[PP-F22] Wicked Witches & Such | <<Witch of the West>>

[Morningstar 0]

A certain orange-cursored individual had left a stash of unidentified items worth a small fortune on Morningstar's doorstep. He accepted them pro bono, as he tended to do. He was also going out of his way to collect a Witch's Brew for his unprofitable client. One might have wondered if it was worth it. Morningstar thought that it was, on the grounds that it gave him an excuse to avoid his other work. No one had seen him at the guild hall in two days, which was unusual for the leader. Long hours were in the job description. Running away to toy with swords and trinkets was not. Lucky for him, there was no one to tell him not to.

He scrambled through dense foliage, unsure of which direction he was facing. Somewhere in the Forest of Memories, Morningstar had lost the path. In his ears chirped the voices of his past, but they were more bothersome than anything. He had spent enough time in the forest to know how fake the illusions were, and they had made enough mistakes to lose his interest.

But sometimes, Lexa would get to him. He would freeze up, just for a second, at the sound her voice, before trekking on like nothing had happened.

Frustrated, he slashed through the thicket. Leaves and branches parted ways with the bushes and trees they were attached to, opening up the player's path by the tiniest bit.

Eventually, he found his way out. He pushed his way through, a wayward branch smacking him on the cheek as he cut past. He stumbled onto the path and took a moment to orient himself. The book was somewhere nearby, he thought. Assuming it spawned in the same spot as before, he would find it by a boulder. But which direction was he facing?

 

| MORNINGSTAR  | Lv. 74 >> P. 40, Lv. 34  | Status: [ // ]  Notes:  //

Hide contents Morningstar | HP: 860/860 | EN: 122/122 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 5 | BH: 47 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V equipped Dying Sun FLN II, AA, PAR VEN Inner Focus EVA II, REC II Sapphire ACC III, EVA I battle-ready inventory Magdalyn's Cuckoo skills   Hide contents mod count: 3/5 STRAIGHT SWORD | RANK 5/5 precision, stamina, ferocity shift: tech MARTIAL ARTS | RANK 5/5 precision shift: aoe COMBAT MASTERY: DMG | RANK 3/3 SEARCHING | RANK 4/5 (5) night vision, detect, tracking, reveal BATTLE HEALING | RANK 5/5 UNHINDERED ENERGIST CHARGE extra (active) SURVIVAL FORGOTTEN KING'S AUTHORITY LADY LUCK DISGUISE data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs   Hide contents statue # | # consumables imperial quarter blend | +3 dmg elven armor salve paragon Lv. 5 | Gain additional col equivalent to 15% of EXP earned in that thread. Lv. 10 | +1 LD to looting. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== sword arts   Hide contents en cost matches multiplier unless stated otherwise. shift underlined. ST | x12 -> x15 | x20 AOE | x15 -> x18 | MA TECH-A | x16 | STUN | 13EN | SS TECH-B | x16 | DELAY | SS TECH-D | x16 | SHATTER | SS TECH-F | x12 | AOE STUN | SS TECH-G | x16 | BURN | SS data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== misc/housing buffs   Hide contents Dimensional Backpack | +2 Battle-Ready Inventory Slots. Well Rested | -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat. Squeaky Clean | The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down). Filling | 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. Tasty | Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. Relaxed | Increases out-of-combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Multipurpose | Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll. Skylight (Searching) | +1 Expertise to declared utility skill.  fishing # data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==   data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

 

[Morrigan 0]

She’d been told about the beauty that was the twenty-second floor, but as Morrígan had wandered along path and walkway, she’d come to realise that she hadn’t quite understood the descriptions being given. The woodlands, lakes and mountains reminded her of her family vacation home – a beautiful cabin kept away in the woods of the Rocky Mountains. The entire floor felt both familiar, and entirely foreign to her as she passed tree after tree, river and lake.

