Acanthus 0 Posted February 10 Author #21 Share Posted February 10 (edited) This was her chance. Acanthus scrambled to her feet as the brute worked the sword out of the wall. If she could keep him off balance, it would be enough. It would have to be enough. She visualized the stunning art again, and let the flow of the fight command her. The light of the sword art welled up in her sword, releasing as Acanthus drove her blade through the man's leg. He yelled, thrashing around with his free hand to create distance. Acanthus hopped back, barely dodging a thick fist aimed at her head. Sword free and immeasurably furious, the man limped at her, shouting what she assumed to be expletives. If he had hated that dirty trick, he would be apoplectic at what she planned next. Acanthus wound up again, baiting his defense up high with a telegraphed attack. She cancelled the art as soon as she started, spinning to the side to escape his dominant side. Scraping her boot on the sandy floor, she kicked up sand into his eyes, letting him swing the sword wildly to cover his blind spots. But with sand in his eyes, he had too many to cover. Acanthus slipped passed the blind rage, peppering him with a flurry of blows. The blade rushed by her so close she could her the metal singing as she ducked. A lock of her hair drifted lazily to the ground. You need to back up. You have this in the bag if you just keep with the smaller strikes. LAZY. SHE COULD KILL HIM NOW, IF SHE WISHED. Time slowed to a halt. Acanthus found herself frozen in place her weapon preparing to clash with the brute's. "I'm busy." She seethed at the voice's appearance. "Come back later." Something like sandpaper on glass grated in her ears. The thing was laughing. MAYBE THERE IS WORTH TO HER AFTER ALL. A shiver trickled from the nap of her neck all the way down her spine. "Aren't you here to threaten me?" It laughed again. NOT TODAY. TODAY, WE ARE HERE TO MAKE SURE YOU KILL. SO KILL. botan flashed, twisting at the last moment to fly under her opponent's sword. Gripping the hilt with two hands, she felt her blade catch the man's gut. Acanthus pushed until she felt her muscles burning. But the man was still thrashing and howling. She felt his meaty fist pound her back, and her pain sensors soared with feeling. Acanthus kept pushing until she thought her hands would break. botan bent with tension, groaning under the stress of the cut. But slowly, the blade began to move. In a final, monumental effort, she unleashed a feral scream as she pushed until she thought she might kill herself. botan came loose on the other side of the opponent, and the gladiator dropped to his knees. His top half landed in the ground with a thud. The bottom half simply faded away. The crowd reached new levels of loudness that made Acanthus wonder if the whole floor could hear it. Rather than basking in their cheers, she screamed hoarsely. "Are you happy now?! Is this what it's going to fucking take for you to leave me alone?!" (Reference link not found: memory categorized as painful. Recommend avoiding common triggers.) She swung her sword around the arena, as if she might hit Hatred with some errant swing. "You want to come out here?! I'll KILL YOU TOO!" But Hatred was no longer there. In its place, a single demonic shard glinted in the sand. Spoiler Acanthus | Level 66 (34/22) | HP: 840/840 | EN: 55/98 | DMG: 29 | MIT:95 | ACC:5 | AA | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:46 | HB: 37 | VAMP-D: 46 | REC: 4 | LD:6 Gladiator | 0/1000 | DMG 140 | ACC 1 | EVA 1 Recovery. 