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[PP|F16] <<The Swashbuckling Buccaneer>> Aye Aye Cap'n!


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<<The Swashbuckling Buccaneer>>

Now that the two were done with the Witch of the West, Chase found a quest that he hadn't completed himself, but it was far, far below his level. He could do it easily, especially with the help of Alkor. Something about pirates- way to get even more out of the mood and into storytime. He was quiet all the way through, letting the sailor ramble on and on. Normally, he'd argue that it was okay for NPCs to be wacky or goofy, but this completely felt like an encounter right out of a game. Not even realistic in any way, shape or form, after fighting a Wizard of Oz themed quest.

As soon as the sailor had taken the duo to his uncle's boat, the bluehead continued to be fully silent. They travelled on the rowboat towards a huge vessel, which seemed to be a ways away from land. In order to not say anything and bother the NPCs any, he opened up his menu and decided to message Alkor, with his trademark typo in one of the messages. If only keyboards didn't exist- yet they still plagued even Aincrad of all places, where most problems were dealt with using a sword. 

ChaseR: ... Sorry for this. I'm in as much pain as yuo are.
ChaseR: No clue why we were assigned to Davy Jones right here. Either way, I haven't done this and this gives some good SP too.
ChaseR: ... Normally I respect NPCs but the jump from Oz to Pirateland is absurd...

 

Spoiler

Name: ChaseR
Level: 52
HP: 1070/1070
EN: 104/104

Stats:
Damage: 18
Mitigation: 43
Evasion: 3
Accuracy: 3
BH:32
VAMP DEF:53
FRZ:24
BLD:24
HLY BLS:16
LD:2

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: <<Zero Degree Icicle>> (T2/Perfect/2HSS): ACC I, FRZ I, BLD I
Armor: <<Azure Overcoat>> (T2/Perfect/Light Armor): V.DEF I, HBS I, MIT I
Misc: <<Chained Bracelet>> (T2/Perfect/Trinket): EVA II, ACC I

Skills:
Two-Handed Straight Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 5]
Battle Healing [Rank 3]
Searching [Rank 1]
Fighting Spirit [Obtained]
Howl [Obtained]

Extra Skills:
Familiar Mastery: Fighter
Survival
Disguise

Mods:
2HSS Finesse [R3]
Precision
Athletics
Sprint & Acrobatics

Battle Ready Inventory:
Starter Healing Potions(heal 50HP)*3
Insta-Life ++ (T2/Perfect/HP REC III)*1
Woodland Armor (T2/Perfect) MIT III (1/3)*1
Teleport Crystal [F21]*1
Imugi's Inspiration (Mass HP Recovery)*3
Requires Extended Weight Limit 1
Requires Extended Weight Limit 2
Requires Extended Weight Limit 3
Obtained via Item Stash (Housing)
Obtained via Dimensional Backpack

Housing Buffs:
Filling: Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot.
Relaxed: Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
Skylight (Searching): +1 Rank to the Searching skill.
Advanced Training: +2 SP to a thread. Limit one use per month [0/1]
Multipurpose: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild:

Wedding Ring:

 

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"Davy Jones?" Alkor looked over the message with a bemused expression. It was nice to have someone messaging him for a quest, and he knew Chase was good for it. The opportunity to do one that the man hadn't done was even more exciting, because it meant that they could discover new content and possibly work out strategies together.  As the man was a budding Frontline Player, that also meant Alkor got to glean things about the Frontlines in the way that Chase subtly attuned himself to prepare. All in all, it was too good to pass up.

He looked over the chat window and started to type:

Avast, me hearty, what say we keelhaul these scurvy knives and keep our shares of the plunder, in accordance with the code? Subtext: A pirate quest? Sure, sounds pretty cool. At least we won't get bored doing it, and if the NPCs are annoying we can just waste them.

Once the message had been sent, Alkor fake coughed a couple of times, the said under his breath, "I won't talk like that, I promise."

