[PP-PT-F07] A Slivery Serpant <<Case of Wurms>>

[Kyot0 0]

It wasn't long ago that Kyoto got a message from Freyd about meeting up and doing another quest again. But this time Freyd suggested getting some items before partaking in this quest. And exactly was the quest was something Kyoto is about to find out about. Grabbing the potions from a shop was the one thing that Freyd mention to grab. But for the most part he was just to bring his A-game as this is one of the harder quest that Kyoto has attempted to do.

The nice thing is this quest isn't extremely difficult but one has to deal with annoyance that comes ahead. The only thing is... Kyoto has to find Freyd as he didn't specify the destination of the meeting up. He looks at his messages to make sure he didn't miss anything that Freyd mentions as he walks into the small town of Rig. It was a small town but it was very well peaceful.

Kyoto consumes and shares the following:

[x1] Ass-Kicking Absinthe. | Tierless DMG Potion. | IDs 230437
Consumer gains +1 base damage per slot. Effect lasts one thread.
[desc.] Hits like a punch, numbs the fists. Tastes like nails. The culprit of many bar fights. Goes great with nuts.

[x1] Armor-Tempering Tequila. | Tier 2 MIT Potion | IDs 229198
Tiered Mitigation Potion.
Prevent (5 per slot * Tier) damage from successful attacks against the consumer. Effect lasts one thread.

Kyoto | HP: 380/380 | EN: 56/56 | DMG: 17 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2

Edited October 6 by Kyot0

[Freyd 0]

Rig hadn't been on his radar in ages.  Most of this floor hadn't, if he was honest with himself.  Nimbus itself was an interesting place, but there wasn't much around that regularly drew his attention here.  It was... strangely tame?  Maybe that was what made him think it might be a suitable training ground for Kyoto.  The two hadn't seen each other in some time, but once help was given, the Whisper liked to keep loose tabs on the people he'd previously assisted, ensuring that they were doing well. Time was an investment, after all, and he hoped to see dividends pay off in the form of new players capable of joining the frontlines, eventually.

The journey from Nimbus to Rig had been relatively peaceful, a few lizardmen giving him stink-eye along the way, but not daring any actual trouble.  Maybe it was the new duds?  Heavy plate had a naturally more imposing quality than cloth, the latter too often resembling street clothes or pajamas.  A gentle grin graced his features as he thought back fondly on those days, still fresh in recent memory.  Katanas strapped to his side, Freyd had set aside his martial artist days in favour of something new.

"Ah, Kyoto!"  He spotted his companion from several dozen paces away, raising a gauntleted hand in greeting.  Even his trademark cowl, though still present in his restyled outfit, rested casually on his shoulders without concealing his features.  "So glad you could make it.  Here, I brought a few provisions.  Amphis Serpens can be a tad erratic in his movements, so we'll want to stun and take him down quickly.  It never hurts to be prepared, in case he manages to connect with a swing or two."  Handing over a few minor items, he gave the white-haired man a moment to snarf them up before continuing the conversation.

"How've you been keeping?  Anything new?"

***

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 the following:

Gugnir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - takes 1 portion [filled] and shares the rest
[Draft of Keen Edge] - T1 Perfect Potion | Damage 3 | 214686

Freyd | HP: 1260/1260 | EN: 158/158 | DMG: 24 | MIT:152 | ACC:7 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:69 | VAMP-D: 69 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | LD:5

Spoiler

Name: Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows
True Tier: 17
Level: 33
Paragon Level: 136
HP: 1260/1260
EN: 158/158

Stats:
Damage: 21+3
Mitigation: 152
Accuracy: 4+2+1
Evasion: 2
Battle Healing: 69
Loot Die: 5
Stealth Rating: -5
VAMP-D: 69
FLN: 16
HLY: 16

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Samael's Pride | T4 Katana | FLN II | HLY II 
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Negare Omnia | T4 HA | MIT III | VD I
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Night Shades | T3 Trinket | ACC III | EVA I