’It is nice here, though. One could almost get lost in the beauty and tranquility of it all if they weren’t cautious.’ She glanced up into the sky, catching sight of Phantom drifting lazily on the winds above her, spiraling in a way that kept her above Morrígan’s form with ease. The raven never seemed to leave its companion’s sight, and always remained nearby in a way that only a bird could do. She’d stopped to smile at the form, her eyes hovering on the sky as she considered how closely the two had become bonded.

Her gaze was, however, torn from the skies as the crashing sound of someone pushing from the brush and back onto the pathway reached her. The figure – A man, a blonde man – had stepped out of the forest and into sight several dozen steps behind where Morrígan stood, his entire frame tense as if he had just finished running from something. Knowing she shouldn’t be so curious, and yet ignoring the intellectual desire to turn away and refrain from engaging the man, Morrígan lifted her left hand in a wave.

’Greetings! What brings you onto the pathways in such a robust mannerism? Have you run into some trouble?’ The halberd that had come to rest in the crook of her left elbow, paired with the shield on the same forearm, shifted slightly as if preparing to be pulled into use at any moment. The smile on her face, however, was welcoming and pleasant – a contrast in kind to the tension that had coursed through her as she considered her next step between fight or flight. ’Perhaps you require some assistance that I can offer in a measure of cordiality?’

Statblock

Hide contents Notes [Theme] Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [180/180] | EN [36/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse Tier 1 | Tier 1 Equipment Halberd [Polearm | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [2 Slot] Enhancement: Damage [1 Slot] Breastplate [Light Armour| Tier 1] Enhancement: Mitigation [1 Slot]  Raven Shield [Shield | Tier 1] Enhancement: Paralyse [1 Slot] Enhancement: Thorns [2 Slots] Dark Cloak [Vanity | Tier 0] Enhancement: Nil [0 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Starter Healer Potions {5} [Potion | Tierless | Heals 50 HP] Spyglass {2} [Search Post Dungeon/Familiar/Field Boss reduced by 5] Zackariah's Special Draught [Potion | Tierless | HP Recovery I] Big Bertha Braciole (5) [Snack | Tier 1 | Rare Vitality Consumable] Skills   Hide contents Utility Skills N/A Combat Skills Polearm [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] Stamina [Rank 5 Weapon Add-on. Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] Precision [Rank 5 Weapon Add-on. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 ACC.] Ferocity [Rank 5 Weapon Add-on. Active: Passive. Effect: +2 Damage when using the weapon of your choice.] Armour Skills N/A Active Extra Skills N/A Inactive Extra Skills  N/A Combat Mastery N/A Familiar Skills N/A Estate Buffs N/A Sword Arts   Hide contents [x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (15 13 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and missed the previous turn. [x20] ST-B (20 18 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AOE attack, use only the first roll. [x11] AOE-I (11 9 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x14] AOE-II (14 12 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A powerful sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. Only available for use when AOE-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if AOE-II had been used and had missed all intended targets the previous turn. [x12] TECH-A (13 11 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x12] TECH-B (12 10 EN) | DELAY | A single-target sword art that, on a successful strike, applies [Delay] on the enemy. [Delay] is a debuff that reduces the enemy's ACC by 1 for one turn. Housing Buffs   Hide contents TBD [Home] TBD [TBD.]

Edited January 10 by Morrigan

[Morningstar 0]

This way, I think.

"Greetings!"

He spun at the sound of the most real voice he had heard all day. The girl was disorienting. She was obviously a player, but had the dialogue of an NPC. "Robust mannerism?" he mumbled in confusion. If she was referring to the way he climbed out of the bushes, then maybe it was a fair description.

Words evaded him. "I'm good," he answered succinctly. She smiled pleasantly, but Star found it almost creepy. "No trouble. Just a little lost," he admitted.

Her gear looked standard. She wasn't fresh out of the Town of Beginnings, but she wasn't equipped for the nearby quests either. At least she had picked a safe floor to wander around on. What level is she...? Tier two, maybe?

"I'm looking for the <<Witch of the West>> quest but I got a little turned around on the way. Any chance you know where it is?"

