Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 #1 Share Posted September 28 (edited) The Chief drolled on. And on. And on. It might have been a moving story. But to Acanthus, it was just another quest. “Long ago, I took Uso-Tsuki under my wing after a tragic…” Acanthus breezed through her menu, organizing her crafted crystals. Ever since she had moved her workspace to the villa, her productivity had gone up. Now that she didn’t have as many custom orders, she was starting to craft for her own personal use. “... with blood on my hands, I swore never again to…” The raid meeting had gone well. But it impressed upon her the need to be prepared. She would be working overtime—thankfully, she had scored a fair number of materials after the dungeon from floor nineteen. “...it was truly a dark day for Marsonia. I beseech you, adventurer. Restore balance to our Kingdom.” Acanthus briefly glanced up from her menu. “Oh, are you already done?” Spoiler Acanthus | Lvl 46 (33/13) | HP: 740/740 | EN: 88/88 | DMG: 21 | MIT:78 | ACC:2 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48 | PARA | LD:8 Forager Rank 5 | Greenhouse (+2EXP and +1 CD/LD to foraging attempts) Equipment Ajisai | T4 Bastard Sword | BLD 1 | PARA 2 Resilient Thistle | T4 Light Armor | MIT 2 | REC 1 Locating Charm | Trinket | LD 3 Skills Straight Sword R5 Addon: Focus Addon: Precision Light Armor R5 Addon: Resolve Mod: Meticulous Searching R5 Mod: Night Vision Hiding R5 Addon: Surprise Attack: Trickster First Aid R1 Combat Mastery: Damage R3 TECH Shift Battle-Ready Inventory Instant Hypnosis 1 | 227792 Hypnosis 2 | 227790, 226910 HP Recovery 2 | 226368 Consumables Used None taken Skills Unlocked <<Disguise>> <<Assault Mode>> <<Photosynthesize>> <<Survival>> <<Forgotten King's Authority>> Housing Spoiler House Name: Villa of Coruscating Flowers (The Villa) Location: Floor 24 - Paradise Islands Description: See above Plot Size: Estate - PK Accessible Rooms: Listed below. All rooms are assigned to Acanthus. Master Bedroom (25,000 col) Well Rested | -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat. Greenhouse (25,000 col) Green Thumb | +2 Gathering EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts. Extended Workshop: Recording Studio (25,000 col) Hard Working | +2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day. Mega Slime Farm (25,000 col) Advanced Training | +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. Living Room: (10,000 col) Relaxed | Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Attic (Bedroom) (10,000 col) Skylight (Searching) | +1 Expertise to declared utility skill (Searching). 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: (10,000 col) Multipurpose | Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll. Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 Author #2 Share Posted September 28 Her quest journal chimed. “Thank goodness.” Pulling herself up and out of her chair, she prepared to leave as the Chief’s hand caught hers. She turned in shock; his eyes welled with tears, but his face remained stoic. “Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.” “Of course.” She pulled away. The quest was really laying it on a little too thick. At the end of the day, I’m just here to kill people. Why does Cardinal try to make me care? Acanthus hustled down the steps of the palace like she was late to an unimportant business meeting. Just enough to show she needed to be somewhere, but no more than that. The quest log sent her to a small fishing boat, where a young sailor named Ben-Goshi offered to take her to the Storm Anchor Islands. “If that’s where the bandits are, then that’s where we will go.” Ben-Goshi looked slightly hurt. “They aren’t just bandits. They’re defectors from the royal guard, fanatics that seek to end a peaceful Marsonia that the Chief fought so hard for—” “Yes, I’m sure,” interrupted Acanthus. “What should I call them then.” Ben-Goshi paused to think, and Acanthus sighed angrily. “Think on the way to the islands. I still have to make my crafts for the day.” Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 Author #3 Share Posted September 28 “I think ‘rebels’ is probably the most appropriate term,” said Ben-Goshi. They had been sailing for nearly thirty minutes. “I’m glad I didn’t wait for that response,” she muttered. “I swear, this game enjoys taking too long for even the simplest quests.” Ben-Goshi continued sailing as Acanthus dipped her hand over the side of the boat lazily. She could probably forage a little, but what was the point? Materials just went into items, which were used up, which meant she needed more materials. It was all an endless cycle. “Wake me up when we arrive.” She wasn’t sure if Ben-Goshi heard her; she didn’t care. Finding a crevice of the boat, she curled up and tried to sleep. Her chest throbbed with pain. She startled in the boat, looking around. Ben-Goshi was gone. They were approaching the perpetual storm front that surrounded the Storm Anchor islands. Is this part of the quest? Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 Author #4 Share Posted September 28 The storm clouds gathered. Acanthus rushed to the sails, but she didn’t know how anything worked. The skies turned a sickening green, and the pain in her chest intensified. She thought about yelling for the fisherman, but either he was over the side, or this was all part of the quest. There was no point in trying to find him—she was on her own. Acanthus helplessly tried to bring the main sail in, but the rope slipped in her hands, burning her palms. She sucked air in through her teeth and released the rope, and it flew away from her, dropping the sail down to full. Catching the tumultuous winds, the small boat picked up dangerous speed, crashing into wave after wave. Her chest now felt like it was about to burst. She couldn’t control the boat or her panic. Everything—everything was spiraling out of control. An explosive pain shot through her chest, and she looked in horror as a bloody hand burst from inside of her; her own hand wielding the knife she had left in the grove. “Miss, are you awake?” Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 Author #5 Share Posted September 28 Acanthus was drenched in water, her heart racing. “It was the strangest thing,” he said cheerfully. “One of the worst storms I’ve sailed, and you slept like a baby. I couldn’t bear to wake you up until we arrived, and here we are.” Dragging herself up, Acanthus looked out onto the small spit of land the quest had lead her to. “It’s called Liar’s Cove. We captured a raiding crew that tipped us off to their location.” “Go in, kill the leader, take the documents.” Ben-Goshi was taken aback. “N-no, the Chief wants this done quietly! Didn’t he tell you?” She quickly consulted the quest journal. “...I suppose he did. That’s fine as well.” She’d only have to fight if she failed her stealth rolls. Her stealth wasn’t terrible, but she was wearing armor. My build isn’t exactly perfect. But I’ve built myself as an all-rounder. I can’t go prancing around in cloth armor like most people. I’d get killed in two hits. Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 Author #6 Share Posted September 28 (edited) Acanthus slipped off the boat and into the treeline. “Wait here for me,” she told Ben-Goshi. “I’ll be back in a moment.” The island had plenty of heavy cover and the dark skies made it easier to stick to the shadows. It also made it harder for her to find the camp. Her chest throbbed with a phantom ache, and Acanthus did her best to ignore it. The dream had thrown her off, and she was trying her best to recover. It wasn’t the first time she had a dream of being stabbed from inside. Her father was adamant that dreams had meanings; Acanthus still refused to buy it. It’s all just neurons firing in our subconscious. We don’t have any control over it. After a few more minutes of searching, she found her way to the bandit’s camp. It was a ramshackle group of tents and bivouacs, circled around a large tent in the middle. That was likely where the plans were. Stepping on a particularly loud branch, she scrambled to hide as she tipped off some of the guards. Not a good start. Post Action: Stealthing through enemy 233876 | LD 8 + 5 - 2 = 11. Failure. (0) Success | (1) Failure Edited September 28 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 Author #7 Share Posted September 28 (edited) Sliding into the shadow of a large tree, she overheard conversation from two of the bandits. “This was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I mean, I left my whole family behind to follow Uso-Tsuki. I may never see my wife again.” “I feel for you brother. We are making a difficult sacrifice, but it’s all in the name of Mars—” Acanthus jumped from the shadows on the first guard, cleaving him with a single blow. The second guard tried to call for help, but was too slow. Acanthus struck him in the chest, winding him, then sliced him twice before he could recover, and he fell to the ground in fragments. He never had a family, she thought firmly. These things didn’t exist until two years ago. “Did you hear that?” She heard a distant voice—someone was coming to check. Grateful that the bodies disintegrate, she vanished quietly into the shadows without a trace. Post Action: Stealthing through enemy 233877 | LD 15 + 5 - 2 = 18. Success. (1) Success | (1) Failure Edited September 28 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 Author #8 Share Posted September 28 (edited) Working her way around the edge of the camp, she picked off guards in ones and twos. There were dozens at the camp, all with careful crafted dialogue and exposition regarding the impending civil war. It was impressive that the game designers had worked so hard to create a rich, immersive story. Acanthus covered a guard’s mouth as she ran him through. It was a shame she didn’t have time to experience it in full. But this was one quest of hundreds, and she had places to be. Her armor threatened to give her away. As she pulled away from the guard’s corpse, her breastplate audibly clanked, and she hissed quietly in disappointment. More guards were coming over to investigate. It’s surprising they haven’t noticed the people disappearing. They must be even less organized that I