Percival

Percival decided to try to end the crabs suffering of his taunts. He lowered his war hammer down low and slammed the hammer on the top of the crabs head. It didn't seem to effect the crab all that much though, so the crab tried to pinch Percival's legs. Percival jumped out of the way just in time to avoid the attack. "Now's my chance to flip this thing over!" Percival thought. He quickly charged at the Rock Crab and slammed his war hammer into its side in an attempt to flip it over. However the crab did not budge. "How heavy is this thing!?" he thought to himself. He quickly jumped away to prevent any counter attacks that the Rock Crab might attempt. "Maybe I have to scoop it up and flip it like that?" he thought. Although that might prove difficult since his hammer was fairly thick. He didn't think it would be able to get in between the sand and the crab well enough. He was going to have to think of something else.

The Rock Crab suddenly began moving! However albeit very slowly. "Ummmm...you broken buddy?" Percival asked as the crab scuttled its way over to him. "I feel kinda bad? I mean I can just out walk you." he said to the rock crab. The rock crab began bubbling even more furiously! "Hey i'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings! I just thought you were a nice material was all!" The crab continued bubbling at the mouth in response. "Please don't tell me you have rabies. Because that is something you should probably see a doctor about." Percival chuckled to himself. The crab was obviously furious at this point from the taunts from Percival. It began trying to clamp onto Percival's legs trying to bind him in place, but it was just so slow that Percival just kept walking away. "You are going to need to pick up the pace if you want to touch me little guy." Percival said to the Rock Crab. "I think I might be going crazy...I am talking to a crab...."

Percival circled the rock crab trying to find any weak points that he might be able to take advantage of, however nothing seemed to stick out. "Maybe the weak point is on its underbelly?" he thought. It was impossible to find out the answer at that point in time with the crab being grounded into the sand. He could take a few swings at its top again, but all that seemed to do was very little damage. The crab was bound to counter attack at some point. He really didn't want to feel the sharp end of those claws either. "Maybe I can get it flipped over when it comes out? I can try slamming the side of it with all I got and see what that does." he thought. The crab began wriggling around and dislodged itself from the sand! "Alright then! Come on!" Percival yelled. The crab began bubbling furiously from its mouth in response. It looked like it was going to try something!

Percival really didn't know what to do now. He had never faced an opponent that rivaled his health pool in a sense. "I have to hit it harder this time. I can't give it a chance to hit me. I don't know how strong this thing is or its capabilities." Percival thought to himself. He charged at the Rock Crab raising his war hammer high. He slammed Alakaslam on the head of the Rock crab as hard as he could. He noticed that the crab sunk a little into the ground on that last hit. "I wonder." he thought. He brought up his war hammer once more and slammed it upon the crabs head, driving it deeper into the sand. "Here goes nothing then!" He yells as he jumps into the air and slamming the war hammer once again onto the top of crabs head. Pushing it even deeper into the ground. It was obvious the crab was not moving anytime soon being grounded into the sand. "Now you stay there for a minute while I figure out a strategy for you ok?!" Percival yelled at the rock crab.

Percival didn't know what to do, so he began to circle the rock crab to test its movements. The crab was foaming at the mouth, obviously irritated, but it did not seem to move from its spot other than to turn in place to stare at Percival. Percival took out Alakaslam and Persuasion as he continued circling the Rock Crab. "I was not expecting to get into any sort of fight out here." he thought. "I have to end this quick. Shouldn't be took hard. Everything else I have fought has died in a few hits." Percival charged forward at the crab. Bringing Alakaslam as low to the ground as possible Percival slammed the war hammer into the face of the Rock Crab. The Rock crab however didn't even budge from the hit! He took another swing at the crab, this time on its top, but it didn't even seem to phase it. "This is not good." Percival thought, as he brought Alakaslam around for another slam into the crabs face. The crab didn't seem to react at all to Percival's attacks. "What's going on?" he thought. Horrified he looked at the crabs HP. It had only gone down a little. "This is REALLY not good." he thought as he quickly backed away from the Rock Crab. He braced himself. He had never fought anything this strong before.

