[BR-F28] Paving the Way to Floor 29 [Team 3: Alkor]

[Morningstar 0]

working on this but i am currently dying so it might be last second

Spoiler

TECH-B and shit

[4] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 82/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
[10] Alkor | HP: 1012/1012 | EN: 117/120 | DMG: 12 | MIT:222 | ACC:4 | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:0 | BH:56 | BLD: 48 | BLI: 32/-20 | PARA | LD:0 | Rested [2/3] | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
[4] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 87/114 (79+12-20) | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[4] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 91/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[10] Koga | HP: 1081/1081 | EN: 63/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean

 

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+250] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+4][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [5/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

[Plot Master 0]

The beast’s growl rolled like thunder, its thick fur bristled beneath the swirling tendrils of mist. Gore, and something altogether unworldly oozed from cuts in the bear’s hide. If the wounds caused any pain, or if the creature noticed them at all, it gave no indication. Instead, it continued to grapple with the captured Players, its yellowed teeth glinting in the faint light. Paws the size of dinner plates swatted at the ensnared humans, razor-sharp nails skipping along veins that could be easily cut and drained. 

After being robbed twice of its prize, Callisto rounded on the raven-haired swordsman. It gave no warning, merely launched itself at Koga. Simple, straight-forward bloodshed. Claws flashed as it moved with a speed that should be impossible for such a large beast, closing the space between them in a matter of heartbeats. The damage that rained down upon it went largely unnoticed - Callisto had eyes only for Koga. And when Koga side-stepped its attack, the raw fury in the boss’ roar felt as if it could deal damage by itself.

---

Adjustments:
Oscar | Inactivity Strike 1/3
Alkor | Inactivity Strike 3/3, Removed from thread
Astralin |  -4 EN (102+4-10+1=97), Rested (0/2) Removed from block
Koga | +4 EN (85+4-30=59+ 8 Energeize = 67), +20 DMG ((20+3)x(31+3)=782-45=737+80=817
Morningstar | Inactivity Strike 1/3
Katoka | Energy Adjusted (79+4+8-20 = 71), Hate Adjusted (+1)

Lair Action Defense:
Addled Memory Fades

Cooldowns:
Koga | Rending Familiar CD [5/5], Focused Howl [3/4], Charge [1/3]
Oscar | Grappling Familiar CD [4/7]

Applications:
[Delay] ACC -2 under rampage | -1 CD

Damage:
Oscar | 0
Morningstar | 0
Katoka | 679
Astralin | 0
Koga | 817
Total Dealt: 1496
Rampage Stacks | 2 (+100 DMG, +2 ACC)

---

Totem of the Bear->Koga's Hatred reduced by -1
Post Action Target -> Koga
ID 238011  | BD 2(-1[+2][-2])-4 = 1  | CD 3 | Miss

Rampage reset to 0

---

Players:
[4] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 82/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[5] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 71/114 | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[4] Astralin | HP: 804/805 | EN: 91/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[9] Koga | HP: 1081/1081 | EN: 67/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+100] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+2][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [2/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

[Plot Master 0]

The ground beneath the trespassers feet would began to give way, as if responding to the beckoning call of Callisto. The guardian of this grove, its home sought itself assistance with its outcry and nature itself obliged. Dark roots with sharpened barbs climb upon ankles and slink themselves through slips in armor with ease. A break neck embrace of greedy hands in the form of vines as they'd bind and find themselves tight and held fast. An earthen smell and a puncture of the skin confirms they were about to be dragged to the ground, a wench to remove these wretched invaders from the strength to stand. The gentle ticks of bars as the near insignificant damage would foreshadow something much greater to come. Rooted by the very roots they had trampled upon, bundled and ready to be delivered to the overseer's waiting maw. Those players would have but a moment or two to see themselves free, else the teeth upon their skin would begin to chew.

Round 7 has begun.
Players will have until 12/2/2024 | 11:59:59 PM (EST) to complete their post
[Countdown Timer]

---

Lair action Descriptions:
Blooming Decay | LD 1-5 | Callisto will regenerate 1% of his maximum hitpoints at the start of his next turn, when this occurs this effect ends. This buff can be removed before Callisto's turn if Burn is applied/refreshed by your party.
Nature's Fury | LD 6-10 | At the start of Callisto's next turn, all players are inflicted with bleed 2. If this would refresh an existing bleed, the entire damage is dealt before refreshing. This effect is removed when your party uses their post actions to make a culminative LD (Nimble + Evasion Modifier) roll of 30 to free themselves from their binds and assist their team.
Stride the Spirit Realm | LD 11-15 | While Callisto has this buff, his evasion is set to 10 and the first successful attack does not deal damage. After the first successful attack, this buff is removed (i.e., successive attacks will deal damage and his evasion is reset to its normal amount). In addition, while under the effects of Stride the Spirit Realm, all activated Accuracy bonuses (Rally, Concentration, etc.) provide double the normal accuracy modifier during player's attacks.
Addled Memory | LD 16-20 | Harrowing sounds of old drown out deeper thoughts, your party can no longer use items until the start of Callisto's next turn. This effect is removed when your party uses their post action to make a culminative LD (Searching + Detect + Trinket + Food) roll of 30 to shake themselves out of this stupor. 

Lair Action Roll:
ID 238008 | LD 8 -> Nature's Fury

[Koga 0]

Koga leapt off Callisto's back, landing beside Katoka, gently punching her shoulder with a satisfied smirk as they reassessed the boss' HP. Almost to the red. The fight was almost over, the Frontliners had this cinched, Koga thought, despite himself. It never did well to congratulate oneself before the job was done.

