Kurou

As Kurou sat inside his shop on the seventh floor, slumped down next to the anvil. He had a hard time taking his eyes off the coals that lay burning inside the furnace. Although they once glowed a searing red and gave off enough heat to liquify steel. They now sat there a sad shade of grey, only radiating the slightest hint of warmth. Needless to say the coals reminded him a lot of himself. "When I first began this game, I had a vision... I wanted to help everyone I could make it through this... I wanted to keep everyone I could safe.... and now look at me." 

Although it had been nearly a month since the tragic events, to Kurou it seemed like only yesterday. It all started one day when Kurou herd a large commutation in the streets outside of his shop. Rushing out to see what all the fuss was about, it wasn't long before the news reached his ears. Apparently a group of PK'ers had set up an ambush on one of the many mountain passes in the area and had massacred a whole party of players. Not knowing how to react to the situation, he noticed a group of players who had began to party up. After approaching one to ask them what they were planning to do. The player explained that they were going to hunt down the group of PK'ers and bring them to justice. Quickly accepting an invitation to join the party, Kurou equipped his gear and set off with the players.

Hiking up into the mountains, it didn't take nearly as long as he had expected to track down the group. After trying to convince the players to turn themselves over, it became evident rather quickly that the players where not going to hand themselves over without a fight and so a battle ensued. Although it seemed like they had the upper hand in the beginning due to their large numbers. It wasn't long before Kurou began to see his comrades start to fall left and right. Taking a step back from the battle, it became clear that they were not going to win this fight. Having already lost their advantage in numbers and knowing that the PK'ers would not stop killing even if they surrendered. Kurou knew this would be his only chance to escape with his life, if he stayed to fight any longer his eventual retreat would undoubtedly be noticed and he would be ran down like a dog. So he did just that and ran, not even bothering to turn around to see if his escape was noticed he ran as hard as he could, his feet pounding against the rocky surface of the path.

Once he was sure he was far enough away he stopped. Resting one hand on his knee, he quickly opened up his party menu before changing his mind and closing it. He didn't want to look to see if anyone else had survived. Returning back to his shop, it didn't take long for news to reach the town that the party had failed and every player had been slaughtered. "So... no one else fled... what does that make me?" He thought to himself upon hearing the news. On more than one occasion Kurou had been approached by grieving players who had known he had been in the party and who upon seeing him seemed to have gotten a renewed since of hope that their loved one might still be alive. In these situations he would either insist that the player had mistaken him for someone else, or give them the lame excuse that he had been scouting ahead when the group was attacked. Either way it didn't matter, their loved one was dead and do to his cowardliness he was still alive..... Which is what brought him to where he was now. Sitting alone on the floor of his shop watching the coals of his furnace die along with his soul.

Leadership qualities..... Kurou thought to himself as he listen to Shark speak. To be honest Kurou had thought joining a guild would be more about being a follower, but if it was leaders he was looking for Kurou felt confident in his chances. Having played basketball all the way though college, he had been elected a captain on nearly every team he played for.

Finishing up his own food he looked Shark in the eyes and spoke. "Of course I accept! I'm a natural born leader... you'll see!" he exclaimed. "So... are there any requirements for this adventure I must lead us on or can it be anything?" He asked in an excited tone.

((Sorry for the short reply, Work has been crazy and haven't had a lot of time this week. Should be back to normal this weekend.))

After the player had confirmed who he was, Kurou proceeded to follow him down to the 8th floor and listen to him as he spoke. Happy to hear that he was always eager to accept new members, Kurou liked his chances of getting into the guild. After all.... who's more dedicated to helping people then me? he thought to himself. Accepting the players proposal to get some lunch, he followed Shark into a pub he was unfamiliar with before taking a seat at one of the back tables. Looking around for the waiter as the player talked, Kurou found himself getting distracted away from the conversation because he in fact was quite hungry. Man, I should of brought some snacks with me to the gate. After waiting all that time for Shark to show up I could eat a cow. Turning his attention back to Shark who was sitting with his head resting in his hands, he finally spoke. "Hmm, you'll have to excuse me because I kinda got distracted looking for the server. But did you say I will need to pass some sort of challenge to join your guild?" he asked with a quizzical look on his face. 