Name: Alkor
Level: 35
HP: 760/760
EN: 74/74

Stats:
Damage: 10
Mitigation: 48
Evasion: 1
Accuracy: 4
Blight: 24

Equipped Gear:
Weapon: <<Blightsteel>> (T2/Demonic/2HSS): DMG II, BLI I, Cursed
Armor: <<Nightmare Bomber>> (T2/Perfect/Light Armor): MIT II, EVA I
Misc: <<Eye of Osiris>> (T1/Perfect/Trinket): ACC III
 

One Handed Curved Sword [Rank 5]
Light Armor [Rank 3]

Mods:
Precision
Athletics

Edited by Alkor
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The rowboat was starting to near the abandoned pier where all the crewmates and enemies were at, which meant it was high time they got prepared for combat. There would probably be little breaks once they got onto the ship. "Good lord...", he grumbled as he read the message, feeling just a little more dead inside from Alkor's sticking to the pirate theme even in his message. He was sure he'd fuck it up if he even tried, just because of his unfamiliarity with the messaging system. It was more so on the keyboard's behalf but regardless.

The sailor's uncle slowed down and came to a full halt once they were right next to it, as the three young men got off. Chase quickly turned to the NPC, instructing him to stay put while they were taking out the crewmates- an order that thankfully, he agreed to. With that out of the way, he turned to Alkor and signalled him to get going. As soon as they climbed onto the deck, he looked to the side and gave him a suspicious glare, watching some Deckhands wander about in the distance. They'd soon engage in combat either way. "... You were joking about killing the quest giver and his uncle, right?". While waiting for a response, he drew his blade out and took a deep breath, gripping it ever so tightly in preparation for an all out attack.

Spoiler

ChaseR: HP: 1070/1070 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
Alkor:

Pirate Deckhand 1: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40
Pirate Deckhand 2: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 
Pirate Deckhand 3: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 
Pirate Deckhand 4: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

*On a CD of 11-12, the Deckhand gain 50% Phase and will stun on their attack for 1 turn.
** Pirate Deckhands can share a roll with one another but they must be rolled separately from the players.

 

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"I mean, unless they attack me first, yeah," he replied as he drew his weapon and hopped from the longboat to the deck of the galley. Four of them, straightaway. Good thing Chase was there, because these pirates appeared to know their way around a blade. That was more than could be said for most of the trash they encountered up to now. He didn't want to test their finesse. "Alright, I'm not going to goof around with AoEs this round," Alkor mentioned as an aside. 

He knew his skills well enough to determine what the most damage he could do with most efficiency was. 1:1 on cost to damage was as good as it got; but with his energy being what it was, would it behoove him to go all out? Should he play conservatively? Four...

Alkor made his decision in that split second. 

He lashed out with his most powerful sword art at the closest enemy. Splitting damage here would be a slow strategy that only slowed their overall advance. If there were more enemies who jumped in, then the more that they killed and the faster, the less likely that they would be overwhelmed in a brawl.

His effort was rewarded with a strike that sent the enemy reeling, groaning due to a virulent wound.

 

ID# 168102 Battle: 10 <Critical!>

ChaseRHP: 1070/1070 | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[1,0,0,0]Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 54/65 (-11) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Pirate Deckhand 1: HP: 170/250 (-81)| DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 BLI [1/2]
Pirate Deckhand 2: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 
Pirate Deckhand 3: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 
Pirate Deckhand 4: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

 

Edited by Alkor
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It was a good choice on Alkor's behalf to pick one off and slap it to death, seeing as his area of effect damage wasn't anywhere near as high as blue's. Now that they'd engaged into battle, he took a deep breath and quickly lunged forward with his sword, opening his eyes before giving a good swing right at the Deckhands and trying to knock them all into a daze with a strong stun, only to clean up with a killing blow the next time he got to lash out another AoE attack and sweep the kill. "Hoooo!", he heaved and with a swing, he knocked two right on back.