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
  - AOE Shift

Familiar Skill:
  - Grappling Familiar

Custom Skill:
  - Shades of the Gemini (CS)
  - Beckon the Void (CSA)

Skills:
  - Battle Healing R5
  - Charge
  - Energist
  - Extended Mod Limit
  - Extended Weight Limit
  - Fighting Spirit
  - Heavy Armor R5
  - Howl
  - Katana 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 R3

Addons:
  - Focus
  - Focused Howl
  - Iron Skin
  - Precision
  - Reveal
  - Stamina

Mods:
  - Detect
  - Emergency Recovery
  - Impetus
  - Justified Riposte
  - Night Vision
  - Tracking

Inactive Mods:
  - Untraceable

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable 1/thread) 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
  - Veritas | T4 Katana) | AA, PVO I, VO I, Taunt 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 30 by Freyd

[Kyot0 0]

It wasn't to long until Freyd walked up. The thing is he was different. But in a good way. The last time Kyoto saw Freyd he wasn't all decked out in heavy armor. But on the bright side it does suit him better.

"Hey man.. things are going well. Been a while since I've seen you. Assuming you've been busy in the frontlines here lately? There's a buzz going around that you guys are about to fight the boss."

The white haired boy gave a smirk.

"Hope you guys beat it. Can't afford to lose a bunch of the main assault group. And hopefully soon enough I'll be up there with you."

Kyoto looked down at his gear. He was still wearing the same coat and wielding the same sword as last time when he was with Freyd.

"Nothing to serious has changed from me. Although here soon I'll be able to grab new equipment that is slightly better than what I'm wearing."

Kyoto was excited for this now he knew what he had on his side of things. Kyoto grab a couple of potions he bought just the other day for this adventure and chugged them down boosting his stats a little as he prepares himself for this quest.

[Freyd 0]

A lone figure in a tailored grey suit wandered into view, patrolling the small town's residents like its appointed steward - which he was. Cane in hand and duster swishing at his back, he looked overdressed for such a rural little town.  Perhaps he had hopes of making it grander than it was?

"Mayor Cyrus," Freyd greeted him, offering a small formal bow befitting his station.  "My companion, Kyoto, and I are volunteering to take care of that pesky recurring snake problem of yours.  I trust that you have no objections?"

Cyrus smiled, like any politician might at having his title recognized, along with its corresponding authority.

"Ah, yes.  Adventurers.  We always seem to have need.  The beast has nested near Silent Hill, to the west.  It's fast and wily, mind you.  So please be careful.  But your services are always appreciated.  If you succeed, the residents of Rig will surely praise and welcome you during any later visits."

Freyd smiled back, pleasantly, yet clearly going through the motions like he was reciting a script.  Nodding to Kyoto, he tapped at the air to accept the quest prompt that had spawned.  Aincrad could be very formulaic, but that didn't prevent them from having a little fun.

[Kyot0 0]

It wasn't long after the two mate regroups with there antiquates when what seems like the head of this small town showed up. It also wasn't a surprised that Freyd already knew what the man was going to say. The thing is this is the first time Kyoto did anything with this quest and so he wasn't sure what he's going to witness. For that though he listen to what Freyd have to say when the time comes to defeat whatever lies ahead.

"So I'm assuming this is defiantly not the first rodeo for you is it?"

He said with a smirk on his face. It doesn't surprise Kyoto at all. Freyd always seems to be that one guy that would go out of his way to do quests with other's to get them to there goal. And as of last time they met Kyoto's goal was to get to the frontlines and help them defeat the game. And that is what Kyoto was going to do.

"So how about you lead the way and I'll follow along does that sound okay to you?" 

[Freyd 0]

A light chuckle greeted Kyoto's first remark, Freyd grinning at the truth of it.

"No.  I've been to most of the rodeos this world has to offer, at least those we've discovered to date.  Though there are always a few left on my list to check out, or else newly uncovered that I've yet to complete.  This one just happens to be original, from what I've seen and heard, and isn't often repeated since it offers no extra rewards.  Still, worth doing at least once, right?"

