Gryas

As the others circled around the dragon and attacked Gryas noticed that Dustin seemed to really be getting into the battle and enjoying the moment, and that made Gryas think twice about their situation. He had really only cared about keeping his companions safe in this fight look at the situation strategically. As horrible as the death game could be it was also a masterpiece, worlds upon worlds created in life like realness on each floor, and the thrill and rush of combat with real consequences. Readying himself Gryas took a deep breath and backhanded the dragon with his shield arm yelling "Down Here!" as he activated his howl ability. That took the last bit of his energy to pull off, he would have to catch his breath and regain his energy from here on as the ability had used up the last of his. 
"Ok its almost over, lets show this dragon what we are made off!" 

(PS. Sorry for dropping the ball! I thought I had replied and was waiting for a notification :( Sorry for being so late!)

Rhaegal: HP: 15/125 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 0 - EVA: 0 | DMG: 50 

[8] Jinx:  HP 332/340 | EN: 5/34  | 47 MIT | 2 THRN <18 DMG> | 1 Regen <5HP> | 2 Para <8-10, -EVA and turn> | 1 Bleed <9-10, 12DMG>
[6] Dustin: 370/380 HP | 21/38 EN | 7 DMG | 31 MIT | 0 EVA | 1 Thorns <9 DMG>| BH: 3

[12] Gryas: HP 180/180 | EN: 1/18  | 40 MIT | 2 THRN <18 DMG> | 1 Taunt | +3 Accuracy
[4] @Arabelle: HP 180/180 | EN: 15/18 | 5 DMG | 2 ACC | 9 MIT | 3 EVA | 2 Para.
[3] Mace: HP 140/140 | EN: 5/14 | 40 MIT | 4 DMG 

Gryas moved up as he saw Mace charge in and strike the dragon with her weapon landing a solid hit and stunning it. It was a solid strike and in most cases would be what you would hope for in a battle, keeping the enemy from attacking. Gryas felt a but ashamed as he realized that he actually wanted the dragon to hit him. This was not a matter of protecting others, he was doing that just fine by keeping the dragons attention, it was more of a desire to prove something to himself, that he could get hit around by a beast like this and still keep fighting. 
Measuring up his target Gryas jumped up and cut with an upwards slash going for the boned ridge of the dragons face and aiming for the eye. Even though he could not deal much damage to this creature he could at least keep its attention. The strike hit true, indeed it was one of the better attacks he had made. Perhaps he should have aimed to be a damage dealer in stead of a tank? But no, he wanted to protect not kill.

Roll ID: # 112428
BD: 10 HARD CRIT | 1 DMG

Rhaegal: HP: 63/125 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 0 - EVA: 0 | DMG: 50 | Stunned

[6] Jinx:  HP 335/340 | EN: 14/34  | 47 MIT | 2 THRN <18 DMG> | 1 Regen <5HP> | 2 Para <8-10, -EVA and turn> | 1 Bleed <9-10, 12DMG>
[4] Dustin: 367/380 HP | 26/38 EN | 7 DMG | 31 MIT | 0 EVA | 1 Thorns <9 DMG>| BH: 3

[9] Gryas: HP 180/180 | EN: 4/18  | 40 MIT | 2 THRN <18 DMG> | 1 Taunt | +3 Accuracy
[1] @Arabelle: HP 180/180 | EN: 15/18 | 5 DMG | 2 ACC | 9 MIT | 3 EVA | 2 Para. [-3 EN]
[3] Mace: HP 140/140 | EN: 5/14 | 40 MIT | 4 DMG 

"No worries Saphira, thought i might be helpful. Instead I will just make sure that I can keep you safe long enough to take care of these monsters". Gryas was not too sure how all the equipment bonuses added up but must have been mistaken regarding just holding equipment and actually using it. If that is the case then Saphira would not be able to get the accuracy boost from his weapon if she was just holding it while using the dagger. That was a shame, but at least she seemed thankful for the offer of lending the gear. Gryas re drew his weapon and got ready to continue the fight. First he looked around at all of the members in the party to check their health bars. Everyone else was still pretty healthy so there was no concerns regarding the fight so far. The same could not be said for the two Merfolk who were both nearly dead now. 