4 EN recovered. Post Action: ST-1 -> Gladiator (-9 EN) 240739 | BD 9 | Hit! 29 * 12 = 348 damage. Stunned. Looting Using Multipurpose | Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll. ID: 240740 | LD: 15+10=25 | CD:10+0=10 | Col:8400, Mats:2, [240740a] Gleaming Scale (1) or Demonic Shard (1), [240740b] Random Dungeon Map Current Totals 143671 col 28 Materials 4 Demonic Shard [240691a][240717a][240716a][240740a] 3 Dungeon Map [240691b][240717b][240716b][240740b] T4 Perfect Weapon: [240705a][240705b][240705c][240704b] T4 Perfect Trinket: [240694a] [240692a][240703b] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield: [240704a][240703a] T4 Perfect Consumable: [2407061a][240706b][240706c][240715a] T4 Rare Armor/Shield: [240693b][240706d] [240718a][240727a][240736b] T4 Rare Consumable: [240693a][240736a] Edited February 10 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted February 10 Author #22 Share Posted February 10 (edited) Acanthus paced the arena fruitlessly, hoping her tormentor would appear at last. It had been so long since it had whispered to her. There had been some part of her that hoped it had moved on. Even then, she knew it was a vain dream. But that didn't make its reintroduction any easier. She still had no idea what the thing was. Maybe it was part of some hidden quest, or a strange monster she'd stumbled into early. But if anyone else had encountered the thing, they hadn't spoken up about the experience. Part of Acanthus wondered if she was going crazy. She laughed breathlessly at the thought that she was losing her mind in game. "I was made to understand I would be fighting a warrior." Startled, Acanthus hopped backwards, botan bared and ready to cut. The champion trotted out to the middle of the area, sword resting on his shoulder. He wore a bright red outfit that concealed part of his face, and round glasses that kept his eyes expressionless. Despite being unable to see his mouth, she could tell the man was smirking. "But to see you like this, dripping with blood and sweat, claws bared, ready to sink your teeth into me… I do not see a warrior. Just an animal." Acanthus snarled. "Come closer and say that." The Champion grinned, pulling his sword off his shoulder. “I think I will." Spoiler ACANTHUS | Level 66 (34/22) | HP: 840/840 | EN: 47/98 | DMG: 29 | MIT:95 | ACC:5 | AA | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:46 | HB: 37 | VAMP-D: 46 | REC: 4 | LD:6 Auron | HP: 1152/1500 | DMG: 320 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 1 | EVA: 2 0 [0/2] Bestiarii 13 | 652/1000 | DMG 140 | ACC 1 | EVA 1 [Stun Imm. 0/3] Bestiarii 14 | 652/1000 | DMG 140 | ACC 1 | EVA 1 [Stun Imm. 0/3] Bestiarii 15 | 652/1000 | DMG 140 | ACC 1 | EVA 1 [Stun Imm. 0/3] Recovery. 240741 | CD 7 | 8 EN recovered. Free Action (Item). Lama Sabacthani -> Auron. -2 ACC and -2 EVA. (tbh I read the quest wrong and thought the gladiators fought against me q.q. I'm just going to keep this and RP it since it's a total disadvantage for me) Post Action: TECH-F -> Auron + Bestiarii 13–15 (-16 EN) 240741 | BD 2 + 6 | Hit! 29 * 12 = 348 - 100 = 348 damage. Stunned. 240741 | BD 1 + 6 - 1 | Hit! 29 * 12 = 348 damage. Stunned. 240741 | BD 8 + 6 - 1 | Hit! 29 * 12 = 348 damage. Stunned. 240741 | BD 1 + 6 - 1 | Hit! 29 * 12 = 348 damage. Stunned. Abilities: Goad | This ability can only trigger when facing a single target, on a CD: 1-2 Auron taunts the player with a gesture (takes a swig of his drink, waves his hand to beckon them toward him, etc.) instead of attacking. Stunning Strike | When attacking, if <<Auron, Coliseum Champion>> rolls a CD: 7+ on his attack it becomes an AOE and applies [Stunned] Crowd Favorite | This ability can only trigger when facing a single target, on a BD: 9+ <<Auron, Coliseum Champion>> gains the <<Crowd's Favor>> with a ‘flashy move’ Crowd’s Favor | +50 Damage, +1 Accuracy which fades after a successful attack is made. Edited February 10 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted February 10 Author #23 Share Posted February 10 (edited) The two clashed