Leading them away from the sleepy town, traffic on the muddy road was minimal and soon drifted southward towards more rural areas.  Freyd and Kyoto broke off, their gazes set on the rocky inclines of Silent Hill, spotted with sparse, desiccated trees that clung to the very edge of the verdant belt.  The lands beyond soon turned to sandy wastes in a way that Aincrad and similar fantasy worlds often did, with jarring frequency.  

"The sand can shift easily under your feet in this region, and can be a liability when facing the serpent.  Be wary.  It's a sneaky beast with twin heads and won't hesitate to use its natural traits to best effect."  His boot slipped, as if to prove the point, though Freyd quickly regained his stance and led them along a narrow trail that might have been blazed by some of the local wildlife.

***

Freyd uses Tracking on Amphis Serpens

[Kyot0 0]

It was truly amazing to see how many quest Freyd has been on since the start of this world. And it's truly an amazing feeling when you realize that each quest feels like a new story each time you do it. That includes the ones that people repeat just to help another player.

It wasn't to long though that the two of them started to see more of a beautiful site of this floor. The fact that since this is a VR game you can physically see it and hear the environment is what's stunning. Unlike normal MMO, this game has a lot of features that is revolutionary. And the fact that even small detail like the soil breaking up over time by people travaling on it or even the monsters creating the degrade is what makes it even better.

"You think one day once we beat this game... people would see this world  and appreciate the true beauty of it instead of the feeling of constant death from what us players have gone through?"

[Freyd 0]

"I don't need to wait," Freyd replied, appreciating the philosophical detour as they walked into the bleaker desert landscape on the far side of the hill.  "Fortune's been kinder to me than most."  Whatever the Whisper meant by the comment, he refused to elaborate.  There was a distance in his eyes as he spoke, suggesting a memory or sensation recalled.  Something that drove him, without the usual foreboding loss that pervaded so many Aincradian lives.  Somehow, he, of all people, had found something to live for within the confines of a death game.

"Take some time to stop and smell the roses," he added with a grin so mischievous it nearly split his skull.  Somewhere, a pun fairy had just received its wings. 

"Ah, here we are.  The beast is under that rocky ledge on the far side.  Flush it out, Kyoto.  I'll grab its attention once its in the open, then we finish it swiftly.  Stunning it would be a boon, if you can manage it."

[Kyot0 0]

It was quite a communal act hearing what Freyd has to say but at the same time it was game face. It wasn't long until Freyd pointed out where the beast was hiding and like last time Freyd asked Kyoto to flesh it out. The nice thing is it didn't bother Kyoto one bit.

Jumping over rocks and parkoring through the area Kyoto would find a way to push out the Serpent while charging up a sword art. With no doubt though Kyoto would struck the serpent with a stun sword art looking over to Freyd before shouting out.

"You're up Freyd!"

Kyoto jumped out of the way watching the fight move toward Freyd. This would be the first time he would see the new Freyd and what he's capable in doing now. The only quest is how much would Freyd hold back. It's one thing Kyoto always thinks Freyd does and sometime it would upset him knowing that Freyd could potentially have pretty much kill this thing in one hit.

 

Spoiler

ID# 234762 | BD: 3 + 4 = 7 (Hit)  17 * 12 = 204 - 50 (Mit) = 154

Kyoto | HP: 380/380 | EN: 46/56 | DMG: 17 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2

Freyd | HP: 1260/1260 | EN: 158/158 | DMG: 24 | MIT:152 | ACC:7 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:69 | VAMP-D: 69 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16| | LD:5

| STUN | [1,0] <<Amphis Serpens>> | HP: 746/900 | DMG: 125 | MIT: 50 |

 

Edited October 5 by Kyot0

[Freyd 0]

Having given the twin-headed serpent a dazing strike and knocked it clear of its nest, Freyd seized his opportunity and pounced.  Black blade held high, he rushed their enemy and swung precisely, intending to harm and capture its attention, but not necessarily kill outright.  This was meant to be Kyoto's chance to shine.  With the beast's defenses in tatters, Freyd circled around to his left, drawing its attention away from his companion and exposing its back for a follow up.