Percival continued to search the beach for any signs of a glimmer like that of the object he had previously found. It would stand out significantly if it was on the surface. However there did not seem to be any of these glints anywhere. Perhaps other players scooped them up? I mean they would stick out like a sore thumb so it would not be surprising. "I guess I can continue shifting the debris as I go. No point in spending the whole day on these rocks." he thought to himself. He continued following the beach to the fishing cabin. He was about half way when something stock out to him. There was a weird small rocky structure sticking out of the ground about 3 yards from the waters edge. "I wonder if there might be anything of use on that?" he thought, as he made his way over to the rock. After Percival reached the rock it was obvious it was not like any of the debris or rocks of the nearby area. It was a slight red-brown color, was domed shape, and had small barnacles along its top. "Maybe it's a large piece of ore that washed ashore?" he thought. He grabbed the top of the rock and gave it a good yank, however it did not budge. "Maybe a little harder?" he muttered. He yanked again, this time with more force, and the rock began coming out of the sand! "That's it! Come out you bugger!" Percival grunted. With a final tug the rock was pulled free and with the amount of force Percival accidentally threw the rock backwards over his head. "Whoops!" he thought. He quickly turned around expecting to see the rock, but was instantly horrified. It was not a rock at all... It was a crab, and it did not look happy!

As Percival was kicking around some of the rocks he noticed a little sheen that seemed out of place compared to the other debris around it. He squatted down to inspect the curious item. It was embedded into the beach so it was going to need a little excavation to remove it. "I guess I have to get my hands a little dirty then." he muttered. He began carving away the sand that surrounded the object until he was able to get a firm grip around it. He gave the object a firm yank and the object popped forth. Percival inspected the curious object that was in his hands. It was dark gray in color, had a sort of sheen to it, and it seemed to be an item to be used in blacksmithing! "Well that's handy. I can use more of these." he thought to himself. He began searching the immediate area to see if he could find any more of the curious material.

It was not long before Percival had reached the gate. "It's neat to know we have a lake nearby. Be another nice place to visit when i'm not busy in these quests." he thought to himself. He continued his way to this huge lake that was mentioned, and it was indeed very large. "It may take a little longer just to find this Ol' Pete with how big this lake is." he muttered. He made his way over to the shoreline and began looking over the lake to spot any signs of this Ol' Pete. There seemed to be a sort of fishing shack on the other side of the lake, but it was going to take some time to get over to it. "Let's hope that's him." Percival thought. As Percival followed the shoreline he began noticing rocks, debris, and other smaller objects that had washed upon shore from the tides. "I wonder if there might be anything of use in all this junk?" Percival thought. He began lightly searching the area for anything of use as he continued along to the fishing shack across the lake.  

Percival began making his way to the city gates. Avoiding as many players as possible. "I may as well check the shop real fast. Make sure it hasn't been burnt to the ground." Percival thought. It had been some time since he last had been at his shop. He had been trying to stop by there all day. It would not hinder his quest either since his shop was on the way to the gate anyways.He managed to get to the alley his shop was located on unscathed, and unlocked the door to the Non Coup de Grâce. He opened the door to the shop, and was greeted by a plesent sight of everything being the way he had left them. He walked over to one of the tables and placed the tier 1 materials he had recovered from the last quest upon it. "Might as well leave these here. I won't be needing them any time soon." he muttered. After double checking the area he walked outside the shop, closing the door behind him. He locked the door as he peeked over his shoulder to make sure players had not taken notice to him. "Best be on the way then." he thought, as he began to resume making his way to the city gate.

