[F24 | SP] Hell is One Long Unskippable Cutscene | <<Incognito Antics: Assassination>>

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus immediately accepted the following quest. When she pressed the button, the world shimmered, almost imperceptibly. NPCs shifted around the landscape before her: most vanished in a strange blur. Shops and buildings seemed to twitch, materializing shutters out of nowhere. A nearby player disappeared before making it inside the palace. When the movement stopped, Acanthus was left gazing out on an expanse prepared for open war. Moving down the steps, she found herself unable to reach the bottom. A strange force held her in place, something like gravity, but it directed her away from straying too far from the palace. A notice appeared in front of her: [You cannot leave an instanced area while the quest is active.] Glancing at her HUD, she realized that the palace was no longer a safe zone. Retreating back to the palace, she was met at the front gates by the lieutenant. “Preparations are almost ready. We need you up in the council chambers.”

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | HP: 760/760 | EN: 90/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5

Slime Farm Activated | +10% Experience to this thread (Refresh on 11/5/24)

Consumables Used (Reflected in Stat Block)
Terra Firma Scale |+18 MIT
Smore | EVA 2 + 1 (Filling applied)
Ass-kicking Absinthe | DMG 3

Battle-Ready Inventory

• Bolero of the Damned (Instant Perpetuate | 232620 )
• Minimalistic Etude, Accelerando (Instant Hypnosis 2 | 234747)
• First Floor Overture, Accelerando (Instant HP Recovery 1 | 224389, 226486, 226487, 227667)
• Evasive Charm | EVA 3 | REC 1

Equipment
Ajisai | T4 Perfect Bastard Sword | A long cerulean blade. The pommel and hilt include subtle floral themes, evoking the remorse instilled by the sword’s name.
Enduring Thistle | T4 Demonic Breastplate | This simple breastplate features delicate engravings and patterns of the eponymous wildflower, accentuated by soft hues of green and violet. It bestows the thistle’s qualities upon the wearer.
Vow of Return | Tierless Jewelry | I'll be home. Maybe not soon, but someday.

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
  - TECH Shift

Skills:
  - Light Armor R5
  - Searching R4
  - Straight Sword R5

Extra Skills:
  - Assault Mode
  - Disguise
  - Forgotten King's Authority
  - Hiding R5
  - Parry
  - Photosynthesize
  - Survival

Addons:
  - Focus
  - Precision
  - Resolve

Mods:
  - Meticulous
  - Night Vision
  - Surpise Attack: Trickster
  - Tracking
  - Vengeful Riposte

Housing Buffs:
  - 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.
  - Living Room: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
  - Attic (Bedroom) [Searching]: +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.
  - Greenhouse: +2 Gathering EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts.
  - 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.

Crafting Profession:
 - Performer[2638exp] R5
Gathering Profession:
 - Forager[779exp] R5"        

 

                                                                                                                    

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Something about the quest had changed. The atmosphere was electric. The guards were perfectly scripted in their anxious waiting. Some stood deathly still, while others played with their weapons nervously. They saluted Acanthus and the Lieutenant as they walked up to the council chambers. “We had no idea that Uso-Tsuki would be so eager to launch his assault. But not to worry!” He raised his voice as they passed through the halls. “He will break like the waves on the steps of the palace!”

Closing the door to the council chambers, the Lieutenant’s face grew grim, his voice quieted to a whisper. “Conviction is our greatest ally in this moment. We have the advantage of a defensive battle, but the other advantages all belong to Uso-Tsuki. His enforcers, his followers, and even his sheer combat prowess as a former member of the Marsonian Black Ops will make this a bloody battle. The outcome is not certain.”

[Acanthus 0]

A booming voice echoed from deep inside the council chambers. “So little faith, Lieutenant.” The Lieutenant saluted with a deep bow. “Chief, I would never…”

The Chief emerged from the shadows. Gone were the robes from before. He stood tall in polished iron armor, with a sword and shield by his side. His equipment spoke to his practical experience on the battlefield: austere, well-maintained, terrifying not in its form, but in function alone.

“Advantages and disadvantages are a discussion for weeks ago,” The Chief spoke plainly. “My son has cast the die, and it is up to us to play as it falls.” The Lieutenant opened his mouth, then closed it again. He saluted and bowed. “Then I will go and make preparations.”

