Morningstar

12 minutes ago, Rencesvals said:

Source: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/39174-f21-r8-blacksmith-the-knight-shift-open/?do=findComment&comment=684389

***

Upgrading: 

Whispersting | T1 Perfect Weapon (Throwing Knives) | VO I | PVO II
"You won't even know you've been pierced. Not until I've gotten everything I wanted."
Fusion ID: 226275
Source: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/39172-rencesvals-evaluations/?do=findComment&comment=684310

To produce:

Whispersting | T1 Demonic Weapon (Throwing Knives) | VO I | PVO II | ACC I
"You won't even know you've been pierced. Not until I've gotten everything I wanted."
Fusion ID: 226275
Source: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/39172-rencesvals-evaluations/?do=findComment&comment=684399

Then fusing the above with:

ID: 212642a (T1/Weapon/Perfect)
226241    Accuracy
226239    Vampiric (Offensive)
EoT   Accuracy
Equipment Type: Throwing Knives
Name: Soul Siphon (+2)
Description: "Indeed, one may believe they know their loved ones. Their essence. You don't really know someone until you've held their soul in the palm of your hand."

To produce:

Whispersting | T1 Demonic Weapon (Throwing Knives) | VO II | PVO II
"You won't even know you've been pierced. Not until I've gotten everything I wanted."
Fusion ID: 226394
Source: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/39172-rencesvals-evaluations/?do=findComment&comment=684399

Total cost: 2 demonic shards, 1 gleaming scale

approved

7 hours ago, Acanthus said:

Name:	Interesting Intermezzo
Profession:	Performer
Rank:	2
Roll ID:	226368
Roll Result:	CD: 10 + 1 LD: 10
Item Type:	Support Song
Tier:	1
Quality:	Rare
Enhancements:	HP Recovery 2
Post Link:	Here
Description:	A soaring ensemble of strings and low woodwinds that gives the listener a sense of resolution.

Approved

3 hours ago, Rencesvals said:

Source: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/39174-f21-r8-blacksmith-the-knight-shift-open/?do=findComment&comment=684367

Name: Manufactured Blade
Crafting ID: 226386
Roll ID: 12+1=13
Item Type: Weapon (Rapier)
Tier: 3
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements:  ACC III
Description: An elegant golden rapier with refined blade, what was once clearly only ceremonial has been turned into an actual weapon. Well polished and does not tarnish, the thing gleams with a soft shine whenever there is a stroke of good fortune. On the pommel, a brand of a singular longsword which denotes the maker
Post Link: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/39174-f21-r8-blacksmith-the-knight-shift-open/?do=findComment&comment=684387

Fuse with:

Lady Luck's Hand - Atropos | T3 Perfect Weapon (Rapier) | AA, ACC I,KEEN I
Acquisition ID: XXX | Appraisal IDs: XXX
An elegant golden rapier, that might even allude to being simply for ceremonies. Well polished and does not tarnish, the thing gleams with a soft shine whenever there is a stroke of fortune.

To produce:

Lady Luck's Hand - Atropos | T3 Perfect Weapon (Rapier) | AA, ACC II
Fusion ID:
An elegant golden rapier, that might even allude to being simply for ceremonies. Well polished and does not tarnish, the thing gleams with a soft shine whenever there is a stroke of fortune.

Upgrade to Demonic:

Lady Luck's Hand - Atropos | T3 Demonic Weapon (Rapier) | AA, ACC III
Fusion ID:
An elegant golden rapier, that might even allude to being simply for ceremonies. Well polished and does not tarnish, the thing gleams with a soft shine whenever there is a stroke of fortune.
Source: 

Total cost: 1 demonic shard, 1 gleaming scale

Approved

Quest

For two days, Morningstar prowled Fortaleza. Beads of sweat hugged his sun-kissed skin as he spied on the well-endowed building. Word of raiders in the south had caught his attention, and he suspected the source to be Abdullah.

Not that he had any proof. No trails led back to him, and rumors did Star little good. He was clean, on paper. Any crime that he was involved with was unattached to him directly; a million middle men stood in the way of incriminating him. Pinning him to anything required a touch of creativity.

Wiping his forehead, Star entered the sandstone building, fed up with watching unremarkable players and NPCs come and go for hours on end. It was about as warm inside as it was out. The gold, jewels, and lavish trinkets stood out to Morningstar. There was a clear wealth gap between Abdullah and the rest of the city. Two guards stood at either side of him, and none of them looked particularly happy to see their visitor.

"I do hope you're here for the beast. It's been nothing but endless favors all morning."

Morningstar had no idea what he was talking about. "Yeah, that's why I'm here," he remarked, cluelessly.