Percival was standing in front of Hannah having just completed the quest a quest for her. He was happy to hear that someone else could use his help. "Who needed my help Hannah?" Percival asks. "Well, it might be easier if you asked him in person. His name is Ol' Pete. Hes an fisherman that lives by the big late outside the city wall. If you would be so kind, could you also deliver this package to him?" she grabbed a large package that was resting upon the tree. Percival reached out and took the package from Hannah, quickly replying "Yea I can do that for ya.". Hannah smiled at Percival "Thank you. Best be on your way. Don't want to keep him waiting then." A dialogue box appeared in front of Percival displaying <<The Forth Lesson, Is Actually Free>>, which he quickly accepted. He placed the package into his inventory. "Thanks again Hannah. I will be sure to visit some time!" Percival says as he begins walking away to the entrance of the grove. She waved to him as he walked, and went back to painting her canvas. 

Summery

Percival: +3 SP, +400 Col, T1 Amulet (+1 Evasion)

A dialogue box shortly appears in front of Percival showing <<The Third Lesson, Is Just As Free>> Complete! "Yes!" Percival thought to himself. "Just have to keep grinding these levels. Maybe some day I can join the front lines and help out the other players." he thought, but his heart sank. "I can never join those guys on the front lines. I will just get them killed." He quickly closes the dialogue box, and looks to Hannah. 

"Thank you Hannah, but if that is all you need from me I must take my leave. I need to get back to my shop and take care of a few things there." Percival says humbled. Hannah shoots a disappointed look at Percival. "That's a bummer, I think I know someone that could use your expertise. If you have to go though I am pretty sure they can understand." she replies. Percival sighs a little at this. He can't turn a blind eye if someone needs help. "The shop can wait I suppose. Who needs help?"

Percival stood there dumbfounded. "Wait what? You are giving this to me?" Percival said to Hannah. He hadn't still processed what just happened. Hannah laughed, quickly replying "Yes it's all yours. Please take good care of it alright? I don't want to see it in some shop somewhere!". Percival was still dumbfounded. "I can't take this Hannah. This is way to much of a gift for someone like me." he answered. She shook her head, "You risked your life for that gemstone. The least I can do is make this amulet for you. I just wanted the opportunity to make something beautiful is all!". Percival took the amulet and unclasped the amulet, placing it around his neck. "Thank you Hannah. I will take good care of it. I assure you. You will never find this in some shop, on another player, or anywhere but with me." he said happily. "If there is anything else you need from me you can always ask me you hear?" Hannah gave a quick smile to Percival. "Thank you Percival I will keep that in mind." 

Hannah took both the gemstone and the gold band and cupped them together in her hands. There was a faint glow at first the steadily got bright and brighter, and after a moment it was hard for Percival to even look at what was going on. After a short moment the light began to fade and Hannah opened her hands revealing an amulet! The amulets appearance was breathtaking. It was the beautiful deep blue gemstone, which was reduced in size now, wrapped in an intricate golden engraved band. The gemstone reminded him of a blue opal that Obediah had seen in many mineral books from school. "It looks amazing! The gemstone and the gold band compliment each other very well." Percival said in awe. Hannah looked very pleased with herself, and quickly responded "I know! I can't believe how well it turned out!". Hannah looked at Percival and quickly grabbed his hand, placing the amulet into it. "I'm very happy you like it because it's all yours!" She said happily.

Percival takes the gemstone and places it into Hannah's hand. "Wow! You really did get it! Thank you so much!" She replies ecstatically. "Not a problem. What is so important about this gemstone anyways?" Percival asks. "Its for a future project. I hope to finish it here soon actually. Would you like to watch?" she asks Percival, with a hopeful look on her face. Percival laughs a little, and quickly replies "Of course I can watch. Whenever you want to start feel free to do so." Hannah quickly reached into her pocket and pulled the gold band from the parcel that Percival delivered to her from earlier. "What do you think I should make from this? A ring or an amulet?" She asks Percival questioningly. "I think an amulet would be nice.. The stone is nice enough that it would be nice to show off." Percival responds. "Alright then! An amulet it is!" she responded in excitement. 