“You will have to excuse him. He is loyal to a fault, but his eyes are clouded at times to the ideal.” Acanthus wasn’t entirely sure what the man meant when he said that.
 

[Acanthus 0]

A horn sounded in the distance. The Chief looked mournfully out of the window. “It is time. Acanthus, would you escort me as a member of my honor guard?” It was unusual for the game to refer to her by name, and it caught Acanthus off guard. She wondered if this was Cardinal’s way of stressing the importance of this mission. “I can do that.” She said. “Thank you again. Convene with the Lieutenant at the entrance to the Palace immediately. We will hold them there.”

The Palace was now in a state of near uproar. Guards ran from point to point; the unarmed staff could be seen scurrying through doors as the sounds of locks clicked in place. Some appeared almost too young to be working, but wore the ensemble of Palace staff. Acanthus wondered what would happen if she failed the mission. Mostly as idle curiosity. She had seen Uso-Tsuki’s stat block; he would be annoying, but present little threat.

[Acanthus 0]

The horn sounded again. Acanthus caught a glimpse out of a passing window as she moved with the Chief. The people surrounding the palace were far more numerous than she had anticipated. I guess my work on the first quest didn’t amount to much then. She and the Chief hurried down a flight of stairs. “Why are we we moving this way?” Acanthus inquired. “Wouldn’t it be best to permit the fighting within the palace? Smaller corridors will only benefit your numbers. Not their numbers; his.

“I understand it is not a tactical advantage to bring the fight to them, but I believe it is necessary to make our stand out in the open, rather than trying to hide within the palace.” Members of the honor guard betrayed nothing in their faces. It was the lieutenant who stepped forward with another salute. “We are with you until the end, Chief. You move, and we follow.”

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus nodded. She wasn’t trying to change the quest script. It would be best to merely move along with whatever was happening, rather than try to fight it. The Chief and his honor guard picked up the pace once more, and Acanthus jogged behind them.

When they reached the main doors leading outside, the Chief paused for a moment with the Lieutenant. Exchanging handshakes and meaningful words, Acanthus nearly kicked the doors open herself. The entire quest felt too self-indulgent. Just let me kill things for experience and move on. That’s the end result anyways. But the moment passed quickly, and the Chief threw open the doors to the chaos outside.

The fighting was in full swing. Rebel bandits formed small groups trying to pierce the walls the palace guards had raised. Many were unsuccessful, but one mass was moving up the steps handily. “Uso-Tsuki’s enforcers,” the Lieutenant confirmed. “The Chief and I will rally the guards. You move in and dispose of them.”

[Acanthus 0]

Uso-Tsuki would be annoying, but the two she had to fight before him would be nothing but gnats. Purotekta and Difenda greeted her with professional bows. “We are here—”

“—to end the Kingdom once and for all.”

“Cool,” she responded. The creative writing team had been paid too much for this script. Twins that finish each other’s sentences? It was a lazy trope.

“We’re starting with you,” Acanthus said lazily. She pointed at Difenda, and he smirked. “Nice try, you weak warrior, but me and my partner are stronger than iron. We have weathered a thousand storms, been tempered by the trials of Jandis himself…”

Acanthus had already started the fight. No sense in letting him monologue. With a brutal pommel strike, she cracked his skull. He gasped in pain. Purotekta ran at her, shocked by the sudden start. She turned and stunned him as well. “You really aren’t putting up much of a fight.”

Spoiler

Combat Begins!

Post Action: TECH-F -> Difenda, Purotekuta (-15 EN)
234815 | BD 5 + 5 + 1 = 11. Hit! 24 * 12 = 288 - 150 = 138 damage. Stunned!
234816 | BD 6 + 5 - 2 = 9. Hit! 24 * 12 = 288 damage. Damage redirected to Difenda (Applying 150 MIT even though it doesn't specify). Stunned!

Acanthus | HP: 760/760 | EN: 75/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5

<<Difendā>> HP: 224/500 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1
<<Purotekutā>> HP: 1000/1000 | DMG: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2

Difenda's Abilities
Defender | <<Difendā>> fulfills the role that his name implies. He will defend <<Uso-Tsuki>> and <<Purotekutā>> by taking damage for any attacks issued against them while he is still alive.
Wild Charge | Starting with his first turn, <<Difendā>> will wildly charge the Player, reducing his BD by -1 for the attack while gaining 25 DMG and stunning the opponent upon hitting. This ability has a 3 turn cooldown, and <<Difendā>> will always use it again as soon as it is available.