They could get pseudo-plastered and celebrate later though. Koga refocused himself and readied his sword again to sweep in with another strike. The man took one step forward-

What was the status effect that had just popped onto his screen? Was that bleed? Oh, and why couldn't he move his fucking feet? Koga looked down. Dark roots, black with rot and swamp muck had begun to curl their way up his legs. "Guys! Problem!" Koga shouted back to the others, only to see them in the same predicament. "Oh for fuck's- who pissed off Poison Ivy?" Third-partied by a DC villain. What a lame way to go.

---

Spoiler

[4] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 82/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
[5] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 71/114 | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[4] Astralin | HP: 804/805 | EN: 91/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[9] Koga | HP: 1081/1081 | EN: 67/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+100] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+2][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [2/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

---

POST ACTION: LD Check vs Nature's Fury
238482 | LD nat3

Nature's Fury LD: 7/30

 

Edited December 2 by Koga

[Katoka 0]

They were doing it. The end was in sight. If things went according to plan they could all get home safe and sound.

Kat grinned at Koga, they had taken a substantial chunk out of the beast. Her smile quickly faded as she felt a tug at her ankles. Looking down she felt her blood run cold as various vines snaked up her legs and griped her tightly. She tugged and twisted, in an attempt to pull herself free. "Damn, this might be a problem." she grumbled, looking to her party members and seeing that they too were rooted to the ground.

Using her sword she attempted to hack and slash at the growth, cutting bits and pieces away. More continued to grow to replace what was cut away but she was making some progress. "Hey I think we can cut through this stuff!" she turned her attention back to the plants. She cut and she slashed, trying to prevent whatever inevitable effect that was going to deplete their health bars. With any luck they could all bust through the plant matter and dodge the incoming threat.

"Anyone have a set of gardening shears lying around? Or maybe some hedge clippers?"

----

Nature's Fury LD Check

ID#: 238483 | LD: 12+3=15

Nature's Fury LD: 22/30

[4] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 82/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
[5] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 71/114 | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[4] Astralin | HP: 804/805 | EN: 91/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[9] Koga | HP: 1081/1081 | EN: 67/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+100] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+2][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [2/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

Edited December 2 by Katoka

[Astralin 0]

                                Astralin watched the party members clash with the boss. after having been freed from Callisto's grasp again, the Tank seemed to have disappeared. Could this have been Callisto's doing? An act of "If I can't have them, you can't either"? Well, now the party was without a full on Tank, and the monster's gaze fixed itself on Koga. Astralin had a feeling she was going to be pretty busy at this point.

     But just as she was thinking of what form she should use for her healing magic, she felt something rather unwelcome wrap around her legs and tug at her dress. She looked down and behind her, spotting prickly vines preparing to constrict...and she wasn't the only one targeted by these thorny vines. Astralin was aggravated, but not full on angered just yet. She balled her hands into fists and placed them against her hips. "You do not just wrap around a girl's legs without her permission!" She spoke to the vines, though she was fully aware they would not understand nor care. "And I'll teach you to hurt my friends and allies like this!" She added as she raised up her hands, charging up power in her handwraps. With two swift chops done simultaneously, Astralin struck, and destroyed, the vines holding her hostage. Then she looked to search for the current source of the vines(other than Callisto, of course).

               Astralin's eyes narrowed as she saw the larger vine dipping below the ground as its limbs would resurface to attack the players present, she zeroed in on the alleged source as it produced more vines to try and stop her, but they used the same strategy as before, so if Astralin moved quickly enough, she could bypass them and take the vines down. She rushed towards her target and leapt. "Thunderous Frostnova!" She called out as she descended upon the heart of the vines. The impact would cause the epicenter of the vines to sink into the mire by about a meter, while a chilling gust would erupt in a spherical burst on the site of the impact, with a burst of sparks from a large jolt, the sound of thunder accompanying it. Ice would proceed to creep along the vines as a whole, at a truly impressive speed, until every vine was chilled down to the formation of ice creeping along its trail. Then, came the electricity, coursing trough every vine, and these jolts of voltage traveled through the vines, popping, breaking, and shattering the frozen vines, while leaving any victims the vines had grappled unharmed. A second burst at the epicenter and alleged heart of this set of vines, and it shattered.
    Astralin got up from her destruction of the remaining vines, then looked to the others that had yet to act. "All clear, go all out!" She called out to them with a smile and a thumbs up.

 

Battle Healing: Astralin recovers 14 HP

ID# 238485 CD: 6(Recovery does not activate), [Side note, LD was a 20, should have just used that roll for Nature's fury]

ID# 238486 LD: 8+1+5=14

Nature's Fury LD: 36/30, Nature's Fury Disabled!

 

Spoiler

[4] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 82/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
[5] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 71/114 | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[4] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 95/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[9] Koga | HP: 1081/1081 | EN: 67/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+100] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+2][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [2/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

Edited December 2 by Astralin

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar cut through vines and flesh, reeling at the sight of the evolving bear. A second stage--who would have thought? Callisto towered above the raid party. Nature joined its side, vines and thorns coming to it as if they were one. The beast had chosen new weapons. The raiders persevered, continuing their strain of attacks despite the effects of the lair action.

The combined efforts of Team 3 dispelled the plants, making space for Morningstar to attack. He charged forward relentlessly, his blade gleaming as it caught the dim light of the boss room. Callisto roared, the sound reverberating through the twisted space, but Morningstar didn’t falter. He slashed upward, his sword igniting with a radiant glow that cut through the beast's natural armor, scoring a deep wound along its flank.