Percival followed the path to the tree where Hannah was still painting away at her canvas. He peeked over her shoulder to inspect the canvas. She was much further along than before, and it was looking quite well to boot! "Looks like its coming along real nice there Hannah." Percival said out loud, in a happy tone. She jumped a little from the surprise of someone lurking over her shoulder. "Thank you. Next time can you warn me before you sneak up behind me like that..." she grumbled at Percival. "You are back pretty quick. I take it things went well?" she said as she placed down her brush on the palette. "Yes I was able to get the gemstone. However I didn't know about there being a cave guardian that attacked me as soon as I took the gemstone." Percival grumbled back. Hannah looked a little shocked at this. "A cave guardian?! I can assure you I knew nothing of it! Are you alright?" she asked. "I'm fine. don't worry. Here is the item you quested though." Percival says as he opens his inventory.

Percival smashed the large rocks one after another, but one after another just kept on disintegrating to dust. "Well this is not working like I thought at all." he said with a defeated sigh. "Granted it's not like this is a pickax or anything." he laughed as he held up Alakaslam. "I guess I should just keep going on my way to Hannah then.". Percival sheathed Alakaslam and began he return journey once again to complete the quest. It was a ways of a jog, but Percival could finally make out the city gates of the Town of Beginnings. "Now that is a welcomed sight." Percival said to himself, sighing in relief. After a little more jogging he reached the welcoming gates. Once on the inside he began his avoidance tactics, once again, to avoid as many people as possible. Percival had finally made it to the grove not shortly after. "I can really get used to this place." he thought, taking in the beauty of the grove once again. 

Percival was making his way to the gates when he spotted a familiar pile of rocks. "It's the rubble I found  the ore in from earlier in the quest. I guess I can take a quick detour to try to snag some more." he thought. The shop did need more stock of materials, and he was outside of the gates which was a chore on its own. He made his way over to the rubble, which seemed to be just how he had left it. "I know I searched through all this stuff pretty well, but maybe there might be something inside the larger pieces?" he thought. He took out Alakaslam and piled a few of the larger stones together. "I guess I can smash em up and see if anything is hiding inside of em. Might find a geode or something." One by one Percival began smashing the rocks in an attempt to find more materials. 

Percival walked his way over to the statue. It did not seem to have any fight left in it from the last hit. Percival raised Alakaslam as high as he could and slammed it down upon the guardians chest, shattering it to pieces. "Looks like I didn't need that potion after all." he muttered to himself. Percival sheathed his weapons and made his way back to the entrance of the cavern. "Hopefully the bats are still gone." he thought. He tried his best to strain to hear anything from the path, but it didn't seem like there was anything. Satisfied he began to continue through the path.

It was not a short time later when Percival encountered the fork in the road from earlier. "I would check the other path, but I think it's my health's best interest if I just finish this quest as quick as possible." he thought. He took the path leading to the exit of the cave to avoid any conflicts the other path might bring. "Still no sign of the bats. Maybe they are out feeding then?"

Percival finally made it to the caves entrance. "Time to get back to those welcoming gates." Percival muttered.

The Stone Guardian began charging once again towards Percival with its great sword held high. "It's not good to project your attacks like that." Percival muttered. Percival began charging forward in response. The Stone Guardian brought down its sword trying to smash Percival into the ground, but Percival deflected the sword into the ground. This caused the guardians sword to get stuck into the ground. Quickly, before the guardian recovered its sword, Percival uppercut with his war hammer into the chin of the stone guardians head. This sent the the guardian a little ways into the air, but Percival was not done yet. As the guardian was just about to touch the ground Percival spun with the momentum of his last attack and slammed his hammer into the side of the guardians head. This sent the guardians head clean off into one of the nearby stalactites, shattering it to pieces. "I think you are losing your head there friend!" Percival shouted at the statue. The statue fell to the floor with a loud thud. It was clear it was not getting up very soon. 

