Hirru

New System Item Re-eval:

Name: Sorrow of the Matron Wolf
Item Type: Light Metal Armor (Heavy)
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: 3X Regen 
Description: Light Metal Armor made from the remains of a mother wolf and jade plate armor.  The chest piece has several tufts of fur around the neck and shoulder pieces.  The armor embody the entirety of the left arm as well as the cuirass.  The hide acts as bindings for several areas of the metal, and neck guard around the neck.Has been known to heal the wounds of the one who wears it, as time passes.

"The blood flowed freely from the young pup as its mother looked on in horror.  Nothing she did could stop her little ones untimely demise.  As the little one's cries grew softer, the matron wolf lifted her head to the sky and howled her sorrows; wishing for the spirits to have mercy.  The moon light shown off of her fur as she finished to look back at her cub.  Its wounds seemed to heal in the moon light, as if the spirits had answered her call." 

It would seem that after the field boss had gotten much faster after doing that AOE attack.  It even looked slimmer, and was bipedal now!  I had to do something about this, before something bad happens, and I was destroyed on the spot.  I would run around the now fast moving golem, but it would apparently have something that we both would understand.  Fast moving on ice makes one slip.  First was myself as I missed my chance, and slid on the ice before falling on my rear.  The Avalanche was not able to catch me as I slid by, even though the attack would nearly graze me.  I would have to be careful about its tactics from here on.

Given that the field boss had just used his greater attack at that time, I would be able to get in close quickly and cause a fair amount of damage.  I would use the ice to my advantage to gain momentum as I went along, and found a good spot on the Avalanche's body to give a good arcing slash from my sword.  From the sounds that it was giving, it didn't like that very much.  That was especially apparent when most of its body would start cracking until it soon started losing small areas.  This was slightly confusing as I had not defeated it, only got it past half...health.  This wasn't looking good for either of us.

"Strategy shift..."

I guess I wasn't thinking when this happened.  I found myself trying to charge at the field boss while trying to maneuver around the ice, but something didn't feel right.  As I was about to pass by it, the Avalanche began another great slam attack that would intercept my path.  I had no chance to change direction either as I was hit directly a second time.  This time, I was flung back pretty hard from the shockwave, and took quite a bit of damage.  Even my Regen wouldn't activate as it was too soon to activate.

"Damn.. this was taking too long.."

[ID = 30861]
[BD = 3] 
[CD = 5] 
[MD = 9-1=9] 3+1-1=3

[Hirru Hp = 39/45] -3 hp
[Avalanche HP = 26/50]

Unfotrunately, wasn't able to get the next hit in before the Avalanche was able to recover from its paralysis, and had enough time to turn around to face me.  Its icy fist would find my body again, this time causing a bit more damage, but still the same measly amount as usual.  My armors special ability would quickly come in handy as it activates, and heals half of the damage taken.  I really needed to invest in more mitigation, or else I was going to be in trouble if I wanted to go against the field bosses.  Standing up straight, I prepared myself for the next move.

[ID = 30858]
[BD = 5] 
[CD = 9] Regen Active +2 hp
[MD = 10-1=10] Crit 3+2-1=4

[Hirru Hp = 42/45] -4+2=2
[Avalanche HP = 26/50]

Switching between running and sliding was becoming a norm, as I found myself needing the momentum to perform most of the attacks needed to harm this field boss.  Having thought up a good way to do this next part, I sprung into action with my trusty blade of silencing, Time.  The two of us sliced through the ice and cold until we got to Avalanche, where we were able to deliver a solid two hit combo which looked like there were two swords, rather than the one.  Time's ability would kick in at that time to paralyze the enemy, allowing me to get a safe distance before continuing my assault.

[ID = 30841]
[BD = 10] 5+2=7 (Paralysis)
[CD = 8] 
[MD = 5-1=4] 

[Hirru Hp = 44/45]
[Avalanche HP = 26/50] -7 [Paralyzed]

The man in the darkness, at least that's what Hirru thought from the masculine voice, would stand nearly shorter than Hirru from Lowe's point of view.  Black cloak, dark leather armor, and other things that can be identified with the night.  He would continue to stay in the darkness as he spoke out to them.