Purotekuta's Abilitles
Eagle Eye | <<Purotekutā>> is fully expecting an attack from an enemy. He will always instantly identify a stealthed player, breaking their stealth and negating any auto-hit bonuses.
Disciplined | Starting after his first turn, <<Purotekutā>> will go into the way of an oncoming successful attack, blocking half of the final damage and delivering half of the blocked damage back to the Player. This damage is mitigatable. <<Purotekutā>> will not reflect any status conditions that may incur during this attack. This ability overrides <<Difendā's>> <<Defender>> ability. This ability has a 4 turn cooldown, and <<Purotekutā>> will always use it again as soon as it is available, though it will only activate against successful attacks.

 

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“Not that I’m mad. I really didn’t want to put in a lot of effort for this quest. But even though I expected nothing, I’m still surprised.” Difenda stood back up to attack her, but she stepped back lightly, then rammed into him with her whole body, he nearly fell backwards. As Purotekta stepped in, she parried and then moved back up the steps. Difenda was nearly done for. One more solid hit would do him in.

“You crazed woman,” Difenda coughed. “Uso wishes to return our lands to glory, and you would fight him on this?”

“I don’t care either way. Maybe the Chief is old and stuck in his ways. I doubt it. The game really isn’t good at painting quests in shades of gray. But even still, when I kill you I get the sword, and that’s all I really need.” She closed in, preparing to finish off Difenda.

Spoiler

Recovery. 234820 | CD 11 +8 EN.

Post Action: AOE-I -> Difenda, Purotekuta (-15 EN)
234817 | BD 8. Focus Critical! 24 * 11 = 264 - 150 = 124 / 2 (Disciplined) = 62 damage.  Acanthus suffers 64 - 54 = 10 damage. Paralyzed; Bleed Applied.
234818 | BD 6 + 5 - 2 = 9. Hit! 24 * 11 = 264 damage. Damage redirected to Difenda. (Again, applying 150 MIT).

Monster's Actions
Difenda bleeds for 48 damage. Killed. (Right at 48 damage, if I'm not mistaken (224 - 62 - 114 - 48))

Purotekuta attacks Acanthus
234819 | BD 10. Major Critical! 152 - 54 = 98 damage.

Acanthus | HP: 652/760 | EN: 68/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5

<<Difendā>> HP: 0/500 | DMG: 75 | MIT: 150 | ACC: 2 | EVA: -1 | [Stun Imm. 1/3] BLD 48 [1/2]
<<Purotekutā>> HP: 1000/1000 | DMG: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 [Stun Imm. 1/3] [Disciplined 0/4]

Difenda's Abilities
Defender | <<Difendā>> fulfills the role that his name implies. He will defend <<Uso-Tsuki>> and <<Purotekutā>> by taking damage for any attacks issued against them while he is still alive.
Wild Charge | Starting with his first turn, <<Difendā>> will wildly charge the Player, reducing his BD by -1 for the attack while gaining 25 DMG and stunning the opponent upon hitting. This ability has a 3 turn cooldown, and <<Difendā>> will always use it again as soon as it is available.

Purotekuta's Abilitles
Eagle Eye | <<Purotekutā>> is fully expecting an attack from an enemy. He will always instantly identify a stealthed player, breaking their stealth and negating any auto-hit bonuses.
Disciplined | Starting after his first turn, <<Purotekutā>> will go into the way of an oncoming successful attack, blocking half of the final damage and delivering half of the blocked damage back to the Player. This damage is mitigatable. <<Purotekutā>> will not reflect any status conditions that may incur during this attack. This ability overrides <<Difendā's>> <<Defender>> ability. This ability has a 4 turn cooldown, and <<Purotekutā>> will always use it again as soon as it is available, though it will only activate against successful attacks.

 

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“You bi—” His words stopped short with a quick sputter, as his body fragmented and disappeared.

“Inappropriate language,” Acanthus observed. “Unusual for Cardinal, wouldn’t you say?” She looked to the remaining fighter. Purotekta was infuriated. “Difenda was my lifelong ally and dearest friend. And you’re cracking jokes at his death?”

