NIGHT

[NIGHT's recollection of events]

[New information]

"Sure," NIGHT nodded, approaching the wooden door by stepping on the front stone stairs. A few knocks, and the warden answered the door. "Hey, uh--" NIGHT stated, while the warden glanced at her and Lonzo. "We were hoping you had some information for us about the wild life in these parts?"

"Adventurers, huh?" The woman remarked, arms folded. "Yea, I could tell you 'bout the lot of them. But you're not really after small hunts, are you?"

Uh... no? "Maybe?" NIGHT struggled, trying to explain. "Look, we understand something's been disrupting the ecosystem in these parts, maybe you can tell us more about it?" The warden gave her a stern look, to which she added, "Only the barest of information, generally. It's a new threat, so we haven't really gathered a lotta intel."

"Anything would help," the girl offered, and the warden put her hands on her hips. "Alright, ye might want to take notes for this one."

"In the past week, we got word that there's been some traces of camping back out in these woods," she stated, "and usually that's alright with us. But it's been a good couple a days now, an' no one in this town usually stays outside for that long." The warden blinked tiredly. "Whatever's livin' out there's also been killin' most of our game, too, an' it's dangerous. 'Course, nothing's really there, when we investigated. 's like they packed up and left right before we got there! But two days ago, a couple a' buddies spotted an unidentified tent an' approached it -- somethin' dark almost tore off a hunter's limb, now poor ol' Jackie's got a dislocated knee!" The warden frowned, in deep recall. "As much as I warn our local hunters, whether or not they take my advice is up to them to decide. Other than that, no one around town's been missin'. It ain't one o' us, that's for sure."

"Then, any creatures out there who could've done it?" NIGHT responded, recalling Lonzo's explanation. "I mean, we gotta few wildins' out in our backyard, if that's whatchu mean," the authority figure replied. This was news to NIGHT -- she'd been a newcomer to the floor, she hadn't even gotten the chance to explore the area outside town yet.

The warden stepped down from her step, pointing a little a ways through a building. "Over on the west, we got some elves. We usually see a few out there when we're scoutin', but they're fairly passive as long as we don't tread territory." She turned, gesturing to the nearer gate in view. "You're in the east, which is treant land. Same as the elves, as long as we don't go where we shouldn't be, we're in the clear."

NIGHT pondered over the information. Treats were large and slow... Unless the game was tossing her another curveball. Assuming otherwise, her immediate thought would be to investigate the elves. "So what're the two species like?"

The warden folded her arms, squinting. "If you're thinkin' it's one of the two, we sure got our doubts." The lady continued explaining. "See, both of them 're often in a pack, so if they ever pulled anythin', word about an invasion should get around quickly town. 'Course, other than that factoid, I ain't got much on either of 'em." Pointing once again, she directed the two over to the guard house, on the south side of town. "If anyone's seen 'em up close, and've got a lot more information, it'd definitely be the defenders of our village."

Almost knowingly, she gave a quick glance to Lonzo. "But I bet'cha friend over there already knew that, huh?"

@Lonzo # bro let me know if its too much because maybe it is but hey idk

NIGHT wondered if she had missed out on a quick menu with regards to the game's system, as she went through the different menus to access her equipment. Removing her Standard Armor, a bright light surrounded her equipment, phasing in to match her casual outfit -- a simple black tee and cargo pants -- before fading away from her clothes.

Closing the menu, she looked over to Lonzo, who had done the same too -- wait, did he disarm himself? That was a turn of events she hadn't expected. Ruffling her hair, she ended up distracted thinking about the implications, and was soon tackled by a wild prancing boar pup from the side.

"Rrgh--" NIGHT groaned, staggering, quickly glancing at her health bar to make sure she wasn't in danger. "These things sure are sprightly, aren't they?" she scrambled back towards Nora and Lonzo, preparing to defend the trio from the jumping boars. "Give us some time, we'll cut them down and prepare them for you," NIGHT commented to Nora, adjusting her own stance.

@Nora

Quote

ID: 128161 | MD: 3 | CD: 8
> Recovery was activated. (+2 EN)
Boar Pup #3 misses Nora!

ID: 128162 | MD: 3
Boar Pup #4 attacks Lonzo!

ID: 128164 | MD: 5
Boar Pup #5 misses Nora!

ID: 128165 | MD: 6
Boar Pup #6 attacks NIGHT!
3 - 8 = 1 DMG

Boar Pup #3 | HP: 1/5 | DMG: 3 | Hate: Nora (1), Lonzo (0), NIGHT (0)
Boar Pup #4 | HP: 5/5 | DMG: 3 | Hate: - - -
Boar Pup #5 | HP: 5/5 | DMG: 3 | Hate: - - -
Boar Pup #6 | HP: 5/5 | DMG: 3 | Hate: - - -

NIGHT | HP: 118/120 (-1) | EN: 8/12 (+1, +2) | DMG: 4 | MIT: 8 (-9)

Okay, support, right? This shouldn't be too hard. NIGHT had recalled doing something like this once in another game. She swung vehemently at one of the boar pups nearby, letting its health drain to 1. Good planning.