in the middle of the area, drowning in the cries of the audience. It seemed equally split between rooting for the unhinged underdog and the collected champion. Auron narrowly avoided an overhead slice as he took a swig from his gourd. "I like fighting closer. I don't have to yell my insults." He juked a sword art just as Acanthus unleashed it, bringing his sword down on her side. "All the savagery and predictability of a dog." "Better an animal than a program," Acanthus retorted. His sword cracked into her breast plate ineffectually, sundering it while sparing her health. She took the chance to dive back into the whirlwind, slashing indiscriminately. Auron tried to block the onslaught, but botan made several choice cuts that dropped his health. "Not bad, dog. I suppose we should spice things up a bit." With a sharp whistle, he summoned three more bestiarii. "I think gladiators may be inappropriate for the current fight. I hope these replacements will suffice." "Cardinal programmed you with an awful lot of back talk," Acanthus said sharply. "That doesn't help you hit anything, you know." Auron smiled, ignoring the reference to its creator. "All bark, and no bite." Spoiler ACANTHUS | Level 66 (34/22) | HP: 635/840 | EN: 35/98 | DMG: 29 | MIT:95 | ACC:5 | AA | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:46 | HB: 37 | VAMP-D: 46 | REC: 4 | LD:6 Auron | HP: 994/1500 | DMG: 320 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 1 | EVA: 2 0 [1/2] Bestiarii 13 | 0/1000 | DMG 140 | ACC 1 | EVA 1 [Stun Imm. 1/3] Bestiarii 14 | 0/1000 | DMG 140 | ACC 1 | EVA 1 [Stun Imm. 1/3] Bestiarii 15 | 0/1000 | DMG 140 | ACC 1 | EVA 1 [Stun Imm. 1/3] Recovery. 240745 | CD 4 | 4 EN recovered. Post Action: TECH-F -> Auron + Bestiarii 13–15 (-16 EN) 240746 | BD 8 + 6 | Hit! 29 * 12 = 348 - 100 = 248 damage. 240747 | BD 8 + 6 - 1 | Hit! 29 * 12 = 348 damage. 240748 | BD 9 | Minor Critical! 30 * 12 = 360 damage. 240749 | BD 2 + 6 - 1 | Hit! 29 * 12 = 348 damage. Auron's Turn 240751 | BD 9 CD 8 | Minor Critical! <<Crowd's Favor>> gained. 370 - 95 = 205 damage. 8 damage sustained. (I'm having this move take out the gladiators as per quest rules (even though, again, I'm a dummy and wrote the gladiators as enemies)) Abilities: Goad | This ability can only trigger when facing a single target, on a CD: 1-2 Auron taunts the player with a gesture (takes a swig of his drink, waves his hand to beckon them toward him, etc.) instead of attacking. Stunning Strike | When attacking, if <<Auron, Coliseum Champion>> rolls a CD: 7+ on his attack it becomes an AOE and applies [Stunned] Crowd Favorite | This ability can only trigger when facing a single target, on a BD: 9+ <<Auron, Coliseum Champion>> gains the <<Crowd's Favor>> with a ‘flashy move’ Crowd’s Favor | +50 Damage, +1 Accuracy which fades after a successful attack is made. Edited February 10 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted February 10 Author #24 Share Posted February 10 (edited) The fight turned into a slog. Even with her second wind, this much fighting in one sitting took its toll. Acanthus rolled under the first bestiarii's stab, bringing her sword up to connect with his throat. Such a clean cut would have been lethal in real life, but here, the man turned around and countered with a pointed jab. It wasn't fair. The men surrounded her, herding her around the coliseum like a raging bull. Every time they struck, she lashed out, draining their health. Auron stayed back, content to let his rabble do the work. He made sure to continue taunting her as she fended them off. "I already heard about that low blow you struck on that first batch of gladiators. Didn't even give them time to salute the audience?" Acanthus laughed loudly. "Maybe they should have said something about it. Or maybe they should have