[PP-PT-F22] Gone Fishin' <<King of Lakes>>

[Omen 0]

A fishing contest on the 22nd Floor was not how Omen had expected to spend his day. But apparently there was a terrible monster to be fought, and so he had signed both him and Circe up. They were here for the hunt, not the sport, and that was reflected in Omen's battle attire. 

As was the norm, he dished out the required consumables for the task at hand. "The King of Lakes," Omen rumbled, "is a giant, stupid fish. With legs. We're here to kill it." 

That was it. He didn't elaborate further. There was no plan. They didn't need one. The task was simple enough, the mechanics were easy enough to follow. But they'd both heard what they'd need to do from the NPCs when they'd accepted this quest. If they wanted to fish up the King of Lakes and win, they'd first need to find a Red Salamander. At least, that was what the old man had been mumbling to himself about. Omen figured they had the option to talk to him or not, and he opted not to. Usually, when Cardinal wanted an NPC to accompany you, it shoved them in your face. Omen was grateful for the quiet. 

"A red salamander," Omen mused. "I do not know where best to look first."

***

Consuming: 

x1 Bubbling Bourbon: +15% Overhealth
x1 T3 Armor-Tempering Tequila: +45 MIT 
x1: T3 Immolation Potion: +30 Thorns
x1 creme brulee: +2 ACC 
x1 Pilk: +3 LD Dessert

Sending to Circe: 

x1 Liquor of Might: +3 DMG
x1 skewer roll: +2 DMG, -30 MIT 
x1 Bubbling Bourbon: +15% Overhealth
x1 creme brulee: +2 ACC 
x1 Pilk: +3 LD Dessert

Buffed Statblock: 
Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 64/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 

Unbuffed Stats: 

Spoiler

Level: 23
Health: 505 | Energy: 64
DMG: 15 | MIT: 134 | THORNS: 54 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 

Skills:

Combat Skills:
► Howl 
► Combat Mastery: Mitigation [13/13]

Weapon Skills:
► Axe [14/30] - Rank 3

Utility Skills:
► Empty

Extra Skills:
► Block [30/30] - Rank 5
► Forgotten King’s Authority 

Familiar Skill: 
► Empty

Armor Skills:
► Heavy Armor [30/30] - Rank 5
    Add-Ons: 
►Iron Skin 

Modifiers:
► Empty

Miscellaneous: 
► Empty

Inventory:
» [Equipped] [Perfect] Rune-Forged Axe: +9 DMG 
» [Equipped] [Perfect] Survival Armor: +2 Heavy Momentum, +1 Recovery
» [Equipped] [Perfect] Guardian Shield: +2 Thorns, Taunt

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%)
» x4 Congealing Ale: Perfect Antidote 
» x3 Starter Healing Potions: +50 HP 

 

Edited September 24 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe eyed the weird drink in her hand—a mix of milk and Pepsi, of all things. She’d seen some strange concoctions in her time, but pilk? Really? She grimaced before taking a hesitant sip, the fizzy sweetness clashing with the creamy milk in a way that made her wince.

“Gods, Omen, where do you find this stuff?” she muttered under her breath, pushing the pilk aside and grabbing the skewer roll instead. At least that was familiar and tasted good.

She glanced over at Omen, his usual battle-ready attire making it clear they weren’t here to fish for sport. They were here for the kill. The King of Lakes sounded ridiculous—a giant fish with legs? But after everything they’d been through, it was par for the course. Circe just wished she had more information to go on.

“A red salamander, huh?” she echoed, thinking back to what the old NPC had said. The guy had been vague at best, muttering something about fishing lore and bait.

Circe stood up, stretching her arms as she surveyed the area around the lake. "If I were a Red Salamander, I’d probably be hiding somewhere near rocks or under logs. Somewhere damp, maybe. We’ll just have to scout the area and see what turns up."

