[F08 | SP] Woodland Wars | <<Elvish Conflict>>

[Nymoria 0]

Elvish Rivalries

The day had been, in a word, uneventful. Nymoria had spent much of it exploring the greater regions of some of the newer floors, seeing if any markets had opened that might be of interest to her – either in a personal, or professional means. Aside from a collection of smaller shops that held little in the way of interest to her, she’d found almost nothing of usefulness or intrigue during her travels for the morning. You’d think, on the newer floors, there would be a collection of up and coming shops with new and exciting items to offer…instead it’s repetition and…a feeling that most of the more elite shops are already well established below. The thought had pulled her from the moment as she stared at the glass pane of another basic shop – this one a simple merchant attempting to resell uninteresting pieces that had been dumped in their lap. Her lapse in awareness was broken as she slowly realised that someone was standing behind her, causing her to jump and turn towards the individual.

’-apologies…distracting you…have an invitation from Her Majesty Haela, Queen of the Elvenfolk.’ The individual bowed deeply following their declaration, and Nymoria noticed for the first time that they were both feminine in nature, and yet she found that she couldn’t quite tell if the individual was male or female in sex – an odd beauty to their form that seemed to hint that it could be either. Before she could think on the oddity any further, they had returned to a standing position and presented a golden envelope for her to take. The moment that she reached out and grasped it, the individual turned and left; a forest green cloak trailing behind a figure that left Nymoria with more questions than she had answers to, and a sudden desire to chase after them.

An…invitation? She’d opened the envelope and glanced over it all, reading the words quickly before resealing the item. It was bare in its information – a simple call towards her to attend a special meeting with the queen and her advisor – or advisors, it wasn’t quite clear on that part. She leaned against a nearby wall, staring after the area where the messenger had disappeared from, as she tried to make a decision towards her next steps. Attending a meeting shouldn’t be dangerous. It’s on the eighth, and I’ve been there plenty of times before…so it should be simple enough. And yet… She chewed on her lip as she considered all the possibilities, the time slowly slipping by as she found herself frozen with indecision in relation to the situation.

-

Nymoria consumes Imperial Quarter Blend {1} [Tea | Potion | Damage III]

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 9 | HP [700/700] | EN [108/108] | ACC [4] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | Bleed [36] | LD [+6] | SD [+7] | Prosperity [2] | Quality [1] Tier 4 | Tier 5 Laurel Wreath (15% EXP in Col) Spoiler Notes [Theme] Equipment Reticent [Rapier | Tier 4] Enhancement: Accuracy [2 Slots] Enhancement: Bleed [1 Slot] Ring of Evasion [Jewellery | Tier 1] Enhancement: Evasion [3 Slots]  Quality Bracelet [Jewellery | Tier 3] Enhancement: Prosperity [2 Slots]  Enhancement: Quality [1 Slot]  Battle-Ready Inventory Uncommon Health Potion {5} [Potion | Tier 1 | Heals 5% Maximum HP] Honey Cookie {5} [Snack | Tier 1 | Vitality II] bento {1} [Meal | Tierless | Oveerhealth III] 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] Teleport Crystal {1} 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.] Searching [Rank: 5. Active: Passive. Effect: +1 LD per rank. +1 to Stealth Detection per rank.] [Rank 3 Searching Mod] Detect [Active: Passive. Effect: Grants +2 Stealth Detection. Grants +1 LD when searching for dungeons and labyrinths.]   [Rank 5 Searching Addon] Reveal [Active: Passive. Effect: +2 LD when searching for dungeons and labyrinths. You may also search for a dungeon once every 10 posts (instead of 15). Reduces the personal post cool down when searching for a labyrinth to 3 posts (instead of 5).]   Combat Skills 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: 3. 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.] Sword Arts Spoiler [x12] ST-I (12 10 EN) | A single-target sword art. [x15] ST-II (15 13 EN) | A powerful single-target sword art. Only available for use when ST-I was used and successfully struck an enemy the previous turn or if ST-II had been used and had missed the previous turn. [x20] ST-B (20 18 EN) | A devastating single-target sword art. Can only be used if the sword art used the previous turn is not ST-B and had rolled a natural CD9+. When performing an AoE attack, this CD check applies to only the first roll. [x15] AOE-I (13 11 + [2 * targets] EN) | AOE | A sword art that strikes multiple targets at once. [x18] 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. [x12] TECH-A (13 11 EN) | STUN | A single-target sword art that stuns an enemy. [x12] 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. [x8] 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 Thursday at 12:45 AM by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

She still wasn’t sure what had been her final deciding factor; whether it had been simple curiosity, or the realisation that a hand delivered message would only come from the possibility of a newly unlocked quest. Whatever the reasoning, she’d chosen to attend the meeting – and had, with deliberate hesitation and delay, made her way to the eighth floor and the city of Ellesmera. She’d managed, through asking for directions from those around the area, to find herself standing before the gates to the keep housing the queen and her associated court. It was here that Nymoria had come to a halt, leaning against a nearby railing and considering her actions up to this point.

I guess there’s nothing to figure out, now. I’ve come this far…I might as well meet with the queen and see why she summoned me. Sighing, she pushed herself off the small wall that she had been leaning on, and made her way towards the entrance where two Elven warriors stood guard. Their posture spoke of anything but boredom and inattentiveness, and Nymoria found herself less confident as she made her way towards them. Weapons in hand – a polearm and what appeared to be a modified glaive of some sort – confirmed that they were there for more than simple ceremonial purposes, and Nymoria found herself wondering if this was still considering a safe zone within the city’s limits. So long as I don’t do anything to upset them, I should be fine. I think. She knew she was placing a lot of faith on a think, and yet her feet carried her forwards and into the direct path of the guards, stopping before them once they raised a hand in her direction.

’State your purpose.’ She could see, this close, that one of the guards was blonde, while the other had a reddish tinge to their hair that seemed extremely out of place. She’d never heard of redheaded Elvenfolk in the game, or in any world, truly, and she found herself staring at the individual for a few seconds before realising she’d been spoken to by the other. Quickly trying to recover, she pulled the envelope from the pouch on her hip, presenting it to the blonde and waiting to see what would happen.

’Royal invitation…?’ The blonde glanced up at Nymoria with a small measure of surprise, and a mixture of suspicion if she weren’t imagining things, before waving her through. ’Go on in, then. Cause any trouble and we’ll ensure you don’t live to regret it.’

[Nymoria 0]

No escort greeted her or directed her along her path, not that one was required. The hallway that she had entered led straight onwards towards a pair of large, imposing double doors – the few offshoots along the way blocked by guards that deterred their usage through their presence alone. She followed the hallway towards the doors, stopping before them to take in a deep breath and prepare herself. Placing a hand on each door, she gave them a soft push and stepped in as they opened, providing her a view of the court room itself. At least, Nymoria assumed it was a court room.

’Welcome, traveller. I’m sure you’re curious as to why you’ve been summoned to a place far away from your…regular lands.’ The voice came from the regal individual sitting atop the throne at the far side of the room; nestled atop a flight of four stairs and anything but imposing as Nymoria stared at it. In contrast, it seemed to combine an almost welcoming image with one of hierarchy, as if trying to instil the idea that although the queen may stand above all others, they were not out of touch with their subsidiaries. When Nymoria gave no voice in response, the queen simply carried on, her words formal and familiar to the deaf woman’s mind. ’We require your assistance in a matter that is…of the utmost importance to two peoples of this land. Should you be willing to lend a hand…’

The queen seemed to fall short in her monologue as the continued silence from Nymoria reached her, as if unsettled by the lack of response from the player. It was a curious situation, and Nymoria found herself suddenly wondering if the NPC felt uncomfortable. Uncomfortable? That would be…unique. Aren’t NPCs always just…there? I mean, there’s some that appear more alive and…real, but… She squinted at the queen suddenly, causing the woman to squirm in her throne seat. That’s…odd.

’If you’re quite through with staring horridly at one another, I would like to discuss the trouble at hand…’ Nymoria found herself recoiling ever so slightly in shock, the movement minimal and likely unnoticed by the others in the court – a collection of advisors that surrounded the area and watched on – but clearly noticed by the queen and the man at her shoulder; a middle aged Elven male who was anything but friendly and welcoming.

Edited Monday at 09:42 PM by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria’s eyes passed between the queen and the advisor standing behind her, guessing that there was more to his presence than a simple measure of supportive aura. She could see the queen watching her, and it didn’t take long before the introduction was brought forth. The queen waved a hand towards the man, smiling pleasantly as she introduced him in a cautious tone. ’This is my military commander and advisor in conflict, Commander Arun. It has been his…position of influence and oversight, which has protected the borders of Ellesmera and its territories since the beginning of the conflict.’

Nymoria gave a partial bow of respect towards the man; nothing more than a tilt of her head in acknowledgement of his presence. It was, however, more than he provided in response. He glared down at Nymoria, an unwelcoming expression in his eyes that never quite crossed the expression of his face, and yet was completely obvious in his stare. It is a pleasure to meet you both, although I must admit that I am baffled by what my presence here could possibly provide to your majesty and the Elvenfolk.

The signs were complex and unfamiliar towards the end, the words far beyond what Nymoria had ever used – in fact, she was certain that she may have created the final ones herself, and it was obvious in the slower movements of her hands as she answered the introduction in kind. She looked back to the queen, deciding that – for the time being at least – she could ignore the presence of the male Elf entirely; he would be called upon if the conversation required his presence, but otherwise she was here to deal directly with the queen. An odd statement and idea in and of itself…

[Nymoria 0]

’It would appear that we have need of an outsid-‘ The queen began to speak, but a sudden bustle and shout from the man behind her all but stole away anything she had been about to say. Nymoria’s eyes turned to the man as he stepped forward and faced the queen, turning his back rather pointedly towards Nymoria, although not so much as to hide away his facial features entirely. A fact that she was thankful for, as it provided her the full context of his statements.

’We do not need the help, advice or meddling of outsiders to solve our problems, my queen!’ He seems to scoff as he speaks, as if insulted by the idea that they would require anything from Nymoria herself. A momentary pause which caused an obvious ripple through the attending crowd passed, before the Elfen commander seemed to regain his awareness, and spoke once more. ’We could…however…request that they temporarily partake in a watch duty at the main gate. To ensure that…none of our enemies reach it. I have little doubt in the capacity of our forces, however, which is why I doubt this outsider will be required at all!’

Even if Nymoria couldn’t hear the tone behind the man’s words as a natural listener might, she could see the disgust and disgruntled expression upon his face; could feel the enmity roiling off him and clouding the entire area around him. He does not like me. Although I cannot say for certain why. Still… A soft wave of her hand was all it took, and the shadowy form at her feet seemed to dissipate momentarily into smoke, before reappearing at the man’s feet. Nymoria couldn’t help but smile as the form of the commander leapt into the air, reeling backwards from the thing that had appeared beneath it as he reached for his blade.

My apologies, your majesty. Shokan has a mysterious sense of humour, and thought it would be amusing to display how we can…assist you. Nymoria bowed deeply, attempting to feign her apology in the most courteous way that she possibly could – a tact taught to her by her own experiences. She returned to a standing position, watching as the queen held up a hand to motion the commander into stillness, before smiling herself.

’I do believe you are exactly what we are looking for in this…task. Will you accept our offer, and provide us some assistance, as you so politely declare it?’ The queen glanced towards the commander, ensuring that he was listening as she continued speaking, and Nymoria knew that the words were not simply for her alone. ’Whatever work you do, even should it be simply to stand watch at a gate without any real performance, will be remunerated accordingly.’

[Nymoria 0]

Small passings of agreement had followed, before Nymoria was led from the room and walked back to the front area where she was told to await the commander’s arrival. Shokan had settled by her feet, the nine tails splaying behind it and flowing through a pattern that seemed to suggest a measure of calmness that the player herself was not feeling. She could still feel the animosity radiating from the commander, and her lack of actual knowledge of the quest at hand had her wondering if she wouldn’t be fighting her way out of an ambush within the next few moments.

’That was an impolite trick.’ The commander spoke as he turned a corner, appearing in view even as the words left his mouth. Nymoria gave a partial shrug, certain that he was speaking about Shokan’s sudden appearance at his feet, but unwilling to confirm or deny her own part in it. Instead, she allowed him to take control of the situation and conversation, content to simply sit back and watch his words. ’You do not speak much, do you? A silent warrior, perhaps one that has taken an oath to fight evil and speak nothing of it?’

There was no disdain in his voice. In fact, Nymoria thought she could sense a small measure of respect in his words, although she couldn’t be entirely sure. Shaking her head, she slowly signed back towards the commander, deciding she could at least be polite enough to explain herself to the Elfen leader. No oath. I do not speak, as I cannot hear.

The Elfen man seemed to pause at that, staring at her again in an intense way that made her aware that she had come under his scrutiny again. That disappeared, however, as he seemed to accept her statement, before turning to head towards their destination. He spoke as he walked, explaining to her the point of her presence. ’You shall be stationed at the southern gate, watching over it for any sign of an attack. I doubt there will be one – our forces are engaging with the Treants in the north, and you should see nothing more than clear skies for the time you are here. We need you only to watch, and show a presence to deter any possible lurkers away. Unfortunately, I have had to call upon every able body in this assault…hence your presence here today.’

Edited Tuesday at 06:00 PM by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

Everything about Arun’s stance towards Nymoria’s involvement in the defence of his city was obvious, and although she couldn’t hear the true tone in his voice like a natural hearing individual might, she couldn’t help but notice the stares he gave her. The way that he seemed to despise her without any real cause; the general attitude. She could ignore it easily enough – she’d become used to such attitude in the real world, and it was nothing more than second nature now to work around it. Yet, she found herself curious as to why his dislike of her was cemented the way it was. Perhaps he really is worried I will fail in defending the gate…though if his words are true, this may be a rather boring timed quest.

Completing their path to the gate, stationing her and then confirming that she was to remain until the offensive was over, had taken all of fifteen minutes. Nymoria found herself leaning against the wall above the gate as she glanced over the forested area sprawling out before her, wondering if there was something more to all of his behaviour. There’s numerous groups within Aincrad that have shown…well, maybe not racist…I guess it is racist, in a way…? Fine, racist behaviours. Xenophobia, I believe it was called. Unwelcoming behaviour towards others. Not often players, although sometimes that happens…

Movement caught her eye, and she found her thoughts drifting off as she glanced out towards the forests again. She’d fallen lax in the moment of her thoughts – a fact that she was glad Arun wasn’t around to see – and as she stepped forward she noticed for the first time the slow moving motions that seemed to sweep through the forest. It reminded her of the bending of tress in the wind, mixed with the motion of a person walking across her vision. It took several moments of watching before it clued in to her that she was seeing the movement of Treants towards the battle that was likely about to commence in the distance; a sign that the quest was underway in earnest. I wonder how long I have to stay here…

[Nymoria 0]

Whether Nymoria had known she would have to face down some form of the creatures that were assaulting the area or not, she couldn’t quite say. She was not, however, surprised when one of the mobile trees seemed to swerve its path, making its way towards the settlement itself, and the gate that Nymoria had been stationed to stand guard over. Calmly, she had descended the steps to the ground level, heading beyond the wall and into the edges of the woodlands, waiting for the thing to arrive. She’d positioned herself directly in its path, and as it approached, she held up her hands and signed her warning to the thing, hoping to bring it to a stop even as it slowly closed the distance towards the gate itself.