initially thought. She almost felt disappointed. A battle would be a good way to test out all the levels I have gained. Post Action: Stealthing through enemy 233878 | LD 6 + 5 - 2 = 9. Failure. (1) Success | (2) Failure Edited September 28 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 Author #9 Share Posted September 28 (edited) Confident that she had worked through most of the guards, she approached the center of the camp. It’s time to do what I came here to do. A menacing figure stormed out of the central tent, and Acanthus pressed herself back into the shadows. Another figure followed the first. “Uso, I don’t think we should attack so soon. We are still finding new recruits day after day. As our numbers swell, the strength of Marsonia decreases—” “Every day we wait,” the other figure interrupted, “is a day that all of Marsonia weakens. I will not see it weak for any longer. She is eager to be returned to glory.” “But Uso—” “—Chief Uso-Tsuki, Hogo-Sha. You forget your place.” The dialogue continued as the two walked out to the treeline, away from Acanthus. It was a stroke of luck. She snuck into the large tent, prepared for a quick in and out mission. Post Action: Stealthing through enemy 233879 | LD 12 + 5 - 2 = 5. Success. (2) Success | (2) Failure Edited September 28 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 Author #10 Share Posted September 28 (edited) The plans she needed were laid bare on the table. Unfortunately, one last obstacle remained. A young man, barely twenty, bandit bolted upright as she entered the tent. “Who are you?” He squeaked out in a terrified whisper. Acanthus froze for a moment too long—she was never good at lying. Omitting information, working her way around the truth, yes, but in this moment, the lie escaped her. She could tell the boy was about to run sound the alarm. In two steps, she cleared the tent and incapacitated him with a few targeted strikes. He crumpled to the ground, his body remaining intact. Quickly pocketing the plans, she turned back to the boy bandit. He won’t be unconscious for long. And when he wakes up, the whole camp will be alerted. We may find ourselves chased all the way back to Marsonia. Stepping forward, she drew Ajisai, and coldly ran through the unconscious bandit. No last rites, no apologies. It’s just a throwaway line of code, dissolving for now, only to reappear later. Leaping out of the window, she took off into the darkness. Post Action: Stealthing through enemy 233880 | LD 16 + 5 - 2 = 19. Success. (3) Success | (2) Failure Edited September 28 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 28 Author #11 Share Posted September 28 (edited) She felt the pommel of her sword and pulled on a few of the straps of her armor, disappointed in how easy the mission had been. What was the point of this weapon if she didn’t get it dirty every once in a while? She might as well be one of those timid players that spent their entire Aincrad existence crafting and foraging. It seemed a waste. Cardinal’s assist made everything so easy, and people were still too scared to engage in combat. All they needed was a little push out the door, like her. Acanthus thought woefully of the untapped potential of the players who were not on the frontlines. Back to the mission at hand, Acanthus considered her next move. She could move directly back to Ben-Goshi’s boat. But the storm anchor islands had a fair amount of relevant materials for her to gather: water crystals, echo drops, and waxy paper were all rare outside this far-flung corner of the island. Even around her feet, she saw the faint glimmer of sound shells. It’s not like I’m hurting anybody with this delay. Post Action: Gathering Materials 233999 | LD 18 + 10 | CD 8 + 2 | Critical Success! (4) materials and 3000 col gained. +18 EXP. Acanthus' Loot Total 3000 col (4) materials Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 29 Author #12 Share Posted September 29 (edited) She doubled back towards the far end of the island. She decided that a single lap there and back would give her more than enough materials. She had already proved that she could be quick and silent, another run around the island would be simple enough. In the base of a palm tree were a few crystals hidden from view. Acanthus stooped down to recover the bunch. She might have to be careful about getting too close to the encampment again. Having stolen the plans, the camp was likely on high alert. Then again… Her hand wandered down to her pommel. She could get the drop on them. Surely the more she took out here, the fewer would await her on the second portion of the quest. Even if it didn’t thin their numbers, it would be excellent practice. Trickster was proving a difficult skill to master. Resolved, she disappeared into the woods. Post Action: Gathering Materials 234000 | LD 12 + 10 | CD 11 + 2 | Critical Success! (4) materials and 3000 col gained. +18 EXP. (1) demonic shard found. Acanthus' Loot Total +36 foraging EXP 6000 col (8) materials (1) demonic shard Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 29 Author #13 Share Posted September 29 (edited) The island proved rich