Aaphi

"The entrance to the main dungeon is closed off."

As he rounded a corner, Aaphi overheard a conversation between two players"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, we can't get in it right now for some reason. There's a big ol' rock completely plugging the damn thing up. People have tried and tried, but it won't budge or break."

Aaphi was intrigued. He had planned on exploring that dungeon today. Perhaps it was a ploy to keep other players away. maybe there was an obstruction blocking it. He had to see for himself. Breakfast would have to wait. 

The city of Urbus was loud in the morning. Aaphi rolled out of bed and stretched, out of habit of course; there was no need to stretch because virtual muscles didn't cramp. Though it had been a while since he was first trapped in this reality, he still caught himself acting out habitual behaviors of his life before. in the few moments when forgets and feels human. 

He looked around to remind him of where he was. A home on floor 2... Who's home? He glanced back at the bed to recognize a curvy lump in the covers. Ah, thats right... 

He got up and equipped his gear. Riff, from the rocking chair in the corner, fluttered to rest on his shoulder as he stepped out. He was hungry and needed to grab a bite to eat. I'll bring back breakfast. He thought as he began walking down the stone street.

They cannot bypass enhancement caps

They cannot add to damage, as that is your weapon not your faniliar :)

aw dip. i didn't know it counted towards the equipment enhancement cap. I'll have to change mine now, because if thats right, i'm 1 over on my eva stat.... I hate that, i thought it was a bonus stat that stacked on top of it. I would amend the quest thread, because Azide has a point, it doesn't put the nature of that enhancement very clearly. It says it adds 1 enhancement like an uncommon item does, but not that it would act as a piece of equipment and be effected by the cap. Because stuff like skills and certain items can add to stats on top of the equipment cap. 

In fact, i'm a little disappointed in how undefined the new familiars are anyway. With this development they seem just a touch more than a novelty. Is the skill system for familiars still under construction?

Aaphi took the potion gladly and administered it's effects. "Thank you kindly." he said in gratitude before raising an eyebrow at her offer to loot the beast. "Oh? i thought you wanted the loot. You made a point to say so befo-"

"Aaphi, Aaphi," Kuro interrupted him " Two of many rules when dealing with women. Accept the fact that they can change their mind, and don't make them repeat themselves" he said, matter-o-factly. "On that note, dibs"

"But-"

"DIBS. dibs is sacred and unbreakable."

Aaphi rolled his eyes and kuro lavished over the floating orb symbolizing the Minotaur's remains.. "Alright, here goes, time to rifle through the belongings of the dead."

Loot: 19 -SUCCESS-

Obtained Uncommon item

Name: Thinking cap

Type: Light armor

Enhancement: +1 ACC

Description: A comfortable velvet beanie that calms the wearer and allows for more precise attacks.

ID:11610

that would be excellent! I've kinda taken a break from drawing for the site to RP and focus on my work, but i'll make an exception for yours. should have it done some time this week.

It was refreshing to be in the company of someone who was willing to take a risk. Somebody who didn't let the possibility of failure deter ambition. Ambition is what got him this far, and ambition was what needed to be encouraged. Aaphi had been mistakenly under the impression that soloing was the only way to grow, but maybe associating with people who encouraged instead of discouraged was the key to success.

"OH, coming!" Aaphi answered after being beckoned. Riff returned to her perch upon his shoulders and he made his way inside.

Don't think I have posted this one here, a bit of an oldie but people were posting dress up photos and I can dress up too!

If pink were toxic, you'd have just killed all of us.

Dat bedazzled chin, doe.

Aaphi danced back into the shop the next day, gleeful that his item had been so promptly completed "Ariel, you're a doll, doll." he said swiping up his box from the counter. " Thank you for your hard work. It'll be put to good use." He was going to wait to open it, but couldn't contain his enthusiasm.

"Yeah, i 'm wearing this out..." he said peering into the box. In the same swift motion he used to open his menu and select the item, he unloaded the cost from his coffer. "Well worth the 1200col."

"Well, i was leaving," Aaphi began, "but i didn't even attempt the quest. Suffering from a case of cold feet." he explained. It was embarrassing to say he chickened out, but it was the truth. He had been caught, not red-handed, but yellow-bellied. "I faced the fact that i probably couldn't do it alone; not at my level, anyway."

Aaphi was preparing to leave. "If you do decide to go at it, good luck. You are the same level as me, and i heard it could be dangerous." he said beginning his trek back to the settlement. Riff, though, fluttered in the opposite direction, toward the entrance to the quest area. "And where do you think you're going?"

You are sssuch a buffoon.

Do you not sssee opportunity when its in front of you?

What one cannot accomplish, two may sssucceed.

Just asssk him already, you bungling lummox.

Aaphi stared at Riff for a moment, and then looked over to NIklous. "... You know what? If you'd like some help, i'd be up for that."

"Aaron Phillips", Aaphi replied, "but you can call me Aaphi(Ah-fee). And yeah..... yeah, this is the place." 

He gave Niklous a once-over. Tall, short blond hair, and despite his pleasant manner, his expression was hardened into what some would call "resting bitchface". Aaphi was used to seeing it, so no offense was taken. Overall, nothing seemed amiss, and he checked out fine, no orange cursor and his level was at par with his own. No danger; no risks.

Riff the winged cobra that sat loosely coiled around Aaphi's neck sprawled to attention, sensing the newcomer. She left her perch and stood suspended between them, doing an evaluation of her own. 

Nervously pacing and unsure about the prospect, Aaphi fidgeted outside the entrance of what was supposedly the hive-queen's lair. He hadn't been on his own for long, and taking on this boss alone was said to be tough for low-levels like himself. His worry grew into contempt and impatience for his own hesitation. He came all this way just to balk at the door? No... well maybe... Maybe he had gotten ahead of himself. If he had a partner, this wouldn't seem so stupid, but his last partner just wanted to keep things safe and if he had it his way they'd still be grinding on boars in floor 1. 

"BAH! I can't do it. I'll get killed for sure." he then turned around and started back towards the main settlement, but looked up ahead to see another player on their way towards him. "Oh?"

Aaphi scratched his head and grew kind of solemn. "Yeah, thats... thats kind of what happened. Long story short, it was time to break up the band." He said. " Riff isn't much of a conversationalist, but its company. I just couldn't rely on somebody else anymore if i was to get stronger."

He was nasty little toad, if you ask me.

I say good riddance, but my oafish tamer still misses him.

Friendship is weird.

Aaphi's eyes glazed over for a bit before he snapped out of it. "Well anyway, i don't want to keep you. You can PM me when my jacket is ready and i'll be back in a flash."

He held up his arm and Riff coiled back onto him. Still flicking her forked tongue in examination as they left the store.

I smelled a cat in there.

A big cat.

After the traffic cleared and the rush of people dissipated from the shop, Aaphi stepped through the open door. "I forgot how popular this place was.." he said as he made his way toward the counter. Riff, the winged snake that draped itself lazily around his neck, uncoiled and fluttered about the shop with curiosity, leaving Aaphi to his business with the shop owner. 

"Hello again. Ariel, was it? I've been enjoying the gloves you sold me. they've come in quite handy. This time, i'd like to commission something; a jacket. Something light, easy to move around in, but protective." he explained. He then noticed the stack of order forms laying in a tray. He plucked one out and started scribbling down the deets. "Could you do that for me?"

I accept this quest. let me at dat rock.

Perhaps taking on a player mentor could add to the experience one gains from each job in the formative period (levels 1-3), making the rise in levels a little less time consuming?

"SH**!" Aaphi grunted as he got his second wind and gripped his spear. Criticals were no joke. He'd delt them before, but never received one. And like that, a third of his health was gone. It was safe to say that any more of those would do him in. He was starting to contemplate the decisions that had landed him in this predicament when a shouting blur came rushing by him.

