[EVENT - F01] A Flash of Red and Gold

[Bahr 0]

Spoiler

• LEVEL: 42
• HP: 860 | ENERGY: 84
• DMG: 15 | MIT: 54 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 3
  SKILLS 3/7 | MODS 3/5
  
  HOME BUFFS
  » RESTED
       ➥ -1 EN FOR THE FIRST TWO TURNS OF COMBAT
  » RELAXED
       ➥ +10 TO OUT OF COMBAT HP REGENERATION
       ➥ FULL ENERGY REGENERATION AFTER TWO POSTS OUT OF COMBAT
•  
• SKILLS
• EXTRA SKILLS
  » DISGUISE
       ➥ FREE ACTION
       ➥ +1 EVA UNTIL START OF YOUR NEXT TURN
            ➥ COOLDOWN: 3 TURNS
  » MEDITATION
       ➥ POST ACTION
       ➥ RECOVER AN ADDITIONAL 10 ENERGY - GETTING HIT BY AN ATTACK BEFORE YOUR NEXT TURN REDUCES ADDITIONAL ENERGY RECOVERY TO 6
            ➥ COOLDOWN: 3 TURNS
  
  COMBAT SKILLS
  » PARRY
       ➥ POST ACTION
       ➥ REDUCE FINAL DAMAGE OF NEXT ATTACK AGAINST YOU BY 50% (ROUNDED DOWN) AND NEGATES STUN/PARALYSIS EFFECT OF THAT ATTACK
            ➥ COOLDOWN: 2 TURNS
            ➥ 5 ENERGY CONSUMED ON USE
  
  WEAPON SKILLS
  » TWO-HANDED STRAIGHT SWORD R5
       ➥ +7 DMG WHEN TWO-HANDED WEAPON IS EQUIPPED
  
  ARMOR SKILLS
  » LIGHT ARMOR R4
       ➥ +18 MIT 
  
  MODS
  » LIGHT ARMOR MOD: ATHLETICS
       ➥ +1 DMG
       ➥ +20 HP
  » PARRY MOD: JUSTIFIED RIPOSTE
       ➥ POST ACTION: COMBINE WITH PARRY
       ➥ SUCCESSFUL PARRY STUNS OPPONENT
            ➥ COOLDOWN: 3 TURNS
  » WEAPON MOD: PRECISION
       ➥ PASSIVE
       ➥ +1 ACC
  
  SWORD ARTS
  » [X2 AOE] BLAST
       ➥ 2 ENERGY +2 PER TARGET HIT CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X2] STRAIGHT
       ➥ 2 ENERGY CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X3] SCOOPED
       ➥ 3 ENERGY CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X4 STUN] LIGHTNING
       ➥ 7 ENERGY CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X4] CYCLONE
       ➥ 4 ENERGY CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X5] BACK RUSH
       ➥ 5 ENERGY CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X6 STUN] FIGHT BLADE
       ➥ 9 ENERGY CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X7] ASTRAL HELL
       ➥ 7 ENERGY CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X8 AOE STUN] TEMPEST
       ➥ 8 ENERGY +2 PER TARGET HIT CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X12] CALAMITOUS TRAGEDY
       ➥ 12 ENERGY CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X13] GALAXY DESTROYER
       ➥ 13 ENERGY CONSUMED ON USE
  » [X12 AOE] CALAMITY DISASTER
       ➥ 13 ENERGY +2 PER TARGET HIT CONSUMED ON USE

INVENTORY
ARMOR
» [EQUIPPED] "COAT OF THE BLOODEDGE" - LIGHT ARMOR (T1 - PERFECT)
     ➥ +3 EVA
» "HERO'S HAKAMA" - LIGHT ARMOR (T2 - PERFECT)
     ➥ +36 MIT
     ➥ RECOVERY 1

WEAPONS
» [EQUIPPED] "SCARECROW'S SICKLE" - TWO-HANDED STRAIGHT SWORD (T2 - DEMONIC)
     ➥ +6 DMG
     ➥ BLEED

FAMILIAR
» [EQUIPPED] SWINE BAJESUS R3
     ➥ +3 ACC

BATTLE READY ITEMS
» DIET SODA [EVENT ITEM] x5 (HEALS 150 HP) {5 IN STANDARD INVENTORY}
» OFFRBAND ENERGY DRINK [EVENT ITEM] x5 (RESTORES 6 EN) {15 IN STANDARD INVENTORY}

Just as he had suspected, Lessa had been the golden flash from earlier. Her long, braided blonde hair reflected light with much the same brilliance Bahr imagined Rumpelstiltskin's golden thread would. Watching her amidst the undead now was like a completely different experience than when they fought the Lich King. Rather than freezing up, she took the initiative, rushing her opponents and using the advantage the cloak gave her precisely and elegantly. Had she been practicing since they last time they fought together?