Its health bar was a fraction of what it was. With a third of its points remaining, it fought on, struggling with the adamant frontliners.

Spoiler

+4 EN to Morningstar
ID238491 | cd1 | Recovery failed

POST ACTION | TECH-B

ID238492 | bd2+8=10 | 27*16-45+80 = 467 DMG + Delay -> Callisto

EN: -13

[5] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 73/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
[5] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 71/114 | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[4] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 95/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[9] Koga | HP: 1081/1081 | EN: 67/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+100] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+2][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [2/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

[Plot Master 0]

The husks of impossibly tall trees, enshrouded in rot and decay, seemed to curl inwards, as if peering down to spectate the climax of this epic battle. The sickening sounds of creaking, splitting wood accompanied the cacophony of blades crashing and the thrumming of heavy footfalls from the massive beast they sought to fell. 

It was not Callisto that was the first to fall, as the entity had sworn to itself.

Many more would follow in the player’s footsteps, the crushing wight of Callisto atop of them being the last they would feel as the last breath of desperate air left their lungs. 

Pushing itself onto its hind legs, the massive embodiment of the corruption of the wood would let out a piercing wail, unlike any a typical bear would make. While no discernable words left its toothy maw, there was malice behind its roar.

It mocked their comrade as the player’s body faded into nothing but shattered data before their very eyes. 

 

More will follow.

More will fall.

M̶̯̍͒ö̸̹͍̖̥́r̷͉͛͂̈́̓e̴̤̥̲͌͌͐ ̷̹̞̑͘w̴͙̆̒į̵̬̞̠̳́ľ̸̠̗̲̹̙ĺ̶̛̈͘͜ͅ ̸͙̮̪͒͊̽͒d̴̺͎̏̒í̷͖͉̣̂̽̀e̷̡̙̞̐̌

 

 

 

Important Note from Staff//

Quote

 

After the boss’ rolls, a player was meant to die. Their health hit 0, and by the rules established and understood by our community for years, that would typically be the end of a character’s life. However, a request was brought up by another member of the player in question’s party if we would allow them to take the full brunt of the boss’ attack, sparing the player originally meant to die, and sacrificing themselves instead. 

Their arguments proved that it would make sense narratively, both within the raid thread and their own story. So after a couple of days of discussion with the players in question and the rest of staff, we have decided to approve their request. 

There will be a formal update that makes this mechanic available to all players in future raid parties soon.

 

---

Adjustments:
Oscar | Inactivity Strike 2/3
Koga | EN Adjusted -> +4 EN
Katoka | EN Adjusted -> +4 EN

Lair Action Defense:
Koga | 7
Katoka | 15
Astralin | 14
36/30 -> Nature's Fury Blocked
 

Cooldowns:
Koga | Focused Howl [4/4], Charge [2/3]
Oscar | Grappling Familiar CD [5/7]

Applications:
[Delay] ACC -2 under rampage | -1 CD

Damage:
Oscar | 0
Morningstar | 467 {Delay}
Katoka | 0
Astralin | 0
Koga | 0
Total Dealt: 467
Rampage Stacks | 1 (+50 DMG, +1 ACC)

---

Totem of the Bear->Koga's Hatred reduced by -1
Post Action Target -> Koga
ID 238495  | BD 10  | CD 2 |
Critical Hit -> 300+50 = 350 DMG, [Blind 2] Blocked by Antidote(0/3 charges remain)

Rampage reset to 0

---

Players:
[5] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 73/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[5] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 75/114 | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[4] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 95/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[8] Koga | HP: 731/1081 | EN: 71/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | [Madness I 12/8]

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+50] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+1][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [1/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

 

[Plot Master 0]

Furious vines retracted back into the ground, like wounded snakes slithering back into the deepest parts of their den. However, they would not depart that simply, not without claiming a prize. Gripping tightly at the scattered remains of whatever long gone adventurer it could find. Corpses still adorned in their battered armor dragged through the dirt haphazardly, without care for the delicate nature of death or the legacy this warrior may have had. The remains were pulled into the jagged tooth-like maw that was the splintered earth, which, in return, belched out a cloud of putrid spores. They hovered in the air like swarming gnats before descending upon Callisto. Where the fungus seemed to land on the bear's dark and matted fur, wounds inflicted by the players seemed to close ever so slightly. 

Round 8 has begun.
Players will have until 12/8/2024 | 11:59:59 PM (EST) to complete their post
[Countdown Timer]

---

Lair action Descriptions:
Blooming Decay | LD 1-5 | Callisto will regenerate 1% of his maximum hitpoints at the start of his next turn, when this occurs this effect ends. This buff can be removed before Callisto's turn if Burn is applied/refreshed by your party.
Nature's Fury | LD 6-10 | At the start of Callisto's next turn, all players are inflicted with bleed 2. If this would refresh an existing bleed, the entire damage is dealt before refreshing. This effect is removed when your party uses their post actions to make a culminative LD (Nimble + Evasion Modifier) roll of 30 to free themselves from their binds and assist their team.
Stride the Spirit Realm | LD 11-15 | While Callisto has this buff, his evasion is set to 10 and the first successful attack does not deal damage. After the first successful attack, this buff is removed (i.e., successive attacks will deal damage and his evasion is reset to its normal amount). In addition, while under the effects of Stride the Spirit Realm, all activated Accuracy bonuses (Rally, Concentration, etc.) provide double the normal accuracy modifier during player's attacks.
Addled Memory | LD 16-20 | Harrowing sounds of old drown out deeper thoughts, your party can no longer use items until the start of Callisto's next turn. This effect is removed when your party uses their post action to make a culminative LD (Searching + Detect + Trinket + Food) roll of 30 to shake themselves out of this stupor. 

