[F13 | SP] Involuntary Mobslaughter - Blade of a Dying World

[Acanthus 0]

She wasn’t sure where she was. Opening her eyes, a young man stood over her. He was dressed in the same hemp as the people of Angel’s Point. An NPC, then. His eyes were light and his face furrowed. She felt like she was about to be fussed over. Sure enough, she was.

“Alright, sit up miss. Up you go. Do you need some food? Water? We don’t have much and it certainly won’t be delicious, but it’ll fill you up.”

Acanthus waved him off. “Thank you, but I have rations. I was in a hurry to make it here before dark.”

The man nodded. “I hear that. The plants get hungry when they don’t have sunlight.”

The plants bit into her again as she unleashed another song. The pain is nothing compared to what I’m doing to them. If they can even feel pain. A villager squirmed under her boot. With a firm push, she caved its chest in.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 43/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 57–60 (-19 EN)
236400 | BD 7. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236499 | BD 6. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236498 | BD 3. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236497 | BD 3. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236404 | LD: 8+13=21 | CD:4+2=6 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236404a] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236404b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236404c] T4 Perfect Consumable     
ID: 236403 | LD: 15+13=28 | CD:5+2=7 | Col:6656, Mats:4, [236403a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236403b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236403c] T4 Perfect Weapon     
ID: 236402 | LD: 19+13=32 | CD:5+2=7 | Col:6656, Mats:4, [236402a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236402b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236402c] T4 Perfect Weapon     
ID: 236401 | LD: 20+13=33 | CD:9+2=11 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236401a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236401b] Random Dungeon Map     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The villagers worked their mouths open and closed, as if consuming some imaginary feast. She thought it looked humorous, like some b-grade zombie flick.

Acanthus paled. “H… Hungry?” The man nodded again. “Some of that vegetation creeps up on ya. We’ve lost a few late gatherers to Devil’s Creeper. But you’re safe. Let’s move to the campfire and talk about something else.” The evening campfire at Breath of Life seemed like a social event. She suspected those gathered comprised most of the town. They sat in concentric rings around the bonfire, chatting warmly and sharing stories about the day.

A chill settled in, and she began to miss NIGHT’s cloak. It always seemed to keep her warm, no matter how cold the floor was. Three sharp kicks knocked down the monsters, and her sword finished them off. More of the monsters crawled towards her. Nothing but health bars to be whittled down, mined, and extracted of whatever value they had.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 28/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 61–64 (-19 EN)
236409 | BD 10. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236408 | BD 5. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236407 | BD 10. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236406 | BD 9. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236412 | LD: 14+13=27 | CD:10+2=12 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236412a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236412b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236411 | LD: 1+13=14 | CD:3+2=5 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236411a] T4 Rare Weapon, [236411b] T4 Uncommon Consumable     
ID: 236410 | LD: 2+13=15 | CD:6+2=8 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236410a] T4 Rare Weapon, [236410b] T4 Uncommon Consumable     
ID: 236409 | LD: 9+13=22 | CD:3+2=5 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236409a] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236409b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236409c] T4 Perfect Consumable     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Another group of villagers littered the path ahead of her. She swept through them without a second thought. The whole thing was becoming a little too repetitive, even for her—and Kayaba knew she loved a good routine. But the monsters were thinning out and so was her health bar. She could lament the monotony while she sat to recover her health. It wouldn’t be long before she wished that she were back up and killing more.