He figured she didn't, and they would both go on their way.

[Morrigan 0]

Morrígan blinked at the words, the man appeared entirely dissociated with reality; a fact that came across in his entire demeanor. He was a player, that was certain, and one of higher level if his appearance meant anything. There was a measure of assurance and confidence to him, as well, that made Morrígan pause in her response. Anything that disrupted a higher level player was certainly concerning to someone below them, and she found herself glancing around in concern for a moment, a small tinge of fear flashing across her face before she managed to get it under control.

’The…Witch of the West quest? No, I’m not sure where that is…’ Something about the words struck in her mind, however, and she reached around towards a small satchel that she had been carrying on her side. She pawed through it for a moment, her efforts making the small bag – barely larger than a purse – seem fuller than it likely was, before she pulled out a book that seemed old and well-used. ’Although…this does mention something about witches, I think. At least, it mentioned magic, and some other things that I didn’t quite comprehend. Mayhaps this is a clue towards the quest you’re trying to find?’

She held out the book, waiting for the other player to take it. She cocked her head slightly to the side, before deciding she should explain a bit about the book – if for no reason beyond alleviating some concerns he may have about her intentions.

’I came across it back that way, sitting on the side of the road. Truthfully, I almost walked on without seeing it, if it weren’t for Phantom’s sudden interest in the item.’ Her eyes flittered upwards briefly, glancing up at the raven above them – the bird having descended slightly to obtain a better impression on the situation. ’I took the opportunity to glance through it briefly, although the contents are nothing more than madness placed upon papyrus, if you ask me.’

She paused just long enough to feign disinterest, before springing the final question upon the other player. ’I’ve not heard of the Witch of the West…what does it contain?’

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar listened curiously to her tale, most intrigued when she showed him the book. "It's Wicked but if it was a quest. Kill some monkeys, kill the witch, everyone lives happily ever after."

"Wait, this is it! This is the quest item I'm looking for!"

He pondered how to ask her for it. Whatever the spawn rate was for the book, it was too long for Star to wait and this girl was in no position to tackle the quest by herself. He hummed, hesitant to speak up. "Okay, listen. How much will it cost to buy the book from you? I could pay you like, 20,000 col right now."

"Or, even better--oh shit," he interrupted himself.

Something rumbled in the distance, growing louder by the second. He knew exactly what it was, and realized that he had been too late. He shuffled through his UI, spamming the party invite button. "Quick, accept this please."

If the tornado was on its way, he was not going to miss it.

As it hit them, he felt the familiar vacuum-like sensation of getting thrown around by the wind. Like an inelegant ragdoll, he spiraled until his vision blackened.

He awoke on a cliffside, overlooking a castle.

[Morrigan 0]

The man’s eyes seemed to alight as soon as he saw the book, but Morrígan wasn’t prepared for the sudden change in his demeanor. She had expected him to barter, to a degree, for the item in question – a barter that would likely end up going back and forth for a while. When he immediately offered her a sum far beyond any amount that she could’ve expected to make on her own, however, she found herself struck dumb and mute as she recoiled from the odd tactic. Her eyes shifted down to the book, barely catching his sudden intake of breath, mid-sentence halt and the ever growing screeching sound of wind in the distance.

’Huh?’ She looked up as a menu appeared before her, requesting the creation of a party. Without a second thought, she’d hit the button – although she wasn’t sure why she had done it; the second nature action simply occurring before she could question anything. ’Just a momen-‘

Her words were ripped from her throat as the vacuum hit them, tearing her away from the ground and into the air, before darkening everything. She felt the sensation of floating, even as the darkness took over her, and she had a single moment to wonder what exactly she’d walked into, before everything disappeared.

When she awoke, it was on a cliffside. Her head hurt – an odd sensation for this world – and as she groggily sat up, she noticed the blonde collecting himself as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Her quick glance around her surroundings spotted a castle in the distance, but an otherwise open area with nothing to tell – aside from the oddness of it all.