| MORNINGSTAR  | Lv. 63 >> P. 30, Lv. 33  | Status: [ // ]  Notes:  //

Hide contents Morningstar | HP: 780/780 | EN: 116/116 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 5 | ACC: 6 | BH: 43 | LD: 5 (6) | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN equipped Dying Sun FLN II, AA, PAR VEN Inner Focus EVA II, REC II Sapphire ACC III, EVA I battle-ready inventory Magdalyn's Cuckoo Teleport Crystal skills   Hide contents mod count: 4/5 2HSS | RANK 5/5 precision, stamina, ferocity shift: tech CLOTH ARMOR | RANK 5/5 athletics, nimble COMBAT MASTERY: DMG | RANK 3/3 SEARCHING | RANK 4/5 (5) night vision, detect, tracking, reveal BATTLE HEALING | RANK 5/5 ENERGIST CHARGE extra (active) SURVIVAL FORGOTTEN KING'S AUTHORITY LADY LUCK FROZEN HIDE data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs   Hide contents statue # | # consumables Monkey Agility | EVA I Shadows Withal | OH II Mortal Instants | MIT III Imperial Quarter Blend | DMG III Breakfast Fry | PROTEIN II Creme Brulee | ACC II Elven Armor Salve | +1 Hate on attacks paragon Lv. 5 | Gain additional col equivalent to 15% of EXP earned in that thread. Lv. 10 | +1 LD to looting. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== sword arts   Hide contents en cost matches multiplier unless stated otherwise. shift underlined. ST | x12 -> x15 | x20 AOE | x11 -> x14 TECH-A | x16 | STUN | 13EN TECH-B | x16 | DELAY TECH-D | x16 | SHATTER TECH-F | x12 | AOE STUN TECH-G | x16 | BURN data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== misc/housing buffs   Hide contents Dimensional Backpack | +2 Battle-Ready Inventory Slots. Well Rested | -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat. Squeaky Clean | The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down). Filling | Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30. Tasty | Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. Relaxed | Increases out-of-combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Multipurpose | Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll. Skylight (Searching) | +1 Expertise to declared utility skill.  fishing # data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==   data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

On 8/6/2024 at 6:35 PM, Freyd said:

Rank 5 Appraiser (Base: BD 10, CD 8+ for unique, 10 identifications per day)
+1 to CD from Hermes’ Scale
+2 EXP: Hard Working (also +1 IDs per day)
+2 EXP: Lucrative (Firm Anima) (also +2 IDs per day)
+1 EXP: Custom Ambition Tool (bought from own shop 2020-07-16)
Crafting Respite | Dragon's Breath | 174612

Source:

https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-appraiser-freyd-edges-open/?do=findComment&comment=683364

Identifications:

5x T4 Perfect Items (@3040 col) = 15,200 col
2x T4 Perfect consumables (@1440 col) = 2,880 col
6x T4 Rare Items (@2080 col) = 12,480 col
4x T4 Rare consumables (@1120 col) = 4,480 col

Total Cost: 35,040 col due to banker

Junking:

5x T4 Perfect Items (@1900 col) = 9500 col
4x T4 Rare Items (@1400 col) = 5600 col

Total Value of Junking: 15,100 col

Net Cost to Banker:  19,940 col 

Appraisal Rolls

3x T4 Unid. Perfect Weapon# (223742, 223742-1, 223745)

  Hide contents

Item #1  - JUNK

Name:
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID: 224338, 224339, 224340
Roll Result: 2, 8, 19 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Weapon (Katana)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Perfect
Enhancements: Taunt/Keen, Bleed/Paralyze, Damage/Accuracy
Description: 
Link:  
Acquisition ID: 223742

Item #2  -JUNK

Name:
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID: 224341, 224342, 224343
Roll Result: 7, 11, 10 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Weapon (Katana)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Perfect
Enhancements: Bleed/Paralyze, Bleed/Paralyze, Bleed/Paralyze
Description: 
Link:  
Acquisition ID: 223742-1

Item #3  -JUNK

Name:
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224344, 224345, 224346
Roll Result: 15, 14, 11 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Weapon (Katana)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Perfect
Enhancements: Damage/Accuracy, Damage/Accuracy, Bleed/Paralyze
Description: 
Link:  
Acquisition ID: 223745

2x T4 Unid. Perfect Armor/Shield# (223726, 223745)

  Hide contents

Item #4  -JUNK

Name:
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224347, 224348, 224349
Roll Result: 8, 13, 16 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Armor (Cloth)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Perfect
Enhancements: Risky/Light Momentum, Regen/Recovery, Loot Die
Description: 
Link:  
Acquisition ID: 223726

Item #5  -JUNK

Name:
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224350, 224351, 224352
Roll Result: 14, 15, 12 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Armor (Cloth)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Perfect
Enhancements: Regen/Recovery, Regen/Recovery, Regen/Recovery
Description: 
Link:  
Acquisition ID: 223745

2x T4 Unid. Perfect Consumable# (223745, 223745-1)

  Hide contents

Item #6  - KEEP

Name: Mega-Duper Anti-Everything Sauce
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224353
Roll Result: 1 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Consumable (Salve)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Perfect
Enhancements: Antidote III
Description: A small container of golden coloured goo that soothes the nostrils, mind, and provides a panacea of any ailment. Smells like angel farts.
Link:  https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-appraiser-freyd-edges-open/?do=findComment&comment=683364
Acquisition ID: 223745

Item #7  - KEEP

Name: Pure Unadulterated Rage
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224354
Roll Result: 13 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Consumable (Meal)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Perfect
Enhancements: Mitigation III
Description: If you're angry enough, nothing can get through to affect you.
Link:  https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-appraiser-freyd-edges-open/?do=findComment&comment=683364
Acquisition ID: 223745-1

5x T4 Unid. Rare Weapon# (223724, 223724-1, 223728, 223728-1, 223742)

  Hide contents

Item #8 - JUNK

Name:
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224355, 224356
Roll Result: 12, 1 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Weapon (Katana)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Rare
Enhancements: Bleed/Paralyze, Taunt/Keen
Description: 
Link:  
Acquisition ID: 223724