The last group had dropped another demonic shard. Not as many as she had hoped so far. But the col and materials flowed freely at least. And some dungeon maps as well? She’d have to find some other people to run those with. The one she ran with Freyd and Morningstar had made her a landslide of money. More than she was making now, even. But grinding this way meant she wasn’t dependent on anyone else, which suited her just fine.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 13/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 65–68 (-19 EN)
236417 | BD 10. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236416 | BD 3. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236415 | BD 6. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236414 | BD 5. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236420 | LD: 10+13=23 | CD:7+2=9 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236420a] T4 Perfect Consumable     
ID: 236419 | LD: 15+13=28 | CD:6+2=8 | Col:7488, Mats:2, [236419a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236419b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236419c] T4 Perfect Weapon     
ID: 236418 | LD: 17+13=30 | CD:10+2=12 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236418a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236418b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236417 | LD: 4+13=17 | CD:3+2=5 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236417a] T4 Rare Consumable, [236417b] T4 Rare Armor/Shield     
 

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Her energy bar was almost gone again. Acanthus sat down with a frustrated sigh. She had enough energy to take on the straggling pack of diseased, but she dismissed the idea as inefficient. There weren’t four of them. Four was the number she could strike at any given time. And given how hard the villagers could hit, she didn’t feel the need to take any risks with more.

Traveling down the road, Acanthus almost felt daring. The floor offered her a fair number of challenges. At level ten, floor thirteen could be dangerous if she weren’t careful. Even being here felt forbidden. But after triple-checking the routes, Acanthus was sure she would not run into anything more than the lowest-level monsters of the floor. And that, she could handle.

Acanthus had no idea where she was going. Like most of today’s journey, it didn’t matter. She’d end up in the right spot eventually. And then she’d be able to take care of the people of Wanderer’s Rest.

-----

Wanderer’s Rest had been a pleasant splash of color on the floor. The greenery surrounding the town seemed more varied. And many of the huts and tents had splashes of red and blue flowers even.

Although town might have been a bit of a generous characterization. The place seemed almost like a cross between an old fort and a nomadic camp. Everything here seemed temporary, in the sense that the villagers had accepted that the creeping decay was an inevitable part of their lives here. Tents would be shredded, huts would be toppled, and the only thing left would be the plants. Despite the gloom, the people here were kind to Acanthus. She hoped that she would be able to return and thank them properly.

Acanthus twisted the sword in her hands. She would return in time and give the villagers a warm thank you. It was the least they deserved.

Well Rested | EN recovered. (SNAP I miscounted my rest posts. I'm doubling up this post to 300 words (so it's basically two posts) and praying that the staff doesn't throw lightning bolts at me please)

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The warm fire beckoned her closer. It took the chilly edge from the evening, and the warm red glow eased her nerves about the previous encounter. Wait, what encounter? Acanthus, we need to talk about this. What did Hatred say that day?

The bonfire was as much peace as she’d ever felt in the game. It reminded her of her camping trip in the mountain with college friends. They’d all packed tents when the air was just getting chilly and ventured out for a small taste of nature.

Next time I grind, I’ll have to find a more accommodating floor. Acanthus shook creeping vines from her boot. Even in the short time it took her to recover, the plants tried to grow over her. Her annoyance grew to the point where she wrenched the filthy little thing from the ground, not stopping until the roots had been ripped from the ground. An ultimately futile act, she knew. But at least that vine was no more.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 73/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 69(nice)–72 (-19 EN)
236424 | BD 3. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236423  | BD 4. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236422 | BD 1. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236421 | BD 9. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236428 | LD: 8+13=21 | CD:4+2=6 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236428a] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236428b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236428c] T4 Perfect Consumable     
ID: 236427 | LD: 2+13=15 | CD:9+2=11 | Col:5408, Mats:2, [236427a] T4 Rare Armor/Shield     
ID: 236426 | LD: 7+13=20 | CD:3+2=5 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236426a] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236426b] T4 Perfect Trinket     
ID: 236425 | LD: 18+13=31 | CD:9+2=11 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236425a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236425b] Random Dungeon Map     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

The chill of the floor permeated her bones. She’d have killed for a warm drink. She was killing anyways—four more diseased villagers fell to her sword. There was no end to them.

Acanthus sat with a hot green tea pushed into her hand by the man. He had introduced himself as Grayson. He was one of the new gatherers in Wanderer’s Rest. He had taken over for a veteran that got lost a few weeks back and didn’t return.