"I do apologies for the rudeness, but my name is inconsequential.  Though, what I stand for is."

The sound of shuffling could be heard from all corners of the tunnel now.  

"Or should I say, 'what we stand for."

It made even more sense now than ever.  The darkness would have concealed their movements as well as the Sneak and Hide skill.  They must have been hiding the entire time while the two of them were going at it.  They were ready and waiting for something to happen.  A good six.. no seven sounds.  Maybe eight?  He couldn't tell, but so far their chances didn't look good.  As the noises began to stop, Hirru became free of his paralysis bonds.  Immediately, he would unsheathe his blade, and point it towards whatever direction he needed to.

"So dirty tricks are your game then?  To try and pit two people against each other, and wait for them to kill one another."

The first voice would laugh.

"Oh no.. that was all~ you!  I especially liked how you immediately changed your colors when you saw his.. ha ha! Priceless!"

"Are you going to talk all day, or do I have to start this?!"

Hirru's anger would grow rapidly at this point.  Especially apparent in his tone of voice as he readied himself to attack the first one to move.

"Don't get so worked up, this is only a message to your guilds.  Don't try and stop Forsaken Blood's little 'operations', or else.."

"Or else what?"

"Or else.. Lindow won't be the only one that little girl will cry over."

Hirru's anger peaked at hearing this.  Before Hirru could move, the man would have brought out two items from his pouch.  One that looked like an 8 sided die, and another that would look like a normal crystal.  When the enraged hunter would have started his charge moments later as the rest of the many assailants would pull out a similar blue crystal.  All of them would yell out 'Teleport', but before they could say the second part which would name their city of choice, the first shadowed man would activate the 8 sided crystal that would start a loud screeching noise, known to many as the Monster Call enhancement for Performer professions.  This would drown out their voices as they called out the place to be teleported to.  All of the were enveloped by a bright light before being sent off to who-knows-where, and in their place spawned an ice golem type creature that lived off the materials of this cavern, <<Crystal Fiend>>.

Hirru was still in mid charge when all of this was happening and would collide with the mob first.  His blade would flail wildly without any kind of control at this point, giving the fiend a fair slash.  However, because of his berserk state, Hirru would not be able to dodge out of the way of the attack that would hit him directly in the chest.  This would push him back several feet before he would stop on his feet.  The amount of damage taken could be seen from his health bar, but just as it would go down, it would come back up a bit.  Not too much, but enough to give him some breathing room.

"Come back here..!"

<<Crystal Fiend>> HP 45 | DMG 12

[ID = 30840]
[BD = 6] 5 DMG -1 EP
[CD = 11] Regen +6 hp
[MD = 10] 12+2=14 dmg

[Hirru = 50/58 hp // 11/12 EP] -14+6=-8 hp
[Lowenthal = 89/89 hp // 21/21 EP]

[Crystal Fiend = 40/45 hp] -5 hp

"Yeah, well you're going to wish it was a genocide when we get there."

Hirru said as he led Koumori out of the fields into the main entrance to the Town of Beginnings.  It has been quite a while since he had been to Iggy's shack.  It was around the time that he was training Starrine to begin her adventures.  Hopefully, she was alright.  Hirru didn't want any of his friends to die in this world, as they needed to get back to their own world.  Now that they were 10% done with the tower, there was hope yet.  As he walked down the road to the central square, Hirru would make a series of turns that would lead them to an area along the western district.

Near the end of the western district, a small shack that seemed rather shabby for a place that should be a restaurant.  From outside, a small curtain that would hide the body from the chest up was hung.  A bright light from inside would show several stools beside a bench like table.  On the other side, if memory recalls correctly, there would be a division that makes up the chef's cooking area.  Everything would seem the same as last time he had stayed here, except for the sign next to the entrance.

Iggy's Ramen Bar

"Iggy!  Did you change up your menu again?"

Hirru shouted out as he lifted the curtain for Koumori to enter, and would sit down on one of the stools.  From inside, they would be able to hear a bunch of metal and pans clanking before another crashing sound was heard.

"Oww.. You didn't have to yell..ya know."