Item #9 - KEEP

Name: Indiscretion
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224357, 224358
Roll Result: 2, 18 (Unique)
Item Type:  Weapon (Katana)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Rare
Enhancements: Paralytic Venom (Offensive), Accuracy
Description: Closer to the size of a wakizashi, this diminutive katana has a habit of making appearances where it shouldn't.
Link:  https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-appraiser-freyd-edges-open/?do=findComment&comment=683364
Acquisition ID: 223724-1

Item #10 - JUNK

Name:
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224359, 224360
Roll Result: 19, 17 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Weapon (Katana)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Rare
Enhancements: Damage/Accuracy, Damage/Accuracy
Description: 
Link:  
Acquisition ID: 223728

Item #11 - JUNK

Name:
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224361, 224362
Roll Result: 8, 14 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Weapon (Katana)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Rare
Enhancements: Bleed/Paralyze, Damage/Accuracy
Description: 
Link:  
Acquisition ID: 223728-1

Item #12 - JUNK

Name:
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224363, 224364
Roll Result: 10, 7 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Weapon (Katana)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Rare
Enhancements: Bleed/Paralyze, Bleed/Paralyze
Description: 
Link:  
Acquisition ID: 223742

1x T4 Unid. Rare Armor/Shield #223726

  Hide contents

Item #13 - KEEP

Name: Aphrodite's Panties
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224365, 224366
Roll Result: 12, 19 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Rare Armor (Cloth)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Rare
Enhancements: Recovery, Holy Blessing
Description: Ever fresh and ready for whatever might come next.
Link:  https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-appraiser-freyd-edges-open/?do=findComment&comment=683364
Acquisition ID: 223726

4x T4 Unid. Rare Consumables# (223724, 223724-1, 223728, 223728-1)

  Hide contents

Item #14 - KEEP

Name: Concentrated Joy
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224367
Roll Result: 17 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Consumable (Snacks)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Rare
Enhancements: Vitality II
Description: Sickly-sweet sticks of super-sappy happy goodness that just makes everything better.
Link:  https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-appraiser-freyd-edges-open/?do=findComment&comment=683364
Acquisition ID: 223724

Item #15 - 

Name: Red Velvet Meringue
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224368
Roll Result: 12 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Consumable (Snack)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Rare
Enhancements: Evasion II
Description: A super-rich, chocolatey treat that spreads warmth and comfort within anyone who eats it, taking them to their emotional happy place and rendering them untouchable to lesser slights.
Link:  https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-appraiser-freyd-edges-open/?do=findComment&comment=683364
Acquisition ID: 223724-1

Item #16 - 

Name: Scroogey Snacks
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224369
Roll Result: 8 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Consumable (Snacks)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Rare
Enhancements: Prosperity II
Description: Small tasty treats that resemble dog biscuits at first glance, but are shaped like a duck’s head with a top hat.
Link:  https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-appraiser-freyd-edges-open/?do=findComment&comment=683364
Acquisition ID: 223728

Item #17 - 

Name: Red Velvet Meringue
Your Profession:  Appraiser
Your Rank: Rank 5
Roll ID:  224370
Roll Result: 12 (No Unique)
Item Type:  Consumable (Snacks)
Tier: T4
Quality:  Rare
Enhancements: Evasion II
Description: A super-rich, chocolatey treat that spreads warmth and comfort within anyone who eats it, taking them to their emotional happy place and rendering them untouchable to lesser slights.
Link:  https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19871-f13-appraiser-freyd-edges-open/?do=findComment&comment=683364
Acquisition ID: 223728-1

 

approved

URGENT!!!

Going dragon hunting. Need some help. Meet me @ F25 Labyrinth. 10:30 AM tmr.

- MS

Morningstar's message was posted sporadically on a few of the upper floors. A party of five or six would do. He'd have settled for two, though. He showed up early, and waited outside the entrance to the Labyrinth. He prepared his equipment, triple checking his inventory to make sure he had brought with him everything he needed. He planned for a long trip, aware that timing an expedition into the maze was futile. It changed so frequently that even plotting out a map would have proved impossible. For all he knew, he would find the dragon within the first hour.

Or, maybe, a month.

He was determined not to resort to eating spiders until at least the seven day mark, so his inventory was stocked primarily with meals. There was some room left over for necessities like teleport crystals and a book titled "Idiot's Guide to Slaying Dragons." The Librarian in Ronbaru had suggested it to him a few months prior, and he never went back to return it.

He chomped down on an apple, his morning rations, and stood by until somebody turned up for the road trip.

| MORNINGSTAR  | Lv. 63 >> P. 30, Lv. 33  | Status: [ dragon deez ]  Notes:  3/4 SLOTS ON OVERHEALTH LESSER FEAST SEE IN SPOILER UNDER CONSUMABLES