’What…what exactly just occurred? Why was it so important that we connect together as a group, and more importantly what was that…event?’ The small notification floating to her side caught her eye, and she realised that she was being informed that she had joined a quest. Witch of the West? Oh. I need more information. She shook her head slightly, forcing herself from the ground and into a standing position. ’What happened, and what other surprises should I expect?’

[Morningstar 0]

The view of the castle was familiar to him, although his previous company had been purposeful. This time, he and his ill-prepared companion would have to tread carefully. He wiped dirt off his jacket, noticing a brand new rip in the sleeve. He was otherwise in tact.

Morrigan was appropriately confused. "The book starts the quest. You had it, and had I not been in your party, it wouldn't have taken me with you. I figured you'd die here by yourself," he said honestly, leaving out the fact that he didn't want to wait for another book to spawn.

"The tornado is just the game's way of bringing you here. Ever seen the Wizard of Oz?"

He looked over his gear, and then glanced at Morrigan's. Her luck was terrible. Floor 22 was a safe floor, so long as you steered clear of the few quests it had to offer. Finding the witch's book was simply unfortunate. "This is going to be... sketchy. Stick close."

He gave a brief summary of the quest while they walked. "We'll fight flying monkeys outside the castle, and then the witch will attack us in the main corridor. She shoots fireballs. Don't get hit."

It was easy at the start. He crashed open the castle's gate, queuing the weakest of the flying monkeys to attack. In one slash, he felled the entire wave. The next group, two stronger monkeys, appeared in the sky.

Spoiler

POST ACTION | TECH-F

ID239737 | BD5 | 22*12-20 = 240 DMG -> Flying Monkey 1
ID239738 | BD9 | 22+1*12-20 = 252 DMG -> Flying Monkey 1
ID239739 | BD2 | 22*12-20 = 240 DMG -> Flying Monkey 1
ID239740 | BD3 | 22*12-20 = 240 DMG -> Flying Monkey 1

EN: -16

Morningstar | HP: 860/860 | EN: 106/122 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 5 | BH: 47 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Morrígan | HP [180/180] | EN [36/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse

Flying Monkey 1 | HP: 0/150 | DMG: 70(Minimum 35) | MIT: 20
Flying Monkey 2 | HP: 0/150 | DMG: 70(Minimum 35) | MIT: 20
Flying Monkey 3 | HP: 0/150 | DMG: 70(Minimum 35) | MIT: 20
Flying Monkey 4 | HP: 0/150 | DMG: 70(Minimum 35) | MIT: 20

 

[Morrigan 0]

His prompt, candid reply left Morrígan blinking as he began walking. She took a second to catch her thoughts, before rushing after him, trying to figure out exactly what she had thrown herself into without awareness or consideration. Her feet carried her at a quick pace, her smaller stature and frame requiring faster movement just to keep up with the larger man, and she found herself breathing slightly heavier as she eventually reached his side.

’I believe thanks are in order. It would have been tragic for myself if you hadn’t stumbled upon me when you had, I dare say.’ She forced herself to walk alongside him as the castle came closer, but as he mentioned the Wizard of Oz, she couldn’t help a groan from escaping her lips. ’Seen it? Yes, as a play once long ago. It was rather dull, and I’ll admit that I might have lost interest part way through…’

Thankfully for her, he seemed more than content in explaining the basics of the quest – although the mention of the fireball whirling witch left her wondering once more if she shouldn’t let him head on alone. His sudden bashing through the doors, and subsequent flying monkeys that appeared wiped away any concern, however, and she twirled her halberd into position as two more of the beings appeared in the sky not far away.

Shifting her balance, she waited for them to reach striking distance, before lashing out with the tip of her halberd to stab them, knowing that she likely couldn’t bring them down in a singular strike, but hoping she could at least damage them enough to leave them as easy prey for the stronger player. Without looking back towards him, she called out with a small measure of glee in her voice. ’The play may have been boring, but this seems like it might be a tad more exciting!’

