Freyd

Ash-choked and furnished as if by Hell's interior decorator, Freyd momentarily admired the squat obsidian buildings of the small settlement before realizing its precarious position.  Perched on a narrow ledge at the base of Mount Kazan and protected by a low barrier of the very same substance that still threatened its survival, Yogan Village was far from the most secure compound he had ever seen.  His dark leathers quickly concealed him in the many drab and dingy shadow-laden corners available around the square.  Concocting a fiction about securing a source of raw materials for Firm Anima's endless crafting needs, he bought a small wagon and supplies, including some sort of reptilian beast of burden that seemed quite comfortable in the heat.  Still cloaked beneath his cowl, he slowly exited the town in the direction of the quarry and quest that offered possible leads to this bizarre mystery.

Many unfriendly eyes were watching, but he could discern no particular or greater mischief from among them.  He could only hope that he'd lost his mysterious pursuers.

"Asmura," Freyd repeated, his voice neutral and almost distant, as if querying some kind of mental database.  "I know you.  Firm Anima, right?  We're in the same guild.  I've heard Vie and Kiluia mention your name."  He motioned to the barista for a cup of himself, then extended an offer for her to place an order for herself.  "Fellow guild members get their first meal here for free, my treat, but for today only."  

Despite the intimidating appearance of his shadowy armor and cowl, there was something disarming about his simple features and manner.  There was a disarming calmness to his voice that countered his considerably more lethal appearance.    Freyd had recently been made captain of the Operations and Intelligence division of the guild, though few people seemed able to explain what that actually meant.  The contrast before her made for an interesting mix.

"Are you here for Gatsly's quest," he asked while she pondered her options.  She hadn't chosen a division yet, if the latest rumours were true.  This would be a good opportunity to gauge her abilities.  "I can tag along, if you don't mind the company."

Quip's eyes narrowed suspiciously, immediately assumed a protective, matronly demeanor.  "Whatcha want with one of those blasted things?  Mischievous menaces, that's all they are!"  She shook her substantial fist at the dark corners of the nearest awning, as if Persi might be hiding there.  She actually could be, but the telltale blue eyes were conspicuously absent.  Quip had likely become a bit paranoid, or perhaps was always that way.  It would explain her odd connection to the even stranger Freyd.

"Oh, he's over by the mega-slime farm,"  she replied, jerking her thumb over her shoulder towards what might have once been the ruined monastery's vegetable gardens.  Freyd's ramshackle shack aside, the surrounding limestone ruins were a marvel of gothic-like architecture with slightly alien influences meant to reference the unique character of the fallen culture that once inhabited this post-apocalyptic level.  Soaring white limestone arches and cross-vaults still reached high towards the heavens as a testament to an ancient lost glory.  It made you feel small, yet somehow part of a much bigger universe all at the same time.  

"Come on," Dingo said, dusting himself off and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, suddenly regretting his chosen sequence of actions.  "The fog never really goes away, and you really don't want to step in the wrong spot."  A large, pearly smile spread across his face, ignoring the scowl on his older sister's face.

 

From the shadows beneath the bar, a pair of strange, horizontally-slotted eyes the colour of a clear cerulean sky opened lazily and stared at Asmura with amused demeanor.  They tilted slightly, as one might expect to see from a confused puppy, and then started gliding silently across the floor in her direction.  It was particularly odd to see an amorphous field of shadow emerge from those beneath the bar.  This thing wasn't hiding in the shadows.  It WAS shadow, albeit without the sinister malevolence that usually accompanied such creatures.  A foursome of paw-like appendages and tiny ear-like buds were vaguely visible, as if it had a preference for form without actually being tied to it.  The void-thing closed to within a hand's length of her and sniffed in her direction, as if assessing her character by smell alone.

"What have you found, Persi?"  The voice was cold, but not harsh, and came from just outside of Asmura's peripheral vision.  The man was there, himself wreathed in roiling shadow, save a hollow beneath his cowl.  He reached up and lowered the covering, exposing a tussled tangle of plain brown hair and largely unassuming facial features.  Only the brownish eyes tinged with a slight tone of red carried any hint of distinction, and even they looked wide and naively innocent.

