Grave

Ew. Zombie Rudolph. That's just wrong.

Thankfully, the deer was soon to be non-existent. I looked on as the players took their turns in groups of six to either hold off and wait, or consign the Rabid Reindeer's health bar to oblivion. A choice few of the players pulled off flashy Sword Arts that eventually drew the set of health bars into the red zone; no way could I do enough damage to take the LA. But I shrugged off my pride and decided to (try) lending a hand nonetheless.

As the last of the combatants unleashed their fury into the reindeer, I bolted forward, tilting my head down low and shoving the draconic helmet on. I reached my fist down low to begin the <<All Might>> Sword Art, my fist glowing a fierce white and lashing at the snow as I made a beeline for the boss. I skidded to a halt, kicking up white ice in my abrupt stop, and launched my fist forward like a cannon, the taloned gauntlet crashing into the boss's hind leg, accompanied by a boom similar to that of a peal of thunder. I watched the health bar drop by an abysmal amount, but shrugged and sighed as I calmly backed away from the preoccupied reindeer.

 

A Merry Christmas to one and all!

Yes, Christmas, my favourite time of the year... well, beside my birthday, a day about me. But why do I love Christmas? It is a time when I can kick back and laugh with friends, and not have to worry about the cruelty of life bearing down on my shoulders. Well, if we were not currently stuck in a one hundred floor tall egg of rock, steel and despair. Instead, Christmas in Aincrad means beating the everliving crap out of snowmen, were-Reindeers, trolls and ogres dressed like the big man himself... and most of all, a giant event boss. It was time to get my hands dirty.

I ground my teeth into the thick, stone-like steak as I trudged through the snow, my alabaster armour warding off the chill wind like a shield. I decided to prepare for the worst as I headed for the boss location that almost the ENTIRETY of Aincrad knew by now, munching on my Armadillo Steak (made by yours truly) for the extra mitigation. I had also brought some extra items on the trip, such as my Liquor Lollipop and Drake Cut. I also opted to take a Bottled Banshee Scream with me just in case, but I hoped I could save it for a rainy day.

As I approached the large gathering, I smiled at a few friendly faces as I clutched my draconic helmet to my side like a baby, wading through the throng of eager adventurers, anxious to get their hands on a juicy event boss... and better still; the last attack bonus.

I would be a white liar if I said I did not want the LA.

I chuckled and shook my head. "I would  rather take a Swiss Army knife into the forest with me than a huge Bowie knife, if you get what I mean." I explained, making what I thought was a good comparison. "Being a Jack of All Trades means you have all bases covered; no matter what, you will have some way to fight, some role to fill." I clarified with a smile. "And besides, in real life you might not be able to master any of the multiple skills you are proficient with, but in a game such as this, you can still master all your skills, given time." I added with an even wider grin. The player talked about the blacksmith he had ordered from and my smile grew soft once more. "Hit Mac up in the future. I promise you will not regret it." I reassured him, before realising something. "Oh, crap, I never introduced myself, I just realised. My name is Grave. Level twenty eight. I like to go by the title of the Vanishing Dragon."

I sighed and scratched the back of my neck awkwardly. "Eheh... 'a few times' would be something of an understatement in my case." I replied with a choked chuckle, forced after my nervous statement. "Fists just... get it over and done with quickly, you know?" I clarified with a sheepish smile and a light snicker. "The pleasure is all mine, Lessa." I responded with a respectful smile at the curtsy she returned to me. "Were you busy at all before that happened?" I asked Lessa, pointing my thumb towards the direction the thief had slunk off in. "I was just taking a little foot bath in the water down below before some grumpy old geezer told me it was about to be high tide." I groaned with an acidic tongue, the mere tone of the git sickening me. "So I am not busy at all if you would not mind keeping a guy company."

"I promise, I have no intent on getting with you." I spat through gritted teeth with closed eyes. Especially not someone as bratty as this... I added mentally, before coughing and clearing my throat. "Pleasure, Hakai." I half-lied. "As long as you can help for long enough, that will be all I need." I explained to the girl. She asked if it included mob drops and I pondered, checking back over the sheet; we needed three Green Herbs (great imagination Kayaba) and four other items. "Three we just need to pick, but we need four non-material drops too." I sighed and scratched the back of my head. "Well, this might end up being a long expedition." I explained, shoving my hands in my coat pockets. "Guess we will take turns picking and fighting, make sure we get equal rights to the materials and items." I decided with a soft smile.

