[PP- F02] A child in need needs some friends indeed! <<Let There Be Light>>

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty was very glad to hear Freyd praise her. It was a definite boost to her usually low confidence. With a sigh, she returned to her would-be shop after her encounter with the King, thinking about how she really should get her butt moving about starting this place up and practicing her alchemy. It was no small ask, however, and she knew that. She needed to try and get experience elsewhere.

Picking a teleportation area at random, a few days later,  she found herself in Urbus, browsing at the local market to see how much alchemy ingredients and products sold for.  

An erratic woman frantically approached Ty as she was debating buying some flasks.  "Pl-please," she begged, "Sorry, I'm Choshi and I've been trying to find someone to help me all day. My child--" she paused, trying to regain her composure. "She-- she was playing in one of the caverns in the mountains with her friend. I-I told her not to go but she didn't listen to me!" Choshi exclaimed hysterically, fat tears pouring from her eyes. "Her friend came back to me just this moment a-and said that they were attacked by monsters! T-the beast is still in there with her, please, I don't know how long my Koko can last in a place like that!" She sobs.

Ty stared at the woman, shocked. She supposed the rapier at her side had made the woman think Ty would be a good candidate to help. She couldn't let her down!

"Ma'am please calm down, I'm sure your child is fine! I'll check the area, promise!" Before the woman could even thank her, the girl was running away as fast as she could with her bent legs. As she ran, she opened her DM screen and sent a message to the guild chat.

"Someone please! A child is in trouble at Urbus, help needed URGENTLY! - Ty" Hitting send, she hurried on.
 

Spoiler

Typhoonflame| Lv. 13 | HP: 260/260 | EN: 44/44 | DMG: 8 | ACC: 4 | PAR: 2 | 30 MIT 

SP: 0 available (65 total)

EXP:  7644

Skills: 

Rapier Skill: 
PASSIVE, Rank 5
Effect: At Rank 1, gain +3 DMG. At Ranks 2-5, +1 per rank (max of +7 DMG for R5 Weapon Skill). At Rank 5, unlock the ability to specialize in a Combat Shift.

<<Forgotten King's Authority>> Extra Skill

Cost: Complete <<Betrayal of the King>> with Unlock Conditions
Action: Free Action
Energy Cost: 5 EN
Cooldown: 7 Turns
Effect: Dispel any disabling effects on yourself. This can be done while disabled.
Description: Through sheer force of will you can exhibit extraordinary command over your body.

 

► Light Armor- Rank 5
Passive
Effect: Gain Mitigation based on your rank in Light Armor. You can only benefit from one armor skill at a time (the respective armor type must be equipped). Your mitigation is capped at 2 enhancement slots and Your Evasion is capped at 2 enhancement slots.
Rank 5: 30 MIT
Description: You have become proficient in Light Armor with leather or scale armor and few metal plates, allowing you protection as well as some maneuverability.

Inventory:

1 Guild Token [Firm Anima]

(3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)
31600 Col
(36) Materials
1 mon
Zachariah's Special Draught | Tierless Potion | HP Recovery III
Initiate's Draw | T1 Perfect Straight Sword | #, #, #
5x Big Bertha Braciole | T1 Rare Snack | Vitality II
Standard <<Alchemist>> Shop
[Rare] Crafting Salve

 

New Character Bundle: 
Support Package

Equipment

T4 Rare Weapon 223975a

Rapier (named Sparkflare) (Accuracy 1, Paralysis 2)

Glasses | T1 Perfect Jewelry | ID: #231543 | ACC III | A glasses frame lacking lenses.

Consumables: 
(3) Starter Healing Potions (Heals 50 HP)

T4 Rare Consumable 223975b
T4 Rare Consumable 223975c

 

Edited December 14 by Typhoonflame

[Freyd 0]

Collecting groceries for dinner, Freyd was staring at a message notification when someone barreled into him from behind.

"What the... who?!"  

A more forceful collision might have been prevented by the system itself, what with Urbus being a safe zone.  Thank goodness for small miracles. Turning to check and see what hit him, Freyd was genuinely surprised to discover it was one of his own guild mates, and the very author of the post he'd just read.