***
Received and Consuming:
x1 Liquor of Might: +3 DMG
x1 skewer roll: +2 DMG, -30 MIT 
x1 Bubbling Bourbon: +15% Overhealth
x1 creme brulee: +2 ACC 
x1 Pilk: +3 LD Dessert

Stats:
Circe | HP: 552/552 | EN: 81/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:4
Circe | HP: 480/480 | EN: 81/81 | DMG: 17 | ACC:4 | EVA:2 | MIT:1 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:1

Stats (unbuffed)

  Hide contents

 

Circe | HP: 480/480 | EN: 81/81 | DMG: 17 | ACC:4 | EVA:2 | MIT:1 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:1

equipped

[T1 Perfect Light Armor] Initiate’s Draw: +2 EVA, +1 MIT

[T3 Perfect Throwing Knives] ID 232026  Paralyze 2 | Bleed 1

Wolf Pendant. | TIER 1 JEWELRY | +3 ACC

battle-ready inventory

// Starter Healing Potions x3

// T1 Rare Big Bertha Braciole

// Zackariah's Special Draught

[T1] Perfect Mass Grave Robber's Anthem (Monster's Favor 3)

 

skills

  Hide contents

• ►<<Throwing Knives>> Skill
  • Rank 5
  • Cost: 30 SP
    • Stamina
      • Cost: 4 SP
      • Passive
      • Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.
    •  Precision
      • Cost: 2 SP
      • Passive
      • Effect: Gain +1 ACC.
    • <<Throwing Knives>> Focus
      • Cost: 4 SP
      • Passive
      • Effect: Decreases minor critical threshold by 1. Also reduces DoT thresholds by 1. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.
• ► Energist
  • Cost: 8 SP
• ►Barrier
  • Cost: 6 SP
  • Active: Post Action
  • Energy Cost: 15 EN
  • Cooldown: 2 turns
• ► Combat Mastery: Damage [R3]
  • Cost: 8 SP
• ►Searching [R1]
  • Cost: 4 SP

extra skills 3/3

  Hide contents

• ►First Aid [Requires two Extra Skill slots]
  • Rank 5
  • Active: Post Action
  • Energy cost: (3 * Rank in skill) EN
  • Effect: Heal 4% per rank of a target party member’s maximum HP (rounded down). Cannot target the user.
    • Field Medic
      • Cost: 6 SP
      • Active: Post Action
      • Energy Cost: 15 EN
      • Cooldown: 3 Turns
      • Effect: Heal your entire party (including yourself) for 25% of each party member’s maximum HP (rounded down).
• ►Photosynthesize
  • Effect: Improve the effects of any healing (not including passive HP regeneration) you do until the start of the next turn by 20%.  Cooldown: 5 turns, Active: Free Action, EN Cost: 5

[Omen 0]

Omen nodded. Under logs or rocks. Someplace damp. He compartmentalized this new knowledge and set his sights on the woods surrounding the lake. Particularly, the dark and shaded part of the forest that led to the foot of the mountain. Without a word, Omen marched towards that area. That, he thought, is where the salamander will be found. 

It took them a few minutes to get there, and their walk around the lake was a rather scenic one. Omen could see himself purchasing a house nearby. It was definitely one of the nicer places to think about settling on. He couldn't imagine being stuck in a perpetual winter, or heaven forbid, one of the many post-apocalyptic wasteland floors. Floor 22, on the other hand, was temperate and cozy. He couldn't afford a house and likely wouldn't be able to for a long time, but it was something to think about. 

When they arrived Omen immediately set to overturning logs and stones. It didn't take long for him to find what they'd been looking for. As he overturned a rotten log, there sat a giant red salamander, staring at them lazily with great, big, googly eyes. He wasn't sure if it saw him. But he pointed it out quietly to Circe. 

Now they just had to catch it... 

*** 

Searching for Red Salamander: ID#233232 LD: 14+2= 16 (Red Salamander Found) 

Edited September 23 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe watched as Omen overturned logs with a silent efficiency, his eyes scanning the ground for any sign of their elusive target. The area was peaceful, the kind of place that almost made her forget they were on a mission to kill a giant fish-monster. Almost.

When Omen pointed out the red salamander beneath the rotten log, Circe’s eyes widened. There it was, just sitting there with its big, wet, googly eyes, like it didn’t have a care in the world. Perfect.

Without wasting a second, she lunged forward, arms outstretched, ready to scoop the thing up before it had a chance to escape. But just as her fingers grazed its slimy skin, the salamander bolted, slipping through her grasp like water.

“Damn it!” she cursed, her hands coming up empty as she tumbled forward slightly.  Its thoughtless gaze lingered on them both.  "Get it, Omen, before it gets away!"