just moved quicker." As if making a point, she rushed the nearest fighter, scoring a series of biting blows on the man. He backed up, momentarily stunned. Auron simply shrugged. "You're fast, I'll give you that. But fast isn't enough. You have to be smart. You have to make split-second decisions. And the moment you make the wrong choice, you die." Spoiler ACANTHUS | Level 66 (34/22) | HP: 718/840 | EN: 22/98 | DMG: 29 | MIT:95 | ACC:5 | AA | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:46 | HB: 37 | VAMP-D: 46 | REC: 4 | LD:6 Auron | HP: 610/1500 | DMG: 320 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 1 | EVA: 2 0 [0/2] Shatter 1 (-20 MIT) [0/3] Recovery. 240758 | CD 2 | 83 (46 + 37) HP recovered. 4 EN recovered. Free Action (System). Forgotten King's Authority | Remove Stunned. (-5 EN) Free Action (Item). Edict's Threnody. Refresh all debuffs. Post Action: TECH-D -> Auron (-12 EN) 240756 | BD 1 + 6 | Hit! Shatter applied. 29 * 16 = 464 - 80 = 384 damage. Auron's Turn 240757 | BD 4 + 1 | Miss. Edited February 10 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted February 10 Author #25 Share Posted February 10 (edited) Her brain hummed with delight, intuiting the bloodiest path through her enemies. She settled on a quick jaunt through the three nameless foes. She would save Auron for last. Turning to weather a clubbing strike to the back, she heard her armor crack with a satisfying sound. Bits of metal loosened from her chest, and she shook them off like a dog drying itself. Auron laughed at the sight. “I didn’t mean for you to take the name-calling literally. Although it does make for an amusing spectacle." She was not listening. The first gladiator was already down in a whirl of blood and screams; the second took one step back, preparing to turn and run before Acanthus caught him and finished him off. The third made it back to Auron, only to have the champion knock him in the head with a savage blow and cast him aside. “I’ll say this: the only thing worse than a dog is a coward.” “He was mine!” Acanthus barked. “Foolish girl, they were. They were your allies.” Acanthus was taken aback. “You said—” “I said we needed to spice things up a bit. I thought you might need the help. But when these men took the arena to fight with you… you turned on them.” “Liar.” She said plainly. But the hesitance showed. Auron kicked over the unconscious gladiator, rolling him towards Acanthus. “See for yourself.” The man’s health bar left no mistake. The quest had clearly marked him as a friendly unit. She had been so wrapped up in her conquest she could not discern friend from foe. Her drive faltered. IDIOT GIRL. ALL OF AINCRAD'S QUESTIONS, AND SHE KNOWS THE ANSWER—BUT WILL NOT SAY IT. SHE IS AFRAID. WORTHLESS. “WHAT DO I CARE?” Acanthus felt Hatred pouring from her mouth, renewing her vigor. It was a blessing beyond words to feel her bottled angst rising like bile in her throat, pouring over her lips. She’d been quiet for too long. “You think I care about some nameless fragment of code? It’s like worrying about imaginary friends. Pathetic.” She kicked the corpse back to him. “You think anyone in the crowd cares? They love me. I killed before the salutations, they forgave me. I killed against the odds, they cheered me on. So long as I’m killing, they love me.” Acanthus tore the straps off her shield and threw it to the ground. “And I plan to give Cardinal everything it asks for.” Spoiler ACANTHUS | Level 66 (34/22) | HP: 810/840 | EN: 22/98 | DMG: 29 | MIT:95 | ACC:5 | AA | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:46 | HB: 37 | VAMP-D: 46 | REC: 4 | LD:6 Auron | HP: 206/1500 | DMG: 320 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 1 | EVA: 2 0 [1/2] Shatter 2 (-40 MIT) [0/3] Recovery. 240759 | CD 11 | 92 (46 + 46) HP recovered. 