"I don't imagine that you'll get much service down here," Freyd suggested, smiling slightly.  His eyes motioned towards the table above them, implying that they should carry on their conversation above.

Freyd had been chatting up Gatsly for several hours now, scolding him for repeatedly abandoning his same caravan and trying to sell him a new caravan security service he'd been developing.  The paunchy merchant looked even more distraught than he was already supposed to be.  The writhing field of shadows engulfing his cowled form gave him the appearance of some sort of dark specter.

"Dude!  You KNOW that the wolves and wargs are coming - because they always respawn.  I know.  I've killed them three times for you now."  The NPC's dialogue options were rather limited and its AI was struggling with the extended interaction, looping back around and around to the same responses.  Freyd's aggravation growing with every loop.

"But, but... my poor family...I don't have much but could reward you."

"GAH!"  Freyd threw up his hands.  "You can't plead poverty and offer payment in the same sentence.  That's just... illogical!  Now, if we placed guards here, here and here..." A small mock-up of the caravan site had been constructed using bar and table fare, including an assortment of utensils, glasses and frilly umbrellas in a wide assortment of colours, now pressed into service as tactical markers.  The scene was reminiscent of a full-blown wolf-warg vendetta taken to extremes.

@Asmura

(Freyd consumes Yue's Grace)

 

He'd been given a note from the miner's guild on floor nine complaining that their shipments were being raided with increasing frequency and requesting assistance.  There was nothing especially off about it, and it even rang a bell about a bandit quest on that level.  'Nice way to move cargo around unseen,' he thought, admiring the ingenuity.  He'd need to be more careful about moving between floors.  The portals were clearly being monitored.

Waiting for several more minutes, Freyd carefully climbed the barrels providing him with cover and found a suitable vantage point from which he could more watch traffic in the courtyard without being seen himself.  The red-clad figures did not return, and his scan of the surrounding buildings and alleys revealed no additional watchers, so far as he could tell, at least.  Making his way around to approach from another direction, he wandered casually out into the plaza and triggered the device, stating his destination as Yogan Village.  

Item #1

Name: Adventurer’s Signet
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164632, 164633, 164634
Roll Result: LD 10, 8, 14 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: REC 2, LD 1
Description:  A simple brass ring with the letters N, E, S, and W engraved upon its outer face at equidistant points.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=616008
[158252]

 

Item #2

Name: Missed Opportunity
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164635, 164636, 164637
Roll Result: LD 6, 18, 11 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: REC 1, LD 1, ACC 1
Description: A small aluminum bracelet said to provide good luck in all things.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=614801
[156590]

Item #3

Name: Motivational Bracelet 
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164638, 164639
Roll Result: LD 5, 18 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Keen 1, ACC 1
Description: A common gift to new arrivals in Aincrad, this cheap brass bracelet is engraved with an assortment of positive motivational quips to brighten up anyone’s day during those early lesson grinds.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19605-f13-sp-clearing-the-outskirts/?do=findComment&comment=612556
[154450]

 

Item #4

Name: Gladiator’s Harness
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164640, 164642
Roll Result: LD 17, 8 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: REC 1, ACC 1
Description: A supportive harness made of thin leather and stretchable fabrics.  It can be worn under or over armor to reduce strain on a wielder’s limbs during combat.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=614801
[156592]

Item #5

Name: Rose-Coloured Spectacles
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164643, 164644
Roll Result: LD 8, 12 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: REC 1, LD 1
Description: Small wire-framed glasses with pink-tinted round lenses that make everything the wearer sees just a little bit more pleasant.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=614756
[156528]

Item #6

Name: Motivational Bracelet 
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164645, 164646
Roll Result: LD 20, 3 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Keen 1, ACC 1
Description: A common gift to new arrivals in Aincrad, this cheap brass bracelet is engraved with an assortment of positive motivational quips to brighten up anyone’s day during those early lesson grinds.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=615001
[156841]

Item #7

Name: Jade Hair Sticks
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164647, 164648
Roll Result: LD 1, 8 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Keen 1, REC 1
Description: A pair of finely crafted jade hair sticks that glow with an encouraging aura when the wearer becomes more audacious.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=615028
[156864]