"AAAAAAYAAAAH!" Kuromado raced but a few steps forward, past Aaphi and straight at the minotaur. His sword shone a light blue as his charged his attack and swiped at it furiously, putting a large gash in its thigh, all the while wearing the glare and grimace of a man too filled with anger to have any fear. Deftly ducking down, he deterred an oncoming retaliation as the minotaur swiped in an attempted to dust kuro's head from his shoulders.

BD: 6 SUCCESS

MoB: 5 FAILURE

ID:10616

Minataur: 12/40 HP 

Mari 62/63 HP
Aaphi: 9/13 HP
Kuromado: 13/13 HP

Kuro was growing impatient with the blatant fact that he and Aaphi were barely putting a dent in the minotaur. His pride was an easily torn tapestry, and his patience was just as thin for Mari's criticism. He huffed, " Yeah, well maybe you should work on tightening that flapper between your nose and chin.". He stomped and turned to his friend "Aaphi, give that thing a new hole, will ya? i really don't want to be caught between two of these things!"

"Relax, man! These things are dumb and slow!" he called back. It was true, the minotaur had been failing just as hard as they had been. He was starting to wonder if they'd make it out without a scratch despite their extremely low levels. He readied himself for another thrust. "Have some more, you bovine, bastard!" he roared as he stepped inward and jabbed toward the center of the minotaur. His step was solid and his aim was true, though his boastful battle cry forfeited his initiative to the MoB and allowed it to braced for the attack. 

A clang rippled through the air as the head of his spear met the beasts axe and bounced to the side, piercing its shoulder. "Gotcha-" Aaphi started, in a mocking tone before being cleaved at the opposing shoulder by the downward swing that came next before he could pull away. "Gtch-....YAAAAAH!" he cried out, stumbling back.

BD: 4+2=6 SUCCESS

MoB: 10-1=9 CRITICAL SUCCESS +2dmg

ID: 10598

Minataur: 14/40 HP 

Mari 62/63 HP
Aaphi: 9/13 HP
Kuromado: 13/13 HP

"Uh-huh, yeah, its about time we cooked things up!" Kuro said, before rushing at the bull, swiping in fury.

The Minotaur heard him coming and shuffled its hoofed feet on the dewy grass in aggravation. Aaphi's poke had pissed it off quite peevishly. It's eyes glew red with hate as it drew back for a blind, mighty blow. Kuromado paid no heed. he had his sights set on flaying this cow's hide like paper. He gripped his sword tight as his charge drew to a close and he met the beast head on.

It was a bust. Kuro stumbled and ducked to catch his sword, A light breeze brushed the back of his neck as the axe swished by. There was a mixture of noises, like the grinding of rock and the muddy thud of mettal getting stuck in the earth. Kuro looked up to see the minotaur had completely overthrown his swing and lodged it's axe in the surface of the mountain.

Battle dice: 4

Mob dice: 2

Minataur: 24/40 HP 
Mari 62/63 HP
Aaphi:1 13/13 HP
Kuromado: 13/13 HP

Aaphi watched in amazement. it was never an ordinary sight to see; such a small stature knocking the piss out of such a large and beastly one. Seeing the way Mari handled herself gave him hope. Maybe there is more than swatting at the enemy in hopes of success for him in the future. But for now...

"Oh, so you mean like this?" He leaped into the air and held his spear to the side, drawn back like a desert scorpion. When he descended on the minotar, Aaphi deftly avoided its attempt to swing at him in mid air, and while swinging sideways, rammed his spear into the bull-man's chest. He sat there, suspended by the handle of his spear, until swiftly kicking off from the minotaur and rejoining the party.