"Ty?!"  Great guffawing laughter broke free from his lips as he helped her get back to her feet, easing the instinctual grip on his katana's hilt. "Oh, wait.  I think I know what this is."  Pausing to pay the very confused grocer behind the counter, Freyd touched the basket of goods, dismissing it to his inventory.  Taking in his compatriot's unchanged appearance, he cycled through several menus before settling on an old, familiar selection.  An instant later, neatly folded leathers appeared in his hand, looking a little too large for her, but perfect fit for himself.

"Here.  Put these on.  Don't worry, they're resize and tailor themselves when you equip them.  I apologize if you don't like the style, but we might have some fighting ahead, and I can't recall all the details of this particular quest.  Better safe than sorry."

Waving his thanks to the merchant, Freyd gathered a few other preparations before extending Ty a party invite.

"Yeah.  I recognize the quest.  It's a good one, but can tug on the heart strings a bit.  Here.  Eat up.  This stuff should help you out."

***

Note: CS (Shades of the Gemini) and CSA (Beckon the Void) are in use.  If any other player objects to these, please state in first post and it will be considered inactive.
Note: Freyd has previously completed this quest.

Freyd consumes and shares:

Gungir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (6/6) - takes 1 portion [filled]

Freyd gives Typhoonflame:

Skirmisher’s Garb (T2 Perfect Light Armor – MIT 2, EVA 1) Acquisition ID: #154523 | Identification ID: #156208, #156209, #156210
Tight-fitting black traveling leathers with a weatherproof coat, designed to be worn by scouts at the forefront of battle, and the first into the fray.

Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 160/160 | DMG: 21 | MIT:152 | ACC: 8 (incl AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | VAMP-O: 141 | PARA-V | LD:5

Spoiler

Name: Freyd, Kuro bara no kishi
True Tier: 18
Level: 33
Paragon Level: 141
HP: 1280/1280
EN: 160/160

Stats:
Damage: 21
Mitigation: 152
Accuracy: 4+2+1+AA
Evasion: 2
Battle Healing: 70
Loot Die: 5
Stealth Rating: -5
AA
TAUNT
VAMP-D: 70
VAMP-O: 141
PARA-V

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Veritas | T4 Katana) | AA, PVO I, VO I, Taunt
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Negare Omnia | T4 HA | MIT III | VD I
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Night Shades | T3 Trinket | ACC III | EVA I

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
  - AOE Shift

Familiar Skill:
  - Grappling Familiar

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

Skills:
  - Battle Healing R5
  - Charge
  - Energist
  - Extended Mod Limit
  - Extended Weight Limit
  - Fighting Spirit
  - Heavy Armor R5
  - Howl
  - Katana R5
  - Quick Change
  - Searching R4

Extra Skills:
  - Disguise
  - Survival
  - Parry
  - Forgotten King's Authority

Inactive Extra Skills:
  - Meditation
  - Lady Luck
  - Photosynthesize
  - Brawler
  - Assault Mode
  - Frozen Hide
  - Hiding R4

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

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

Inactive Mods:
  - Untraceable

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Crystal of Divine Light (Reusable 1/thread) x1
  - Mass HP Rec [Inst] (+10% HP) x7
  - Meathook (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Ordsea Crystal-B (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Ordsea Crystal-B (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Rhino's Horn (Reusable 1/combat) x1
  - Samael's Pride | T4 Katana | FLN II | HLY II  x1
  - Teleport Crystals x7
  - The Bonded Word. | T4 Demonic Trinket - ACC III, REC I x1

Housing Buffs:
  - Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat
  - Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down)
  - Basic Kitchen: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.
  - Storage Closet: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
  - Living Room: Increases out of combatHP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
  - Attic (Bedroom): +1 Expertise to declared utility skill. Cannot boost a skill without ranks, or increase a skill past its maximum rank. Cannot boost a skill the user has not learned yet. Ranks obtained using this buff will make the mods of that rank available for purchase. Mods obtained this way are unusable if this buff is removed until the skill is returned to the appropriate rank by way of SP purchase.
  - Basement: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
  - Guest Room: Players can have one «Amenity» in a «Guest Room» and the «Amenity» cannot be recovered. Players are allowed to change which «Amenity» is in the «Guest Room». Multiple instances of the same «Amenity» do not stack. This buff affects the player and their choice of up to two party members.
  - Extended Workshop: +2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt and +1 crafting attempt per day
  - Ornate Fishing Pond: +2 Fishing EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to fishing attempts.
  - Dining Hall: Turn 3 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Feast. A Feast contains 6 portions of the food items sacrificed. Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread.
  - Mega Slime Farm: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post.