“Not jokes. Observations.” Acanthus slung her sword, as if shaking loose blood from the blade. Purotekta raised his weapon. “Upon my life, I will have your head. I swear it upon the Glory of Marsonia.”

“That’s a bad thing to swear on,” she pointed out. Sidestepping his careless strike, she gave him a solid kick as he charged by. “Marsonia isn’t really going anywhere with Uso-Tsuki.”

“He understands the needs of this nation better than a foreigner like you ever could,” Purotekta spat. “No, that’s…” Acanthus gave an exasperated sigh. How do you explain to the game that it has programmed itself to fail? She gave up trying.

Spoiler

Recovery. 234820 | CD 7 +8 EN.

Post Action: TECH-B -> Purotekuta (-15 EN)
234822 | BD 6 + 5 - 2 = 9. Hit! 24 * 16 = 384 damage. Delay Applied.

Monster's Actions
Purotekuta attacks Acanthus.
234819 | BD 1. Critical Miss.

Acanthus | HP: 652/760 | EN: 61/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5

<<Purotekutā>> HP: 616/1000 | DMG: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 [Stun Imm. 2/3] [Disciplined 1/4]

Purotekuta's Abilitles
Eagle Eye | <<Purotekutā>> is fully expecting an attack from an enemy. He will always instantly identify a stealthed player, breaking their stealth and negating any auto-hit bonuses.
Disciplined | Starting after his first turn, <<Purotekutā>> will go into the way of an oncoming successful attack, blocking half of the final damage and delivering half of the blocked damage back to the Player. This damage is mitigatable. <<Purotekutā>> will not reflect any status conditions that may incur during this attack. This ability overrides <<Difendā's>> <<Defender>> ability. This ability has a 4 turn cooldown, and <<Purotekutā>> will always use it again as soon as it is available, though it will only activate against successful attacks.

 

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Purotekuta coughed blood from the effort of keeping in the fight. But other than the luck he had hit while she finished off Difenda, she was unharmed. This quest really was proving to be easier than she had anticipated. Purotekuta straightened up and began to monologue. “You have a simple mind. You do not ask why you kill… Only who. We are here in the name of peace. For countless centuries our Kingdom’s vast cultural history has been etched in the stones. It is woven into the fabric of this land…”

Ugh, Acanthus rolled her shoulders out, taking the moment to stretch. Everyone in the quest really enjoyed conversation. It was driving her crazy. And what was all this talk about a simple mind? She was here on Cardinal’s orders: kill the people that needed killing, save the people that needed saving. It was all laid out in the quest journal. She didn’t need a history lesson.

Spoiler

 

Recovery. 234821 | CD 7 +8 EN.

Post Action: TECH-B -> Purotekuta (-15 EN)
234822 | BD 6 + 5 - 2 = 9. Hit! 24 * 16 = 384 damage. Delay Applied.

Monster's Actions
Purotekuta attacks Acanthus.
234823 | BD 1. Critical Miss.

Acanthus | HP: 652/760 | EN: 61/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5

<<Purotekutā>> HP: 232/1000 | DMG: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 [Stun Imm. 2/3] [Disciplined 1/4]

Purotekuta's Abilitles
Eagle Eye | <<Purotekutā>> is fully expecting an attack from an enemy. He will always instantly identify a stealthed player, breaking their stealth and negating any auto-hit bonuses.
Disciplined | Starting after his first turn, <<Purotekutā>> will go into the way of an oncoming successful attack, blocking half of the final damage and delivering half of the blocked damage back to the Player. This damage is mitigatable. <<Purotekutā>> will not reflect any status conditions that may incur during this attack. This ability overrides <<Difendā's>> <<Defender>> ability. This ability has a 4 turn cooldown, and <<Purotekutā>> will always use it again as soon as it is available, though it will only activate against successful attacks.

 

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“Alright, you’ve had a moment to talk. But I’m ready to finish up.” Purotekuta’s eyes bulged at her insubordination. “Unbelievable! You don’t even know why you’re fighting.”

“Of course I do.” Acanthus took offense at the comment. But the time for conversation was over. She merely limbered up, and dove straight back into the fight. Purotekuta’s fighting had become predictable. Slash, slash, upward strike, leap back, charge. He threw in a few variations from time to time, but she recognized those core strikes over and over.