Jevi gasped quite cutely as I pulled her close to me and off the sand. "Hm? Sorry, what were you going to say?" I asked with a sly grin, before softening it as I peered into her eyes of glimmering gold, highlighted by the sparkling sun only just disappearing over the rim of the twelfth floor above us. She locked her fingers behind my necked and pulled herself in, meeting my pale lips with her pinkish tanned ones, kissing me firmly. I grasped her waist tight and shut my eyes as I savoured the taste of her lips and the intimacy of the moment; her lithe body tightly held in my arms, purple hair daintily floating in the water like beautiful sea grass, brushing my hands oh so lightly. I broke from the kiss and looked at my love once more. "I love you, Alex." I whispered with an adoring smile. "And I want to become strong so I can see that you can make it out of this hell alive. I will protect you with my life."

"Yes, I like any tea... I am actually from England, you see, and moved to Japan." I explained to the player as we exited, heading towards the field boss zone, where the Amphis Serpens would be waiting for us. The player asked what build I used, and I opened my mouth to respond, but was briskly cut off by Dominion's introduction, coupled with a curteous bow. I followed suit with my own deep bow. "Pleasure, Dominion. My name is Grave, and I like to call myself the Vanishing Dragon." I introduced myself in return and began to explain. "It is coincidental you call yourself a Monk, because that is essentially what I am; a combination of a tank, healer and DPS all in one... although I use heavy armour." I told Dominion with a chuckle, finding his title ironic to me the moment he mentioned it. "I am also the first player in Aincrad to Grandmaster Martial Arts."

A tavern that sold drinks other than alcohol and water, such as tea, is not a sight you would usually see, but the city of Nimbus upon the seventh floor did indeed hold one. I had heard the tea there was a bit hit and miss with many of the customers, and slightly overpriced nonetheless. Thus I took it upon myself to try the tea and see if I could make a better and cheaper brew as I entered the small, cubic structure, a player instantly snatched my attention, as if something about me - likely my confident stature - gave off a powerful, high-level aura. "Hm? You mean the two headed worm thing? Give me a moment." I held up a hand and ordered a green tea, which an NPC waiter very quickly brought out. I blew on the green liquid, before slowly sipping it, eventually downing the whole cup. It was nice and calming... but much too bitter for me. "I could make a much better brew than this..." I mumbled to myself, before addressing the player with a beaming grin. "Alright, off we go."

"Ah, yes, solely working on booze in your profession would not net you too much experience in the skill." I warned him with a chuckle. It made me wonder if he did actually make any food alongside his alcohol. The news of him being a cook excited me; this player certainly shared many interests and skills with me. He asked in return if I was a cook and I nodded frantically. "Yes, one of the few cooks in the game that I know." I explained briskly. "I own the Crimson Diner, and I make a range of both ordinary and strange meals. You should try the Glow in the Dark Lollipop; makes your tongue glow." I told him with a chuckle, pointing to my own tongue as I did so. "I am sure I could teach you some techniques to use with your booze to make them even better for parties and such." I told him with a grin. "And maybe you can help with some of my alcoholic items."

The player mentioned the day was running slow and I shrugged. "Cannot really ask for more than a few customers a day, being one of the less popular crafters in the game." I sighed and wiped a hand through my hair. "There was a period where I hid here for a long time, but I typically go out more than I stay here. I am aiming for the frontlines. Was nearly there before I disappeared, actually." I explained, turning small talk into a full explanation. "The thrill of combat and the justice of fighting for the sake of all players in Aincrad is much more alluring to me than sitting around and cooking all day every day, although it is a good way to wind down and enjoy a calm task." I mused, turning around and peering at the player as he sat there with the milkshake. "Speaking of which, I was planning to head out in a little while."