8 EN recovered. Post Action: TECH-D -> Auron (-13 EN) 240760 | BD 6 + 6 | Hit! Shatter applied. 29 * 16 = 464 - 60 = 404 damage. Auron's Turn 240761 | BD 4 + 1 | Miss. Edited February 11 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted February 10 Author #26 Share Posted February 10 (edited) So KILL. The words filled her mind, vibrating in her skull until there were no other thoughts. Shedding the last of the armor clinging to her body, she tackled Auron to the ground. Kicking and punching, the pair rolled through the sand, each one desperately trying to finish off the other's health bar. Auron drove his fist into her cheek, causing her neck to snap to the side. He chose to double down, attempting to connect one more time. But the second time, she caught his hand by the wrist and twisted. He twitched in pain, leaving his neck wide open. Acanthus dove into the opening and bit as hard as she could. The action barely registered in,her mind. The move had nothing to do with the intricacies of Cardinal's system, or the delicate decision making of combat. It was an option that had registered on a purely instinctual level. Her teeth sunk into Auron's neck as he screamed. She tore away from him, jaw clenched tightly, and the flesh that came with immediately lost its humanlike consistency, fading into familiar blue fractals. The champion's movements became slower, but his health bar still flashed hopefully. Down she went again, tearing away from him with her hands and teeth until she had consumed the last of the his health. "Still think I'm all bark?" She growled through mouthfuls of vanishing blood. Auron's lifeless body offered no last retorts. His glasses slipped away just enough for Acanthus to catch the faint glance of a man equally surprised and horrified, but she felt no sympathy for the NPC. He wanted to call her a dog, then he could die to one. Combat wasn't about poise or posture. It was about who was the last standing, and what lengths they would go to for it. And she would do anything to go home. Traces of the champion disappeared from her lips as she raised a triumphant fist to the crowd. Their cheers invigorated her. If her victory was good enough for them, it was good enough for her. Acanthus disregarded the few terrified glances she caught amongst the crowd as a programmed response mandated by Cardinal. Spoiler ACANTHUS | Level 66 (34/22) | HP: 840/840 | EN: 8/98 | DMG: 29 | MIT:95 | ACC:5 | AA | FL.AURA: 8 | BH:46 | HB: 37 | VAMP-D: 46 | REC: 4 | LD:6 Auron | HP: 0/1500 | DMG: 320 | MIT: 100 | ACC: 3 1 | EVA: 2 0 [1/2] Shatter 2 (-40 MIT) [0/3] Recovery. 240763 | CD 4 | 46 HP recovered. 4 EN recovered. Post Action: TECH-D -> Auron (-13 EN) 240760 | BD 10| Hit! Shatter applied. 29 * 16 = 464 - 40 = 424 damage. Edited February 10 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted February 10 Author #27 Share Posted February 10 (edited) THREAD SUMMARY Experience: [Word Count: 5820/10 = 582] * [True Tier: 7] * [Group Factor: 1] = 4074 EXP + 1500 (quest) = 5574 experience Col: 2000 (quest) + 12180 (Please the Crowd x3) + 611 (laurel wreath) + 400 (bonus) + 143671 (looting) = 158,862 col Other: Requirements satisfied: TECH-F unlocked (again) <<To Defend the Title>> Unlocked. Loot Totals 143671 col 28 Materials 4 Demonic Shard [240691a][240717a][240716a][240740a] 4 Dungeon Map [240691b][240717b][240716b][240740b] T4 Perfect Weapon: [240705a][240705b][240705c][240704b] T4 Perfect Trinket: [240694a] [240692a][240703b] T4 Perfect Armor/Shield: [240704a][240703a] T4 Perfect Consumable: [2407061a][240706b][240706c][240715a] T4 Rare Armor/Shield: [240693b][240706d] [240718a][240727a][240736b] T4 Rare Consumable: [240693a][240736a] Edited February 11 by Acanthus Link to post Share on other sites
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