Nymoria 0 Posted January 19 #1 Share Posted January 19 (edited) <<Scents of the Wild: Ferocious Foe>> Nymoria had become more and more active with each day. She’d taken up the self-inflicted call of applying her skills, developed over her time in Aincrad, to help those players’ still struggling to get their footing and begin their own journeys. It had given her purpose over the last few days, and although she had found the intervening action to be cathartic in a means and measure for herself, she also knew that she needed to do something beyond simply escorting players along beginner quests in order to ensure that she remained useful to them, as well as the frontlines. The Scents of the Wilds quest was one that I had been told would be useful…and it’s harder than the beginner quests. Not so hard that I can’t track down the bear and face it myself though…I think. She felt the nagging worry of doubt deep within her mind, and turned towards the quest details again to silence the growing darkness that had seen an opportunity. Forcing it back, she felt the relief wash over herself as it retreated for the moment; waiting for another instance when it could lash out and attempt to overcome her newly created defences. Defences which she knew were imperfect, and would eventually fail and falter to her natural state. For the time being, however, she’d decided to hunt down the second portion of the Scents of the Wild quest. The bear was dangerous, but not so much that Nymoria felt she would be unmatched. She had, however, taken precautions to ensure she had all the extra materials she would need in order to keep herself safe. Crystals, potions, salves and additional items that would boost her power, keeping her alive and well in the most extreme of situations. The hardest part will be finding the bear, I think. It’s no more dangerous than other things I’ve hunted, and after the sand shark…well, I think I’m ready for this. It wasn’t entirely true, she knew. The quest creature would be a lot more difficult than the sand shark had been, but she felt more prepared now than she had been when she originally headed into the fray with the shark. Collecting the few minor remnants of her preparations, Nymoria closed the door behind her and moved to Musei’s playroom, collecting the weasel and placing him inside the carrying case as she made to leave behind the home that had taken on a new atmosphere. No more was it a prison of darkness and desolation that she had been trapped within for weeks, now it was a place that she could find a new beginning; a place she could use to better help others. To find a reason to continue living, and continue heading out into the world. - Nymoria consumes; yomi dragon tea {1} [Potion | Tier 4 | Mitigation III] Imperial Quarter Blend {1} [Tea | Potion | Damage III] Hellstorm {1} | T2 Unique Consumable | Apply 20*Player's Tier DMG to every attack (as Phase damage) for a single thread. Matriarch’s Stinger {1} | T1 Unique Consumable | Increases Multiplier of SA attacks by 1 for the duration of one thread. ([DMG*(SA Multiplier)] becomes [DMG*(SA Multiplier + 1)]). Statblock Spoiler Notes [Theme] Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [680/680] | EN [104/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | MIT [60] | BH [+37] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | Hellstorm [80 | PHASE] Tier 4 | Tier 4 Equipment Repressed [Rapier | Tier 3] Enhancement: Bleed [2 Slots] Enhancement: Keen [1 Slot] Ring of Evasion [Jewelry | Tier 1] Enhancement: Evasion [3 Slots] Hearing Aid [Trinket | Tier 1] Enhancement: Accuracy [3 Slots] Battle-Ready Inventory Uncommon Health Potion {5} [Potion | Tier 1 | Heals 5% Maximum HP] Spyglass {1} | Reduce Search Posts x5 [Dungeon, Familiar, Field Boss] for one thread bento {1} [Meal | Tierless | Oveerhealth III] Teleport Crystal {1} Honey Cookie {5} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II] Chocolate Truffles {4} [Dessert | Tier 3 | Vitality II] Dear My Friend {3} [Support Song | Tier 4 | HP Recovery III | Instant] Crystal of Support | [3/3 charges] | Heals the user and each party member for (50 * Target's Tier) HP. Requires a Post Action to use. Skills Spoiler Utility Skills Extended Weight Limit [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 additional Battle-Ready inventory slots.] Combat Skills Battle Healing [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: While in combat, recover 1% per rank of your maximum HP (rounded down) at the beginning of your turn.] Energist [Active: Passive. Effect: Increase base Energy by 5*Tier.] Weapon Skills Rapiers [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +7 DMG] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Stamina [Active: Passive. Effect: Reduces EN of all attacks by 2.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Precision [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 ACC.] [Rank 5 Weapon Addon] Rapier Ferocity [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 DMG when using the weapon of your choice. Players cannot use Focus and Ferocity at the same time for the same Weapon Type.] [Rank 5 Shift] AOE Specialist [Active: Passive. Effect: For the following Sword Arts, +4 to multipliers and +2 to EN cost; AoE-I, AoE-II. No other Shifts may be taken.] Armour Skills Unhindered [Active: Passive. Effect: +1 Accuracy, +1 Loot Dice, +1 Evasion, +5*Tier HP. Your mitigation is capped at 0 equipment slots.] Active Extra Skills Leadership [Rank: 1. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain access to Leadership Arts every rank. In order to use a Leadership Art, it must take up a mod slot. Each Leadership Art takes up a different mod slot. Leadership Arts from different sources do not stack.] [Rank 1 Leadership Art] Elusive [Active: Post Action. Energy: 4 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Evasion of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.] [Rank 2 Leadership Art] Rally [Active: Post Action. Energy: 6 EN. Cooldown: 2 turns. Effect: Increase the Accuracy of all players in your party by 1 for a single turn.] [Rank 3 Leadership Art] Steadfast [Active: Post Action. Energy: 8 EN. Cooldown: 3 turns. Effect: Status Effects that would be applied to the party for the next two turns would instead be applied to the user instead (normal rules for how status effects refresh instead of stacking apply).] Survival [Active: Passive. Effect: Increases Healing effects received from all sources by 10%. Grants immunity to all damage dealing environmental attacks/effects.] Inactive Extra Skills Concentration [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. Effect: As a free action, gain Absolute Accuracy on your next attack. In the case Absolute Accuracy is already present, increase your Accuracy by 1 instead. Effect lasts until the start of next turn.] Frozen Hide [Active: Free Action. Energy: 5 EN. Cooldown: 4 turns. Effect: As a free action, apply one slot of Frost Aura and one slot of Frost Thorns equal to your tier to yourself until the start of your next turn.] Combat Mastery Damage [Rank: 3. Active: Passive. Effect: Gain +1 * Tier additional Base Damage per rank. Ranks of this Skill obey Damage enhancement caps.] Familiar Skills Hunting Familiar [Active: Free Action. Cooldown: 5 turns. : Effect: Your familiar has a nose for treasure. Roll LD/CD (without bonuses) as if you had slain a loot-minimum mob.] Estate Buffs N/A Sword Arts Spoiler [x13] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x16] 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 had missed the previous turn. [x21] 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, this CD check applies to only the first roll. [x16] AOE-I (13 11 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x19] AOE-II (16 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. [x13] TECH-A (13 11 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x13] TECH-B (13 11 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. [x9] TECH-F (8 6 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE STUN | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. All struck targets are stunned for one turn. Housing Buffs Spoiler Shizuka [Home] Master Bedroom [-1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat.] Living Room [Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.] Atelier (Extended Workshop) [+2 Crafting EXP per crafting attempt & +1 crafting attempt per day.] Greenhouse [+2 Gathering EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to gathering attempts.] Storage Closet [+1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot.] Attic (Storage) [+5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests.] Edited January 20 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 20 Author #2 Share Posted January 20 (edited) She’d arrived in Ellesmera just as the morning shops had begun to open; a number of bakeries basking the air with scents that toyed with Nymoria’s drive to head out of the settlement and into the woodlands beyond in search of the bear she was meant to hunt down. She’d taken a middle ground, stopping at the closest in order to obtain a small treat for the way out, before heading beyond the gates and into the woodlands itself. The natural areas of the eighth floor were peaceful, so long as one ignored the roaming oddities that were the natural predators and dangers of the world. Great Tailed Deer bounded by Nymoria, just far enough to not be an immediate danger, and during her passing of the trails that wound through the woods, she spotted the movement of a tree that signified the presence of a Treant; a foe that she decided to redirect away from for the time being. Musei had poked his head out numerous times during their adventure into the trees, his nose twitching for a few moments before he had returned to the comfort of the backpack that was his home away from home. Nymoria had stopped each time, taking a moment to look around and ensure nothing was approaching them that she hadn’t noticed, before feeling comfortable to carry onwards with her push into the trees. She wasn’t entirely sure how long they’d been walking, but as the sun filtered down through the foliage, she realised that it was just pleasant to be out and away from home; to be out and doing something. Still, it would be nice to find the bear as quickly as possible. I could use the rest of the day to… Her thought trailed off as she realised she didn’t have anything else planned for the day, nor anything that really required any measure of pressing need from her. She could feel the negative thoughts swell to the surface, and quickly decided that if she did finish the quest early, she would simply explore the floor a bit more before heading back to her shop to complete some daily work there. - Post Action: Search for Kumatetsu ID240298 | LD: 7+1 = 8 | <<Search for Kumatetsu>> | Result: Failure Edited January 20 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 20 Author #3 Share Posted January 20 (edited) A flurry of movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention, and Nymoria shifted on her heels, turning to face the brush that had moved. Her hand had reached for her rapier, natural reaction that she had long since developed, but as she saw the small four legged creature emerge – a porcupine like creature in appearance, minus the dark orange colouring it displayed – she found herself giggling at her reaction. She waited for the creature to hobble along and away, carefree of her presence and the danger it had momentarily been in had Nymoria not realised the simplicity of its existence. Once it had hobbled out of sight, she continued on her way, leaving behind the encounter and focusing on finding the bear. The sunlight filtering through the trees had grown stronger, a sign to Nymoria that the day was slowly transitioning through the hours, although she didn’t care to check just how many had passed during her travels. She was more than content to walk blindly until she had found the bear, determine to ignore the fact that she had very little else to do with her time. The woods really are calming. It’s no wonder the elves and treants love it here. I should visit them more, when I have the chance. She thought about what little she knew about the eighth floor, remembering that there were a number of events that had occurred between the Elfenfolk and the Treants. If I remember right…wasn’t there a quest line that was directly related to the two societies..? Maybe I should look into that later on. Might be worth returning to do…and maybe I can find someone to come with me. She smiled at the thought, before the wave of negativity hit her and she realised that she didn’t exactly have anyone to ask to come along with her. The thoughts made her stumble, ever so slightly, as she came through a brush and into the clearing beyond. - Post Action: Search for Kumatetsu ID240299 | LD: 7+1 = 8 | <<Search for Kumatetsu>> | Result: Failure Edited January 20 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 20 Author #4 Share Posted January 20 (edited) A soft sigh escaped her as she settled against the fallen tree, using the downed piece