Item #8

Name: Pirate’s Eye Patch
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164649, 164650
Roll Result: LD 14, 5 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Keen 1, LD 1
Description:  A small black leather eye patch and thongs taken from one of Aincrad’s many pirates.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=615028
[156865]

Item #9

Name: Weighted Bracers
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164651, 164652
Roll Result: LD 1, 3 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements:  Keen 2
Description:  Normally used as exercise equipment, these weighted leather bracers can help maintain momentum on subsequent strikes.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=616008

Item #10

Name: Flawed Dowsing Rods
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164653, 164654
Roll Result: LD 11, 17 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements:  LD 1, ACC 1
Description: A pair of 12” long copper dowsing rods rumoured to be capable of finding anything except water.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=616449
[158689]

Item #11

Name: Five Leaf Clover Necklace
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164655, 164656
Roll Result: LD 9*, 13 (*Unique on 164655)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: LD 1, Paralytic Immunity
Description: Reputedly owned by only the most fortunate of the fortunate, this golden charm on a fine matching necklace is always warm and soothing to the touch.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=616449
[158691]

Item #12

Name: Motivational Bracelet
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164657, 164658
Roll Result: LD 2, 15 (No Unique)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Keen 1, ACC 1
Description: A common gift to new arrivals in Aincrad, this cheap brass bracelet is engraved with an assortment of positive motivational quips to brighten up anyone’s day during those early lesson grinds. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=616478
[158724a]

Item #13

Name: Kerykeion Kit
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164659, 164660
Roll Result: LD 19*, 13 (Unique on 164659)
Item Type: Trinket
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: LD 1, Life Mending
Description: A small portable first aid kit in a polished steel box, embossed with the profile of the Kerykeion.  It brings blessings of health and good fortune to anyone who carries it, and to those under their care.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=616478
[158724b]

Item #14

Name: Windborne Suit
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164661, 164662, 164663
Roll Result: LD 11, 16, 14 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: EVA 2, LD 1
Description: An exquisite, arctic white, air elemental silk suit with Nehru jacket cut and brass buttons, resembling an antiquated military dress uniform but without the embellishments.  It practically screams mystery, while being remarkably easy to move in during the spontaneous outbreak of musical numbers.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=615001
[156838]

Item #15

Name: Sinfully Red Sari
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164664, 164665, 164666
Roll Result: LD 1, 11, 14 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: EVA 2, REC 1
Description: An exquisite, bright red, fire elemental silk sari dress, designed and cut to ensure that the wearer is the focal point of any party while keeping her one step ahead of all potential suitors. 
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=615001
[156840]

Item #16

Name: Spelunker’s Garb
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164669, 164670, 164671
Roll Result: LD 13, 19, 20 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: EVA 1, LD 2
Description:  Thick brown and back leathers with flexible joints and reinforced stitching.  Perfect for an adventurous ascent or descent, as the circumstance may warrant.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=614756
[156529]

Item #17

Name: Skin of Fallen Shadows
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164672, 164673, 164674
Roll Result: LD 14, 12, 14 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: EVA 3
Description:  Appearing like an oily skin that can be compressed to the size of a marble when not work, it stretches to encompass up to a large humanoid creature, wreathing the wearer in an ever-shifting coriolis of  dark shadows rendering them virtually impossible to hit.  It covers the wielder completely, but can be pull back from the face for ease of interaction.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=616008
[158251]

Item #18

Name: Uneven Capri Pants
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164675, 164676, 164677
Roll Result: LD 20, 7, 13 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: Light Momentum 1, EVA 1, LD 1
Description: A poorly tailored set of capri pants with one leg shorter than the other.  No one knows why.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=616478
[158722]

Item #19

Name: Gambler’s Tuxedo
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164678, 164679, 164680
Roll Result: LD 3, 11, 11 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: REC 1, EVA 2
Description: A perfectly tailored black tuxedo with starched white shirt, simply cut and fitted to any wearer.  It keeps its wearer alert and two steps ahead of any potential rivals.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=616478
[158725]