"Alright, just one more h-" she tried to call out, readying the monster for a last hit, before it charged at her. The boar pup knocked her down as it leapt, disgruntled and hoofing at her armorplate, squealing loudly. And quickly, it began disintigrating from the impact.

What? Scrambling to her feet, NIGHT suddenly recalled her armor in thorns, groaning. Okay, maybe this isn't as easy as she'd thought. If that too was Lonzo's plan... 

Watching her team mates dodge the excited boars, NIGHT called out to Lonzo, "Remember to take off your Thorns gear if you're planning to set up kills! They'll take fatal damage from you the moment they hit you!"

@Nora

Quote

ID: 128144 | BD: 7 (5, +2) | CD: 11
> Recovery was activated. (+2 EN)
Basic Attack on Boar Pup #2 (4 DMG)

ID: 128146 | MD: 6
Boar Pup #2 attacks NIGHT!
3 - 17 = 1 DMG
> Thorns activated for 9 DMG.

ID: 128147 | MD: 4
Boar Pup #3 misses Nora!

ID: 128148 | MD: 1
Boar Pup #4 misses Lonzo!

Boar Pup #2 | HP: -8/5  (-4, -9) | DMG: 3 | Hate: NIGHT (1), Lonzo (0), Nora (0)
Boar Pup #3 | HP: 5/5 | DMG: 3 | Hate: - - -
Boar Pup #4 | HP: 5/5 | DMG: 3 | Hate: - - -

NIGHT | HP: 119/120 (-1) | EN: 5/12 (+1, +2, -1) | DMG: 4 | MIT: 17

"Alright. I think I've gotten the attention of this guy for now, so don't worry about it for now!"

Nice, NIGHT thought, having given a glance to where the voice was coming from. She lowered her stance, swinging the blade to her side, preparing to strike the boss again. If she got in and out of there in quick succession, it wouldn't be likely for her to get hit, much less targeted, by the boss, right? Her strikes barely scathed the enemy, so she felt confident.

But maybe... maybe she should've been more careful.

Lunging forward with a bright surge of light, she cut through The Scarecrow's ankle, rolling onto the ground and sprinting away. The explosion of fire on the boss' make up was something to behold, but not something she wanted to stick around for. Checking her DoTs, she felt a tinge of relief, having contributed somewhat once more to the fight.

Quote

ID: 128126 | BD: 13 (10, +3) | CD: 9
> Recovery was activated. (+2 EN)
<<Straight>> on The Scarecrow.
7 + 2 = 9 DMG | 9 * 2 = 18 DMG | 18 - 25 = 1 DMG

The Scarecrow:
-1
EVA: 2
MIT: 25
Burning: - 12 HP/turn, Turn count: 2
Blighted: - 12 HP/turn, Turn count: 2

[4] Cordelia: 460/460 HP | 18/46 EN | 13 DMG | 0 MIT | 3 ACC | 3 EVA 
[0] @Penelo: 100/100 HP | 10/10 EN | 6 DMG | 51 MIT | 1 EVA | 1 ACC | 1 LD | 5 F. Aura
[0] Yukiro: 200/200 HP | 16/20 EN | 9 DMG | 1 ACC | 63 MIT | 3 EVA | Regen: 1 | Burn: 1 | Blight: 1 | Freeze: 1
[4] NIGHT: 60/60 HP | 4/6 EN (+1, +2, -2) | 7 DMG | 45 MIT | 3 ACC | 0 EVA | Recovery: 2 | Burn: 1 | Blight: 1 | 1 LD | Negate Darkness
[2] Nora: 100/100 HP | 7/10 EN | 7 DMG | 45 MIT | 1 ACC | 1 EVA

They're catching up?! --- oh no there's no space here -- Koga!!

NIGHT sprinted past her party member, hoping to gain distance on her pursuers. On the other hand, Koga slashed at one of the wasps, causing it to fade into obscurity and sparkling lights. He hollered back, watching her run, "Only one more, NIGHT!"

"One more really big one!"

Reaching the other side of the garden wall, NIGHT turned to face the lone wasp, trying to keep steady and cut past her foe once more. But she miscalculated, and fell onto the large bug's abdomen when she jerked herself forward, expecting a soar through space. The wasp, buzzing angrily, only added more fire to the fuel as it tried to sting NIGHT through her armor. It came up short instead, save for the girl's flailing and floundering.

"Why... why are there giant wasps in the garden?! It's nice and peaceful except for you!!" NIGHT rolled back on the ground, stumbling away after she'd escaped the face-frontal encounter with the wasp, trying to outrun the large, still pursuing beast.