They were clearly thrown off balance, and one just happened to slide onto the jagged edges of his sword's embrace. Now that one was left bleeding, the other two that had successfully avoided the attack managed to slip in quick slashes of their own and deal a small chunk to Chase. However, that was nothing- if his vampiric defense were to trigger, he would recover almost instantly and shrug it off as if nothing happened. "Lower the others to be within my killing range for my next attack. The ones I didn't hit."

Spoiler

image.png.d597214f61b70ecfc26e4a903ee996aa.png

image.png.38e60043e9505f8f9597375d850d05c6.png

ChaseR uses Tempest on Pirate Deckhands 1, 2, 3 & 4! (BD: 10, 10, 5, 5)
18 * 8 = 144 - 40 = 104 + STUN [Pirate Deckhand 1]
19 * 8 = 152 - 40 = 112 + 24 + STUN + FREEZE + BLEED [Pirate Deckhand 2]
ATTACK MISSED [Pirate Deckhand 3]
ATTACK MISSED [Pirate Deckhand 4]

Pirate Deckhands 3 & 4 attack ChaseR! (MD: 6, 6)
85 + 1 - 43 = 43
85 + 1 - 43 = 43

[2,3,1,1] ChaseRHP: 984/1070 (-86) | EN: 95/104 (-9) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[2,0,0,0] Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 54/65 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Pirate Deckhand 1: HP: 66/250 (-104) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 BLI [1/2] | [Stun CD; 1/3] | STUNNED
Pirate Deckhand 2: HP: 114/250 (-136) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 | [Stun CD; 1/3] | STUNNED | T2 BLEED [1/2] | FROZEN [24]
Pirate Deckhand 3: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40
Pirate Deckhand 4: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

*On a CD of 11-12, the Deckhand gain 50% Phase and will stun on their attack for 1 turn.
** Pirate Deckhands can share a roll with one another but they must be rolled separately from the players.

 

Edited by ChaseR
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Alkor had the same idea as Chase seemingly at the same time, almost on instinct. They both seemed to have a mind for picking apart the enemy line and determining the best target on the fly. "Got it," he confirmed with confidence as he looked at the other two targets and lined up his Sword Art again. They were both full, so it didn't matter which of them he struck first. They would both get a turn.

Or at least, that was the logic that Alkor followed in preparing the attack. In an extremely rare showing of inaccuracy on his part, the drab swordsman erred wide of the target and the Pirate slipped past him unharmed. He turned to get a second shot, but it was already too late. The enemies were predominantly interested in the man with the bigger sword.

Wasn't that how it always went?

He cursed himself quietly, wondering if there was a way he could ever make it so his weapons never failed to strike true. Above even dealing damage, consistency was key. At least for him.

[2,3,1,1] ChaseRHP: 984/1070 | EN: 95/104 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[2,0,0,0] Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 53/65 (-2) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Pirate Deckhand 1: HP: 66/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 BLI [1/2] | [Stun CD; 1/3] | STUNNED
Pirate Deckhand 2: HP: 114/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 | [Stun CD; 1/3] | STUNNED | T2 BLEED [1/2] | FROZEN [24]
Pirate Deckhand 3: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40
Pirate Deckhand 4: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

#ID 168124 Battle: 1 <miss>

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He was rather surprised at the miss of Alkor, who was boasting about mastery all too well. Then again, these pirates were nothing to joke about. He sent out another slash and killed off the two that he had hit with his first strike, but much to his dismay a fifth appeared. The other two dodged his attacks once more, no matter how many slashes he threw their way and each found a way around to slash at him. However, his battle healing and holy blessing being triggered over and over made up for all the damage he took.

Going at this rate, they'd need godly luck and swordsmanship he was certain they didn't possess to defeat Chase. He was now ready to dodge any incoming attack and on his toes, watching them eagerly as he looked over to Alkor and simply nodded one more time. "Hit any single one of them. They're no biggie, and it seems that deckhand is the last one on the ship. Then it's gotta be the captain and his trusted crew.", he informed and stretched his neck, preparing for the brawl that was to come. The only thing he was worried about now was... his companion's energy. These strikes must be encumbering him quite a bit, each more demanding than the last.