Item #20

Name: Shock Trooper Garb
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164681, 164682
Roll Result: LD 10, 9 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: Light Momentum 2
Description:  Light leather armor worn by front line troops meant to press the advance at any cost.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=614756
[156527]

Item #21

Name: Corduroy Suit
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164683, 164684
Roll Result: LD 13, 3 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: REC 1, EVA 1
Description:  A brown corduroy suit so ugly that mobs actively try not to make contact.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=615997
[158231]

Item #22

Name: Last Hero’s Duster
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164685, 164686
Roll Result: LD 15*, 3 (Unique on 164685)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: REG 1, Holy Blessing 
Description:  A heavily careworn duster made of smooth brown leather, said to have survived unimaginable hardships.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=615997
[158232]

Item #23

Name: Endless Reserves
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164687, 164688
Roll Result: LD 8*, 1 (Unique on 164687)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: REC 1 , Paralytic Immunity
Description: A small copper collar pin in the shape of an anvil, overset by an iron hammer, symbolizing the collision of the unstoppable force with the immovable object.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=615997
[158233]

Item #24

Name: Dog Training Outfit 
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164689, 164690
Roll Result: LD 4, 9 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: REG 1, Light Momentum 1
Description: A heavily padded brown cloth suit with multiple patches from prior repairs.  It is often handed out to unfortunate militia recruits during hazings.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=615997
[158234]

Item #25

Name: Loot Lackey’s Cloak
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164691, 164692
Roll Result: LD 14, 19 (No Unique)
Item Type: Light Armor
Tier: T2
Quality: Rare
Enhancements: EVA 1, LD 1
Description:  Light weight travel clothes under a large waterproof cloak all equipped with very deep pockets.  Meant to be worn by loot carrying companions.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19745-f13-sp-rotten-flesh-apocalypse/?do=findComment&comment=616449
[158688]

Item #26

Name: Lesser-Duper Anti-Snake Sauce
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164694
Roll Result: LD 2 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Salve)
Tier: T2
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: Antidote 1
Description: A small container of sickly green goo that actually does most of what it advertises, but also makes you gassy.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19951-f17-pp-false-pride-nemean-lion/?do=findComment&comment=619946
[164190a]

Item #27

Name: Really, REALLY burnt bacon
Your Profession:  Merchant
Your Rank: Rank 4
Roll ID: 164695
Roll Result: LD 7 (No Unique)
Item Type: Consumable (Meal)
Tier: T2
Quality: Uncommon
Enhancements: MIT 1
Description: Badly burnt and charred bits of bacon that make you so mad that you just can’t feel anything.
Post Link: http://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/19951-f17-pp-false-pride-nemean-lion/?do=findComment&comment=619946
[164190b]

Notes: 

Rank 4 Merchant (Base: BD 10, CD 9+ for unique, 8 identifications per day)
+1 to CD from Hermes’ Scale
+2 EXP: Hard Working (also +1 crafting attempt per day)
+2 EXP: Lucrative (Firm Anima)
+1 EXP: Custom Ambition Tool (bought from own shop 2020-07-16)
+1 EXP from Ambition (148177-1) 
Crafting Respite [161585-2] [161938]

Costs:

Total Cost to Identify:  23,680  col
 

Another figure was emerging from the portal just as Freyd approached.  The skirted by each other without making any eye contact, the stranger's hand brushing up against Freyd's as they passed.  His other hand reached out to touch the portal.

"Floor Three."  

[Scene moves to Delilah on Floor 3]

Emerging from the portal, Freyd quickly ducked down a side alley, and waited.  Four red-clad figures emerged from the portal within seconds, each of them looking about as if searching for something.  Ducking below a stack of barrels, he looked at the item he'd been handed by the stranger.  It was as the cryptic message he'd received had warned and instructed.  Whoever this hidden agency might be, they were well-coordinate to have teams moving across floors so quickly.  He'd seen the yellow icons over their heads.  These were NPCs capable of travelling through safe zone, and yet acting with unnatural malevolence more befitting a red marker.