Guild Hall Buffs:
  - Trading Hall: Reduce LD needed for Salvage by 5 (10+ for Alchemist crystals, 6+ for everything else). +2 EXP per craft. Rank 9 crafters and Rank 4 merchants/performers receive +1 crafting/identification attempt per day. Rank 10 crafters and Rank 5 merchants/performers receive +2 crafting/identification attempts per day.
  - Treasury: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild Totem:
  - Tanos

Crafting Profession:
 - Appraising[3478exp] R5
Gathering Profession:
 - Fishing[576exp] R5                                                                                                                         

 

Edited December 14 by Freyd

[Typhoonflame 0]

As she was running, Ty felt herself collide with something...which turned out to be a someone. Before she could draw her rapier, she blinked up at the face of her guild leader.
"Freyd?! What are you doing here?" she asked, then shook the thought away. "No matter! I-it's urgent, sir! There's a child that needs rescuing! Her mother was so worried!" she exclaimed quickly. 

As Freyd handed her some armor and explained this was a quest, she blinked. "Wait...that was an NPC?" she asked, feeling embarrassed. Had she really freaked out over a game character? Well, she supposed they were people too, but they also respawned...Real people didn't. 

"Sorry sir...I thought it was a real person. I know we shouldn't prioritize NPCs who just respawn anyway. I wasn't thinking. Gods, that poor mother, experiencing that anguish over and over..." She sighed, swallowing the dread that formed in her throat when Freyd said that this quest could tug at the heartstrings. This girl couldn't die. She wouldn't let her die, NPC or not! 

She put on the armor and accepted the consumable with a nod.

----

Typhoonflame consumes:
Gungir’s Shard (Untradeable/Unique/Reusable Consumable): Crème Brûlée Tray | ACC 2 | Feast (5/6) - takes 1 portion [filled]

Typhoonflame equips: 
Skirmisher’s Garb (T2 Perfect Light Armor – MIT 2, EVA 1) Acquisition ID: #154523 | Identification ID: #156208, #156209, #156210
Tight-fitting black traveling leathers with a weatherproof coat, designed to be worn by scouts at the forefront of battle, and the first into the fray.

Updated stats:
Typhoonflame| Lv. 13 | HP: 260/260 | EN: 44/44 | DMG: 8 | ACC: 6 | PAR: 2 | 54 MIT | EVA 1 | 

Edited December 14 by Typhoonflame

[Freyd 0]

"Yeah.  That was an NPC.  They do a good job of hawking that one and snaring player feels before you can figure out what's going on.  Don't feel bad.  It does you credit that you cared."  Crossing his arms and leaning against a nearby lamp post, chomping on his own share of dessert, he waited casually as Ty organized herself. 

"Freyd, please, or 'hey you'" he clarified, politely.  "We don't need to be so formal, and it reveals more about who we are than might be wise to otherwise let on."  A single eyebrow raised as she donned the armor, as it adapted itself to fit her far curvier form than its own.  "Doubt if that ever looked as good on me.  Best you keep it, I think.  And, you shouldn't feel bad for caring about that woman or her child.  It's actually important to do so.  Just bear in mind that the system knows that too, and won't be afraid to tug at your emotions to tease, test, or even trap you.  Cardinal's not really known for its sense of fair play, let alone Kayaba."

With a nudge, he pointed down the main  thoroughfare towards the nearest gate.  Most of Urbus' medieval streets were narrow and winding, even the largest of them.  Pulling his cowl up over his head, Freyd's features seemed to melt into darkness beneath the soft woolen hood as its draped and settled casually into place.  The fabric had become so much a part of his persona that few could actually envision him without it.

"Alright scout.  This is your outing.  How do you want to handle this?  Just pretend that I'm only here as a meat shield."