After cleaning out the second to last Treant, I watched Jonathan tear the wood from the survivor's oaken flesh with his blade, removing a large chunk from the Treant's once green health bar, now in the red danger zone. Jonathan cursed his poor damage output, and I grinned. "No worries! You set them up-" I called to him as I approached the ambling tree, preparing my <<Delayed Sword>> stance and lashing the monster with three powerful kicks, and finishing it with a heavy chop to the neck with my left hand, decapitating the tree man and causing him to explode into fragments of sapphire glass. "-and I will knock them down." I replied with a satisfied huff. "Let my energy regen for a moment before we hunt down the rest, I am kind of spent after that."

 

"His name is Macradon, he owns a shop named the Blazing Typhoon. His wares are high quality and surprisingly cheap." I explained with a smile, remembering the last time I had visited Mac and received my Vanishing Dragon, as well as materials to create a feast with. "I am sure he should have something perfect for you." I reassured him with a thumbs up. He seemed embarrassed by my comment about his equipment and I bit the knuckle of my forefinger to keep from chuckling. "I meant no offense by that. I just thought it was strange you have yet to get higher equipment." I explained with a grin, removing my hand from my teeth. "Yeah, I took inspiration from a good friend of mine, who's a similar class, but has more focus on raw damage and less on survival." I explained, referencing Zandra, who wielded heavy armour, a two handed axe and a high level First Aid skill. "You would be what most would call a Jack of All Trades; an all-rounder, but with little mastery in any area." I told him, remembering Beoreson wanted to take a similar Jack role.

"Ah, yes... I was almost a frontliner, but I disappeared as I hit a safe level to join, so I need to get back up there. And I heard this quest, for a low level one, gives a surprising amount of Skill Points." I explained to the player, pondering in my stupidity in going missing right when I was finally within reach of the people I looked up to. The snake and Hikari seemed to be getting along rather well, which brought a smile to my lips; she could use a friend, I thought. As for the dragon... he seemed like a serious gargoyle, nothing Hikari would ever want anything to do with.

Domarus explained his aspiration to be a DPS player utilising heavy armour and DOT, and I nodded. "There are quite a few DPS players on the front line... and while it does not hurt to throw in a few more, from what I have heard they are low on tanks and healers, so I guess I'm taking a bit of a triple role for that reason." I responded, and nodded in reply to his Battle Healing comment. "I only have it at rank one and it is a lifesaver. To think the kind of power it would hold at Grandmaster..." I mused.

Keres mentioned that Domarus did most of the fighting, while she dealt with search and agility, and I hummed in ackowledgement. "Ahh, so she plays the utility role in your pair. Having two vastly different builds in a pair that travels together often would be useful." I mentioned, cursing inwardly for travelling alone and fighting alongside random players I happen to run into.

Soon we came across a hill that sung with the buzzing off enormous insect wings; the Windwasps hung idly in the air, their intimidatingly large stingers glittering in the sun. Anyone would fumble their weaponry momentarily upon first seeing a giant bug the size of your torso. "I guess we are here."

Yeah. I feel like having multiple different permanents (eg. ropedarts and chakrams) would make the skill too diverse, so maybe limiting the permanent aspect to chakrams would be more simple.

I have news!

So, I've been reading the SAO light novels, and currently I'm in the first Progressivs, and it has some interesting details about the Throwing Knife skill. It's listed as a sub-skill, basically a skill to be used alongside your main weapon, and only really has an effect against monsters (possible debuff against players?). There is no mention of weapons such as rope darts BUT Kirito does receive a chakram from one of the Tauruses on the second floor (later giving it to another character) which requires both the Throwing Knife skill and Martial Arts to utilise, so possibly that could come into play in our system?

Just thought I'd add these tidbits in since it's a surprisingly common topic in Progressive 001

A moment later, the trees collapsed around me like skyscrapers, crashing to the grass as they bled out. "Timber." I sighed belatedly and looked up to Jonathan, motioning to the monsters as they shattered into crystals around me. Sadly, Jonathan was already running off, the remaining two trees giving chase to the tank. "Well, here goes." I sighed and charged after them, watching Jonathan's blade glance off of one of the tree beasts. "Have at you!" I shouted and struck one of the trees three times in rapid succession with <<Acupuncture>>, my hands glowing a fierce red and obliterating what was once a green health bar. The creature shattered like his four brethren before him and I stumbled through the shower to come face to face with the last treant. "No problem, I am having too much fun~" I responded idly to Jonathan's comment, feeling the draconic bloodlust swirling around my gauntlets.