Just as he had finished his question, the server arrived at their table. "Hello there"  he said greeting the server "I would like one of whatever your best sandwich is please along with a pint of Honey Dew Brew."  Turning back to look at Shark, Kurou asked if he had ever tried the drink before and explained how he herd it was one of the best ales in the game and only found on this floor. Waiting patiently for Shark to place his order before picking up the conversation again, he inquired further about the challenge he would have to face. "So...about this challenge. What exactly is it that I have to do?"

ID: 22417 LD: 20

Item-Type: Shield

Know feeling bad for the creature as Kurou watched it struggle to mount its final defense. He decided that he better dispatch the troll quickly, although he knew it was all just a bunch of 1's and 0's. This was his reality now and he couldn't help if his emotions were effected by the things that went on within the game. Crouching down low to the ground he lunged forward and plunged his sword one final time into the beast before it exploded into hexagonal shards. Retrieving his loot he was surprised to see that he had gotten an uncommon item. Opening up his menu he inspected it to see if it was worth keeping.

Item-Type: Shield

Watching as the player he only knew as phantom rush forward and miss his attack. Kurou hoped it was just a fluke, there was nothing he didn't want more then to have to carry a scrub through the upcoming fights. Unsheathing his sword and grabbing his shield off his back Kurou quickly crouched down before activating his <<Charge>> skill. Unfortunately for him however the icy conditions made it almost impossible to slow his momentum when he neared the elemental which sent him soaring right past it. On the bright side though, do to the speed at which he flew by the mob, it was unable to react in time to attack him. After finally coming to a stop, Kurou turned back to face the battle field before speaking to his companion. "Hmp... Looks like we are both going to need to focus a little bit more."

ID:22416 BD: 1+1=2 MD: 2-1=1

Goldenarroz (31/31)

Ice Elemental #1 (16/16)

Kurou (23/23)

Ice Elemental #2 (16/16)

Watching as the player sat down drink in hand, Kurou set to work explaining the plan. "Alright, from what I understand the field boss is a random encounter generated from killing the ice elemental's found all over this floor. I know of an area not far out of town where there should be plenty of them to fight. Once the boss appears we will work together to take it down. I figure since there are only two of us we can just go ahead and split all the loot 50/50. Sound good?" As Kurou waited for the players response, he wasn't sure what to make of his new companion. Given the fact that he wanted him to call him phantom and seemed to be refusing to show his face, he couldn't help but think that he might be partnering up with a weirdo. I hope this dude doesn't want to wear my skin or something he thought to himself.

(Figured we can kill a few elementals then I will spawn the boss, sound good?)

Stepping out of the teleportation gate into the main settlement of Volcan on the ninth floor. It took Kurou a moment to adjust to the heat. Who builds a town over a volcano.... he thought to himself. Having only been to the ninth floor once previous, it took him a minute to get his bearings before heading for the main and only entrance to the city. A few days prior while frequenting his favorite tavern in the city of Nimbus, Kurou had herd the story of a guild that dedicated itself to helping others. After inquiring with several information brokers about the guild. He learned that they did regular patrols of the floors as well as acquired a few basic descriptions of some of their members, which was ultimately what brought him to the ninth floor. As far as Kurou new, Volcan was the only city among the ones in the unlocked floors with only one entrance and exit. Which meant if the guild was patrolling here they would have to pass right by him if he sat at the gate all day.

After arriving at the gate, Kurou took a position leaning up against a near by wall and began to people watch. After standing there for several hours, he was just about to give up and go get some lunch when he spotted a peculiar player. Standing tall and proud, the player seemed to stroll through the crowd as if he owned the place and judging by the other players reactions around him, Kurou wasn't the only one who noticed the players demeanor. Opening up his menu and tabbing over to his notes, he quickly scanned the descriptions of the guild members he had gotten before stopping at one in particular. Looking back up at the player to try and confirm his suspicions, Kurou was stunned for a moment. Although he had been hoping to run into someone of note within the guild, he didn't expect that he would bump into the leader.