Stop, please. This area is- Before she could finish the rest of her thought, the Treant had lashed out an arm towards her, forcing Nymoria to leap backwards of risk being tossed aside by the thing. She had barely dodged the sudden attack, the speed of the large, mobile tree catching her by surprise as much as the fact that it was unwilling to speak to her in the moment. She’d always come across enemies that were dangerous – willing to leap towards violence, without a second thought towards talking. But somehow she had expected the Treant, of all things, to be welcome to communication. This is what you get for assuming.

She drew her sabre from the scabbard at her side, moving herself towards the creature’s side as she closed the distance between herself and it. Another wide swing from an arm forced her to skip slightly, before she was back on track. Fine, if you’re not willing to talk…then we’ll just have to stall you before you can do anything real in damage.

-

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 9 | HP [700/700] | EN [96/108] | ACC [4] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | Bleed [36] | LD [+6] | SD [+7] | Prosperity [2] | Quality [1] | -12 EN | -150 HP
Gate | HP: 350/500 | -150 HP
Treant | HP: 250/450 | MIT: 175 | DMG: (See Shockwave Punch) | -200 HP
Shockwave Punch | Every turn, the Treant shall use this attack spreading its damage between every single target in the vicinity. Deals 300 mitigatable damage spread between all players and the gate. This attack will not miss. For example: If there are two players taking this quest then both players and the gate shall take 100 damage per turn.
Burning Timber | Should the Treant be affected with a Burn ailment, its Mitigation shall become 0, its damage output will double, all Burn damage to it shall be doubled and the Mercy effect will no longer be an option.
Wooden Body | Treant is not affected by any DoT effects other than Burn and Blight. Treant is also immune to Stun attacks.
Mercy | Upon reaching 50 or less HP, the Treant will surrender and no longer attack unless the player attacks them again. If this option is chosen, begin the Mercy Ending.

ID241261 | BD: 8+4 = 12 | <<AoE-I vs. Treant>> | Result: [25x15-175] = 200 damage

Edited Tuesday at 06:43 PM by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

Her first strike had caught the Treant unexpectantly, her blade tearing into the bark and underwood of the thing’s structure. The Treant pulled back in sudden surprise, leaning away from the blade – and towards the gate. She almost cursed as it raised an arm towards it, and she found herself rushing to get between the Treant and the gate, her feet carrying her before she had a moment to realise what that position would mean for her.

Wait no- The impact of the shockwave slammed into her as the Treant brought its massive limb down, causing the gate to shudder and crack in a few spots – but otherwise remain unharmed. Nymoria herself had been battered, slightly, and found herself stepping wobbly towards the wall while she tried to regain her awareness and composure. That hit hard. Don’t let it do that again. Ugh.

She barely managed to shake off the feeling of the attack when she noticed the arm raising once more. Bringing her sabre up, Nymoria dashed towards the Treant, stabbing towards it even as she closed the distance, hoping to bring it to an end before it could break the gate any more than it already had. That commander Elf will never leave me alone if it damages the gate more. I need to stop it…now.

-

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 9 | HP [700/700] | EN [88/108] | ACC [4] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | Bleed [36] | LD [+6] | SD [+7] | Prosperity [2] | Quality [1] | +4 EN | -12 EN
Gate | HP: 350/500
Treant | HP: 50/450 | MIT: 175 | DMG: (See Shockwave Punch) | -275 HP
Shockwave Punch | Every turn, the Treant shall use this attack spreading its damage between every single target in the vicinity. Deals 300 mitigatable damage spread between all players and the gate. This attack will not miss. For example: If there are two players taking this quest then both players and the gate shall take 100 damage per turn.
Burning Timber | Should the Treant be affected with a Burn ailment, its Mitigation shall become 0, its damage output will double, all Burn damage to it shall be doubled and the Mercy effect will no longer be an option.
Wooden Body | Treant is not affected by any DoT effects other than Burn and Blight. Treant is also immune to Stun attacks.
Mercy | Upon reaching 50 or less HP, the Treant will surrender and no longer attack unless the player attacks them again. If this option is chosen, begin the Mercy Ending.