"Nicely done!  I've got his eyes.  Now, do your thing."

The diamond pattern on the serpent's back flaked scales as its roused itself from their initial assault, its armor already fractured, exposing weak points ready for exploitation.  Brandishing his katana back and forth like a cobra might seek to entice its prey, Freyd's only goal was to keep the mob distracted.

"You've got this, Kyoto.  Show me how it's done!"

***

Freyd's Action:

Spoiler

Post Action | TECH-D (x12, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 9 EN.  Charge (CD 0/3, +8 EN)
Free Action [item] | Rhino Horn

ID #234763 | BD: 2+7-1=8 (hit, Charge +3, Rhino +3, Shatter).  DMG (12*30=360-30=330) vs Amphis Serpens | CD 8 | ST-B/BtV locked

Kyoto | HP: 380/380 | EN: 46/56 | DMG: 17 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2
Freyd | HP: 1260/1260 | EN: 133/158 (158-9-8) | DMG: 24 | MIT:152 | ACC:7 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (-1) | BH:69 | VAMP-D: 69 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16| | LD:5 [Charge 1/3]

[1,2] <<Amphis Serpens>> | HP: 416/900 (746-330) | DMG: 125 | MIT: 50 (-20, 0/3) [STUNNED]

• Serpent’s Poison | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the boss will make two attacks; each will target one of the two players with the highest Hate. The attack poisons them, dealing normal attack damage in addition to inflicting an unmitigated DoT [15 DMG] effect that lasts 2 turns. Against a single player, both attacks will target the player.
• Shifting Sand | Due to the shifting sands and movement of the boss, players take a -1 penalty to Accuracy and Evasion.

Enemy's Action: 

Spoiler

Amphis Serpens is stunned.  Stun fades and is replaced by stun immunity.

Kyoto | HP: 380/380 | EN: 46/56 | DMG: 17 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2
Freyd | HP: 1260/1260 | EN: 133/158 | DMG: 24 | MIT:152 | ACC:7 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (-1) | BH:69 | VAMP-D: 69 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16| | LD:5 [Charge 1/3]

[1,2] <<Amphis Serpens>> | HP: 416/900 | DMG: 125 | MIT: 50 (-20, 1/3) [STUN-IMM 1/3]

• Serpent’s Poison | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the boss will make two attacks; each will target one of the two players with the highest Hate. The attack poisons them, dealing normal attack damage in addition to inflicting an unmitigated DoT [15 DMG] effect that lasts 2 turns. Against a single player, both attacks will target the player.
• Shifting Sand | Due to the shifting sands and movement of the boss, players take a -1 penalty to Accuracy and Evasion.

 

Edited December 13 by Freyd

[Kyot0 0]

It wasn't much time after these two finished their attack was when Freyd mention to Kyoto to show what he has. The fact that Kyoto was capable to stun the beast was one thing but being able to get another hit off was another thing. This was the chance to show one of Kyoto's close friends what he can do.

With that though, Kyoto charged up the sword art and charged at the serpent. Connecting his straight sword to the scales of the snake he mange to get another hit off. This time though it wasn't as much as he like. But with the amount he's able to get he's still happy with the results.

"Hope that's enough for you Freyd. I did all I can do."

It was only a moment until he finds out if Freyd is going to finish it off or leave it to Kyoto. But either way Kyoto would be ready. It's was only a matter of the odds of Kyoto hitting for the third time in a row. Something he doesn't feel all confident about. But only time will tell.

"How's it looking over there with you? Hopefully I look better now than what I did the last time we saw each other."