-

Combat

Morningstar | HP: 860/860 | EN: 106/122 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 5 | BH: 47 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [180/180] | EN [23/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse | -13 EN
[0,0] Elite Flying Monkey 1 | HP: 220/220 | DMG: 90(Minimum 45) | MIT: 35
[0,1] Elite Flying Monkey 2 | HP: 134/220 | DMG: 90(Minimum 45) | MIT: 35

ID239772 | BD: 1+3 = 4 | <<AoE-I vs. Elite Flying Monkey 1>> | Miss. | MOB: 6-4 = 2 | Miss.
ID239773 | BD: 4+3 = 7 | <<AoE-I vs. Elite Flying Monkey 1>> | Hit: [11x11-35] = 86 damage | MOB: 3 | Miss.

Edited January 9 by Morrigan

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar frowned, offended as if he were L. Frank Baum in the flesh. Dull?

At least she knew what the Wizard of Oz was. It would save him the trouble of contextualizing everything they encountered. Ages ago, he and NIGHT had slaughtered a group of brainwashed Winkies after defeating the witch. A layman might have thought they were short people, or maybe children. It wasn't something he wanted to explain to Morrigan.

She confidently attacked one of the elite monkey's that arrived with the second wave. As the quest waves reduced in size, they rose in power. These monkeys were bigger and tougher then their predecessors. They growled and screeched, gripping rough weapons as they flapped through the air.

Regardless of their strength, they fell to Morningstar's sword. Inside the castle, their final target waited in queue. If it was anything like the last time, he figured she would attack as they entered, slinging fireballs and cackling away.

"Ok. I'd like to formally apologize; henceforth, I have no strategy. Just don't die."

---

Combat

Morningstar | HP: 860/860 | EN: 94/122 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 5 | BH: 47 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [180/180] | EN [23/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse | -13 EN
[0,0] Elite Flying Monkey 1 | HP:  0/220 | DMG: 90(Minimum 45) | MIT: 35
[0,1] Elite Flying Monkey 2 | HP: 0/220 | DMG: 90(Minimum 45) | MIT: 35

ID240016 | BD: 4+6 = 10 | <<TECH F vs. Elite Flying Monkey 1>> | Hit: [22x12-35] = 229 damage
ID240017 | BD: 2+6 = 8 | <<TECH F vs. Elite Flying Monkey 2>> | Hit: [22x12-35] = 229 damage

[Morrigan 0]

The blonde’s blade tore through the monkey’s that Morrígan had attempted to greet, leaving her staring at little more than a collection of shards where once a creature had stood. She blinked, as much in surprise as she was in awe of the power that the other player held in his hands; capable of simply cutting down that which would otherwise have eradicated them.

’You had a plan to begin with? I’d held the impression that you were simply frolicking through the forests, stumbled upon myself with the tome that you required for the quest, and then acted as nothing short of my eloquent and capable bodyguard. You’re telling me that this was all planned afore?’ Her tone held an over measured level of sarcasm to it, as she drawled it out in the hopes of making her joke obvious to the other player. She wasn’t entirely sure if she was overdoing it or not, but found herself excited at the prospect of throwing jokes around with one of the more common folk in the world.

Inside the keep, however, she found a beautiful, yet repulsive sight as they found the witch that lay within. Morrígan knew enough of the story to know that the beautiful part was – if anything – simply a cover for the horror that lay beneath. Although, truthfully, she wasn’t entirely sure that she hadn’t simply crossed that part with other films and shows.

Whatever the truth, she focused on bringing her halberd up and into preparedness, waiting for the fireball that would bring their doom – only to realise that the witch was doing nothing more than watching them. Casting a confused glance towards Morningstar, she stepped forward and lunged with the tip of her halberd, hoping to pierce the front of the witch and perhaps activate it, or bring it back to life.