The voice came from a woman in a waitress outfit with long brunette hair tied in a ponytail.  Her hazel eyes would blink several times from pain as she rubbed the back of her head.  She walked forwards towards the counter where she would normally prepare her meals.

"Welcome to...ow..Iggy's Ramen Bar!"

She tried to be courteous and welcoming, but the fact that she was holding her head while bowing towards us made it more comical.

"Hey, Iggy!  Brought another potential customer, but I have to say, that your menu changes more than our weapons."

"You should know by now that I don't like keeping things the way they are."

"Which is why I worry about coming on Tuesdays.."

"...Anyway, introduce me to your friend."

"Oh yes.. this is.. Gah!"

As Hirru was about to introduce Koumori, something brown flew out of the shop and into his face.  It would quickly bounce around his shoulders before climbing into his Kun Fur Hat.  This creature would actually be the live version of the Kun Fur Hat, a Rakkun.

"Wha!!  Gah.. not again.."

"Aww.. She likes you!  Anyway, how about you introduce yourself, sweety?" 

I will have to agree with you most of the way.  People can just go into a simple thread with anyone, and gain their Col that way.  Some could even ask the guilds for help, for free.  Most people have professions that they can earn col from.  I can get that, and know that no one will really hire me, unless they were desperate for materials.

That's not how I work, though.  I chose not to give Hirru one of the many professions.  Why?  Cause everyone and their mother already have a hold of the market.  Trying to gain Col that way is economically impossible for Hirru now.  Either he adventures solo or gets his money as a hunter of monsters.

Now, about Col.. it's mostly useless unless in the hands of a player with a Merchant/Fisherman/Performer profession.  The market is more about Materials, and the best way to get them: adventuring.  Now, you'd think that people would go out and just do the material gathering, but the chances to actually get that material is low unless the player is gathering with Loot Die increased gear and skills.  The true best way is to fight monsters at half the players hp, which many players don't like to do solo.  Hirru will do it for them and, if they wish to, will accompany them to fight anything that they wish.  They gain the levels and materials; Hirru gains the col.  

Also, I donate most of my col to merchants to further their profession, as they need col to pay for all the items they order. 

Win/Win/Win

Hirru took another stone in hand, and tried to visualize the same boar that he missed before.  As he turned to throw, something felt wrong as he was pelted backwards from something, making him lose his balance and fall to the ground.  The hunter opened his eyes to find that one of the boars had finally taken notice of their transactions, and attacked Hirru.  Sadly, it would only do a blip of which would be healed by his battle healing at that instance.

"Well, I think our little game is over.  I don't think Porker here would want us to kill any more of its family."

Hirru said as he walked up and stabbed the boar directly causing it to explode into light particles.

"Let's go and get some food, my treat."

[ID: 30689][BD = 2][LD = 8]

Hirru = 3 (7/10)

Koumori = 3 (10/10)

I don't think that this is all a coincidence, as this has happened before.  Many times in the past, I felt that something was out there, messing with me.  It wanted to get me to do something stupid, but I wasn't going to let it.  I would persevere against its evil.  That is.. if I could ever keep a good grip on this icy ground.  It was the main thing that was hampering my abilities and causing me to fail more than once.  I had to do something about it, but what?  I couldn't break it, as the ground was usually an immortal object, unless a shovel was used, but how was he going to get a shovel out here?  Sighing deeply, I returned my focus towards the behemoth made of ice.

"Seriously?  I had a inner monologue, and you still couldn't catch up to me?!" 

[ID = 30689]
[BD = 5] 
[CD = 4] 
[MD = 5-1=4] 

[Hirru Hp = 44/45]
[Avalanche HP = 33/50]

A chuckle came out from his lips from the subtle reference to Mack, the leader of the Crimson Blades.  Everyone had their own quirks, and the Crimson Blades were no different to anyone else, with their share of characters.

"To be honest, that was the second reason why I didn't fully join them!"  

Hirru smiled as he was prompted for the friend request to Lowenthal.  He gladly accepted it.  It would be awhile for him to warm up to joining any guild, but at least he knew of more people now than ever before.  It would give him some solace to know that he had friends in all areas.

"We'll see how that goes, then."

Hirru said as he shook the hand of the 'Master of Shadows' before something felt off.  It felt like his entire being was frozen in place, it was a feeling that he knew all too well.