Spoiler

**Recovery | id: 238665 | CD: 9 | +2 EN |

Post Action | ST-I (x12, 12 EN)
Free Action [item] |

ID #236354 | BD: 3+3=6 (hit).  DMG (12*17=204-30=174) vs Amphis Serpens | CD 6 | ST-B locked

Kyoto | HP: 380/380 | EN: 34/56 | DMG: 17 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 (-1) | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2
Freyd | HP: 1260/1260 | EN: 133/158 (158-9-8) | DMG: 24 | MIT:152 | ACC:7 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (-1) | BH:69 | VAMP-D: 69 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16| | LD:5 [Charge 1/3]

[2,2] <<Amphis Serpens>> | HP: 242/900 (416-174) | DMG: 125 | MIT: 50 (-20, 0/3) [STUNNED]

• Serpent’s Poison | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the boss will make two attacks; each will target one of the two players with the highest Hate. The attack poisons them, dealing normal attack damage in addition to inflicting an unmitigated DoT [15 DMG] effect that lasts 2 turns. Against a single player, both attacks will target the player.
• Shifting Sand | Due to the shifting sands and movement of the boss, players take a -1 penalty to Accuracy and Evasion.

 

Edited December 12 by Kyot0

[Freyd 0]

Sensing a shift in the sand beneath their feet, Freyd knew the boss was getting ready to lose it on them both.  

"It's gonna..." he began, watching Kyoto make his move and stun the slithery fiend. "...or not."

A light chuckle as he stepped forward and made a single, clean, cross-wise cut with his katana.  The blade left only a tiny line, barely a pixel wide on the mob's skin, before its upper half toppled over lacking the grace and speed it had threatened them with mere moments before.

"Nice plan."  Beaming at his companion's cleverly timed use of his sword art, he'd effectively denied it any chance of actually threatening them and given Freyd precisely the opening he needed to finish it off.  "I appreciate any man who can think as he fights, rather than just swinging something sharp or heavy around willy-nilly.  I asked you to show me what you could do.  Guess you did?"

Passing on this left, Freyd placed a gauntleted hand on Kyoto's shoulder and gave it a firm and proud pat, signaling a job well done.  

"I could use you in O&I, if you're ever interested."

***

Spoiler

Freyd regains +4 EN

Post Action | AoE-I (x15, 11 EN, +2 shift, +2/hit): 15 EN - (Rested 1/2; Stamina) = 12 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #238796 | BD: 4+7-1=10 (hit).  DMG (15*24=288-30=258) vs Amphis Serpens | CD 9 | ST-B/BtV unlocked

Kyoto | HP: 380/380 | EN: 34/56 | DMG: 17 | MIT: 84 | ACC: 4 (-1) | BLD: 24 | PARA | REC: 2
Freyd | HP: 1260/1260 | EN: 125/158 (133+4-12) | DMG: 24 | MIT:152 | ACC:7 | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 (-1) | BH:69 | VAMP-D: 69 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16| | LD:5 [Charge 1/3]

[2,4] <<Amphis Serpens>> | HP: 0/900 (242-258) | DMG: 125 | MIT: 50 (-20, 0/3) [STUNNED]

• Serpent’s Poison | On MD rolls of 9 or 10, the boss will make two attacks; each will target one of the two players with the highest Hate. The attack poisons them, dealing normal attack damage in addition to inflicting an unmitigated DoT [15 DMG] effect that lasts 2 turns. Against a single player, both attacks will target the player.
• Shifting Sand | Due to the shifting sands and movement of the boss, players take a -1 penalty to Accuracy and Evasion.

Note: This mob does not meet loot minimum stats for Freyd and cannot be looted.

Edited December 13 by Freyd

[Kyot0 0]

It was quite a surprise to what Kyoto saw. The fact it doesn't take much for Freyd to slice through the fiend, was the reason why Kyoto wouldn't mind doing quest with him. Just watching amazing movement in the blade is what makes the grind enjoyable with the man.

"Ha. I think I'm getting better at planning things while I'm under pressure."

Kyoto looked over at Freyd while sheathing his sword. The only thing is how reliable is Kyoto to a man like Freyd. Listening to him mention about someone able to think while in a fight over swinging there weapon without a thought is something Kyoto has been working on. After being with Freyd, he's learned to think a few steps ahead and try to plan out what they need to make the fights easier.