with materials. She had barely traveled a few hundred meters and already the crystals and grass were plentiful. She had gathered almost a day’s worth of crafting supplies in the span of a few short minutes. She heard distant whispers and immediately melted into the darkness. This must be what Pinball feels like constantly. She wasn’t sure if that realization was a good thing or not. Two guards walked by. They were talking about something trivial: favorite colors or food, that sort of thing. They passed by Acanthus’ hiding spot, completely oblivious. The guards continued their conversation none the wiser, when Acanthus stepped out of the shadows and swung at both of them. Their bodies vanished before they hit the ground. Two fewer bandits to deal with on the next quest. Back into the shadow of the trees around her, Acanthus continued moving. More materials to gather, more bandits to kill. Post Action: Gathering Materials 234011 | LD 7 + 10 | CD 8 + 2 | Critical Success! (4) materials and 3000 col gained. +18 EXP. just trying to make finding them fit the narrative) Acanthus' Loot Total +54 foraging EXP 9000 col (12) materials (2) demonic shards Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 29 Author #14 Share Posted September 29 (edited) Three gathering nodes and four patrols later, Acanthus was hungry for more. The bandits had proved to be nothing more than chaff. Part of her wondered if there might be some kind of alternate ending to the quest if she simply rolled in and massacred the camp. No, she realized. The game wouldn’t let me skip a quest like that. Besides, the concern from Ben-Goshi seemed genuine: I think it’s supposed to be a stealth mission, whether I like it or not. She was beginning to not enjoy sneaking around. What good was all this leveling up if she had nobody to fight? Peeling a few exotic fruits from the trees around her, she listened for more patrols. They weren’t dropping any loot, but learning how to fight in the shadows was reward enough. Besides, she was beginning to enjoy the quiet whimpers and panic the guards made right before they fizzled into nothingness. Her bloodlust was being rewarded by the game—striking down two guards armed only with torches, she found two demonic shards where their bodies would have fallen. Post Action: Gathering Materials 234012 | LD 19 + 10 | CD 12 + 2 | Critical Success! (4) materials and 3000 col gained. +18 EXP. (1) demonic shard found. (I'm RPing finding two shards here: the one from this post and the previous one. Mechanically nothing has changed. I'm just trying to make finding them fit the narrative) Acanthus' Loot Total +72 foraging EXP 12000 col (16) materials (2) demonic shards Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 29 Author #15 Share Posted September 29 (edited) For a moment, Acanthus was worried she had ended up on an entirely different island. She had been sneaking along, pocketing material after material. All of the sudden, she noticed a gentle, warm breeze. Had she been on the main islands, she wouldn’t have given it a second thought. But here, in the storm islands? None of the breezes were warm or gentle. The sky was always gray, and the wind was always sharp and smelled like an impending storm. But the sky above her was no longer grey. It was a pale, beautiful blue. The trees had thinned out enough to let the bright noon sun shine down. Her system clock read 18:36. Acanthus drew her blade, wary at the discrepancies she was experiencing. It could mean danger. Perhaps not from the camp, or even the quest. She had the distinct feeling she was somewhere she was not supposed to be. Post Action: Gathering Materials 234013 | LD 15 + 10 | CD 4 + 2 | Critical Success! (2) materials and 1000 col gained. +18 EXP. Acanthus' Loot Total +90 foraging EXP 13000 col (18) materials (2) demonic shards Edited just now by Acanthus Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 29 Author #16 Share Posted September 29 (edited) Wariness reflects a cold heart. Acanthus swiveled around, looking for the source of the words. She noticed a strange structure just beyond the trees, and moved steadily towards it. A monument, something like a miniature, ancient ziggurat, stood before her. At the top of the structure, a golden sun stood on a large altar. The clearing was full of crystals, which Acanthus gathered, sword outstretched towards the monument. Her eyes never left the statue. Come, the statue urged. Warm yourself in my embrace. Acanthus stayed rooted at the base of the monument. “What are you?” Silence. Then… A shard. A fraction of something observable to you, dear player. Player? Did this thing know… Was it aware of the game? Scanning over the monument, she noticed that it was replete with iconography of the sun. Having been on the floor so often, she was faintly aware of the lore surrounding it. “Are you the god of the sun? Sol?” Post Action: Gathering Materials 234014 | LD 8 + 10 | CD 1 + 2 | Success! (1) material gained. +10 EXP. Acanthus' Loot Total +100 foraging EXP 13000 col (19) materials (2) demonic shards Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 29 Author #17 Share Posted