Lair Action Roll:
ID 238507 | LD 2 -> Blooming Decay

[Katoka 0]

Once Astralin managed to take care of the remaining overgrowth that had been holding the party back, Kat nodded to her in thanks before turning her attention back to Callisto. Just in time to watch as Freyd pulled Wulfrin out of the line of fire. She felt her heartbeat quicken as time seemed to slow down around her. Surely something like that wouldn't leave more than a scratch on him.

Katoka watched as his health dropped. The little bar going from green, to yellow, and then red faster than she could process. And then the man that was a brother to her in all but blood shattered into a thousand tiny fractals of light right before her eyes. She felt her blood turn to ice in her veins. The hair on the back of her neck standing on end as silence seemed to fall on the battlefield for the first time since they all entered the layer of the beast, and that silence was deafening.

"Freyd?" a small and meek voice escaped her lips. One she hadn't heard since her first days in Aincrad.

In an instant she was that scared and weak girl again. Her breathing was now rapid, her eyes wide as she frantically scanned the area, sure that she had missed something. Positive that he would step out of the shadows like he always did, that stupid grin on his face.

But there was nothing.

There was silence.

Images played like a reel of film in her head. A trip through the desert to fight a shark. A dance off in the woods with Elora and some other elves. Fighting horridly glitched monsters in dungeon after dungeon. Endless jokes and elbows in ribs and smiles. The film in her mind began to burn and melt away.

A booming voice cut through the air, a call to arms. Was that Mac? "We will not let Freyd’s sacrifice be in vain," it had called out. There was more but it was enough to snap the samurai back into reality. Looking down at the sword in her hand, she felt her grip tighten around the handle reflexively. She could feel the rage begin to build. Her rapid breaths turned into slow, steady one with a purpose. And then she was gone.

Without a sound the small blonde seemed to vanish without a trace. Half a second later a crater appeared in the ground where she had kicked off and there was a resounding boom as she appeared at Callisto's side as if she had always been there. Her sword was between his ribs, its blade glowing a deep blood red as her sword art detonated while inside the creature. The bear flinched at the shockwave from the sheer speed of her movement caught up to them, smashing into him like a truck into a brick wall.

With a roar of her own, Katoka removed her blade from the flank of her target. Her throat making sounds she never thought they could make as her rage and sorrow erupted from her.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

He was gone. Freyd was gone and there was nothing she could do.

Tears streaked her face as a new wound was now freshly torn into her heart.

----

Spoiler

 

Katoka recovers +4 EN
CD: 6 (No Rec Proc ID#: 238573)

Post Action | [x15] ST-I (12 EN + 2 Shift EN) = 14 EN - (Stamina) = 12 EN
Free Action | N/A

ID#: 238574 | BD: 4+8=12 HIT! | 28*15=420-45 MIT = 375+80 HELLSTORM = 455 DMG vs. Callisto!

[5] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 73/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[6] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 67/114 (75+4-12) | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[4] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 95/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[8] Koga | HP: 731/1081 | EN: 71/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | [Madness I 12/8]

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+50] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+1][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [1/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

 

Edited December 6 by Katoka

[Koga 0]

The party was immobilized. Koga tugged and pulled at the vines, tried to cut them away his sword to no avail. This wasn't good. A brief glance up at the boss told Koga that Callisto was temporarily distracted by another party. "Someone please tell me they brought a chainsaw!" Koga called to the others as he tried again to free himself, the thorns biting into his legs as he pulled. Another vine lashed out, reaching up to Koga's sword arm and binding it. This wasn't good.

The sound of electricity crackling suddenly cut through the air as Astralin cast whatever pseudo-magic it was that she used. In mere moments the vines exploded into nothingness, leaving Koga grinning at Astralin, "Nice job, Ast-"

"Freyd?"

Somehow, Katoka's voice, small and quiet, rose above the sounds of warfare, cutting through them with a sharpness that stilled Koga's heart. The man turned, first to lookat Kat, and then to follow her gaze. Just in time to watch as Freyd, his friend, fall.

"FREYD!"

The shout that Koga let out was somewhere between shock, plea, and anger. Koga's breathing became heavier, chest rising and falling. His heartbeat began to thrum in his ears. It had to be his, Freyd's had ceased. His vision narrowed to the blue shards that had once been his friend, then turned to Callisto. Somewhere a voice attempted to rally the Frontliners. Do not let Freyd, a man they all knew, all looked up to, and had fought beside, die in vain.

---

Spoiler

[5] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 73/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[6] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 67/114 (75+4-12) | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[4] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 95/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[8] Koga | HP: 814/1081 (731+83) | EN: 73/128 (71+4-2) | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | [Madness I 12/8]

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+50] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+1][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [1/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

---

Battle Healing | +59 HP
Holy Blessing | +24 HP
Vampiric-D. | 258580 | CD nat6

Post Action | Tech-A | 238579 | nat1 | -2 EN

 

Edited December 6 by Koga

[Astralin 0]

                         Astralin thought she'd destroyed all the vines, but it seemed that there were some that remained... They grabbed at some of the scattered corpses, and brought them into some kind of maw within the mire itself...

   The Mire was alive.

   THE MIRE WAS ALIVE.

  ...And it was a creature of death that sought to rot anything that wasn't itself, and saw fit to consume or desecrate every corpse it could hold, there was no respect for the dead, they were seen as little more than coals to fuel a fire, no thankfulness for sacrifice, only an unearthly hunger that sought the destruction of all.
             The mire cared only for itself, anything else that lived was only unimportant fuel in its perspective...and Callisto was its champion. This was a monster that should not be allowed to continue...after all, should this force of death come loose, it would surely seek to consume the entire floor, and Callisto, now a shadow of whatever majestic bear he may have been, was its greatest weapon.