Paralysis!

"Sheesh... I was getting tired of watching all this mushy drama.."

A sly voice echoed out from the depths of the darkness that was not illuminated by the torch.  From Hirru's back, a small amount of red pixels could be seen floating away as a small knife was logged in him, causing the Paralysis effect.

"I was hoping that you would have killed him, but no... People don't have the balls, I guess."

The voice laughed in a guttural tone.  Hirru tried to get out of the status, but it was quite potent.  He could not move for anything.  This had better not be a trap.  He looked into Lowenthal's eyes with a look that said..

"I hope that isn't a friend.."

Hirru felt the presence of another beside him as his anger began to rise.  He raised his head to notice the young woman beside him.  She looked just about as young as many of the other players here.  She was either here for Lindow, or for someone else.  Either way, this was no place for anger, as this was a place for mourning the lost, and continuing the future.  The hunter sighed as he release the tension on his mind before speaking.  He listened to her cries and the cloak that she dropped in front of it.  It was one of the cloaks for a counsel member of the Crimson Blades.  That confirmed it for Hirru, but he had to make sure.

"You.. knew the old man, didn't you."

Hirru would say in a solemn voice.  He didn't want to stop her, as she would need to get it all out of her system.  There was no need for sad emotions on the battlefield.

"Oh, don't worry about that.  This floor is mostly just desert and mountainous areas."

Hirru said as he began to lead the tailor through the city before finding the pass that would be a safe zone between the town and the desert.  It was a long path within the mountains the bypassed most of the desert to get to the other towns on this floor, but the tower to the next floor was situated in the desert, so you had to go through it to get to the dungeon.

"So what kind of materials are you looking for out here?  The only things that I've seen are possible materials for thorn based gear, and things for para... that thing."

As they crested the turn into the desert, Hirru caught sight of one of the creatures in question.  It was a cactus, but not just any cactus.. a living cactus.  Though, you wouldn't be able to see it from its natural camouflage in the desert, but if a low level character would try to pass by it, the cactus would come to life and attack.

"Alright, I see one now.  Most of the enemies on this floor are ambush predators.  They hide in the sand, or become akin to the flora, to catch people off guard."

Hirru would say as he drew Time from its scabbard.  The blue hue of the blade contrasting to the sand and red earth of the floor.  He would then rush at the cactus as it sat immobile.  Hirru's blade cut into the foul beast... only to find that it was just a normal cactus before it was needlessly destroyed by Hirru's antics.  For his troubles, he got some cactus hide.  Careful, it's prickly!

"Whoops.. I guess I got carried away."

As soon as he said that, the sands underneath him began to move as something tried to escape from underground.  Hirru rolled out of the way just as a medium sized tail with a stinger attached came shooting out of the sand.  Soon, its owner would come rumbling out of the sand.

<<Scorpion>> 25 HP | 2 DMG | 1 Paralysis (Oh god.. I'm going to regret this..)

[ID = 30677]
[LD = 19] +1 Mat
[MD = 3]
[BD = 3]

[Hirru = 45/45 hp]
[Blue = 31/31 hp]

[Scorpion = 25/25 hp]

Hirru's tears stopped from that second on.  This man was willing to forgive his transgressions, to pardon him.  The hunter smiled awkwardly, it wasn't the first time that he was asked to be apart of a guild.  The first time being with the Silver Moon guild, but something didn't sit right, and he decided not to join.  The second was brought on by surprise from his friends in the Crimson Blades.  In all technicality, he was one of the founders, but never really joined them in fear of this exact situation happening.  To be asked for a third time, he must have some kind of sign saying, 'Pick me, I wanna join' on his back.

Unfortunately, that wouldn't be the case.

"I'm sorry.. I guess I won't be receiving any kind of forgiveness.."

Hirru used Time as leverage to stand up.  He felt weak, and would wobble a bit as he did.  When he got to his full height, he drew in a full breath and sighed.

"I can't join you.. I don't think this condition is just from my friends death. I..I've had it come up during continuous fights.  It mostly comes up around large amounts of people.  I..don't want to hurt any of my friends, or yours.."