****
Catching Red Salamander:  ID#233348 CD: 5 FAIL

Edited September 23 by Circe

[Omen 0]

Circe tried her best to catch the slippery beast, but to no avail. It was on the run! "Get it, Omen, before it gets away!"

Omen immediately took off after it. It was a quick little bugger, and wiley to boot. He chased the salamander briefly across the forest, the Red Salamander darting deftly over loges and between bushes. Omen, on the other hand, barreled through the foliage without a care, his eyes set solely on the salamander just barely out of reach. It was gaining ground, and quick. Omen wouldn't be able to keep up forever. He put it all on the line. He put everything into those last few strides, kicking off the ground as hard as he could -- and dived for the elusive, googly-eyed salamander. 

Omen took a tumble and fell still. 

A moment passed. 

He stood. 

"I have captured the Red Salamander," Omen proclaimed. It dangled uselessly from between Omen's fingers. 

***

Catching Red Salamander -> 
ID#233393 CD: 10 (Success!) 

Edited September 24 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe couldn’t help but laugh as Omen stood, the red salamander dangling limply from his fingers like a prize won at a carnival. The way it stared blankly with those googly eyes almost made the whole chase feel ridiculous, but victory was victory.

“Nice catch,” she said, stepping over to examine the creature. It squirmed weakly but made no real attempt to escape, as if it had already accepted its fate.

She folded her arms, considering their next move. The old NPC had mentioned the salamander being key to fishing up the King of Lakes, but Circe didn’t feel like splitting any of the rewards. If the system didn’t force them to work with the guy, she saw no reason to hand over their hard-earned catch.

“We don’t need the NPC,” she said, glancing up at Omen. “Let’s keep the salamander and do this ourselves. More reward for us, right?” A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. "Besides, how hard can it be to fish up a giant fish with legs?"

Without waiting for an answer, Circe led Omen back toward the lake. The serene water shimmered under the light, and everything felt strangely peaceful, despite the looming battle they knew was coming.

Once at the water’s edge, Circe tied the salamander to the end of her line, improvising a makeshift lure. She cast it out with a flick of her wrist, watching the bait splash down into the depths.

They waited. Minutes passed.

Nothing.

****
Fishing Attempt: ID#233420 LD: 7+4=11 Fail

Edited September 24 by Circe

[Omen 0]

"Of course," Omen agreed. "I had no intentions on fishing with the old man." 

Together, they left the old fart in the dust. Better luck next year, bud. Omen and Circe were off to win a fishing contest. 

Circe cast her line first. They waited in silence. Nothing seemed to bite. Omen shook his head. "Strange. Here," he said, borrowing Circe's fishing rod, "let me try." 

He'd cast the line into the water. It soared lazily across the lake and landed gently against its surface. 

No sooner had it landed then did the water erupt, a geyser of water showering down on them. Standing before them was a giant, fat fish with a stupid face on legs. It was bright orange and it looked pissed. 

"Oh," Omen said. "I think that is the King of Lakes." 

The King of Lakes made a noise that sounded the most like someone shucking an oyster. Omen drew his axe, and then his shield. 

*** 

Fishing for King: ID#233421 LD: 12+3= 15 (Success) 

Action Taken: [Fishing] 

(H:0) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 64/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:0) Circe | HP: 552/552 | EN: 81/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 1250/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

Edited September 24 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe blinked in disbelief as the water exploded in front of them, revealing the absurd sight of the King of Lakes—an enormous orange fish, somehow balanced on two stubby legs. Its dumb, angry face glared at them, looking about as dangerous as a toddler throwing a tantrum.

“Well, this is going to be interesting,” she muttered under her breath, already reaching for her throwing knives. The King of Lakes let out a grotesque, wet-sounding noise that sent a shiver up her spine. Circe didn’t waste any time, pulling two knives from her belt and hurling them with precision. The blades whistled through the air before embedding themselves in the creature’s rubbery side.

A satisfying thunk followed by a surge of damage numbers floated up from the creature’s health bar. She grinned—solid hit. But as she prepared to throw another set, the King of Lakes turned its beady eyes toward her, clearly pissed off by the attack.

“Uh, Omen?” she called out, glancing at him.  He hadn’t pulled aggro yet, and the King of Lakes was looking to take a chunk out of her now.