    But from one witnessed horror came to the next, as she looked to see Callisto unleash another Evocation upon one of the parties, where one was unprepared for the attack...and Astralin would see Freyd step in, taking both the would-be Victim's damage as well as his own that he'd received...

  "Freyd...?"

  Astralin could only watch in horror as one of the greatest HP meters among players...was depleted to zero.

                 Astralin stood speechless, as Freyd's avatar shattered...and unlike the players who knew him, unlike those who were close to him, and unlike Astralin, who was grateful for his helpfulness to her...surely, that wretched mire may only see him as fresh fuel for its abominations.

   Astralin's eyes closed, and her hands balled into tight fists. In the blink of an Eye, the Subzero Stormwind would be temporarily swapped with Glowing Embers. As Astralin's eyes opened, her expression changed to one that revealed a sense of vendetta, a will to avenge the fallen, as her handwraps became alight with fire.

    Astralin would see to it that this floor is cleansed of this detestable mire and its reeking existence of death. As she set her eyes on her target, she knew just where to start. By working to topple the mire's champion, its best bet against all creatures that live in this present day...Callisto.
                     "HARROWING PYRE!!" She called out as she leapt towards the beast. She struck with the power she was able to muster, and on impact, there was a burst of billowing flames that she sought to torment the monsters with. She may have failed to ignite Callisto, let alone the spores the Mire provided it with, but perhaps she was able to deter the monstrous Mire. First, she stopped the vines from taking the players. Now, she aimed to put the fear of her inside the creeping rot that sought to take all. She and her allies would be a force to be reckoned with. There will be a cleansing, and Astralin, along with many others, will surely not dare to take this laying down.

                   Astralin stared into the dead eyes of the beast. "You may not bleed..." Astralin began. "But regardless of what element I may need, I swear...I will see to it that you BURN." She declared, as her handwraps flared up, with a justified anguish burning in her eyes.

 

Free action: Quick Change
Swapped [T4]Subzero Stormwind with [T3]Glowing Embers

ID# 238583 BD: 7+4=11(hit)

ID# 238584 CD: 7(Recovered an additional 4 EN)

TECH-A: 23x16-65=303 Damage to Callisto, Stun Applied

 

Spoiler

[5] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 73/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[6] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 67/114 (75+4-12) | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[5] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 87/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | BRN: 42 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[8] Koga | HP: 814/1081 (731+83) | EN: 73/128 (71+4-2) | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | [Madness I 12/8]

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+50] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+1][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [1/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

Edited December 6 by Astralin

[Morningstar 0]

Freyd made miracles out of hopeless situations. His true unique skill was not deceit or disguises—it was influence. He made people want to follow him no matter the circumstances. At least, that was the effect he had on Morningstar. If asked to describe him, Star would say that Freyd was his mentor; his captain; his friend. He was the strongest, Star was sure—capable of challenging Cardinal itself if push came to shove.

To see him fall hurt in ways that Morningstar had forgotten. Emotions plunged deep into the back of his mind, repressed for all time, crawled their way back up to the surface and made his heart their home. He stared in disbelief. Freyd was the strongest. He couldn’t be stopped. It was impossible.

An opaque haze dulled Morningstar’s sight. At first glance, he thought Wulfrin had taken the brunt of the damage. Their freshest recruit, a newly married man, sent to die on the frontlines. The image of Ciela flashed in his mind. She had stayed behind, awaiting the return of the love of her life, unaware of the fact that she would never see him again. Then, he realized he had been tricked.

Freyd took on a false form, claiming the identity of their friend. He played his role perfectly, stepping in the path of the oncoming attack and protecting his teammate from harm. Morningstar could only watch from a distance, eyes wide as the truth sunk in. The gap between them was too large, and the damage dealt too great. Not even their best healers could stop what had happened. Freyd was dead.

He was the strongest. And yet, he was stopped.

Flames spat from Dying Sun, a stark contrast from Star’s usual attacks. Anger, shock, grief, and guilt sparked up all around him as players found their voices. Their shouting jumbled together into a conglomeration of pain and wishful vengeance. Through it all, Morningstar remained silent—for what could he have said that they had not already?

Besides, he was too busy choking on his tears to join in on their rally.

Spoiler

+4 EN to Morningstar
ID238610| cd8 | Recovery successful. +8 EN

POST ACTION | TECH-G

ID238609 | bd10 | (27+2)*16-45+80 = 499 DMG + Burn + Paralyze -> Callisto

EN: -13

[7] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 72/118 (73-12-13) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[4] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[6] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 67/114 (75+4-12) | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[5] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 87/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | BRN: 42 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[8] Koga | HP: 814/1081 (731+83) | EN: 73/128 (71+4-2) | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | [Madness I 12/8]

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+50] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+1][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [1/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

[Oscar 0]

“Get behind me!”

Oscar could scarcely recognize the voice. The desperation in the tone, the urgency in the inflection. It forced him to swivel his head towards the source. He could scarcely believe what he saw. Oscar had never known Freyd to lose his composure like that. There had been only one time in a throwaway quest where he’d seen the man come close. As Oscar watched the man throw himself into the line of fire, something shook him to his very core. A gnawing dread gripped him. Time seemed to slow to a crawl.

Oscar trusted Freyd. Implicitly. But he also knew what was about to happen. The cold calculus of the virtual reality prison would not allow for any other outcome. And he saw how others, through their faith in the man, trusted that he would be able to follow through. That he would be able to produce another miracle.