Hide contents Morningstar | HP: 897/897 | EN: 116/116 | DMG: 28 | MIT: 20 | EVA: 6 | ACC: 6 | BH: 43 | LD: 9 | REC: 8 | FLN: 16 | AA | PAR VEN | DOTE: 3 equipped Dying Sun FLN II, AA, PAR VEN Inner Focus EVA II, REC II Sapphire ACC III, EVA I battle-ready inventory Magdalyn's Cuckoo x3 Teleport Crystal x5 Dear My Friend | Instant HP III skills   Hide contents mod count: 4/5 2HSS | RANK 5/5 precision, stamina, ferocity shift: tech CLOTH ARMOR | RANK 5/5 athletics, nimble COMBAT MASTERY: DMG | RANK 3/3 SEARCHING | RANK 4/5 (5) night vision, detect, tracking, reveal BATTLE HEALING | RANK 5/5 ENERGIST CHARGE extra (active) SURVIVAL FORGOTTEN KING'S AUTHORITY LADY LUCK DISGUISE data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== buffs   Hide contents statue # | # consumables imperial quarter blend | dmg iii creme brulee | acc ii mortal instants | mit iii smores | eva ii gelato | ld iii x2 hearty soup | oh iii (lesser feast - 4 slots) breakfast fry | protein iii fortaleza chai | antidote iii paragon Lv. 5 | Gain additional col equivalent to 15% of EXP earned in that thread. Lv. 10 | +1 LD to looting. data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== sword arts   Hide contents en cost matches multiplier unless stated otherwise. shift underlined. ST | x12 -> x15 | x20 AOE | x11 -> x14 TECH-A | x16 | STUN | 13EN TECH-B | x16 | DELAY TECH-D | x16 | SHATTER TECH-F | x12 | AOE STUN TECH-G | x16 | BURN data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== misc/housing buffs   Hide contents Dimensional Backpack | +2 Battle-Ready Inventory Slots. Well Rested | -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat. Squeaky Clean | The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down). Filling | Increase the effectiveness of a single food item consumed in a thread by +1 T1 slot. This can exceed normal Cook enhancement caps. Ex: A perfect T2 MIT food gives 35 MIT instead of 30. Tasty | Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread. Relaxed | Increases out-of-combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts. Multipurpose | Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll. Skylight (Searching) | +1 Expertise to declared utility skill.  fishing # data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==   data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw== data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==

50 minutes ago, Jackpot said:

ID: 224616-A
Tier: 1
Type: Throwing Knives
Quality: Perfect
226051 = LD: 9 Bleed/Paralyze
226052 = LD: 17 DMG/ACC
226053 = LD: 1 Taunt/Keen
Rerolling Slot 3 (1) | 226089 = LD: 12
Rerolling Slot 3 (2) | 226090 = LD: 13 Bleed/Paralyze

Junking ID: 224616-A

 

ID: 224616-B
Tier: 1
Type: Throwing Knives
Quality: Perfect
226054 = BD: 10, CD: 8+1=9, LD: 11 Vampiric Offensive/Envenom Offensive
226055 = LD: 10 Bleed/Paralyze
226056 = LD: 4
Rerolling Slot 3 (1) | 226087 = LD: 7
Rerolling Slot 3 (2) | 226088 = LD: 2 Taunt/Keen

Name: Whispersting (+2)
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 5
Acquisition Roll ID: 224616-B
Identification Roll ID:
#226054 BD: 10 | CD: 8 | LD: 11 Vampiric Offensive
#226055 LD: 10 Bleed
#226088 LD: 2 Keen (2nd Appraiser reroll)
Item Type: Throwing Knives
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Vampiric Offensive | Bleed | Keen
Description: "You won't even know you've been pierced. Not until I've gotten everything I wanted."
Post Link: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18214-f10-grandmaster-appraiser-youve-hit-the-jackpot/?do=findComment&comment=684281

 

ID: 224617-A
Tier: 1
Type: Throwing Knives
Quality: Perfect
226058 = LD: 13
226059 = LD: 17 DMG/ACC
226060 = BD: 10, CD: 12+1=13, LD: 1 Paralytic Venom/Blight
Rerolling Slot 1 (1) | 226085 = LD: 5
Rerolling Slot 1 (2) | 226086 = LD: 14 DMG/ACC

Name: Scorpion's Barb (+2)
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 5
Acquisition Roll ID: 224617-A
Identification Roll ID:
#226086 LD: 14 ACC (2nd Appraiser reroll)
#226059 LD: 17 ACC
#226060 BD: 10 | CD: 12 | LD: 1 Paralytic Venom
Item Type: Throwing Knives
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: ACC 2 | Paralytic Venom
Description: "Pluck from plane their touch. Then, the other senses will follow in short order."
Post Link: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18214-f10-grandmaster-appraiser-youve-hit-the-jackpot/?do=findComment&comment=684281

 

ID: 224617-B
Tier: 1
Type: Throwing Knives
Quality: Perfect
226061 = LD: 13 Bleed/Paralyze
226062 = LD: 6 Taunt/Keen
226063 = LD: 1 Taunt/Keen
Rerolling Slot 2 (1) | 226091 LD: 16 DMG/ACC
Rerolling Slot 3 (2) | 226092 LD: 4 Taunt/Keen

Junking ID: 224617-B

 

ID: 225046-A
Tier: 1
Type: Throwing Knives
Quality: Perfect
226064 = LD: 7 Bleed/Paralyze
226065 = LD: 10 Bleed/Paralyze
226066 = LD: 3 Taunt/Keen
Rerolling Slot 3 (1) | 226093 BD: 10, CD: 9+1=10, LD: 10 Freeze/Burn
Rerolling Slot 2 (2) | 226094 LD: 5 Taunt/Keen

Name: Scorched Blood
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 5
Acquisition Roll ID: 225046-A
Identification Roll ID:
#226064 LD: 7 Bleed
#226094 LD: 5 Keen (2nd Appraiser Reroll)
#226093 BD: 10 | CD: 9 | LD: 10 Burn (1st Appraiser Reroll)
Item Type: Throwing Knives
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Bleed | Burn | Keen
Description: "Some might say attacking from afar with such a weapon is a coward's errand. I just don't want to be near once their loosed blood begins to boil."
Post Link: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18214-f10-grandmaster-appraiser-youve-hit-the-jackpot/?do=findComment&comment=684281