"I think having you around is what make me think differently in fights."

Kyoto waited in silence listening to Freyd mention about having him around for O&I. Something he hasn't been thinking about much but with Freyd he feel confident that it would be a great time no matter what the situation would be.

"You know. I'll take you up on that offer. It's not to often I get asked to join someone in an adventure."

[Freyd 0]

Chuckling lightly at the comment, Freyd's eyes belied admissions he'd long denied himself.

"You know... I never really thought of myself that way.  But between running the Shark Bait training program, helping walk newbies through so many first lessons, and then these sorts of outing, it may be getting difficult to deny."  What had first been rationalized as an investment in the growth and development of Aincrad's most finite resource had become habit, and then its own reward.  "Guess I was too too challenging a student - too fiercely independent - to ever see myself in that light. I'm just happy if this helps you grow stronger and more capable of protecting yourself, and ultimately others.  Pass it forward, if you ever get the chance."

When the hell did I turn into Baldur?!

His white-haired companion surprised him as they headed back towards the rocky slopes leading up to Nimbus' distinctive cave mouth.  Adventure, indeed.

"I'll gladly have you aboard, if you're serious.  But you should know that O&I - more accurately the operations and intelligence division of the Firm Anima guild - isn't a picnic.  You'll definitely find adventure, along with a hefty dose of tedium and terror in equal measure.  We get the hard jobs, often ranging from puzzles, investigations, support and espionage to outright assassinations.  That last one's strictly reserved for mobs or PKers who've chosen their fates.  If any of that isn't appetizing, now's the time to back out.  No harm, no foul.  Just be sure you understand that it isn't for the faint of heart."

No one ever seemed to believe him when he gave them that warning.  They all learned, in time.

***

Vanity Tag: @Baldur

[Kyot0 0]

Kyoto smirked while listening to Freyd. It wasn't to often you see Freyd blurt out things about his personal self. But at least he's open about it. The other thing that made Kyoto smirk though was Freyd explaining the O&I for the guild that he has recently joined. The nice thing though is that the guild has a lot of his friends that he's met over the time of being alive in this death game. The thing is... This is the first time he's been part of a guild for a while now and the fact he decided to join one again is what amazes even him.

But with that he followed Freyd up the mountain thinking about what Freyd said about the difficulties of the offer he gave him. The difficulty could be challenging but the only way Kyoto is going to get better and stronger is by taking up the more challenging quests.
 
"You know... I think I'm going to stick with my word with the offer. I know it will be tough but like I said before. If you're the one leading the thing I'm sure I'll be fine. After all this is the only way for me to get better and finally get out of this death game."

[Freyd 0]

"Sounds good to me, and I tend to view things here along the same vein."  His fingers traced a rusty red line in the rock face as they neared the town's entrance, the oxidized strand of raw iron crumbling at his fingers' passing.  "So, what role do you want to play?  As O&I's captain, it's my responsibility to assign you tasks and missions, but also to ensure that you're made ready to handle as many different scenarios as Aincrad could possibly throw your way.  We work as a team, but often face our challenges separately.  To make that work, I need to understand who you are, Kyoto.  And, more importantly, who it is you'd like to be."

Exchanging a few brief words with the local constabulary as they reached the gates proper, the NPCs seemed to know Freyd on sight. He called at least one by name, mentioning some trivial fact about the man's family, prompting a blush and flattered grin.  Gladly paying the modest entry fee, Freyd also threw in a few extra col, suggesting the guard should buy his fellows a round for a job well done.  Some might just pocket the coin, but this one looked like he took the suggestion to heart.

A friendly wave and handshake later, the two players were on their way once more.  

[Kyot0 0]

Listening to Freyd talk was something else as they walk closer to the gates. The thing is Freyd asked Kyoto all these questions and one thing he thought about was. What would he be good at. But after thinking about it for a while, he notice one thing. He likes to deal damage. But most importantly Damage over time.

"Not really sure if this is much of a build but I'm wanting to go for a DoT DPS build. It gives me a chance to analyze the fight and proceed what I need to do while still dealing damage to whatever I'm attacking."