Spoiler

image.png.ad6dc27f42e5acabe4fd049a4792b277.png

image.png.29e70af6d5228133eb2a733592b9d975.png

ChaseR uses Tempest on Pirate Deckhands 1, 2, 3 & 4! (BD: 10, 10, 6, 1)
18 * 12 - 40 = 216 - 40 = 176 [Pirate Deckhand 1]
18 * 12 - 40 = 216 - 40 = 176 [Pirate Deckhand 2]
18 * 12 - 40 = 216 - 40 = 176 [Pirate Deckhand 3]
ATTACK MISSED [Pirate Deckhand 4]

Pirate Deckhands 3 & 4 attack ChaseR! (MD: 10, 10)
85 + 2 - 43 = 44
85 + 2 - 43 = 44

[3,2,0] ChaseRHP: 944/1070 (+48, -88) | EN: 81/104 (+1, -15) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,0,0] Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 53/65 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Pirate Deckhand 1: HP: 0/250 (-176) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40
Pirate Deckhand 2: HP: 0/250 (-176) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

Pirate Deckhand 3: HP: 74/250 (-176) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40
Pirate Deckhand 4: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40
Pirate Deckhand 5: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

! Pirate Deckhand 5 joins the battle!

*On a CD of 11-12, the Deckhand gain 50% Phase and will stun on their attack for 1 turn.
** Pirate Deckhands can share a roll with one another but they must be rolled separately from the players.

 

Edited by ChaseR
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Chase was not the only one confused by his inability to strike the pirate. Their fleet footed movements were apparently greater than they let on. Still, Alkor refused to let them get under his skin like that. He exploded back into motion and twisted as he made his approach. The pirate took up a dancer's stance as he lashed out once more, but Alkor would not simply allow the man to slip away.

He augmenred his own speed with the power of his Sword Art, accompanied with the assistance of the Cardinal system su  him. He founding the path again. His blade followed the trail along the enemy's body.

Another strong hit, but no lethal.

These mobs really did get harder to handle as they ascended the castle

# 168206 Battle: 10 <critical hit>

[3,2,0] ChaseRHP: 944/1070 (+48, -88) | EN: 81/104 (+1, -15) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,2,0] Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 43/65 (-11) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24


Pirate Deckhand 3: HP: 74/250 (-176) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40
Pirate Deckhand 4: HP: 215/250 (-35)| DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 | BLI 24 [1/2]
Pirate Deckhand 5: HP: 250/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

Edited by Alkor
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With another attack launched their way as soon as Alkor's blight got to one more pirate, the boy striked two pirates again- one always seemed to escape his reach. How elusive they were being was much more of a pain than it was a true hinderance, as despite every single critical strike they landed, it dealt almost nothing to him- a single attack he could hear to start. If his vampiric defense triggered, that was two attacks fully accounted for out of nowhere.

Their healths were starting to drop quite low, with a single exception who was still relatively high. Making a call on who to attack right up next was hard, but... Chase pointed to the one whose health was lower. "Kill off the one with the lowest health so I've less to clear next hit. They're too fast to consistently wound.", he quickly instructed and began charging up his blade as an orange glow enveloped it, breathing in and keeping a strong stance on the ground, ready to lunge at them as soon as he got the chance to.

Spoiler

image.png.8f74f52aae84ffea6edd9115f8e88191.png

image.png.75b4af9d821f3460ee6eaaff3b5a7344.png

ChaseR uses Calamity Disaster on Pirate Deckhands 3, 4 & 5! (BD: 1, 10, 8)
ATTACK MISSED [Pirate Deckhand 3]
18 * 12 - 40 = 216 - 40 = 176 [Pirate Deckhand 4]
18 * 12 - 40 = 216 - 40 = 176 [Pirate Deckhand 5]

Pirate Deckhands 3, 4 & 5 attack ChaseR! (MD: 10, 10, 10)
85 + 2 - 43 = 44 [Pirate Deckhand 3]
85 + 2 - 43 = 44 [Pirate Deckhand 4]
85 + 2 - 43 = 44 [Pirate Deckhand 5]

[4,4,2] ChaseRHP: 860/1070 (+48, -132) | EN: 67/104 (+1, -15) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,2,0] Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 43/65 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Pirate Deckhand 3: HP: 74/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40
Pirate Deckhand 4: HP: 15/250 (-200) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 | BLI 24 [1/2]
Pirate Deckhand 5: HP: 74/250 (-176) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

*On a CD of 11-12, the Deckhand gain 50% Phase and will stun on their attack for 1 turn.
** Pirate Deckhands can share a roll with one another but they must be rolled separately from the players.

 

Edited by ChaseR
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Alkor heard the call and glanced at his HUD. The enemy afflicted with Blight from his critical hit was still ticking away, and it's health bar had dwindled to where he could barely see it. That pirate wouldn't survive the next several seconds. So, with only two "real" targets, Alkor prioritized one in order to sustain damage dealt. Every plausible target was in the red now, so realistically, as long as they were able to hit one of them, they were free and clear. 

It was far more manageable now, with most of the targets taken care of. "Now this seems more exciting," Alkor muttered. "It'd only be better if I could manage to do more damage to them."

He was starting to feel like he was getting carried again, but he was doing just enough that his confidence hadn't suffered a blow yet. "You should be clear!" 

ID# 168239 Battle: 6 <hit>

[4,4,2] ChaseRHP: 860/1070 (+48, -132) | EN: 67/104 (+1, -15) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,2,0] Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 43/65 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Pirate Deckhand 3: HP: 2/250 (-72) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40
Pirate Deckhand 4: HP: 15/250 (-200) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40 | BLI 24 [1/2]
Pirate Deckhand 5: HP: 74/250 (-176) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

 

Edited by Alkor
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As soon as the order was given, he quickly moved back towards the group of deckhands and slashed once more. Despite the last one managing to get a dodge in at the last second, the other one was hit cleanly, disappearing into shards. Before Chase could regain his composure, he saw the final pirate step in and take advantage of the opening, slashing at him once more. However, what happened afterwards was a tad bit more unexpected.

The pirate's stomach welcomed Chase's fist as he twisted it and threw him back to move away, practically snarling at him. He looked much more angered overall and almost primal in his anger- gritted teeth that showed, a low growl and a sharp, narrow glare. "Enough of your shit!", he roared out as a red aura began to appear alongside the faint white light that his armor emitted.

His health increased so much that it absolutely ignored the damage dealt by the pirate and healed a little bit over than its initial. That was an effect of his armor that surprisingly enough, hadn't shown quite yet. His vampiric defense enchantment. Way to make him look like a monster at just the right time.

Spoiler

image.png.7b433614a6f8ea4ae672f2494a020fc8.png

image.png.d50b4bed7e68377836a8f4dc071527ee.png

ChaseR uses Calamity Disaster on Pirate Deckhands 3 & 5! (BD: 5, 10)
ATTACK MISSED [Pirate Deckhand 3]
20 * 12 - 40 = 240 - 40 = 200 [Pirate Deckhand 5]

Pirate Deckhands 3 attacks ChaseR! (MD: 10)
85 + 2 - 43 = 44 [Pirate Deckhand 3]

[5] ChaseRHP: 921/1070 (+101, -44) | EN: 57/104 (+1, -11) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0] Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 43/65 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Pirate Deckhand 3: HP: 2/250 | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40
Pirate Deckhand 5: HP: 0/250 (-200) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

*On a CD of 11-12, the Deckhand gain 50% Phase and will stun on their attack for 1 turn.
** Pirate Deckhands can share a roll with one another but they must be rolled separately from the players.