 

Freyd has been asking himself for some time why he'd been bumped into the place Kiluia had vacated as Firm Anima's captain of operations and intelligence.  It was likely nothing more than a personnel shuffle to better optimize individual strengths.  His friend's casual demeanor and uncanny luck would better serve him in Provisions, and Freyd had to admit that he was a logical successor, given what little he knew of the guild roster.  

"Come on Persi," he said quietly, gently tapping her with his boot.  Two small appendages manifested, like paws, playfully batting away his footwear.  "Must be a fun dream, but we need to be elsewhere."  Downing the last of his coffee, he thanked the barista and hopped off of his stool, opening a new UI with information on floor nine as he sauntered towards the portal plaza.  His decision to pick up the Survival skill had been a godsend, and would likely prove to be so again in short order.  Floor nine made this place seem like a beach getaway.

Unspoken words often convey the most truth.  It was an old axiom that he'd heard somewhere in his youth, but it seemed apt.  Things change, indeed.  He had, in more ways than he could ever have considered possible.  Likewise, he once considered those on the front lines as legendary defenders of Aincrad's imprisoned players.  As he met more of them, he came to realize that they were people like any others, save perhaps with better stat blocks.  Living through the evolution himself had opened up many more questions, but also granted perspective.

Freyd watched Raidou as he dipped his hands in the water.  "What was that stuff, anyway?  I didn't get a chance to ask you before the battle?  Marinade, perhaps?"

Small talk was shunted to a secondary functional node in his mind, normally reserved for platitudes, cliches, dad jokes and other similar trivia.  Read between the words.  Could part of Raidou be frightened by the significance of his own ascension to the upper echelons?  His rise was practically meteoric.  That could ruffle a few well-feathered and aged egos.  I don't imagine that many elder players are too welcoming of change and new blood, even if the stat blocks meet the required thresholds.  Kiluia was in for a hard time.  Yuki had likely already run headlong into the same.

Freyd lowered his gaze, out of respect.  He'd have to face his own opinions on the subject soon enough, and wouldn't want to be gawked at while he did so.

"These statues will come in handy, when we can finally use them."   Summoning a crumpled note covered in limestone dust from his inventory, Freyd shook off a few larger bits of stone and unfurled his note, resting his chin on his fist as he reviewed its contents.

"The next one looks like it should be exciting.  I'll need to check in at the Guilt Vault to see if we have any LD gear laying around.  Based on my crib sheet, I could actually afford to swap out my hood for it."  His eyes rolled up and to the sides.  "Shame, that.  I've started to grow attached to the look.  It's probably better than that cassock that I used to wear, like back when I first met you, Eruda and Kiluia."  He shook his head, denying how little time had passed.

"Word is that Kil's made it to 50th level.  Good for him.  Now the real fun begins."

Snapping his fingers in the air next to his head, a long, sinuous shadow slunk down the nearby cliff face and bolted across the ground like the shade of a cloud passing overhead.  It seemed to seep onto Freyd's black-clad back and emerged as a perched amorphous thing upon his shoulder, suddenly existing as something more than a two-dimensional shade.  Two brilliant, slotted blue eyes opened where you might expect them to be if this thing had a head.

"What do you think, Persi?"  Freyd turned his head slightly and asked the darkness as if it could somehow respond.  It stretched our further and seemed to sniff at the thing in the jar while Freyd dismissed his spy glass.

The black void seemed to twist its head in curiosity, and only slowly retreated to his shoulder.  Its blue eyes blinked back at him, as if in response to his question.

"Yeah."  Freyd agreed, nodding, the,n turning his attention back to Setsuna, he lied.

"Sorry.  We've got nothing."

 

"Those are exactly the sort of thing I was hoping not to find here," Freyd said as he crouched down over one of the disintegrating corpses, snatching something quickly before it could vanish with the rest.  Surprisingly, it remained in the soot-covered palm of his black-gloved hand.  Examining it momentarily, there was a barely perceptible drop in the tip of his hood and shoulders.  He flipped the object to Oscar, who quickly saw that it was an obsidian token about the size of a hockey puck, with a glowing red tower on one face and the etching of a sword through its centre.  The tower's form vividly resembled Aincrad's profile, and the red glow flickered like fire in his hand.