Quote

ID: 128067 | BD: 4 (2, +2) | CD: 6 | MD: 9
> Recovery was activated. (+2 EN)
Missed an attack! (-2 EN)
Giant Wasp Soldier attacks NIGHT!
15 + 1 = 16 DMG | 16 - 17 = 1 DMG

Giant Wasp Soldier | HP: 24/50 | DMG: 15

[1] NIGHT | HP: 115/120 (-1) | EN: 9/12 (+1, +2, -2) | DMG: 4 | MIT: 17 | ACC: 2 | RECOVERY: 2 | THORNS: 1
[0] Koga | HP: 40/40 | EN: 2/4 | DMG: 4 | BURN: 1 | BLIGHT: 1

A harsh glare from Lonzo was all NIGHT needed to stagger. Did she suggest something wrong? Steadfast in his ideals, Lonzo stated, honesty ringing -- and stinging in his voice. "I don't mind if you take the easy way in getting him supplies."

Oh, so that's what's up.

"But I'm going to hunt down the person who did this. If they go after NPCs it's only a matter of time they go after players," the man figured. "At that rate the person in question is either a mob or no better than a monster themselves."

A mob? I mean, that would explain a lot. NIGHT listened to Lonzo perform a -- rather quick -- analysis of the break in, stunning not only Griswold and Hanna, but also herself. All this from him..?

"... So, it's likely this person might be trying to replicate the armor he makes," he concluded, "For what purpose, I'm not sure." He turned to his team mate, expectant. "Do you want to chat with the game's warden, NIGHT?"

Finally using my name, huh?

"Sure," she responded, heading out the door. "We'll be back, Griswold, Hanna." The big question for her though, would be where the game warden is -- it's not like NIGHT was familiar with the concept. It sounded like a conservation officer, or something to that extent. Maybe someone at the center of town could direct them accurately? The girl concluded that it sounded like her best bet.

After holding the door open for Lonzo, NIGHT lead them to where she recalled a hunting shop was located, out open in the town plaza. A stall facing the center of the square had a handful of fresh meat and animal parts hung for display, whilst the man behind the counter whistled away, inattentive to his surroundings.

"Beats me where this game warden's living," NIGHT reasoned, eying the stall. "But if anyone has had interaction with the person in question, it's bound to be someone who's dealing in the same business... right?"

"Although," NIGHT thought, with a hand across her chin. "I'm not too sure I follow easily with the case. At any point, if you feel like I'm lacking behind, let me know."

@Lonzo

"I--"

With one swipe, Yukiro cut down the last Nepent, causing its form to disperse as light shards. "Feel free to intrude," he stated, "It makes me feel wanted."

"-- Yeah -- Okay," NIGHT concluded, turning around to check for any other signs of danger. Nothing there. Stretching, and finally giving Yukiro a smile, she added, "I'll do just that then, if you'll let me."

NIGHT began to continue her trek down the road they were on, beckoning Yukiro to follow (though she was careful about trying to walk backwards again). On their journey, she leaned forward occasionally, trying to look past the trees, seeing if she could catch a glimpse of red behind them.

"These things can walk, can't they?" NIGHT frowned, eventually stopping for a quick second. "What're the odds that one of them would just stroll up towards us?"

Just then, one strolled over -- ivory white, frolicking about with the oversized red blossom on its head.

"Oh," NIGHT mentioned, pointing out the creature. With the way its roots were moving, it really didn't help NIGHT that she was just as tall as the Nepent. "It's creepier than the others..."

Crouching down for a better aim, she got into a stance. Guided by the system, she leaped, slicing through the side of the tiny wiggling creature. When she landed, she'd expected it to have vanished.

But it didn't, and danced intimidatingly instead.

Quote

ID: 128059 | BD: 9 (7, +2)
<<Straight>> on Nepent.
4 * 2 = 8 DMG | 8 - 5 = 3 DMG

Nepent | HP: 12/15 (-3) | MIT: 5 | DMG: 10

Yukiro | HP: 200/200 | EN: 18/20
NIGHT | HP: 119/120 | EN: 10/12 (+1, -2)

@Yukiro

"Oi, oi," NIGHT chimed out to Lonzo, preparing herself for another group strike as the next pack of boar pups came running. A near evil sneer washed across her face. "Don't drop the ball now."

One smooth, slow action into her battle stance, one loud --Ping! and one swift movement of her blade was all it took from NIGHT. The lone boar rushing towards Lonzo and the next pack behind it were decimated with a single wave of light, disintegrating the whole group. NIGHT rose from her final pose, breathing hard from the expense. She paused for a moment, feeling the relief in her heart, and jumped -- uncharacteristically -- for joy. "Hahah!"

"Man, it really feels good to let my feelings out like that!" The girl exclaimed, rushing over to the boars' graves and picking up the remaining required tusks. NIGHT grinned, looking back at her friends and waving. Since all three tusks were accounted for on her end, it's time for her to play the support role.