“It’s not an easy life out here,” he explained while they nursed their drinks. “Most people outside Angel’s Point don’t last long. Us included.” His bluntness shocked Acanthus. Seeing her face, he continued. “It’s just a fact of life. We’re grateful that you adventurer’s stopped the spread. That’s the only reason we were able to come out here and reclaim parts of the wild! But the plague is still out there, and even dormant it remains deadly. Get close enough, and *poof*”—he mimicked a cloud of spores erupting— “the plague kicks back up. It gets in your lungs, and then…”

“And then?” Acanthus listened with rapt attention.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 58/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 73–76 (-19 EN)
236434  | BD 2. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236433 | BD 3. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236432 | BD 1. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236431 | BD 8. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236437 | LD: 20+13=33 | CD:8+2=10 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236437a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236437b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236436 | LD: 13+13=26 | CD:7+2=9 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236436a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236436b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236435 | LD: 13+13=26 | CD:5+2=7 | Col:6656, Mats:4, [236435a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236435b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236435c] T4 Perfect Weapon     
ID: 236434 | LD: 17+13=30 | CD:11+2=13 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236434a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236434b] Random Dungeon Map     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“That’s it. The plants take over. The lucky ones inhale enough to die on the spot. If you’re less than fortunate, then you have to be put down.”

“Put down?”

“Yea. We call them ‘the diseased.’ They look human, but its the plants that have taken over. They attack or maul anything that isn’t green. They’ll drag you into the undergrowth. And then you feed the plants.”

Even with her warm drink, Acanthus felt chills.

The heat of battle began to bring life back to her numb extremities. Her rampage really felt more like a light jog. Her energy bar depleted bit by bit. That was the one thing she had to be careful about. If she ran out of energy, her multipliers stopped working. As well as her area attacks. Then, the steady stream of villagers would overwhelm her, and she would die. It wasn’t a terrifying thought anymore, at least. At least then she wouldn’t have to hold out hope.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 43/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 77–80 (-19 EN)
236441  | BD 10. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236440 | BD 6. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236439 | BD 2. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236438 | BD 7. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236445 | LD: 7+13=20 | CD:11+2=13 | Col:5408, Mats:4, [236445a] T4 Perfect Weapon     
ID: 236444 | LD: 19+13=32 | CD:1+2=3 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236444a] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236444b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236444c] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236444d] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield     
ID: 236443 | LD: 3+13=16 | CD:11+2=13 | Col:4992, Mats:4, [236443a] T4 Rare Trinket     
ID: 236442 | LD: 12+13=25 | CD:6+2=8 | Col:8320, Mats:0, [236442a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236442b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236442c] T4 Perfect Weapon     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

“Sorry, bonfire time is supposed to be comforting, and here I am sharing ghost stories with you.”

“Thank you for telling me about it. I can’t imagine living with this every day.”

The villagers here had it so easy. They didn’t have anything to escape. They were molded by their misery, and better off for it. She cracked open a diseased villager’s head, and termites poured out of the festering vegetation.

Greyson took a long swig from his mug. “It is what it is. We’ll survive. We survived the worst of it, and we’ll survive what’s left of the plague. But enough of that. What brings you all the way out here?”

I’m here to kill “I’m looking for some rare materials. Supposedly there’s a necrotic grove deep in the outlands. Inside the grove there’s an ancient tree blessed by the angels—”

“—so that it shall not wither in the face of decay. I think I know the place.” Acanthus perked up. “Really! Do you think you could point me in that direction?”

“I’m no good at giving directions. But I could take you there.”