When he leapt back again, Acanthus prepared herself. Rather than attempting to move out of the way, she prepared to meet it head on. Putotekuta seemed wholly unaware. Raising his blade, he gave a final cry. “FOR MARSON—”

His end was quick. Hanging from the end of Ajisai, he looked at Acanthus with a final, dejected stare. “Adventurer, tell me… Why. Why all of this violence, all of this bloodshed, when you do not even espouse the ideals of the nation you are serving.”

“That’s easy. I’m here for the cool sword.”

Spoiler

Recovery. 234824 | CD 6 +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-B -> Purotekuta (-15 EN)
234822 | BD 8. Focus Critical! 24 * 16 = 384 damage. Delay Applied. Bleed Applied. (Paralysis should apply but I already rolled it, plus I needed another roll to explain I fat-fingered yet again.)

Acanthus | HP: 652/760 | EN: 50/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:5 | EVA:3 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 4 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5

<<Purotekutā>> HP: 0/1000 | DMG: 150 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 [Stun Imm. 3/3] [Disciplined 3/4]

Purotekuta's Abilitles
Eagle Eye | <<Purotekutā>> is fully expecting an attack from an enemy. He will always instantly identify a stealthed player, breaking their stealth and negating any auto-hit bonuses.
Disciplined | Starting after his first turn, <<Purotekutā>> will go into the way of an oncoming successful attack, blocking half of the final damage and delivering half of the blocked damage back to the Player. This damage is mitigatable. <<Purotekutā>> will not reflect any status conditions that may incur during this attack. This ability overrides <<Difendā's>> <<Defender>> ability. This ability has a 4 turn cooldown, and <<Purotekutā>> will always use it again as soon as it is available, though it will only activate against successful attacks.

 

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus lightly hustled over to the Chief and his Honor Guard. They had created some space with the frontline of the attacking bandits, where Lieutenant flagged her down. “We’ve pushed back the rebels from the perimeter. How did your fight go?”

Acanthus checked herself over one more time. She’d only taken one injury, a gash down her arm. The red, webbed wound was stitching itself together at an unnatural pace. She’d honestly wished for a riskier fight. “It went well. His enforcers are dead.”

Members of the Honor Guard murmured amongst themselves, impressed by Acanthus’ quick work of the situation. The Lieutenant conveyed their thoughts. “You truly are a fierce warrior. Marsonia will remember this for ages to come.” Acanthus nodded, hoping for a short speech, but Cardinal decided that would not be the case. The Chief stepped forward.

“Acanthus, ever have you been a boon to me and my people. In the wake of destruction left by Uso-Tsuki and his rebels, I feared for the future of our people. But ever since you returned with his plans safe and silently, my hope has been renewed…”

Spoiler

Recovery.  +4 EN (foregoing recovery roll) Relaxed | +60 HP

Post Action: Swapping Vow of Return with Evasive Charm

Acanthus | HP: 712/760 | EN: 54/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:2 | EVA:6 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 8 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5

 

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus despaired; the Chief had been talking for ten minutes When he took a deep breath, she interrupted quickly. “We need to find Uso-Tsuki, and every moment is critical. Where can we find him?” The Chief paused artificially, as if Cardinal’s planned speech was cut short. “Fear not, Acanthus; he will return to us soon enough. For I know my son…” And his speech resumed.

Acanthus nearly tore a chunk of her hair out. All the fighting around them, and the game was taking a lifetime to explain the deep complexities of the pro- and anti-establishment factions on this floor. And not just the Marsonians either. When the Chief started talking about the leaders of Scalabis, she nearly ran the Chief through. Maybe Uso-Tsuki was right. Please let me fight, I need the sword so that I can run a few grinds. I didn’t realize it meant I was going to have an unavoidable civics lecture.

Spoiler

Recovery.  Relaxed | +60 HP, EN fully recovers.

Acanthus | HP: 760/760 | EN: 90/90

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“... and after today, he will plague our fair citizens no more. For he will come, he will try, and he will fail. For the glory of Marsonia.” The Chief ended the sentence with a sense of finality. Acanthus held her breath, waiting for the speech to pick back up.

Instead, the Chief and his Honor Guard all turned to the steps at the front of the palace expectantly. Seeing the top of Uso-Tsuki’s head, she nearly jumped for joy. But her joy turned to terror as the rest of the man came into view. Drenched in the blood of palace guards, Uso-Tsuki carried himself with an air of a feral animal. Hunched over, uneven smile, and a ragged laugh. He held the severed head of a guard. Uso dropped the head back down the stairs and pulled out his second knife.

