabbed Ki'Raion in the back. It vanished, leaving behind a bit of loot and an open green field.

"Well. All in a day's work, I guess. Nice fighting. Cool axe," he told Omen. Meanwhile, he slid his sword back into its scabbard, and crossed his arms, waiting to see what was next. He recalled Ki'Raion taking a lot longer the last time he did it...

Spoiler

note: editing EN due to miscalculation 99 -> 96

Recovery | ID231911 | CD: 7 | +8 EN

POST ACTION | AOE-I (11+2+2 = 15-2-1 = 12 EN)

ID231912 | BD7 +8-2 = 12 | (22+3+16)*15 = 615 - 100 = 515 DMG to Ki'Raion

Morningstar | HP: 800/800 | EN: 92/116 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 7 | BH: 43 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Freyd | HP: 1180/1180 | EN: 136/156 | DMG: 24 | MIT:90 | ACC: 6 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:5 (-1) | PARA-IM | BH:65 | VAMP-D: 130 | REC: 8 | LD:6 | HLY 16 | FLN 16 | Charge (CD 1/3)
Omen | HP: 100/100 | EN: 23/28 | DMG: 7 | MIT:34 | THORNS:18 | REGEN: 2
Circe | HP: 100/100 | EN: 28/28 | DMG: 10 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

(2,0,1,2) Ki'Raion | HP: 0/1000 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | STUN-IMM (1/3)

Abilities

• Tail Swipe | If BD 9-10 and MD 1-5 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> unleashes a powerful tail swipe that can strike a whole party. Deals 150 AoE damage to all party members as well as normal damage to the player with the most hate.
• Venus Fly Trap | If BD of 9-10 and MD of 6-10 is rolled simultaneously, <<Ki’Raion>> lunges at the player with the most hate and encases them in its floral mane. They experience 50 additional damage and will take 50 additional damage for each following turn that they're trapped. They are freed when at least 200 HP damage has been dealt to "Ki’Raion" or another player achieves greater hate. A trapped player may still attack.
• Photosynthesize | Absorbing the Sun’s energy, every second attack <<Ki’Raion>> makes will be damage boosted by 50. On turns when this damage boost is not active, <<Ki'Raion>> will heal 100 HP. This ability is only available to <<Ki'Raion>> if fought during the day.

Looting Ki'Raion
ID231913 | CD12 | LD11+6
8,000 col | (1000*3)*2+(1000*2)
2 materials
T4 Rare Trinket 231913

[Omen 0]

Omen hadn't managed to do much, but he hadn't gone into the fight expecting to, either. Again, he progressed purely due to another player's kindness. Omen sincerely wished that he could pay them back, that he could do more -- but he knew he couldn't, and he knew he didn't have anything that would interest players of their caliber. Maybe once upon a time he could have, but... well. There was no use dwelling on the past. 

He stowed his shield and weapon both across his back. It took some adjustments, but he made it work. Morningstar commented on his axe. "Thank you," Omen replied. He couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not, but he continued anyway. "I used to have something nicer." 

The man suddenly looked distracted, as if remembering something. "Circe," he said. "Did you get the skill? Or do we need to meet additional requirements first?" 

[Circe 0]

Circe watched as Ki'Raion vanished into thin air, leaving behind nothing but loot and the lingering tension of battle. The fight had gone smoother than she expected, thanks to Morningstar and Freyd. She exhaled a quiet breath of relief, letting the tension in her muscles unwind. Then, a panel appeared before her, alerting her to the quest's completion.

Her eyes immediately zeroed in on the notification beneath the quest rewards: <<Photosynthesize>> unlocked in skill tree.

A small grin tugged at the corner of her mouth.  “Got it,” she said, glancing over at Omen.

Opening her menu again, she quickly navigated to the contacts tab, sending over her information and friend requests to both Morningstar and Freyd. As the notifications popped up on their ends, she spoke up, her tone a bit more relaxed now that the battle was over.

“Hey, I appreciate the help back there,” she said, meeting their gazes in turn. “Really. Omen and I were struggling to find a way to make this work, and without you two stepping in, I don’t think we’d have managed it. So… I guess that puts me in your debt.”

She crossed her arms, “I’m not the type to forget when someone’s done me a favor. If you ever need something—don’t hesitate to call. Consider this my IOU. Whatever it is, I’ll do my best to pay it back.”

[Freyd 0]

"Used to have?"  Omen's comment snared his attention.  "Care to explain?"  Neither of their escorted players were particularly potent, just yet, judging by what they'd seen and said to date.  It was purely a factual assessment, without demeaning their courage at having come out here in the first place. 