***

Action Taken: AOE-I (11 + [2 * 1] EN)= 13 EN

King of Lakes: ID#233422  BD:6+6=12 HIT  DMG: 15*22-20=310

(H:0) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 64/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:1) Circe | HP: 552/552 | EN: 68/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 940/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

Edited September 24 by Circe

[Omen 0]

Omen was too late. He cursed himself. The King of Lakes waddled faster than he could run towards Circe, and took a big chomp out of her. Picking her up between his jagged fangs, he shook her like a dog shakes its toys, and then hurled her an incredible distance into the lake. Omen watched her go, grateful she wasn't dead, but frustrated that he had not been quick enough to defend her. Looking back on it, she should have let Circe fish up the monster. He hadn't been thinking properly. 

Omen howled, his voice carrying long and far across the lake. The NPCs in the distance all watched their fight, now, though none moved to help (and especially not the old man they'd blown off to try and fish up the King of Lakes). Omen raised his shield and drew his axe, facing down the fat monstrosity as Circe would be forced to swim back to shore. It would be okay. At least the King wouldn't be taking any more bites out of her. 

*** 

Action Taken: [HOWL] [-2 EN] 
King of Lakes attacks Circe -> 
233535 | MD: 10 (Dive activated) 

(H:4) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 64/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:1) Circe | HP: 402/552 | EN: 68/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 940/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

Edited September 24 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe sailed through the air like a ragdoll, helpless in the jaws of the ridiculous fish-monster. Her vision spun as the King of Lakes shook her, its jagged teeth digging into her armor just enough to make her life miserable.

"Stupid fish!" she shouted, mid-air, flailing her arms as she flew across the lake. Then, with an unceremonious splash, she hit the water and sank like a rock.

For a moment, everything was still. Underwater, Circe just floated there, bubbles rising from her mouth as she processed what had just happened. She was in a lake, thanks to a fish with legs. The absurdity of the situation wasn’t lost on her.

Kicking her legs, Circe swam to the surface and gasped for air, coughing as she wiped water out of her eyes. She glanced back toward the shore, where Omen stood.
“Fuck my life." she muttered between strokes, her limbs already aching.  She kicked harder, paddling through the water with as much dignity as she could muster.
She grumbled to herself as she swam, finally reaching the shore, dripping wet and thoroughly annoyed. Circe stood, wringing out her hair with one hand and glaring at the fish.

“Right, you overgrown goldfish. Now you’ve really pissed me off.”
*****

Action Taken: SWIMMING
 

(H:4) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 64/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:1) Circe | HP: 402/552 | EN: 68/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 940/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

[Omen 0]

After watching Circe get flung into the lake, the King of Lakes's attention was on him. Omen rushed forward to meet it. Waddling forward at an incredible speed, it took a swat at Omen with one of its stubby limbs. He blocked his shield a little too well -- no damage, no thorns. As a rebuttal, he swung his axe at the creature's head, looking to lop it off, or at the least disorient it. But the King of Lakes was deceptively quick, and his axe caught nothing but air. Omen stepped backwards, shield raised, resetting his position. The King of Lakes played a dangerous game, but Circe was stronger. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her pulling herself out of the water. He just had to buy her time to get in a quick attack, while the mob's attention was on him. Omen was not worried. This one would fall, just like all the others. 

Again, the King of Lakes made that strange shucking sound. 

***

King of Lakes attacks Omen -> 
233575 | MD: 3 (Miss)
Action Taken: [TECH-A] (MISS) [-2 EN]
233575 | BD: 2+2 (Miss) 

(H:5) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 62/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:1) Circe | HP: 402/552 | EN: 68/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 940/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

Edited September 25 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe dragged herself onto the shore, coughing up water and muttering curses under her breath. Her drenched clothes clung to her like a second skin, and every step squished as she made her way back toward the fight. "Stupid fish..." she grumbled, flicking her hair out of her face.

She spotted Omen holding his ground against the King of Lakes. The big, dumb fish made that disgusting shucking noise again, and Circe’s irritation spiked. She pulled out one of her throwing knives, determined to make it pay for sending her on an unwanted swim.

“Alright, you aquatic freak,” she growled, narrowing her eyes. “Let’s see how you like a knife to the face.”

She wound her arm back and launched the blade toward the King of Lakes. Or... that was the plan.

The knife slipped right out of her wet fingers mid-throw, spinning wildly off course. It landed with a pathetic plop about five feet in front of her, sinking into the mud like a toddler had tossed a toy.