Pushing himself off of the wall with his back, Kurou confidently walked towards the player before opening his mouth. "Excuse me Sir... but you wouldn't happen to be the leader of the guild Knights of Christ would you?" Pausing for short moment to collect his thoughts, he quickly continued. "The name is Kurou and if you are in fact the leader, I would like to officially announce my interest in joining your cause." Having said what he needed to say, Kurou now waited patiently for the players response.

The troll now back on its feet, Kurou rushed towards it thrusting the tip of his sword towards the mob several times before finally piercing its shoulder. Raising his shield just in time to block the trolls club, the weapon bounced off the face of his shield. Listening as the troll let out a loud roar, Kurou new that it was on its last legs. Giving a sharp whistle, Justice came soaring over head providing a short distraction as Kurou planned how to finish off the monster.

ID: 22335 BD: 7+1=8 MD: 3-1=2

Kurou- 18/23

Mountain Troll- 2/25

Observing as the troll attempted to get to its feet, Kurou knew he had to take advantage of the situation. Leaping high into the air, he drove his sword deep into its back, impaling it to the ground. With one foot resting on the mob, he pulled his sword free before once again leaping backwards. The attack was devastating, watching the trolls HP bar it was instantly cut in half. As the mob struggled hard to get to its feet once again, Kurou felt that victory now was a sure thing. "One more attack like that, and it will be all over including the shouting!" he called out to Justice as the bird flew overhead. Knowing that he still couldn't afford to get sloppy however. Kurou raised his shield and prepared to finish the fight.

ID: 22325 BD: 10+1=11(5+2 damage) MD: 3-1=2

Kurou- 18/23

Mountain Troll- 7/25

Watching as a player walked in through the door and made his way to the back of the room. He guessed the person was here to meet someone. I wonder if he has come to help with the field boss he thought to himself. Thinking about the situation, it had just dawned on him that any players that were coming here to meet him, wouldn't know who he was. Quickly looking around the room however, it was obvious that there weren't any other players inside the tavern that looked like they were prepared for a fight. Deciding that he might as well take a shot in the dark and walk over to the player. Kurou finished his drink before allowing Justice to climb onto his shoulder.

Approaching the player, he quickly introduced himself and held out his hand to shake the players. "Hello there, the name is Kurou. You wouldn't by chance be here to meet up for the field boss would you?"

Sitting at the bar in a tavern located in the main settlement of Snowfrost on the fourth floor, Kurou waited to see if any other players would show up. After leaving word with several information brokers that he was going to attempt to take down the field boss located on this floor, he instructed them to tell any interested players to meet him here at this time. Taking another drink of his mead, he allowed the warmth of the tavern to soak into his body. He knew how bitter cold this floor could get and wasn't looking forward to treking out into in an attempt to fight an ice monster. 

Turning his attention to Justice who was perched on the bar stool next to him. He knew his friend wasn't looking forward to the cold either. Thinking about the battle ahead, he wondered if his familiar would be able to take flight if the weather picked up into a blizzard. "I know you prolly hate it on this floor, but it won't be long before we can go back to our home floor". He said to the bird as he stroked its neck. Looking back over his shoulder towards the door, Kurou began to doubt if anyone was going to show up or not.

Taking the quest with goldenarroz

Brushing the dirt out of his hair, he knew he would have to be quick on his feet when engaging the troll having already spent his charge. Rushing in towards the troll once again, he dodged the first swing of the club no problem by simply ducking under it. In range where he could launch an attack now, he jabbed his sword into its leg, which prompted and immediate reaction from the troll. Diving forward in a body slam type motion, Kurou was crushed under the weight of the enormous monster. Pushing his shield out a few feet in front of him, he needed his free hand to help drag himself out from underneath the troll. Getting to his feet, he quickly turned to face the troll. This time not bothering to retreat back since it seemed the mob was in no position to launch another attack quickly.

ID: 22301 BD: 5+1=6(Deals 5 base damage) MD: 9-1=8(Deals 2+1 Damage)

Kurou- 18/23

Mountain Troll- 14/19

Although his familiar was quick and the troll was slow, Kurou new one good hit from that club would be devastating to Justice's health bar. Wanting to avoid any unpleasantness that would arise from that happening, he rushed towards the troll once again. Having already spent his charge however, he had to do it the old fashion way this time, and unfortunately the troll was ready. Swinging its club in a sweeping motion across the path, it collided into the side of Kurou knocking him to the ground. Unable to get up quickly enough to mount a counter attack before it was ready to swing again. He was forced to retreat back several feet to safety and think up and new plan.