as a backrest while she took time to relax. She’d been walking so much that she’d begun to feel it in her legs, and although she knew it was nothing more than a psychological effect, she decided it was best to rest herself when she was given the chance. Food time. She signed the words as soon as Musei had poked his head out of the carrying case, the weasel leaping down at the mention of food. Nymoria opened her menu and pulled forth the items she had picked up earlier that morning, divvying them out between the two of them before settling in to enjoy the small meal. Her eyes continued to roam around the area, as much watching for danger as she was taking in the scenery around her. This would be such a nice place to make a home, if it weren’t for the consistent dangers that were present…well, everywhere. It’s such a lovely forest and path… She caught sight of a collection of reds, greens and yellows shifting in the foliage before it disappeared from sight. She felt a slight moment of tension, before relaxing when nothing leapt out at her. Shaking her head, she found herself laughing at the situation, the irony of having just complimented the area before being reminded of how dangerous it was. Aincrad is definitely a world to keep you aware and awake. Musei shifted as something caught his attention, and Nymoria found herself following his gaze into the distance. She could see nothing beyond the sparse openings between the trees, and the slowly shifting form of their leaves as a small breeze carried through the woods. She didn’t, however, doubt the weasel’s attentiveness. It was rare that he’d been wrong about something when he caught a scent, and Nymoria had long since learnt to trust the creature when it came to alertness. - Post Action: Search for Kumatetsu ID240300 | LD: 6+1 = 7 | <<Search for Kumatetsu>> | Result: Failure Free Action: Hunting Familiar ID240301 | LD: 20 | CD: 5 | <<Hunting Familiar>> | Result: 1,980 (1,188+792) col, 2 materials, Perfect Armor/Shield (1), Perfect Trinket (1) Edited January 20 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 20 Author #5 Share Posted January 20 (edited) The weasel suddenly took off, leaping down from Nymoria’s form and into the brush nearby. She considered racing after him, but paused as she glanced about once more. Only once she was entirely certain there was nothing else in the vicinity did she follow the weasel’s path, finding him just on the other side of the brush digging furiously. She watched in curiosity as the weasel slowly uncovered a collection of items, before looking up at her with an eye that almost shone with excitement and pride. Good find, Musei. She signed before collecting the items that the weasel had dug up. A part of her was disappointed it hadn’t been the bear itself, but she was happy to have found more useful pieces to add to her ever growing collection – and for the fact that the weasel was entirely safe. Once she’d tucked everything away, she glanced back at where their meal had been – now tossed aside and entirely unappealing in appearance – before deciding it was time to move on. Time to go. The weasel slid back up into his carrier with a single moment of hesitation, his eyes glancing in the direction of the slowly disappearing food that had been lost, before he realised that there would be nothing more to consume. A soft sigh escaped him as he gave in to the reality, before clambering back up and settling in for another walk through the woods. Nymoria took off from the location slowly, ensuring to check the surrounding area for anything else worthwhile, as well as any sign of the target she was hunting down. Not that she found success with either instance, but she had long since learnt that it was best to fail in excess, than succeed through shortages. - Post Action: Search for Kumatetsu ID240302 | LD: 12+1 = 13 | <<Search for Kumatetsu>> | Result: Failure Edited January 20 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 20 Author #6 Share Posted January 20 (edited) The path had been thinning the further she’d entered into the forest, and as she continued deeper she found that offshoot led in multiple different directions; appearing as little more than trails that could’ve been made by an animal passing through continuous. She’d chosen to avoid them, for the time being at least, due to the miniature nature of them and the cramped feeling they gave off. Now, however, she stood before one and considered following it. The pathway itself was large; far larger than anything a bear could’ve left behind, Nymoria felt. It’s wide…at least as wide as two cars. There’s no way the bear is that wide. Maybe there’s a pair of them? She felt a momentary spike of fear at the thought, before realising that the details she’d received had specified only a singular creature. That realisation, however, only partially quelled her fears. She knew all too well that sometimes information was outdated or outright incorrect. That just means I need to be extra careful. Still, I came here to face this thing, I’m not going to back out now. Not until I know for sure I can’t beat it. Drawing her rapier, she began moving down the pathway, heading towards whatever destination might lay at the end of it. She could only hope that she managed to surprise the creature when she found it; if she ran into it and immediately found herself in conflict, she knew it could easily take away any chance of retreating safely that she may have had previously. The walk was short; the trail coming to an end as it turned into a large clearing. At its centre lay a large, brown ball of fluff and fear that rose and fell rhythmically; the form of Kumatetsu that Nymoria had been looking for. She moved around the edge of the clearing, checking the area and confirming that no other creatures were in the vicinity. She gave a soft sigh upon confirming it, before stepping into the clearing itself and bringing the rapier up before her. - Post Action: Search for Kumatetsu ID240303 | LD: 14+1 = 15 | <<Search for Kumatetsu>> | Result: Success! Kumatetsu located! Edited January 20 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 20 Author #7 Share Posted January 20 (edited) The bear responded almost immediately, rising from the slumber as she stepped into the glade properly. Grass had shifted around her feet, and although Nymoria couldn’t hear it herself, she was certainly that a predator that chose to sleep in the centre of an open field, with no protection of form of hiding from whatever came across it, must have been able to sense her presence the moment she