Once she finished dispatching the Zombie she was working on, Bahr stepped in and assumed a position by her side, unsheathing his blade and standing at the ready. He noticed that she was still using an older piece of equipment - a sword that was likely a keepsake from a time before their paths had crossed. "Fancy meeting you here," he remarked with a grin, nudging her arm with his elbow. "Figured you wouldn't mind some company. Mind if I butt in and help out?"

@Lessa

[Lessa 1]

Spoiler

Level: 37 | HP: 740 | Energy: 74 | Base DMG: 11 | Base MIT: 72 | Acc: 1 | Eva: 3 | Thorns: 2 | Heavy Momentum: 1
2HSS [5] | Heavy Armor [3] | Protector Familiar [3] | Survival | Howl | Precision
Jigoku rÅzu [+3 DMG] | Rose Gauntlets [+2 Thorns/+1 HM] | Hovering Cloak [+3 EVA]

Housing
Rested: -1 energy cost for the first two expenditures of each combat.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Clean: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 20% (rounded down).
Col Stash: +5% bonus col from monster kills and treasure chests.
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll.

Memories of baseball returned to her as she squared off against the zombie. Though her family could never afford professional tickets, the Butlers had often spent summer nights watching local teams duke it out. Sure, the game was not particularly exciting to watch - it wasn't hockey, after all - something about the atmosphere had always brought Alyssa joy. Even now, amid hoards of the drooling, groaning undead, Lessa was overcome with a burst of giddy nostalgia. Maybe it was the smells of roasting peanuts coming from... somewhere.

Channeling her inner Miguel Cabrera, Lessa brought her hefty sword up over her shoulder. Farm-formed muscles tensed, and she emitted a soft grunt of effort as the girl swung at the approaching foe. While the effect wasn't as dramatic as sending a baseball over the back fence, separating the zombie's head from his neck was pretty exciting. As it exploded into shimmering pixels, Lessa sensed a presence moving up alongside her.

She returned the elbow nudge, casting him a quick smile before answering. "The more the merrier. Normally I skip zombie mode, but this is kind of entertaining. A change from the norm, at least. Still, makes me wish I had a machine gun or something."

[Bahr 0]

Bahr cracked a grin at her comment about a machine gun, his mind hearkening back to days when he would sit around on his couch and play Call of Duty online with his friends. Zombies, a classic match type that tested your mettle against a relentless horde of rotting goons much like the event they currently found themselves locked into. It was a keen throwback.

"Well, I don't have a gun, but I brought you the next best thing," he chirped, opening up a trade screen and sending a few items her way. Some consumables to make the event go by easier, along with a sword that seemed suspiciously similar to his own. He'd been holding onto it for some time, unsure of who to hand it off to. In the end, Lessa seemed like the best fit. Since he already had his inventory open, he populated a pair of buffs for himself

"That one's the twin to mine. You can use it, or not - it's up to you. But it should help you cut into these zombies a bit easier. Mine has served me well in this regard."

Crimson and verdant hues flickered from the decrepit goons to Lessa, whose demeanor was entirely different from the last time they had fought together. Just what was going on with her, anyway? One minute she hates combat, the next she was getting into it. Impossible to read.

"Either way, with a face like that, I'm sure you'll do fine with or without it."

Obnoxious Corn Dog (+45 MIT) sent to Lessa.
Funnel Cake (+3 DMG | +1 ACC) sent to Lessa.
Diet Soda x5 (Heals 150 HP) sent to Lessa.
Offbrand Energy Drink x10 (Replenishes 6 Energy) sent to Lessa.
Scarecrow's Twin (T2 2HSS - DMG | DMG | Bleed) sent to Lessa.
Obnoxious Corn Dog (+45 MIT) consumed.
Funnel Cake (+3 DMG | +1 ACC) consumed.

Item sent to Lessa:

Spoiler

Name: Scarecrow's Twin
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 5
Acquisition ID: 120420B
#121674 LD:12 = Bleed
#121677 LD:15 = Damage
#121678 LD:15 = Damage
Item Type: Two-Handed Straight Sword
Tier: 2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +4 DMG | Bleed (DMG 2 | Bleed 1)
Description: "This sword was supposedly forged by the same creator of the Scarecrow's Sickle. Too large to be a Curved Sword and not fit to be labeled a Katana, this gigantic curved blade offers performance rivaling that of its kin."

Stats after consumables:

Spoiler

Bahr: HP: 860/860 | EN: 84/84 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | BLEED 1

 

[Lessa 1]

"Oh," was all she could manage as Bahr's side of the trade window filled. The consumables were a kind enough gift, but the weapon was unlike anything she had ever seen. Well, that wasn't entirely true - it was clearly a companion to Bahr's weapon. But outside of his sword, Lessa could not think of another quite like it. Slowly, the girl slid her own weapon back into it's sheath. Then she paused, hand raised, fingers an inch away from accepting the trade. Her gaze wandered from the window to Bahr, and she asked, "Are you sure?"

When it was evident that he was, she finally pressed the button and went about consuming the corn dog and funnel cake. Finally, she slipped Scarecrow's Twin into her equipped slot. Her precious Hell Rose vanished, and amidst a ribbon of color, the massive curved sword took it's place. Lessa shifted from one foot to the other, considering the new weapon's weight on her back. Though the game's mechanics kept it from being truly heavy, it felt... different. Hell Rose had been her only weapon, save for a short stint using the Demonic Sword Gram. Klein himself had forged her pink-tinted blade, and named it after her old nickname, "Wild Rose." Of course, that had been a long time ago. Things had changed. Perhaps it was time that this changed, too.

She drew the blade, it's metallic hiss lost to the chaos unfolding around them. Then she looked at Bahr. "Thank you." Her smile, though not as full of fun as it had been before, was still genuine. "I feel like I can't really accept this, because all you do is give me stuff. But I'm going to, because there's zombies that need killing."

A small group of shamblers was drawing nearer, and a sudden thought occurred to the once-tank. "The least I can do is keep them off you," she told him. She spun, braids tumbling, cape billowing. Then she rolled her shoulders, and activated <<Howl.>>

Edited October 28, 2019 by Lessa

[Bahr 0]

He watched as she hesitantly accepted the trade, shifting the Scarecrow's Twin into the equipped slot shortly thereafter. Her old blade slowly dissolved, its replacement emerging in a flash of crimson light. By all means, it was obvious that its design mirrored the sword Bahr was holding, with a few minor differences in detail. She drew it, allowing its weight to settle in her palm. It was clear that it would be an adjustment for her.

Bahr shook his head dismissively at her remark about not being able to accept his gift. "Don't worry about it - it serves no purpose in my inventory other than looking neat. It would be better if someone got some use out of it." Before he could continue, Lessa had said something - but Bahr couldn't make out what it was above the cacophonous commotion erupting all around them. Something about being keeping off of him? What? Was this her version of flirting?

Moments later, she activated a skill. Immediately there was a rapid succession of red glints, each scarlet flash coming from the eyes of nearby mobs. If he didn't know any better, he would have guessed that it was the Howl skill - though the way she deployed it was certainly different than Alec's method. The image of that comically large man smashing his weapon against his shield and shouting obscenities at mobs flashed through Bahr's mind, bringing a smile to his face. How was that guy doing, anyway?

Lessa had done her job, and now it was time for Bahr to do his. He leaned forward and, in a flash, planted himself firmly in the center of the horde. In cartoonish, Legend of Zelda-esque fashion, he spun around with his charged sword outstretched, multicolored energy tearing into all of the mobs around him. Two of them instantly combusted into clouds of blue polygonal confetti, while the ones that lived kept their eyes on Lessa.
 

Spoiler

Encounter: Zombie 1
HP: 200 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 100 / 150 on MD of 9 or 10
SPECIAL: If the Zombie would be killed by a weapon or defensive ability, and the LD is equal to or higher than 15, the Zombie is instead reduced to 1HP. This ability is ignored if the attack that reduced it 0 was a critical hit or the weapon/armor used has the holy or holy blessing enhancement.

Encounter: Zombie 2
HP: 200 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 100 / 150 on MD of 9 or 10
SPECIAL: If the Zombie would be killed by a weapon or defensive ability, and the LD is equal to or higher than 15, the Zombie is instead reduced to 1HP. This ability is ignored if the attack that reduced it 0 was a critical hit or the weapon/armor used has the holy or holy blessing enhancement.

Encounter: Zombie 3
HP: 200 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 100 / 150 on MD of 9 or 10
SPECIAL: If the Zombie would be killed by a weapon or defensive ability, and the LD is equal to or higher than 15, the Zombie is instead reduced to 1HP. This ability is ignored if the attack that reduced it 0 was a critical hit or the weapon/armor used has the holy or holy blessing enhancement.

Encounter: Zombie 4
HP: 200 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 100 / 150 on MD of 9 or 10
SPECIAL: If the Zombie would be killed by a weapon or defensive ability, and the LD is equal to or higher than 15, the Zombie is instead reduced to 1HP. This ability is ignored if the attack that reduced it 0 was a critical hit or the weapon/armor used has the holy or holy blessing enhancement.

Spoiler

[H: 2/2/2/2] Lessa: HP: 740-33=707/740 | EN: 66/74 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 117 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 3 | THORNS: 36 | HEAVY MOMENTUM 1 | BLEED 1
[H: 1/2/2/1] Bahr: HP: 860/860 | EN: 84-19=65/84 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | BLEED 1
Lessa Kill Count: 0
Bahr Kill Count: 2
Total Kill Count: 2

Bahr used [x12 AoE] Calamity Disaster, -12 EN

Zombie 1: HP: 200-166=34/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127293 | BD: 7, Hit for 18x12=216-50=166 DMG | MD: 10, Crit for 150-117=33 DMG | -2 EN
Zombie 2: HP: 200-178-24=0/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127294 | BD: 9, Crit for 19x12=228-50=178 DMG | BLEED INFLICTED | BLEED INFLICTS 24 DMG | Zombie 2 defeated | -2 EN
Zombie 3: HP: 200-190-24=0/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127295 | BD: 10, Hit for 20x12=240-50=190 DMG | BLEED INFLICTED | BLEED INFLICTS 24 DMG | Zombie 3 defeated | -2 EN
Zombie 4: HP: 200-166=34/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127296 | BD: 7, Hit for 18x12=216-50=166 DMG | MD: 4, Miss | -2 EN
-19 ENERGY TOTAL ("RESTED" HOUSE BUFF REDUCES EN COST BY 1)

 

[Lessa 1]

"Com'ere, you," she snarled under her breath, intense gaze shifting between the two approaching zombies. Bahr had done an excellent job, slaying two of the creatures before Lessa could even lift her sword. But now two remained, and they had her name all over them. Figuratively speaking, of course. What they really had on them was strips of tattered clothing, chalky skin, and a really terrible odor. I guess being dead does that to you.

The blonde hefted Scarecrow's Twin, unable help but notice how different it felt. The slight curve of the massive blade was a subtle difference, but after so many years of using the same weapon, it wasn't lost on her. She supposed that was bound to happen when a tool became just as much a part of her as an arm or a leg. With that in mind, Lessa imagined that her sword was an extension of herself, reaching forward to jab at the pair of zombies. Pleasure bloomed across her flushed cheeks as <<Tempest>> activated, and the glowing sword's pommel bashed the nearest foe into pixels.

"Alright, one more," she called cheerfully, "then we're ready for the next wave."

Spoiler

[H: 4/2/2/2] Lessa: HP: 740-33=707/740 | EN: 58/74 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 117 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 3 | THORNS: 36 | HEAVY MOMENTUM 1 | BLEED 1
[H: 1/2/2/1] Bahr: HP: 860/860 | EN: 84-19=65/84 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | BLEED 1
Lessa Kill Count: 1
Bahr Kill Count: 2
Total Kill Count: 3

Lessa used [x8 AoE/Stun] Tempest, -8 EN

Zombie 1: HP: 34-78=0/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127468 | BD: 9, Crit for 16x8=128-50=78 DMG -2 EN
Zombie 4: HP: 34-0=34/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127476 | BD: 3, Miss
-9 ENERGY TOTAL ("RESTED" HOUSE BUFF REDUCES EN COST BY 1)

 

Edited October 31, 2019 by Lessa

[Bahr 0]

With the decrepit husks' attention turned on Lessa, it was pretty easy for Bahr to plant the tip of his sword into the ground, lean against it, and marvel at how she managed to squander an area of effect sword art on a single target. He didn't say anything out loud, of course. He wasn't sure his eardrums could take it.

"Nice work!" he called out as she smashed one zombie's skull into azure dust, the sky-colored pixels slowly dissipating into oblivion between the two of them. He picked his blade out of the dirt and swung it against his shoulder, wrapping his wrist over the top of the hilt and resting his arm loosely against it as a counterweight. "Now we've just got to get that o- wait, where did it go?"

Could it be? The world's most elusive zombie? It seemed to have evaporated into thin air just as easily as the ones they had slain. Perhaps Bahr was the fool, and she had managed to kill both. Somehow.

Nope. The guttural snarl the sounded out behind him proved otherwise. By an act of instinct and habit, Bahr pumped a bit of juice into his sword and ripped it forward over his shoulder. The act of the sharp blade carving upward miraculously caught the chin of the groaning goon, cutting off its bellyaching and replacing it instead with the telltale burst! of a mob poofing out of existence. 

"Found it."
 