"You seem like an older player, so I'm curious to learn what you meant."  Accepting Circe's offers with a friendly smile and nod.  He extended the same courtesy to Omen with the same hand.  Thunder grumbled ominously in the distance, reminding them that this wasn't the best place to linger, and that bosses like Ki'raion had fickle respawn timers.  It wouldn't do to be standing on its napping spot when it reformed.

"Send me a bag of kalamata olives, if you ever get the chance, and we'll call it even," he chuckled, replying with gratitude to Circe's offer.  "My partner's found some new recipes and I'm apparently on provision duty as a result.  Since this outing seems to be a bit of a bust, I guess we might as well head back."  A quick glance Star's way gauged his read on the more novice players' performance before continuing.

"Morningstar and I are always on the lookout for future potential candidates to join the front lines.  If either or both of you are looking to help out the cause, I'd be happy to help you get there.  It took guts to trust us and come out here.  Not everyone can manage the nerves."  Howling in the distance was enough to cut the idle chatter short, Freyd urging them to walk in talk on their way back to the wall.

[Morningstar 0]

"Yeah, it's our pleasure," Star smiled. "And, please don't send me any olives."

He took note of the time. They'd run a little later than he had expected them to. If he was quick, maybe he could still catch the sunset atop the Eye. What was the elevation again? Maybe he could use Charge to speed up his ascent.

"I'd better run," he said, his eyes on his menu. He swished it away, looking over the two newbies one last time. "Omen and Circe. I'll be sure to remember those names. Give me a call if you need any more help."

To account for his delayed start, he would travel by teleport crystal today. "See y'all around," he gave a quick salute before activating the blue rectangle, disappearing on the spot.

When he reappeared, he was (thankfully) no longer on the nineteenth floor. Actually, he didn't like Nimbus much more. He found it... damp. Without wasting any time, he sped off in the direction of the mountains.

[Omen 0]

Freyd asked him if he cared to explain what he'd meant when he said that he used to have a nicer axe.

Omen shook his head. "It is a long story," Omen rumbled. "Maybe another time." If he had to sit and explain what had happened to him, he would be there for a while. It seemed like everybody had other things they needed to do. Omen did not want to take up any more of their day than he already had. 

He shook their hands regardless. They had done a great thing for them, and Omen was truly appreciative. They offered to help them level up, if they were interested in joining the frontlines. Omen nodded. "I am very interested," he replied. "I will take you up on that offer, if you will let me."

Omen thought that Circe would, too. They were leveling together, largely, and they were making good progress. Omen just didn't think that it was quick enough. There was only so much he could do. For now, though, it was time to leave. He spoke to Circe as they all went their separate ways. "We got lucky. Not only is the skill useful, the experience is good. I believe we will be able to tackle more difficult challenges now."

Edited September 19 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Freyd’s demeanor was easygoing, offering the same friendliness to both her and Omen, but Circe couldn't help but feel a little disconnected. She accepted his thanks for the offer with a brief nod, half-smirking at his olive joke. “I’ll see what I can do,” she replied dryly, but there was a hint of warmth in her voice, despite her typically aloof demeanor.

The thunder rumbling in the distance, paired with Freyd’s reminder about the respawn timer, pulled her back into focus. She didn’t like lingering in places where bosses could suddenly reappear.
As they started moving back toward the wall, Freyd brought up the possibility of them joining the front lines. Circe couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement at the prospect. That was the goal, after all—to fight where it really mattered, to be on the front lines with the strongest players. But the idea of doing it on her own terms had always been her mantra. Then again, Omen was here too.

She glanced at Omen, thinking. It felt odd to admit it, but she trusted him. He was steady, a rock, someone she could rely on in a fight. If she were to make a move for the front lines, having him there made the idea more appealing.

“You know,” she said after a moment, turning to Freyd, “I’ve been thinking about the front lines. If Omen’s interested, I’d be willing to join up. It’d be good to have someone you trust in the mix.” Her tone was casual, but there was a seriousness beneath the surface. She wasn’t making this decision lightly.

As they walked, her mind lingered on the whole interaction. She smirked a little at Omen’s humble nature, especially when he mentioned his interest in leveling up quicker. He didn’t see it, but they were progressing at a decent rate—quicker than most, even.

Still, she couldn’t fault him for wanting more. She felt it too: the need to grow stronger, faster. Every day trapped here was another reminder that she wasn’t free. And the only way out was to rise higher.