stepped close enough. As it reared to its feet, standing an impressive height above her head, it opened its mouth in what appeared to be a roar or a yawn – Nymoria had looked away in order to avoid the system automatically providing the sound for her, instead choosing to focus on the claws that glimmered like weapons. Those are going to hurt, whether they cut through armour or not. Look at the size of those paws. Her eyes traced the lines of muscle that extended from the arms of the bear, the way in which it moved that showed just how much mass it had behind it, and the strength that came with that mass. Nymoria knew that she was agile; quick on her feet and capable of responding and avoiding attacks that she could see coming. She also knew, however, how dangerous an attack that hit from this creature would be. I’m going to have to be extremely careful and cautious. I can’t let it land a strike, or I could be in trouble. Focus on movement, and keep going. Her plan as prepared as it could be, she chose to take the initiative while she still had it and charged towards the bear. She moved quickly across the ground, the rapier brought up and levelled in preparation to stab out towards the brown form. She wanted to test its own reaction, as much as get in the first strike, to see how it would react and respond to her ability to attack and move. She knew that if it was as quick as she was, she would be in trouble. Just focus on doing what is necessary to bring it down. Quick movements, and you’ll win this. - Combat Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [680/680] | EN [94/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | MIT [60] | BH [+37] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | Hellstorm [80 | PHASE] | -10 EN Kumatetsu | HP: 845/1200 | DMG: 155 | MIT: 50 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 | Stunned | -355 HP Dodge and Parry | On a player's natural attack roll of 10, the attack will miss <<Kumatetsu>>. Instead <<Kumatetsu>> will gain a +2 Accuracy for his next attack. This buff will expire after the attack has been resolved. Beast Form | When <<Kumatetsu>> is reduced to 600 (or lower) health, he will transform and turn into a bulked-up creature, increasing his damage to 170, but also reducing his ACC by 1 and MIT to 25. ID240304 | BD: 6+5-2 = 9 | <<Tech-A vs. Kumatetsu>> | Hit: [25x13-50+80] = 355 damage | Stunned Edited January 20 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 20 Author #8 Share Posted January 20 (edited) Nymoria’s sudden assault had been a success, the bear unable to respond as she closed the distance and brought the rapier in for a simple strike at one of its more vulnerable shoulders. She had barely pierced the flesh before she soared past, leaving the creature stunned and confused as the form that had stung it was no longer visible, numerous steps past and beyond its reach as it slowly shifted in place. By the time Nymoria turned back to face the thing, the stun had worn off however, and she found the bear once more preparing itself to enter the conflict. She knew this time she wouldn’t be able to repeat the surprise attack, and that she would be forced to face it more head-on. It’s strong only so long as I stand still. Its large mass means that it is slower, so I can skirt around most of its attacks if I’m aware and careful. I just need to wear it down quickly, before I get tired. Her plan decided, she moved forward to engage with the creature once more, already seeing the large chunk that she had torn from its health bar above its head. It was a simple reminder of the strength she had obtained in this world, and yet she found herself prideful at the fact. Focus. Left paw. Down. Back. Move. Stab. The words flowed into her mind long after her body had already completed the movements, her entire core moving as if carried through by some other measure beyond her awareness and conscious thought. Nymoria felt as the blade connected with a claw, turning the paw backwards even as she let the blade slide down; removing and chance of it disarming her before she leapt back into the dance with the bear. It was likely roaring in pain and frustration, but Nymoria’s focus remained on its danger points, and she found herself unaware of any sounds beyond her own mind; closed off entirely to the noises of the world that would distract her from the fight in that moment. - Combat Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [680/680] | EN [85/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | MIT [60] | BH [+37] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | Hellstorm [80 | PHASE] | +4 EN | -13 EN Kumatetsu | HP: 415/1200 | DMG: 155 170 | MIT: 50 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 | Stun Immunity [1/3] | -430 HP Dodge and Parry | On a player's natural attack roll of 10, the attack will miss <<Kumatetsu>>. Instead <<Kumatetsu>> will gain a +2 Accuracy for his next attack. This buff will expire after the attack has been resolved. Beast Form | When <<Kumatetsu>> is reduced to 600 (or lower) health, he will transform and turn into a bulked-up creature, increasing his damage to 170, but also reducing his ACC by 1 and MIT to 25. ID240305 | BD: 3+5-2 = 6 | <<AoE-I vs. Kumatetsu>> | Hit: [25x16-50+80] = 430 damage ID240306 | BD: 3-4 = 0 | <<Kumatetsu vs. Nymoria>> | Miss. Edited January 20 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 20 Author #9 Share Posted January 20 (edited) The bear tried to lumber after Nymoria as she danced around its form, her attacks cutting small incisions into its flesh; nothing that would immediately bring the creature to its knees, and yet painful enough to cause it discomfort and to wear away at its overall health. Nymoria moved with a purpose, eyes ever watchful as the thing turned towards her, only to find her form had darted out of reach again, repeating the assault over and over as the bear shambled in frustration and pain. Nymoria felt a tinge of pity and sorrow at the situation she was causing. As much as she knew the bear was deadly, that it was nothing more than a creation made by Cardinal for the players to engage and overcome, she couldn’t stop herself from feeling horror at the pain and suffering she was inflicting upon it. A part of her wanted to abandon the entire experience, to drop her rapier and run away from what she was doing; but another part of her knew that she needed to finish it. To complete the quest and move on. You can deal with the trauma after. Just bring the bear down, finish this, and then…then you can figure it all out. She parried