-

Combat

Morningstar | HP: 860/860 | EN: 94/122 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 5 | BH: 47 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [180/180] | EN [14/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse | +1 EN | -10 EN
[0,1] Witch of the West | HP: 1,143/1200 | DMG: 150 (Minimum 100) | MIT: 75

ID240017 | BD: 4+3 = 7 | <<ST-I vs. Witch of the West>> | Hit: [11x12-75] = 57 damage

Edited January 9 by Morrigan

[Morningstar 0]

"I'll admit, this has all been a little impromptu. But of course there was a plan. Kill them quick," he shrugged, pushing open the doors of the witch's manor.

To his amazement, nothing had changed. It was the same tacky castle with children's-movie-made-horror vibe. The decorations implied wealth, but they didn't convince Morningstar. He took swift glances around the room and deemed it fit for a Disney attraction.

The witch stood at the top of the stairs as if to greet them. Star met Morrigan's confused glance with his own. "Last time she came out swinging," he said.

He followed his teammate in, mixing a stun in with their attacks. The witch froze, her body going completely stiff. She tipped, tumbling down the tall staircase. Loud bumps echoed all the way down until she stopped at the bottom.

"Well, this is a little bit disappointing. No fireballs, I guess. Sorry," he told Morrigan, who he thought should be pleased.

---

Combat

Morningstar | HP: 860/860 | EN: 72/122 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 5 | BH: 47 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [180/180] | EN [14/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse | +1 EN | -10 EN
[4,1] Witch of the West | HP: 802/1200 | DMG: 150 (Minimum 100) | MIT: 75 | Stunned | StunImm[P]: 1/3

ID240054 | CD: 2 | Recovery failed
ID240055 | LD: 6 | Lady Luck | PARA-V -> TAUNT
ID240056 | BD: 9 | <<TECH A vs. Witch of the West>> | Hit: [26x16-75] = 341 damage

[Morrigan 0]

He cleaved through the witch, sending her tumbling down the stairs to a point where she came to a natural halt. The frozen form – held in place by the stun that the blonde had placed upon it – made the witch appear even more odd and dreary; the arms held up as if preparing to cast a spell, or complete an unnatural dance of some sort. Morrígan glanced at the other player, not wanting to question his emphasis of the danger involved, but certainly doubting his declaration of a dangerous fireball that would have smote her from existence.

’I’m entirely satisfied with your incorrect evaluations of the present situation, or what the present situation could have been had your evaluations been more…connected to reality.’ She gave a slight smirk, before turning back to the witch. Her own attacks had done little to cause harm to it, although it hadn’t escaped her notice that her companion had managed to tear into the witch greatly. ’I’m afraid I won’t be the most useful in this encounter, however I’ll do what little I can to assist.’

She moved forward with her halberd, looking for an opening in the witch’s defences – defences which she knew would return the moment the stun wore off. Not that she had to wait long for such an event to occur, as the thing seemed to unfreeze suddenly and climbed to its feet; cackling in a measure of madness that reminded Morrígan of an odd children’s story. ’Oh, be quiet you mutton.’

-

Combat

Morningstar | HP: 860/860 | EN: 72/122 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 5 | BH: 47 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V
Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [180/180] | EN [5/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse | +1 EN | -10 EN
[4,2] Witch of the West | HP: 745/1200 | DMG: 150 (Minimum 100) | MIT: 75 | Delay [-1 ACC] | StunImm[P]: 1/3

ID240093 | BD: 8+3 = 11 | <<Tech-B vs. Witch of the West>> | Hit: [11x12-75] = 57 damage | Delay [-1 ACC]

Edited January 10 by Morrigan

[Morningstar 0]

Admittedly, Morningstar was just as glad she wasn't flinging fireballs their way. He wasn't sure Morrigan would survive long against them. "Assistance is perfectly fine," Star replied. They would be finished soon anyway.

Morningstar reengaged the moment the witch broke free from his stun. Flames crept up the spine of Dying Sun until the whole blade was engulfed. He slid it swiftly across the witch's torso, leaving a burn effect alongside the straight red gash he had created.