Circe stared at the spot where her knife had fallen. "Oh, come on!" she shouted, throwing her hands up in disbelief.

***

Action Taken: [x15] AOE-I MISS (-2EN)

King of Lakes: ID#233603  BD: 1 Crit MISS DMG: 0

 

(H:4) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 64/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:1) Circe | HP: 402/552 | EN: 69/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 940/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

Edited September 26 by Circe

[Omen 0]

Circe was back, but her attack did not land. Omen shook his head. It wasn't her fault. He was sure that he'd be disoriented, too, if he got tossed like a ragdoll into a lake. If anything it was Omen's fault for letting her take the hit. But that didn't matter now. He had to make up for it. 

He threw himself into the King of Lakes, his shield raised and his axe in hand. The King made a feeble attempt of swatting at him with one of his stubby little arms, but the attack did not land. Omen countered with an attack of his own. Swinging out with all his might, he cut across the King of Lakes's head, dealing a good little chunk of damage and, more importantly, dazing it. The King of Lakes stumbled backwards, confused and disoriented. Circe should have no trouble following up now. Omen had decided that his job was going to be making sure that Circe get thrown into the lake again... but it would also be no good if Omen was thrown in, either. 

*** 

Action Taken: [TECH-A] [-9 EN]
King of Lakes: ID#233616 BD: 9 (Crit) MD: 2 (Miss) - 15+1+6) * 8 = 176-20= 156 DMG  

(H:9) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 55/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:1) Circe | HP: 402/552 | EN: 69/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 784/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20 {Stunned} 

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

Edited September 26 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe watched as Omen's axe connected solidly with the King of Lakes, the giant fish stumbling back in confusion. "Alright, big guy, my turn," she muttered.

With the King of Lakes dazed, this was her moment.

She gripped another throwing knife, this time with dry hands and steady aim. Circe took a deep breath, centering herself, then dashed forward. As she closed the gap, she launched herself into the air, hurling the knife with precision.

The blade flew true, striking the King of Lakes square in its stupid, fishy face. The hit was critical, sinking deep into its fleshy cheek. The King of Lakes let out a deafening, guttural noise—a mix between a whale call and a gurgle—as it staggered back even more, legs wobbling beneath its massive frame.

Circe landed gracefully, the satisfaction of a successful hit surging through her. She flashed Omen a grin, finally shaking off the embarrassment of her earlier misfire.

***
Action Taken: [x15] AOE-I (-16 EN)
King of Lakes: ID# BD: 10 (MAJOR CRIT) CD: 7 DMG: 17*22-20=354, PARALYZED & BLEED applied

(H:9) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 55/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:2) Circe | HP: 402/552 | EN: 69/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 430/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20 {Stunned} 

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

Edited September 26 by Circe

[Omen 0]

That was the ticket! Circe's attack landed and took a crazy chunk of HP with it. The King of Lakes was looking pretty worse for wear now, between the two of them. Although Omen's damage was little more than chip at this point, he figured every attack helped when the mob's pitiful Mitigation and Damage were balanced out by its massive health pool. Omen pressed the offensive. While Circe stayed at range, Omen charged forward, swinging his axe wide. He didn't have to worry about blocking. Thankfully the King of Lakes was only just beginning to recover from the Stun and Paralysis rooting it in place. Omen's attack landed clean and heavy. The axe carved through the fish's soft flesh, dropping it even lower into the red. Circe could finish it. And if she didn't, Omen would in his next attack. He let the Sword Art finish and moved himself back into position, his shield at the ready. If it wanted to kill itself on his Thorns, he'd certainly let it. It would save him the trouble later. 

"Once more," Omen called to Circe. Just a little bit of encouragement couldn't hurt. They were doing well. And it was true; they were nearly finished. 

*** 
Action Taken: [ST-I] [-8 EN]
King of Lakes: ID#233703 BD: 9 (Crit) - 15+1= 16*8= 128-20= 108 DMG

(H:9) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 50/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:3) Circe | HP: 402/552 | EN: 56/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 24 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 322/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20 {Stunned} {Paralyzed}

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

Edited September 26 by Omen

[Circe 0]

Circe smirked at Omen’s words. “This is it,” she muttered, readying another knife. The King of Lakes was on its last legs, and she could already taste the victory.

