[F01] A New Beginning <<The First Few Lessons>>

[broodboy 0]

Several days passed since Bastion saw that hopeful image of Luke. The very thought of seeing him again planted a small seed deep within his psyche that let his usual melancholy be slightly less sharp than normal today. Which was not saying much, all things considered. He strolled the streets of Tolbana like he had many times before with the usually slow saunter that came with malaise. Suddenly, behind him erupted a booming voice from several meters away. Judging from what Bastion saw he was an NPC indicated by the cursor above the avatar that approached. The young man lived in this city for quite a long time but he had never crossed paths with this particular man. He looked to be dressed properly for someone at a station clearly regarded as important. A monocle and a well manicured mustache contradicting the man’s current urgency.  

"Pardon me, but I am in need of some assistance, and you appear quite capable."

Any other day Bastion would keep walking but the faint memory of Luke told him not to. After Dorian collected himself for a moment he went on to explain the current issue he needed assistance with. ‘I often overlook how real interaction feels with the non players. Maybe that could just be today's difference.’ As he was in a moment of thought a panel appeared before him.

[Accept Quest: YES/NO]

Bastion unfurled a tucked hand from the sleeve of his kimono and pressed “yes”. ‘Today I take my first step in finding you, My Love.’ Bastion was familiar with Zackariah’s shop. He passed it often enough although never entering it. Common enough a place for most people within the town especially for those venturing out past the city walls. “Next time, you should not bother with adventures with something you clearly have staff to deal with. I am in a good mood today so I will overlook the inconvenience.” Bastion effortlessly tucked his arm once more, turned, and sauntered to the aforementioned store for his first quest. His chest tingled with anxiety and purpose towards the uncertain future. 

...

 

ACTIVE FILE #3 | skills & inventory

Spoiler

           ►<<Bastion>> | Lv. 1 | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 4 |

►<<Skills>> [1SP]

►<<Weapon Type>> Thrown Weaponry [Senbon] [Effect: At Rank 1, gain +3 DMG.]

►<<Sword Arts>>

     Rank 1

     [x4] ST-I (4 EN) | A single-target sword art.

     [x3] AOE-I (1 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once.

     [x4] TECH-A (5 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy.

►<<Inventory>> [25] Materials | [2,000] Col | [3] Starter Healing Potions

 

Edited January 4 by broodboy

[Wulfrin 0]

<<Floor 28: Silent Moon>>
Wulfrin was in desperate need of a reset after the past few days. What he needed was a fishing trip. This meant he had just cleared up his schedule for a trip down to Floor 1, a leisurely past time for him as he often turned his fishing trips into escort missions for lower leveled players. Then an idea struck him. He quickly sent out a couple of messages to a couple of players he was sure that had yet to complete the introduction quest.

To: Scarlet Firefly From: Wulfrin Subject: Tracker's Adventure I'm headed down to Floor 1 for a fishing trip that I can easily turn into an escort through the first lessons quest. I've got an appraiser friend who still needs to go through it, so I have a couple extra spots open. Meet me in the Town of Beginnings if your interested.

 

The next message he would deliver personally. Up on the 28th floor, there was a cozy autumnal building where a familiar face. Riardon, an appraiser friend that he had struck a deal with and was doing a poor job of upholding it. In his defense, Wulfrin had been sending other players his way in hopes of making up for the somewhat broken promises.

"Hey Riardon," Wulfrin said as he entered the small storefront. "I'll be quick because I'm sure you're busy, but I'm going to be doing a run down on Floor 1. It's a small escort quest and if you haven't done it already, the quest is basically a tutorial. Come find me on Floor 1 when you're ready."

With a wave Wulfrin turned to make his way back to the teleport gate and warped down to Floor 1.

<<Floor 1: Town of Beginnings>>

The bustling streets of Floor 1 never failed to catch Wulfrin by surprise. Its streets were always filled with a combination of players and NPCs. The players were mostly made up of those who had chosen not to risk the dangers of their collective prison. Wulfrin knew their pain and hesitation all too well, as up until recently he was the same. Now he faced dangers that would easily devour these health bars multiple times over. On the upside that also meant nothing here was of any threat to himself making him the prime candidate to guide some of the players brave enough to venture outside the safe zone.

Wulfrin spotted one such player not far off from the teleport gate. If it wasn't the lack of gear that gave them away, it was the fact that Dorian, the ever unorganized mayor of Tolbana, had already snagged himself another victim. Wulfrin approached with a welcoming grin, he wasn't dressed in any combat gear, save the ornate sword at his left side with his left hand, bandaged up the full length of his arm, rested on the pommel. Slung over his right shoulder was a worn fishing rod.

"I take it the mayor asked you to track down some missing debt yeah?" Wulfrin asked with a gentle grin. "Name's Wulfrin, frontline DPS and Tech specialist. Today though I was going to be escorting a couple other players through that same quest as it can get turn into a slog pretty fast. If you don't mind, I'd like to just fold my group into yours. Only if that's okay of course. If you're down feel free to join me at that cafe over there. I'll be laying out a snack tray and there will be plenty to go around."

Wulfrin would leave the decision in that player's hands as he made his way to the nearby cafe just a few yards away. With a simple tap of the ancient stone shard hanging from the chain around his neck, a large spread of exotic meats and cheeses appeared on the table before him, enough to feed an army, or a small group of six really hungry frontliners.

* * *

[Assist System is active]

Wulfrin is assisting -> Level reduced to 1 and Tier Locked to 1
+5% EXP to party on thread closure

Using Yui's Grace (donor award) +1200 EXP to Wulfrin at thread closure.

Note: CS Shades of the Gemini is active. if any player objects they should post such in their first quest and it will be considered inactive.

Wulfrin consumes Gungir Shard 239050 | Sharkcuterie Board | T1 Demonic Feast (6/6) | ACC II | EVA II | ID: 239171 - Takes one portion and shares rest with party. (5/6 Remain
[desc.] A daring spread featuring a variety of cured and smoked shark meats, paired with exotic cheeses, crackers, and a hint of seaweed garnish. This adventurous platter offers a bold flavor journey, perfect for those with a taste for the wild and mysterious depths.

Wulfrin consumes:
Acc 2 - Wulfrin's Gungir
Eva 2 [Filled] - Wulfrin's Gungir
LD 3 - Gelato
Prosperity 3 - Mousse

Wulfrin | HP: 30/30 | EN: 25/25 | DMG: 12 | MIT:30 | ACC:7 | AA  | EVA:3 | BH:1 | LD:11 | PROSP:6 | QTY: 2                                                                                                                            

Spoiler

"Name: Wulfrin
True Tier: 6
Level: 1
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 30/30
EN: 25/25

Stats:
Damage: 12
Mitigation: 30
Accuracy: 7
Evasion: 3
Battle Healing: 1
Loot Die: 11
Stealth Rating: -2
AA 
QTY: 2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Icingdeath | T4 Demonic Straight Sword | Freeze 2 | Frostbite | AA
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Fallen Angel Garb | T4 Demonic LA | MIT 2 | REC 2
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Echos | T2 Demonic Trinket | ACC 3 | PARA-I

Combat Mastery:
  - Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
  - TECH Shift

Familiar Skill:
  - Rending Familiar

Custom Skill:
  - Shades of the Gemini

Skills:
  - Battle Healing R3
  - Charge
  - Energist
  - Light Armor R5
  - Searching R5
  - Straight Sword R5

Extra Skills:
  - Disguise

Inactive Extra Skills:
  - Forgotten King's Authority
  - Frozen Hide
  - Survival
  - Meditation
  - Brawler
  - Assault Mode

Addons:
  - Focus
  - Precision
  - Resolve
  - Stamina

Mods:
  - Meticulous
  - Night Vision

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:
  - Bear Trap x2
  - Crystal of Divine Light x1
  - Imugi's Inspiration | Mass Healing x2
  - Nepent Ovule x1
  - Popcorn | T4 Vitality 2 x5
  - Rhino's Horn x1
  - TP Crystals x5

Housing Buffs:
  - Basic Kitchen: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30.
  - 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 (Storage): +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests
  - Basement: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
  - Master Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat
  - Master Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)
  - 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:
  - Treasury: +5% bonus col from last-hit monster kills and +10% bonus col from treasure chests.

Scents of the Wild Totem:

Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:
 - Blacksmith[2250exp] R8
Gathering Profession:
 - Fishing[509exp] R5"                                                                                                                            

 

Edited January 4 by Wulfrin

[Riardon 0]

"Not sure how busy you think I am," Riardon responded as his associate left his shop with just as much haste as he'd shown coming in. "But sure. I'll be there in a few minutes."

Despite his response falling on long departed ears, Riardon finished the cup of tea he had procured from another kindly gentleman not to far from his place of business. He had nothing of his own equipment wise as of yet, so there wasn't a whole lot to get ready. Had the lad been just a smidge less in a hurry, He probably could have just traveled with him. With a sigh Riardon made his way to the front porch and locked up his shop before making his way to the teleport plaza and returning to the familiar streets of the Town of Beginnings.

It wasn't hard to track down Wulfrin once he stepped off the teleporter. Even without the flashy gear the swordsman usually donned, the flaming eagle that perched nearby acted like a beacon. Wulfrin had just stepped away from another player and sat at a cafe table, appearing a beautifully crafted spread akin to what he would expect to see at a large family gathering.

"Anyone ever tell you to relax a bit?" Riardon snickered playfully as he took a seat. "Not everything needs to be done in record speed. Now tell me what's this quest you're planning on taking us on."

As Riardon waited for the response, he began to indulge in the spread before him. As he did he noticed that a couple icons appeared next to his health bar signifying a stat boost. Riardon pulled out a small pot and a few cups and began to poor a lovely chamomile tea.

"Unfortunately it's nothing stat effecting like your spread," Riardon apologized as he handed a cup to Wulfrin. "But at least it's a beverage to accompany this wonderful spread of yours."

* * *

Riardon takes a portion of Wulfrin's Gungir Shard - (4/6 remain)

Riardon Consumes
Accuracy 2 - Wulfrin's Gungir
Evasion 2 - Wulfrin's Gungir

Riardon | HP: 40/40 | EN: 22/22 | DMG: 4 | ACC:2 | EVA:2                                                                                                                            

Spoiler

"Name: Riardon
True Tier: 1
Level: 2
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 40/40
EN: 22/22

Stats:
Damage: 4
Accuracy: 2
Evasion: 2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - 
Armor/Trinket: 
  - 
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - 

Combat Mastery:
  - 

Combat Shift:
  - 

Familiar Skill:
  - 

Custom Skill:
  - 

Skills:
  - Rapier R1

Extra Skills:

Inactive Extra Skills:

Addons:

Mods:

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild Totem:

Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:

Gathering Profession:
"                                                                                                                            

 

Edited January 4 by Wulfrin

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

After receiving Wulfrin's message, Firefly decided that she would actually decide to join along. She hadn't yet been through the First Lesson's quest simply because she didn't want to bother others about joining her for the beginner quests. She would be able to do them just fine all alone but if he was going offer her a spot she would gladly take it. Collecting all her things, Samantha would teleport down to the Floor of Beginnings forgetting to actually respond to his message.

Nevertheless, she would find herself at the cafe where Wulfrin was laying down his feast. "Good morning Wulfrin." He was quite the easy guy to pick out in a crowd and was already easy enough to find considering he was at Zackariah's shop. Several times she'd passed by this very shop without realizing what it was but now she'd finally be getting this mundane quest finished. Not that EXP really meant that much to her in the first place.

The girl would partake in the feast, not because she understood buffs in the game but because it looked very tasty. "So, First Lessons you said?"

---

Consuming Feast: +2 ACC and EVA
Scarlet Firefly | HP: 60/60 | EN: 24/24 | DMG: 9 | MIT:6 | ACC:3 | EVA:2

 

Spoiler

Name: Scarlet Firefly, The Blinded Light True Tier: 1
Level: 3
Paragon Level: 0
HP: 60/60
EN: 24/24

Stats:
Damage: 9
Mitigation: 6
Accuracy: 3
Evasion: 2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket: 
  - Butterfly Cross-Blade - T1 Str. Sword | DMG III
Armor/Trinket: 
  - Emerald Cape - Tier 1 Light Armor Perfect | EVA II; MIT
Shield/Armor/Trinket: 
  - basalt - T1 Trinket Perfect | ACC III

Combat Mastery:
  - 

Combat Shift:
  - 

Familiar Skill:
  - 

Custom Skill:
  - 

Skills:
  - Straight Sword R3

Extra Skills:

Inactive Extra Skills:

Addons:

Mods:

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:

Housing Buffs:

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild Totem:

Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:

Gathering Profession:

 

Edited January 4 by Scarlet Firefly

[broodboy 0]

An enigmatic man approached Bastion suddenly. Wulfrin had an air about him that was similar to Luke in that regard. Brown hair messily covered cold ruby eyes. His attire was not one to make any note of but, at a glance the young man could tell this was someone who had seen battle far beyond the city. If not for looking at him but because he told him so. 

‘Frontline…. I bet that’s where Luke is.’ 

Bastion stared at the man and understood that he already knew of the quest he was taking on. Things did seem to repeat inside a game world after all. Wulfrin walked away to a nearby cafe where an exotic feast materialized into existence. No matter how many times Bastion saw something like that he could not get used to it. He hovered nearby across the bustling street while one after the other members of the aforementioned party joined him. 

‘How long has it been since I had an actual conversation with real players.’ He peered harder at them taking note of their cursor colors. ‘Look’s like they are safe to be around for the time being. If this can get me through the quest the fastest I would be a fool not to take the offer.’ 

Bastion walked over quietly to the three of them. Wulfrin, and two others. With The grace and silence of a cat he sat at the table with his arms folded in his kimono. Only outstretching one to partake of a single bite the feast had to offer. A bit of cheese that tasted of every bit of umami as the real thing. They all seemed to be familiar with one another which made Bastion that much more uneasy. Not because he did not trust them but because dealing with people exhausted him. The only person who never seemed to erode his patience was Luke. 

“Thank you for the food. Are we waiting for anyone else?” Bastion said softly and coldly. 

As he finished chewing the bite he was made evident of buffs popping up on his interface. He had read about them but ever had any food of his own that would do such things other than replace his energy or stave his fatigue. What he just ate was magnitudes more than what he was used to as well as expensive. 
 

...

Consuming Feast: +2 ACC and EVA

►<<Bastion>> | Lv. 1 | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 4 | ACC:2 | EVA:2

Edited January 4 by broodboy

[Wulfrin 0]

"Look I had a mission okay," Wulfrin joked back as Riardon began to partake of the feast. "That and I'm just ready from a change of pace. All my focus has been on making sure the recently opened Floor 29 is at least somewhat safe."

Firefly was the next to arrive. At least his assumption was correct. The first lessons quest was easy enough to complete, but also entirely easy to skip. Dorian had a knack for changing his spawn location from time to time, so much so that Wulfrin had made a game out of guessing which point the frazzled mayor would use. Today he wouldn't get that option.

"Morning!" Wulfrin replied with a smile. "Yep First Lessons is on the agenda for today. Enjoy the snacks, they'll help out later on trust me."

Wulfrin watched as that other player he had asked to accompany them had taken his offer. Wulfrin knew first hand that the boars later on in the quest could easily overpower any unprepared player that decided to try their luck in the wilderness. Those mobs had their names on the Monument of Life just as often as players did. Wulfrin could tell they were a bit on edge, so he decided to be the one to break the ice.

"Introductions first," Wulfrin said as he gestured for the player to sit before pointing to his friends in turn. "The kind gentleman over there is Riardon. He's not much of the adventuring type, but he does appraisals up on Floor 28. The gentle gal over there is Scarlet Firefly. She's a member of the Tracker's Alliance same as me. Not much need to go over roles for party comp though, wont be any need as my just being here makes this pretty trivial. Zackariah's place is just across the street there so whenever y'all are ready go ahead and chat with him. I've done the quest already so I can't trigger any of the flags."

[Riardon 0]

"Pleasure to meet you," The older gentleman gave a slight bow from his chair. "Also I can vouch for Wulfrin's ability to keep us safe. He's escorted me on a similar quest before, so we should have nothing to worry about."

Riardon took his tea pot and poured two more cups for the new additions to the gathering and offered one to each. The group around him was definitely rag tag, but at the very least they seemed like they were plenty capable. He dismissed the pot to his endless inventory space where it would sit and remain piping hot for the next time he had need. His attention fixated on the two unfamiliar players to him. Firefly seemed nice enough but the unknown player seemed a complete mystery. The fact he couldn't see the eyes didn't help either.

"What about you lad?" Riardon asked with his gentle smile as he finished off his tea. "What's your preferred name? Hard to work together if we don't know your name."

Then his attention turned to Wulfrin.

"As for you, Wulfrin. I hope you'll be providing assistance and not just fishing on the sidelines."

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

The Tracker took a moment to swallow and clearing her throat before speaking up to formally introduce herself. Even if Wulfrin had already introduced her, it was still polite to do it herself. "Hello, sirs. My name is Firefly, or you can just call me Samantha or Sam if you prefer that though!" She would mention to the people who didn't know her. "I'm a low level DPS that just needs to get this quest finished already. I can do a lot of damage for my level though so I'll definitely be caring my weight."

She finished up her food and stood from her chair. "Right, so we should probably get started now. We need to collect some materials for Zack right? That should be easy enough. No combat and we can take it at our own pace. Maybe they're be some sights I haven't gotten to see yet!" She would say hopefully. Her options of exploration were opening up more now as she continued to level up.

[broodboy 0]

A flashback to middle school played through his mind briefly. He also detested the typical, “Introduce yourself and tell me one interesting thing about you” icebreaker. Bastion’s eyes if they could be seen lazed over to Riardon. Comforting as it was to know that non-combat oriented individuals could make it as far as the twenty eighth floor, the new adventure did not see a path like that for himself. A quick pain of grief shot through his lower lips before quickly correcting itself. 

He appeared much older than Bastion but he quickly came to learn in this world that age was truly just a number. He was polite enough if all be it too forward with his mannerisms. Most people who know each other and are trusting usually were. Samantha or as Bastion preferred Firefly was just as bubbly. Although, he assumed that was simply due to the safety they all felt round Wulfrin. 

Bastion cleared his throat with a sleeved hand taking care to speak softly. “Bastion. This is my first quest. I likely will not be of much use.” His hand began scrolling in the air through his inventory and materialized a small notebook on the table.“Zackariah, one of many Town of Beginnings apothecaries. Notorious for making alchemy items out of anything and everything gatherable by players.” He deftly flipped a page. “Community boards suggest eating what he offers you for better success in completing his request.” 

Although he did not need to, Bastion tucked the notebook into the sleeve pocket, dismissing the item into his inventory and coming to rest once more. He hoped the others would take his standoff-ness as timidness opposed to the bluntness it actually was. 
 

[Wulfrin 0]

"Good to meet you Bastion," Wulfrin said with a sigh as he dismissed the spread from the table, its purpose fulfilled. "Honestly though, if you'll allow me, I'm more than capable of changing that. There are a list of quest that are of no risk to you, but yield enough of an experience boon to get you off your feet. That feeling of uselessness goes away pretty quick if you've got the right people. In fact I was in your shoes not long ago, but once I was mentored through a bit of the game. Based on the fact that you read up on the quest ahead of time and took notes, I'm sure you'd have an easier time than even myself."

Wulfrin looked towards the group, clearly trying to gauge combat prowess. Firefly was an odd case being that even since they were guild mates, Wulfrin had yet to see her out in the field, let alone in battle. Riardon's case was a different story. The older gentleman didn't fight, even going so far as to say he wanted to do his best to avoid it. The last member of the merry band, Bastion, was also a mystery. They were clearly a closed off individual, preferring to stay as close to the vest as possible. This was going to be an interesting fishing trip.

"You'd be correct," Wulfrin chimed in, continuing off of Bastion's notes. "There are a couple things the guide doesn't tell you though. That fondue of his is an adventure long buff, similar in status to the feast I provided. It makes finding things a bit easier. Really though, it doesn't come into play until part 3 of the quest. I'll go into more detail once y'all talk to the alchemy guy. We've got a walk before we get to the gathering spot."

[Riardon 0]

"Likewise," Riardon said as Bastion had introduced themselves and began going over their findings. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance." 

The mission briefing was a bit short for his liking, but Riardon was beginning to understand the course of action before him. The way Wulfrin spoke, he assumed that Wulfrin had done this so many times he likely had the scripts of the NPCs memorized and was just funneling the party toward the NPCs as a requirement.

"Well then," Riardon chimed in as Wulfrin finished his last sentence. "I say it's time we pay Zackariah a visit. I'll lead since our escort is unable to."

With that Riardon stood and made his way across the street to Zackariah's little alchemist shop. Beautiful aromas filled the air as various plants and alchemical ingredients mingled in the rather tightly packed and disorganized storefront. The bell overhead must have given them away as the man, even older than Riardon himself, with a long snow white beard looked up and smiled in their direction.

"Oh hello," The obviously wizard gentleman spoke as he put down a cup of a sweet smelling purple liquid. "Are you here to order something? I'm afraid I'm swamped with orders at present and I'm running low on supplies." Light came into the older man's eyes as if someone had just flipped on a light switch in the man's noggin. "Tell you what. Why don't you gather me some materials: plants, herbs, really anything you can find outside the city walls. I promise I'll fill your order as soon as possible. I'll even compensate you in return."

"I-I er," Riardon stammered as Zackariah seemed to give him no room to speak his case. "Sure. I can go grab those for you. Shouldn't be a problem at all. Though we don't have an order to fill per say we were wondering if-"

"Wonderful!" The eccentric alchemist exclaimed. "Make sure you grab yourself a cup of fondue before you leave. I made it fresh just a few moments ago. I shall await your return."

Riardon turned to the cauldron that Zackariah pointed out. Its contents didn't seem to be any fondue he was familiar with, but with some hesitation ladled himself a cup and sipped down its contents. It tasted just as odd as it looked, but sure enough just as Wulfrin had said, another buff appeared next to his name. With a shallow bow Riardon excused himself from the store front.

* * *

Riardon consumes Zackariah's Fondue: LD 3 gained 
Riardon | HP: 40/40 | EN: 22/22 | DMG: 4 | ACC:2 | EVA:2 | LD: 3

[broodboy 0]

There were aspects of Wulfrin that were so similar to Luke that Bastion almost felt his guard slip from time to time. However, the temperance of time wouldn’t let his emotions sway that easily. The information he was able to provide saved the adventurer several hours if not days of self research and discovery so it was welcomed. 

‘Not long ago and he is already on the twenty eighth floor? Maybe Luke isn’t so far out of reach after all.’ A small sense of relief swaddled him as he played with the user interface and pulled up Wulfrin’s information. Bastion scribbled the information about the quest he did not have from his research in a personal note within his interface. Wulfrin would receive an abrupt message from Bastion.

"Do you recognize anything in this photo?"

In the meantime the blind man would calmly get up from the table and slowly walk over to the shop he passed hundreds of times. He was relieved that Riardon did most of the talking, even if it was just with an NPC. The disorder of the place through his thoughts into chaos. Bastion would never allow a shop if he had one to be in such disarray even if they were not real. 

The information that the party provided all seemed to match which was comforting that something in the world was always the same. A pattern he would learn to take advantage of in the future. He followed the lead of Raidron and partook in the fondu to see the increase in stats and made his way to the front of the store. Eyeing the various potions and crystals and salves as their info popped up walking by. 

“That was easier than I told myself it would be.” He was always aloof in his manner of speaking but there were slight hints of relief. “Just like I researched, the NPC will take anything."

...

Consuming Fondu: +3 LD

►<<Bastion>> | Lv. 1 | HP: 20/20 | EN: 20/20 | DMG: 4 | ACC:2 | EVA:2 | LD: 3 |

Edited January 5 by broodboy

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

Firefly would stand up from her seat and stretch out her muscles. “Wonderful food Wulfrin. Whomever made it did a great job.” She would compliment, hoping that he would pass her message along if he was not the one who prepared it.

The group would soon find themselves in Zackariah’s shop. She’d been here more than once, wondering about the fears of wondering outside the safe zone as someone who could barely comprehend written word. It hadn’t seem like the problems of this world involved her. Now that she was making friends, however, she realized that the people here aren’t just sharing a burden, they were sharing their friendships with those close to them. A certain kinship that made others feel like feel like family. Almost being left behind in her thoughts, Firefly would catch up to the fondue knowing that it would help her out in the first part of the quest. Even after partaking in all the food, she had enough room to fit some dessert!

Once everyone was on the same page and their objective had updated. Noticing they would be gathering, Firefly would remove her basalt for the Firefly Witch Light, hoping to make it even easier to find something in her searches.

”I’m ready whenever you guys are.” She would smile to her party standing at the door to the shop waiting for them.

---

Switched Basalt for Firefly Witch Light (+3 LD)

Fondue sampled (+3 LD)

[Wulfrin 0]

"Let's head out then," Wulfrin clapped his hands as the group regrouped. "I know the perfect spot to search for the materials Zackariah needs for the quest. It's cozy and free of mobs so there is no need to worry about getting jumped. Even then I'm more then capable of absolutely destroying anything that may come round to causing us trouble. C'mon let's get rolling."

Wulfrin led the group out into the wilds like it was a leisurely Sunday stroll. He knew the exact route to take avoiding the packs of hungry wolves and numerous boarlets. Each swarm of mobs they passed, Wulfrin made sure to note a few key attack patterns to watch out for; these small teaching moments making the relatively short journey go by that much quicker. Before long the group was lead into a clearing within the nearby forest. A lazily flowing river slowly curved through their vision. Wulfrin readied his hook as he walked to the bank before casting it into the river.

"Take your time," Wulfrin chimed in as he watched his bobber. "You also don't have to be picky about what you grab. I'm sure Zackariah told you anything will do, so just keep grabbing stuff until the quest flag is satisfied. Don't stray too far from the clearing though, the Nepents can be a bother."

Wulfrin heaved a fish up to shore. Along side it a small chest containing a few more items to be sold back to an appraiser who happened to be accompanying him on this very adventure.

* * *

Fishing Attempt (Success CD 4+ | Chest LD 8+ | Scale CD 12+ and LD 17+)
Rank: 5 Grand Master Angler
Bonuses: +5 LD when opening Chest

Roll:
ID 240048 | CD 9 | LD 20 | Success | Critical Catch

Treasure Chest:
ID 240049 | LD 5+5= 10

Result:
1 Material 
Unidentified Perfect Armor/Shield (1), Unidentified Rare Armor/Shield (1)

Totals:

Wulfrin
1 Material
T1 Perfect Armor/Shield 240049a
T1 Rare Armor/Shield 240049b

Edited January 9 by Wulfrin

[Riardon 0]

Riardon recognized the familiar foraging ground of Wulfrin. He had been brought here to complete his Appraiser's quest. Guess he wasn't lying about frequenting this place. He thought to himself as he moved to explore the familiar clearing. At least he could confirm first hand that the place was safe, though Wulfrin did have to pull off to take care of a few straggling mobs that had sought to interrupt their little expidition.

"I can confirm this place is safe," Riardon said as he began to pick a few random herbs and leaves around the immediate area. "Hopefully we'll have better luck than I did when I came through here last. It took me a while to gather everything I needed for a different quest."

Unfortunately that statement was turning out to be some false hope. As it turns out picking random grass and leaves wasn't what the best strategy. Perhaps he should take a different approach though Riardon didn't know what other approach to make. Afterall, according to Zackariah, this approach should be more than valid.

* * *

Gathering Attempt (1/3)
ID 240050 | LD 7+3=10
Nothing Found

Edited January 9 by Wulfrin

[broodboy 0]

Bastion followed the group into the clearing, his steps deliberate and quiet. The faint gurgle of the river and the rustling of leaves lent the area an almost serene atmosphere, though he never let his guard down. His gaze flicked to Wulfrin as the man confidently cast his line into the water, seemingly at ease in the game’s wilderness. Bastion noted the casual but thorough approach to avoiding mobs and the quick tips about their attack patterns. It was effective, even if Wulfrin's upbeat demeanor grated slightly against his preference for less bubbly company.

"Safe is relative," Bastion muttered in response to Riardon’s assurance as he scanned the clearing, his tone devoid of malice but blunt as ever. He crouched near a patch of greenery, his interface highlighting several potential quest items as he reached out to inspect them.

The herb he picked up shimmered faintly in the interface, its description popping up automatically. ‘Medicinal Root: Commonly used in basic potions.’ Bastion frowned, the automated text somehow managing to feel both helpful and condescending. He added it to his inventory and moved on, testing the system’s ability to identify materials.

Experimenting further, he swiped his hand through the air to activate the UI, accessing the collection log he had largely ignored until now. A list of gathered items appeared, complete with their properties and potential uses. "Interesting," he murmured. The system clearly had more depth than he’d given it credit for.

He stood and continued his search, his approach calculated and efficient. His curiosity about the user interface deepened as he toggled more menus, uncovering details he’d previously dismissed. Perhaps I’ve underestimated this system, he thought. For the first time, Bastion felt a flicker of genuine intrigue about what else might lie hidden beneath the surface.

…

Post Action:
ID240098 | LD: [13 + 3] = 16 | CD: 9 |<<Gathering>>| Results: Success! | [+1 Material] 

Spoiler

Loot Total:
ID240098 | LD: 16 | CD: 9 | [1] Material

 

Edited January 10 by broodboy

[Scarlet Firefly 0]

Firefly followed the group closely. She may have some combat experience under her belt now but she wasn't willing to take risks... well, as long as a child wasn't being threatened with death again. We'll go with unnecessary risks.

So, when the arrived at the river area that was talked up by Wulfrin, Firefly took a walk along the bank of the river. There had to be some flora living alongside the water that would be useful in medicine. Had she read that in a book once? There wasn't much else to do in her free time in the real world other than read books that had been translated into braille, or adapted into an audio book.

Unfortunately nothing was being lit up by the Witch Light. "Ah, well it seems my luck is no match for yours!" She would giggle to newcomer and Wulfrin. Of course she would continue to look around, staying aware of the nearby red names and always ready to pull her sword if need be.

---

LD: 5+6 (11) Nothing Found.

 

Edited January 11 by Scarlet Firefly