Pulling Time from the ground, he returned it to its sheath before turning towards Lowenthal.  Getting a better look at him, Hirru couldn't really see how this guy could have killed anyone, but that thought would be shaken loose by the fact that Hirru was on the verge of doing the same.

"Though, I guess it wouldn't be hard for you to take care of me, if I did go berserk!"

Hirru laughed indicating how much his health was still down by.  Getting to talk about it was calming the hunter down.  It would be a fair change of pace from the action that happened earlier.

Finding that I had to do something about this ice covered being of a field boss, I found myself rushing into the beast.  I kept a fair pace as I tried not to slip on the ice more than I already had.  As I neared the Avalanche, it decided to take both arms and slam down at my position.  I would have been able to get away, but I thought about getting a feint in.  I let the attack hit me, causing me to be nearly crushed by the ice titan, and that's when it hit me.  No, not the field boss actually hitting me.  It was the fact that it was weak.  It only did a small amount of damage, even with my low mitigation.  Then, to top it off, my Regen kicks in to seal the deal, and only took a blip of damage.  Its attack didn't even really crush me, but brought me to one knee.  No one brings me to my knees!

"Are you serious?  I'm going to destroy you!"

[ID = 30653]
[BD = 7] 5 DMG
[CD = 9] Regen Active +2 Hp
[MD = 9-1=9] Crit 3+1-1= 3 DMG

[Hirru Hp = 44/45] -3+2= -1 Hp
[Avalanche HP = 33/50]

"Maybe, I should stop thinking about things that I will do when I defeat this thing, and actually try to defeat it!"

I would say to no one in particular, as the abominable ice monster slid along on its icy base.  Slow, but I could feel how much power it took to perform such locomotion.  If it could hit me with that kind of power, I would probably have problems along the way.  Fortunately, it was way to slow to get to me, if I kept moving away from it.

Jumping back a few times, I nearly fell again from the ice along the ground.  I needed to be more careful about my current surroundings, as I wasn't in the other floors.  This place could ruin anyone's lives, if they were not careful.  The mobs were getting stronger, and people had to keep from attracting too much attention from the enemies.

[ID = 30650]
[BD = 2] 
[CD = 7] 
[MD = 5-1=4] 

[Hirru Hp = 45/45]
[Avalanche HP = 38/50]

Hirru laughed as Blue made the realization that he was the hunter that was hiring out his services.  It wasn't every day that Hirru would do this, and was mostly because he was getting nowhere on his hunts.  Especially on this floor, where a certain incident that will never ever be repeated ever again, took place.  He wanted to take out some pent up aggression on the creatures on this floor, and if he got some materials and help along the way, he wouldn't mind.

"That sounds fine to me.  I gotta thank you somehow for this armor."

He said as he pat the cuirass that would make up the main piece of the armor.  The fluff of wolves fur billowed in the hot wind, you would think that it was too hot to have such armor on, but the skill given on this floor would have kept that regulated.

"Hold on, while I add ya here."

He would say as the hunter pulled open his menu, scrolled through the junk to get to the party menu, and sent a party request to the tailor.

This was going to be a heavy case of deja vu, wasn't it?  Trying to hit the Avalanche was proving just a bit harder than The Wasp Queen, and that thing was fast.  The environment was the main problem as the ice would make me slip up harder than anything, and the sliding didn't help either.  Which is what happened again, as I slide past another punch while on my arse, of all things.  If it wasn't for the fact that this thing was way too slow, I would probably be hit way too many times to count.  Hopefully, my Regen would have taken care of most of it, but I needed something that would give more damage mitigation.  Maybe, I should talk to Blue about upgrading my Kun Fur Hat.

[ID = 30641]
[BD = 4] 
[CD = 8] 
[MD = 6-1=5] 

[Hirru Hp = 45/45]
[Avalanche HP = 38/50]

Hirru could feel the wind off of that attack, as Takao deflected the attack meant for the young hunter, and caused a fair amount of damage to the Moblin.  Having seen the opportunity given, Hirru rushed in to attack, but he would be too early for his own feet.  Tripping over himself, the moblin used its free hand to easily push Hirru away from itself.  He was pushed a good meter or two, before gaining his bearings again.  Having a fair distance from the action, he needed to get back into the game.