Spoiler

[H: 4/2/2/2] Lessa: HP: 707/740 | EN: 58/74 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 117 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 3 | THORNS: 36 | HEAVY MOMENTUM 1 | BLEED 1
[H: 1/2/2/1] Bahr: HP: 860/860 | EN: 65+1-4=62/84 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | BLEED 1
Lessa Kill Count: 1
Bahr Kill Count: 3
Total Kill Count: 4
CD: 3 (No extra energy recovered this turn)

Bahr used [x5] Back Rush, -4 EN ("RESTED" HOUSE BUFF REDUCES EN COST BY 1)

Zombie 4: HP: 34-40=0/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127621 | BD: 7, Hit for 18x5=90-50=40 DMG | Zombie 4 defeated

 

[Lessa 1]

"Nice job with the mop up," Lessa told him, tossing Bahr a smile. Her cheeks were flushed with exertion, but also with pleasure. This was... nice, actually. She had spent years abhorring all things combat, as it had only reminded her of the lives lost. The concept of facing her own mortality had terrified her, and her recent flirtation with death hadn't been reassuring. Yet here she was, actually enjoying herself. Perhaps it was the lowered stakes - these zombies were dropping like flies. 

The company wasn't so bad, either.

"Same deal?" The woman asked, letting the tip of her heavy weapon rest on the ground. She blew her bangs out of her blue eyes, which were wide and dancing with excitement, before turning to Bahr. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's what my dad always says." Any other time, the thought of her parents might have soured her mood. But wrapped up in the action, and high on adrenaline, her smile never faltered. 

"Alright, you undead assholes," she taunted, raising her blade against the next group of zombies. "It's your turn to die."

<<Howl>> activated.

[Bahr 0]

Something was definitely different about her. Bahr had never seen Lessa behave so loosely before. Passion danced between her eyes while confident banter rolled off of her tongue. Her actions were swift, deliberate and aggressive. Cold indifference had been replaced by jubilant enthusiasm that permeated her body language. Golden strands of hair fell from the portions that were tied up, falling before cheeks flushed from exertion.

And that smile.

It was invigorating.

There was no way he could let her down when she was in a mood like this. He returned the grin, piercing eyes conveying his confidence as a nod was given. In the next moment, he was gone in a red blur. His blade danced from ghoul to ghoul, each lightning quick strike reflecting whatever little light existed within the drafty confines of the tent. It wasn't until the timer on the Sword Art expired that he noticed he had neglected one of the mobs in his fervor.

"Hey, watch-!" Bahr's warning was cut short as the mob closed the distance between them, lashing out at Lessa. Despite its best efforts, it seemed that she was already prepared, and it only managed to score a glancing blow. "... out."
 

Spoiler

Encounter: Zombie 5
HP: 200 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 100 / 150 on MD of 9 or 10
SPECIAL: If the Zombie would be killed by a weapon or defensive ability, and the LD is equal to or higher than 15, the Zombie is instead reduced to 1HP. This ability is ignored if the attack that reduced it 0 was a critical hit or the weapon/armor used has the holy or holy blessing enhancement.

Encounter: Zombie 6
HP: 200 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 100 / 150 on MD of 9 or 10
SPECIAL: If the Zombie would be killed by a weapon or defensive ability, and the LD is equal to or higher than 15, the Zombie is instead reduced to 1HP. This ability is ignored if the attack that reduced it 0 was a critical hit or the weapon/armor used has the holy or holy blessing enhancement.

Encounter: Zombie 7
HP: 200 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 100 / 150 on MD of 9 or 10
SPECIAL: If the Zombie would be killed by a weapon or defensive ability, and the LD is equal to or higher than 15, the Zombie is instead reduced to 1HP. This ability is ignored if the attack that reduced it 0 was a critical hit or the weapon/armor used has the holy or holy blessing enhancement.

Encounter: Zombie 8
HP: 200 | MIT: 50 | DMG: 100 / 150 on MD of 9 or 10
SPECIAL: If the Zombie would be killed by a weapon or defensive ability, and the LD is equal to or higher than 15, the Zombie is instead reduced to 1HP. This ability is ignored if the attack that reduced it 0 was a critical hit or the weapon/armor used has the holy or holy blessing enhancement.

Spoiler

[H: 2/2/2/2] Lessa: HP: 707-33/740 | EN: 51/74 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 117 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 3 | THORNS: 36 | HEAVY MOMENTUM 1 | BLEED 1
[H: 1/1/1/1] Bahr: HP: 860/860 | EN: 62+3-20=45/84 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | BLEED 1
Lessa Kill Count: 1
Bahr Kill Count: 3
Total Kill Count: 4
CD: 12 (2 extra energy recovered this turn)