"I really don't like how this is adding up."  Surveying the makeshift camp site gleaned only one additional item of interest: a missive outlining orders for the forces of something call the 'Sundered Spire' to marshal on floor twenty one.  Freyd's jaw set tight.  Right below the Tanabata event.  The Sundered Spire was a clear reference to the symbols he kept finding.  At least now he had a name.  

"I'll put Firm Anima on notice and make my way directly to floor twenty one.  It's my only remaining lead.  Do everyone a favour and plan to hang around the Tanabata festival.  I heard that there was trouble last year.  We wouldn't want a repeat."

 

Freyd held a hand out to signify potential danger.  His bleached white blade extended behind him as he raced around the corner, followed by started yelps of surprise and the shattering explosion of de-materializing mobs.  The other two bandits were faster on their feet than he'd hoped, and he cursed himself through gritted teeth for his sloppiness in what should have been a clean group kill.

Wheeling back to face his opponents and keep their backs exposed to Oscar when he rounded the same corner, Freyd's eyes also drifted upward to a pair of massive constructs towering above his foes.  Comprised of deep crimson crystals, they looked to be inert, but capable of considerable mayhem should they be roused.  Deep black darkness roiled like slumbering chaos within them, looking for some excuse to awaken.  He dearly hoped he hadn't just provided it to them.

"Sorry lads.  Whatever party you were hoping to get started just got pre-emptively cancelled."

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:800/800 | EN:70/78 (-8)| DMG:15 | MIT:48 | EVA:1 | ACC:4 | KEEN:1 | HLY:2 | BLD:12 (Rested, Finesse 3)

BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Bandit #1.
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Bandit #2.
BD: 4 + 4 = 8 (hit).  Freyd deals 120 damage to Bandit #3.  Killed
BD: 5 + 4 = 9 (hit).  Freyd deals 120 damage to Bandit #3.  Killed
 
Bandit #1: HP 100/100 | DMG 90
Bandit #2: HP 100/100 | DMG 90
Bandit #3: HP 0/100 | DMG 90
Bandit #4: HP 0/100 | DMG 90
 

Quickly regaining his footing, Freyd took a running start and leaped onto the massive fish's slick back, plunging his white blade through its hefty scales and using his own bodyweight to add to the depth and severity of the gash he'd cut into its side.  Just as he'd planned, it reacted with a swish of its enormous tail, which he rode to propel himself back to their tiny vessel, sliding along the gunnels as he slowed back to a standing position beside his fellow captain.

"There.  That was more like it."  He nodded to the red wanderer, indicating that it was his go, while he focused on keeping the ship as steady as possible by using a wide stance.  Moretsuna's death throes produced such an immense wake as it thrashed in the waters next to them that there was a very real of them overturning.  Freyd's sole focus was on countering those effects while the giant beast dispersed into the waves and stillness returned to their surroundings.

Players:
Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:860/860 | EN:76/84 (-9 +1)| DMG:22 | MIT:28 | EVA:3 | ACC:5 | KEEN:1 | HLY:2 | BLD:12 (Rested 2/2)
Raidou | HP:1390/1390 | EN:126/136 | DMG:21 | MIT:106 | EVA:7 | ACC:3 | BH:69

BD: 8 + 5 -1 = 12 (hit).  Freyd deals (286 - 25 = 261) damage to Moretsuna.

Mobs:
(1,3) Moretsuna: HP 0/500 | DMG 100 | MIT 25 | ACC 2 | EVA 1 (252-261)

Freyd moved to her side, catching the corner of her eye as he kneeled at her side.  Summoning a spy glass from his inventory, he holds it up angling the sunlight through it and into her jar and the collected snow slowly begins to melt.  "Teamwork," he said, by way of explanation.  "This was a good idea.  Let's see if it will provide us with any clues."  

Holding the spy glass still for several minutes, they exercised mutual patience while the dim power of the sun provided them with a small quantity of water.  Setsuna had to add several more handfuls of snow to obtain a suitable quantity.  Dismissing the tool back to storage, he crouched and moved several steps back to give her the space she needed and deserved, and also as a courtesy.  Finding a familiar was an intensely personal moment.  If, indeed there was one to be found here, he would be humbled to witness it, and would not risk interfering.