@Stryder

From watching the dragon move Gryas could tell that the beasts attention was still fixated on Dustin which was not good, if it attacked him it was distracting him from dealing damage to the thing. He readied his howl skill again and let loose a bellow of challenge to get the dragons attention. A clawed talon swung out for Gryas which which he dodged to the left in the same direction as the swing so when he took it on his shield the impact was lessened. 
Seeing Arabelle on the other side of the dragon getting ready to attack Gryas pushed forward and struck with his sword upwards towards its side under the wing. The dragon dodged to the side lifting its wing to avoid the attack, and that was exactly what Gryas had hoped as the beast now exposed its side under the wing near Arabelle. "Strike now!" Gryas called towards her.

Action - Howl (+3 Hate)

Rhaegal: HP: 67/125 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 0 - EVA: 0 | DMG: 50

[4]Jinx:  HP 340/340 | EN: 14/34  | 47 MIT | 2 THRN <18 DMG> | 1 Regen <5HP> | 2 Para <8-10, -EVA and turn> | 1 Bleed <9-10, 12DMG>
[4] Dustin: 364/380 HP | 27/38 EN | 7 DMG | 31 MIT | 0 EVA | 1 Thorns <9 DMG>| BH: 3

[6] Gryas: HP 180/180 | EN: 4/18  | 40 MIT | 2 THRN <18 DMG> | 1 Taunt | +3 Accuracy
[1] @Arabelle: HP 180/180 | EN: 15/18 | 5 DMG | 2 ACC | 9 MIT | 3 EVA | 2 Para. 
[2]  Mace: HP 140/140 | EN: 8/14 | 40 MIT | 4 DMG 

Total Loot Obtained: (1760 Col), (2x T1 Mat), (1x T1 Perfect Consumable), (6x T1 Uncommon Consumable),  1x T1 Rare Armor

With one bear down Gryas turned and saw another one that he could draw into the fight. This game only allowed you to hold aggro from 4 enemies at a time and because Gryas would not be taking any damage anyway he was not worried about taking on multiple enemies. Making sure he stayed in range of the 3 bears so they did not loose heat and re set Gryas went and kicked another near by bear that joined the fray. They all lunged at him but one seemed a bit retarded as it stumbled over its own front feet and fell into a pile of fur. All of the other three bears seemed competent and managed to land hits taking damage in turn and bringing their life points down. These fights were boring but were necessary to gain experience and plus materials to use in his alchemy so he can make useful potions. 

Total Loot Obtained: (1760 Col), (2x T1 Mat), (1x T1 Perfect Consumable), (6x T1 Uncommon Consumable),  1x T1 Rare Armor

Gryas pushed the last bear aside and saw another group a short distance away so picking up a rock he thew it at them gaining their attention. As the three new bears charged him down that last super annoying bear that did not die when the others before did finally crashed against him and exploded into pixelated treasure that added itself to his inventory. All three of the new bears hit him at the same time sending him stumbling. He regained his footing and saw that two of the three hits had reflected damage but the third hit did not. If that last bear didn't take any thorns damage that would mean it scored a critical hit, smiling to himself that he still took no damage Gryas turned and faced down the three new bears but still kept an eye out for a fourth that he could drag into the fight. 

Total Loot Obtained: (1760 Col), (2x T1 Mat), (1x T1 Perfect Consumable), (6x T1 Uncommon Consumable),  1x T1 Rare Armor

The dragon loomed ahead and Jinx, Dustin and Mace had already engaged the beast. First with Jinx getting its attention the other two had landed decent hits, and Gryas first thought that was a good thing then realized the red markings indicating who the dragon was targeting... Those critical hits had increased their hate and if he did not do something fast then this could take a turn for the worst. 
Jumping ahead Gryas used the Howl ability. He had not had a chance to use it before but with a bellow he yelled at the dragon getting its attention "Over here you scaly bastard!" Gryas circled around the beast making it turn its back to the rest of the party and readied his shield for the next attack. This was what he had been training for, protecting others. Gryas was not too sure if he could take multiple hits from this beast but luckily he was not the only tank in the party. For now though when the dragon attacked Gryas would hit it back with the damage from his thorns.

Rhaegal: HP: 91/125 | MIT: 25 | ACC: 0 - EVA: 0 | DMG: 50 | Stunned -1 EVA

Action - Howl (+3 Hate)

[2] Jinx: HP 340/340 | EN: 24/34  | 47 MIT | 2 THRN <18 DMG> | 1 Regen <5HP> | 2 Para <8-10, -EVA and turn> | 1 Bleed <9-10, 12DMG>
[2] Dustin: 361/380 HP | 32/38 EN | 7 DMG | 31 MIT | 1 EVA | 1 Thorns <9 DMG>| BH: 3 [Paralyzed]

[3] Gryas: HP 180/180 | EN: 18/18  | 40 MIT | 2 THRN <18 DMG> | 1 Taunt | +3 Accuracy
[0] @Arabelle:
[2] Mace: HP 140/140 | EN: 9/14 | 40 MIT | 4 DMG 

Those other three in the guild seemed quite close, it was odd trying to find where he fit in in all of this. Gryas had not truly opened up since the first few months of this death game and had not since that day when he had lost someone close. Pushing aside those thoughts he looked towards the group. Jinx gave out the battle plans of splitting into 2 small groups however seemed to struggle with her words as he could sense some real pain in there. 

Looking between both Arabelle and Mace he nodded towards Arabelle. "Alright let's do this then, you can count on me to keep you safe."   Then looking towards Dustin with a sly smile he at his last comment about not being with dying over he said while ruffling his brown hair with one hand. "Oh don't be so dramatic kid, you are gonna be just fine" 

 @Jinx @Arabelle @Dustin @Mace

Gryas heaved against the Merfolk with his shield to make some space and then stepped away, closer to where Saphira was fighting. He had noticed that the blade she was using did not seem to be getting purchase on the monster she was fighting and a thought popped into his mind. Even though she would not be familiar with his Longsword with its +3 ACC just holding it will make it easier for her to hit her enemies.

Gryas ran up to the Merfolk engaged with Saphira and put himself between her and it, then looking over his shoulder Gryas opened up a trade window and called saidC to Saphira "It seems like you could use this more then I right now, you can borrow it so long as you take good care of Oathkeeper." 

Then as he finished the trade Gryas flipped the shield from his offhand to his right hand and threw a shielded punch at a Merfolk that started to look towards them. 

@Stryder   @Saphira

Gryas watched as Dustin changed targets and started an attack on the second Merfolk, he dashed forward with such speed the monster could not keep up and with a vicious swipe Dustin cut a large V into the monsters chest. It was a smart move as the plan was to let Arabelle land the last hit on the creature to try get better a better drop from it. This could also be dangerous for Dustin if the thing turned to target him and retaliate running forward Gryas brushed past Dustin and called out "Good hit! Now stay behind me and I will make an opening for you Dustin!" He lunged forward and thrust with his sword scoring a clean hit on the monster. Although the damage was low he could see that he critically hit the thing and with a smile Gryas knew that he would now get its attention rather than Dustin. 

@Stryder

Gryas was planning on heading out to gather some materials for some new potions to make when he saw a message asking for any players interested in joining in on the Dragon Hunter quest line. This was a quest that he had seen a long time ago and was very interested in doing it however it seemed like it was a bit too much to take on by himself so he had ignored it until he got stronger. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to do the quests and also a far better way to spend his time then gathering materials and robotically farming easy mobs. Grabbing the shield and sword off the wall mount in his study he left home and made his way to the First Floor and to the main square.

Arriving he saw some familiar faces from the guild which he called out to as he approached, raising his right hand in greeting. "Yo Dustin! How have you been? And Jinx, Arabelle, good to see you both again." There was another person standing with them that he didn't recognize, he was still a little uneasy with speaking around new people so he figured he would wait for some introductions.  Then with a wide grin he asked them all. "Ready to go slay some dragons?"

@Jinx

One of the Merfolk ran past his companions dodging most attacks that were sent its way and approached Gryas at his vantage point by the rock. It managed to avoid most of the attacks and as it charged towards Gryas he pushed off from the rock and hit it square in the chest with the heavy hilt of his sword. The attack sent it sprawling back towards his companions and the Merfolk turned to face them one again. Keeping an eye on the uninjured Merfolk Gryas looked over to once again see how the other fight was going, the creature had landed a few minor hits on Stryder but was now on its last legs and soon to be taken out. Thankfully he would not need to step in there to help out, he could survive a few hits but would burn though his healing potions fast as that one dealt far more damage than these easy ones.

@Stryder

Gryas walked off the teleportation platform into the town of Athenaia, a large town made of white marble stones and splashes of color all about. It was designed after that of Ancient Greece, in fact the whole floor was, including the other large town of Spartaia and some smaller ones spread across the floor. Taking in his surroundings Gryas took his first step onto the paved square if the Town and the moment he did a small figure shimmered out of thin air in front of him and gave an over the top extravagant bow. It was a Satyr, a half human half goat creature common in Greek Mythology. As the Satyr appeared some of the close by NPC's actually seemed startled by the creature, such a small detail to program into a game... it really did make the world feel real. 
"Greetings Master Gryas, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance!"

Gryas stepped back to watch the fight unfold when one of the monsters skidded in his direction after taking a hit from one of his teammates. Gryas began a swing with his blade then instead rested the sword on his shoulder and kicked the Merfolk back towards the party. Funilly his kick did as much damage as his sword would have. 

Ready to jump in if things got messy Gryas moved to the edge of the batte and leaned up against a rock that jutted from the sand nearby. Looking across to the two higher level fighters were taking on their monster Gryas could see that their fight was going well too. I suppose as a warm up this battle would be a good way to get everyone moving together as a team, even if it was a little on the safe side. 

Gryas began to open his inventory but then fought back that impulse. The low threat allowed his mind to wonder and realized after he began searching for it that he was about to retrieve his book. Thinking that it wouldnt be a very good look to do while in the middle of a fight he instead checked all the potions and his items making sure everything was in order if the need arrives. 

Watching the combatants charge ahead of him Gryas stood back and observed the combat. He would not be playing too much of a roll in this combat unless things went wrong, and thankfully these mobs didn't seem to pose enough of a threat to cause any troubles. Holding out his right hand Gryas began to regulate his breathing to a steady beat, in tune with that of his heart. 10 heart beats past and a large blade coalesced out of a frosty mist appearing in his grip, and falling into a a fluid combat stance he moved forward passing Dustin who had just pulled back from his own attack. 

Gripping his one handed blade in both hands and raising the blade up next to his head parallel to the ground Gryas rushed at the already wounded Merfolk and slashed as he moved past, catting a line across its side. He would not be doing all that much damage here, that wasn't the point of the attack. Gryas needed to make sure that if the need arises he had caught enough of the monsters attention that he could step in and soak up any attacks that Jinx couldn't get to, keeping the rest of the party safe. Making sure every ones health was still in the green he stepped back and continued to watch the battle unfold in front of him. 

Gryas looked around at the group that seemed just about ready to head out. He then turned to Saphira and put on as friendly a face as he could. "Well Saphira if you wanted to focus more on attacking I can fall into more of an off tank and support role, my job is pretty easy, get hit and don't let others die. I don't even have any sword arts to worry about." He didn't mind taking on the role of the groups support seeing as they already had another tank, this way he could jump in and tank when it was needed and focus more on everyone's health.

It will be good to try out this new sword as well Gryas thought to himself. So far Gryas had really only fought safe monsters that he could tackle himself so getting into some more serious combat would be thrilling. Something flashed through his memory however and that excitement quickly faded. He couldn't let himself feel that way, as much as it was one this really was no game, it was life and death. Shrugging that aside he said to Stryder. "Seems we are all just about ready to head out, lead the way."

Almost as a side thought Gryas turned to Arabelle and opened a trade window. "Here, this will probably be more useful to you then me." He then selected the +1 Damage Potion that Gryas has held for over a year and never used. @Arabelle

- 1 x Damage potion (+1 Damage)

Gryas was not too sure what to make of the interactions that were unfolding in front of him. It seemed to walk a thin line between outwardly friendly and uncomfortable tension. The later however seemed to lessen as introductions and greetings had gone around the room. Gryas was trying to get out of his comfort zone and work up the courage to say something funny, tell a joke or do something else to work his way into a conversation when Stryder jumped straight in to the battle plan and the reason they had all gathered. Breaking in to 2 groups for a hunt on this floor.. He did not have much experience hunting in a group and the last time he had Gryas felt that he was not very useful. He had since gotten stronger on his own though and was eager to rise to the challenge. 

A spur of competition jolted Gryas as he realized that he was not the only person that appeared to be running a tank spec, that girl with the eye patch up close to Stryder... Jinx Hei had called her, had said that she was a tank. Moving up to them Gryas held out his hand. "Jinx was it? Pleasure to meet you and welcome to the guild! I look forward to fighting beside you, you can count on me to guard your back out there." He realized that he had extended a fully plated hand towards Jinx and imagined he might look somewhat out of place with his heavy armor while also wearing his glasses. They served no purpose of course in this world, his eyesight was perfect here. They were however one of the only things he carried with him from his past and was reluctant to let them go.

Pushing back his mop of thick dark brown hair he looked around at everyone he felt rather confident, most of the people here seemed to be equipped well and could hold their own. Then he saw that scythe... It looked dangerously impressive. Resisting the urge to ask the pink haired girl who introduced herself as Arabelle if he could give it a practice swing or several he instead turned back to Stryder. "So what kind of creatures are we hunting? I'm not familiar with the fauna and flora of this floor." Fauna and Flora? Really Gryas? He scolded himself in his head. With the glasses and that comment he must be coming off as huge geek! Well this is a video game that everyone originally signed up to play.. He probably was not alone in that.

As the events unfolded around him Gryas had begun to feel somewhat out of place, he had been somewhat unintentionally avoiding contact with other players for months now and this all made him feel uneasy. Pushing those feelings aside he pushed off from the table he was leaning against and stretched as he stood up straight and nodded back at Stryder and Hei as they had greeted him. The rest of the people in the room however he had never met before and introduced himself. "Hello all, names Gryas." Then remembering how the girl that had entered from a door that was deeper into the shop had spoken a language he didn't understand he quickly flicked on the translation program from the menu.

Gesturing at the shield leaning against the table next to him with his plated foot Gryas continued. "Not too sure what we are up to with this venture but hopefully I can be of assistance." He had an urge to jump straight in to strategy as it was what he was more comfortable talking about, but then thought twice.. Remembering something an old friend had once told him, Gryas realized that he would not have her.. anyone else to rely on when it came to being sociable. This was as good a place as any to start. 

Gryas arrived on the 22nd floor taking a step of the teleportation crystals platform for the first time. He had never been on this floor before, let alone been this high up as it was usually too dangerous for someone of his level to handle. Opening his map and making a marker of the shops location that Stryder had sent through he made his way through the town. 