He hopes what he said make sense and hopes the Freyd might be able to help him with that build. He has the basics of it down right now but not efficient enough to say it's a good setup with the gear he has. The only thing now is to just work on it while proceeding with missions from Freyd.

[Freyd 0]

"A fair response, and completely viable build, but I'd like to challenge you to dig a little deeper.  What role do you want to play?"  Weaving their way through the settlement's narrow streets seemed to parallel the details on their conversation, winding its way towards a predictable but yet-to-be-determined conclusion.  "We're all forced to be warriors in some way.  Cardinal directs the tools available to us.  But, your answer tells me how you want to deal damage within that system.  It doesn't tell me what part you want to play in helping us get out of this death game.  Are you aiming to join the frontlines?  Will you assist from the shadows by scouting for labyrinths and keeping travel routes clear of mobs, or maybe even PKers?  Perhaps you'd prefer to engage the brokers to collect and trade information as freely as some exchange col?  We all play our parts in different ways.  What will yours be?"

They reached their destination, arriving at the bustling central plaza, with players departing and arriving like random clockwork; a pattern of carefully crafted chaos somehow held in equilibrium.  Freyd smiled, noting that the question mattered more than an immediate answer. 

"Each of us is more than what the systems defines us to be.  Some are champions, or villains, scoundrels or visionaries.  Others are content to be helpers and followers who steer clear of the limelight or actively hide in life's shadows.  To keep yourself from going crazy, or becoming stagnant in an ever-changing world, you need to seek an answer for yourself.  Welcome to Firm Anima, Kyoto.  This is what we do."

[Kyot0 0]

It was at that point while listing to Freyd ask these deeper questions is when Kyoto truly open his eyes and see what he really wanted to do. He wanted to be in the frontlines but at the same time wanted to scout ahead and clear the way. Things that he never thought about wanting to do before joining the guild. Something he wasn't sure that he could do in the past.

"If it tells you anything... I want to be in the frontlines. But as well as scout the area and clear the path. Someone to be able to spot and plan out the way to the boss room."

Something he's never done before but is willing to try his best to make sure people get out of this death game floor by floor.

"Hopefully that's what you're looking for. Although I'm willing to do all sorts of things. But... I feel more confident in scouting areas and reporting in."

After his response he hears Freyd welcomes him into the guild. Kyoto gives a soft smile with a nod to Freyd.

"It's a pleasure to be a part of this magnificent guild. Freyd."

[Freyd 0]

"It's a fine start and a noble goal" he offered, mostly concerned that the proper seed had been planted in their newest agent's imagination.  Few people questioned what they wanted in this life.  Even fewer actually knew.  If members of O&I were to be effective, possibly placing their lives on the line for the sake of complete strangers, they had to know themselves first.

"I need to make my way to the raid shortly, but can take you as far as Coral on floor 22.  The Guild Hall, known as the Cathedral of the Lost, is located in the Forest of Memories nearby.  Stick to the paths while traveling through the woods, or you risk having old recollections come to life.  It's pleasant for the better ones, but nightmares are equally likely.  And, in Aincrad, they may actually try to kill you."  A flood of past encounters flowed through Freyd's mind as he reached for the portal arch, calling out their destination.  He'd had his own share of misadventures in those woods, and tended to actually follow his own advice on this account.

"Be sure to introduce you to other guild members who might be present.  There's always someone around, since we were officially formed as a crafting guild.  Things have evolved a little bit since then."

***

Thread Closing:

Kyot0 receives:

1,578 EXP (Word Count [4133/10*2*0.7] + Quest [1000])
400 col (1 page [400])
Ability to use Rig as a safe zone
1 mon (Shield Art playtest)
1 guild token (Firm Anima)

Freyd receives:

4,914EXP (Word Count [4133/10*17*0.7] + Quest [0])
737 col (15% P5 Reward [737])
1 mon (Shield Art playtest)
1 guild token (Firm Anima)

Edited December 13 by Freyd