Quote

ID: 128061 | BD: 12 (10, +2) | CD: 12
> Recovery was activated. (+2 EN)
<<Blast>> on Boar Pup #1
4 + 2 = 6 DMG | 6 * 2 = 12 DMG
Boar Pup #1 is eliminated!

ID: 128062 | BD: 11 (9, +2)
<<Blast>> on Boar Pup #2
4 + 1 = 5 DMG | 5 * 2 = 10 DMG
Boar Pup #2 is eliminated!

ID: 128063 | BD: 11 (9, +2)
<<Blast>> on Boar Pup #3
4 + 1 = 5 DMG | 5 * 2 = 10 DMG
Boar Pup #3 is eliminated!

ID: 128064 | BD: 7 (5, +2)
<<Blast>> on Boar Pup #4
4 * 2 = 8 DMG
Boar Pup #4 is eliminated!

Boar Pup #1 | HP: -7/5 | DMG: 3
Boar Pup #2 | HP: -5/5 | DMG: 3
Boar Pup #3 | HP: -5/5 | DMG: 3
Boar Pup #4 | HP: -3/5 | DMG: 3

NIGHT | HP: 120/120 | EN: 3/12 (+1, +2, -8) | DMG: 4

Loot:
ID: 128065 | LD: 19
ID: 128066 | LD: 17
> Cannot retrieve any more quest materials.
3/3 Materials retrieved!

@Nora

With the new Nepent cut down, Yukiro rested his sword on his shoulder, raising a hand. "I don't mean to be rude in saying that. But I really had expected to do this alone."

NIGHT began brushing off the additional dirt from her clothes, grimacing. "I... I'll try to keep it together," she promised. "And I mean, maybe you'd plan on doing it alone, and you still could, I guess..."

"But," she paused, looking back at Yukiro while shaking mud off her greaves. "You did want to join Lonzo and the others, right? Even if you could do it yourself, you probably wanted some company, or to help other players like them."

NIGHT ruffled her hair a little, embarrassed, with a hand on her hip. "So I hope I'm not intruding. I mean, I wanted to join them as well, we're in the same boat."

She turned around, looking out for any other Nepents that may appear on her side of the area, shuddering at the thought of them.

@Yukiro

"NIGHT," Yukiro asked, voice trailing. "Are you... afraid of getting dirty?"

The hair on her skin stood, alarmed about being called out. Sheepishly quiet, she nodded back, slowing the dusting of forest dirt from her gloves. "Um," she mentioned, looking down to the ground. "I mean, it just feels icky, I guess... Life never used to be like this..."

"Also..."

Yukiro then pointed behind her.

"There's another one behind you."

"?!"

Reflexively, NIGHT grabbed her sword and swung it hard behind her, trying to annihilate the gourd in one shot. Her attack nearly missed the creature, but the tip of her sword had just cut it, inflicting a slight white gash into the side of it. The Nepent seemed to screech, whipping its roots around angrily, as NIGHT panicked on the spot, trying to run away.

She tripped on one of its roots.

Falling to the dirt, she cowered, letting the vines swipe at her, before they rescinded, the enemy losing strength. NIGHT took a glance as the Nepent shattered, losing its health from the tiny barbs on NIGHT's armor.

I really hope the rest of the quest won't be like this...

Quote

ID: 128036 | BD: 6 (4, +2) | CD: 6 | MD: 8
> Recovery was triggered. (+2 EN)
Basic attack on Nepent. (-4 DMG)

Nepent attacks NIGHT!
3 - 17 = 1 DMG
> Thorns activate for 9 DMG.

Nepent | HP: --6/7 | DMG: 3

Yukiro | HP: 200/200 | EN: 18/20
NIGHT | HP: 119/120 (-1) | EN: 11/12 (+1, +2, -1)

@Yukiro

NIGHT watched her two party members take down a boar, slowly taking her strides out towards the outskirts from inside town. Pulling out her greatsword in a florish, she swung it to her waist, blade beside her, and dropped low into a battle stance.

Let's see what this sword art can do.

Having never done it before, it took the system a second to register, before a flash of light surged from her blade. With one large swing, NIGHT forcing her weight to the other side as a force, she unleashed a slice of light that pierced through the two remaining boars on the field, shattering their forms into dust. A single boar left behind a tiny tusk.

Retiring her sword, she jogged over to the loot to pick it up, before returning to catch up with her friends. The piece glinted -- a sign of a quest drop -- in her hands. "I'm assuming we need some of these," she mentioned, turning it over to get a better look.

Quote

ID: 128024 | BD: 7 (5, +2)
<<Blast>> on Boar Pup #1
4 * 2 = 8 DMG
Boar Pup #1 is eliminated!

ID: 128025 | BD: 10 (8, +2)
<<Blast>> on Boar Pup #3
4 * 2 = 8 DMG
Boar Pup #3 is eliminated!