ID: 22299 BD: 1+1=2 MD: 8-1=7(Troll deals 2 base damage)

Kurou- 21/23

Mountain Troll- 19/25

Rolling

Watching closely as the troll continued to make its way down the path, Kurou made his last minute mental preparations before beginning the battle. Darting out from behind the rock, he activated his <<Charge>> and slashed the troll several times with his sword. Slowing his attack only when he was forced to raise his shield to block the swing of the trolls mighty club. He spun to the side before leaping backwards. Watching the troll carefully, he could tell that his attack had done a significant amount of damage to the mob. Looking up to the sky to see Justice soaring over the head of the troll, he was happy that his familiar was here to lend a helping hand, but at the same time worried that he might get hurt in the fight. "I can take care of this thing, Just make sure you don't do anything to risky" he called out to his bird.

ID: 22273 BD: 8+1=9 MD: 1-1=0

Damage: 5+1=6

Kurou- 23/23

Mountain Troll- 19/25

Just as Kurou was to continue his journey he felt the ground give a small tremble. Looking around to see what could of caused such a commotion, it wasn't long before he felt the ground move again, this time slightly harder. The ground rumbles now increasingly more frequent and more powerful, the only thing he could guess was that there was something huge coming towards him. Pointing to the sky and giving a sharp whistle, he sent Justice out to scout whatever it was from above, spying a large boulder on the side of the path Kurou headed over to hide behind it. Watching as Justice followed the mystery object closer to his location, he knew it wouldn't be long before it would be in visual range.

After only a couple moments, Kurou's guess was right. Strolling through the mountain pass was a giant mountain troll. Still outside of its agro range, Kurou knew he didn't have long to make a decision. If he was going to run, he needed to leave now. Hmp... I can kill this thing he thought to himself. Deciding not to run and or give up his element of surprise, Kurou stayed where he was behind the rock until the troll got closer.

ID: 22249 BD: 1+1=2 MD: 1-1=0

Kurou- 23/23

Mountain Troll- 25/25

Watching as Justice once again took flight and began to circle the battlefield. Kurou move forward towards the orge, his shield raised high in order to block and potential attacks. Hearing the sound of colliding metal as the enemies axe rebounded off the front his shield. Kurou quickly lowered his guard and thrust his sword deep into the ogres belly. Watching as it keeled over before bursting into thousands of hexagonal shards, he collected his loot before allowing Justice to come to a stop on his shoulder.

ID: 22244 BD: 5+1=6 MD: 5-1=4 LD: 17

Damage: 5

Kurou- 23/23

Ogre- 0/12

Loot- 1 Material, 60 Col

Total Loot- 3 Materials, 120 Col

Only a few inches away from the Ogre, Kurou was forced to rapidly block a quick onslaught of attacks as it attempted to punish him for not moving back to safety. Unfazed however, he waited for his opening to strike. Watching as the Ogre lifted its axe higher in the air then normal to execute a more powerful attack. Kurou quickly dropped his shield and slashed the beast across the front of its body, canceling its power attack in the process.

Deciding that he would go ahead and disengage now, Kurou leaped backwards after the successful attack and came to a rest a few feet back. Surprised when Justice flew in and landed on the top of his shield, he spoke to his familiar. "Hey man, that's prolly not the best place for you to be!"

ID: 22230 BD: 6+1=7 MD: 1-1=0

Damage: 5

Kurou- 23/23

Ogre- 1/12

Grabbing the last of the metal he had in his shop, Kurou decided he would make one last attempt at crafting a better shield for himself before he had to go gather more materials. Recreating the process in which he used to make his first shield, he hoped desperately that he would be able to approve upon in order to make something of a higher quality.  In order to facilitate this he made minor changes to his process along the way, adding things that he though would make it better. To his dismay however, the shield turned out much worse then the first one. On the bright side though, he was still able to salvage the material which would give him one more attempt before having to go gather mats.