ID241262 | BD: 3+4 = 7 | <<AoE-II vs. Treant>> | Result: [25x18-175] = 275 damage | Treat defeated

Edited Tuesday at 07:28 PM by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

’No…more…’ The words seemed to boom from somewhere above and beyond Nymoria, and as she glanced up and around, she noticed the Treant’s eyes staring down at her – a sudden clarity, and something else, that hadn’t been there moments ago. Pulling her blade from the creature, she skipped backwards and repositioned herself, cocking her head as she stared at it in confusion, anticipation, and interest. ’No…more…surrender…I surrender…’

Nymoria felt her eyes narrow slightly, before she let her sabre drop towards the ground in a controlled manner; the grip still within her hand and ready to raise should the Treant become violent once more. With her right hand, she signed towards the Treant with a casual manner, taking her time to clearly motion the words into existence. Do you promise to leave here, and never return? This gate is protected.

’I will go…I will not return…ever again.’ The Treant seemed to pause in place, as if waiting to see what she would say in response. Slowly, considering everything that it could mean for the future, Nymoria gave a nod of her head. The instant that she had acknowledged its words, it turned and began the long, slow pace towards the forest once more. The ground rumbled, softening slightly with each receding step, as the giant tree took its leave of the area, leaving Nymoria alone at the gate once more.

Well, that was…an experience. Good thing that’s over…and I succeeded. I succeeded…against a Treant. That’s…that’s something! She could feel herself smiling as she stepped back up to the top of the gate, resuming her earlier position looking out over the forests that surrounded Ellesmera.

Edited Tuesday at 07:28 PM by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

’The offensive was a success, and it would seem that you have managed to defend the wall to a…satisfactory level. I am, however, surprised by the fact that you had to defend it at all. A clear miscalculation on our part.’ Nymoria remained silent on the subject, instead simply following the commander back towards the castle itself, anticipating that she would be required to report to the queen and explain everything that had occurred – although she wasn’t sure that any of the Elfen folk within the court would be pleased to hear that she had let her enemy escape.

I can say for certain that he won’t be pleased. She resisted an urge to throw a glance towards the commander, knowing that he couldn’t hear her thoughts, and as such would simply assume that she had ill intentions towards him. She wasn’t sure she could – or even wanted to – face the wrath of the commander more than she already had to endure.

Thankfully for her, the return to the keep was swift, and she found herself standing in a similar position before the queen. Nymoria waited silently as Arun reported their success in the field, attempting to wash over the losses they had incurred – a total of thirty-three Elfen folk brought down beneath the assault of the Treants, a fact that clearly made the queen uncomfortable and displeased with the results.

’This cannot continue.’ The queen’s voice had changed, a tinge of sadness crossing over her features as she turned to Nymoria and spoke. ’We must find a way to end this conflict, before we are entirely wiped from the memories of this world. We must find a peaceful way to bring this war to a closure. Too many have already lost their lives to this, and…’

Edited Tuesday at 07:46 PM by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

The queen seemed to pause, as if considering her words carefully. Nymoria could see a hint of apprehension, as if the queen was about to ask something that was beneath her, or unthinkable. Nymoria was, however, patient enough to wait it out. She didn’t rush to fill in anything, instead wanting to give time for the other to speak.

’I see that you have protected our city gates. We are in your debt, and while I will ensure you are repaid kindly for your services…I would ask a boon of you, beyond what you have already done for us.’ Nymoria tilted her head slightly, curious to hear what the queen would request, and how the questline would continue. She assumed she would be send to act as a guard for their envoy, to perhaps mediate a peace between the Treants and the Elfen folk as a third, neutral party. ’The Treants do not trust Elves, nor we them. This conflict has spawned over countless years…and it will not falter simply because we come bearing peaceful words. You, however, are an uninvolved party. You don’t have the blood of their brethren upon you as we do…they may be willing to communicate, and come to terms, with you.’

[Nymoria 0]

Nymoria hadn’t expected the request to be entirely focused on her own involvement in the creation of peace between the two races, and she found herself staring at the queen in bewilderment. Whether the queen noticed or not, Nymoria could not say, as she continued speaking immediately. ’Travel to the Treant Grove at Baobab, as our ambassador, and forge a treaty by any means necessary. Please…this conflict must end.’

Arun moved swiftly, crossing the court and moving to whisper in the queen’s ear. Moments passed as Nymoria waited patiently, before Arun returned to her, holding up his hands and muttering something that Nymoria couldn’t catch. As his words finished, a small orb appeared hovering beside him, and he turned to her with a grim, annoyed look upon his face.

’I offer you this fire spirit, Aga. She isn’t a powerful spirit, nowhere near as powerful as my own spear certainly, but she has the capacity to help you if the Treants are unwilling to speak. She can ignite flames from nothingness, something that terrifies even the mighty King of Treants. Take her, and do as the queen bids.’ He moved back, turning and leaving Nymoria as if the decision had been made. She almost rose to argue, before seeing that the quest acceptance icon had appeared before her. Sighing softly to herself, she swiped the acceptance button before turning and leaving the court behind, determined to at least see it through for the innocent folk of the city that would eventually fall if she failed.

[Nymoria 0]

The meeting with the queen had left her with lots to think about, and as Nymoria had made her way from the queen’s court room, she had found herself wondering if there wasn’t more to the entire scene that had played out before her. She’d seen sorrow, horror and fear in the queen’s eyes when she’d spoken – well hidden, perhaps, but there nonetheless. It had been a change from the confident woman who had first fought for Nymoria’s deployment atop the gate to the city, and it had struck her as odd.

These quests are designed to operate in a certain way, and to have the NPCs act in certain ways…but something about her fear and concern felt almost genuine. As if she was really scared about the future of her people…as if there was more going on than a simple pre-designed conflict, with an obvious outcome. Nymoria found herself pausing in her walk through the streets of Ellesmera, considering everything. She found her mind racing, disassociating herself from the busy streets that surrounded her; filled with people passing and staring at her sudden stall in movement. What if…there isn’t a preconditioned outcome? What if there are more possibilities than we could have anticipated? What if…what if it’s becoming more real?

She knew that reality was little more than a concept; something that she could imagine being. The game world was, in this exact moment, no less real than the world she had been born into, that she had lived most of her life. That didn’t stop the blurring of lines between the two, however, and the fact that Nymoria was finding the world of Aincrad to be more and more like the world beyond it; more and more like the real world she had escaped from, and found herself trapped from, in a digital recreation of life.

[Nymoria 0]

Questions had continued to circle around within her mind, until Nymoria felt like she would never escape the complex interrogation that was unattainable, unanswerable, with her current information and awareness. Striving for a measure of peace, she had found herself leaving behind the city of Ellesmera, and travelling through the woodlands in search of some measure of solitude and peace from everything. Foolhardy, perhaps, but with Shokan at her feet she had felt confident in her departure from civilisation. It was the foolhardiness of confidence that had led her beyond the safety of the city’s walls, and into the current situation she found herself in.

She dodged again as the thing came forward, slamming another fist into the ground where Nymoria had been standing mere moments ago. She could see a pair of them moving to flank her – their movements slow and stumbling compared to her own, but dangerous enough in the pure strength that was behind every assault they made. She’d been surprised by their sudden appearance, not having considered the fact that they could simply appear as trees within the woods themselves. I wonder if this is revenge for helping the Elves, or if I just have really, really bad luck… Although she felt like she already knew the answer, Nymoria found herself giggling at the joke – that was, until another fist slammed into the ground beside her and she found herself leaping backwards once more.

She’d barely had time to draw her sabre, and since the onset of their ambush, she’d managed no return attack; too busy dodging the various limbs and branches that seemed to appear from above or behind in an attempt to smash her into nothingness. Another quick twist, and suddenly Nymoria saw an opening that she felt she could use, if she was quick about it.

-

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 9 | HP [567/700] | EN [90/108] | ACC [4] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | Bleed [36] | LD [+6] | SD [+7] | Prosperity [2] | Quality [1] | -18 EN | -133 HP
Blazing Treant 1 | HP: 375/750 | DMG: 132
Blazing Treant 2 | HP: 324/750 | DMG: 132 | Bleed [36 | 1/2]
Blazing Treant 3 | HP: 375/750 | DMG: 132
Blazing Treant 4 | HP: 375/750 | DMG: 132

ID241354 | BD: 6+4 = 10 | <<AoE-I vs. Blazing Treant 1>> | Result: [25x15] = 375 damage | MOB: 4-4=0 | Miss
ID241355 | BD: 9+4 = 13 | <<AoE-I vs. Blazing Treant 2>> | Result: [(25+1)x15] = 390 damage | Bleed [36 | 1/2] | MOB: 8-4=4 | Miss
ID241356 | BD: 2+4 = 6 | <<AoE-I vs. Blazing Treant 3>> | Result: [25x15] = 375 damage | MOB: 4-4=0 | Miss
ID241357 | BD: 5+4 = 9 | <<AoE-I vs. Blazing Treant 4>> | Result: [25x15] = 375 damage | MOB: 9-4=5 | Minor Critical Hit: [132+1] = 133 damage

Edited Wednesday at 05:33 PM by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

The dash forward had put the large Ents off their balance, and given Nymoria the chance she needed to lash out and cut into the group as a whole. She could see flakes of bark falling off and away, leaving behind traces of red marks where she had managed to cut deep into them. One of the tree cousins leaked a yellow substance that could have been sap; a rendition of the blood liquid that would appear on most creatures.

Her extravagant attack had come at a cost though, and Nymoria had been launched backwards into an actual tree as one of the Treant’s responded to her slashing by slamming one of its branches into her. She groaned as the temporary pain roiled through her, before she pushed herself back onto her feet and into a delayed, sluggish movement.

That hurt… Nymoria shook herself in order to alleviate the dizziness that had attempted to overcome her, an action that provided less help than she would have liked. Woooo-kay, don’t do that again. Wow. That…wasn’t fun. Damn, trees hurt. She giggled slightly, making herself wonder if she’d picked up a concussion during the toss. Whether she had or not, though, didn’t matter as the Treants moved to surround her, and she found herself diving into combat once more.