Freyd whirled suddenly, slashing outward with his sword, and fell about two inches short of making contact.  His eyes widen, realizing his error as his legs became tangled in the rod now stuck between his legs.  Tumbling awkwardly to the deck of their tiny ship, he landed with an ignoble thud.  Oh, dear god.  Again? Seriously!?

Trying to get a greatsword to cut finishing line wrapping up your own legs while bobbing around in a dingy while a gigantic fish monster tries to eat you was not at all how he'd wanted or expected today to go, but it seemed to be par for his personal course.  He looked up at Raidou, who was upside down from his perspective, his hood falling back and exposing his face.  He rolled his eyes, shaking his head at his performance.  "Just not my day, today, I guess."

Glancing down at Moretsuna, he nodded toward the beast.  "Would you mind getting started?  I'll be there in a second."

 

Turning in the quest for the Butcher of the Sands took no time at all.  Freyd was soon sitting in a nearby saloon with a steaming cup of coffee by his side.  The actual environmental conditions didn't matter to him.  It has simply become his 'thinking drink.'  Persi was laid out under the bar at his feet, enjoying a quiet afternoon nap.

Initial feelers sent out to the information brokers had yielded negligible results.  He sipped at his drink and reviewed Firm Anima's personnel roster while he waited to hear more.  "I'll need to make arrangements to meet Setsuna and  Kasumi in the near future. It won't do not to know my own team."  A ping signifying incoming mail distracted him.  After placing his cup back on its saucer, he scanned the incoming message, hoping for a lead.  It wasn't quite what he was looking for, but any information was better than none.

As the last of the villains fell, a highly polished piece of sandstone bounced off the sands and skidded to Freyd's feet.  These mobs were maxed out in stats for floor five, judging by the damage dealt to him.  What on earth were groups of floor-maxed mobs doing planting player traps throughout the floor?  Grabbing and examining the stone he found a mark embossed upon the backside - a blood red Aincrad-looking tower with a black sword through its centre.  He had no idea what it meant, but it couldn't possibly be anything good. 

"Come on Persi.  We need to go check this out, and determine whether there have been any other sightings.  The network might be able to shed some light on that."  Turning north, they made their way back to Fortaleza without any further incidents.  The floor seemed eerie and suspiciously empty after their brief battle, almost as if the rest of the mobs had decided to give him a wide berth.

"So eager to find out, are ya," spat out the man, despite the sudden slaughter of all of his companions.

"You can't win this.  Surrender and answer questions, and I'll make this painless."  It was pointless to offer quarter.  He had no effective means of containment, and a mob prisoner would inevitably have to be killed.

"Painless?"  He laughed so violently that his shoulders threatened to dislocate.  "I've died four hundred and thirty seven times.  There ain't no such thing as 'painless', kid.  And that's only the tip of what I learned.  We're on to you now - all of you - and you're the ones who are gonna learn all about how 'painless' it is to die."

He charged forward, his heavy blade held high to maximize the weight behind his swing.  He never struck.  Freyd pivoted his blade and stabbed low and hard with it, like a spear, piercing him through the gut.  It was messy as hell.

 

A quick bit of internal calculation confirmed that his best target was the second monolithic beast remaining on his right.  Wait... was that Mari's voice?

His mind was still reeling at the threat posed by these creatures and those that would follow.  Distracted as he was, his footing faltered and he had to throw himself into a roll to gain enough momentum to recover his footing, his attack merely bouncing off the red crystal titan without effect.  Cardinal was messing with the random number generator again.  He had to be for his luck to be this god-awfully consistently bad, especially under dire circumstances.

Focusing just on not getting himself killed, he spare what attention he could to watch Cordelia and Mari in action.  They were spectacular, on their own merits of course, but certainly also by comparison to his own paltry performance.  The prospect of fighting this lot solo would have been considerably more daunting, and possibly fatal with this sort of luck.

"Thank you both.  Let's get this bunch cleared out," he rolled to dodge another massive footfall, "and then I'll explain in greater detail."