 

ID: 225052-A
Tier: 1
Type: Throwing Knives
Quality: Perfect
226067 = LD: 5 Taunt/Keen
226068 = LD: 20 DMG/ACC
226069 = LD: 3 Taunt/Keen
Rerolling Slot 1 (1) | 226095 = LD: 12 Bleed/Paralyze
Rerolling Slot 3 (2) | 226096 = LD: 19 DMG/ACC

Junking ID: 225052-A

 

ID: 225058
Tier: 1
Type: Throwing Knives
Quality: Perfect
226071 = LD: 9 Bleed/Paralyze
226072 = LD: 6 Taunt/Keen
226073 = LD: 19 DMG/ACC
Rerolling Slot 2 (1) | 226097 LD: 4
Rerolling Slot 2 (2) | 226098 LD: 17 DMG/ACC

Junking ID: 225058

 

ID: 225069-B
Tier: 1
Type: Throwing Knives
Quality: Perfect
226074 = BD: 10, CD: 10+1=11, LD: 3 Paralytic Venom/Blight
226075 = LD: 14
226076 = BD: 10, CD: 8+1=9, LD: 20 Frostbite/Static
Rerolling Slot 2 (1) | 226083 = LD: 8
Rerolling Slot 2 (2) | 226084 = LD: 18 DMG/ACC

Name: Neurotic Volt
Your Profession: Merchant
Your Rank: 5
Acquisition Roll ID: 225069-B
Identification Roll ID:
#226074 BD: 10 | CD: 10 | LD: 3 Paralytic Venom
#226084 LD: 18 ACC (2nd Appraiser Reroll)
#226093 BD: 10 | CD: 8 | LD: 20 Static
Item Type: Throwing Knives
Tier: 1
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Paralytic Venom | Static | ACC
Description: "There are several ways to induce paralysis. One such way is by just tickling the brainstem a little."
Post Link: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18214-f10-grandmaster-appraiser-youve-hit-the-jackpot/?do=findComment&comment=684281

 

ID: 225105-A
Tier: 1
Type: Throwing Knives
Quality: Perfect
226077 = LD: 5 Taunt/Keen
226078 = LD: 16 DMG/ACC
226079 = LD: 2 Taunt/Keen
Rerolling Slot 1 (1) | 226099 = LD: 15 DMG/ACC
Rerolling Slot 3 (2) | 226100 = LD: 14 DMG/ACC

Junking ID 225105-A

 

ID: 225105-B
Tier: 1
Type: Throwing Knives
Quality: Perfect
226080 = LD: 11 Bleed/Paralyze
226081 = LD: 6 Taunt/Keen
226082 = LD: 2 Taunt/Keen
Rerolling Slot 2 (1) | 226101 = LD: 15 DMG/ACC
Rerolling Slot 3 (2) | 226102 = LD: 15 DMG/ACC

Junking ID: 225105-B

Total Cost: 36400 col sent to the Banker
Requesting: 1600 col from junking 4 T1 Perfects

approved

35 minutes ago, Simmone said:

8/14/24

Oh boy this shit

155241c (HLY)(Keen)(Keen)
163014c (V.O/Envenom)(Taunt/Keen)(Taunt/Keen)
178730a (V.O)(ACC)(ACC)
173855b T3 (FRZ/BRN)(BLD/Para)(BLD/Para)
179120b T3 (FRZ/BRN)(BLD/Para)(Taunt/Keen)
179163c T3 (PHASE)(Keen)(Keen)
180198b T3 (V.O/Envenom)(BLD/Para)(Taunt/Keen)
178818b T3 (HLYBLS/Para V)(Miti/Thorn)
179331b T3 (Anti Freeze/Fireproof)(Miti/Thorn)
174701d T3 (V.D/Envenom D)(Miti/Eva)(Regen/Recovery)
178784c T3 (Anti Freeze/Fireproof)(Savvy/L.M)(Regen/Recovery)
178837c T3 (Anti Freeze/Fireproof)(Regen/Recovery)(Regen/Recovery)
178917a T3 (Anti Freeze/Fireproof)(Taunt/H.M)(Miti/Thorn)
178951d T3 (V.D/Envenom D)(Miti/Thorns)(Regen/Recovery)
195412a T1 (Anti Freeze/Fireproof)(Miti/Eva)(Regen/Recovery)
195522c T1 (Anti Freeze/Fireproof)(Miti/Eva)(LD)
195534a T1 (Bloodclot/Para Immune)(LD)(Risky/LM)
195558c T1 (Anti Freeze/Fireproof)(Risky/LM)(Miti/Eva)
196270a T1 (Anti Freeze/Fireproof)(Regen/Recovery)(LD)

Converted into Mystic Essence: 19

195523a T1 (Anti Freeze/Fireproof)(Miti/Eva)(LD)

Name:	Really Expensive Comforter
Profession:	Merchant
Rank:	5
Roll ID:	195523a
Roll Result:	See Above
Item Type:	Blanket
Tier:	Tierless
Quality:	Perfect
Enhancements:	Anti Freeze, Evasion 1, Loot Die 1
Post Link:	Here
Description:	Its a fancy blanket, a fancy fucking blanket. If you try it use it in battle your an idiot. For the Memes.