Bahr used [x12 AoE] Calamity Disaster, -12 EN

Zombie 5: HP: 200/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127880 | BD: 1, Miss | MD: 9, Crit for 150-117=33 DMG | -2 EN
Zombie 6: HP: 200-166=34/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127881 | BD: 7, Hit for 18x12=216-50=166 DMG | MD: 4, Miss | -2 EN
Zombie 7: HP: 200-166=34/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127882 | BD: 5, Hit for 18x12=216-50=166 DMG | MD: 6, Miss | -2 EN
Zombie 8: HP: 200-166=34/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 127883 | BD: 4, Hit for 18x12=216-50=166 DMG | MD: 7, Miss | -2 EN
-20 ENERGY TOTAL

 

[Lessa 1]

While she appreciated her companion's warning, Lessa was already braced for the zombie's attack. It was somewhat pitiful, a shambling mess of limbs that just barely managed to land a blow. Of course, what else was to be expected of the undead? The woman winced, more out of frustration than true pain. She should have been able to evade such a pathetic attack. No use worrying about it. Even as she glanced at her health bar, and the sliver that had been reduced, the crimson gash on her shoulder was healing. Might as well just get even.

But she had to be smart about it. With the endless waves of zombies, and the back-to-back battles, squandering her energy wasn't an option. Alright, rein it in, she ordered herself.

<<Tempest>> activated, adding her own slash of color to the tent's light show. This time, when her pommel found its targets, the AoE actually did its job.

"Woo," Lessa exclaimed on a burst of expelled breath. Her gaze swung to Bahr, and she nodded toward the remaining enemies. "Saved two for you!"

Spoiler

[H: 3/2/3/4] Lessa: HP: 674/740 | EN: 51+1-14=38/74 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 117 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 3 | THORNS: 36 | HEAVY MOMENTUM 1 | BLEED 1
[H: 1/1/1/1] Bahr: HP: 860/860 | EN: 45/84 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | BLEED 1
Lessa Kill Count: 3
Bahr Kill Count: 3
Total Kill Count: 6

Lessa used [x8 AoE Stun] Tempest, -8 EN

Zombie 5: HP: 200-70=130/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 128802 | BD: 6, Hit for 15x8=120-50=70 DMG | STUN INFLICTED | -2 EN
Zombie 6: HP: 34/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 129323 | BD: 4, Miss 
Zombie 7: HP: 34-70=0/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 129324 | BD: 8, Hit for 15x8=120-50=70 DMG | Zombie 7 defeated | -2 EN
Zombie 8: HP: 34-86=0/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 129325 | BD: 10, Hit for 17x8=136-50=86 DMG | Zombie 8 defetaed | -2 EN
-14 ENERGY TOTAL

 

[Bahr 0]

Not a bad hit - two of the zombies crumbled between the weight she leveled behind her pommel while the other two remained, though not unscathed. With a grin gracing his visage, Bahr's sword became enveloped in a ribbon of scarlet light before he dash in toward the remaining two. A couple of brisk slashes in a wide arc were all it took to dispatch the remaining ghouls and scatter them into the environment in the form of countless polygonal azure fractals.

He resumed his position by Lessa's side, ready to continue the fight, but it seemed that Lady Luck had offered them a brief reprieve. It was a perfect time to get their strength back and reassess. "You know that I love that you wear the cloak I made for you," he began, his orbs shifting to meet with hers, "But these mobs are pretty wimpy - I don't think you really need to dodge them all that much. You could probably be using those equipment slots for something more beneficial. Do you have anything else you could slot in for now that might make the waves come and go a little smoother?"

It wasn't like they particularly needed the boost - Lessa was doing fine and so was Bahr. But there also wasn't anything wrong with optimizing while they had the chance.
 

Spoiler

[H: 3/2/3/4] Lessa: HP: 674/740 | EN: 38/74 | DMG: 15 | MIT: 117 | ACC: 1 | EVA: 3 | THORNS: 36 | HEAVY MOMENTUM 1 | BLEED 1
[H: 3/2/1/1] Bahr: HP: 860/860 | EN: 45+3-16=32/84 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 99 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 3 | BLEED 1
Lessa Kill Count: 3
Bahr Kill Count: 5
Total Kill Count: 8
CD: 8 (2 extra energy recovered this turn)

Bahr used [x12 AoE] Calamity Disaster, -12 EN

Zombie 5: HP: 130-190=0/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 129410 | BD: 10, Hit for 20x12=240-50=190 DMG | Zombie 5 defeated | -2 EN
Zombie 6: HP: 34-166=0/200 | DMG: 100 | MIT: 50 | ID: 129411 | BD: 5+5=10, Hit for 18x12=216-50=166 DMG | Zombie 6 defeated | -2 EN
-16 ENERGY TOTAL

 

[Lessa 1]

Their final foes burst into shimmering pixels, like confetti meant to celebrate their small victory. Lessa blew out the breath she didn’t realize she had been holding, and rest Scarecrow’s Twin over her shoulder. The brief pause between waves would give her some time to recover energy. And, if she were lucky, talk with her companion. A few weeks had passed since they’d fought the Lich King together, and the snowy haired boy with the Christmas eyes had been on her mind more than she would care to admit.