-

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 9 | HP [567/700] | EN [78/108] | ACC [4] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | Bleed [36] | LD [+6] | SD [+7] | Prosperity [2] | Quality [1] | +4 EN | -16 EN | -0 HP
Blazing Treant 1 | HP: 0/750 | DMG: 132
Blazing Treant 2 | HP: 288/750 | DMG: 132 | Bleed [36 | 2/2]
Blazing Treant 3 | HP: 0/750 | DMG: 132
Blazing Treant 4 | HP: 0/750 | DMG: 132

ID241359 | BD: 8+4 = 12 | <<AoE-I vs. Blazing Treant 1>> | Result: [25x15] = 375 damage | Blazing Treat 1 defeated
ID241360 | BD: 1+4 = 5 | <<AoE-I vs. Blazing Treant 2>> | Miss | MOB: 4-4=0 | Miss
ID241361 | BD: 8+4 = 12 | <<AoE-I vs. Blazing Treant 3>> | Result: [25x15] = 375 damage | Blazing Treat 3 defeated
ID241362 | BD: 4+4 = 8 | <<AoE-I vs. Blazing Treant 4>> | Result: [25x15] = 375 damage | Blazing Treat 4 defeated

Spoiler

Loot Rolls
ID241363 | LD: [13+6] = 19 | CD: [2+1] = 3 | Results: 3,150 (3,000+150) col, 4 materials, Perfect Consumable (1), Rare Trinket (1)
ID241364 | LD: [17+6] = 23 | CD: [8+1] = 9 | Results: 11,025 (3,000+2,250+5,250+525) col, 2 materials, Perfect Consumable (1)
ID241365 | LD: [5+6] = 11 | CD: [5+1] = 6 | Results: 3,150 (3,000+150) col, 4 materials, Rare Weapon (1), Uncommon Consumable (1)

Loot Results
17,325 col
10 materials
Uncommon Consumable (1) | ID241365
Rare Trinket (1) | ID241363
Rare Weapon (1) | ID241365
Perfect Consumable (2) | ID241363, 241364

 

Edited Wednesday at 07:28 PM by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

She leapt around the tree and raced away from the pair of Treants that had attempted to come from behind, putting obstacles in their way that only slowed them down even further. They’d planned their second ambush well, however, and Nymoria found herself once more leaping to the side as a pair of branch arms came colliding into the ground before her, causing dirt and dust to flow into the air where she had once been standing. A quick spin around, and she’d brought down two more of the Treants, before turning to face the final two remaining.

A quick dash in, upward slash, and they should be cut down. She wondered if the accidental pun – if it was even a pun at all – was inappropriate. Not that anyone had heard it, which meant that her musings were pointless in the moment. If a tree falls in the forest.. She was letting her mind wander, and as another branch slammed into the ground beside her, Nymoria knew she needed to refocus herself. Now wasn’t the time to be playing riddles within her own mind.

Shrugging off the after effects – or at least what she assumed were the after effects of the impact with the tree earlier – she stepped in towards the remaining pair of Treants, bringing her blade around and into their forms, hoping to cut them down and finish the fight. As the one of her left disappeared in a shattering of shards, she was surprised to find herself standing alone – the fourth and final having somehow managed to scoot away and behind a nearby tree, as if repeating what Nymoria had done earlier to avoid an attack. What the-

-

Combat

Nymoria | Lv. 33 | P. 9 | HP [567/700] | EN [73/108] | ACC [4] | DMG [25] | EVA [4] | Bleed [36] | LD [+6] | SD [+7] | Prosperity [2] | Quality [1] | +4 EN | -9 EN | -0 HP
Blazing Treant 2 | HP: 0/750 | DMG: 132

ID241366 | BD: 6+4 = 10 | <<ST-I vs. Blazing Treant 2>> | Result: [25x12] = 300 damage | Blazing Treat 2 defeated

  Hide contents

Loot Rolls
ID241363 | LD: [13+6] = 19 | CD: [2+1] = 3 | Results: 3,150 (3,000+150) col, 4 materials, Perfect Consumable (1), Rare Trinket (1)
ID241364 | LD: [17+6] = 23 | CD: [8+1] = 9 | Results: 11,025 (3,000+2,250+5,250+525) col, 2 materials, Perfect Consumable (1)
ID241365 | LD: [5+6] = 11 | CD: [5+1] = 6 | Results: 3,150 (3,000+150) col, 4 materials, Rare Weapon (1), Uncommon Consumable (1)
ID241367 | LD: [13+6] = 19 | CD: [5+1] = 6 | Results: 3,150 (3,000+150) col, 4 materials, Perfect Armour/Shield (1), Perfect Trinket (1)

Loot Results
20,475 col
14 materials
Uncommon Consumable (1) | ID241365
Rare Trinket (1) | ID241363
Rare Weapon (1) | ID241365
Perfect Armour/Shield | ID241367
Perfect Consumable (2) | ID241363, 241364
Perfect Trinket (1) | ID241367

 

Edited Wednesday at 07:38 PM by Nymoria

[Nymoria 0]

The remaining Treant retreated further as Nymoria chased after it, drawing her further and further away from the original position of conflict. She chased it for a few moments, before deciding she’d had enough of the game. Turning on the spot, she rushed off towards the right, eyeing the thing as it seemed to slow and stop, watching her retreat for a few seconds, before starting to make its way back towards its fallen friends.