[Typhoonflame 0]

 

Ty supposed Freyd was right about the fact it was a good thing that she cared about NPCs. She was still torn about seeing them as real people. They were people, on one hand, but on the other...they respawned and their emotions were programmed. They looked real, but they didn't suffer from any of the problems that real players suffered from: hunger, real pain and the threat of actually disappearing from both the fictional and real worlds upon death. 

She raised an eyebrow. "Sure, Freyd it is. You can call me Ty, Typhoon or Tara. But anyway, what do you mean by revealing who we are? It's not like there aren't other guilds out there, right? Or are you talking about the whole O&I part of our job?" she added in a lower voice. She huffed at his comment about how the armor looked on her, giving him a "really?" look and rolling her eyes, her formality forgotten for a moment in place of annoyance. "Hush, you looked fine while demolishing Bob's dreams." she quipped. "But yes, I don't plan on letting anyone perish, NPC or no."

"I'm not gonna see you as a meat shield, sir! I mean, Freyd. You didn't see me as one, after all. Just come on." She picked a street at random. "Let's just get out of the city, the monsters are out there, then we can investigate."

[Freyd 0]

"Appreciated, but that's basically my chosen role.  I'm a tank, Ty.  I stand in front and take the hits while others work to take down our enemies."  It felt really weird to actually say that out loud, especially given how long he'd spent as one of the ground pounders dealing out the damage, but it was true.  This was the job he'd volunteered for.

A frantic woman, the same that had set Ty on her way in the first place, met them by the town gate.  It took a few minutes and calm steady voice to get her settled enough for any meaningful information to emerge.  

"Koko, my daughter, went with a friend to explore one of the local caves... how many times have I told her to stay away?  Something trapped them there.  Her friend, Lirya, escaped and returned to warn me of the danger, but my daughter's still trapped.  Please.  PLEASE!"  Her hands pawed at Freyd's armor, frantic waves of panic threatening to overwhelm her once more.  

"I know the cave," Freyd reassured her, his eyes matching Ty's to let her know she'd need to help get Choshi in a better mindset before they left.  "Don't worry.  We'll head straight there and make sure she's safe."

Edited December 22 by Freyd

[Typhoonflame 0]

"Well, you sure weren't acting like a tank when you beat up Bob!" Ty quipped, laughing. "But I'm a support in every game I play, I don't know how far we can get with me as our damage dealer." she added, frowning. She could play some mages in games, but there was no magic in SAO, so she was stumped on how to approach combat. 

Ty turned to the woman as she approached them, meeting Freyd's eyes for a moment, his thoughts coming across clearly. She'd do her best to calm her down. 

"It'll be okay. This man is a professional, we'll get your daughter back, I promise." she told the woman, who didn't look entirely convinced. "Just make sure you don't put yourself in danger while we're gone. Promise me." Ty emphasized and the woman gave a shaky nod. "Good. We'll see you soon."
She really hoped she hadn't just lied to the poor soul. Somehow, unbidden, a thought came up in her mind. It's okay, she'll respawn anyway. Ty sighed, feeling sick.

[Freyd 0]

"Actually, I was being a tank there, just one able to deal damage.  If I hadn't been, he'd have come after you and plastered your pretty face all over the walls.  McDude doesn't care who he targets, as long as he gets to wallop someone."  Smiling at how Ty had immediately taken his comment to the absolute, he clarified by mentioning how most players were a combination on the spectrum of roles.  "I can probably count on one hand the number of players I know who were so dedicated to tanking or healing that they gave up all capacity to deal any damage in combat, even passively.  Mostly, it just means it takes longer to win a fight.  Support or not, you need some way to hold your own, if you ever get caught out in the open alone, yea?"

Smiling awkwardly as Ty dubbed him a professional, he couldn't help but wonder 'at what?'  Troublemaking?  Shit-disturbing?  Serving as a mob chew-toy?  Maybe just 'all of the above'?

"Don't worry, Choshi," he added, for whatever reassurance it might be worth, placing a heavy gauntlets upon the woman's slender shoulders with surprising tenderness.  "We know how much she means to you, and will bring her home."  

Together, they managed to get the woman's promise to remain in Urbus, and avoid imperiling herself.  Freyd even sent a message to a guild mate, who arrived minutes later to watch over her.  Older in appearance, with white hair and a trim beard, he quickly and formally introduced himself as Foyle, nodding at Freyd's brief instructions.