 But when he spoke, embarrassment mingled with the fading exertion on her cheeks. “Oh,” she managed around a small smile. “Yeah, you‘ve got a point. I do like the cloak. It moves really well.” To demonstrate, the blonde performed a half turn, sending the fabric swirling around her. Then, realizing how silly she looked, she summoned her inventory.

 With a twinkle of chimes and a swirling ribbon of color, the cape disappeared. It’s replacement was far more subtle, lacking the flair of the free-floating cape. Instead, a small rose now nestled between her breasts, dangling from a long, delicate chain. Lessa brought her hand to it, fingertips kissing the little trinket’s warm silver. “That should be better,” she informed Bahr.

Spoiler

Level: 37 | HP: 740 | Energy: 74 | Base DMG: 15 | Base MIT: 72 | Acc: 4 | Thorns: 2 | Heavy Momentum: 1 | Bleed: 1
2HSS [5] | Heavy Armor [3] | Protector Familiar [3] | Survival | Howl | Precision
Scarecrow’s Twin [+2 DMG/+1 BLD] | Rose Gauntlets [+2 Thorns/+1 HM] | Rosebud Charm [+3 ACC]

 

Edited November 18, 2019 by Lessa

[Bahr 0]

Was she smiling at him? She was definitely smiling at him. It teased a curl from Bahr's lips as well, though he hardly noticed. And as she twirled and showed off her cloak for him, the grin broadened even more. The rosy hue that invaded her cheeks once she realized what she was doing was the cherry on top. As she hastily summoned her inventory panel, Bahr couldn't help but let out a brief, breathy chuckle. It probably sounded like a scoff, but it was the furthest thing from it.

Within a moment, the cloak was whisked from existence and replaced with a simple charm; one of a rose blossom, silver in coloration and dangling from a dainty chain as a lavaliere. Bahr admired the craftsmanship of the trinket between Lessa's delicate fingers, eyes lingering in that spot for longer than they probably ought to have. And then they began wandering. And then-

He coughed into a closed fist and averted his eyes. The ceiling of the tent? No. Why would he look there? The floor! Equally awkward. After what must have looked like an optical aneurysm, he finally settled on her eyes - likely where he should have kept his gaze the whole time. 

"So," he managed before things somehow became even more weird. "What have you been up to the last few weeks? Besides kicking zombie ass, of course." He grinned, gesturing to another grouping of zombies shambling their direction. They were a ways away, and moving at half the speed of smell. They had more time to chat before springing into action. "Kept thinking about our chat at the tavern. Went around a couple more times, but haven't managed to run into you.

[Lessa 1]

The woman glanced up as her companion let loose a barking cough. Was there something in his throat? Come to think of it, it was fairly stuffy in the chaotic tent, with dust and dirt kicked up mid-battle. He appeared to have something in his eye too, as his gaze flitted about. Lessa made to ask him if he was alright, but his words gave her pause. He had been hoping to run into her? Or was she reading too much into it?

”I haven’t been up to much,” she answered, shoving aside the thoughts and tingling embarrassment they brought about. And was that pleasure she felt at the concept of Bahr looking for her? “Spending most of my time at my house.” Light and warmth came into her eyes, a sharp contrast to the zombies being killed around them. “Having my own place has been so amazing. I’m not sure why it took me so long to take the plunge. You should come over sometime.”

Even as the words passed her lips, she realized what she’d just walked into. To cover herself, she hastily added, “I paid enough for it, might as well show it off to my friends.”

Was the use of friends too heavy? Had she put unnecessary emphasis on the word? Oh god, was she inadvertently friend-zoning him?

Yeah, she needed to shut off her brain before it imploded. Had it really been this long since she’d interacted with a guy she was even remotely interested in?

[Bahr 0]

"Having my own place has been so amazing. I’m not sure why it took me so long to take the plunge. You should come over sometime."

Bahr's eyes lit up with enthusiasm as he heard the offer, roseate hues flushing his cheeks. 

"I paid enough for it, might as well show it off to my friends," she concluded awkwardly, a strange emphasis put on the last word. Judging by her expression and the blush that ran across her cheeks, there might have been something more there. But as usual, Lessa was too difficult to read to discern any proper meaning from between the lines.

"I'd love to," he responded on an exhale, pushing the thoughts to the back of his mind. "I actually went to the twenty-first floor recently. It seems really nice. Returning to my home in the dankness of the tenth floor afterward felt a bit cold and lonely in comparison. Would be nice to get a change of pace."