But Oscar knew in his bones what the grim reality was.

Despite this, he - like everyone else who bore witness - had hope. Brilliant gold clashed against deep, shadowy purple like two tidal waves colliding. And all he could do was watch. As Freyd’s health dropped lower and lower, the strength of that golden wave was similarly sapped away. And as that bar completely emptied, as Freyd - his friend - cracked and shattered, what little spark of gold was engulfed entirely.

Oscar froze. Freyd was the best of them. Better than himself, certainly. His fall cast a grim aura over the entire Raid. One-by-one, the Frontlines lamented his passing. Their voices raised up in an agonized chorus, their tears flowing and threatening to wash away the ground where they once stood. This was a first for Oscar. He’d never seen anyone so strong, so competent, die in the game. His hands were stained red, but those bodies he’d left in his wake had all deserved it.

And for the first time, Oscar had nothing to say.

He had no one-liner that would help soothe the hurt. Humor would not solve this. It would not help his companions mourn the passing of the Whisper. It would not bring him back. And it became readily and blatantly apparent that if Oscar didn’t have that, he had nothing.

Do you really think you can save them?

That question boiled to the surface again.

Do you really think you can save them? Freyd couldn’t even save himself. One of our best couldn’t even save himself. What chance do you have?

Oscar couldn’t even lie and deny it. 

Do you really think you can save them? Incompetence surrounds you. Look around. This boss could have died a long time ago if people put any thought into what they were doing. We lost Freyd because everyone is so fucking stupid. You cannot save stupid.

Oscar grit his teeth. His mask had cracked. He couldn’t deny those thoughts. He knew they were intrusive. That they were unfair. But nevertheless, he could not deny them. Oscar looked out over the Raid, eyes flicking to each individual member and then to the boss’s incredibly low health bar. If they’d been a little smarter, played a little better, the thing would have been dead before Freyd was even at risk. Without his mask, Oscar only had his rage. This level of incompetence was offensive. They were all here. They were all the only hope anyone had. And they couldn’t pull it together enough to keep one of their very own safe.

It was pathetic.

He would have called attention to it. But the job wasn’t finished. Oscar would not be like the fools he surrounded himself with. He wouldn’t let emotion and hatred shake him. There would be plenty of time when the job was done. 

“Fuck your vow, Wulfrin,” Oscar said to himself as he returned his focus to the target. That’s all it was. A target. A clump of code unable to defy its own nature. It was foolish to blame the bear for doing simply what it was programmed to. It was there to kill them. The onus was on the Players to protect themselves. To play the game to the best of their ability to keep each other safe.

He strode forward, brandishing his weapon. As he did, he cast one last look to where the Whisper had once stood. In that fraction of a second, Oscar allowed himself one moment of mourning. It was all he could afford. A fraction of a second to bleed it out.

I’m not going to be able to follow where you’re going, Oscar thought. But save me a seat anyway. I’d like to hope.
 

Spoiler

Tech-A vs Callisto
ID: 238650 | BD: 8+3 = 324 - 45 = 279 DMG, Stun Applied

[7] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 72/118 (73-12-13) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[5] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 102/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean | [Madness 1: 12/1]
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[6] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 67/114 (75+4-12) | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[5] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 87/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | BRN: 42 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[8] Koga | HP: 814/1081 (731+83) | EN: 73/128 (71+4-2) | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC:7 | EVA: 4 | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | [Madness I 12/8]

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+50] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+1][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [1/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

Edited December 8 by Oscar

[Plot Master 0]

What?

A series of growls and snarls, impossibly violent from a creature that should've long been dead followed the emergence of that figure from beyond Cardinal's grasp. Vengeance followed in its every step, the beast slack-jawed, impetuous, rampaging across the night-clad bowl. Once, then twice, it became obvious a certain sort of impatience, frenzy had enveloped its prerogative. Callisto's swings, however wide and impactful, only grazed air, its form flickering, blades of color dragged off its hide for a second longer than it had existed within the area. Hues shifted in aberration, and the world fixed Callisto in place as though to reconsolidate its errors from the past. None of it worked. Only one fortunate brandish of its claws snapped to its destination sooner than expected had caught on a mark.

Left to pace hysterically at the center of the bowl, its once cruel barks started to fade into labored releases. Slowed, it almost looked as though the corpse was trapped, desperate, but nonetheless defiant.

Adjustments:
Oscar | Madness removed from block
Koga | Madness damage applied, Madness counter reduced by 1

Lair Action Defense:
Morningstar | Burn Applied 
 

Cooldowns:
Koga | Charge [3/3]
Oscar | Grappling Familiar CD [6/7]
Astralin | Quick Change [1/3]

Applications:
[Delay] ACC -2 under rampage | -1 CD
[Stun] Ichorus Sweep Blocked
[Burn] Blooming Decay Does not Activate
[Paralyze]

Damage:
Oscar | 279
Morningstar | 499 {Burn}{Paralyze}
Katoka | 455
Astralin | 303 {Stun}
Koga | 0
Total Dealt: 1536
Rampage Stacks | 4 (+200 DMG, +4 ACC)

---

Totem of the Bear->Koga's Hatred reduced by -1
Post Action Target -> Koga
ID 238719  | BD 10  | CD 6(-1) -> Ichorus Sweep Blocked
Auto Hit | 300(+200) = 500 DMG, [Blind 2]

Rampage reset to 0

---

Players:
[7] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 72/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[5] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean 
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[6] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 67/114 | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[5] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 87/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[7] Koga | HP: 302/1081 | EN: 73/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 7[-4] | EVA: 4[-4] | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | LD [-4] [Madness I 12/7] | [Blind 2]