 

(Going to get some old, unclaimed rolls evaluated alongside my latest crafts)

Name: Meat Bun

Profession: Cook

Rank: 7 (6 at Craft)

ID: 58355

Roll: 8

Quality: Uncommon

Type: Meal

Tier: N/A

Enhancements: Prosperity (+1 Col Multiplier)

Description: A round bread bun filled with a mince coated in a sticky, sweet sauce that tastes like cranberries.

 

Name: Spark Sugar

Profession: Cook

Rank: 7 (6 at Craft)

ID: 58356

Roll: 9

Quality: Uncommon

Type: Snack

Tier: N/A

Enhancements: Electrolytes (+3 EN)

Description: A small yellow candy that supplies a very sharp burst of energy when dissolved.

 

Name: Golden Tea

Profession: Cook

Rank: 7

ID: 64954

Roll: 10

Quality: Rare

Type: Beverage

Tier: N/A

Enhancements: Herbs (+1 BD)

Description: A hot cup of yellow-tinted tea with a strong lemon and herb taste.

 

Name: Roasted Eel

Profession: Cook

Rank: 7

ID: 64956

Roll: 10

Quality: Rare

Type: Meal

Tier: 2

Enhancements: Fiber (+36 MIT)

Description: A chewy cooked eel on a stick covered in a sticky, tangy sauce.

 

Name: Alcohol Jelly

Profession: Cook

Rank: 7

ID: 64958

Roll: 11

Quality: Rare

Type: Snack

Tier: 2

Enhancements: Alcoholic (+4 DMG, -2 EVA)

Description: A small cup of jellied alcohol, with a very sharp, bitter initial taste, and a fiery aftertaste.

 

Name: Alcohol Chew
Profession: Cook
Rank: 7
ID: 70950
Roll: 12
Quality: Perfect
Type: Snack
Tier: 2
Enhancement: Alcoholic (+6 DMG, -3 EVA)
Description: A small wad of chewing gum infused with small but powerful alcoholic flakes that linger for as long as the gum is chewed.

 

Name: Hunter Burger
Profession: Cook
Rank: 7
ID: 70951
Roll: 10
Quality: Rare
Type: Meal
Tier: N/A
Enhancement: Vitamins x2 (+2 LD)
Description: A small large burger with a herbal, spicy meat and a variety of sliced spicy vegetables.

 

Name: Honey Rice
Profession: Cook
Rank: 7
ID: 70954
Roll: 11
Quality: Rare
Type: Meal
Tier: N/A
Enhancement: Vitamins x2 (+2 LD)
Description: A small bowl of white rice soaked in honey and lightly coated with cinnamon, creating a sweet, spicy and savory meal.

 

 

Name: Electrolyte Supplement (x2)
Profession: Cook
Rank: 7
ID: 70955 + 70956
Roll: 8 + 9
Quality: Uncommon
Type: Snack
Tier: N/A
Enhancement: Electrolytes (+3 EN)
Description: A small tablet filled with electrolytes that provides an instant, although minor boost to one's energy.

 

"Yeah, it actually was, that is surprising. I frequently visit this floor... well, more correctly I did before I died under my rock." I admitted with a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of my head. I nodded in agreement when Zandra mentioned the updates, and I frowned as I heard about whip skills being removed. "What? That sucks! To be honest... I was expecting a lot less 'admin interference'... seems Kayaba does at least like a little balance in his chaotic hellhole." I spat, folding my arms across my chest. "I was so close to participating in the Leonidas fight... then I just dropped everything and hid, doing nothing..." I admitted with embarrassment. "I guess one thing good did come with the latest 'update'; Martial Arts received a large damage and Sword Art buff. It is a whole lot more energy efficient now, which is incredibly handy. It used to chew through energy so quickly with the amount of stun Arts it had."