 

Edited by ChaseR
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Only one enemy remained standing after Chase cleared the way. Alkor knew the same frustration of not being able to hit the target. It was why he became so obsessed with improving his accuracy and his damage. He wanted to be the very best damage dealer that he could. There was a certain pride in it for him, and doubtless that same fire burned hot inside the other man.

Though they were fundamentally different in how they approached things- Alkor a stoic and Chase a more flighty, avoidant, almost awkward type of guy- they could relate in how they wanted to do their absolute best. So, to back him up, Alkor rushed forward with one of his single target sword arts, and as Chase followed through and cleared out of the way, Alkor jumped over the other man's head and brought Blightsteel sundering down on the doomed pirate from above.

The damage was more than enough to do the job, but Alkor wanted to make sure. As pixels rose like ashes from a smoldering fire, he rose once more to his feet. "Nailed it," he commented. "We did it."

#ID 168301 Battle: 7

ChaseRHP: 921/1070 | EN: 57/104 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 35/65 (-9) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Pirate Deckhand 3: HP: 0/250 (-50) | DMG: 85 | MIT: 40

Edited by Alkor
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Now that the fight was finally over, Chase did the only logical thing one could do. He raised his blade and stabbed it into the ground, sitting down and leaning against it with his arms behind his head as he tried to catch a break. "Sit down. I need two things- my energy bar to fill up, and me to calm the fuck down. You do too. The former.", he clarified. While it wasn't the best of situations to be in, he knew that most monsters in this world were surprisingly enough passive, and in an area like this, this huge ship, they'd definitely stick to their duties unless they found out something was up.

Despite the absurdity of their current predicament, going from the Wizard of Oz to pirates, the monsters were more than deadly enough to demand a fair share of respect and caution to be treaded with. "I'll need a few minutes. We shouldn't overstay our welcome so as soon as I'm ready, we're getting up. It's more dangerous here than I thought, and I don't want any wild strikes flying your way. Got it?", he asked while his face muscles loosened slowly, starting to ease up on his face and make him look more like a human again and less like a snarling dog trying to chomp someone into pieces.

ChaseRHP: 981/1070 (+60) | EN: 58/104 (+1) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 35/65 (-9) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

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They sat for a moment, and Chase visibly vented frustration. It was the first time Alkor had seen any type of heated or overly animated emotion from the other man. Thus far, Alkor's own anger had been kept in check. He had a tendency to blow up when things started to go south, but it took more than one or two frustrations to start pouring gasoline on that fire. He was working on using it to his advantage, but he still had a long way to go before he could stifle it outwardly.

Chase displayed obvious concerns about Alkor with the increased difficulty of the enemies, but the lower leveled Player seemed largely ambivalent. "Yeah, they don't seem like the friendliest bunch," he admitted, "but for the most part, I can handle myself. Between the two of us, provided we work fast, we won't have to worry about getting overwhelmed. We'll just have to be prudent about how much aggro we let the stronger creatures get, and on who."

Obviously, he was inferring himself, but he didn't want to draw attention to the possibility of him dragging the group down. "On the other hand, this is a good chance to calibrate teamwork and learn each others strengths. The enemies don't just lay down and die on us."

ChaseRHP: 981/1070 | EN: 58/104| DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 36/65 (+1) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

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And off to another ride with the unknown terms. Chase simply looked at him with furrowed brows, crossing his arms as he pushed himself off the ground. "Your energy recovery is slower than mine, and I don't want us to overstay our welcome. That's why I recommended you either stay behind a while longer to recover in full or jump in but expect me to do the heavy lifting. Your choice in the end.", he shrugged it off, before coughing dryly and trying to get himself a bit more comfortable for the embarrassment he was, admittedly, going to bring down on himself.