ID: 22194 CD: 4 LD: 18

Result: Bad item, but salvaged material

Just as Kurou was about to sheath his sword once again, he herd a disturbance in the terrain that came from behind him. Turning around with the slightest hint of a grin on his face, he grabbed his shield from his back and took his fighting stance. "It looks like it's our lucky day Justice, it seems this mob has decided to do us a favor and save us from hunting for it." Just inside of the Ogre's agro range, Kurou once again activated his <<Charge>>. Jabbing his sword into the shoulder of his enemy, it wasn't the critical hit he was hoping for but it did the job just the same. Raising his shield in time to block the ogres axe swing, Kurou didn't attempted to leap backwards this time. Deciding that he didn't want to mess around with trying to find another opening, he elected to stay within melee range of his enemy in order to execute a quick second attack.

ID: 22192 BD: 6+1=7 MD: 3-1=2

Damage: 5+1=6

Kurou- 23/23

Ogre- 6/12

After depositing the loot into his inventory, it reminded him that he was getting low on supplies for his shop. Deciding that he should keep his eyes peeled for any materials that would be easy to harvest, Kurou continued on his journey. Pushing further up the path, he thought about whether he should start training on some other floors. Although having fallen in love with the floor since first venturing onto it, all the time he had spent here recently had given him an itch to see other places. Also if all the rumors he had herd were true, the floor 10 boss had been cleared which would mean a whole new floor would now be opened up.

Snapping himself out of his thoughts in time to see the glowing ring around an ore vein. Kurou drew his sword and drove it into the ground between the material and the ground. Prying down on his sword, it didn't take to much effort to dislodge the mineral from the earth before depositing it into his inventory.

ID: 22191 LD: 15

Loot- 1 Material

Total Loot- 2 Materials, 60 Col

Landing a few paces away from his enemy, he could tell that his first attack had been devastating judging by the orge's reaction. Watching as it took up a more defensive posture, Kurou was now faced with a new problem. Having already spent his charge during his first attack, he wasn't sure how to go about breaking through the orge's defenses now that it was alert. Thankfully for him however, his problem was solved when the ogre began to get distracted by Justice's flight path around the battle field. Timing his move perfectly as Justice swooped over the head of the beast. Kurou rushed forward and let out a violent flurry of slashes upon the ogre hoping to dispatch it once and for all. Caught completely off-guard by the assault, the ogre was unable to mount a counter attack before bursting into thousands of hexagonal shards.

Sheathing his sword and swinging his shield onto his back, Kurou walked towards the glowing loot orb left behind on the ground before picking it up. Watching as Justice swooped down for a powerful landing, Kurou opened his inventory and threw the eagle a piece of bread before thanking him for his assistance in the battle.

ID: 22183 BD: 5+1=6 MD: 4-1=3 LD: 12

Damage: 5

Kurou- 23/23

Ogre- 0/12

Loot- 1 Material, 60 Col

Watching as Justice soared about over head as he walked through one of the many rocky mountain paths of the seventh floor. He listened closely for any screeches the eagle might let out that would warn him of any potential dangers ahead.  Although he had only had his familiar for a short time, he couldn't remember how he had gotten along so well with out one. Unlike players who were just as likely to kill him as they were to help him. Kurou could trust in his feathery companion to always have his back in a fight.

Continuing a short ways up the trail, it wasn't long before Kurou noticed a disturbance in Justice's flight path. Knowing that it most likely meant that there was something up ahead. He quickly drew his sword and shield and ran up the path to investigate. Coming to a halt after rounding a bend in the trail, Kurou saw what is was that had drawn his familiars attention. A few hundred yards ahead of him stood a mountain ogre that was pacing back and fourth, obstructing his way forward. With the terrain to hazardous to simply walk around the beast, Kurou knew there was only way one course of action to take.

Giving a sharp whistle to call his familiar into battle before activating his <<Charge>> skill. Kurou thrust his sword deep into the belly of the beast, watching as it reared back in pain. Eying the ogre's axe which was lifted high into the air, he quickly raised his shield over his head before feeling the reverberations caused by the two metal objects colliding. Taking advantage of the opportunity the ogre's failed attack provided him, he quickly leaped back several paces to a safer distance.

ID: 22181 BD: 9+1=10  MD: 6-1=5

Damage: 5+1+1=7

Kurou- 23/23

Ogre- 5/12