"Understood.  We'll be safe here," he replied, nodding in greetings to Ty.  She'd recognize his name from the Firm Anima's O&I roster.

"Thanks for making it here so quickly.  We shouldn't be long."  Nudging Ty gently by the crook of her elbow, he nodded them beyond the gate, trusting that they were leaving the NPC in capable hands.

Edited December 15 by Freyd

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty did not like the thought of her face being plastered anywhere. At all. so she shuddered at the mere thought, now understanding that Freyd had been taking aggro for her that whole fight. She couldn't even imagine what would've happened if he hadn't been there. Well, okay, she could, but she didn't want to. Moving past these terrible thoughts, Ty sighed. 

"Yeah, guess you're right. I can't really see myself being a great fighter, but I should definitely learn to defend myself. Otherwise, I won't survive long." She chuckled awkwardly.

She greeted Foyle equally as formally as he greeted her, dipping her head. She was glad to hear he was another O&I member, but his age surprised her. Most SAO players were around 20, 30 max, but she wasn't going to judge.

Quickly saying farewell to Choshi and Foyle, she hurried after Freyd, gripping her rapier to calm her nerves.

[Freyd 0]

Guiding them along an assortment of twisted,barely used trails that look like they might have been made by animals rather than people, Freyd kept mostly silent during the brief journey.  He knew what was coming, the possibilities of what they might find.  Reaching the broad, unguarded cave mouth within a half hour, the two players could easily see its appeal to overzealous curiosity, as one might find in a child.   Pointing to particularly sizable droppings off to the side, he gestured for Ty stand ready while he approached the opening.  

"KOKO!"  Roaring like the crash of a waterfall into the depths, the booming sound reverberated throughout the cave, echoing repeatedly off the walls.  After a moment, a piercing cry replied, too loud to belong to a human child.

Crouching into a low guard with katana held high, Freyd barely blocked the wicked claws of an immense black pair of wings that came streaking out of the black.

"Take it out, Ty!  I'll hold here in case any more try to come through."

***

Spoiler

Post Action | Howl  (2 En, CD 0/2)
Free Action | None

Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 158/160 | DMG: 21 | MIT:152 | ACC: 8 (incl AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | VAMP-O: 141 | PARA-V | LD:5 | HOWL 1/2
Typhoonflame| Lv. 13 | HP: 260/260 | EN: 44/44 | DMG: 8 | ACC: 6 | PAR: 2 | 54 MIT | EVA 1 | 

[4,0] Giant Bat 1: HP: 75/75 | DMG: 35

• It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

 

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty blinked in shock as Freyd suddenly shouted loudly enough for the whole cavern to shake. She'd never seen a skill like that! Making a mental note to ask him about it later, as she was currently distracted by this huge monstrosity before her. 

Ty planned her attack in her head, but honestly, she had no idea what that thing even was and she was rendered speechless, her mind running at 500 miles per hour, trying to come up with any solution besides: stab until it dies. She thrust her rapier forward quickly, trying to catch the bat in the wing and stun it.  

However, as she went to do that, the bat somehow foresaw her attack or something. she'd heard bats had good hearing, so maybe it had heard her rapier swish? She didn't know...but once again, her strike had been futile. It did damage, but no stuns occurred. "Freyd, I can't! It has the advantage here! Lure it outside!" 

Angry at the roar, the bat lashed out at Freyd too. 

 

 

Spoiler

Post Action: 
Basic Attack vc Giant Bat
Roll ID: 239019
BD: 4+6=10  HIT!

Damage: 8

Giant Bat Action: Attack vs Freyd
Roll ID: 239063
MD: 4- Miss!

Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 158/160 | DMG: 21 | MIT:152 | ACC: 8 (incl AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | VAMP-O: 141 | PARA-V | LD:5 | HOWL 1/2
Typhoonflame| Lv. 13 | HP: 260/260 | EN: 44/44 | DMG: 8 | ACC: 6 | PAR: 2 | 54 MIT | EVA 1 | 

[4,1] Giant Bat 1: HP: 67/75 | DMG: 35

 

 

Edited December 17 by Typhoonflame

[Freyd 0]

"We don't have a choice," he called back.  "Koko's inside and this thing isn't likely to follow us into the light.  We have to fight it here."  The giant critter's claws raked across his back, but failed to find any true purchase.  It was simply too weak to actually hurt him, but that had never been the point.  Freyd wanted to see how Ty fared in a real fight where she had to make her own decisions.  Trial by fire, so to speak.  He'd keep the threats off her back, but wanted her to feel pressure nonetheless.