“Father, I’m home.” He spun his blades menacingly. “I’ve come to claim my birthright.”

Spoiler

Post Action: TECH-A -> Uso-Tsuki (-2 EN)
234907 | BD 5 - 1 = 4. Miss.

Monster's Turn
234908 | BD 7 + 3 - 6. Miss.
234909 | BD 3 + 3 - 6. Miss.

Acanthus | HP: 760/760 | EN: 88/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:2 | EVA:6 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 8 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
<<Uso-Tsuki>> | HP: 1400/1400 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1

Abilities
Master's Eye | <<Uso-Tsuki>> knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. His precognitive vision allows him to predict your motions and negate ACC and auto-hit bonuses.
Fleet Feet | On his first roll, if <<Uso-Tsuki>> misses, he will attack a second time in the same turn.
Ultimate Assassin | Starting on his second turn, Uso-Tsuki will gain a DMG boost of 75 for that attack only. This ability has a 3 turn cooldown, and <<Uso-Tsuki>> will always use it again as soon as it is available.

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“What, a dozen men just to fight me? It doesn’t seem like a fair fight.” He grinned wickedly. “Let’s even the odds.” In a dark flash, he charged the Honor Guard. He moved so fast that Acanthus could barely keep up. He cut down half the guard in a moment. The rest were finished quickly as well. Only Acanthus, the Chief, and the Lieutenant remained. “There,” Uso-Tsuki said. “Now it’s a little more fair.”

Acanthus did not care much for the theatrics. She stepped in, mid-sentence, forcing him back to fighting. “I wasn’t finished talking,” he hissed, pushing her back. “I know. You were taking too long.” She pivoted, letting him stumble past her with his own force. “I just don’t understand why this quest, of all quests, has so much dialogue. It’s wholly unnecessary.” 

Her reference to Cardinal caused Uso-Tsuki to fall silent. Right, no self-references. She squared up, ready to end this quest and get her blade.

Spoiler

Recovery. Foregoing roll. +4 EN

Post Action: TECH-A -> Uso-Tsuki (-2 EN)
234907 | BD 4 - 1. Miss.

Monster's Turn
Ultimate Assassin used.
234908 | BD 2 + 3 - 6. Miss.
234909 | BD 2 + 3 - 6. Miss.

Acanthus | HP: 760/760 | EN: 88/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:2 | EVA:6 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 8 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
<<Uso-Tsuki>> | HP: 1400/1400 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1 [Ultimate Assassin 1/3]

Abilities
Master's Eye | <<Uso-Tsuki>> knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. His precognitive vision allows him to predict your motions and negate ACC and auto-hit bonuses.
Fleet Feet | On his first roll, if <<Uso-Tsuki>> misses, he will attack a second time in the same turn.
Ultimate Assassin | Starting on his second turn, Uso-Tsuki will gain a DMG boost of 75 for that attack only. This ability has a 3 turn cooldown, and <<Uso-Tsuki>> will always use it again as soon as it is available.

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

It should have been a fight for her life, but things were going very well for her. She started to daydream about future quests. Part of her wanted to dive into a quick grind right after this, but she knew better. Whirling around one of Uso-Tsuki’s attacks, she slashed through him before returning to her thoughts. There was a field boss on floor nine that would have a useful drop. Both for the grind thread, and for the floor boss. If her suspicion was right, burn damage would be a valuable asset in that fight.

“Pay attention to me!” Uso-Tsuki howled as he fought. But as fast as he had looked taking out the honor guard, he was simply too slow for Acanthus. At six evasion, his only hope was luck, and that was in Cardinal’s hands. “You said you wanted a fair fight after killing those men. This isn’t fair enough?”

Spoiler

Recovery. Foregoing roll. +4 EN

Post Action: TECH-A -> Uso-Tsuki (-16 EN)
234907 | BD 7 - 1. Hit! 24 * 16 = 3884 - 75 = 309 damage. Stunned!

Monster's Turn
Stunned. No action taken.