 

approved

He pushed open the great doors, greeted by a gigantic demon in a crystal throne. Oryx, King of the Demons, grinned evilly from his seat. He was triple the size of the foot soldiers Star had fought, and the only armor he donned were a pair of spiked plates that he strapped to his forearms. It was a testament to his strength, or at the least, to his confidence. His skin was blood red and his blue horns were like halberds. He did not challenge Morningstar. He did not leave his throne.

"At last, a human," Oryx spoke in a low growl. "I wondered what kind of person would make their way to me. You even disposed of my guards. How impressive."

"And who are you?" Morningstar squinted, his sword primed. Dungeon bosses didn't normally have much to say.

"Some call me Conqueror. Some call me King. Alas, I am Oryx, the Great."

Star's blade burned gold as he readied a sword art.

"Now, now. I have no intention of fighting you here today. Perhaps we will meet again, young swordsman."

Morningstar activated Charge and rushed towards the demon king, but his blade was met with nothing but a plume of smoke. Oryx had vanished.

Morningstar gritted his teeth and shoved the nearest demon back with a powerful kick, creating a small opening. He needed to end the fight quickly before he was overwhelmed. His eyes flicked to the leader, who was already pulling its axe free from the floor. That was the key—the others would fall without their commander.

With a burst of speed, Morningstar surged forward, weaving through the onslaught of attacks. He feinted left, drawing the leader’s attention, then twisted his body and lunged right, driving his sword deep into the gap between the leader’s armor plates. The demon let out a furious roar, but Morningstar didn’t stop. He twisted the blade and yanked it free, red floating from the wound.

The leader staggered, its strength fading as it tried to raise its axe for one last swing. Morningstar stepped back, watching as the life drained from its eyes. The other demons hesitated, their formation breaking as their leader crumpled to the ground.

Morningstar took advantage of the momentary chaos, cutting down the remaining demons before they could scatter.

Breathing heavily, Morningstar looked toward the massive doors at the end of the chamber. A throne room.

Morningstar's boots echoed off the obsidian walls as he moved through the castle's dim corridors. As he rounded a corner, the sound of clanking armor and guttural growls met his ears. He slowed his pace, his sword held at the ready. The hallway ahead widened into a large antechamber, the ceiling disappearing into darkness. The walls were adorned with tattered banners and ancient symbols written in a language unrecognized by the system's translator.

In the center of the chamber stood a squad of demons, more heavily armored and disciplined than the ones on the bridge. Their leader, a towering figure clad in obsidian-black armor, wielded a massive, glowing axe that pulsed with an unnatural energy. The leader’s red eyes narrowed as they caught sight of Morningstar, and a cruel smile spread across its face.

The demon leader raised its axe, and with a barked command in a harsh dialect, the other demons charged. There was no hesitation in their movements—they were well-trained, efficient killers, and they were intent on making him their next victim.

Morningstar braced himself, his mind racing as he calculated his next move. The demons closed in, their weapons gleaming in the firelight. He swung his sword, parrying the first blow, then quickly sidestepped another. But they were relentless, pressing him from all sides, forcing him back step by step.

He ducked under a wide slash from the leader’s axe, the blade whistling just above his head. The air crackled with dark energy as the axe embedded itself in the stone floor, sending up a spray of sparks. Morningstar seized the opportunity, slashing at the exposed side of one of the lesser demons, sending it crumpling to the ground.

But there were too many. He felt a sharp pain as a spear grazed his side, drawing blood. Another demon swung its mace, and Morningstar barely had time to bring his sword up in defense. The impact jarred his arm, nearly knocking the weapon from his hand.

Nari successfully stunned the trio of pirates, allowing Morningstar to get in some free hits. He slashed at them relentlessly, his blade a blur of silver as it cut through the dim, smoke-filled air. Each pirate recoiled under the force of his strikes, their grins of bravado fading into grimaces of pain. But the respite was brief—too brief. As the stun began to wear off, the pirates shook themselves free, their eyes narrowing with renewed focus as they readied their knives, gleaming wickedly in the flickering light.

"Yeah, I'm with you. No more airships. No more pirates. I'm retiring," Morningstar muttered, his voice laced with exhaustion. He didn't take his eyes off the pirates, his grip tightening on his sword.

The ship swayed violently beneath their feet, groaning as its structural integrity continued to fail. The hull was now on the verge of collapse. Metal beams creaked ominously overhead, and the deck was littered with debris—splintered planks, broken crates, and loose cables sparking with electricity. Steam hissed from ruptured pipes, clouding the air with scalding vapor that obscured their vision and burned their skin.

They didn’t have much longer. The ship was a ticking time bomb, deteriorating with every passing second. Morningstar could hear the ominous rumble deep within the bowels of the vessel, the unmistakable sound of the engines reaching their breaking point. They were running out of time—fast.

With Pinball gone, Morningstar followed after Sewallus, keeping his distance. They didn't speak until they were back in Florenthia. The guard was much calmer than he had been in the forest. He spoke surely, and without rage. He was put-together.

"That was a mistake," Sewallus assured.

"Maybe," Morningstar responded, a shadow of doubt in his voice.

Sewallus stopped walking, turning to face Morningstar fully. His eyes were clear and focused, and his words were matter-of-fact. "If he kills again, the responsibility will fall on you. What will you do then?"

Star met his gaze. He did not hesitate when answering the heavy question. He already knew the answer. "What needs to be done," he said firmly. Sewallus held their eye contact for a moment longer, searching for something in Morningstar's eyes. Whatever he found—or didn't find—seemed to satisfy him. With a slight nod, he turned away, and resumed his watch over the city.