"You need to use your sword arts.  Basic attacks won't cut it.  Call out its name, or concentrate on it intensely to charge and release it.  The system is highly intuitive and will pick up on your queues."  A second bat came streaking out of the darkness, only to find itself cut down with a solid slice from Freyd's blade.  "Like that, yes?  Your rapier will favor thrusts of shallow slashes, with the former far more likely to be effective.  It's all about timing."

Physically throwing himself in the path of the remaining bat, he forced it to swerve and turn in Ty's direction.

***

Spoiler

Post Action: Howl (CD 2, -2 EN)

Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 158/160 | DMG: 21 | MIT:152 | ACC: 8 (incl AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | VAMP-O: 141 | PARA-V | LD:5 | HOWL 1/2
Typhoonflame| Lv. 13 | HP: 260/260 | EN: 44/44 | DMG: 8 | ACC: 6 | PAR: 2 | 54 MIT | EVA 1

[4,1] Giant Bat 1: HP: 67/75 | DMG: 35

It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

 

Edited December 21 by Freyd

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty listened to Freyd's explanation on how to use Arts and sighed nervously. She'd never used an Art before, she really had no clue how to use them, but if it was so intuitive, she had to try. Freyd had cut down one of the bats, but then seemingly made it turn towards Ty so she had to face it. Very sneaky of him.

She gripped her rapier with both hands now, closing her eyes for a moment and imagining a surge of power in her weapon. "You're going down, bat!" she shouted, slashing forward, her rapier emitting a bright orange glow, like a flame. Freyd would recognize it as the single target Sword Art. The surge also electrified the bat and it stopped moving...then fell limp. Ty stared at it, breathing heavily. She'd done it! She'd really done it!

With a grin, she turned to Freyd. "Did you see that! Oh my gosh I did it!!!" She sheathed her rapier, looking ahead. "We should keep going."

 

Spoiler

Post Action: 

[x12] ST-I (12 EN) | A single-target sword art.
Roll ID: 239080
BD: 10 +6=16 Hit+Para
Damage: 96

Additional effect: enemy is paralyzed.

Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 158/160 | DMG: 21 | MIT:152 | ACC: 8 (incl AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | VAMP-O: 141 | PARA-V | LD:5 | HOWL 1/2
Typhoonflame| Lv. 13 | HP: 248/260 | EN: 44/44 | DMG: 8 | ACC: 6 | PAR: 2 | 54 MIT | EVA 1

[4,2] Giant Bat 1: HP: 0/75 | DMG: 35 | PARALYZED

It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

 

[Freyd 0]

Suppressing the urge to laugh, lest it be taken in the wrong light, Freyd merely grin proudly.  

"Well done, Ty.  Just keep practicing and you'll have the hang of it in no time."  Sheathing his blade, Freyd reached into the ether before him and drew forth a small black sphere about the size of his fist.  Shaking it briefly, wondering if the magic might have done out for lack of use, a dim willowy light blinked into existence within.  Bathed in its increasing, pale light made his features seem pasty, like he'd lived his entire life underground.  The look was more than a little ironic, given how he'd only just moved into a home on the surface, the pallor having barely faded from his complexion.

"This should help us a bit.  I'll try to refrain from howling again, just in case there are any more of those bats around.  Unfortunately, the game will not allow me to equip a weapon so long as I hold the glow stone.  Watch my back, alright.  We'll be cast into the dark again, but deep inside the cave, if I need to rejoin battle."

Guiding them around various twists and turns that might have proven perilous without a proper source of light, Freyd served as an adequate guide, though it was clear that he wasn't quite accustomed to playing bait in this way.

"Koko!  Your mom sent us to find you.  Can you hear us, kiddo?  Call out if you can and we'll come find you."