blows as she thought, dodging beneath weak strikes that were far too slow to connect with her flowing form. Her rapier danced around claw and paw, slashing at vital points as they became open to her strikes, looking for any way to deliver a strong finishing blow towards the slowly crippled animal. She wanted nothing more now than to bring an end to the entire situation, to its pain and suffering. Drive in. Finish it and move on. Stop this. - Combat Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [680/680] | EN [76/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | MIT [60] | BH [+37] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | Hellstorm [80 | PHASE] | +4 EN | -13 EN Kumatetsu | HP: 0/1200 | DMG: 155 170 | MIT: 50 25 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 2 | Stun Immunity [2/3] | -430 HP Dodge and Parry | On a player's natural attack roll of 10, the attack will miss <<Kumatetsu>>. Instead <<Kumatetsu>> will gain a +2 Accuracy for his next attack. This buff will expire after the attack has been resolved. Beast Form | When <<Kumatetsu>> is reduced to 600 (or lower) health, he will transform and turn into a bulked-up creature, increasing his damage to 170, but also reducing his ACC by 1 and MIT to 25. ID240305 | BD: 4+5-2 = 7 | <<AoE-I vs. Kumatetsu>> | Hit: [25x16-50+80] = 430 damage | Kumatetsu destroyed. Edited January 20 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 20 Author #10 Share Posted January 20 The bear reared up in an attempt to dwarf her, likely to try and cause her to pause with fear. Nymoria ignored the pending danger behind the movement, choosing instead to use the momentary flash of weakness that she saw, the opening that would allow her to drive her rapier deep within the creature’s chest, and hopefully bring an end to the torment it had been suffering at her hand. She moved quickly, dashing forward and lunging with the blade, piercing through the thing’s fur and flesh before impaling it fully. The strike tore through any bones and other defences it may have had, and although a single second of doubt entered her mind, the bear eventually exploded into shards as the last of its health was ripped away. It’s done. She leaned back with a soft swing of the rapier, before sheathing the weapon. She quickly dismissed the confirmation that she’d completed the quest, stowing away the stone tablet as it produced itself before her. She felt sick from the encounter, a disgusted feeling at the way she had unintentionally tortured the creature before its death. It wasn’t intentional. You were trying to end it as quickly as you could. But it was so realistic, so…real… She could feel herself beginning to shake in response to the images in her mind; replaying the fight in gruesome detail in an attempt to disturb her more. Deep breaths. Just deep breaths. She had slowly calmed herself, pushing aside the tormenting memories and slowing down her breathing and heart rate. She wasn’t sure what had come over her, but as she thought back on it she wondered if she hadn’t been ready for the quest quite yet. I’ve never been so disturbed…and this isn’t the first fight… She wondered what it was that had bothered her so much. No answers came to her, however, and as she began to settle once more, she wondered if it was nothing more than a singular event due to the slow return to combat that she had begun. But…will combat always be like this? The thought disturbed her a bit, and she knew that she would need to investigate and find out, if for no reason other than to determine if she would be continuously handicapped by her own mind. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 21 Author #11 Share Posted January 21 Leaving behind the site of the bear had been harder than Nymoria had expected. She’d stayed for almost an hour, pondering over the response she’d had to the fight, and the way in which she’d fought. Thoughts had scrolled through her brain faster than she could keep up with them all, and although she’d tried her hardest to keep the darker portion of her mind at bay, it had slithered into her mind regardless; testing her and tainting her ideas. She’d eventually been forced to shut it all down, to compel herself to move on. It had taken more effort than Nymoria would’ve liked, but as she’d taken the first few steps away from the glade, she’d felt herself returning to a form of normalcy; a feeling that grew the further she was away from the area, until she was entirely back to her regular self. That was…weird. I wonder if it was an effect of the glade itself. Maybe some part of the quest? Portions of her mind refused to accept that reason, arguing that there was no way that the glade could have influenced her in such a tragic, aggressive manner. She knew better, however. She knew that the game was as corruptible as her own inner self; the subconscious that looked for any means to escape. That awareness, however, didn’t change her determination and conflicted feelings about the glade; as if there was something else that had effected her. I had time to spare…and the only way I’m going to figure out if there is something else wrong with me, is through trying…so let’s try. She turned on the path she’d been following, heading off it and down a side trail she had noticed approaching. She’d avoided the pathway during her original exploration of the woodlands, not wanting to get lost in the woods through some accidental animal trail that led nowhere. Now, though, she found herself willing to give up the safety and security that came with knowing exactly where she had come from, and a strong idea of where she was going. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 21 Author #12 Share Posted January 21 Winding through the woods had provided some measure of comfort to Nymoria; the desolate silence that filled her world unbroken by anything beyond the small shiver of leaves on the passing trees. No animals leapt out at her, no thoughts forced into life through some event that caused her to panic, or drip with anxiety. She was alone and in peace. Given the time to sort her thoughts and consider everything she knew; admittedly not a lot, but enough that she could begin to piece together a measure of what had occurred. Cardinal cannot create new emotions for us. It can’t simply change how we act, and think, and behave. It can manipulate it, sure. But it can’t create something new. That means… The thought trailed off as she considered everything it meant. She knew the answer, knew that she had created those emotions and feelings herself; that she had been the cause of everything. She simply didn’t know why. If I’m the reason for it though, that means that there’s something underlying to it. Some…hesitation. I…I can deal with that, I think. She felt somewhat certain, at least. She’d dealt with her own suicidal spiral, and come out of it. Barely, but she’d come out of it and returned to the world, even if only as a shell of the person she once was. Of course I’m not the same person. So much has happened. I’ve…I’ve changed. Maybe I’m not the best, maybe I’m not…like the others. Maybe I’m still… The words caught themselves, stopping before she could think them. She’d come to a standstill at some point, an echo of the conflict going on in her mind. Shaking her head, she forced herself to finish the thought, to admit what she was so afraid of confirming. I’m broken. I’m still broken, and that won’t change. But it doesn’t mean I can’t do something. She knew that continuing to hold herself back, to restrict herself as she had been doing, would only further develop the darkness that had hidden away inside her again. She needed to focus on bringing herself back into motion, back into doing things. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 23 Author #13 Share Posted January 23 (edited) Nymoria had been following trail after trail as she explored the depths of the woods, her thoughts leading her on even as they seemed to chase her from behind. She’d long since lost track of time, her general location, and anything beyond the path opening before her. She’d passed by various animals during her travels, but most had scattered upon her approach – save a large great bear that had given her a chill, and she’d chosen to avoid it entirely. They look promising though. The flickering forms of the firefoxes flittered between the trees some distance from her, a small pack that was harassing a collection of weasel like creatures in the tree above them. Nymoria figured that the fox like creatures could easily leap into the tree and catch the weasels, but they appeared content to harass them from below instead; a game that they had discovered and enjoyed engaging in. Nymoria had been watching them for the last few moments, deciding if she wanted to engage the creatures or simply pass on. She’d only just come to her decision, and found her rapier in her hand; ready to go before she even fully realised she’d drawn it. Well, that seems like a good sign…perhaps I’m not as badly off as I original thought. She stepped out from behind the pair of trees she’d taken shelter during her debating session, bringing the rapier up into a ready stance before jogging softly across the small distance towards the firefoxes. She hoped to catch the small pack by surprise; to use her limited stealth to her advantage and quickly bring the creatures down before her before they could react in return to her presence. She moved with a grace and agility that was as much natural talent as learnt skill, before diving into the centre of the group and unleashing her first attack against them. - Combat Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [680/680] | EN [87/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | MIT [60] | BH [+37] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | Hellstorm [80 | PHASE] | -17 EN Firefox 1 | HP: 480/960 | DMG: 132 | -480 HP Firefox 2 | HP: 960/960 | DMG: 132 | -0 HP Firefox 3 | HP: 480/960 | DMG: 132 | -480 HP Firefox 4 | HP: 480/960 | DMG: 132 | -480 HP ID240383 | BD: 4+5 = 9 | <<AoE-I vs. Firefox 1>> | Hit: [25x16+80] = 480 damage | MOB: 7-4 = 3 | Miss ID240384 | BD: 1+5 = 6 | <<AoE-I vs. Firefox 2>> | Critical Miss. | MOB: 7-4 = 3 | Miss ID240385 | BD: 5+5 = 10 | <<AoE-I vs. Firefox 3>> | Hit: [25x16+80] = 480 damage | MOB: 5-4 = 1 | Miss ID240386 | BD: 5+5 = 10 | <<AoE-I vs. Firefox 4>> | Hit: [25x16+80] = 480 damage | MOB: 5-4 = 1 | Miss Edited January 23 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 24 Author #14 Share Posted January 24 (edited) Nymoria’s charge had been success, her rapier lashing out in bursts as she scored strike after strike against the creatures, evading their retaliatory snaps with an ease that came through her lithe and agile ability. She’d spotted one of the foxes retreating slightly, and although she’d attempted to chase after the creature, the others had swarmed between her and it. She allowed it to sneak backwards, focusing instead on the trio pressing into her, not willing to let herself get overwhelmed so easily. This is…not like the bear. There’s no hesitation, no guilt. Is it because they look more fantastical? No…what is it? She ignored the voices in her mind telling her she was weak, that it was simply a matter of luck, or some other measure of lie to bring her state of emotions into chaos and despair. Now wasn’t the time for internal conflict and debate, she needed to focus on the fight, and on figuring out what had been so different. Maybe it really was just something about the questline. Does that mean I’m going to experience that every time? She didn’t think that was the case; if it was a one off, a situation that came up only the one time, then at least she could put it behind herself. One of the foxes had rushed forwards during her momentary lapse in thought, and she found herself repelling it slowly with her rapier, barely avoiding being bitten as she snapped back into the fight. She’d let her thoughts wander a bit too far, she realised, and the creatures had taken the opportunity to advance upon her without her immediate notice. No you don’t. I’m not done yet. She moved across the small space towards the nearest of the creatures, intending to unleash a flurry of strikes to drive it back, before turning her attention to the next in line. - Combat Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [608/680] | EN [71/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | MIT [60] | BH [+37] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | Hellstorm [80 | PHASE] | +4 EN | -20 EN -72 HP Firefox 1 | HP: 0/960 | DMG: 132 | -530 HP Firefox 2 | HP: 412/960 | DMG: 132 | -548 HP Firefox 3 | HP: 480/960 | DMG: 132 | -0 HP Firefox 4 | HP: 0/960 | DMG: 132 | -530 HP ID240400 | BD: 6+5 = 11 | <<AoE-II vs. Firefox 1>> | Hit: [25x18+80] = 530 damage | Firefox 1 destroyed. ID240401 | BD: 9+5 = 14 | <<AoE-II vs. Firefox 2>> | Minor Critical Hit: [(25+1)x18+80] = 548 damage | MOB: 6-4 = 2 | Miss ID240402 | BD: 1+5 = 6 | <<AoE-II vs. Firefox 3>> | Critical Miss. | MOB: 10-4 = 6 | Major Critical Hit: [132-60] = 72 damage ID240403 | BD: 8+5 = 13 | <<AoE-II vs. Firefox 4>> | Hit: [25x18+80] = 530 damage | Firefox 4 destroyed. Spoiler Loot Roll ID240404 | LD: [11+1] = 12 | CD: 1 | Results: 2,880 col, 4 materials, Rare Trinket (1) ID240405 | LD: [16+1] = 17 | CD: 7 | Results: 4,800 [2,880+1,920] col, 2 materials, Rare Consumable (1), Rare Armour/Shield (1) Totals 7,680 col 6 materials Rare Armour/Shield (1) | ID240405 Rare Consumable (1) | ID240405 Rare Trinket (1) | ID240404 Edited January 24 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted January 24 Author #15 Share Posted January 24 (edited) The firefoxes dashed around Nymoria as her blade stabbed out in a flurry, the tip catching one of the creatures through the side and impaling it fully, a single second of pause before it exploded into nothingness and left her facing just three of them. She could feel as one grabbed her arm, tearing into it with teeth that burned ever so slightly, before she could manage to tear it away from her and toss it aside. Two of the creatures saw the danger of her rapier and leapt backwards, one barely managing to avoid the slash of her slim blade, while the other was tossed to the side. Before Nymoria could follow up, however, the last of the creatures jumped at her, and she found herself parrying its attack before bringing her blade around and stabbing through the small fox’s neck; severing what would have been a spinal cord if it had one, and causing it to disappear in a flash as its final moments of life were torn away. She pulled back from the small bout of fighting, regaining her footing and aligning herself to finish off the remaining two creatures. They’d taken a far more apprehensive stance towards her; no longer rushing forwards as they had done when the whole pack had been alive; now instead waiting to see what she would do. Nymoria took the respite to catch her breath, allowing the rapier to twirl gently in her hand as she waited for a moment to recover the energy and oxygen that she had lost during the conflict. I think I can easily finish them off… Her confidence wasn’t unprecedented considering how quickly she’d torn through the first two, and how she’d handled the fight until this moment. It did not, however, show any sign of overconfidence – at least, in Nymoria’s opinion. She found herself still apprehensive, still worrying about what could go wrong even now. That’s because you know you’re not good enough. The scowl within her mind caught her off guard, and she found herself stumbling in her sudden step towards the firefoxes, a stumble that she was quick to adjust before they could take advantage of her weakness and opening. She shook herself, preparing even as the two raced towards her suddenly, hoping to still catch some form of her off balance. - Combat Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 2 | HP [645/680] | EN [60/104] | ACC [5] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | MIT [60] | BH [+37] | Bleed [36] | Keen [+1 BD] | LD [+1] | Hellstorm [80 | PHASE] | +4 EN +37 HP | -15 EN Firefox 2 | HP: 0/960 | DMG: 132 | -480 HP Firefox 3 | HP: 0/960 | DMG: 132 | -480 HP ID240406 | BD: 7+5 = 12 | <<AoE-I vs. Firefox 2>> | Hit: [25x18+80] = 480 damage | Firefox 2 destroyed ID240407 | BD: 8+5 = 13 | <<AoE-I vs. Firefox 3>> | Hit: [25x18+80] = 480 damage | Firefox 3 destroyed Spoiler Loot Roll ID240404 | LD: [11+1] = 12 | CD: 1 | Results: 2,880 col, 4 materials, Rare Trinket (1) ID240405 | LD: [16+1] = 17 | CD: 7 | Results: 4,800 [2,880+1,920] col, 2 materials, Rare Consumable (1), Rare Armour/Shield (1) ID240408 | LD: [8+1] = 9 | CD: 6 | Results: 7,680 [2,880+3,840+960] col, Rare Trinket (1) ID240409 | LD: [20+1] = 21 | CD: 3 | Results: 4,800 [2,880+1,920] col, 2 materials, Perfect Armour/Shield (1), Perfect Trinket (1) Totals 20,160 col 8 materials Rare Armour/Shield (1) | ID240405 Rare Consumable (1) | ID240405 Rare Trinket (2) | ID240404, 240408 Perfect Armour/Shield (1) | ID240409 Perfect Trinket (1) | ID240409 Edited January 24 by Nymoria Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted yesterday at 04:37 PM Author #16 Share Posted yesterday at 04:37 PM It was almost too easy, Nymoria noticed, as the final foxes disappeared into a glittering of shards upon the sky. She wondered, for the briefest of moments, if they shards made any sound as they glittered in the air, before realising that her mind had wandered. Smiling to herself, she accepted the fact that she had, at least in the moment, proven that she was still capable; capable of continuing to fight, of overcoming the bear, and of smiling in small moments of joy as she wondered at the smaller things in life. She gave a quiet sigh as she collected herself, knowing that she would need to re-evaluate herself more in depth later on. For now, she was certain that she could continue her path forwards – but where that path led, or what its purpose was, Nymoria didn’t quite know yet. She would need to figure it out soon, though, she knew. I’ve put off really clearing myself…really coming to terms with…this. I need…I need to face it all, to overcome it. She knew it was easy enough to say within her mind, an entirely different thing to actually follow through with it all. She would need to put in the effort, to actually attempt to make herself better – to make herself something more than a walking internal implosion waiting to happen. Turning away from the small glade, she decided to make her way back to town. She’d spent as much time as she wanted within the forest, and felt that her time here was done. If nothing else, Musei deserves a small treat for all his patience. I should take him out to find something…maybe that teriyaki shop? Her mind made up on one thing, at least, she began the long trek back towards civilisation, or what could be considered civilisation in a video game. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted yesterday at 05:42 PM Author #17 Share Posted yesterday at 05:42 PM Nymoria had forgotten how much Musei could eat. They’d completed three of the main course dishes already – she’d taken her own fair share, of course, although Musei had eaten the majority of it – and it didn’t appear like the small weasel was anywhere near finished with his desires and sating’s of said desires. He’d stared up at her with a knowing look for a few seconds after finishing off the final piece of teriyaki salmon, before she’d sighed and given in; calling forth the waiter and ordering another plate even as she felt herself wince a little at the growing bill. Last one. No more. Going to eat me broke. She smiled as she signed towards the weasel, as much teasing him as she was setting her own boundaries. She’d already paid a pretty col for the entire meal they’d enjoyed thus far, and she knew that given the chance, Musei would likely divulge into every single piece of stock that the restaurant had to offer – even if it meant spending every last col that Nymoria had to her name. The weasel, somehow, seemed to have an endless stomach when it came to certain foods; a fact that Nymoria had been aware of, and ignored, when she’d first decided on this location. The plate slid in front of her as she was lost in thought, and although she could see the weasel tensing, he hadn’t dashed for the food yet. Nymoria smiled, grabbing a couple of pieces from the plate to save them from the weasel’s hungry gaze, before signalling for him to devour the remainder. She nibbled on them as she considered the remainder of her day, and what she should do with the few hours of sunlight that still beamed down upon them from the false sky above. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted yesterday at 06:30 PM Author #18 Share Posted yesterday at 06:30 PM They’d left the restaurant behind once Musei had finished his final meal, Nymoria’s digital wallet slightly thinner after the cost of the treat. Which wasn’t to say that she was anywhere near broke, not like she had been when she first started her adventure. She still remembered the early days, renting out the inn and suffering through the small bed tucked into a room that was barely large enough to be called comfortable. We’ve come a long ways from that, haven’t we Musei? She gave a soft smile towards her shoulder, the weasel tucked away into his pack; comfortable and contained away from the final rays of light that were beginning to shift towards the end of the day. The city streets were calm, only a few individuals passing her as she made her way back towards the teleporter. She kept to herself, considering everything that she’d learnt about herself today, and how it would impact her going forward. She knew there would be a change; to herself, to the way she handled life, to her very interactions with others. What that change would be, however, she wasn’t entirely sure of yet. She could only hope that things would take on a more positive focus as she climbed up the final steps, activating the teleporter with a single word before disappearing in a dazzling light as she left behind the eighth floor and headed home. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted yesterday at 06:39 PM Author #19 Share Posted yesterday at 06:39 PM She’d been met with the comforting darkness of the twenty-fourth floor’s evening. The air was filled with a familiar tinge of water and salts, the expanse of liquid cutting between the various isles leaving a touch upon the nose that those familiar with it could only call comforting. Nymoria had paused as she waited for a nearby ferry to prepare for departure, her one means of traversing between the main island, and her home located on Massa. She’d managed to scrounge up the desire to find something else to nibble on – a meat covered stick of some sort, which contained a sour sauce atop it, something that she’d normally consider apart from her tastes – as she stared out over the waters. It’ll be nice to get home. A soft smile crossed her features as she glanced out towards Massa, and it took her a moment to realise the feelings that were washing over her weren’t covered in a measure of waiting darkness. She knew it wasn’t gone, lurking in the shadows for certain, but well at bay to a point where she couldn’t feel it hovering over her. I may never be rid of that part of me…but I can overcome it enough to continue onwards. That’s all that matters. The waving arms of the ferryman, calling out the final boarding, caught her attention. Nymoria quickly moved towards the ship, passing off her fee before stepping aboard and finding a place nearby to settle into for the small trip across the waters. Once she was home, she’d make her plans for the future, but for the time being she wanted to enjoy the comfort of the sea air, the shifting of the ship, and a number of other familiar feelings that reminded her she was alive still. Link to post Share on other sites
Nymoria 0 Posted yesterday at 07:17 PM Author #20 Share Posted yesterday at 07:17 PM The doorway slid closed behind her, the lock engaging almost naturally as Nymoria stepped into the front entryway. The silence of the house met her; comforting, to Nymoria, albeit likely unnerving to many others. Her hand reached out and touched a nearby wall, feeling the roughness beneath her fingers as she ran it along the surface. She found herself stepping into one of the main seating rooms, settling into the small cushion on the floor before leaning backwards and staring up at the ceiling above her. A small exhale of breath left her as she came to a rest, before closing her eyes. I have a lot to overcome before I’m fully ready. I…know where to start, at least. And that’s something. Now I just need to… She wasn’t entirely sure what she needed to do. She was certain there were steps to take, things that she could focus on – perhaps even aspects of Cardinal and the world around her that she could rely upon to help her. None of it was obvious to Nymoria, however. She felt a touch of loneliness reaching up towards her, a feeling of being all alone in a world meant to crush her. She pushed back against it, fighting it and refusing to allow it to take hold. She knew she wasn’t alone, not entirely. Musei’s form sprawled across her lap, readjusting himself into a more comfortable sleeping position as he turned unconsciously towards her. Nymoria reached down and scratched just beneath his chin, startling the little creature into wakefulness, and earning herself a glare that clearly told her she’d disturbed his well sought after rest. She smiled down at her companion and friend, a small aura of peace settling over her as she continued to scratch the weasel. No, not alone. Not anymore. - Thread Summary Word Count: 6,656 EXP: 6,656/10x1x4 = 2,660 [Progression] 1,000 [Quest] = 3,660 EXP Col: 400 [Progression] + 2,000 [Quest] + 20,160 [Loot] = 22,560 col 8 materials Rare Armour/Shield (1) | ID240405 Rare Consumable (1) | ID240405 Rare Trinket (2) | ID240404, 240408 Perfect Armour/Shield (1) | ID240409 Perfect Trinket (1) | ID240409 Kumatetsu Key | One of six chunks of the tablet found within a cavern on the first floor. It resembles the indent of the door holding treasure from players. This one resembles a massive bear claw. | Not transferable Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now