Boar Pup #1 | HP: -7/5 | DMG: 3
Boar Pup #3 | HP: -3/5 | DMG: 3

NIGHT | HP: 120/120 | EN: 8/12 (-4) | DMG: 4

Loot:
ID: 128027 | LD: 3
ID: 128028 | LD: 17 
1/3 Materials retrieved.

Oh gosh oh jeez oh I never wanna bump into something like that again--

"Are you alright?" Yukiro asked, turning to face the Nepent with his sword drawn. NIGHT nodded back, shaken but stirred, rising from her position on the ground. "Y-yeah," she stammered out, pulling out her greatsword. "T-thanks, Yukiro... Y-You really are a life saver," she breathed, taking up a battle stance.

Though her sword wavered and she was losing her grip, a bright flash of blue and a loud --Ping! dragged NIGHT past the Nepent, allowing her to cut into it with ease. Dropping and rolling on the forest floor --- Wait. Is this forest floor sanitary?!

She stopped herself with her gloved hands, shooting upwards and dusting off the dirt from herself. "Aww man," she complained, not noticing the falling corpse behind her. "I really hope it doesn't rain soon... My gloves..."

Checking back at Yukiro, all she could see was a scatter of crystal ash. When she thought she could see him past the clutter, she gave him a wry smile -- partly due to her complicated feelings, and partly due to still shaking from the thought of being in the forest.

"Um... Onto the next one?"

Quote

ID: 127979 | BD: 8
<<Straight>> on Nepent.
4 * 2 = 8 DMG
Nepent has been eliminated!

Nepent | HP: -1/7 | DMG: 3

Yukiro | HP: 200/200 | EN: 18/20
NIGHT | HP: 120/120 | EN: 10/12 (-2)

@Yukiro

"What? A thief?" NIGHT questioned, looking at her quest log. This... wasn't in the system, was it? As her mind grappled with the concept, she investigated the rooms Lonzo had entered as well. With items scattered across the floor in disarray, and a heavy sigh from NIGHT, she paced the blacksmith's room with nerves on edge.

"I mean..." she stopped, rubbing her temples. "Sure. Although I'm really confused as to who -- or what -- could've broken in here like this." Glancing over at Griswold taking a break from his work, she asked, "And this... mess... doesn't happen often, right?"

"This doesn't happen at all, " he mentioned, thinking carefully, though NIGHT was trying her best to discern if he was lying. She couldn't. "Although, lets see... what materials are in short supply... Ah." The smith snapped his fingers. "Harpy feathers, dragon bones, some deer hide, and a few treant's burls. Though," he waved, "you could probably forget about the last one -- hah, I haven't seen a use for them in a few months, anyway."

Shrugging and shaking her head, NIGHT turned to Hana, who was coming into the room with a wooden tray of refreshments. "Do you know anyone who could've done this?"

"Not particularly," she replied, setting the tray down. "But if you believe someone must've broken in, especially from the front door, you really are free to take a look at it."

Griswold held a hand out, tilting his head. "Are y'sure neither of you are thinking about getting your own piece of armor? From the legendary Griswold himself?"

NIGHT hesitated, but declined. "I say, not until we replenish your material supply, one way or another." She looked to Lonzo, arms folded. "I guess I'd be up for a goose chase. You got any leads yourself? I uh..." she rubbed the back of her head. "I'm new to the floor, so I don't think I'd have a clue where to begin."

"Worst case scenario, we could just go on a supply run to restock their supplies."

@Lonzo

Item Name: Karakuri Puzzle (Coffee Cup)
Profession: Artisan
Rank: 5
Roll ID: 127967
Roll Result: 11
Item Type: Sculpture
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Expertise
Description: A wooden puzzle originally made to boggle minds and test a craftsman's skill. You could store trade secrets in this one, if you could figure out how to get it to open...
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18303-f01-r5-artisan-the-evening-star-open/?do=findComment&amp;comment=585328

Item Name: Karakuri Puzzle (Egg)
Profession: Artisan
Rank: 5
Roll ID: 127969
Roll Result: 10
Item Type: Sculpture
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Loot Die, Loot Die
Description: A wooden puzzle originally made to boggle minds and test a craftsman's skill. You've never heard of lucky eggs before, but this one feels like the real thing...
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18303-f01-r5-artisan-the-evening-star-open/?do=findComment&amp;comment=585328

Item Name: Golden Marble Ring
Profession: Artisan
Rank: 5
Roll ID: 127970
Roll Result: 11
Item Type: Jewelry
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Evasion, Evasion
Description: A golden ring lined with intricate carvings and a hollow marble at the center, filled with golden leaf bits. It looks a little gaudy, but it'll make you look rich.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18303-f01-r5-artisan-the-evening-star-open/?do=findComment&amp;comment=585328

Item Name: Silver Wolves Enamel Pin
Profession: Artisan
Rank: 5
Roll ID: 127971
Roll Result: 10
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: 1
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Keen, Keen
Description: A firm, silver enamel pin, with a pack of wolves etched intricately on its surface. In their eye sockets rest chips of red rubies, reflecting light in the dark.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/18303-f01-r5-artisan-the-evening-star-open/?do=findComment&amp;comment=585328

[4/11/19]

Things went a little smoother today, NIGHT figured. Her confidence had been restored from yesterday's 'salvage training', prompting her to go all out for today's crafts -- until she ran out of materials. Holding up four items to the light, she wondered if she would ever create something of perfection ever again. Maybe it was just luck at this point.