September 29 (edited) More silence. I am what you believe I am. The phrase tickled something in the back of her mind. She had heard someone or something else say that recently. The Gemini, she realized. “So what do you want?” Came Acanthus’ reply. It’s probably just going to offer me another quest, or fight. She lazily picked through more crystals in the meadow while she waited through the silence. The statue’s response surprised her. I want you to step back from the edge. Every quest has been an excuse to harden your heart. Release that anger. Please. The voice was starting to phase in and out; she couldn’t quite grasp the words. Rather than try to clarify, Acanthus surprised herself by mocking the voice. “I’m sorry, but at what point does my quest journal update? I can only assume that if you’re talking to me, you need something killed.” I wish you wouldn’t see it that way. Again, familiar dialogue from the Gemini quest. Every hair on Acanthus’ body stood on end. This was becoming dangerously close to real life. Post Action: Gathering Materials 234015 | LD 20 + 10 | CD 5 + 2 | Critical Success! (3) materials and 2500 col gained. +18 EXP. Acanthus' Loot Total +108 foraging EXP 15500 col (21) materials (2) demonic shards Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 29 Author #18 Share Posted September 29 (edited) “Go away,” Acanthus growled. “I have enough on my plate without strange, made up gods talking down to me. You’re not any different than the other entities Kayaba made up. You just don’t have a body I can attack.” Another silence hung over the clearing, but Acanthus could have sworn the statue was… sad? It was a ridiculous thought. She grabbed at the last few crystals when the statue spoke again; she nearly jumped. When you are ready, visit the shrines of the pantheon. Heed their words. Take back your mind. Then, the presence inside the statue disappeared. Acanthus, unnerved, hurried away from the shrine. Whatever she had found was not part of a quest. It didn’t—it wouldn’t—admit that it was just some script that tied into the lore of floor 24. And how did it know about the quests she had already done? The Gemini had known; possibly other parts of Aincrad could reference her progress. But something about this voice seemed… Real. Post Action: Gathering Materials 234016 | LD 17 + 10 | CD 5 + 2 | Critical Success! (3) materials and 2500 col gained. +18 EXP. Acanthus' Loot Total +126 foraging EXP 18000 col (24) materials (2) demonic shards Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 29 Author #19 Share Posted September 29 (edited) Acanthus snuck all the way back across the island to Ben-Goshi’s boat. Despite the opportunity to take out additional patrols, she clung to the shadows and let them pass. She told herself it was just so she could gather more materials—which were just as plentiful on the return trip—but part of her had to admit the voice had left an indelible mark on her. "Take back your mind." What did that mean? Her mind was her own. Her heart wasn’t hardened. She was growing up, maturing in the game. And the voice was telling her that she was becoming cold? That was a laugh. Hadn’t she just helping a new player on the first floor, a few days ago? How could it be cold to pay forward her obligation to the up and coming players in Aincrad? Her mind wandered back to Ben-Goshi, who was probably waiting for her. Hopefully, the bandits—no, the rebels—would avoid the beach where he hid. Post Action: Gathering Materials 234017 | LD 11 + 10 | CD 9 + 2 | Critical Success! (4) materials and 3000 col gained. +18 EXP. Acanthus' Loot Total +144 foraging EXP 21000 col (28) materials (2) demonic shards Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 29 Author #20 Share Posted September 29 (edited) She decided that Ben-Goshi would be fine with one last detour. She’d already done them such a favor to secure the plans. She had even done it quietly, like they had asked. Taking the long way around the camp, she set her eyes on treasure. The treasure chests had avoided her for some time, but the rewards were just too good to pass up. They often appeared at the end of her quests, and contained piles of crystals for her to use in her crafting. She had heard that some could even carry rare weapons, shards or scales. Those would be very welcome. She had to gear up for the floor boss fight, and her lack of demonic-tier equipment was beginning to worry her. At least she'd found two demonic shards. Plus, the materials on this island were proving consistent; she pulled a few more materials from her surroundings... though not as many as she had hoped. Her senses told her north was the way to go; so north it was. After five minutes of fast traveling, she saw it: a lone bandit, throwing piles and piles of dirt on top of something. But she recognized the glint of the treasure chest anywhere. Post Action: Gathering Materials 234019 | LD 9 + 10 | CD 3 + 2 | Critical Success! (2) materials and 1000 col gained. +18 EXP. Acanthus' Loot Total +162 foraging EXP 22000 col (30) materials (2) demonic shards Edited September 29 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts