broodboy 0 Posted January 4 #1 Share Posted January 4 (edited) Bastion pulled up the map interface once more taking in the various features of the area around him. He was in your typical starter areas which dotted everywhere on the large expanse that was the first floor. Recalling the information he dug up there was a quest giver in this area specially for ways to make money and start being able to provide for yourself. He came to the top of a hill his path crossed feeling the sudden breeze that pushed the large rolling fields of whatever grass was called in Aincard. Reflecting on that thought for a moment most things shared similar naming conventions to their real world counterparts unless there was some fantasy aspect involved. Just below the hill he stood atop was a wagon nestled into a makeshift campsite. ‘That must be it.’ Walking towards the campsite his enthusiastic expression of which only the plain relaxed lower half was visible changed immediately to one of surprise. As organic and animated the NPC talked and felt he still could not bring himself to believe they were real. A moral quandary he settled upon early in his isolation. “Teach me how to forage.” He flatly expressed. Most of the woman’s reactions seemed all to rehearsed but, every now and then reaction Bastion did not predict would emerge. Such as the annoyed look on Giovnna’s eyes as he cut off her bubbly excitement. She tossed him a compass as two more screens popped up in his view. "Here, take this and bring me back one Demonic Shard only then will I teach you more." [Accept the Quest <<Earning a Living: Forager>> YES/NO] [Item received - Dark Magic Compass] Description: A compass used by Veteran Foragers capable of pointing the way to Demoic Shards. Bastion lazily accepted, peering down at the Dark Magic Compass. 'Those certainly sound rare. Acquiring several of them may be enough to purchase some more information or a fast carry to where Luke was.' The thought etched a soft frown onto his face. The task set ahead seemed daunting for someone like him. Upon closer inspection of the realistic compass the arrow was pointing west. He let out a sigh and contemplated much before walking in the direction with his head down at the compass. 'I should have learned more about these systems before heading out.' ... 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 Link to post Share on other sites
Morrigan 0 Posted January 4 #2 Share Posted January 4 The wildlands of the first floor were, as always, a measure of cool breezes and flowing grasslands. Morrígan couldn’t help but feel somewhat homely within their expanse, seeing the various similarities towards her own homeland in the real world; different by any measure, and yet pieces that seemed to mimic those she had seen and been surrounded by as she grew from her infantile years. She glanced upwards as the scream of Phantom echoed down towards her, the raven circling higher than normal as something seemed to have caught her attention. Morrígan followed the path with her eyes, seeing it leading in a more northernly direction compared to where she’d been heading originally. Curious, Phantom doesn’t normally redirect me unless there’s something of interest to be had… Halberd settled into the crook of her elbow, she turned and headed along the direction that Phantom had corrected towards, wondering what lay ahead for her. The rolling hills had hindered her only slightly, but as she crested the last one she came to realise what had caught Phantom’s attention. The wagon, which was ever familiar to Morrígan after her recent experience with the druidic woman, sat against the backdrop; encampment surrounding it and the forms of two individuals obvious against the horizon. Morrígan paused only long enough to glance about for any other dangers, before heading in towards the NPC and – what she assumed – was another player. ’Hello.’ She gave a quick curtsy, one which still reigned with a demeanor of elegance, even with its rushed deliverance, towards the pair – the druidic Giovanna returning her motion with a nod. Morrígan turned towards the player – for they were certainly a player, that much was obvious – and eyed them carefully. Their appearance showed that they had only recently begun upon their journey, perhaps only just starting in earnest – not far behind Morrígan herself. She considered her words carefully for a single breath, before continuing to speak in a tone that held an air of authority, as one would towards those considered of lesser status to themselves. ’My name is Morrígan, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Are you taking the forager quest from Giovanna? I recently completed it myself, if you’re looking for company among the grasslands here. There are, out and about, various dangers that can be concerning to a single individual; ones which are muted by pairs and groups.’ Before the other player could respond to her request, she’d already opened her menu and forwarded the party request, her halberd clattering against the shield on her left arm as she used the singular appendage to manage all three. Turning her eye back towards the player, she gave a pleasant, albeit business-like smile before adding a final thought towards her offer of assistance. ’It’s also nice to have some company when wandering through the floor, without any real purpose or guidance.’ 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 (4) [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 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (15 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 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 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x14] AOE-II (14 + [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 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x12] TECH-B (12 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.] Link to post Share on other sites
broodboy 0 Posted January 4 Author #3 Share Posted January 4 Just as Bastion was preparing to set of in whichever direction this compass pointed him toward he noticed a bird in the sky. That was not unusual for this landscape or game in general. What was unusual was the deliberate manner in which it flew. Moments later his thoughts were confirmed as someone made their way to the encampment and asserted their presence into his life. Players in Aincrad had a tendency of being one of two people. Overly friendly or overly reserved to the point of isolation. Like oil and water they tended not to mix. He eyed her up and down with a studious gaze. ‘As much as I don’t want to, if she has already completed this quest it would be nice to have someone carry me through it.’ A few moments passed in silence until his thoughts were assaulted with the unusual sound of a party invitation as it came into view. There was a certain decorum of Morrigan that Bastion found familiar. She also was straight to the point although, the fallacy of wandering with someone with no purpose was a feeling his heart did not touch anymore. The awkward silence was broken when he pulled out a hand from his kimono sleeve to accept the invitation. “Thank you. Finishing this quest quickly is in my best interest.” He spoke softly and coldly. Matching her formality but not familiarity. “I am Bastion.” Morrigan’s Info appeared in his view to include her health bar. ‘So this is what you glean of people in your party.’ Link to post Share on other sites
Morrigan 0 Posted January 5 #4 Share Posted January 5 (edited) His acceptance was cold, but not in the demeanor that Morrígan was used to from other people. She could tell that he had considered all his options, and chosen this one only because it benefited him; against his desires, most likely, but beneficial nonetheless. She eyed him for a moment as the party request appeared, and was accepted, before his voice broke the silence that had stretched between them. His words were clipped, quick and to the point, little given to any desire of small talk – an experience that Morrígan wasn’t entirely sure she was pleased to encounter. ’The compass should point you in the general direction of the demonic shard that you’re looking for, however you will have to put some effort into locating it. The item isn’t accurate down to the metre. It should be easy and obvious to find, however. It’s an obsidian coloured item – at least, the one that I found was.’ She waved towards the distance, signifying the direction that the compass seemed to be suggesting they head. She could see the needle bouncing from where she stood, although she did question if it wasn’t obfuscated by the system’s privacy settings, or the other player’s own stance and hold upon it. ’Lead the way.’ She waited for them to start walking, deciding that she would be best beside and slightly behind, her eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger as they began to wander in the monotonous search for the demonic shard. She kept her eyes scanning the grasses and fields themselves, looking for any items that could have been valuable; bending down to push some flora aside as she spotted a glint, before racing to catch her new party member. ’Is this one of your first quests?’ Her tone remained neutral, neither prying into the question, nor demanding an answer – simply providing the question, and allowing it to fall upon their air to be answered or ignored. Her eyes continued to scan the area even as she waited calmly to see if they would speak, trying to piece together exactly how best she could communicate and work with the quiet individual. - Post Action: Foraging ID239766 | LD: 7 | CD: 2 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure (+3 EXP) Edited January 5 by Morrigan Link to post Share on other sites
broodboy 0 Posted January 5 Author #5 Share Posted January 5 (edited) Morrigan was more perceptive than most. She was obviously disappointed at the lack of comradery but she curtailed her behavior to match that of Bastion. A consideration the man appreciated. The two walked for some time as Bastion quietly observed her actions while keeping an eye on the needle that bounced left and right within a small margin. “That information is helpful.” Her attention scanned left, right, up, and down as they walked. Bastion could not tell if it was nervousness being out in the wild or if she was looking for someone. His question was answered moments later as she searched through grass for something he clearly did not see. She caught up and began small talk but kept it short which he enjoyed. “No, this is my second quest. I recently completed ‘The First Few Lessons’ and came to the conclusion that this would be the best next move.” As the two talked the Cursed Compass began to spin as if it could not pick a direction in which to guide him. He looked at his surroundings as an icon indicator appeared in his view. He shuffled over and rummaged through the grass but did not see what the game had indicated to him. 'I suppose getting this skill will help with finding all manor of things.' “How far have you gotten?” He flatly asked. Post Action: Foraging ID239770 | LD: 2 | CD: 12 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure Edited January 5 by broodboy Link to post Share on other sites
Morrigan 0 Posted January 5 #6 Share Posted January 5 (edited) She nodded, a curt movement that barely registered beyond a slight shift of her chin, in response to the confirmation that this was the man’s second quest. She held no judgement – she herself had barely begun her own journey in earnest, and was still learning many of the more basic skills. ’I’ve travelled throughout the available floors, if that is what you are enquiring. Though if the question was directed towards how much progress I’ve made in growth, it would be fair to assume that we’re not too far apart in experience.’ The words sounded odd to her as she realised she was, to a degree, leading the man through the quest – in a form of guidance, if one could call it that. Slowly, after a slight pause, she added to her commentary. ’I spent a lot of time, in the beginning, getting into situations well beyond my capabilities. It’s only recently that I’ve focused on developing the basic skills required to truly advance.’ She glanced over a small rock outcropping, before deciding there was more that she could share. ’Through sheer luck, or some other factor that I’ve been blinded to, I was invited to join a number of groups leaving the Town of Beginnings. Some headed out into these very wildlands, some ranged to higher floors…most came home at the end, although it would be unkind to their memories to ignore those who did not.’ She paused then, staring into the sky and watching the bird high above. Seconds passed before she moved again, her face a blank canvas of emotion, reminiscent of a mannequin in living flesh. ’Not everyone will have happy endings when we escape here, but those of us who do, deserve to honour those who remain here forever.’ Her gaze turned towards the other player, a small twitch at the side of her face, as she considered something before speaking once more. ’Do not take this the query to be insulting, or directly negative in any way. What pushed you to leave the safety of the Town of Beginnings, and focus on making your way forwards?’ - Post Action: Foraging ID239771 | LD: 4 | CD: 12 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure (+3 EXP | 6/49 EXP) Edited January 5 by Morrigan Link to post Share on other sites
broodboy 0 Posted January 5 Author #7 Share Posted January 5 (edited) The reserved manner in which she carried herself made Bastion wonder if this was who she was or who she pretended to be. It was not unusual for players to alter their personalities for a fresh start in this world or in his case, cope with it. He politely listened to her speak as they walked down the path making sure to keep an eye on the compass that dutifully pointed in a general direction. “Ironic that you are ‘helping’ me then.” His poor attempt at a joke that most sounded nothing like it. He continued to listen to her regale her good fortune but it did not come across as one who was blind to it. No, Morrigan sounded grateful for everything that happened up to this point. “This is my second time outside the walls of the town.” He interjected after she shared her good fortune. There was the slightest tingle of regret or perhaps it was grief in her voice as she spoke of the privilege it was to honor those of ‘us’ who had fallen. The path came to a bend but the compass pointed true. They would have to go off the path and brave the forest. His feet stopped at the exact edge, not noticing that he did not move further. “Normally, I would be much more guarded but, your company is tolerable compared to others. My lover. He is somewhere out there and I have only recently come to this knowledge.” He looked down at a bit of dirt with mushrooms growing in a patch. The same item icon appeared but, when he tried to pick it, nothing happened. “I would ask the same of you but, you seem to have started down your own path.” With a deft hand he sent her a private message of the photo he saw of Luke. “This is who I lost and I can tell by how you speak, you’ve lost someone as well.” He took a deep breath and continued shuffling his feet as though gliding along the ground. ‘Into the woods we go.’ Post Action: Foraging ID239774 | LD: 13 | CD: 4 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure Edited January 5 by broodboy Link to post Share on other sites
Morrigan 0 Posted January 6 #8 Share Posted January 6 Morrígan looked sideways at the man as he mentioned his own personal situation, alongside the assumption of her loss. She considered leaving the topic for a few moments, but ended up speaking her mind to clear away any confusion or misunderstanding that may have aligned itself between them. ’I appreciate the sentiment meant behind your words, but I myself haven’t lost anyone within the game. At least, not someone who was more than an acquaintance. I cannot begin to imagine the difficulty that must place upon you, and the hardship that it entails.’ Although her words may have carried a professionalism to them, her tone and expression had shifted, taking on an apologetic demeanor. While she may not have been able to associate directly with the feelings of loss that the other player had gone through, she was empathetic enough to understand how harsh it may have been on their emotions and mentality. In an attempt to dissuade the awkwardness that had fallen over her, she leaned forward and gazed at the picture. Something about it felt oddly familiar, and it took her a moment to recognise the flowing fields behind the group. ’Wait. I’ve seen those fields before…and that man. The one in the black leather armour. His name was…’ She paused, trying to remember the name of the man she had once fought with some time ago. Her facial features strained slightly as she forced herself to think, before a memory came back to her. ’Rikards. His name was Rikards. We fought together during a small field boss raid on the eighth floor. And that field looks similar to the glades found on within the forests there. When was this taken?’ She had been entirely distracted from her search, focusing on the image and what little information she had to go on. Her eyes stared at the player before her, attentive and awaiting an answer. Her curiosity had been piqued when she first saw the image, but the familiarity of the entire scene was coming back to her, and she wasn’t entirely sure she hadn’t seen others in the image previously. Link to post Share on other sites
broodboy 0 Posted January 6 Author #9 Share Posted January 6 (edited) There was a deeper silence than usual between the two as Bastion’s assumption of shared experience settled. He let out a single soft chuckle thinking himself a fool. His situation was both relatable to many in the game but unique in that there was still hope. Most just wandered aimlessly or forgot about their other half all together. Bastion refused to be that way. The aloof man continued to canvas the lush forest they were in now. Insects of all types crawled on the floor and trees. Flora bloomed just like the real world. He thought to be a bit more cautious than normal as his weapon was not complete for a few more days yet. He was really at the mercy and kindness of a chance meeting. Something glinted in a tree hollow several meters away beyond a thick brush. His attention was pulled away from it immediately. He stood up straight and intently focused on the words Morrigan said as she did her best to recall a vague memory. Tears rolled down past his blindfold although no gasps of air or hysterical sounds accompanied them. A smile rolled across his face, an invisible force rolling off his shoulders. “Thank you, Morrigan. I don’t know when but, it is all I have to go on to find Luke. He’s the one with blond hair and hazel eyes.” He wiped the few tears away from his face and relieved a memory of them creating their avatars together. “He let me pick my favorite eye color for him to have.” He let out a sigh mixed with several emotions. “This quest has taught me to find more than one thing it would seem.” He flashed a faint smile and returned to his usual sharp tone. His gripped control of his emotions and peered down to the compass. Unlike before, it pointed directly toward the hallow. The two would need to wade through lush vegetation and thicket. Bastion pointed to the tree. “Cut a path to the tree, please.” An odd mix of command and request in his voice. Post Action: Foraging ID239798 | LD: 16 | CD: 6 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Success! Edited January 6 by broodboy Link to post Share on other sites
Morrigan 0 Posted January 6 #10 Share Posted January 6 (edited) The man had become emotional; slight in appearance, but enough that Morrígan could pick up on it. The scene before her softened her only slightly, her outwardly appearance remaining as professional as it had been the entire time the two had been together. She felt for him, for his loss, but she wouldn’t let it weaken the demeanour that she held when facing those beyond her closest friends. ’Apologies, I don’t remember him specifically. That isn’t to say we haven’t crossed paths, simply that he didn’t interact directly with myself. He may have been in attendance any number of times; there were a large number of individuals at these events, often.’ She responded as the individual was pointed out to her, but her recall of those who had been beyond her immediate sphere of influence was scattered at best. She gave a small apologetic shrug in correlation to her commentary, before glancing at the forest before them that needed to be cleared. She chose, respectfully to the situation, to ignore the commanding intent and voice of the other individual as she popped the halberd into her hand from the crook of her elbow, catching its shaft deftly as it moved forwards. ’These woods can get deep and confusing, we should be careful in our advance from this point onwards. It would not be enjoyable to find ourselves wandering the final hours away beneath the darkness of the tree tops.’ She refrained from mentioning the possible dangers that could lay within, deciding that wandering lost and confused as more than enough of a concern for the pair. ’Stay close. It would be detrimental if one of us were to wander too far and become separated. If you need to stop, call out so that I can hear you.’ She brought the halberd into a sweeping motion, carefully clearing away the weaker brush that would neither dent nor dull the blade, focusing on creating a path that could be passed without too much issue. It wasn’t the easiest of work, but the weapon made the going easier, and as she stepped forwards, she gave a small whisper – just loud enough so that the other player would hear, but also realise that it wasn’t necessarily meant to create a response. ’I hope that you find him, too many wander lost and alone, bitter and without purpose.’ - Post Action: Foraging ID239799 | LD: 5 | CD: 12 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure (+3 EXP | 9/49 EXP) Edited January 6 by Morrigan Link to post Share on other sites
broodboy 0 Posted January 6 Author #11 Share Posted January 6 (edited) The two walked cautiously through the expertly cut path Morrigan made. He was sure if she wanted to she could kill him but she did not seem the kind of person. Her adventurer status began to shine through the cracks in her professional demeanor. The air around her changed and she shifted to one of alertness. Bastion thought they would just follow the path they walked in from. However, looking behind him he realized that was easier said than done. Sure, the debris on the floor of the forest was a good tell of the path they traveled to so far but, beyond that there was really no telling unless he remembered the cardinal direction they entered from. He stepped a little faster as she picked up pace cleaving down brush. Bastion matched her hushed tone with slight warmth to his words. “Thank you. You will have to meet him when I find him again. He is much more pleasant to be around then me. ” As they approached closer to the tree hollow Bastion's feet brushed against a cluster of mundane looking mushrooms. Nothing special about them save for their blue color. “Morrigan.” He quietly stated, “These are ‘materials’, correct?” … Post Action: Foraging ID239800 | LD: 17 | CD: 8 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Success!|[+1 Material] Spoiler Loot Total: ID239798 | LD: 16 | CD: 6 |[+1 Demonic Shard] ID239800 | LD: 17 | CD: 8 |[+1 Material] Edited January 6 by broodboy Link to post Share on other sites
Morrigan 0 Posted January 6 #12 Share Posted January 6 (edited) She’d nearly leapt at his sudden mention of her name, her head snapping around as she brought the halberd back into her grip, holding it in a neared ready stance as much as the foliage around them would allow. Her eyes followed his, and as she saw the mushrooms the words that he had spoken in question after the fact suddenly registered in her mind. ’Materials? Yes, those could be used as some. They appear differently for everyone, tailored towards your profession, or whatever purpose the system seems to align with your mental awareness of what could be useful in crafting items.’ She opened up her menu, searching through and finding one of the materials that she had found for her own uses, bringing it into existence in her right hand and showing it to the other player. ’As I’m a tailor, a lot of my materials are some form of cotton, wool or related items specific to creating clothing, armour and other goods. They also change, sometimes, when I advance in my capabilities. The moment I was at a point where I could make more advanced armour, more advanced and different materials began to appear for me.’ She returned the item to her inventory, nodding towards the path they had been making through the woods, glancing at the mini map at the top of her vision as she did so. ’If we keep following this, we should eventually come out on the other side of the woods, I believe. I’ve not really travelled through this area though, so let’s hope we don’t stumble across an anaconda, or other territorial creatures that are less welcoming to our presence.’ She brought her halberd down again, focusing on cutting the path before them even as she asked her next question, her eyes shifting between the foliage before and the player behind. ’Have you taken a profession yet, in order to produce your own items? It’s one of the many ways that players make a living here…aside from hunting monsters and looting them, of course.’ - Post Action: Foraging ID239801 | LD: 16 | CD: 5 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Success! 1 material (+8 EXP | 17/49 EXP) Edited January 6 by Morrigan Link to post Share on other sites
broodboy 0 Posted January 6 Author #13 Share Posted January 6 (edited) The halberd skillfully twirled as she did, confirming his assumption that she could at any moment end his life. He could see the processing of thoughts on her face in real time. He dutifully listened to her explanation of the world's crafting system. It was surprisingly robust as well as considerate. He provided a quick nod in understanding before grabbing hold of the mushrooms and obtaining them. [ Blue Sporogus ] Des: a common alchemical ingredient found throughout the wilds of the First Floor. ‘Straight forward enough.’ He got up from his crouched position to follow her once more toward the hollow the compass still pointed at. A momentary taste of fear crawled on his skin at the mention of an anaconda. On one hand, he was afraid and on the other he felt somewhat safe. Afterall, if things become scarry he could always just leave her and run. “I researched all options and settled on Alchemy. I will be taking that quest after I am done here.” A beautiful white and blue flower with seven petals sat amongst a ridiculous amount of thorns. He reached to grab it as his sleeves got caught up in them. ‘Almost.’ [ Moon Lilly ] Des: White and blue flower used in certain alchemical recipes It dematerialized as he hand touched it and went into his inventory. ‘Certainly leaves something to be desired in terms of flavor text.’ It was not far now to the hallow when suddenly his eyes drifted to a semi large red circle to the top of his interface. He knew what that meant from his first quest but, this area seemed more dangerous than that. He crouched down immediately doing his best to hide and not make a sound. Hopefully, Morrigan noisily chopping down forest would attract it to her. ... Post Action: Foraging ID239806 | LD: 14 | CD: 8 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Success!|[+1 Material] Spoiler Loot Total: ID239798 | LD: 16 | CD: 6 |[+1 Demonic Shard] ID239800 | LD: 17 | CD: 8 |[+1 Material] ID239806 | LD: 14 | CD: 8 |[+1 Material] Edited January 6 by broodboy Link to post Share on other sites
Morrigan 0 Posted January 7 #14 Share Posted January 7 (edited) Morrígan pushed through another portion of the brush, turning to look at the other player as they confirmed their intention to take on a crafting profession following the foraging quest. She wondered if it was common for people to take one before the other, or if she’d always just assumed such a thing, before shaking her head to clear the thoughts away. It didn’t really matter in the end, she knew, whether they chose to take their crafting or gathering focus first. ’Did you hear that?’ Her head snapped up suddenly, her eyes peering into the distance as she tried to locate where the sound had come from. A quick glance above confirmed Phantom was still circling in the air, and showed little sign of change from her regular, lazily circling route. Still, Morrígan was certain she had heard something, moving in the brush, and she found herself naturally pulling the halberd back into a ready stance. Her eyes still combing over the area, she waved her right arm slightly, signalling the other player to come closer. ’If you have any weaponry, now is the time to don it. Otherwise, ensure I remain between yourself and whatever is about to make its appearance.’ She had little doubt that something was about to appear, and when the pair of gorilla like creatures erupted from the brush that she had been pushing her way through, she found herself unstartled. ’Those look dangerous. Stay back for now, and prepare to run if I tell you to; no hesitation, no second thoughts. If I say go, you go.’ She didn’t look at the other player, instead keeping her focus on the pair of large primates, watching for the sign that they were going to close the distance between them and her. The halberd in her hand twitched slightly, and immediately in response the pair moved. Just as quickly, Morrígan brought the halberd down, focusing on using the point upon it to catch at least one in the charge. - Combat Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [120/180] | EN [35/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse | -1 EN | -60 HP Gorilla 1 | HP: 90/108| DMG: 36 Gorilla 2 | HP: 90/108 | DMG: 36 ID239818 | BD: 1+3 = 4 | <<AoE-I vs. Gorilla 1>> | Miss [-1 EN] | MOB: 6 | Hit: [36-6] = 30 damage | Thorns: [18 DMG] ID239819 | BD: 2+3 = 5 | <<AoE-I vs. Gorilla 2>> | Miss | MOB: 7 | Hit: [36-6] = 30 damage | Thorns: [18 DMG] Edited January 7 by Morrigan Link to post Share on other sites
broodboy 0 Posted January 7 Author #15 Share Posted January 7 His body moved before his thoughts could catch up, an instinctive reaction rather than any sense of altruism toward Morrigan’s request. Bastion wasn’t here to play hero or make friends. Morrigan might be tolerable, but she was expendable—just like everyone else in this game. The nagging regret of skipping the weapon from the 'First Lessons' quest flickered in his mind, but it was fleeting. His goal was clear: stay out of the battle’s way. 'These are nothing like the level one boar I fought. Shit, shit, shit!' His breath quickened as monstrous roars shattered the forest’s stillness, mingling with the harsh clang of metal striking bone. This wasn’t some tutorial fight. This was the real game, the reason he’d lingered in town for so long. Eyes scanning the chaos, Bastion’s focus landed on a hollowed-out tree, its path momentarily cleared amid the fray. Keeping his movements calculated and quiet, he slipped toward it, clambering into the hollow with practiced efficiency. Perched above the chaos, he spared a glance at the battlefield below, muttering under his breath, “You don’t have to tempt me with a good time.” Above and out of the way he saw things more clearly. A large chunk of Morrigan’s health bar was missing. Considering his option of survival the pragmatic approach was to help her in any way he could without the cost of his own option. The damage would have already killed him three times over so potions wouldn’t help him. He pulled out one of his starter potions. A small glass ampule with a faint glowing green liquid inside. He snapped the top off and touched his party member's name with his glowing finger as her health bar began to climb back up. … Combat ►<<Post Action>> Healing Potion on Morrígan [+50 HP] | HP [170/180] Consumables used: [1] Starter Healing Potion Link to post Share on other sites
Morrigan 0 Posted January 7 #16 Share Posted January 7 (edited) The gorillas had slammed into her without mercy, pushing aside the halberd with ease before hammering into her core and causing her to bend slightly with the impact. She saw the thorns erupt from her shield, piercing the pair and causing minimal amounts of damage in return – but it was enough to push them back and away from her, giving her the space she needed to recuperate from their original assault. ’Stay back and out of the way. It’s just the two, I can handle them. Let me know if you see anything else coming though.’ She brought the halberd back down and into a ready stance, the shield on her arm weighing down heavily as she realised it had taken the brunt of the assault against her. A quick glance at her health bar confirmed the damage she had taken – but she watched as it slowly recovered, causing her eyebrow to raise slightly but nothing more of a reaction. She side stepped, forcing them to mimic her movement, before she sprung forward with the halberd, slashing at the area they had been mere seconds before her assault. They were fast, and she danced with them – trading blows as she pushed aside their strikes with shield and shaft, driving them slowly back as she moved around with more nimble speed than the larger creatures could muster. It would only be a matter of time before she landed her blow, aiming for the vital areas in the hopes of either bringing them down entirely, or paralysing them long enough to gain the true upper hand in the fight. - Combat Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [170/180] | EN [25/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse |+1 EN | -11 EN Gorilla 1 | HP: 0/108| DMG: 36 Gorilla 2 | HP: 90/108 | DMG: 36 ID239842 | BD: 7+3 = 10 | <<AoE-I vs. Gorilla 1>> | Hit: [11x11] = 121 damage | Gorilla 1 destroyed. ID239843 | BD: 2+3 = 5 | <<AoE-I vs. Gorilla 2>> | Miss | MOB: 5 | Miss. Spoiler Loot ID239766 | LD: 7 | CD: 2 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure (+3 EXP) ID239771 | LD: 4 | CD: 12 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure (+3 EXP | 6/49 EXP) ID239799 | LD: 5 | CD: 12 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure (+3 EXP | 9/49 EXP) ID239801 | LD: 16 | CD: 5 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Success! 1 material (+8 EXP | 17/49 EXP) ID239802 | LD: 2 | CD: 11 | Results: 540 (324+216) col, 2 materials Totals 540 col 3 materials Edited January 7 by Morrigan Link to post Share on other sites
broodboy 0 Posted January 7 Author #17 Share Posted January 7 Bastion watched intently from his elevated position, his eyes narrowing as Morrigan handled the remaining gorilla. Her movements were precise, her strength undeniable. But Bastion knew better than to underestimate any fight. The remaining gorilla still had fight in it, and he wasn’t about to ignore the possibility of danger lurking beyond the immediate threat. Morrigan had it under control. She was strong, capable. And yet, Bastion couldn’t shake the urge to prepare for the unexpected. His gaze swept over the area, scanning for any other signs of danger. A shift in the wind, a rustle in the trees—anything that might signal more enemies approaching. The gorilla roared, its fury building, but Bastion’s focus remained on the periphery. He had no intention of diving into the fray, but if something else showed up, he’d be ready. Watching her fight was a dose of reality he had yet to stomach here. This medicine was bitter but needed. As the battle drew on he felt his heart calm down and he was able to study the surroundings and movements of all involved more thoroughly. This was worth more than any bit of research he might have foraged for. “All clear from here.” Link to post Share on other sites
Morrigan 0 Posted January 7 #18 Share Posted January 7 (edited) The first gorilla closed in, Morrígan’s halberd coming down and through its form as she backed up a step to try and meet the second creature – only to watch as it reeled back in shock or hesitation at the loss of its companion. The puzzlement she felt at the shift in the tide of the battle retreated enough to allow her to move again, and she stepped in between herself and the form of Bastion, ensuring that the creature before her had no path towards the other player. ’Almost done here.’ She didn’t look back as she called out to the other player; keeping her focus on the enemy before her. She knew it would only be a matter of time before it became impatient and charged towards her – they always did. ’Come on…’ She whispered the words, tightening her grip on the halberd as she felt the tension of waiting coursing through her. She’d begun to question if the thing was going to charge or not, when it suddenly leapt into motion; the black and grey fur rushing towards her to try and pummel her out of existence. Morrígan brought the halberd down, positioning the tip to meet its charge and hoping that it would impale itself and end the conflict with a single blow. - Combat Morrígan | Lv. 9 | P. 0 | HP [170/180] | EN [17/36] | ACC [3] | DMG [11] | EVA [0] | MIT [6] | Thorns [18] | Paralyse |+1 EN | -9 EN Gorilla 2 | HP: 0/108 | DMG: 36 ID239856 | BD: 7+3 = 10 | <<ST-I vs. Gorilla 2>> | Hit: [11x12] = 132 damage | Gorilla 2 destroyed. Spoiler Loot ID239766 | LD: 7 | CD: 2 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure (+3 EXP) ID239771 | LD: 4 | CD: 12 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure (+3 EXP | 6/49 EXP) ID239799 | LD: 5 | CD: 12 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure (+3 EXP | 9/49 EXP) ID239801 | LD: 16 | CD: 5 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Success! 1 material (+8 EXP | 17/49 EXP) ID239802 | LD: 2 | CD: 11 | Results: 540 (324+216) col, 2 materials ID239856 | LD: 9 | CD: 4 | Results: 540 (324+216) col, 2 materials, Uncommon Consumable (1) Totals 1,080 col 5 materials Uncommon Consumable (1) | ID239856 Edited January 7 by Morrigan Link to post Share on other sites
broodboy 0 Posted January 7 Author #19 Share Posted January 7 (edited) Bastion remained perched in the hollow, his sharp eyes fixed on Morrigan as she danced with the remaining gorilla. Her movements were precise, her focus unshakable, but even from his vantage point, he could see the tension in her posture. She was tired, though she hid it well. The halberd flashed in the dim forest light, and with a decisive strike, she drove the blade deep into the creature's chest. Its roar of defiance quickly faded, and the beast collapsed to the ground, lifeless. For a moment, the clearing fell silent, save for Morrigan's heavy breathing. Bastion exhaled, easing the grip he hadn’t realized he had on his cloak. She had done it—again. His gaze shifted, drawn to a faint glint in the darkness of the hollow where he had hidden. Narrowing his eyes, he leaned closer, brushing away debris to reveal a shard of jagged black crystal. It pulsed faintly, like it was alive, and an unsettling aura radiated from it. Bastion frowned, pocketing the shard cautiously. ‘This must be what I came out here for.’ Sliding down from his perch, he approached Morrigan, keeping his tone level but firm. "You handled that well. Let’s not push our luck, though. I found what I needed." He didn’t elaborate, instead gesturing toward the path they’d come from. "We should head back to camp and return the compass. I don’t want to get caught out here when you’re gone." Without waiting for a reply, Bastion began moving, his steps quick but careful. The shard weighed heavy in his mind, a reminder that there was always more lurking in the shadows than they could see and things were more real here than he would choose to let himself believe. As they reached the camp, Morrigan turned to face him with a smile, her expression one of approval. Grinning now, she held out her hand. "As payment for your troubles, why don't you keep the Shard? I will be needing the compass back, however. Next time you hunt for a Shard, you will have to earn it the hard way— with your own skill!" Bastion gave her a small nod, his hand reaching into his pocket to pull out the compass. “I’ll be ready,” he said, his voice calm and steady. He handed it over, but kept the shard as a box appeared before him. Congratulations! You have now acquired the <<Forager>> profession. "We part here. Thank you for the information regarding the photo." Bastion gave a slight pause studying her carefully before abruptly pivoting on his heels to head back to town ... Post Action: Foraging ID239858 | LD: 4 | CD: 10 | <<Foraging>> | Results: Failure Spoiler Loot Total: ID239798 | LD: 16 | CD: 6 |[+1 Demonic Shard] ID239800 | LD: 17 | CD: 8 |[+1 Material] ID239806 | LD: 14 | CD: 8 |[+1 Material] Edited January 7 by broodboy Link to post Share on other sites
Morrigan 0 Posted January 7 #20 Share Posted January 7 (edited) A soft sigh had escaped her lips as the final threat before her had vanished, the halberd cleaving through it and leaving nothing but shimmering shards floating softly on the air. She paused for a brief moment to confirm that nothing further would approach her, before turning back to face the other player and waving him out from the hollow he had hidden within. She listened, silently, as he confirmed his intent to make their way back to the encampment. The shard had been located, and there was little more for them to do here save for the continued engagement with local monsters – and while those came with some nicer payouts, she knew that there was more danger than reward to be found in overworking oneself. ’Heading back would be the most beneficial, I think. There’s no reason to remain here.’ She gave one last glance over the area before turning and heading back in the direction they had traversed to get there; her eyes followed the markers on the mini map, leading them slowly back out of the woodlands and into open grass fields once more. She was careful to redirect them both when they began to tarry from the path, but remained silent otherwise; more than happy to fall into her own thoughts as she covered the ground between the woods and the encampment. By the time they had arrived back at the encampment, the false sun in the sky had shifted slightly. She glanced upwards, confirming both Phantom’s continued tailing of her movements, as well as the fact that the day had passed by as she’d travelled with the other player. She waited quietly beside Bastion as he completed the quest, received the reward from the druidic looking woman, Giovanna, before nodding to the NPC and stepping away. ’Hopefully that gives you a good start on everything you’re going to need heading forwards.’ She considered walking away then, once he had confirmed that they would be parting, but held herself in place and heard his final words, nodding in response to his proffered thanks. She wondered what would happen to the player, as he pivoted on his heels and made his way back towards the safety of the town. She’d seen his reaction to the violence that had come from the conflict with the gorillas, and although he had stayed in place and avoided fleeing, she’d seen some form of fear or hesitation in him – a reaction that could, given the situation, get him killed if he wasn’t careful. As Phantom came and took a perch upon her shoulder, she couldn’t help but mention her thoughts to the raven that had been following them from a distance all day long. ’Somehow I feel like we’re going to meet him again. There’s a determination to him, one that won’t let him rest until he’s fulfilled whatever purpose drives him onwards. I’ll be interested to see his growth.’ With nothing more to obtain from the area, and her original purpose for coming out here clearly well behind her, Morrígan took her own leave of the location, stepping through flowing grasses and around rocky outcroppings that popped up from beneath flora, her thoughts carrying her ahead through the fields as the sun continued to shift in the sky. - Thread Summary Word Count: 6,636 Morrígan[/color EXP: 6,636/10x1x0.7 = 464 [Progression] = 464 EXP Broodboy [Bastion] EXP: EXP: 6,636/10x1x0.7 = 464 [Progression] + 300 [Quest] = 764 EXP Col: 400 [Progression] + 1,080 [Loot] = 1,480 col 7 materials Demonic Shard (1) Uncommon Consumable (1) | ID239856 Edited January 7 by Morrigan Link to post Share on other sites
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