NIGHT set the items down on their respective displays, tagging them with a price, before sweeping the room of any dust that had settled within the past few days. At the end of the day's work, she rested by having some tea on the couch. For now, she had ran out of materials for the shop, which would usher her out, back into the world to adventure.

Quote

ATP Member Bonus: +5 LD on Salvage, +2 XP/Craft
Ambition: +1 XP/Craft

ID: 127967 | CD: 11 | Success! (Rare)
ID: 127968 | CD: 6 | LD: 8 (3+5) | Salvage (Fail)
ID: 127969 | CD: 10 | Success! (Rare)
ID: 127970 | CD: 11 | Success! (Rare)
ID: 127971 | CD: 10 | Success! (Rare)

Result: +37 (22, +10 + 5) XP, -5 T1 Material, [T1E2] Rare Crafted Trinket, [T1E2] Rare Crafted Sculpture (2), [T1E2] Rare Crafted Jewelry

The sound of a sword art, and a few thuds. The next thing she heard was, "What's going on? Are you okay?"

When she looked up, Koga was in front of her, back turned. His head tracked the nasty bugs that buzzed and circled around him, wary. NIGHT swallowed, her throat dry from fear, and responded, "W-wasps..."

Slowly rising from her fetus position, she got into an improper stance, shaking from her fear. The system registered her intentions anyway, however, and shot her past the smaller of the two bugs. As she crossed Koga from behind, she yelled, as loudly as she could, shoving in all her contempt into her words ---

"--- I HATE WASPS!!"

With a swift strike, she tore a white-and-red light through the smaller wasp, aggravating it enough to chase her. NIGHT then proceeded to scream, tensing as she refused to turn around to check, running away as the two wasps pursued her comically.

Quote

ID: 127961 | BD: 10 (8, +2)
<<Straight>> on Giant Wasp #2. 
4 * 2 = 8 DMG

ID: 127962 | MD: 6
Giant Wasp #2 attacks NIGHT!
6 - 17 = 1 DMG
> Thorns activate for 9 DMG.

ID: 127963 | MD: 6
Giant Wasp Soldier attacks NIGHT!
15 - 17 = 1 DMG
> Thorns activate for 9 DMG.

Giant Wasp Soldier | HP: 24/50 (-9) | DMG: 15 | HATE: NIGHT (1), Koga (0)
Giant Wasp #2 | HP: 3/20 (-8, -9) | DMG: 6 | HATE: NIGHT (1), Koga (0)

NIGHT | HP: 116/120 (-2) | EN: 8/12 (-2) | DMG: 4 | MIT: 17 | ACC: 2 | RECOVERY: 2 | THORNS: 1
Koga | HP: 40/40 | EN: 2/4 | DMG: 4 | BURN: 1 | BLIGHT: 1

"Shall we?"

NIGHT nodded, stepping out the tent. A large nepent... She wasn't too familiar with the name of the creature, but judging by its description, her best guess was a plant monster.

Plants, huh? How big could they be?

She began heading out the village, continuing down the road they had originate from. Walking backwards after they'd left the town, she checked in with Yukiro, putting her hand across her chin in thought. "So do we just wander around the forest looking for a red bud? Maybe fruit? The red bud thing sounds like it'd be really obvious to spot, but if they're... small-- Ow."

Looking around to check what she'd bumped into, she had to step back, before it dawned on her. Several wriggling roots (vines?!), leaves (big leaves!!) and a wide glossy (rubbery--) cup -- when it turned around, NIGHT could finally acknowledge its massive, red lips (no!) with teeth (NO!!).

And NIGHT could only scream in horror.

@Yukiro

NIGHT shuffled over to the quest venue, rubbing the sleep out her eyes. Lyle, huh? To be honest, I don't really feel excited to go on this quest. Not since...

It took her a quick minute to chat with the blacksmith, picking up the quest. He'd try to pry about her sprinting the other day, and she did her best to brush it off, citing a burst of energy and a need to exercise... something like that.

But her mood brightened as she spotted Lonzo and Nora standing by the outskirts of town. "Haiii!" NIGHT gave a yell, dashing over to the two of them. "Sorry! Thanks for inviting me; I'll try not to take so long next time."