 

 

ACTION: Calamitous Tragedy vs. Sundered Vanguard #3
[x12] Calamitous Tragedy (2 Energy - missed.  Rested (2/2), Regain 1 energy on turn.)

ID:164535  BD: 1 (miss)

Freyd | HP:820/820 | EN:68/80 | DMG:20 | MIT:43 | EVA:3 | ACC:4 | KEEN:1 | HLY:2 | BLD:12
Cordelia | HP: 1200/1200 | EN: 107/118 | 25 DMG | 25 MIT | 5 ACC | 3 EVA | 1 PARA VNM [DF] | PHSE | 12 HLY | ABS. ACC -11
Mari |  HP 1490/1490  | EN: 146/146 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 |BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15  -15

(1,1,1) Sundered Vanguard #1 | HP:0/584 | DMG:219
(0,0,1) Sundered Vanguard #2 | HP:413/584 | DMG:219 
(1,0,1) Sundered Vanguard #3 | HP:253/584 | DMG:219 Bleed 2/2 Turns
(0,0,1) Sundered Vanguard #4 | HP:413/584 | DMG:219 

 

"It might explain how these woods were created."  Freyd replied.  "I don't think I've seen crystals grow like this anywhere else in Aincrad."  Admiring Setsuna's analytical approach, he remained content to stand back and watch her work.  "It can't just be something in the water, or whatever that is, or it would have frozen the pool itself. Therefore, that liquid must be the source of this unusual property.  I wonder what would happen if we poured another liquid into it?"  Looking at the surrounding foliage of frost, he already had a pretty good notion of what the results would likely be.  

"We may need to prod it for a reaction.  Consider attempting to separate a sample."  If it was aware, it could interpret that as an attack.  If it was some sort of reactive goo, they might be able to harness it as a usable weapon.  It was really her call.  

Watching Raidou meticulously prepare his rod and lure, Freyd didn't bother.  He relied on a simpler logic: that the sheer, unmitigated hatred he knew the random number generator held in special reserved for him would guarantee an unfortunate result.  Casting the rod blindly behind him, he didn't bother reeling it in or even looking to see where it had landed in the lake.  Raidou raised an eyebrow at him, but Freyd raised a single finger requesting patience and gave him a reassuring look.  He just knew that Murphy's Law would be manipulated to apply, and so it was.  There was no tug on the rod or reel.  Instead, the colossal form of Moretsuna quietly broke the water's surface like a submarine and rose to tower over him.

"He's directly behind me, isn't he?"  Freyd asked flatly.  He sighed, knowing the answer full well and feeling two angry black eyes, each the size of a dinner plate, glaring silently down at his back.

 

Keeping a watchful while perched on a high, thin sliver of a branch, he looked like a stray raven on the glistening arm of ice swaying slightly in the breeze.  Freyd kept a keen eye out for trouble while he also monitoring Setsuna's progress.  Grateful to be a part of her search, he also knew that it truly needed to be her experience.  Her investment in the process would be essential for success, and she couldn't do that if he was in the way.

"What do you see?"  His voice barely carried on the wind as it reached her ears.  She was crouching to examine something on the surface that had clearly captivated her attention.  

Hopping down through a series of branches, less gracefully than she had, but still managing to avoid a fall or breaking any limbs, he landed nearby and wandered over to investigate.  The cold winds and drifting snow passed over his without registering, as if they had a mutual agreement to ignore each other.

"Why the glasses?"  Freyd asked, once they were out in open water.  "I doubt that your eyesight would actually require them here.  There must be some other story, as you never seem to be without them."   It put him at an unusual degree of ease that he and Raidou could hold their conversations without requiring constant eye contact, leaving the balance of his awareness free to busy itself with vigilance and other duties.   His hands worked to assemble and prepare their fishing gear as his eyes scanned the depths and horizon for anything of interest.  Most of it he was able to accomplish by feel alone, remarkably avoiding sticking himself in the process.

The clear blue sky improved visibility through the water, which could prove useful when the time came.  Pulling his hood back as he worked, he accepted that it would only work against him out here in the open.