That’s…odd. Definitely a first. She shrugged away the thought before returning back towards it and cutting it down from behind, the Treant noticing at the last second that she’d returned to finish it off. Standing over where it had once existed, Nymoria found herself lost in thought, trying to make sense of the oddity of the situation that had just occurred. I’ve never seen a creature…no, nothing in this game ever runs away. Except if it’s coded to do so, as part of a quest…but even that is rare. Why…? She had no immediate answer though, and although she wanted to spend time letting the thoughts flow and settle themselves into something more manageable, or more logical, she found herself looking up towards a darkening sky.

I’ve spent enough time here as it is, I should probably head home. Before things turn nasty at night. She could see Shokan off to the side, staring at her with an oddly aware look in its eyes. Nymoria still hadn’t quite gotten used to the intellect that seemed to float behind those eyes, as if it knew something about the world around her that she did not. It’s not repelling or terrifying, at least. Although it does give an almost…parental like feel, I guess? Odd, all things considered. But not unwelcomed. She moved towards Shokan, thinking about how she needed to engage more with the fox creature, to bond and become a true partner to her newfound companion. They’d been together only a short time, and yet Nymoria felt like she’d not given anywhere near enough attention to them.

[Nymoria 0]

Should we head home? The fox gave a swish with three of its tails in response to Nymoria’s question. She hadn’t entirely figured out the way it responded to her, not like she had understood Musei, but she was fairly certain that the three tails swishing was an agreement with her idea. Smiling towards the fox, she decided to ask her next question without waiting until they’d returned to civilisation. Should we pick up something to eat on the way back, for dinner?

Another trio of swishes, and this time Nymoria had a stronger feeling that there was an agreement there – the strength of the swishes had been slightly stronger, as if the idea of food was enticing to the small creature. Deciding to test her ability to communicate a bit more, she signed again, this time taking her time to explain what she wanted to ask. What should we get for dinner? One tail for vegetables, two tails for pasta, three tails for meat, four tails for soup.

She waited, eyeing the fox as it seemed to consider her question, its small head tilted to the side and its eyes boring into her as it seemed to ponder her signs. Just when Nymoria was wondering if she hadn’t communicated well, or if she’d been too aggressive in her attempt to communicate with her companion, Shokan shook five of the tails upon its back, a small shiver of smoke coming from them as they moved. Confused for a moment, she signed back in an attempt to make sense of the answer. None of those? Do you want…bread? One tail, for bread. Two tails for…guiding me to what you want?

The fox shook two of its tails, and Nymoria sighed as she realised she was now at the whimsical guide of the fox at her side. Just as she was about to curse her luck, she looked up and directly into the fox’s eyes as something dawned on her. You understood me?

A trio of tails shook once more, and Nymoria felt herself grinning broadly as her companion took off down the pathway. It may not be speaking, but it can at least answer yes and no questions…or, a bit more complicated versions of yes and no questions. This…this can work. This will work.

[Nymoria 0]

Ellesmera was much as it always was; busy and filled with passing NPCs, players and assorted others that found their businesses somewhere within the walls. Nymoria had moved through the crowd with relative ease, the shadowed, smoky fox at her feet causing many to give her a wide berth as she moved towards them. They’d passed through a number of streets already, Shokan leading her towards some unknown destination. No matter what she’d asked of the creature, no response had come, and after a time she’d given up even trying to get anything from them.

Oh, we’re here? The first thought that popped into her head as the form of Shokan came to a stop before what appeared to be a simple food vendor. A grill behind the main counter, a collection of chests that were likely used to chill food and keep it contained and edible, as well as a display that showed the available items. Shokan waited until Nymoria was paying attention, before swishing a tail at what appeared to be a collection of sushi rolls, ranging from salmon through some sort of eel like creature. Nymoria signed towards the fox, to confirm the selection, before placing the order and settling into a chair at the edge of the vendor’s area.

She waited patiently with Shokan as the food was prepared, eyeing up the fox and trying to figure out how best to broaden the connection they had begun. She knew it was going to take work – it had taken lots of work with Musei, even if she tried to push aside and forget those memories. Nothing comes easy, nor should it. Shokan and I will have to work at it…but if we come together, if we work towards our final goal…we can have what Musei and I had – maybe even more. She smiled as the plate of items was placed before them, and Shokan looked at her expectantly, the fox’s tails waving behind it in a way that seemed to blend them into the smoky form that was its existence. Ethereal, and yet entirely corporeal all at the same time. She waved towards the plate, smiling broadly as she signed. Go on, they’re all for you.

-

Thread Summary
Word Count: 6,619
6,619/10x1x5 = 3,305 [Progression] + 700 [Quest] = 4,005 EXP
400 [Progression] + 250 [Quest] + 20,475 [Loot] = 21,125 col
14 materials
Uncommon Consumable (1) | ID241365
Rare Trinket (1) | ID241363
Rare Weapon (1) | ID241365
Perfect Armour/Shield | ID241367
Perfect Consumable (2) | ID241363, 241364
Perfect Trinket (1) | ID241367