 

Spoiler

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 28/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 81–84 (-19 EN)
236449 | BD 7. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236448 | BD 4. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236447 | BD 9. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236446 | BD 7. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236453 | LD: 11+13=24 | CD:1+2=3 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236453a] T4 Perfect Trinket, [236453b] T4 Perfect Weapon     
ID: 236452 | LD: 15+13=28 | CD:8+2=10 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236452a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236452b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236451 | LD: 20+13=33 | CD:2+2=4 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236451a] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236451b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236451c] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236451d] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield ID: 236450 | LD: 20+13=33 | CD:1+2=3 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236450a] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236450b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236450c] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236450d] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

More waves of monsters. All the same health bars, all the same damage. More of them crept out of the bushes, drawn to the sound of combat. Every villager’s death rattle inspired more to give chase.

“No way. You just got done telling me just how dangerous it was out there. I don’t want to risk you on my errands.”

“I’m not some damsel, adventurer.” He smiled wanly. “Gatherers have to know how to fight. Besides, it wouldn’t just be for your quest. There’s some acidic moss near that grove that we use to keep the vegetation at bay. We’ve been running low for the past few months, and we’re in desperate need of more. Me leading you out there would be a bit of a win-win situation.”

Acanthus could barely recall this being dangerous the first time around. That’s what happens when you don’t lose yourself in the game, she realized. Trying to make certain builds work in different ways. No, Aincrad was for power-gamers. It had little use for the person she used to be.

Spoiler

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 13/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 85–88 (-19 EN)
236449 | BD 7. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236448 | BD 4. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236447 | BD 9. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236446 | BD 7. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236461 | LD: 1+13=14 | CD:6+2=8 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236461a] T4 Rare Weapon, [236461b] T4 Uncommon Consumable     
ID: 236460 | LD: 7+13=20 | CD:8+2=10 | Col:6240, Mats:2, [236460a] T4 Perfect Weapon     
[Multipurpose |+1 LD applied] ID: 236459 | LD: 11+14=25 | CD:10+2=12 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236459a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236459b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236458 | LD: 12+13=25 | CD:5+2=7 | Col:7488, Mats:2, [236458a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236458b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236458c] T4 Perfect Weapon

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Another stunning whirlwind sent the villagers back. Undeterred, they shambled toward her again. A chilling wind cut through her, and she once again missed NIGHT’s cloak.

Acanthus awoke from her tent the next day. She was immediately given a mug of tea as she exited. These people are really big on their hot drinks. Not that she minded. The morning was just a little too chilly, and the tea was a pleasant way to wake up.

Greyson approached with his own mug and raised it in greeting. She returned the gesture.

“Morning! Grile and Stubs are packing the horses right now. Kara is checking lists one last time. We should be on the road in fifteen minutes.

“That’s very fast. I’m glad I don’t have much to pack.”

“We’ve been at it awhile, but I didn’t want to wake you since there wasn’t anything for you to do. Head on over to the south exit; I’m saying goodbye to the head gatherer.”

Spoiler

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 0/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 89–91 (-17 EN)
236464 | BD 7. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236463 | BD 4. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236462 | BD 9. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236467 | LD: 8+13=21 | CD:10+2=12 | Col:7488, Mats:0, [236467a] T4 Perfect Trinket     
ID: 236466 | LD: 13+13=26 | CD:10+2=12 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236466a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236466b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236465 | LD: 17+13=30 | CD:3+2=5 | Col:6656, Mats:4, [236465a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236465b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236465c] T4 Perfect Weapon     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Winded, Acanthus collapsed onto a nearby log yet again. The breaks were proving worse than the fighting itself. Having to stop every few minutes just to let her energy rise was maddening. I’m not even running or exerting myself in real life, she thought miserably. At least let me be a superhuman here.

A few of the villagers milled around on the road ahead of her. They really did look like props from a bad zombie movie. They limped and shambled in circles, muttering to each other until a player drew their attention. The only difference was that rather than the putrid stench of decaying flesh, the diseased villagers smelled like rotten and spoiled fruit. Not an amazing upgrade, but a welcome one nonetheless.