Morningstar had been in enough sewers and seen enough slime monsters for one lifetime. Yet, here he was again, and this time with a larger group of sewage explorers. The swordsman was familiar with the quest that Wulfrin was referring to, although he had never done it himself. The Slime King was a notable foe with great rewards, or so he had heard. He could have used an interior decorator, though. Star avoided spots of goo, dripping from the ceiling, and stepped over piles of old bones far too frequently. It was all kind of... gross.

But that was to be expected, and he was reminded of this when the party encountered their first wave of enemies. Bones and slime fused together into horrific beings, and on queue with Shiina's ability, Morningstar made his move. He targeted what looked like the weakest link, and focused on whittling down its defenses. His blade switched from gold to green seconds before making contact with the Slime Polyp, and he shattered its mitigation.

Creativity struck him, and he thought of an idea to use the red dragon to his advantage. He took a few slow steps back, leading the flock of demons onto the bridge with him. Once everyone was near the center, he charged forwards, dodging and parrying blades while pushing through their defenses. They were on opposite sides now, with Morningstar closest to the castle's entrance and the demons trapped on the bridge. The dragon tore throw the air, level to the bridge when it came to a halt. It snorted, eyeing the five of them. Morningstar kicked the nearest demon back, before charging away. The dragon roared, letting loose its fiery breath and turning the demons into crisps and ash.

Morningstar ducked inside of the castle before the dragon could reduce him to cinders as well. Too many close calls for one day, he thought as he wandered down the fire-lit halls.

The demon’s body crumpled, but its head rolled to the edge of the bridge and over the side, disappearing into the chasm below. Morningstar didn’t watch it fall—his focus was on the next wave of enemies. But then, a low, rumbling growl echoed up from the depths. He froze, his heart skipping a beat.

The sound grew louder, reverberating through the stone under his feet. He turned just in time to see a massive shadow moving beneath the bridge, scales glinting in the dim light. The dragon’s head slowly rose from the river of lava, its eyes glowing like molten lava as they locked onto Morningstar.

The beast let out a deafening roar, shaking the very foundations of the bridge. Morningstar could feel the heat radiating from its maw, the sheer force of its presence enough to send a shiver down his spine. He backed away slowly, but there was nowhere to run—the demons were closing in, and the dragon was fully awake.

3 hours ago, Acanthus said:

 

Name:	Thrumming Tones
Profession:	Performer
Rank:	2
Roll ID:	225988
Roll Result:	CD: 8 LD: 3
Item Type:	Debuff Song
Tier:	1
Quality:	Uncommon
Enhancements:	Hypnosis
Post Link:	Here
Description:	A dull, repetitious noise that clouds out all other sounds.

 

Name:	Ambient Aria
Profession:	Performer
Rank:	2
Roll ID:	225989
Roll Result:	CD: 9 LD: 19
Item Type:	Debuff Song
Tier:	1
Quality:	Uncommon Masterpiece
Enhancements:	Instant Lullaby
Post Link:	Here
Description:	A quick, soothing piece for violin and piano.

approved

Morningstar was taken aback by the knife that zipped past him. Throwing daggers; another peculiarity. With the Monkey King out of the way, they were left as three once more. Sewallus stepped forward to intercept Pinball, but Star placed his hand on the guard's shoulder, prepared to thwart him by force.

Something stopped him from chasing after Pinball, from hunting him down like he would any other player killer. Maybe it was the hint of regret he thought he caught behind the man's eyes. Maybe he was simply wrong. He had made his choice, though, and against his will, he would make Sewallus' as well. The guard backed down, probably realizing that he stood no chance against either of the players, if it came down to it.

The elf turned away, marching in the direction of home. Star let loose an exasperated sigh, knowing that he had damaged a perfectly fine friendship. They could argue about it later.

"Hey man," he said, before Pinball was able to get too far. "I agree that killing innocent people isn't forgivable, and I don't know if turning over a new leaf is really possible. If you need a hand, though—well, I'll be around. Come and find me."

Before he could even take a step forward, another demon lunged at him from the side, catching him off guard. Its massive form collided with him, sending him sprawling onto the cold metal. The impact rattled him, his sword skidding out of reach. The demon, a hulking brute with a gnarled face and spiked armor, pinned him down, its rancid breath hot against his face.

With a snarl, Morningstar thrust his knee into the demon’s gut, his booted foot scraping against the bridge as he tried to gain leverage. The demon barely flinched, its clawed hand tightening around Morningstar’s throat. Spots danced in his vision as the world seemed to constrict around him.

In a desperate attempt at survival, Morningstar flicked open his inventory and materialized an alternate sword. In one swift motion, he drove the blade into the demon’s side, twisting it viciously. The demon screeched in pain, loosening its grip just enough for Morningstar to thrust his free hand upward, shoving the beast off him.

He rolled to his feet, his muscles screaming in protest, and switched back to his primary weapon. The demon was already coming at him again, but Morningstar was faster. He spun, using the momentum to bring his sword around in a wide arc. The blade connected with the demon’s neck, decapitating it in a spray of red pixels.

Another wave of demon guards flew out of the castle gates before he could even take a step off the bridge, their twisted forms silhouetted against the blood-red sky. The air grew thick with the scent of sulfur as their shrieks pierced the night, echoing off the dark stone walls. He tightened his grip on his sword, swinging at the first of the batch to come close.