The player eyed of my wares and ordered the Rabbit and Banana Milkshake, and I nodded with a grin. He set a pile of Col coins on the counter, and I counted through them; 375 Col, the perfect amount. "Good, good!" I replied and scraped the money into my palm before pocketing it, wanting to get the trade out of the way before putting the Col in my inventory. I retrieved the items from the display case and set them on the counter for the player to take. "Pleasure doing business with you!" I told him with a wide grin... before realizing he was trying to make eye contact - quite obviously, I must admit. We stood there for a moment, locked in an analytical game, my hands having just left the food. It was unnerving... he seemed to be trying to find something in me.

I coughed and turned around, setting Hikari on the bench and scratching her head to avoid an awkward situation. That was... scary, to say the least. His eyes were so dull and piercing, I could not get a read on what he was thinking or feeling - if he even was thinking or feeling anything.

-1 Rabbit on a Stick, -1 Banana Milkshake

+375 Col

I heard an eerie creaking, like the boughs of a tree swaying to and fro, up and down in the night breeze. A group of enormous, man-shaped trees stalked into view, peering down condescendingly from above, stern looks in their creepily glowing eyes. "Hah, long time no see, you wooden bastards." I greeted them, falling back into a low combat stance, my usual defensive stance. Jonathan howled aggressively beside me, drawing the monsters' attention to him, allowing me to strike at the creatures without fear of being counterattacked. "Well, not a lumberjack yet, but I guess I would not mind learning a few skills." I grinned, and leaned back up into a stalwart forwards position, shifting to the offensive. From this position I pushed off my back foot, leaping a few feet in the air. I brought my right leg up in a kicking pose mid-air, my entire shin glowing a fiery white, before lashing out in an arc around me, striking four of the treants across the chest with a white blade of light from my kick. I landed in a crouch and heard the creaking of their wooden joints as they recoiled from the force of the kick. Liquid hit the grass below them; their 'blood' pooling menacingly beneath their feet. Not long for them to die now...

ID: 71596 | BD: 9

Sword Art Used - Tornado Kick: 13 x 1 x 6 - 30 = 78 - 30 = 48 DMG to Treant Soldier x4 (12 EN) + 24 BLD

Party
Grave: 560/560 HP | EN: 44/56 | D: 12 | M: 36 | Rec: 2 | CC: 1 | Reg: 18 | BLD: 24 | BH: 10
Jonathan: 620/620 HP | EN: 62/62 | ???

Enemies
Treant Soldier x2: 65/65 HP | D: 15 | M: 30 [Hate: Jonathan - 3]
Treant Soldier x4: 17/65 HP | D: 15 | M: 30 | BLEEDING: 24 DMG for 2 Turns [Hate: Jonathan - 3, Grave - 2] (ALL FOUR DIE NEXT TURN XD)

The player responded it what seemed to be surprise, and I chuckled. "Level ten? You are much higher level than your gear suggests. May I suggest a good blacksmith and tailor to you?" I asked with a shrug, before pulling open my inventory and materializing my Albion Claws; the black steel flexible, yet without plates, much like leather. "This is only an example of the craftsman ship of a friend of mine I frequent." I demonstrated, flexing my fingers inside one of the gauntlets, before sending them back to the grey and gold abyss that was the inventory. He asked what had sparked my interest in him, and inquired about my build. "Ah, it was the armour mostly. It just seemed too... basic for the second floor, no offense." I explained with a sheepish grin. "But I think the white hair kind of stood out. Not many people have that colour around here. Then again, I cannot talk; who else would rock silver locks like me?" I added with a hearty chuckle. "About my build... I am a berserk healer. I stay alive through means of mitigation and self healing, while dealing a large amount of damage and healing others when they require it." I explained, crossing my arms confidently across my chest. "What build do you intend to go for?" I asked the player in return.

The girl contradicted my thoughts on the snake, Porvós, and I shrugged. "I see." I agreed, but silently was a little estranged by the girl's acceptance of the snake's actions; it seemed both of them had little care about public image. Then again, Keres did wear a bloody maid's outfit in public. I turned from Keres and her familiar back to Domarus. "Yes, I should have taken it long ago... guess I was too focused on taking down the higher quests, huh? But oh well, nothing like extra experience, am I right?" We began to leave the city, Keres in tow like an escort of sorts, and I barely caught out of the corner of my eye the snake reaching out to try and get Hikari's attention. With a grunt, I slipped the weasel off my neck and set her on my left shoulder facing backwards so she could 'talk' to the serpent.