Eyes drawn to the corner of her HUD, Acanthus saw her energy slowly crawling back to full. Seconds passed with agonizing slowness. Just a little further.

[Acanthus 0]

The minutes raced by as she prepared herself to leave Wanderer’s Rest. Her stay had been pleasant. She’d even taken a little time to talk to other NPCs. They all seemed to have little idiosyncrasies of their own. Ratwa had a funny little hiccup that had persisted since her childhood. Gruger the butcher kept the few chickens and pigs in the town, and treated the animals like royalty right up until the end. The complicated lives of the villagers reminded Acanthus of her walk through Tolbana with the mayor. But those people lived in safety. These poor villagers lived day to day with what little happiness they could muster. It made Acanthus queasy to think of the hand they had been dealt by the game. It just wasn’t fair.

Once again, Acanthus stood and brandished botan. The grind awaited her eager blade.  The villagers didn’t stand a chance. The diseased villagers, that is.

Well Rested | EN recovered.

[Acanthus 0]

More villagers; this time, they appeared fresher. There was very little plant life clinging to them. They almost seemed human, except for the gray and decaying skin. Blocking out their human qualities, Acanthus threw herself into the fight, prepared to grind them into money and materials. They all looked the same to her. The game probably just reset the asset models for any villager that turned into a diseased mob.

Acanthus wandered over and met the three other people. They all wore similar clothes to Greyson. Grile was tall and lanky. Stubs was much shorter, but still had a wiry build. Kara was somewhere in-between the two.

“‘Lo, adventurer.” Kara greeted her with a slap on the back. “I heard you’re the traveler going along with us on the moss run. Good to know we’re in good hands.”

Hold on, do they think I’m hired muscle or something? Acanthus started to panic.

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 73/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 92–95 (-19 EN)
236471 | BD 9. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236470 | BD 1. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236469(nice) | BD 3. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236468  | BD 8. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236475 | LD: 20+13=33 | CD:12+2=14 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236475a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236475b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236474 | LD: 19+13=32 | CD:4+2=6 | Col:7488, Mats:2, [236474a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236474b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236474c] T4 Perfect Weapon     
ID: 236473 | LD: 13+13=26 | CD:11+2=13 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236473a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236473b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236472 | LD: 12+13=25 | CD:2+2=4 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236472a] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236472b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236472c] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236472d] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus relished being a dervish of death. Killing made her feel useful. Driving another flock of villagers into the ground, she prepared herself for another wave of massacring the walking loot sacks.

Stubs interrupted. “Kara, you best pull your own weight. She’s not going to kill everything that hits the caravan.” Kara shot back, “Stubs, I always pull my own weight. I’m just worried about you.” Stubs made a gruff noise, and returned to checking the packs. Kara looked back to Acanthus. “Don’t mind him. Dozens of ventures out to the wildlands and he still thinks disaster is around every corner. Truth is, most of them are pretty quiet. Maybe one or two attacks, but always pretty easy to fend off. Just have to be prepared.”

“I won’t let you down, Kara.” Kara gave her a small laugh. “Acanthus, no need to be so serious. Anyone ever tell you to unwind?”

Yes. All the time. “I guess you’re right. I’m going to go check on my things to make sure I’m ready to head out.”

Spoiler

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 58/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 96–99 (-19 EN)
236479 | BD 6. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236478 | BD 9. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236477  | BD 5. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236476 | BD 9. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236483 | LD: 9+13=22 | CD:11+2=13 | Col:5824, Mats:4, [236483a] T4 Perfect Trinket     
ID: 236482 | LD: 9+13=22 | CD:3+2=5 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236482a] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236482b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236482c] T4 Perfect Consumable     
ID: 236481 | LD: 19+13=32 | CD:5+2=7 | Col:6656, Mats:4, [236481a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236481b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236481c] T4 Perfect Weapon     
ID: 236480 | LD: 18+13=31 | CD:5+2=7 | Col:7488, Mats:2, [236480a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236480b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236480c] T4 Perfect Weapon     

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus wasted no time in her journey across floor thirteen. She moved as she fought the mobs, deeper and deeper into the wilds. She did not want to spend time looking idly at the different plants. They were all the same.