Percival equipped his shield and cautiously grabbed the gemstone from the pedestal. He quickly placed the item into his inventory. Just as he closed the display screen he heard a rumbling from behind him. He quickly spun around bringing up Persuasion to cover up as much as him as possible. Rising from one of the pools of water was what seemed to be a rock statue with a broken stone great-sword. After it fully emerged the rumbling stopped and the statue was lifeless. "That it?" Percival muttered in disbelief. This was either a broken trap or a bad joke. Just as Percival was going to drop his shield the statue burst in life! The statue charged forward at Percival slamming its sword into his shield, and knocking him a few feet back. It may be a broken sword, but this thing had incredible power behind it. Percival quickly equipped Alakaslam in his free hand. "My Turn!" Percival charged forward at the stone guardian. The statue swung its great--sword, but Percival deflected the sword up. Taking the opportunity Percival slammed his war hammer into the side of the statue. Bits and pieces of the statue broke off flying. Percival quickly backed off to avoid any counterattacks the guardian might try. "Keep going at it like this you are going to be a pile of dust!" Percival shouted.  

Percival noticed the walls of the cave were beginning to widen more and more as he continued forward. "Must be coming up to a cavern." he thought. After a little more walking he came  up to the caverns entrance. It was a wide and tall cavern, and was dotted with stalactite and stalagmites all over the room. Pools of settled water were abundant throughout the area as well. In the back of the room was what looked like a pedestal of a sort, and sitting on top was what looked like a gemstone! "That must be what I came here for." he thought to himself.  He navigated his way over to the pedestal to get a better look at the gemstone. The gemstone was fairly large, was a deep blue, and seemed a little too easy to just grab to Percival. "I think I have seen too many Indiana Jones movies to know where this is going." he thought, slightly chuckling. "What can I do to protect myself for what comes next if I don't actually know what it could be? It could be a trap, monster, or maybe even something else entirely." After some pondering he remembered a particular item he acquired recently that would be perfect for something as unpredictable as this! "The Safeguard Potion!". Percival quickly opened his inventory and took out the potion. "Better than saving this and never using it." he muttered to himself. He used the potion and turned his attention back to the gemstone. "Now lets take you to the client.".

"Which way do I go? I mean it's a 50/50 I get this right." He thought, pondering the obstacle. "I suppose if I'm wrong I can just double back. Left it is then." He began walking his way through the left path. Walking through the cave he thought he heard something other than the familiar sound of his footsteps echoing through the cavern. "What was that?" he thought. He quickly pressed himself against the wall, and placed his hands upon it. He waited for the sound to happen again. He wanted to feel if it was something big, hoping to catch the vibrations in his hand as a warning. After a tense pause he heard a series of noises this time, but felt no vibrations. "What could that be? It almost sounds like..." He should have known what those sounds where from the start. He used to go exploring the woods as a child. They were the sounds of a lots of wings! He pressed himself as hard as he could against the wall of the cave, just as a cloud of bats flew through the area. "Crap this can get bad!" Percival thought, but as soon as the bats appeared they were just as quickly gone. Percival continued to listen just in case there was any more waves of the bats, but nothing seemed to catch his ear. With a sigh of relief Percival dislodged himself from the wall. "That was close." he muttered. He began to continue his way through the cave to be done and over with it.

Percival was having difficulty with the cave in that he was tripping on small cracks. rocks, and other finite objects that were hard to see in the blanket of darkness. "I really do wish I had some sort of night vision or something. This is getting red-". Before he could even finish his sentence he tripped over a small boulder in the middle of the room. He hit the ground with an echoing crash of his armor and weapons. "Well if anything dangerous is lurking down here it knows I am here now." He muttered, shaking his head. He stood back up and patted himself down. "Just have to keep moving forward." he thought to himself, setting forth back onto the caverns path. It was not long before he came to something he was dreading he would not encounter. A fork in the road. "Oh you have got to be kidding me now. As if this was not difficult enough." He muttered.