Acanthus | HP: 760/760 | EN: 74/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:2 | EVA:6 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 8 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
<<Uso-Tsuki>> | HP: 1091/1400 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1 [Ultimate Assassin 1/3]

Abilities
Master's Eye | <<Uso-Tsuki>> knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. His precognitive vision allows him to predict your motions and negate ACC and auto-hit bonuses.
Fleet Feet | On his first roll, if <<Uso-Tsuki>> misses, he will attack a second time in the same turn.
Ultimate Assassin | Starting on his second turn, Uso-Tsuki will gain a DMG boost of 75 for that attack only. This ability has a 3 turn cooldown, and <<Uso-Tsuki>> will always use it again as soon as it is available.

 

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Uso-Tsuki snarled before diving back into the fight. He whirled through combat, but was still too slow; too predictable. It reminded her of the girl she had fought on floor six. What was her name again? Not that it mattered.

Acanthus raised her sword to block yet another whirlwind of attacks. But at the last possible moment, he shifted and feinted, bringing his dagger up from the side. It punched through the tough leather on her side, and she felt the buzz of her pain indicators. Lucky break, she grimaced.

Uso-Tsuki seemed to act like he’d just scored the killing blow. He gloated over his wound. “The first of many, you pathetic foreigner. I’ll make sure to hang your body from the palace gates as a warning to any other dissidents of the glorious nation.” Acanthus, pushing through the injury, gave him a solid uppercut on the chin. He seemed genuinely surprised. “I was talking! You fight without honor or fairness.”

“This is a fight to the death. I don’t think you understand what fair means.”

Spoiler

Recovery. 234914 | CD 3. +4 EN

Post Action: TECH-D -> Uso-Tsuki (-15 EN)
234915 | BD 7 - 1. Hit! 24 * 16 = 3884 - 55 = 329 damage. Shatter applied.

Monster's Turn
234916 | BD 10. Major Critical! 152 - 72 = 80 damage.

Acanthus | HP: 680/760 | EN: 62/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:2 | EVA:6 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 8 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
<<Uso-Tsuki>> | HP: 762/1400 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 55 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1 [Ultimate Assassin 2/3] [Shatter 1/3] [Stun Imm. 1/3]

Abilities
Master's Eye | <<Uso-Tsuki>> knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. His precognitive vision allows him to predict your motions and negate ACC and auto-hit bonuses.
Fleet Feet | On his first roll, if <<Uso-Tsuki>> misses, he will attack a second time in the same turn.
Ultimate Assassin | Starting on his second turn, Uso-Tsuki will gain a DMG boost of 75 for that attack only. This ability has a 3 turn cooldown, and <<Uso-Tsuki>> will always use it again as soon as it is available.

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

"Fair? Nothing about father's reign is fair. Even when I was a child,"

*CRACK*

Acanthus sent Uso-Tsuki tumbling down the stairs. Everyone else in this damned quest had been allowed to monologue. The Chief, the Lieutenant, even Uso-Tsuki. So if they got a chance to bore the crowd with theatrics, then Acanthus deserved that chance too. How about I hold you hostage with some useless speeche?

“Fair? I have something to say about "fair." Your mistake was thinking this was a fair fight.” In a single, smooth motion, she broke his guard. “I had days to prepare. I’ve crafted consumables, debuffs, backup plans—everything. Do you think I’d even start a quest if there were the slightest chance of failure? You were never going to win. You were only going to slow me down.”

“The players like to call this a death game; maybe it is, but certainly not for the players. The only thing that kills people in this game is their own foolish behavior. You? You present almost no threat. I would be shocked to discover if you had ever actually slain a player. And yet you prattle and bluster, confident merely because Cardinal made you that way.” She descended slowly as Uso-Tsuki scrambled to recover. A clean hook directly into his jaw sent him tumbling further down the steps of the palace. “I’d offer surrender, but you’re not allowed to, right? Cardinal wants you to fight to the end. So fight, and die—and for my sake, hurry up.”

Spoiler

Recovery. 234917 | CD 7. +8 EN

Post Action: TECH-D -> Uso-Tsuki (-15 EN)
234918 | BD 7 - 1. Hit! 24 * 16 = 3884 - 35 = 349 damage. Shatter applied.

Monster's Turn
234919 | BD 8 + 3 - 8. Miss.
234920 | BD 3 + 3 - 8. Miss.