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+200] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+4][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [4/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

[Plot Master 0]

As colored yet horrific fragrance wafts through the air, that same fog would move its sights upon an unsuspecting gaggle of digital avatars. It would burn upon the skin like standing too close to an open flame, the smell a mix of rotten vegetation with the slightest dash of metallic undertone. Their very ears would ring to signify how unwelcome this dust was, and their eyes would begin to blur. A roar from within that coverage, as if it was under his command. Callisto was not done, and its ally had found itself into the ballroom blitz. That violet hued wave of pungent welcoming rolls across the room like the most bitterly biting wave of disapproval. Up was down, hands felt like feet, and the air tasted sublimely like oregano. Perhaps this was the door to madness, or perhaps that was the entrance to this grove. Screens become fuzzy, and maps end up on the flip side. Could the players figure out how to navigate their inventories with everything mixed up?

Round 9 has begun.
Players will have until 12/14/2024 | 11:59:59 PM (EST) to complete their post
[Countdown Timer]

---

Lair action Descriptions:
Blooming Decay | LD 1-5 | Callisto will regenerate 1% of his maximum hitpoints at the start of his next turn, when this occurs this effect ends. This buff can be removed before Callisto's turn if Burn is applied/refreshed by your party.
Nature's Fury | LD 6-10 | At the start of Callisto's next turn, all players are inflicted with bleed 2. If this would refresh an existing bleed, the entire damage is dealt before refreshing. This effect is removed when your party uses their post actions to make a culminative LD (Nimble + Evasion Modifier) roll of 30 to free themselves from their binds and assist their team.
Stride the Spirit Realm | LD 11-15 | While Callisto has this buff, his evasion is set to 10 and the first successful attack does not deal damage (Status effects will still apply). After the first successful attack, this buff is removed (i.e., successive attacks will deal damage and his evasion is reset to its normal amount). In addition, while under the effects of Stride the Spirit Realm, all activated Accuracy bonuses (Rally, Concentration, etc.) provide double the normal accuracy modifier during player's attacks.
Addled Memory | LD 16-20 | Harrowing sounds of old drown out deeper thoughts, your party can no longer use items until the start of Callisto's next turn. This effect is removed when your party uses their post action to make a culminative LD (Searching + Detect + Trinket + Food) roll of 30 to shake themselves out of this stupor. 

Lair Action Roll:

ID 238723| LD 16 -> Addled Memory

[Oscar 0]

Oh, Freyd was alive. How exactly had that happened? Oscar had been overcome by such a raging hate boner and now the source of the hate had dried up. Happy as he was to see his homie alive and kicking (though he had to make a mental note to pour one out for the realest one, Persi), it was all rather deflating. Oscar had been so ready to go on a tear and now he felt as if he had dove face first into a bucket of ice.

The bear was doing some vague bear shit. It was like Alice In Wonderland with some topsy-turvy pizza scented nonsense. Perhaps it might have sent them down the proverbial rabbit hole if Oscar was not convinced of a single fact. One that kept him tethered to reality. One that, through shared knowledge, would completely unravel the bear's maddening italian illusion.

“Bears don't have thumbs. So how does it smell like pizza?”

The distortion cracked and shattered. Simple logic bringing low the boss's attempts to befuddle them. Their ability to use their items was restored and Oscar crossed his arms before him, proud to deliver such a revelation to his team mates.

Spoiler

ID: 238781 Addled Memory Check | LD: 20+11 LMAO U THOUGHT

Players:
[7] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 72/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[5] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean 
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[6] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 67/114 | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[5] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 87/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[7] Koga | HP: 302/1081 | EN: 73/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 7[-4] | EVA: 4[-4] | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | LD [-4] [Madness I 12/7] | [Blind 2]

 

 

Edited December 15 by Oscar

[Morningstar 0]

Oh shit, Freyd lived. Morningstar wiped away his pooling tears and went back to whacking. Callisto re-used Addled Memory, and damned voices tormented the frontlines once more. Star kept in range of the bear, mindlessly slashing as often as he could, his thoughts overpowered. He used offense as his defense, weaving in and out of the bear's range on instinct alone, poised to deal as much damage as humanly possible.

The bear swept at Koga, their primary tank substitute, narrowly missing Morningstar in the process. It happened frequently, and was bound to continue for as long as the swordsman played so close to the boss.

So long as he dodged, he would be fine.

He angled his arms high, positioning them to activate another sword art. Dying Sun burned gold once again, and clicked his heels. Charge closed what little gap there was between them and on the way up, he struck the persistent boss in its midsection.

Spoiler

+4 EN to Morningstar
ID238844| cd3 | Recovery failed.

POST ACTION | CHARGE + TECH-B

ID238845 | bd2+8-1=9 | (27+3)*16-45+80 = 515 DMG + Delay -> Callisto

EN: -21

Players:
[8] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 55/118 (72+4-21) | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[5] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean 
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[6] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 67/114 | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[5] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 87/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[7] Koga | HP: 302/1081 | EN: 73/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 7[-4] | EVA: 4[-4] | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | LD [-4] [Madness I 12/7] | [Blind 2]

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+200] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+4][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [4/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

[Koga 0]

Do you believe in the Divine?

Do you believe in an otherworldly force, greater than oneself?

Do you believe in a power greater than Death itself?

Masato had always struggled with faith. Or maybe he simply believed differently. What the man witnessed in those fragile moments, that turning point where the Frontlines might crumble beneath the weight of the death of a friend, or rally to enact righteous vengeance had him redefining his faith once more.