With a quick leap, she charged forward, aiming to deliver the final blow. But as she sprinted to close the distance, her foot caught on the slick, wet grass. For a split second, she flailed, arms windmilling as she tried to catch her balance.

She didn't.

Circe’s feet slid out from under her, and she went down in a spectacular, undignified heap. The throwing knife flew out of her hand at an awkward angle, missing the large and in charge King of Lakes entirely and disappearing somewhere into the dark deep lake with a plop.

“Ugh,” she groaned, lying flat on her back, staring up at the sky for a moment. The grass was cold and damp, clinging to her clothes.

*** 
OOC:  Applying missed Bleed DMG (36 BLD)
Action Taken: AOE-II (-2EN)
King of Lakes: ID#233732 BD: 1 CRIT MISS DMG: 0

(H:9) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 50/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:3) Circe | HP: 402/552 | EN: 57/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 36 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 286/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20 {Stunned} {Paralyzed}{BLD 1/2}

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

Edited September 27 by Circe

[Omen 0]

Circe was having trouble. The King of Lakes was still focused on him, and it didn't seem to keen on giving him any breathing room. Omen raised his shield, but the King of Lakes took a weird swat at him, so Omen ducked under the swipe instead. The King of Lakes attempted to attack him again, but Omen was even more evasive. He rolled out of the way and popped up near Circe. Raising his shield in front of them with one hand, Omen would stow his axe quickly and thrust the other towards her, an offer to help her up. "It's not your day," he apologetically rumbled. "Come. Let's finish this." 

Should Circe accept his offer up or not, Omen would again return his attention to tanking. Not that there was a terrible amount to focus on. The King of Lakes was unsteady on its feet, and couldn't breach his mitigation. Truthfully, the King of Lakes came off to Omen as a giant, walking punching bag. Every attack he swung at it felt like it found its mark in its soft, slippery flesh. It said something when Omen's attacks dealt damage to a creature. The King of Lakes was nowhere near as difficult as Cerberus and its Hellhounds, that was to go without saying. 

*** 
Action Taken: [ST-II] (Miss) [-1 EN] 
King of Lakes: ID#233748 MD: 4 (Miss) BD: 3+2 (Miss) 

(H:10) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 52/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:3) Circe | HP: 402/552 | EN: 57/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 36 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 250/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20 {BLD 2/2}

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 

Edited September 27 by Omen

[Circe 0]

 Normally, she’d scoff at the idea of accepting help, preferring to get back on her feet by herself. But something about the way he held out his hand—solid, reliable, and without a hint of condescension—made her pause.

She glanced up at him, and for a brief moment, her usual tough exterior cracked. There was something in Omen’s rumbling voice, the way he simply stated, “It’s not your day,” that caught her off guard. He wasn’t pitying her; he was just... there. In his own calm, gruff way, he was offering his strength.

With a quiet sigh and a subtle smile, she took his hand.

 It was strange, being in awe of someone’s kindness, especially when her life had been built on suspicion and second guesses. Yet, here he was, a mountain of a man, standing between her and the King of Lakes, shielding her without hesitation.

“Thanks,” she muttered, a little begrudgingly, but there was a softness in her tone that hadn’t been there before.

Circe narrowed her eyes, focusing on the King of Lakes as it stumbled, its fat legs wobbling under the weight of its oversized body. The creature’s beady eyes blinked stupidly, unaware of the sharp end that was about to meet it. Omen had the thing cornered, his shield held firm as he absorbed the brunt of its sluggish, desperate swipes.

Circe darted forward, knife in hand, her steps quick and precise despite the slippery grass beneath her feet. The King of Lakes let out another grotesque shucking noise, flailing a stubby limb toward her in a final, feeble attempt to fend her off. But she was too fast this time, ducking under its swing with ease.

In a fluid motion, Circe leapt, her body twisting as she put everything she had to bare into her final strike.  

he blade sliced cleanly through the soft, gelatinous surface, piercing deep into the creature’s skull. The King of Lakes let out a horrible screech, thrashing violently- Its horrid swan song.

Then all fell silent as it disappeared into dust leaving behind a heap of loot, but her attention wasn't on their boon.  Instead, it turned to Omen.
A feeling welled up in her chest—something new, something unfamiliar. It wasn’t just the victory. It was the fact they had done it together, as a team.