Pain erupted in his stomach. Star stumbled back, touching at the spot in confusion. He glanced down at the knife buried in him. "Shit-" he managed before he lost control of his body. He slumped to the ground like a ragdoll. Toxins rushed through him, ticking away at his health bar while he lay there, incapable of even the smallest movements. He needed to remove the knife as soon as he could.

For now, Morrigan was on her own.

---

Combat

Morningstar | HP: 710/860 | EN: 64/122 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 5 | BH: 47 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V | Paralyzed | Poison [20/3] +4 EN | -12 EN
Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [180/180] | EN [5/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse
[6,2] Witch of the West | HP: 412/1200 | DMG: 150 (Minimum 100) | MIT: 75 | Delay [-1 ACC] | Burn [56/2] | StunImm[P]: 2/3

ID240309 | CD: 3 | <<Recovery>> | Failed
ID240308 | BD: 1+6 = 7 | <<Tech-G vs. Witch of the West>> | Hit: [22x16-75] = 277 damage | Burn [56/2]

Witch of the West takes 56 DMG from Burn
ID240310 | MD: 10 | Critical Hit vs. Morningstar | Hit: 150 damage | Paralyze | Poison [20/3]

[Nymoria 0]

The witch had drawn a dagger of some sort, Morrígan had only noticed the weapon at the final instant as it was inserted into the blonde’s gut. His shocked expression was no surprise to Morrígan, but the remainder of his reaction took her off guard, and she found herself turning to look at the partially stumbling man in confusion.

’Have you been severely injured?’ The question popped out of her mouth before she could stop herself, internally smacking herself at the stupidity of the question. She could see his health bar in the top corner of her screen – an obvious indication that he was relatively okay, although there was a symbol there that she didn’t recognise. She flipped open a pouch on her belt, pulling a potion from within before dashing across towards the man, the witch thankfully having retreated slightly after the burning scar that the blonde had left upon its flesh.

’Here, drink this. It should assist a little bite.’ She didn’t wait for him to take it, popping open the bottle and forcing him to drink the liquid within in order to recover at least a measure of his health. Although she wouldn’t admit it aloud, she had seen the difference in their damage, and knew that she wouldn’t be able to defeat the witch without his help. ’It would also appear that I’ve run out of energy for the moment…so I may be slightly less useful than I had been moments ago…I do have some vitality items I can consume, but that will take time…alternatively I can play a minor healer of sorts. If that helps?’

-

Combat

Morningstar | HP: 760/860 | EN: 64/122 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 5 | BH: 47 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V | +50 HP
Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [180/180] | EN [6/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse | +1 EN | -1 EN
[6,2] Witch of the West | HP: 412/1200 | DMG: 150 (Minimum 100) | MIT: 75 | Delay [-1 ACC] | Brun [56 | 1/2] | StunImm[P]: 1/3

Morrígan uses Starter Healer Potions {1} [Potion | Tierless | Heals 50 HP] on Morningstar. | +50 HP

[Morningstar 0]

"Have you been severely injured?"

No, he would have said, if he could move his lips. Instead, he laid there while she force fed him a healing potion. His health bumped up by a few slivers. It would do the trick.

He grew tired of his paralysis' ticking timer. Status effects were always too short on monsters and frustratingly long on oneself. Mimicking an old foe, ended the countdown early and broke free from the Witch's shackles.

He smiled politely and thanked her for the heal. His health bar looked fine to him but regardless, it was a gesture of good faith.

Star turned a scowl on the Witch, who was taking her time attacking a second time. Before she could, he charged, reducing her health to zero with a final slash. Unlike her monster relatives, she did not explore. Rather, she melted into a pool of green sludge, which then dissolved into the usual blue particles.

"That's that. Look at you--alive and well. Good work."