Whether it was an error in code, Cardinal's fickle favor, Kayaba's personal intervention, or the simple love of a companion which sat upon a hero's shoulder, God certainly existed within Aincrad.

Time seemed to stop, the brilliant blue shards that had once been Freyd, as clear and vibrant as his eyes, froze in place. Fragments of ice cradled in the hands of a little Fate. That little Fate breathed a single, devoted word of defiance. And all those frozen shards that had once been Freyd rushed back towards their point of origin. They reformed, fitting together like puzzle pieces, each with its place and function, a part of the whole. A part of Freyd.

Do not fear, for he is with you once more, do not be afraid, for he is a Freyd. A Freyd that will strengthen you, a Freyd that will help you, a Freyd that uphold with his victorious right hand.

"Yes!" Was the only shout that Koga could let out as he witnessed the return of Freyd, grey haired and different, but still distinctly Freyd.

Blackfire rose into the air as Koga felt the rush of combined glee and adrenaline. That invincible feeling that drove men wild. His HP bar, moments away from becoming red shot back up into the green as he grinned across the field at the returned. With a smirk he couldn't help but jab Kat in the shoulder, as Mac called out to the others: “Nevermind, everyone! Freyd got better!”
"We're not done yet folks." The sword in his hand blazed, swallowing the light. "You're gonna have to try harder than that, Callisto!" Koga shouted up at the boss, taunting. "C'mon!"

---

Spoiler

 

[8] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 55/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[5] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean 
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[6] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 67/114 | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[5] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 87/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[11] Koga | HP: 504/1081 (302+59+24+119) | EN: 73/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 7[-4] | EVA: 4[-4] | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | LD [-4] [Madness I 12/7] | [Blind 2]

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+200] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+4][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [4/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

---

Battle Healing | +59 HP
Holy Blessing | +24 HP
Vampiric D. | 238847 | CD nat12 | +119 HP

Free Action | Rending Familiar | 28 DMG to Callisto

Post Action | Focused Howl

 

 

[Katoka 0]

The roar of battle all but faded from Katoka's ears as a fury induced tinnitus set in. There was no longer a sounds of shouts, weapons striking flesh and bone, bellows of hatred, even the sound of her own voice was drowned out. There was only the long and unending whine of silence.

Then it caught her eye.

The various lights and pieces that had once been Freyd gathers, swirling, reforming into the shape of her friend, albeit with a new hairdo. She froze as she wretched her weapon free from the rotten flesh of her foe. Was she seeing things? Surly it would take a lot more for her mind to break that bad. Sound seemed return to her all at once as her focus shifted out of her rage, the sudden change staggering her slightly.

Whipping her head around she could see that the others were looking at him too. So it wasn't a hallucination after all. Quickly turning back to Callisto, the samurai shifted her stance and felt the hum of her charging sword art. She could find out what happened later, now there was still an enemy that needed to be taken care of. Electricity crackled and buzzed around her, this time a blight and glowing white. She felt different, more at ease with this strength.

Two craters appeared in the side of the bear followed by the sound of thunder rumbling up above. "Now is not the time to falter! We've got this in the bag!"

----

Spoiler

 

Katoka recovers +4 EN
CD: 1 (No Rec Proc ID#: 238927)

Post Action | [x18] ST-II (14 + 2 Shift EN) = 16 EN - (Stamina) = 14 EN
Free Action | N/A

ID#: 238926 | BD: 9 CRIT! | 28+1+15=44*18=792-45 MIT = 747+80 HELLSTORM = 827 DMG vs Callisto

[8] Morningstar | HP: 955/955 | EN: 55/118 | DMG: 27 | MIT: 60 | ACC:8 | AA | EVA:6 | BH:51 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | PARA-V | LD:5 | PROSP:3 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | PROB:36 | JEWEL | Clean
[5] Oscar | HP: 1046/1058 | EN: 110/124 | DMG: 27 | MIT:187 | ACC:3 | PHASE | EVA:2 | BH:58 | REC: 4 | HLY: 16 | BLI: 32/-20 | LD:11 | Clean
Alkor | Removed due to inactivity 3/3 Strikes
[8] Katoka | HP: 800/800 | EN: 57/114 (67+4-14) | DMG: 28 | MIT:38 | ACC:8 | EVA:3 | BH:40 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | HLY: 16 | DOTE: 1/3 | HELLSTORM: 80 | Clean
[5] Astralin | HP: 805/805 | EN: 87/108 | DMG: 23 | MIT: 80 | ACC:4 | PHASE | EVA:5 | BH:14 | REC: 4 | STC: 40 | FRZ: 64 | LD:1 | DOTE: 1/3 | Clean
[11] Koga | HP: 504/1081 (302+59+24+119) | EN: 73/128 | DMG: 31 | MIT: 0 | ACC: 7[-4] | EVA: 4[-4] | BH: 59 | HB: 24 | VAMP-D: 119 | FLN: 16 | BRN: 56 | HELLSTORM: 80 | JEWEL | Clean | LD [-4] [Madness I 12/7] | [Blind 2]

Callisto the Tainted | DMG: 300[+200] | MIT: 65[-20] | ACC: -1[+4][-2] | EVA:0[-1] | BLIND 2 (8-10) | RAMPAGE [4/6] | Iron Flesh | Shatter 1: [1/2] | [REND 56/1] | [BLD 96/1] | [BLI 64/1] | [BRN 112/1] | [FRB 80/1] | [STC 80/1] | [TXC-V 64/2] | [ENV-O 32/3] | [ENV-O 32/3]

 

 

Edited December 14 by Katoka