Checking the quest log once again, she mentioned, "So boars, huh? I'm sure this should go by easy enough. Is anyone creating a party? Not yet?" NIGHT appeared more than eager to get this quest started, and pulled open her party menu, inviting the two of her friends in.

"NIGHT! Over here!" Nora waved at her, and NIGHT couldn't help but wave back. "Oh damn, this is the third time that we've run into each other!" Her friend giggled. "What luck is this! How are you doing lately, NIGHT?"

"Crafting, mostly," she felt herself respond nonchalantly, trying to be cool around this many players. "I'm setting up my artisan shop soon, I wasn't too sure how business was gonna go yet."

"Oh, also look here," Nora mentioned, turning to the player with the cutest scarab. "NIGHT, this is Abalasster; he already has a familiar, and I'm still stuck at the preparation stage."

"Huh," NIGHT thought aloud. "It's nice to meet you, and your friend over there," she replied to Alabasster with a bow, before gesturing to the bug. She guessed that the new stranger was a lot more experienced than expected, but with how quiet they seemed, NIGHT figured it was hard to tell. As Nora proceeded to list down her preparation materials for her own quest, NIGHT listened intently, taking mental notes. Familiars... They sound like nice company. Maybe she should get one of her own.

As Nora's attention drifted elsewhere, NIGHT felt her own mind leave her body from the crowd of voices -- it happened pretty often, but this time, it was mostly because of the hunger she carried. A harsh voice brought her back to the present, however, and it was whispers from a stranger to Yukiro. She seemed... pretty mad. After a quick bit, <Cordelia> seemed to stop, and faced the crowd of players.

"Yeah, okay." Cordelia began, straightening her back. "I know how you all want to be friends and go through this... together," she airquoted, "but really, you all are going to die. Well, at least with a party this big."

Wait, what? To die? Maybe NIGHT should've paid better attention after all. She tried to smush a growing annoyance for the situation. I thought we were all going for dinner.

"Especially if you guys want my help with this, which would basically make this whole 'you're going to die' situation ten times worse. I'm no support player, and I'm definitely no tank, so even my safety isn't ensured," Cordelia clicked her tongue, sizing up the 'party'. "And it was really, really, really suck if you guys were to die."

"Um," NIGHT spoke, directing her question to Cordelia. "Forgive me if I'm a little slow on this, but are we having a dinner with deadly monster meat, or something? That's... kind of extravagant; do we happen to be looking for a boss?"

@Nora 

With loud footsteps, Lonzo appeared from the side of a building, waving over to NIGHT. He slowed, then halted when he got closer, looking up to check the store sign. "Well done, songbird," he complimented, heading over to open the door. The man held the door open for her, gesturing inwards. "After you, of course."

Songbird, huh? NIGHT admitted it still got on her nerves, but... it was better than nightingale.

"Thank you," she replied, with a bow, ducking under the door way as she entered. Looking around the closed store, it was kept dim; while sunlight was able to make it through the windows, only hot coals were at a station, next to the wall of the room to keep it lit. Is this how a blacksmith's workplace is like? Lonzo mused, still by the door, "I wonder what the whole quest entails, I haven't done this one. How about you, NIGHT?"

"I haven't done this either," she disclosed, heading towards the quest marker. Griswold was idly hammering at some heated metal at an anvil, not noticing they'd barged into his shop. "Excuse me," NIGHT questioned, approaching the man. "Are you perhaps looking for some help?"

"Help?" The blacksmith barked back, stopping his work. "No no no, I don't need any help around here."

Well, that... should've worked, if Lonzo was right about a quest. NIGHT looked back at him with confusion, before the smith continued.

"I'm perfectly fine by myself, and my wife Hanna!" He gestured over to a doorway, and as if on cue, Hanna walked right out with a nice long dress. "Ooh! Customers! Sorry," she mentioned, stepping away, "I'll just be right back."

"Anywho," Griswold continued, shaking for emphasis with his hammer. "I'm here to help you --" he pointed to NIGHT "-- with your quest! Yes, yes," he added, heartily, "I'll make you your very own set of armor! At no cost at all!"

That's a bit generous.

"But uh, you'll need to bring me some materials for me to get crafting," he mentioned, starting to tap lightly at the metal, which was starting to cool down. "So, tell me what you want crafted, and I'll let you know what to bring back!"

This was a dilemma. With a hand crossed over to her elbow, and another covering her mouth as she though, NIGHT glanced over at Lonzo for his opinion.

@Lonzo

[3/11/19]

Today was salvage day.

If NIGHT was to be believed. In actuality, her efforts had been less than satisfactory, and so she set out to attempt salvaging as much materials out of her preparatory work as possible. Best to start from scratch with them, if her plans weren't working out. Maybe if my hands were steadier...

Of course, things weren't so bad. The practice was more than well received, and any experience in her line of work meant better results to be yielded in the future. Collecting the materials to be reused, she sorted them accordingly in their cubby spaces, before cleaning up her desk, putting the day's work to an end.