"Like that!"

He yelled out as he came running back.  At this rate, they wouldn't be ready for the next Moblin spawn.

[ID = 30636]
[BD = 2] 
[CD = 4] 

[Hirru HP = 43/43] [Hate - 1]
[Takao HP = 65/65] [Hate - 1]

[Moblin 2 HP = 21/35] 
[2/5 turns till next moblin spawn]

Hirru decided to take the initiative for this next attack, and started sliding across the icy surface towards the field boss.  It could see my pattern and was ready, as it threw a punch my way.  It looked like it was ready to intercept me, but it didn't account for sword skills.  My blade would start glowing as it lay on my shoulder.  Soon, the skill would kick in, and I started running across the ice straight towards the punch.  Just as the icy fist would hit, the light would make me jump up, and strike the fist before it hit.  Somehow, my luck was with me, as Time executed its electric shock that would paralyze the field boss on the spot.

"Let's see how you like the shock!"

[ID = 30631]
[BD = 10] 5+2 = 7 (Paralysis DMG)
[CD = 11] Nope (Cause Paralysis)
[MD = 10-1=Paralyzed] 

[Hirru Hp = 45/45]
[Avalanche HP = 38/50]

Getting up from my sliding incident, I brushed myself off as it shuffled towards me.  So that's how they moved!  I had to do something productive against this guy, before he started the sliding game again.  Having taken some thought into attacking it, I gripped my blue hued sword, Time, and rushed at the large ice golem.  It readied its ice sickle like fist in the air, ready to smash me into the ground.  I would slide past its fist, and put a good gash into its arm.  I then slid to a halt some distance away from it.  The Avalanche proceeded to pull its arm out from the ground before turning towards me.  It was incredibly slow, so it may be very easy to kill it.

"That started out well.."

[ID = 30624]
[BD = 7] 5 DMG
[CD = 9] Nope
[MD = 6-1=5] Notta

[Hirru Hp = 45/45]
[Avalanche HP = 45/50]

Hirru figured that they would follow suit with him, but he never would have guessed the next bit of events.  All of them were helping with the forest elf, and it didn't know what to do next.  Being overwhelmed was one thing, having 5v1 was worse.  Though, it was more 4v1 as the Dark Elf didn't know what to do either, except keep a defensive stance during the entire time.

"Humankind!  This is not your fight.  Leave this to us!"

"I'm sorry, but I'm not letting anyone die."

"You are the ones that will die, human!"

The Forest Elf Knight sped towards Hirru with quite a bit of speed for a full heavy metal armor.  Easily dodging around everyone else before coming close to the young hunter.  It would be apparent that this enemy was not supposed to be here.  They were way too strong for such a floor.  The Dark Elf would probably be around the same level, but something wasn't right.  How was she losing?

The Forest Elf Knight's blade flashed faster than Hirru ever thought, and ripped through his armor causing a fair amount of damage.  Taking the advantage of this attack, Hirru performed his own <<Slant>> skill against the knight.  It scowled as Time cut through his armor, making him jump back from them.

[ID = 30555]
[BD = 6] Hit
[CD = 3] Okay.. now the regen isn't working..
[MD = 7-1=6] Hit

Hirru: [39/45 HP]
Takao: [67/67 HP]
Kalesh: [30/30 HP]
Xion: [49/49 HP]
Dark Elf: [25/50 HP]

Forest Elf: [32/50 HP]

I found myself face to face to the great field boss of the 4th floor, Avalanche.  Though, I would not truly say that we were face to face, per-say.  This guy was much bigger than I was, and looked to be much meaner than its smaller counterparts.  I would have to be extra vigilant against this one, or else I was frost bait.  My first move would be to try the sliding maneuver again, to see if I could be faster than the big chunk of ice that it was.

Of course, it would fail as I slip and start sliding on my arse away from the field boss.  Though, it also missed me while I was sliding.  It would have punched me into the snow, but my constant movement gave me enough time to slide away.

[ID = 30553]
[BD = 3] 
[CD = 10] 
[MD = 3-1=2]

[Hirru Hp = 45/45]
[Avalanche HP = 50/50]