"... The hell is aggro anyways... I can take their attention with ease due to my Fighting Spirit. Likewise, I can dodge just as easily and my mitigation is high enough to block most types of damage. Any excess damage I take over my mitigation gets nullified by my Azure Overcoat- it has Holy Blessing and Vampiric Defense. On top of these, my battle healing makes up for anything else I lack. I'm not the toughest in terms of damage and not as accurate as some more dedicated players can be.", he broadly explained all his current equipment allowed him to do, letting out a sigh and looking at Alkor.

Despite not saying much, it was obvious that he expected a similar explanation. "In case my blade manages to hit a weak spot, it will also freeze the enemy in place and cause them to bleed for some extra damage. That's all."


ChaseRHP: 1021/1070 (+60) | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 36/65 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Edited by ChaseR
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"It's not a bad thing to turn everything into a numbers game, but there are other factors at play. Human error is probably the biggest of them," Alkor told Chase as the man finished his tirade about his skills, items, and statistics. Sure, all of those things were factors that tilted circumstances in his favor. Given that all it took was for Alkor to run in first and leave the other man in the dust for the enemies to get ahead and hopelessly focused on the lesser of the two of them, Alkor remained mindful of what could be.

Even if he was smart enough that it never would. "I've played enough games that sharer traits with Sword Art Online to know the base template for MMOs is 'run away with the mobs attention and no tank can save you.' That's why I usually let the Tank build up a steady threat meter before I rush in. In earlier systems, especially ones where death wasn't permanent, the tank would often let overzealous DPS die to teach them a lesson about teamwork and patience. 

Needless to say, I'm sure people other than me have seen that firsthand. And no one wants to be responsible for it here."

ChaseRHP: 981/1070 | EN: 58/104| DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 37/65 (+1) | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

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Seeing as they had wasted so much time, Chase decided to turn the temporary break into a full one, so that Alkor could fully regenerate all of his energy and get to smacking everything dead alongside the tank. Then again, the rant that he went onto was... offputting? "... Right, but what's that got to do with our strengths and weaknesses? Cardinal fills in the holes of 'human error'.", he grumbled with his arms crossed, remarking how Cardinal as a system made them miss every so often to add in some extra 'luck' to battles.

"The only way to get around something like that is through 'numbers games' of Absolute Accuracy. Otherwise, no matter how good you are, Cardinal will just give you the shaft.", he pointed out, scratching the back of his head. As for the little comment on tanks ditching overzealous players... "... Mm... I hope you realize I would rather stun you in your place and take care of a threat than let anybody die. I'm still-" and then he stopped. How long had it been that they were in here? "... When the game started, I was eighteen. I don't want any sort of deaths around me.", he explained rather awkwardly and nodded at him, cocking up an eyebrow. "Now that that's out of the way, ready to get moving?"


ChaseRHP: 1070/1070 (+60) | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 37/65 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

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"Mmmm... it's always nice to hear people confirm their humanity for you before you charge in," the darker dressed of the duo spoke with a sad smile. "In this world, you're going to see some things- experience some things whether you want to or not. Regardless of how hard we push ourselves, there's bound to be two more people down on the first floor too scared to take a step outside the town of beginnings. Until they do, either because someone makes them, or because something happens that pushes them too far. And they're either going to face that challenge, or it's going to break them. Aincrad can make up for error as much as any algorithm can, but it can't erase bad decisions, and it can't make up for our inherent weaknesses as people."

Alkor scratched his head a little as he glanced over at Chase. The man was nervous to a fault, but the older man (a new revelation) was never quite sure of why. "...when I logged in, I was 23. I guess that means I missed out on halfway to fifty, or whatever," he shrugged. For Thom, aging had started to shift from rite of passage to fact of life. They were all on a timer, and no amount of presents really made that any less morbid. People have died in this world. More people will die, and the only way to stop that is to win. Don't try to take it all on yourself.

There really was no better way to say it,  but those were words Chase didn't seem ready for. Or, perhaps they were words that an optimist never wanted to hear. Alkor had seen that death for himself. He'd come closer to it than most other Players could confess. Most of the Frontliners now had seen it all, and even worse. The truth would come for both of them, whether they were ready for it or not. Alkor didn't need to play Hermes today.