True to Greyson’s word, they left quickly. Although they kept a good pace, the caravan made frequent stops to gather. Acanthus learned that what looked like a singular field of green was actually lots of different vines and plants.

“These here, notice how the vines are a bit thicker where they split off. Almost like knots.” Greyson had pulled up a massive length of emerald ivy. Sure enough, Acanthus noticed how the knots formed along the vine like bulbs. “These bulbs can be pressed for a sort of milk. It’s pretty intensive work for a little nourishment, but it works in a pinch.”

Acanthus brought out a vial and squeezed a few of the knots.

Spoiler

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 43/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 100–104 (-19 EN)
236489  | BD 3. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236488  | BD 5. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236487 | BD 10. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236486 | BD 10. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236492 | LD: 1+13=14 | CD:6+2=8 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236492a] T4 Rare Weapon, [236492b] T4 Uncommon Consumable     
ID: 236491 | LD: 13+13=26 | CD:2+2=4 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236491a] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236491b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236491c] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236491d] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield
ID: 236490 | LD: 20+13=33 | CD:10+2=12 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236490a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236490b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236489 | LD: 17+13=30 | CD:4+2=6 | Col:7488, Mats:2, [236489a] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236489b] T4 Perfect Weapon, [236489c] T4 Perfect Weapon     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

When are you going to address it? The problem that has been weighing on your heart since you escaped without Edict?

Grile unfolded a large vellum map. “Looks like we’re making pretty good time. I think we’ll get to the campsite before dusk.” Stubs grunted. “We won’t. Every time you say that, some mob of diseased find us and pin us down for too damn long.” Kara elbowed him. “It can’t happen every time. Besides, we’ve got a good luck charm here.”

You’re a curse to the people around you.

Acanthus pointed to herself, as if asking a question. Kara laughed. “Yes, you. And if you’re not good luck, then hopefully you’re good in battle. Either way, we’ll be setting up camp with some daylight left.” I’m glad she’s confident. Maybe that will rub off on me.

If there was one thing she could be confident in, it was her ability to drag others down.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 28/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 105–108 (-19 EN)
236496 | BD 3. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236495 | BD 10. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236494 | BD 6. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236493 | BD 7. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236500 | LD: 8+13=21 | CD:2+2=4 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236500a] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236500b] T4 Perfect Weapon     
ID: 236499 | LD: 9+13=22 | CD:4+2=6 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236499a] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236499b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236499c] T4 Perfect Consumable     
ID: 236498 | LD: 6+13=19 | CD:3+2=5 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236498a] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236498b] T4 Perfect Trinket     
ID: 236497 | LD: 20+13=33 | CD:9+2=11 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236497a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236497b] Random Dungeon Map     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

But I’m done dragging them down. Dispatching another round of monsters, she planned out her next course of action. I should have a few shards and scales after this. I can work on setting up the perfect equipment for the boss fight. Maybe then I won't be useless. Like I was back in the forest on floor three. Or…

The next few hours of travel went by with very little happening. Grile and Kara took to the front, Greyson on the rear, and Stubs focused on their two horses. Acanthus continued collected samples of leaves and other things she could get her hands on. As she put her tools away, Stubs stopped, and put a hand up. “Grile, Kara. Hear that?” Kara had already stopped. Grile slowed and turned around. He then cocked his head and confirmed. “Yea. Sounds like diseased. How many you think?” Acanthus tried her best to listen. She could hear rustling, but she thought it was just the wind through the low vegetation. Stubs responded. “I’m picking up four. No, five.” Kara nodded. “I’m hearing five as well. Looks like it’s a good thing that our friend here decided to come along. One for each of us.”