***

Searching for Koko | ID 239099 | LD 6+5=11 (failed)

Howl CD 1/2

Edited December 21 by Freyd

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty stared at the sphere in wonder. "What is that thing? Never seen anything like it before..." She sheathed her rapier as well, so it now rested against her left hip, allowing her to easily draw it again with her right hand should they come upon enemies again. As the sphere lit up, Ty grinned. "Ah I see, a portable lantern, so to speak. Very handy!"

She was glad Freyd had decided not to howl again, since that had been what had drawn the bats to them in the first place. She knew it was a valuable tank skill, but she really didn't feel like fighting anything else unless she had to.  When Freyd told her to watch his back, she just nodded silently and started monitoring their surroundings even more. She had to make sure they were safe, since it would probably take at least a second for Freyd to get a weapon out...and then they'd be without light again.

"Koko! Come on out, please! We're here to save you!" Ty called out, looking around, trying to find the girl. She heard some footsteps to the left and beckoned Freyd over. 

~*~

Searching for Koko | ID 239113 | LD 18= success

Edited December 20 by Typhoonflame

[Freyd 0]

Their glow stone revealed a terrified young girl, her clothing torn from crawling around in the darkness and hiding from critters she could only hear flapping about around her.  Hair caked with mineral muck dripped down from stalactites overhead, she had a few bruises and would need a good wash, but was otherwise intact. 

"Hey," Freyd began gently, speaking slowly not to spook the poor child. "You're okay, kiddo."  Kneeling down and reaching out a hand, he made sure to keep Ty visible within the sphere of light.  "I know, I might look a bit scary, right?  That's why my friend Ty came with me.  She's super nice and really pretty, just like you.  Your mom asked her to come find you.  So she's going to help us get out of here.  What do you say?  Are you ready to go home?"  

Nodding, shyly.  Koko's face was marred with the etching of tears through the soot and dirt smeared all over her face.  Reaching out with the glow stone, rather than the cold black metal wreathed around his hand, he thought its humble light would better as an anchor to guide her to the exit.

"Lead the way, Ty.  Koko and I will have your back, right?"

Joyful tears of unspeakable relief pooled around the child's eyes as she nodded in agreement, still unable to find her voice for fear that it might spoil the moment or cast her back into the darkness.

***

Howl CD 2/2

[Typhoonflame 0]

Gazing upon Koko, all caked in mud with torn clothes, brought a tear to Ty's eye, but she wiped it away, trying to shake off the surge of thoughts that came to her. Thoughts about how terrified that girl must've been, in this cave, all on her own... No, she was fine now. They'd found her. 

Ty couldn't crouch down to meet Koko's gaze, but she smiled down at her, making sure the side where her rapier was, was facing away from the girl "Hey, you're a real champ, you know? You made it, I'm proud of you and your mom will be too. She's waiting for you back home." she said, pointing in the direction of the exit. "Just follow me."

Ty took a deep breath and exhaled in relief, hoping she could find the way back. Navigation wasn't her strong suit, after all. She just had to focus and try to remember which way they'd come in.

[Freyd 0]

"You've got this," Freyd whispered to Ty in passing, his features illuminated from the orb resting in his hands.  It looked weird to see the tank in his heavy armor gingerly walking around in the dark, taking baby steps to keep their passage to Koko's halting pace.  The poor girl looked weak and tired, clinging to Freyd's arm like a literal lifeline.  Progress towards the exit was slow, but steady.  Ominous sounds of shifting rock and the scraping of talons on stone breaking up the bouts of silence to remind them that they were definitely not alone.  

Worn and tired, they finally rounded the last twist and turn to spot the distant glimmer of the sun's rays in the distance.  Koko broke her silence with an elated gasp that soon turned to sobbing relief.  Unfortunately, it also drew precisely the sort of attention they were trying to avoid.  Something winged and wicked swooped down upon their group from above, Freyd throwing himself bodily over the child to protect her from its passage.  Sparks flew from his armor as the bat's claws ground across its surface.

"Ty!  Bat."  Twisting and wrenching himself around like a pretzel grabbed the critter as it pass, snaring its leg long enough to pull it down and smash it against the rock, dazing it before it flow off again.

"Take it out.  I've got Koko."