Acanthus | HP: 680/760 | EN: 55/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:2 | EVA:6 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 8 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
<<Uso-Tsuki>> | HP: 413/1400 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 55 35 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1 [Ultimate Assassin 3/3] [Shatter 2/3] [Stun Imm. 2/3]

Abilities
Master's Eye | <<Uso-Tsuki>> knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. His precognitive vision allows him to predict your motions and negate ACC and auto-hit bonuses.
Fleet Feet | On his first roll, if <<Uso-Tsuki>> misses, he will attack a second time in the same turn.
Ultimate Assassin | Starting on his second turn, Uso-Tsuki will gain a DMG boost of 75 for that attack only. This ability has a 3 turn cooldown, and <<Uso-Tsuki>> will always use it again as soon as it is available.

 

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Uso-Tsuki stood up, wiping his mouth. “This is my empire. It’s my birthright. The Chief—”

“I have cast you out.” The Chief descended the steps of the palace slowly, sword bared. “You are no longer of my blood. Your crimes will weigh you down to the ocean floor.” Stopping next to Acanthus, he gave a simple flourish of his weapon. “We shall carry out the sentence together.”

The former Black Ops assassin knelt, defeated. “And will you do it yourself, father? Will you be able to look me in the eyes and kill me? You and your people will know you as kinslayer, leaving a broken, tainted legacy—”

Uso-Tsuki’s eyes widened in surprise as Acanthus drove her sword through the back of his neck. He choked and sputtered, dying to finish his last words. Acanthus had a beleaguered look on her face at this point. “I’m tired, and I’m late for a crafting session I scheduled. Let’s keep it moving, Cardinal.” Acanthus held the blade firmly in place as he struggled, trying to complete his monologue. With a final rattle, Uso-Tsuki disappeared into shards.

Spoiler

Recovery. 234921 | CD 7. +8 EN

Post Action: TECH-D -> Uso-Tsuki (-15 EN)
234922 | BD 8. Focus Critical! 24 * 16 = 384 - 15 = 369 damage. Shatter applied. Paralyze applied. Bleed Applied.

Monster's Turn
Uso-Tsuki bleeds for 48 damage. Killed.

Acanthus | HP: 680/760 | EN: 55/90 | DMG: 24 | MIT:72 | ACC:2 | EVA:6 | BRN-IM  | VAMP-D: 42 | REC: 8 | BLD: 48  | PARA | LD:5
<<Uso-Tsuki>> | HP: 0/1400 | DMG: 150 | MIT: 75 55 35 15 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 1 [ Shatter(x3) 3/3] [Stun Imm. 3/3]

Abilities
Master's Eye | <<Uso-Tsuki>> knows that you are coming, and is already prepared. His precognitive vision allows him to predict your motions and negate ACC and auto-hit bonuses.
Fleet Feet | On his first roll, if <<Uso-Tsuki>> misses, he will attack a second time in the same turn.
Ultimate Assassin | Starting on his second turn, Uso-Tsuki will gain a DMG boost of 75 for that attack only. This ability has a 3 turn cooldown, and <<Uso-Tsuki>> will always use it again as soon as it is available.

 

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The ceremony was beautiful, but went on for far too long. Thanks were offered to each of the gods of the floor, and Acanthus made a concerted effort to not fall asleep. She worried that she might have dozed off a few times. How did such a climactic fight turn into this? With a jerk of her head, she started awake again. The Chief was still droning on about the bright future of Marsonia. Immediately she wished for someone like Titania to whisk her away. She’d had the right idea; why waste time here? She wasn’t earning any experience.

“And now,” the Chief announced, “one final thing to add. Acanthus.” She nearly fell out of her chair standing up. “Yes, Chief.” Finally. The weapon. The entire reason she had taken this stupid quest in the first place. All the dialogue, all the conversation was finally worth it.

“I cannot express my gratitude for you commitment to the cause. We are only here because of your resilience and courage. For your bravery, I would like to thank you.” Kneeling down, he offered her…

…a spear?

“This is the weapon of my people. It reflects the hopes and dreams of the entire kingdom. Take it with you on your journey, and think of us always.”

She nearly cried. She was told it would be a sword! Or whatever weapon she needed. Did she miss some dialogue or something? Maybe she should have paid closer attention. Either way, the quest—aside for the experience—had been a total bust. Acanthus quickly pocketed the spear, closed out the quest complete dialog, and left right then and there. She had more crystals to sort.