Spoiler

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 13/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 109–112 (-19 EN)
236504 | BD 5. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236503 | BD 9. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236502 | BD 7. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236501 | BD 5. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236508 | LD: 12+13=25 | CD:8+2=10 | Col:5408, Mats:0, [236508a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236508b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236507 | LD: 15+13=28 | CD:11+2=13 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236507a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236507b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236506 | LD: 9+13=22 | CD:1+2=3 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236506a] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236506b] T4 Perfect Weapon     
ID: 236505 | LD: 16+13=29 | CD:1+2=3 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236505a] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236505b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236505c] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236505d] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

Acanthus continued her slaughter, her mind occupied with memories.

There hadn’t been anytime to give Kara a funeral. Acanthus didn’t know if the others blamed her. They were NPCs: could they hold such a human emotion? Acanthus did not detect any change from the rest of the group. Somber, yes, but to them, her death was simply a fact of life. “We’re almost there.” Greyson led the caravan down the path to the heart of the woods, where they would find the materials she needed for her blade.

Whether it was fate or circumstance, Acanthus now found herself at the very same place. The tide of villagers had been stemmed, and so Acanthus took the moment to venture in.

 

Spoiler

 

Acanthus | Lvl 55 | HP: 780/780 | EN: 0/92 | DMG: 28 | ACC:5 | AA | LD:12 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2 | HELLFIRE: 80

Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG
Diseased Villager NUM | HP 0/416 | 132 DMG

Recovery. +4 EN.

Post Action: TECH-F -> Diseased Villagers 113–115 (-17 EN)
236513 | BD 3. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236512 | BD 4. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.
236511 | BD 6. Hit! 28 * 12 = 336 + 80 = 416 damage.

Looting Rolls
ID: 236516 | LD: 15+13=28 | CD:9+2=11 | Col:3744, Mats:4, [236516a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [236516b] Random Dungeon Map     
ID: 236515 | LD: 9+13=22 | CD:11+2=13 | Col:5824, Mats:4, [236515a] T4 Perfect Trinket     
ID: 236514 | LD: 14+13=27 | CD:1+2=3 | Col:4576, Mats:2, [236514a] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236514b] T4 Perfect Consumable, [236514c] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield, [236514d] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield     

 

 

Edited October 25 by Acanthus

[Acanthus 0]

She paused in the grove. Something compelled her to sit and listen. A calling she had heard less of late.

“Mom, what are those noises?” Haru’s mom closed her eyes, listening intently. She smiled. “Haru, dear, close your eyes. They won’t help you listen.” Haru squeezed her eyes shut, grabbing hold of her mom’s hand. As her vision melted away, she began to “see” the sounds. The wind rustled the trees in various waves of green. The taller the tree, the darker green the wave. Something vaguely brown moved in the bushes. How it was brown, she didn’t know. It just sounded that way. Then, a chorus of birds came into focus, bright splashes of circles and colors: blue, yellow, red. Withdrawing to a safe distance, she listened to the canvas of sound as a whole. It was a gorgeous swath of colors that left Haru breathless.

“Do you hear it now?” Haru nodded eagerly.

[Acanthus 0]

Try as she might, she couldn’t pick the sounds out from the wall of noise in the grove. Birds cackled and leaves shook, but it felt like a sticky mess of a singular noise, like a bag of candy left in a hot car. It was nothing like the beautiful tapestry of natural sounds from the real world. All the game succeeded in doing was making her realize how fake everything here really was.

Acanthus was crying. It was a steady, silent flow of tears, dropping directly into the soil beneath her. She told herself it was just exhaustion. Maybe frustration from not being up on her feet and killing. But the familiar bodies around her suggested otherwise. Empty eye sockets crawled with vines and bugs, looking at her with cutting accusations.

“I’m sorry,” she said to no one in particular. She heaved herself onto her feet again. She had to keep moving.