"Yeah, I'm ready when you are," he answered finally.

ChaseRHP: 1070/1070 (+60) | EN: 104/104 | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 37/65 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

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The conversation felt like it was all perfectly wrapped up. There was little Chase could add with all of the interactions he'd gone through, and likewise, Alkor had shared his two cents with the boy all the same. Now they had to move on and take care of whatever bosses waited for them on the ship- a group of three, according to the quest log. Unlike the Deckhands, they were going to take them on one by one to avoid putting Alkor or Chase himself in any danger. "Keep your guard up. The boatswains will be harder, and then there's the captain."

"I don't know how they move or act. So, let's do this.", he shared all he knew, as little as it was, and then went right on inside. Raising both hands in the air, the Boatswain showed up and ran right towards them for an attack. And then, Chase tried to bring down the hammer on Amir. His attack grazed the boatswain, who attempted to slash with his cutlass and kick Chase- the slash getting dodged at the last second, the kick blocked with the flat of the boy's frozen blade. Pushing him back, the two distanced themselves once more and glared at one another. "He's skillful too. Watch out."

Spoiler

 

image.png

ChaseR uses Galaxy Destroyer on Boatswain Amir! (BD: 1)
ATTACK MISSED

Boatswain Amir attacks ChaseR! (MD: 1)
ATTACK MISSED

[1] ChaseRHP: 1070/1070 | EN: 102/104 (-2) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0] Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 65/65 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Boatswain Amir: HP: 400/400 | DMG: 125 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 2

*On nat. BD rolls of 9-10, <<Boatswain Amir>> raises his boot. If the CD is 1-6, he kicks high and hits with 150 AoE damage. If the CD is 7-12, he sweeps low and knocks the target's party off their feet, lowering their Evasion by 2 for their next turn.

 

Edited by Macradon
Roll not present for ChaseR's attack, added
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Where Chase was ready for the fight, Alkor had already returned to it. In his mind, the enemy wasn't a single mob or boss in Aincrad. Every part of the system that impeded him was an obstacle, and he was the instrument of their downfall. 

It wasn't that he was scary, or that he intimidated other people. Alkor could be described largely as nondescript. He didn't stand out in a crowd, nor did he light up a room with his presence. Lessa was a beacon that people looked to for guidance. Mari had become an idol to be feared, for a time, and transitioned over to being trustworthy as an ally. The people around him evolved, but they had always readily adapted to roles in the limelight.

Alkor was content to exist as a shadow, wiping away the things that their light banished. He wasn't a leader, nor was he a creator, a builder, or a defender. Alkor was a destroyer.

And Amir was scheduled for deletion.

Alkor brought the blade round as Amir danced skillfully out of Chase's way. Mobs often fought together and chained their attacks to catch Players off guard. At levels like this, they did so more often than not.

For Players to emulate that so fluidly took time.

Alkor had taken that time. Amir disengaged Chase only to find the shadow of a Player rising from his blind side. The Boatswain couldn't get his guard up in time to fully block the wicked blow from the curved weapon, and the tip of the blade opened a wicked cut that appeared to be infected immediately upon contact.

The swordsman rolled out of the clench, torqued by the full body weight of the pirate utilized to cast him off. When he returned to his feet, Alkor stared at the enemy through golden, hawklike eyes.

ID# 169276 Battle: 9

10 + 1 = 11 × 11 = 121 - 60 = 61

[Blight triggers!]

[1] ChaseRHP: 1070/1070 | EN: 102/104 (-2) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0] Alkor: HP: 670/670 | EN: 65/65 | DMG: 10 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 4 | MIT: 48 | BLI: 24

Boatswain Amir: HP: 340/400 (-60) | DMG: 125 | MIT: 60 | EVA: 2 | BLIGHT 24 [1/2]

Edited by Alkor
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