He clipped it on the arm, but his blade was deflected by its steel plating. It thrust its spear at Morningstar, the tip glinting with an eerie crimson glow. He sidestepped just in time, feeling the rush of air as the spear narrowly missed his chest. With a swift counter, he brought his sword down with all his might, aiming for the exposed joint between the guard’s armor plates. The blade bit deep, severing the creature’s arm with a spray of dark red

But there was no time to catch his breath. Another guard was already upon him, its jagged claws slashing through the air. Morningstar raised his sword to block, the force of the blow nearly knocking him off balance. He gritted his teeth, pushing back with a surge of strength, his muscles straining under the weight of the attack. The guard snarled, its fanged maw inches from his face. With a grunt of effort, he twisted his blade and drove it upward, plunging it into the demon's chest.

The guard let out a guttural howl as it crumpled to the ground, but the victory was fleeting. More were coming, a relentless tide of darkness intent on overwhelming him. Morningstar knew he had to move quickly, or he risked awakening the dragon below.

3 hours ago, Rencesvals said:

Fuse 2x T4 Rare Weapons (Katana) | 225976 + 225979 | into T4 Perfect Weapon (Katana) | Fusion ID: 225986

Name: Yatsufusa α
Fusion ID: 225986
Item Type: Weapon (Katana)
Tier: 4
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements:  DMG 3
Description: A blade of ebony shinogi and quicksilver hamon/ha, the edge is serrated slightly to dig into the flesh and rip apart anything that opposes it. A beautiful blood carbonate alloy comprises the sheath, creating an exquisite albeit grim looking blade.
Post Link: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/39174-f21-r8-blacksmith-the-knight-shift-open/?do=findComment&comment=684214

Approved

Morningstar couldn't tell if any of Pinball's words were getting through to Sewallus. He was a city guard, designed to put a stop to that which had the potential to harm his home. Was it even possible for him to reconsider? To look the thing he hated most in the eyes and show mercy?

The guard's hands shook with indecision. His eyes were locked on Morningstar's, waiting for the swordsman to take his side. But Star's blade remained sheathed. He chose neutrality, unwilling to draw on either of the two. There was no right answer, no happy ending. No matter the side he took, he would create an enemy of the other.

The choice was taken from him altogether when the King made its move. They couldn't have known how long the beast had tracked them. It hid itself in the high treetops, only revealing itself at the height of their distraction. It was almost as if it knew that the trio had divided.

It dropped to the ground with a crash, leaving a crater in its wake. Without a second's hesitation, Morningstar's blade was in hand. Sewallus let out a roar, writhing with fury and malice. For a moment, they set aside their differences and aimed their sights at the bloodthirsty Monkey King.

Star had fought the beast on enough occasions to know the pattern of its attacks. He weaved around two quick openhanded slams and slashed across the King's torso with golden flare. It tried to fight back, but numbness took control of its enormous body and it fell to the dirt, unable to move.

"Oh, a million," he said, racking through questions in his head. "But, where to start?"

He wanted to know about the difficulties of living as an orange player, his motivations for killing, why he had chosen the name Pinball, how many names he had under his belt, et cetera, et cetera. "Does 'going soft' mean you've stopped?"

It seemed as good a place to begin as any. Sewallus didn't think so. "Morningstar, enough," The guard drew a longsword, and pointed it at the player killer's back. "I cannot stand by and allow this man to walk around freely. He has confessed to his crimes. We must apprehend him at once!"

"Sewallus-"

"No! He is a danger to us both, and to the people of my home! Do you think we can just let him go because he's decided to turn over a new leaf? What about the people he killed? What about justice for them?"

Morningstar wanted to fight his points, but couldn't find a rational argument to throw back. He stood between the two, and glanced at Pinball hesitantly. He knew that his friend was right, but what was he supposed to do? Strike down a man who, for all he knew, wanted redemption?

"We mustn't let him leave, Morningstar," Sewallus pleaded.

Sewallus grumbled something inaudible, while Morningstar simply listened. Revelations of the mystery behind Pinball's cursor made him all the more interesting. He raised his hands in surrender. "Hey, I'm an unbiased spectator. I won't try anything."

Actually, he was surprised that Pinball hadn't tried anything. Maybe it was because they outnumbered him, or maybe it was because he was more complicated than he appeared on paper. Driving his hands into his pockets, Morningstar prodded some more. "So what are you?" He asked. "A serial killer? Accidental murderer? Vigilante gone wrong?"

He realized the outlandishness of the inquiry, but stuck with it. In truth, he wanted to know if Sewallus was correct in wanting to apprehend the man. Ethically, he should have felt obligated to stop the player killer in his tracks and try for an arrest or a duel—some way to put a stop to him once and for all. The guard would have told him that it was his duty as a citizen. Morningstar knew that it wasn't so black and white.

"Left it is then," Morningstar agreed.

Left happened to be the direction the footsteps were coming from. They turned the corridor, running face first into a trio of Skyrat Raiders. Each one held an old, rusty dagger, and grinned menacingly at the sight of the rushing players.

"Lookie here laddies," the middle pirate said to the others, "we've got ourselves a couple of-"

He was interrupted by a swift punch to the jaw and crumbled to the ground. The pirates stared down at their comrade, sprawled out and holding his face. Each one was stunned by shock, looking back and forth between the punched and the punchee. Morningstar rubbed his fist. He thought it should have hurt more, but that was the plus side of being in a video game.

The fallen pirate stared up at the others as if they were both idiots. "Don't just stand there! Get 'em!"