She wasn’t sure how to describe it, but there was something about Omen that made her feel… grounded. Like she wasn’t fighting alone anymore.

A genuine, toothy smile spread across her face, one she hadn’t worn in a long, long time. "It is done," she mimicked him, turning fully to face him.

 

*** 
Action Taken: AOE-I (Major Crit) (-16 EN)
King of Lakes: ID#233848  BD: 10 (Major Crit)  DMG: 17*22-20=354

(H:10) Omen | HP: 581/581 | EN: 52/64 | DMG: 15 | MIT:179 | ACC:2 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | THORNS:84 | REC: 3 | HM: 6 | LD: 3 
(H:3) Circe | HP: 402/552 | EN: 44/81 | DMG: 22 | ACC:6 | EVA:2 | MIT:0 |BLD: 36 | PARA | LD:4

King of Lakes: HP: 0/1250 | DMG: 175 | MIT: 20

Abilities:

• Body Slam | On an MD of 9, the boss will jump high into the air and crash down in the center of the players, sending out a shock-wave that automatically deals 120 AoE damage to each player.  This effect is subject to mitigation.
• Dive | On an MD of 10, the King of Lakes will take the player with the highest hate in its teeth and drag it back into the lake. The player will take 150 unmitigated damage and need spend their next post action swimming back to the shore. 
  
  LOOTING
  KoL ID#233849 LD: 10+4=14 CD: 7  6250 col, (233849a) Rare Weapon (1), (233849b) Uncommon Consumable (1), 2 Mats

Edited September 28 by Circe

[Omen 0]

Circe took his hand and thanked him. Omen nodded her firmly and easily helped her to her feet. The fight was nearly done. They just needed to finish the job. As he helped Circe stand, the King of Lakes was stamping the ground menacingly. It seemed ready to charge. That was just as well. He knew he could handle whatever the quest boss threw at him. More than that. He trusted that Circe could handle it too. Circe ran forward. Omen followed. 

She lashed out with her knives, looking for a final strike. The King of Lakes's attention turned to the girl right in front of her. Maybe she was easier prey than the man -- but then Omen was there, bashing his shield into its face and pushing it back. The King of Lakes stumbled, then whirled on him. It put its arms out, maybe trying to swat at him, or maybe just trying to crush him. Omen dropped his axe and held the beast up with both arms. Circe found her mark. Her blades slid easily into its soft, slimy flesh, and the beast, as suddenly as the knives had entered its body, was gone. Instantly the weight was gone, and the strain on Omen's muscles was no more. He fell to a knee, took a breath. Another. He stood. Circe turned to face him, grinning from ear to ear. 

"It is done," she said, mimicking him. 

Omen snorted. Smiled, although softly. 

"Yes," he agreed, his voice broad, "it is done."

A pop up menu appeared in front of them, listing their rewards for another quest completed. All around them, NPCs had begun to gather. They cheered, hooted, and hollered. They had done it! They'd fished up the King of Lakes, and had a tasty filet to show for it! The new winners of the fishing competition, Omen and Circe would have trouble wading through a veritable ocean of old men congratulating them. They would pass the man who'd been muttering to himself at the start: the one who, from what Omen could tell, was the recruitable NPC for the King of Lakes quest they had opted to ignore. 

Omen rested a hand on the friendly, rotund man's shoulder. 

"Better luck next time." 

Edited September 28 by Omen

[Circe 0]

"Better luck next time," she echoed, giving the old man a wink as they passed him.

She glanced over at Omen, who was already being swarmed by NPCs. They cheered and slapped his back like he was some kind of hero. The whole scene was almost ridiculous, but Circe didn’t mind. For once, she felt like she was on the right side of things and found herself not protesting too much with the NPCs fanfare.

As they waded through the crowd, she caught Omen’s eye and flashed him a toothy smile again. "Not bad for a couple of misfits, huh?" Her tone was teasing, but there was something genuine beneath it—something she wasn’t quite sure how to express.

"You know," she added, her voice dropping a bit as they moved away from the crowd. "I'm not great with all this… team stuff, but, uh, thanks. For the help. For sticking around." She scratched the back of her head awkwardly with a pout, feeling the weight of her words. "I hope you're good with me sticking around too."

She didn’t wait for an answer—didn’t need one, really. But deep down, she hoped Omen knew what she meant.

With that Lotus had congratulated the duo and returned to his fishing spot.