***

Spoiler

Note: Adjusted Ty's EN to account for previous sword art, plus two posts of EN regen

Post Action: Howl (CD 2, -2 EN)

Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 158/160 | DMG: 21 | MIT:152 | ACC: 8 (incl AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | VAMP-O: 141 | PARA-V | LD:5 | HOWL 1/2
Typhoonflame| Lv. 13 | HP: 260/260 | EN: 36/44 | DMG: 8 | ACC: 6 | PAR: 2 | 54 MIT | EVA 1

[4,0] Giant Bat 2: HP: 75/75 | DMG: 35

It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

 

Edited December 22 by Freyd

[Typhoonflame 0]

Ty nodded once again at Freyd's encouragement. She knew he'd have Koko's back if anything happened, so all she had to do was find the way and get them out of here. It sounded easy enough, but it wasn't when every stony wall looked exactly the same. It didn't help that she was constantly startled by the dripping sounds that came from above, or the constant scraping and scratching all around them from things Ty decided she didn't want to meet. 

As the light finally came into view and Ty could see them running outside, free at last...that dream was abruptly shattered as another bat slammed into Freyd, who was shielding Koko from harm. He called out for her to take it down, managing to daze it for a moment. Ty tightened her jaw and drew her rapier again, ready to kill the creature that dared disrupt their rescue.

However, that dark thought startled her so much that she faltered and her sword missed its mark completely. How could she have become so cruel! These creatures were as alive as any NPC!

 

Spoiler

Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 158/160 | DMG: 21 | MIT:152 | ACC: 8 (incl AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | VAMP-O: 141 | PARA-V | LD:5 | HOWL 1/2
Typhoonflame| Lv. 13 | HP: 260/260 | EN: 26/44 | DMG: 8 | ACC: 6 | PAR: 2 | 54 MIT | EVA 1

[1,0] Giant Bat 1: HP: 75/75 | DMG: 35

It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

Post ACtion:

[x12] ST-I vs Giant Bat
Roll ID: 239139 | BD: 1- Critical Miss! |

 

Edited December 22 by Typhoonflame

[Freyd 0]

"Get her to safety," Freyd called, his voice filled with a match of authority and certainty as he dropped the glow stone and drew his sword in a single, sleek, seamless motion.  The fragile globe shattered as it impaled itself on a stalagmite, the shimmering light within dispersing into a puffy cloud akin to dispersing fireflies scattering after an evening's reverie.  Only the distant smiling crest of light that marked the cave mouth remained to guide their way.

Let it be enough.

Placing himself between the bat and his wards, Freyd saw it coming at him in full fury.  He had no troubles in the dark, having long ago become accustomed to the void's embrace.  Eyes fading to black on black, turned away so the others could not see, he set his stance and held his katana in a high guard.

"Follow the light.  Ty.  Don't look back."

As the monstrous bat bore down upon him, a single whispered stroke was all it took.  The blade slid through like the mob was made of butter, cleaving it in half and spraying fading crystalline fragments of its aftermath in a cone all around him.  A minute later, as Ty sat catching her breath with Koko's arms wrapped around her, the poor child weeping in an outpouring of fear and elation, Freyd wandered out out the shadows.  Sword back its housing, the wiped the last mote-like dregs of their enemies from his sleeve while a simple endearing smile eased across his face.

"Are you both okay?"

***

Spoiler

Note: corrected hate values and re-numbered mob as Bat 2

Freyd regains +4 EN (max out)

Post Action | ST-I (x12, 12 EN): 12 EN - (Rested 2/2; Stamina) = 9 EN.  
Free Action | None

ID #239140 | BD: 8 (Crit +1).  PVO applied. DMG (12*22=264) to Bat 2

Freyd | HP: 1280/1280 | EN: 151/160 | DMG: 21 | MIT:152 | ACC: 8 (incl AA)  | TAUNT | F-SPIRIT | EVA:2 | BH:70 | VAMP-D: 70 | VAMP-O: 141 | PARA-V | LD:5 | HOWL 1/2
Typhoonflame| Lv. 13 | HP: 260/260 | EN: 26/44 | DMG: 8 | ACC: 6 | PAR: 2 | 54 MIT | EVA 1

[9,0] Giant Bat 1: HP: 0/75 (75-264) | DMG: 35

It's Dark in There | Players without a glowstone, the Night Vision mod, or some other means to aid with sight will suffer a -1 to ACC.

 

Edited December 22 by Freyd