[Lessa 1]

“Oh yeah?” She was intrigued at the notion of his visiting her floor, regardless of how harmless the trip might have been. “Well, yeah, it’s a beautiful spot. The trees and lakes make me feel like I’m back in Michigan, though it doesn’t have the mountains, and...” her voice trailed as she realized what she’d just said. Had she really just told Bahr where she lived? And done so so... freely? It had taken months for her to warm up to the other two individuals who knew that about her. And now, here she was, commenting on it as casually as a mention of the weather. What in the world?

The woman hefted her weapon, shifting her hold on it as a temporary distraction. But surrounded by battle, she couldn’t very well stall for long. “Anyway, glad you liked it. What made you choose the tenth floor, if it’s so cold and lovely?”

[Bahr 0]

"Well, at the time, I thought I wanted the solitude," he admitted, eyes tracing the hideous husks that gradually advanced on them. He hardly even noticed her flustered shifting. "Not to mention, it's got a pretty soothing aesthetic. Glowing crystals and mushrooms, calm ambiance, steady streams. Despite the obvious drawbacks, it's got a lot going for it. I'll have to have you come around sometime."

Ahh, so that's why she had seemed so weird about it. It definitely felt like an invitation for something more, didn't it? Oddly enough, that didn't even bother Bahr. But in the spirit of remaining friendly, he switched gears. "So Michigan, huh? That's a hop and a skip away from where I live, actually," he remarked, eyes flickering back to Lessa. "No mountains where I live, either. Just a lot, and I mean a lot of wheat. Rolling hills, that sort of thing. It's honestly really boring. When I visited Colorado, though, I was blown away by the Rockies. Floors like yours and the third remind me of it. It's extremely humbling."

[Lessa 1]

“Uh yeah,” she managed around an embarrassed smile. “That would be nice. I’d love for you to show me around. I really don’t spend a lot of time on the tenth floor, so there’s a lot I haven’t seen yet.” Was that too forward? Dang it, she couldn’t analyze everything that came out of her mouth or she’d go mad. The blonde blew out a hard breath, sending the hair that had come free from her braids flying. She needed to get it together.

”So you’re from the States then?” She asked him, gaze remaining fixed on a nearby player/zombie skirmish. The girl seemed to have a handle on the situation, moving at impossible speeds around her foe. In fact, there didn’t seem to be anyone at risk of dying in the tent. The zombies simply did not pose enough of a threat. Which was the only reason why Lessa felt comfortable chatting in the heat of battle.

”I haven’t met a ton of people who weren’t from Asian countries,” the woman continued. “Most of them managed to buy bootleg copies like I did.”

[Bahr 0]

And just like that, the zombies that had been meandering their way were swept up in the chaos of the skirmish. The female player that had accosted them mulched them both into azure polygonal chunks in the blink of an eye. As quickly as he had come, she was gone. It seemed they would remain safe - for now.

"Uh yeah. That would be nice. I’d love for you to show me around. I really don’t spend a lot of time on the tenth floor, so there’s a lot I haven’t seen yet."

His eyes lit up when she shared her interest in a friendly outing on the tenth floor. It wasn't exactly the most relaxing venue, but Bahr knew they could find something interesting to do in Aincrad's pseudo-hell. 

"So you're from the States then? I haven’t met a ton of people who weren’t from Asian countries. Most of them managed to buy bootleg copies like I did.”

Bahr chuckled as the memory of learning crude Japanese flooded his mind, his Neanderthalian effort to prepare himself for the biggest gaming extravaganza in gaming history. It had been such a relief to learn that the NerveGear he had pre-ordered from Japan came with an English option. He would have been totally lost by the time the game dropped if it hadn't. 

"Yeah, I've ended up having the same experience, for the most part. The language filter is a nice touch." His voice trailed off. Suddenly, he didn't feel like hanging around with the zombies any longer. It seemed that perhaps Lessa had lost her appetite for the skirmish as well. "Should we just go now, then? Tenth floor or twenty-first, your pick."

[Lessa 1]

“Oh, well.” A childlike gleam sparkled in her blue eyes as she looked to him. Something warm and giddy bloomed from her core, and the smile that slowly curled across her lips was a bit bashful. It was as if he’d just asked her to sneak out of class, or play hooky from work. “Yeah, sure. That sounds good.”

But where would they go - his place or hers? And why did that question sound so darn suggestive? Inviting herself over to his place seemed rude, but bringing him to hers felt... well, suggestive. Lessa has never been rude.

”How about the twenty second?” Thought it was phrased as a question, the woman was already moving toward the tents flap. It felt strange, walking off a battlefield before the fighting was over. But they had things under control, right? And Lessa was ready for something new. In more than one sense.