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Combat

Morningstar | HP: 807/860 | EN: 43/122 | DMG: 22 | EVA: 4 | ACC: 5 | BH: 47 | LD: 6 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PARA-V | +4 EN +47 HP -25 EN
Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [180/180] | EN [6/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse | +1 EN | -1 EN
[8,2] Witch of the West | HP: 0/1200 | DMG: 150 (Minimum 100) | MIT: 75 | Delay [-1 ACC] | Brun [56 | 1/2] | StunImm[P]: 1/3

Morningstar uses Forgotten King's Authority. Paralysis fades.

ID240368 | CD: 1 | <<Recovery>> | Failed
ID240369 | BD: 7+6 = 13 | <<Charge + Tech-D vs. Witch of the West>> | Hit: [22+3+16x16-55] = 601 damage | Shatter -20/3

ID240370 | LD: 2+7=9 CD: 5 | <<Looting Witch of the West>> | 7,200 col, 2 materials, T4 Rare Trinket 240370

[Morrigan 0]

Morrígan blinked as the man, once frozen in place by an effect that Morrígan hoped never to have to experience herself, suddenly rushed forwards and slammed his blade through the witch. The creature seemed to shimmer for a second, before oozing into a pool of green sludge at the blonde’s feet, leaving the pair of them alone and – for the moment, at least – in relative safety. Not that Morrígan considered anywhere beyond the walls of a town as safe, and even within there were dangers present, if one wasn’t careful.

’Alive, certainly. Well…let’s just say that is subjective to the situation at hand, rather than an endorsement of an overall capacity and confirmation of well-being.’ She glanced around the empty entry room, her eyes taking in adornments that were far more lavish than any keep would have in reality; a mimicry of an image that media had long since portrayed of those in wealth and power. An image that was far disconnected from the reality of such living quarters.

Turning towards the blonde once she had finished her cursory glance of the area, she instead looked to his guidance in the situation. ’Ding dong the witch is dead…so what do we do now? Are there more creatures that need to be brought down? Am I required to click my heels thrice, before magically being transported home? A viable feat, from the other aspects of this world, I would say…however, doubtful, I feel is the appropriate belief in that manner.’

[Morningstar 0]

Morningstar eyeballed Morrigan in an attempt to comprehend her vast vocabulary. "Sure..."

They stood alone in the witch's empty castle, pondering their next steps. He and NIGHT had ascended the staircase and discovered a dungeon at the top. Whether it was still there, Morningstar did not know. Regardless, he felt it was safer for them to leave than to challenge the witch's caged dog at the top.

"There are more creatures, but none that we should fight. It's probably best we get you out of here. You could try clicking your heels," he said, waiting to see if she would.

"Or we could use these," Star tossed a blue crystal her way. He assumed he did not need to explain how the teleport crystal was used, but thought he would at least mention where he was headed. "Coral's like, the only town on this floor. Unless you have somewhere else you'd rather go?"

[Morrigan 0]

A twitch of her heels, and a small frown were the only signals that Morrígan gave of acknowledgement towards the blonde’s joke. She’d almost fallen for it, before something in his pause made her aware of the fact that he was likely joking, and that there would be another means of escaping the castle. It didn’t take long before he tossed the crystal towards her, explaining how Coral was the closest settlement in the area.

’No, there isn’t anywhere further that I would travel to for the time. It certainly was a pleasure to…well, to watch you wither away at the witch while I stayed alive.’ She had caught the crystal in a fumbling manner, before answering the man’s question. She paused only long enough to right herself, before lifting the crystal and glancing back towards the blonde with a questioning look. ’Assuming we’re done here…should we head off?’

She waited to use the crystal until the man confirmed that it was time to do so, before holding it high and activating it in order to return her to the settlement. A dazzling light, and Morrígan felt herself shift in place, before the castle was left behind and the buzz of the street reached her ears. She glanced around, noticing the few NPCs and players traversing the roadways around her, spotting the blonde only a few steps away. A soft smile breached her features, and she stepped over towards him, looking up and nodding to him in a professional manner that seemed to counter her friendly smile.

’Thanks. That was…well, an experience.’