Arriving at the shop Gryas pushed open the front door and stepped inside. It was nothing like he had expected though, remembering the last time Gryas had visited Stryder in that cozy Tailors store of his all those months back. What surprised him most however was what he noticed up against the wall. Two people, one guy laying down and a girl seated hugging her knees appeared to be fast asleep in the corner of the shop, and neither were Stryder as he had expected. Wondering if he was either late or early for the meeting he cleared his through awkwardly in a attempt to wake them. "Ahhh morning..." While waiting to get either of their attention he sent off a quick message.

Walking over to what appeared to be the front counter Gryas dropped his shield and lay it against the wood, then leaning against it he flicked through his inventory took out a unsatisfying stale tasted store bought bread roll. 

Stats & Gear

Gryas got the message that his order had been completed sooner then expected, and with no small amount of excitement he made his way to the Blazing Typhoon. "Evening Mac, got your message. Im here to pick up my order." Gryas opened the trade window and selected the col for the trade, and then saw his new sword appear in the transaction.  It looked amazing, and the anticipation to try it out and use it in battle was nearly too much to handle. "Thanks a heap Mac, it's better then I expected!" This blade was going to help him immensely when it came to team combat, so long as he hits his target he is doing his job.

-450 col

+ Oathkeeper 

Roll:

ID# 107463 results:  Craft: 5    Loot: 18 (Salvaged) 2+1 EXP

ID# 107464 results:  Craft: 3    Loot: 13 (Fail) 1+1 EXP

ID# 107465 results:  Craft: 2    Loot: 3 (Fail) 1+1 EXP

ID# 107466 results:  Craft: 8    Loot: 4 (Uncommon Potion) 3+1 EXP

ID# 107467 results:  Craft: 10    Loot: 13 (Rare Potion) 5+1 EXP

(Leveled up to Alchemist Level 5) 

ID# 107468 results:  Craft: 9    Loot: 4 (Uncommon Crystal) 3+1 EXP

+21 EXP

-6 T1 Mats

Gryas woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. He had recently come back from a rather successful bout of gathering and should have been pumped for a day of crafting but for some reason he was in a foul mood. It took him until well after breakfast to shake it off, why was he feeling this way? Then it dawned on him.. It was the anniversary of a day he would rather forget. 
Gryas pushed that aside and got to work. He would need to keep himself busy, keep himself distracted. Sadly his attempt at crafting reflected his mood, he just couldn't seem to get things right. At least one of these potions came out as something decent. 

Gryas entered the Blazing Typhoon and soaked in the bristling warm air that wafted over him. He had not been here in a long time, over a yearn in fact, nor had he spoken with Macradon since the last time he was here to pick up his armor. The armor and shield that he was in fact using right now. He had  hoped that Mac would be willing to help him out once again as now he could afford one last upgrade to finish of his equipment. A sword that assisted with accuracy, that way he could continue to hit enemies, not doing so to actually do damage but so he could keep their attention so they would not focus those Gryas was trying to protect. "Hey Macradon! Long time no see aye? I was wondering if you could make me a sword with a +3 to hit? I have the materials up front this time friend." Gryas picked up a order form and filled out the details, passing across the counter. 

@Macradon

Checking the message from his guild leader Stryder Gryas smiled. It had been a long time since he had seen him and he had mentioned a large hunting expedition the guild was about to begin. This would be a good opportunity to meet the rest of the guild and to train up a bit against harder monsters then these pathetic bears. Three of the bears had lunged at him and exploded as they did, getting hit hard by his Thorns damage, the last bear however had not yet died, He would have to do something about that. The bears life was in the red and was nearly dead as it was so one more hit would do the trick. Sending a reply to Styder confirming that he will come on the col hunting raid Gryas turned to face the last bear and readied his shield for it to attack him again until it died.  

Total Loot Obtained: (1360 Col), (2x T1 Mat), (1x T1 Perfect Consumable), (6x T1 Uncommon Consumable)