Quote

ATP Member Bonus: +5 LD on Salvage, +2 XP/Craft
Ambition: +1 XP/Craft

ID: 127899 | CD: 6 | LD: 22 (17 + 5) | Salvage (Success)
ID: 127900 | CD: 1 | LD: 5 | Fail
ID: 127901 | CD: 5 | LD: 19 (14 + 5) | Salvage (Success)
ID: 127902 | CD: 4 | LD: 13 (8 + 5) | Salvage (Success)
ID: 127903 | CD: 4 | LD: 22 (17 + 5) | Salvage (Success)

Result: +24 (9, +10 + 5) XP, -1 T1 Material

# placeholdr

"I just, ah," Yukiro paused, searching for the words as he began to straighten his back. "You seemed really down, so I... wanted to cheer you up, sorry." NIGHT sighed, shrugging, having refused to move her hand away from her face. "It's... it's nothing. Thanks for trying to cheer me up, though."

His face began to redden as he broke eye contact with NIGHT. "And I'm not sick!"

"I'll take you at your word," she replied, blinking hard. "I might be though, after that smell. What do you think that is?" NIGHT looked up at Yukiro, who appeared to be thinking. "I..." His voice trailed off, seeming to not be answering her question. "Never mind."

NIGHT went speechless, too.

It didn't matter for too long, though, as they soon found themselves at the tent, where the quest marker was strikingly obvious against the dull greens of the area. NIGHT walked through the entrance, held up by rotting wooden poles, to find a man leaning over a table, their face in a frown as they shadowed over a small book with scribbling on it.

Uh... Is this it?

"Hey," NIGHT called out, walking over to the man. "Do you need help around the village?"

@Yukiro

Koga leaned against the side of the hedge wall, taking a peek around its corner. "Two Giant Wasps," he informed, tracking their movements.

"W-Wasps?!"

"One's a soldier, so more health and damage."

W-wait, I'm no good with bugs--

"Ready?" Koga confirmed, glancing at NIGHT, who was looking on with widened eyes. Seeing no objections from the stunned girl, he proceeded into battle. "Let's go." He ducked out from his position, sprinting behind the shrub.

"Ah-- Y-Y-Yeah okay!"

NIGHT struggled over, cold sweat running down her skin. She could hear the faint sound of buzzing urging her to back off at every step, and the strikes that Koga was already dealing to the enemy. Pulling out her sword in a novice technique, it shook in her hands as she walked past the shrub, spying the large enemy, partnered with a smaller one. "Alright, let's just worry about the big guy," Koga called out, standing by a burning dead corpse.

R-right, I can do this.

Shuddering, NIGHT raised her sword up to her cheek, getting into position for a sword art.

Ping!

In a flash, she cut past the side of the large wasp, tumbling away -- further away than she'd like -- to avoid it.

Too bad for her, the two creatures buzzed over to where she was crouching and stung her -- barely painful enough to make a dent, but enough to terrify NIGHT into scrambling away, without grace.

@Koga

Quote

ID: 127888 | BD: 9 (7, +2) 
<<Straight>> on Giant Wasp Soldier.
4 * 2 = 8 DMG

Giant Wasp #1 takes damage from Burn, Blight.
(12 * 2) = 24 DMG | 8 - 24 = -16 HP
Giant Wasp is dead!

ID: 127889 | MD: 7
Giant Wasp Soldier attacks NIGHT!
15 - 17 = 1 DMG
> Thorns activate for 9 DMG.

ID: 127904 | MD: 10
Giant Wasp #2 attacks NIGHT!
6 + 2 = 8 DMG | 8 - 17 = 1 DMG

Giant Wasp Soldier | HP: 33/50 (-8, -9) | DMG: 15
Giant Wasp #1 | HP: -16/20 | DMG: 6
Giant Wasp #2 | HP: 20/20 | DMG: 6

[1] NIGHT | HP: 118/120 (-2) | EN: 10/12 (-2) | DMG: 4 | MIT: 17 | ACC: 2 | RECOVERY: 2 | THORNS: 1
[0] Koga | HP: 40/40 | EN: 2/4 | DMG: 4 | BURN: 1 | BLIGHT: 1

A tinkling of the bell, and NIGHT knew someone had entered the shop. In came Nora, appearing dazzled by the selection of items. When she was ready, Nora waved over to NIGHT, approaching the eagle enamel pin she'd made. "Hi NIGHT, can I buy this one for 600 col?"

"Sure," the artisan replied with a smile, placing down her drink. Picking up the item gently from its display, she went behind the counter and brought out a small piece of translucent paper. With care, NIGHT placed the item in the center, folding up the item into a nice square pocket, placing a tiny star sticker to seal it up at its edges. She handed the small package over to Nora. "Maybe it's just me, but with your style," NIGHT added, "I can see this pin complimenting you quite well."

"Thank you for your patronage!"

@Nora