Battle Dice: 5 +2=6 success

Mob Dice: 2-1=1 Fail

ID:9087

Minataur: 24/40 HP 
Mari 62/63 HP
Aaphi:1 13/13 HP
Kuromado: 13/13 HP

i'll do it for 1500, but only after the first 5 are selected.

Well , even if I didn't complete the quest , I'll like to order a image.. I got an Wolf , black and white as colors with blue eyes.. (Looks like a Husky , but wolfishy) . I'll pay you what price you want , even if just the 700 one or 1500.

Sorry, kosan. You have to complete the quest to get the prize... Cause thats what i intended it to be, a prize for being the first 5 to complete the quest and make orders. Its fairer that way.

Maybe i should make that clearer in the announcement. I figured it was a given.

Edited:

NOTE( For the familiar special): This quest must be successfully completed and familiar must be acquired before making your request. The discount is a prize extended to the first 5 to do so AND post their request. Only doing this because i think its wrong for people who are actually working on their threads to get second seat to someone who might not even start one. 

The way i see it, If you've already made a request, it becomes valid when you post your last post in your thread and have it approved by a GM. When that happens, contact me. If you have completed your thread already, then your request is valid.

So far the list is:

Tyger

Ariel

X

"HEEEYAH!" Kuromado hooted as he flew at the beast, sword in hand. That dodge was lucky. As usual, Aaphi lost the element of surprise, but while the minotaur was focused on his dopey friend, kuro took his opportunity... to miss and fail.

The minotaur swung backhand at him with the axe, and though missing himself, was not hit by kuro's attack in the slightest.

Kuromado misses Minotaur 1: Minotaur 1: 40/40

Minotaur 1 misses Kuromado: Kuromado: 13/13

ID:8883

Aaphi, jettisoned into the battlefield, clutched his spear in hand as the minotaur turned to see what caused the sudden thudding of dirt and grass. It was him alright. 

The minotaur stopped to sized him up. There was no telling what was going though its mind as it stood processing the new situation. The moment lasted while it studied him, but as he did so it was also slowly winding back for a swing of its axe.

Aaphi wised up and decided to move, but it was too late. The bullman was in full swing, and instead of attack, all he could do is fumble as he ducked to get out of the way.

Aaphi missed Minotaur 1. Minotaur 1:40/40

Minotaur 1 missed Aaphi. Aaphi:13/13

ID:8882

Aaphi's knees literally knocked once before he composed himself. The forest was like something ate the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland and burped up some heathen hellspawn of the two. For a moment, he had to make sure the trees weren't actually glaring at him. and he still wasn't all too sure. "Just how deadly are these minotaurs?" Aaphi asked, a little concerned. "If they hit hard, i don't want two of them after me."

Kuromado, hardly phased by the dark, drippy atmosphere of the forest, interjected "I'd say we could take two itty bitty mini-taurs." he declared, resting a palm on the pommel of his sword. "We've been moving up in our grinding range. it couldn't be that bad."

More shrieks riddled the ambiance of the the wood lands as the players made their decision. 

"Okay then. It was cool playin' with you Aaphi." Said Kuro, still a little dumbstruck. 

"See ya, around." Aaphi waved as he walked towards the town teleport gate. 

Kuromado called out "Wait!" he said.

Aaphi turned to see his friend there with concern in his eyes "What?"

"Be careful, okay, man?" kuro pleaded.

Aaphi had been a good companion. Someone to talk to. Someone who didn't treat him like an ass. On top of that, he was his responsibility. Kuro was the one who invited him to play this game. Its because of him that this good friend is stuck in this place. He wanted to see to it that he got him out safely. Anything, he thought, if anything happens, it's my fault. And now Aaphi was leaving. He couldn't take care of him anymore. He couldn't watch his every move and warn him of the repercussions. All he could do was watch him go and hope he could handle himself.

"Sure, man. You do the same." And like that, he was gone. He and the giant worm coiled around his neck. 

Kuro stood there for a moment. like a drifting boat untied from port before the wind picked up...

And then the wind picked up.