Domarus asked my level and build, and I grinned. "Level twenty eight, berserk healer. I make use of mitigation and rapid healing to survive attacks, while dealing a large amount of it myself and healing others if need be." I told him, before motioning to my body. "I never wear my armour in public because it gets too hot... and it is a bit large to be walking around the streets in." I admitted, pointing to the fields. "I will show you it out there. Now, I would like to ask the same of both of you." I probed them about their own stats too, making use of the topic to find out more about them.

"Om nom." I responded to Khry's jesting comment, accompanied by an exaggerated chewing motion. I turned to stare at the monolith with disappointment. "Mr. Rock, I would greatly appreciate it if I could have my arm back. You see, it is extremely important to me. I am sure his arm would suffice just fine." I jerked a thumb over my shoulder to point to Khrysaor, before flashing him a wide, toothy grin. He assisted in trying to pull me out, but made no visible achievement. "Oh, please help. Hurry. I can feel the rock's stomach acid dissolving my hand." I jested in a very emotionless voice, rolling my eyes in self-amusement.

Khry suggested striking the rock to break me out, and I slowly shook my head. "No, that is fine, please-" But I gave up and sighed; just let him do it, I told myself. If he caves the rock in on my arm he can shout me a drink later. I shut my eyes and felt the impact of Khry's punch against the boulder, and for a moment felt nothing move, then gasped as something began to crumble, hopeful that my arm would be released... only to have them crushed like my arm as the boulder collapsed and covered of me. I pointed two fingers at Khry and raised my eyebrows. "You are bloody buying me a drink later, got that?" I commanded with a chuckle before turning back to the boulder. "This is so crap..." I sighed, beginning to pat some of the rubble away. "Just give me a second and I will have myself out."

+1 EN

ID: 71954 | BD: 3 | CD: 10

+2 Recovery EN

Miss (2 EN)

Grave: 25/27 EN

Boulder: 23/50 HP

I nodded to my fellow Martial Artist with a smile and began to sweep through my inventory, the interface ringing melodically as I unequipped the steel covering my body, disappearing in a flash of light and dainty particle effects, leaving me in my somewhat Gothic-looking coat... why did I always wear long clothes in that bloody jungle? The adrenaline of the moment took my mind off the heat, but after removing my armour I quickly realized how stuffy it had been within.

Husky suggested going to his tavern and I grinned widely. "Oh, you own a tavern?" I queried, rubbing my palms together. "If that is the case, sure thing! But I would like to ask, does that mean that you are a cook?" I asked Husky, tilting my head, wondering how much more we had in common. First Martial Arts, a weapon skill rarely seen, then possibly cooking, a rare profession? It would be an amazing discovery. I began to wonder what kind of drinks he had... maybe I could show him a few of my own tricks that he could use for his drinks, and he could teach me some skills for my alcoholic items? I could not stop thinking about the crafting wisdom we would share together.

I could not help but feel uneasy with the dragon eyeing both me and Hikari off, as if sizing us up, but I acted unfazed so as not to attract attention. "Pleasure Domarus, Keres." I greeted them with a wide smile. "Ah, I am sure he is. You two seem to get along well!" I noted, before pointing at the snake. "And... the snake without a sense of shame over here?" I asked, motioning to the manner in which it was curling around Keres's body. "It seems under even less control than Hikari around me neck here." I chuckled and sighed.

Domarus asked if I was busy and I shrugged. "Not really, was just on my way back to my shop after getting something embroidered on my coat, when I overheard talk about a low-level quest that I surprisingly have yet to take, so I was on my way to deal with that before going back." I explained, and motioned to the fields outside the town. "I will not mind if you two would like to join me. It is just killing a few Wind Wasps and a field boss, but hitting things is always a good way to blow off steam, do you not agree?" I offered with a smirk, hoping I could have just a little company.